2. Just save me some okay?

Walking towards the cave, the young blonde trainer was fully intending to explore it for some new pokémon to catch. She had just become a trainer a couple months ago and started her journey. She reached the mountain entrance and was just about to go in when she heard a shout. "STOP!" The trainer turned her gaze to the direction the sound came from and saw a large scary pokémon quickly making its way to her. She screamed in fright and attempted to run away but tripped and fell. She covered herself up as best she could, hoping that she'll survive the encounter. "Hey, my bad, didn't mean to scare you. It's alright," said a soft tone of voice. The girl raised her head to see the pokémon that was coming towards her had stopped and watched as a red haired girl jumped onto the grassy ground before moving towards her. "Here, let me help you up." The red head extended out her hand and the younger girl took it, who was helped onto her feet. "Sorry about that. But were you trying to enter the cave just now?" she asked the girl.

Realizing that there was no immediate danger, the young girl let out a disgruntled sound before answering her. "Damn, you scared the crap out of me but whatever. Anyway, yeah I am. I became a trainer recently and I wanted to explore the cave to find some new pokémon. Did you want to go inside too?" explained the blonde before asking the question.

Shaking her head, the older girl replied back. "Nah, I'm good and I figured as much. I understand you want to explore, find some new pokémon and become stronger. But you're not ready to enter this particular cave and you need permission first from the Pokémon League," informed the red head kindly.

The blonde scowled. "Nobody said anything about that! And when was that a rule? I don't need to ask permission or anything! Who do you think you are?!" she asked heatedly.

Though she became angry over her disrespectful behavior, the red head controlled herself as she let out a sigh, having matured some to not allow every little thing to cause her to snap. She was hoping it wouldn't be like this but unfortunately it was. And it happened more often than not. Most of the ones she encountered near the cave were stuck up, inexperienced, delusional trainers who thought they were ready to take on anything. That is until they were beaten by her effortlessly in a battle and made to understand that they were wrong. She hoped it wouldn't be one of those and tried to go the more civil route. "Actually you do. This is Cerulean Cave. You're not authorized to go in there." The young trainer's eyes widened, turning her head to face the cave entrance. She had heard how dangerous the cave is from her family, friends and other travelers she met since starting her journey. "And I'm Misty Waterflower, the gym leader of Cerulean Gym. I've been appointed by the League to make sure people like you, who aren't ready, don't go in," revealed the red head.

The blonde girl snapped her attention onto the read head after realizing who she is while letting out a gasp. "W-Wait, you're Misty?!" she asked in surprise.

The gym leader nodded curtly. "Now you know who I am. Who are you?" asked Misty in a calm but serious tone of voice.

Wringing her hands nervously, the girl swallowed the saliva that had accumulated in her mouth before speaking again. "Wow, talk about putting a foot in my mouth. I'm sorry. My name is Jessica Peterson. I didn't know otherwise I would've been more respectful," said the girl.

The gym leader shook her head. "Don't be just respectful to people who you think deserve it Jessica. Be respectful to everyone. That's the mark of a great and strong trainer. Just like someone I know very well," advised Misty.

Jessica hung her head in shame. "You're right. I'm sorry. And thank you for saving my life," she said, looking up with a small smile, hoping that would ease the gym leader's view on her.

Seeing that Jessica was pacified now, Misty relaxed and gave a small smile of her own. "No problem. Now, I believe you would want a gym battle later right?" Misty asked her and Jessica nodded. "Okay. You should go back the way you came and go towards the other path. This time, pay attention to the sign at the crossroads. It'll point you to the nearby forest that many trainers use to practice and battle. You'll find some wild pokémon there too. Train up a bit and then come for your badge. I'll be waiting," informed Misty.

Jessica nodded rapidly. "Thank you Ms. Waterflower. I'll do just that. See you!" she said, running back the way she came.

Misty smiled a bit, watching her go. She glanced at her Gyarados. "Yup, another one saved. Maybe I should just set up my gym here," she mused. Her pokémon merely let out a couple soft growls, chuckling at her joke. She sat down near the edge of the river and placed her backpack beside her. The water type lied down onto the ground next to her, taking a break. She decided to get comfortable since she would be there for a bit in case anyone else decided to come around there. After about half an hour, while enjoying the fresh air and thinking, she got a call on her Poketch and picked it up. "Hey, what's up Daisy?"

A cheerful tone came from her sister's voice. "Not much. Like, just wanted to see when you're coming home. Kinda been worried lately. Like, remember those reports on the news? About the scientists who just vanished along with their research?"

"Yeah, I remember Daisy. Don't worry, I'll be careful. Plus I've got our strongest team with me. You know I always take them with me whenever I come here," said Misty, trying to soothe her older sister's worries.

Daisy let out a sigh. "Yeah, I know baby sis. Just can't help worry you know? Their kidnappings are still a mystery. Like, just be careful alright? You call us if you need anything."

"Thanks sis."

"Of course. Oh, almost forgot. Dinner is ready you know and Vi and Lil are already eating," informed her eldest sister.

"Oh okay, thanks. Just save me some okay? I already stopped one person from entering hell. I'm gonna stay a bit longer in case anyone else comes around the cave before coming home," she replied back.

"Got it and good job baby sis. And no other reason?" Misty went quiet at that. She couldn't see it but Daisy had a knowing grin form on the other end of the line. "Like, you know, to think about you know who huh?" she asked slyly.

The red head flushed pink, embarrassed. "Shut up Daisy."