Meeting Casey

After arriving in New Bark Town, the gang made their way to Violet City where Ash's first gym battle in Johto would take place. Right now the gang was thinking about the starter Pokemon they saw.

"I liked that Cynadquil." Ash said.

"I thought that Totodile was really cute." Misty said. "I want to get one for myself."

"Pity we didn't see a Chikorita." Brock said.

Just then the gang saw a girl around ten years old with blue hair and wearing a black and yellow stripped jacket with a Chikorita beside her and she and her Pokemon were battling a Rattata. The Chikorita wore a yellow and black striped headband and was ready to battle.

"That girl has probably started out as a new trainer and her Chikorita is from Prof. Elm." Brock said.

"I can't wait to see how her Chikorita battles." Ash said.

During the battle between Chikorita and Rattata, the girl was using baseball terms like 'play ball' or 'the home field' etc, which meant she was a baseball fan. Chikorita defeated Rattata with Tackle and the girl caught it.

"Another win for Team Casey." The girl said as she high fives her Chikorita. "Now the fans will salute Casey and Chikorita with their victory song."

After finishing her song and returning her Chikorita, the girl noticed the gang.

"Who are you four?" She asked.

"Oh I'm Ash." Ash introduced himself. "Who are you?"

"I'm Casey." The girl introduced herself. "And I just started out as a trainer."

Tomo, Misty and Brock introduced themselves as well.

Casey looked at his Pikachu. Ash had temporarily brought it from Prof. Oak's lab and would return it shortly.

"I love your Pikachu Ash." Casey said. "Actually I love all Pokemon with stripes, especially yellow Pokemon."

"Why do you like yellow and striped Pokemon?" Misty asked.

"Well Misty." Casey said. "You see, me and my family have been fans of the Electabuzz baseball team for years. And I hope to catch an Electabuzz for myself one day."

Ash smiled weakly; he's heard about the Electabuzz baseball team and how they always end up coming in last place, but he didn't want to upset Casey so he didn't say anything.

"Hey Ash." Casey said. "I would like to have a Pokemon battle with you."

"Huh, are you sure about that?" Ash gasped. "I mean I'm a lot more experienced than you."

"I don't care." Casey replied. "The Electabuzz always have a match against strong baseball players. So I want to battle a trainer who's stronger than me."

"She's definitely a beginning trainer." Misty whispered to Brock.

"Yeah she's got that cocky attitude that some rookie trainers possess." Brock said.

Ash accepted the Pokemon battle.

"Will a two Pokemon battle do?" He asked; that was all he had at the moment.

"Certainly." Casey said.

Ash and Casey got ready to battle. Casey sent out her first Pokemon, a Pidgey to battle. Ash smiled; he was going to capture a Pidgey at some point after he returned home following the Johto League. Ash decided to use his baby Lugia for this battle. Casey was surprised by this.

"Wow, what a cool Pokemon." She gasped.

Tomo, Misty and Brock were surprised with Ash's choice.

"Is Ash's Lugia ready to battle?" Misty asked. "I mean, it's only a baby."

"It may be a baby." Brock said. "But Casey's just starting as a trainer and this will help Lugia grow up and earn experience."

Casey commanded her Pidgey to use Quick Attack. Ash told his Lugia to use Headbutt and Lugia headbutted Pidgey in the chest, defeating it in the process.

"No way!" Casey exclaimed.

"Well done Lugia." Ash said. Lugia happily cried out.

"Wow, it sure is strong for a baby." Misty said.

"Yeah, but remember it's still a legendary Pokemon." Brock replied.

"Lugia is so cool." Tomo cheered.

Casey sent Chikorita out to battle next.

"I'm going to win this next battle Ash." Casey declared.

"Are you still okay to battle?" Ash asked Lugia.

Lugia was okay to battle again.

"Use Razor Leaf Chikorita." Casey ordered.

Chikorita flung leaves at Lugia and they struck Lugia.

"You okay Lugia?" Ash asked. Lugia was alright.

"Okay use Swift." Lugia fired stars from it's wings at Chikorita, defeating it and causing Ash to win the battle. He gave Lugia a hug.

"You were great Lugia." He said. Lugia cooed happily.

Casey returned Chikorita, feeling a bit down after her loss. Ash walked up to her.

"You did pretty well for a trainer that's starting out." He said. "And I get the feeling you will become a strong trainer in the future."

Casey felt a little better.

"Thank you Ash." She said. "I must ask. How did you manage to obtain a Lugia?"

Ash told her about his encounter with Lugia in the Orange Islands.

"Wow." Casey gasped. "Being a trainer is a lot more exciting that I thought."

"You'll be surprised what you can experience while on a journey." Brock chuckled.

Soon it was time for Ash and his friends to continue onward to Violet City.

"You may have beaten me Ash." Casey said. "But next time I will win the game."

"I look forward to it." Ash smiled.

So Ash and the others left for Violet City and Casey left to begin her own journey.