To The Rainbow’s End

Chapter One



Monday morning…September 2nd…7:00 AM:

The morning sun shone brightly over the peaceful population of Seafoam Island. In the gardens and forests, Grass Pokémon of all kinds were opening their eyes to soak up the sun’s warm rays. Bird, Bug, and other types were up to their usual pre-fall routine: stocking up on food, digging deep burrows---some of the Bird-types were even preparing for their long flight South.

The islanders were also preparing for autumn. Farmers and gardeners were harvesting newly grown fruits and vegetables, children were getting ready for their first day of school---many were getting an early start on selecting costumes for the coming Halloween, and the summer beach crowds had become very small. In the streets, cars and numerous bicycles were zooming up and down through the city. People who weren’t driving strolled along the sidewalks, looking in shop windows and talking to each other. Of course, some of these people stopped what they were doing as the sound of sirens was heard coming up the street.

Four police cars quickly appeared. As they neared the intersection, two of them suddenly headed down the right street---towards a large brick building. The two that didn’t turn continued straight ahead, in the direction of the seashore. Along the seashore was a white marble mansion, at least two stories high and very long. The two cars parked in the front driveway. Officer Jenny and another policeman came out of the first one, and several other officers from the second. All of them walked up to the door, and knocked…

Almost instantly, a young woman opened the door. She had red hair, blue eyes, and appeared to be in her thirties. Officer Jenny didn’t need to look twice to know something was wrong: the woman was greatly distressed---tears were falling down her cheeks like a couple of tiny rivers. She spoke hastily to them as they came in.

“Oh, Officer Jenny!” she sobbed, “I’m so glad you’re here; something terrible has happened!”

“What’s wrong, Mrs. Ketchum?” the policewoman asked, “Has your husband escaped?” The reason she was here was to arrest Mr. George Ketchum---who also happened to be Giovanni Rochet, the leader of the notorious Pokémon organization known as Team Rocket. Three of its members had just turned him in two nights ago, and now the police were here to take him into custody.

Mrs. Ketchum shook her head at the question, “No, he’s still here, but…” she struggled to be calm before finishing, but after she spoke, she burst into tears once more; “It’s my son, Ash…he’s…he’s disappeared!”

Officer Jenny was shocked! She knew about Ash as well; he---with the help of his friends---had made a name for himself in many Pokémon League competitions; including those in Kanto, the Orange Islands, the Whirl Islands, and Johto. Before she could ask any questions, however, her walkie-talkie suddenly began to beep. She picked it up, and put it to her lips.

“Yes, lieutenant, I read you loud and clear. Over.”

“Officer Jenny, we’ve got a situation over at the Seafoam Island Mental Institution. Over.”

“What’s the problem? Over.” Jenny replied, her face lined with concern.

“It appears that one of their patients has gone missing during the night. Over.”

Both Jenny and Mrs. Ketchum turned very white upon hearing this.

“Lieutenant, do you have any leads on who is responsible? Over.”

“Actually, we do. We’ve reviewed some videotapes from the security office, and the events seem to involve a young boy, a young girl, a Pikachu…and a Jigglypuff! Over.”

Mrs. Ketchum gasped sharply at that statement, and fainted. Jenny was quick to react; she caught the lady as she fell, and then called the other officers over.

“Call the department; tell them we need everyone to conduct a thorough search: we’re looking for two children---a boy and a girl---, a Pikachu, and a Jigglypuff. Also, report that they may have a Mental Institute patient in their custody. Hurry!”

The other guards saluted, then ran to the car and delivered the message. During this time, Jenny helped Mrs. Ketchum to her feet, and they both went inside the house.