Disclaimer: Hmm. I think Nintendo and Mr. Satoshi have all the copyrights to Pokemon. All I have is…er…a few versions and the Pokemon. And I don't even own Ruby Version myself. So pretty much, nothing here's mine but the plot and the characters you don't recognize. Please don't sue, since all anyone's getting out of this, if they're lucky, is a few laughs.

A/N: No, the title isn't a joke. I'm not saying I'll think of one next time. I mean the title is the title. Did I confuse you enough?

This is essentially one of these new-trainer(s) stories everyone hates so much because they're boring to read. Well, I won't say that I'm going to be the wonderful exception and make this worth a read, because I can't. All I can say is that I believe that my plot is original, my characters can be good, and I plan to flesh my idea into a good story.

This is also a parody of the bad-chicks-turn-good cliché that's done too much. Basically, either: someone goes into TR/TM/TA and cannot believe these bad things and comes out and becomes good again or: someone's a wonderful/not-so-great executive but want out. These two models are the only ones I've seen, as this isn't my first fandom. In any case, I'll be poking fun at those wonderful trainers who think that doing bad things is horrible. As for how, you may read and find out.

Are you still here? Okay. Thanks.

Maybe…Next Time

By: Moonrabbit(2)

Chapter One

Todd is Jealous, Bonnie is Proud, and Team Rocket is…Lucky?

Mother is way too nice, Bonnie thought with a scowl as she peeked into the parlor, where her mother and her newest weary-traveler were sitting, enjoying Bonnie's favorite tea biscuits and milk. Mrs. Blossom—at least, that was what everyone in Verdanturf Town called her, though her daughter was sure their family name was less embarrassing than that—was known only too well for her hospitality. If she saw any wandering trainers while shopping or running errands, she would inevitably bring them home, treat them to a snack, and drive them to the Pokemon Center after they were treated as royals.

Of course, everyone, from her youngest daughter to her eldest neighbor, knew that being too kind would not do anyone any good, especially not in such a small town, and especially, especially not when you had a large berry garden that could be easily vandalized.

Even if your guest happened to be a ten-year-old kid who looked terrified for no reason.

If Bonnie didn't know any better, she would've sworn that this kid—named Bod or Mod or something Odd—worked for Team Aqua. When they still lived in Old Dale Town, a starting trainer had broken into their garden and stolen Bonnie's favorite leppa berries. Yup, Bonnie thought, narrowing her eyes at the boy sitting on the couch, eating her cookies, he certainly looks to be the type.

For once, Bonnie turned out to be right.

Meanwhile, Todd was fidgeting, quite unlike a typical thief-to-be would.

"So you just started on your journey?" said Mrs. Blossom, taking a sip of milk. "I suppose you are ten years old too."

Todd shifted nervously in his seat; he had never felt so uncomfortable that both his palms were beginning to sweat. It wouldn't be easy the first time, Cassidy had informed him. She was only too right; he'd never felt so rotten to even think of robbing a house this clean and a garden that beautiful. Todd was always a chicken, which was why his friends liked to make fun of him.

It didn't make the job any easier that a pair of eyes were fixed on him, somewhere outside the parlor door. Concentrate and play the innocent traveler, you dork, he thought, as he wiped his hands quickly on his corduroy pants, carefully avoiding Mrs. Blossom's eyes.

"I just turned ten a few days ago," he said. That was actually true. He figured he'd be telling his grandchildren one day how he'd left the house as soon as the clock struck twelve, signaling that he'd finally grown a year older. "Only a few days ago. Three or four."

Butch said you should always add details to make your story seem genuine. Todd was glad that in his case, his story was genuine.

"Have a cookie," his hostess said. "Don't be shy. So," she said, changing the topic, "you've been traveling a lot by yourself, have you? Where did you come from?"

"The suburbs of Mauville," Todd answered. "I lived on a farm."

"Oh, of course, Mauville City," said Mrs. Blossom, nodding. "I've been there a few times. A nice city, and the suburbs are beautiful. I might've even seen your farm and chatted with your parents." She laughed merrily. "I guess you got your starter Pokemon from the Mauville Pokemon Center."

"Nurse Joy didn't have them in time for my birthday," said Todd regretfully. "I would've liked a Treecko or a Torchic."

"That must've been a letdown," Mrs. Blossom said sympathetically. "But you do have a Pokemon."

Todd blushed. Now this was getting embarrassing. A Team Rocket Grunt should not have a cute Pokemon. Nor should a boy trainer who was to become a Pokemon master. But there he had, a Skitty that was the house pet for a few years. And she was a she, and she was pink! Todd could die of embarrassment.

"Well, I do have a few," he admitted vaguely.

Mrs. Blossom smiled. "Hold on just a second, I want my daughter to meet them," she said. "Bonnie, you can stop eavesdropping now. You're making our young guest very nervous." She turned back to Todd. "That's my youngest daughter, Bonnie. Bella's sister."

It was now humiliating. He did not want to show his Skitty to a girl. Especially not Mrs. Blossom's daughter, who would be wearing a frilly pink dress, wearing a frilly pink bonnet, and have huge golden ringlets, who would coo over his Skitty, and then realize that Todd wasn't a girl, and then shriek and be all…annoying.

Although Todd had to admit that he liked Bella a whole lot.

However, Bonnie was the opposite of Bella. Yes, she was wearing that frilly dress and pink bonnet (hanging down her back, anyway), and yes, she had blonde hair, but Todd doubted that anyone could tell under the mass of dirt on her hair, face, dress, and bare legs and feet. She wasn't even pretty, like her older sister. She would've looked more like a boy if it weren't for that dress and hair.

"Bonnie, meet Todd," Mrs. Blossom said, smiling. "He's only a little older than you, and he's already a trainer."

Bonnie looked him up and down, looking suspicious. Todd wondered if she'd guessed that he wasn't what he'd pretended to be. But girls are supposed to be dumb, he reminded himself.

Meanwhile, Bonnie was scrutinizing him, her head cocked. Finally, she said, "Boy, you look even more skinny up close."

Todd blinked, and looked at her mother quickly. Mrs. Blossom merely shook her head. "You'll have to excuse her," she said. "I'm sure she's had good breeding sometime in the past, but she doesn't show it…that much." She laughed; after all, Bonnie was not voted the Friendliest Person of the Year, and never would be. "Bonnie, please behave. Todd will show you his Pokemon."

"MOTHER!" someone suddenly shouted from upstairs.

Mrs. Blossom shook her head. "Oh dear, I forgot. I have to see Bianca's routine. After you see Todd's Pokemon, show him yours. If you want to go into the garden, be very careful, or that'll be a chunk off your allowance. I love you, dear." She grinned at Todd. "Enjoy yourself, Todd. Don't mind Bonnie too much."

Bonnie snorted, and turned her attention upon Todd's pack. "Where's your Pokemon, then?" she demanded.

Reluctantly, Todd opened his bag. Stripes jumped out, and mewed cutely. "That's my Skitty," he said.

Bonnie looked disappointed. "I was hoping you have a Mudkip or something. Then I could battle it," she said regretfully.

"I'd like a Treecko," Todd said, "but Nurse Joy didn't get the starter Pokemon, and I can't wait."

"But…don't you have anything else? Something…stronger?" Bonnie persisted.

Todd wondered if it would seem suspicious to release that Poochyena Butch had given him. He decided to risk it; he did not want that girl to think he were some sort of a sissy with a Skitty to prove it.

"I also have a Poochyena," he said, and threw the Pokeball. He glared at Bonnie. "Would you say that's weak?"

Bonnie huffed. "But it's not a Mightyena," she said. "I would be a little more impressed if it were. But," she relented, "it is pretty cool. I'd like to battle it someday."

"Like you can beat it," Todd said, hoping Bonnie was going to take this outside. In the garden. Then he could sneak a few berries in his pocket and show Cassidy that he could steal. Wouldn't she and Butch be proud?

Fortunately for Todd and his evil scheme, Bonnie took the bait. "I'll show you my Pokemon and my garden," she said proudly, and she did a very un-ladylike thing that Todd was sure had to be forbidden.

She stuck out her tongue, and rolled her eyes at the same time.

It turned out that Bonnie had quite a few Pokemon. Though none of them could be considered strong—Todd was sure his Poochyena could take care of them, no problem—they were rather neat. However, Todd didn't get to see them till later.

First Bonnie led Todd past her mother's plot at first, where a few Brelooms and a Bayleef were watering the berries. "Pecha berries," Bonnie informed Todd, "and this is Pecha, my mother's Bayleef." She patted the Pokemon, who nuzzled her for a few seconds before going back to the berries.

Mission begins.

Todd edged closer to one of the pecha berry trees while Bonnie bent down to talk to a Breloom. Yup, these pink berries looked pretty good. He could just pick two and call it a day. Cassidy never said he had to pick a lot of berries. She just said a few. And two berries could be a few berries, if she were in a good mood. But he had to get it done quickly. Mrs. Blossom had made him feel very guilty. If he were fast, and stealthy, he'd be done before Bonnie the Bragger realizes. However, a Breloom noticed, and he glared at Todd. "Breloom!" he cried, and Bonnie looked up.

"What's wrong?" she said, and glanced at Todd. "What are you doing? You better not be doing anything bad. Mother trained all these Brelooms to know Mach Punch. And they hurt. A lot."

"Like you'd know!" Todd said, but he walked away quickly. That Breloom did not look very friendly.

The same thing happened at all the other plots. Bianca's garden was full of Beedrills and Bellossoms, while Bella had the Beautifly and Butterfree. None of the Pokemon trusted Todd very much. Even though Bonnie became absentminded whenever she saw a berry flower that needed weeding or watering, the Pokemon kept their eyes on Todd whenever he neared a tree. One Beedrill even tried to poison sting him, and Todd would've gotten stung if he didn't run fast enough. Bonnie was no help, laughing at his plight.

Todd was very frustrated as they finally came to Bonnie's garden. He wasn't even thinking of the battle he and Bonnie would have, in which he would finish her off with a snap of his fingers and his Poochyena's teeth. He'd never had problems stealing before. Well, candies and cookies from his baby sister might be different, but not that different.

"You have to see my durin berry!" Bonnie cried, breaking into his thoughts. Her pride for her special berry made her slightly more agreeable. "It's the best thing. I've been growing it ever since Ben gave it to me two years ago, and it finally bloomed today! Pretty soon, I'll have durin berries. Isn't that cool? I heard they're really rare. But Ben's always nice to me. Look!"

Todd looked.

The plant did not look impressive to him. The flowers were still small, and the leaves looked too dark to be pretty.

But Bonnie did say it was rare. And he did dislike Bonnie a good deal. That was killing a bird with two stones, as the Team Rocket Motto said.

The best of all was that Bonnie didn't have as many Pokemon guarding her garden as her sisters and mother. She only had two Beedrills and a Silcoon, all of them more interested in the pecha berry trees. Like trainer, like Pokemon, Todd thought, reaching a hand out. He would just pluck a few flowers. Maybe that would work. It wasn't his fault that durin berries gave fruit with such difficulty.

Suddenly, just when Todd felt the delicate petal in his hand, he heard a "BULBA!" and was instantly knocked backwards, without knowing what was going on.

Bonnie turned around, looking perplexed. Then her puzzlement turned to fury. "What were you trying to do to my durin, you big mean thief?" she demanded.

"Bulbasaur!" Bulbasaur said, from his place next to her.

Well, that was how Todd and Bonnie began their not-so-friendly acquaintance.

x. x. x.

Of course, Todd didn't think he'd ever meet Bonnie again after his visit. He did not dare to revisit Mrs. Blossom's house, and besides, why would he want to meet Bonnie again in any shape and form? Not when she laughed at him, and insulted him, and made her Bulbasaur stay in the bushes so he would tackle an unsuspecting thief, such as himself.

Cassidy and Butch did not give him a hard time about the failed assignment. They just looked amused. In fact, they always looked amused around him, even when they recruited him, which annoyed Todd. Sure, he supposed they were doing him a favor by telling him he was the first kid who was in the Hoenn Wing of Team Rocket, the one organization to make you a Pokemon master, but wasn't he doing them a favor by…well…offering to steal berries for them?

"Skitty," Stripes said, as Todd kicked a stone.

"Oh, be quiet and quit whining, I'm not Tammy," Todd complained. He was on his way to Rustboro City, where, Cassidy told him, the Devon Corporation's Building was. "If I screw up this assignment up too, I'm never going to become a Pokemon master. And with you and Poochyena, I haven't caught any new Pokemon!"

"Skitty, skit!" Stripes replied angrily. Probably complaining that Todd never fed her milk, like Tammy did. Well, that was just too bad.

As Todd passed a hiker, happily mumbling to himself, he jumped in excitement. There was a Bulbasaur, right in the middle of the road, holding in its vines a struggling Wingull! "Oh boy," Todd said. "This is my lucky day."

Then he realized he was not the one who said the six words.

"I'm going to catch a water Pokemon!" said a voice that definitely belonged to a girl.

Todd turned, and felt his stomach drop. He knew it. It was Bonnie. "Isn't she too young to be a trainer?" he asked Stripes, who wagged her tail merrily. "She's only nine!" Todd protested, but his Skitty's attention was no longer on him.

He sighed, and watched as Bonnie threw the Pokeball.

The Wingull broke free.

She threw another one.

It broke free again.

Another one.

It broke free, but barely.

Todd knew that Bonnie was going to catch it with the next Pokeball, and catch she did. A waste of Pokeballs, he thought, but then again, she was a girl, and girls were wasteful. "Yeah, Bulbasaur! We caught it!' Bonnie cried, dancing around happily. "Wingull! I've always wanted a water Pokemon to keep us company!"

"Bulbasaur," Bulbasaur said proudly. Just as proud as his mistress, Todd thought.

Oops. Did he say it out loud? Bonnie was now looking at him, eyes narrowed to slits.

He wondered if he should go and wave at Bonnie. Say something like "Hey, I know you, and I didn't like you" or something, but it turned out he didn't have to. Bonnie spoke first. "Oh, look, it's that boy you didn't like, Bulbasaur," Bonnie said, belting her new Wingull. "That boy who's probably from Team Aqua."

"You mean Team Rocket," Todd corrected her automatically.

"Oh, right, as if they did anything after one of their buildings blew up," said Bonnie. "I do read the newspaper once in a while. Even Team Magma sounds cooler"

Like you'd know, Todd thought smugly. SHE would never be a Pokemon master.

"What are you doing here? Did you beat Miss Roxanne yet?" Bonnie asked.

"Miss Roxanne?" repeated Todd. "Who's that? The gym leader of Rustboro?" So that was who she was. He'd wondered.

"Well duh!" Bonnie said. "I know her because I went to the academy for a few years, that's why I'm so good at Pokemon. She's the best teacher I've ever had. And she's a mighty strong gym leader. I can't wait to battle her, myself. You want to come with me? If you have the guts, I mean."

Todd fidgeted. He couldn't say he was waiting around to see if Cassidy would catch up to him and walk him through the Devon assignment. "Nah, like I want to go with you," he said.

"Oh, okay," Bonnie said, shrugging. "I didn't think you're strong enough anyway, but Mother said I should always be polite with other travelers. Even if they do stink. Bulbasaur, return." She put away her other Pokeball. "Well, guess that's that. Maybe by the time I come back out, you actually got a bit stronger."

"Oh please, I could beat you in a battle any old time," Todd said, but he realized he didn't sound confident at all.

Bonnie rolled her eyes. "Right," she said.

Cassidy chose that time to appear from behind the bushes, her Raticate trailing her. Bonnie's eyes grew large at the red R in the middle of her black sweatshirt. Cassidy ignored her, and turned her attention upon Todd, who tried to look less nervous. "Butch said you wanted my help. Even though I told you specifically I have a very busy schedule."

"Um," said Todd, hoping Bonnie's near deaf.

But Bonnie wasn't.

"Cornn and pecha?" she said. "We have them. Mother plants them. Do you want some? And are you from Team Rocket? Gee, I thought you guys suck too much to be in Hoenn. Didn't some building blew up just a while ago? I mean, sure, sometimes I see two of you Rockets blasting off every time I look out the window, which is pretty funny if you think about it."

Cassidy noticed Bonnie for the first time. "Who is she? Your girlfriend?" she said to Todd. "You should be a little more respectful of your elders."

"But Team Rocket does kind of suck," Bonnie said. "Don't you agree?"

"She is NOT my girlfriend."

"Team Rocket does not suck!" Cassidy said. "You little immature trainers never know any better."

"SHE IS NOT MY GIRLFRIEND! GIRLS HAVE COOTIES!"

Bonnie blinked at him, while Cassidy ran a hand through her hair. Todd wondered if she were annoyed. She certainly looked like it.

"What's the holdup, Cassidy?" Butch demanded, coming out of another bush, his Hitmontop following him. "It's itchy in the bushes, you know!"

Cassidy glared at him venomously, before turning back and giving Bonnie an even more murderous one. "This brat," she spat, "is the problem."

Bonnie bristled. "I'm not a brat," she said shrilly; the Raticate turned to her and growled threateningly. "Or," she amended quickly, and Todd was pleased to see that she was not as tough as she'd seemed, "maybe I am, a little bit…"

"Well, little girl, since you think you're so great, even better than Team Rocket, why don't you battle us?" Butch demanded, after Cassidy filled him in on what Bonnie had just said.

Bonnie eyed Raticate nervously. Todd could tell that she knew the Pokemon was at a higher level than her pet Bulbasaur. "No, I have better things to do," she said, taking a step backwards. "I think I'd better get going. And anyway," she added, regaining her composure a little. "Mother said that I must never speak to strangers."

"Are you too scared to battle?" Todd couldn't help taunting. "I bet you are. You're all talk and nothing else."

"At least I have better Pokemon than you!" Bonnie shouted, stamping her foot. "Stupid cootie boy who tried to steal my berries!"

Todd hesitated. She was actually right about that.

Cassidy was starting to look very interested. "Say," she said thoughtfully, seeing Bonnie in a new light. "What are your Pokemon, little girl?"

Bonnie put her hands around her waist. Well, guess she isn't as stupid as she looks, Todd thought, because Cassidy said she liked stealing Pokeballs with Pokemon in them. "I have a Wingull, and a Zigzagoon, and...a Bulbasaur," she said uncertainly.

"A Wingull," mused Cassidy. "With the Keen Eye ability. Must be able to spot something."

"And with her Zigzagoon's Pickup," said Butch, raising his eyebrow at Cassidy meaningfully. "Okay, kid, you're in."

"I'm…in?" Bonnie said. "In what? Insane?"

Todd snorted, and the girl glared at him.

"No, sweetie," said Cassidy. "You're in Team Rocket, one of the most prestigious organizations—"

"Team Aqua is," Bonnie interrupted her. The Raticate growled. "I mean, I think it is. Of course, I could be wrong."

"No, no, you have it all wrong," Butch said. "In Kanto, we're all anyone talks about. We were in Johto for a while too. Till that James—I mean, yeah. We're expanding our membership in Hoenn, you lucky girl. Once Team Rocket grows to be the best, and you are old enough to be an executive, you'll be even better than the Elite Four!"

"For real?" Bonnie said excitedly. "Cool. I'm in!"

"Hey, that's not fair," said Todd. "She can't just be in like that. She didn't even get tested."

"Neither did you," said Cassidy. "Besides…you need a partner. Like me, I got Botch for a partner, and I've never stopped regretting it. Your other choice is Maxine, but you said she's too scary."

"She wears lipstick," Todd said, wrinkling his nose.

"Wait a minute," said Bonnie. "So you are in Team Rocket too! You were trying to steal my berries! Oh, let me at you!"

"Hey, we're partners now," Todd said quickly; of course, he regretted admitting that as soon as he said it.

Cassidy and Butch exchanged another look. That of exasperation, though the younger duo could not read it. "Let's head back to the base," Cassidy said, returning her Raticate. "We need a lot of work to make you two…er…wonderful Rocket Grunts."

Both Bonnie and Todd missed the sarcasm.

A/N: I know almost every author says this, but reviews are the best medicine. I understand there is a certain level of skepticism when a new-trainer fic comes out. Please give me some feedback on this story. It can be good—flattery never hurts—or bad—constructive criticism are helpful. However, I will say that pointless flames, meaning just telling me "YOU SUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK" and don't give any reason why doesn't help anyone. I'll block you, AND I'll ignore you.

Till next chapter.

--Moonrabbit