I want to be the very best there ever was

  To beat all the rest, yeah, that’s my cause

  Catch ’em, Catch ’em, Gotta catch ’em all

  Pokémon I’ll search across the land

  Look far and wide

  Release from my hand

  The power that’s inside

  Catch ’em, Catch ’em, Gotta catch ’em all Pokémon!

  Gotta catch ’em all, Gotta catch ’em all

  Gotta catch ’em all, Gotta catch ’em all

  At least one hundred and fifty or more to see

  To be a Pokémon Master is my destiny

  Catch ’em, Catch ’em, Gotta catch ’em all

  Gotta catch ’em all, Pokémon! (repeat three times)

  Here’s the rest of the Poké Rap.

  Dratini, Growlithe, Mr. Mime, Cubone

  Graveler, Voltorb, Gloom

  Charmeleon, Wartortle

  Mewtwo, Tentacruel, Aerodactyl

  Omanyte, Slowpoke

  Pidgeot, Arbok

  That’s all folks!

  Words and Music by Tamara Loeffler and John Siegler

  Copyright © 1999 Pikachu Music (BMI)

  Worldwide rights for Pikachu Music administered by Cherry River Music Co. (BMI)

  All Rights Reserved  Used by Permission

  Contents

  Title Page

  Chapter 1: Who’s That Pokémon?

  Chapter 2: The Rookie Chikorita

  Chapter 3: Battle On The Ballfield

  Chapter 4: Team Ash vs. Team Rocket

  Chapter 5: The Wild Chikorita

  Chapter 6: Kidnapped

  Chapter 7: Team Rocket Snowdown!

  Chapter 8: What’s Wrong with Chikorita?

  Chapter 9: Runaway Chikorita

  Chapter 10: The Recycled Robot

  Chapter 11: Robot Rescue

  Sneak Peek

  Copyright

  Ash Ketchum had been a Pokémon Trainer ever since his tenth birthday.

  Since then, Ash had gone on incredible adventures. He’d traveled to faraway places and seen many strange and unusual Pokémon.

  But he’d never seen anything quite like Chikorita.

  The first time he spotted a real Chikorita, Ash was traveling through the West. As usual, his friends Brock and Misty walked by his side. Brock, an older boy, had dark hair. Orange-haired Misty always carried around Togepi, a Pokémon that still wore a colorful eggshell.

  Like the others, Ash carried his Pokémon in red-and-white Poké Balls — all but one. Pikachu, a yellow Electric-type Pokémon, liked to walk at Ash’s side. Pikachu had become Ash’s closest friend.

  But like any good Pokémon Trainer, Ash was always looking for new Pokémon to catch and train. He was daydreaming about his next catch as they walked through a small town. Then a loud voice brought him back to reality.

  “Go, go, Chikorita! Knock ’em down! Knock ’em down!”

  The voice belonged to a young girl. She wore a yellow-and-black baseball shirt and cap. Her name, Casey, was spelled out on the back of her shirt.

  Casey was standing in a park up ahead. In front of her stood a small green Grass-type Pokémon. A green leaf grew out of the top of its head. A ring of green dots circled its neck.

  “Look, it’s a Chikorita,” Misty said.

  Ash switched on Dexter, his Pokédex. Ash had seen a picture of Chikorita before, but he wanted more information. Dexter, a handheld computer, would have just what he needed.

  “Chikorita, the Leaf Pokémon, is able to release a subtle, sweet fragrance from the leaves on its head,” Dexter said.

  Ash still wasn’t satisfied. To really learn about Chikorita, he’d have to see it in action.

  It looked like that’s exactly what Casey had in mind. Ash saw a Rattata run out from a bush in the park. The wild Pokémon was small and had purple fur.

  “She’s going to use Chikorita to catch that Rattata,” Brock remarked. “She must be a new Trainer.”

  Ash knew Brock was right. Rattata were easy to catch.

  Casey started to talk like a sports announcer. “Chikorita is pitching for Team Casey. With a wild Rattata at bat, Chikorita is looking to strike out the other team. Chikorita, Tackle!”

  Ash couldn’t believe it. Casey was acting like she was at a baseball game. What did baseball have to do with Pokémon?

  Her Chikorita didn’t seem to care. It sped toward the Rattata. The wild Pokémon quickly dodged the attack.

  Casey wasn’t concerned. “Ah, the first pitch is a ball, but Chikorita goes into a second windup! One more Tackle, Chikorita. Go!”

  Chikorita ran at the Rattata once again. This time, the Leaf Pokémon made contact. The Tackle knocked Rattata to the ground.

  Casey jumped up and down. “That does it! Chikorita’s attack has broken down Rattata. Now I’ll catch it!”

  Ash knew Casey had to make her move quickly, while the Rattata was weak.

  She did. She threw out a Poké Ball. The ball opened up in front of Rattata. A white light shot out. The Rattata disappeared, and the ball closed.

  Casey picked up the Poké Ball and held it up high. “I caught you, Rattata!” she cried.

  Casey put Chikorita back into its Poké Ball. Then she started to hop up and down, chanting a baseball cheer.

  Ash decided it was time to introduce himself. Casey might be embarrassed if she knew anyone was watching her. He knew he would be.

  “Ahem!” Ash said.

  Casey stopped and turned around. She didn’t look embarrassed at all. Her eyes lit up when she saw Pikachu. She ran over and grabbed the little yellow Pokémon.

  “A Pikachu! I can’t believe it,” Casey said.

  “That’s my Pikachu,” Ash said, a little stiffly. “My name is Ash Ketchum. I’m from Pallet Town.”

  Casey held out her hand. “My name’s Casey. I just started my Pokémon journey. I got a Chikorita from Professor Elm in New Bark Town.”

  Brock and Misty introduced themselves. Casey had a hard time taking her eyes off Pikachu.

  “I can’t help it, I just love Pikachu,” Casey said. “I love its fluffy yellow body, the stripes on its back, the black tips on its ears …”

  “Pikachu matches your uniform,” Misty said.

  “That’s right,” Casey said. “I love all yellow Pokémon, especially if they have stripes. Electabuzz is the best. My dream is to have my own team of striped yellow Pokémon.”

  “Why are you so hung up on yellow and stripes?” Ash asked.

  Casey pointed to the uniform. “The Electabuzz baseball team. They’re the greatest. Everyone in my family loves them.”

  “The Electabuzz?” Ash said. “But they rank last every year. What’s the point of rooting for a losing team? I’d go for the Magikarp team myself.”

  Casey looked angry. “The Electabuzz will beat them this year. I know they will!”

  Ash shrugged. “Whatever you say. I just don’t think they have much of a chance.”

  Casey’s face turned bright red. “I can’t listen anymore,” she said. She reached into her pocket and took out a Poké Ball.

  “What are you doing?” Ash asked.

  “I’m challenging you,” Casey said firmly. “Let’s end this argument with a Pokémon battle!”

  “I can’t battle you,” Ash said. “You’re just starting out. It wouldn’t be fair.”

  Casey looked determined. “What’s the matter? Are you afraid you’ll be beaten by a rookie?”

  That was all Ash needed to hear. “Fine. You want to battle? Let’s battle!”

  Misty sighed. “I can’t believe these two are going to battle over which baseball team is best,” she told Brock.

  Casey and Ash faced each other across the park.

  “Let’s use three Pokémon each,” Casey said.

  “Whatever you say,” Ash replied.

  “Don’t be too hard on her, Ash,” Brock said. “Remember, she’s new at this.”

  “Someone’s got to teach her how rough battling can be,” Ash answered. He turned to Casey. “You can attack first.”

  Casey threw a Poké Ball into the air. “Batting first for Casey will be — Pidgey!”

  A brown Pokémon burst from the ball. Ash smiled.

  “I remember when I caught my first Pidgey,” he said. “It seems like so long ago now.”

  “Quit babbling and bring it on!” Casey snapped.

  Ash couldn’t take any more. Somebody had to put Casey in her place.

  Ash tossed a Poké Ball. There was a flash of white light, and a huge orange Pokémon appeared. Charizard, a combination Fire- and Flying-type Pokémon, towered over Ash and Casey. Compared to Charizard, Pidgey seemed harmless.

  “I can’t believe Ash chose Charizard,” Misty said. “It isn’t fair. Pidgey doesn’t stand a chance!”

  Casey heard her. “I won’t back down,” she said. “Pidgey, Quick attack!”

  Pidgey flew right at Charizard. The brown Pokémon slammed into Charizard’s big belly. Pidgey bounced off and landed on the ground.

  Charizard snorted, and fire came out of its nostrils. Then it knocked Pidgey with its long tail, sending the Pokémon sailing back to Casey.

  Casey held out a Poké Ball. “Pidgey, return. Looks like my second batter is up. Rattata, Tackle!”

  Rattata burst from the Poké Ball. The furry Pokémon ran at Charizard with all its might.

  Rattata slammed into Charizard’s belly, too. The small Pokémon promptly fainted from the impact.

&nbs

p; “This can’t be,” Casey said, shocked.

  Ash grinned. “I guess I’ve made my point. Ready to give up now?”

  Casey called Rattata back into her Poké Ball. Then she held up a third ball. “I won’t quit. The game always gets more exciting once there are two outs. My third batter will be Chikorita.”

  The yellow Leaf Pokémon popped out of the ball.

  “Give me a home run, Chikorita!” Casey called out. “Use Vine Whip.”

  Green vines came out of two of the dots that circled Chikorita’s neck. The vines lashed out and wrapped around Charizard’s neck.

  “All right!” cheered Casey.

  Part of Ash admired Casey’s confidence. Another part of Ash couldn’t wait to show her who was the better Trainer.

  “Charizard, use Flamethrower. But go easy,” he added.

  Charizard grunted. The large Pokémon shot a stream of flame at the leaf on top of Chikorita’s head. The leaf caught fire, and Chikorita ran around in circles to try to put out the flames. It wasn’t long before the exhausted Pokémon collapsed.

  “This battle is over,” Brock announced. “It’s a shutout for Ash.”

  Casey looked devastated. “Return, Chikorita,” she said.

  “Don’t feel bad, Casey,” Misty said. “You did just fine for a beginner.”

  Casey couldn’t look at them. “I lost on my home field. There’s no excuse.”

  Ash felt bad for her. He held out his hand. “Once the battle ends, opponents should be friends. How about it?”

  But Casey ran down the road.

  Ash watched her disappear around a corner. “I hope she doesn’t get discouraged. She could be a really good Trainer someday.”

  Ash wasn’t the only one watching Casey. A boy and girl, and a small Pokémon spied on the girl from a hiding place on top of a tall tree. They had seen the whole battle.

  The treetop spies were none other than Team Rocket, a trio of Pokémon thieves who were always trying to steal rare Pokémon.

  Jessie, the girl, swept a strand of long, red hair out of her eyes. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” she asked.

  James, the boy, nodded. “We can use this rivalry to our advantage.”

  Meowth, a Scratch Cat Pokémon, got a gleam in its eye. “I have just the plan,” Meowth said.

  A short while later, Team Rocket caught up with Casey outside of her house. They walked up to her, dressed in yellow-and-black Electabuzz baseball uniforms.

  “Look! It’s another Electabuzz fan,” Jessie said. “But you can’t possibly love the Electabuzz team as much as we do.”

  Casey brightened. “I sure do! They’re the best team ever.”

  “They sure are,” said James. “Hooray, Electabuzz!”

  Casey eyed the three of them. “Who are you guys, anyway?” she asked.

  “We’re just some Electabuzz fans who happened to be passing by,” Jessie said innocently. “We caught your last battle.”

  Casey hung her head. “I’m so embarassed. I lost big time.”

  “But that’s not your fault,” Meowth said. “What else could you do against that infamous criminal, Ash Ketchum?”

  Casey looked puzzled. “Ash is a bad guy?”

  “The baddest guy there is,” James said. “He’s a big cheater. I bet he cheated you in that last battle.”

  “What?” Casey said, “I won’t let him get away with it!”

  “That’s the spirit!” Jessie said. “I think he’s still in town. You should challenge him to another battle right now.”

  Casey started to run down the street. “I’ll do it. I have to defend my honor, and the honor of Electabuzz fans everywhere!”

  When Casey was out of sight, Team Rocket broke into laughter.

  “My plan is working perfectly,” Jessie said. “That little twerp won’t be able to resist Casey’s challenge. The second battle will weaken their Pokémon. Then we’ll be able to swoop in and swipe them all.”

  “Hey, that’s my plan!” Meowth said angrily.

  James straightened the baseball cap on his head. “It doesn’t matter whose plan it was,” he said. “Let’s get going. We’ve got some Pokémon to steal!”

  Ash faced Casey in the middle of a baseball field. Brock, Misty, and Togepi watched them from the stands.

  Ash couldn’t believe Casey had asked him for a rematch. He thought he had taught her a lesson with Charizard. But she wanted another battle, and Ash never turned down a challenger.

  “You won’t beat me so easily this time,” Casey said confidently. Then she began to talk like a sports announcer again. “Casey’s team is up to bat. Her first Pokémon will be … Chikorita!”

  “Chikorita, huh?” Ash said. Charizard had taken care of Chikorita easily. He knew Pikachu would do the same.

  “I choose you, Pikachu,” Ash told his Pokémon.

  Pikachu nodded and stepped in front of Ash. Chikorita stood at Casey’s side.

  “Last time, I used my fastball,” Casey said. “Now it’s time to throw a curveball. Chikorita, Sweet Smell!”

  Casey’s command startled Ash. He had never heard of an attack called Sweet Smell. What would Chikorita do?

  The leaf on top of Chikorita’s head swirled around. A strange odor wafted up and tickled Ash’s nose. He could see that Pikachu was affected, too.

  Ash found that the smell was all he could think of. He forgot all about the battle. He even forgot he was standing in a ballfield.

  “Now, Chikorita, Tackle!” Casey cried. Ash heard her command, but felt like he couldn’t do anything to stop it.

  Chikorita raced across the field.

  Slam! Chikorita’s Tackle knocked over Pikachu.

  “We did it!” Casey cheered. “One more time, Chikorita.”

  The effect of the Sweet Smell attack wore off. Ash tried to shake the dazed feeling out of his head. Was Pikachu okay?

  Pikachu stood up. It would take more than a Tackle to keep down Ash’s best Pokémon.

  “Not so fast, Casey,” Ash said. “Pikachu, Thunderbolt!”

  As Pikachu built up the electric charge for the attack, Misty and Brock watched, worried.

  “What is Ash doing?” Misty wondered.

  Brock shook his head. “Chikorita is Grass-type Pokémon,” he said. “Grass-type Pokémon are strong against Electric attacks. Ash knows that.”

  But Ash had forgotten. Pikachu launched into the Thunderbolt attack.

  Boom! The yellow Pokémon hurled a blast of electric energy at Chikorita. Casey’s Pokémon reacted quickly. It waved one of the leaves on top of its head. The leaf deflected the charge, sending it safely into the dirt.

  “Now, Chikorita!” Casey yelled. “Another Tackle!”

  Still weak from launching its attack, Pikachu didn’t have a chance to escape the Tackle. Ash cringed as Pikachu fell to the ground.

  “The bases are loaded,” Casey said. “Chikorita, it’s time for us to score!”

  But Chikorita didn’t have a chance to attack again.

  A strange mechanical contraption came rolling across the field on wheels. Two giant metal arms held a huge baseball bat. The arms swung the bat wildly.

  “What’s going on?” Ash asked Casey. “Did you set this up?”

  “Don’t play dumb,” Casey shot back. “I’m sure you rigged it. You’re the cheater, after all.”

  “What are you talking about?” Ash asked.

  While Ash and Casey argued, the mechanical arms rolled toward Chikorita. The Leaf Pokémon shook with fear. It couldn’t move.

  The mechanical arms got ready to swing the bat once more …

  “Pika!” Pikachu jumped in front of Chikorita, trying to protect it.

  Ash turned at the sound of Pikachu’s voice.

  “No!” Ash shouted. He ran toward the machine.

  He was too late.

  The mechanical arms swung at Pikachu and Chikorita. The giant bat bounced into them. It sent them flying across the field like baseballs.

  “Pikachu!” Ash cried.

  It looked like the Pokémon were going to crash into the scoreboard.

  Then, at the last second, a giant baseball mitt appeared from behind the board. Pikachu and Chikorita landed safely in the mitt.

  Jessie, James, and Meowth appeared at the top of the scoreboard. James reached out and grabbed Pikachu and Chikorita.

  Jessie grinned. “Score one for Team Rocket!” she said.

 

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