Author's Note: Sorry for the slight delay, but I was focused on reading a few fics and writing a few other pieces. Also, this chapter was strangely hard to write until today, when I just wrote it completely out in one sitting.-EeveeInHeat
The Legend of Vulpix: Leaf of Time
- Chapter 11: Orphans on the Loose, Part 2 -
"Quick, we have to find them," Sallah said, heading toward the street.
Link hurried after her. Once on the dirt street, they started looking around for the runaways. However, the small Pokemon were nowhere in sight. "What do we do?" Link asked.
"We'll split up to cover more ground," Sallah suggested, before running off in one direction.
Link ran the other way, looking around frantically. He turned a corner and saw a few large leaves pull through an archway of a stone wall. Remembering the Oddish's leaves, Link hurried up to the entry in the stone wall.
When he got there, he saw that there was a large field, the ground rising in long rows across it. All along the rows were shoot of small leaves as food grew up. It took a moment before Link realized that the leaves on the plants matched Nip's leaves.
"Uh, Nip, come on out," Link called, stepping into the yard. There was no response. "We're not playing anymore. You need to come out now." Still nothing stirred in the large garden.
Sighing, Link started down one of the rows, trying to find Nip. To him, though, each plant looked the same. After going down each of the long rows, Link still hadn't found the little Oddish. Sighing again, Link sat down near the entrance.
His ears perked as he suddenly heard a giggling nearby. Keeping himself still, he glanced around until he locked onto the noise. As soon as he got up, the noise stopped. Walking slowly, Link crept up to the plant he had picked out. He stopped in front of it, sure the leaves tensed as he did.
"Come out, Nip, now," Link ordered.
He heard a soft sigh, and the Oddish slowly came up from the ground. "Okay, you found me," he said.
"Yes, now come on," Link said.
The Oddish fell in step behind him as Link led him back to the orphanage. Link glanced back a few times just to make sure the small Pokemon was still following. Heading into the backyard, he turned back to the sullen Nip.
"Now, you'll stay here and not leave, got it?" he asked.
Nip nodded and sat against the building. Link noticed that the Rattata was already sitting against the wall as well. Sallah had already found one of hers.
Link went back to his search. It proved fruitless as he slowly made his way to the center of the village. The square seemed just as busy as before, though Link was able to easily navigate past the crowd. Choosing another street, Link started down it.
"Just two more and I'll have them rounded up," Link murmured, trying to encourage himself.
Link dunked his head as something suddenly hit it from behind. Shaking his head to clear it, he glanced over and saw an eaten apple coming to a stop beside him. Link looked back, but saw no one who appeared to have done it.
Shrugging it off, Link continued on the path. It wasn't long before he was suddenly hit again with another finished apple. Growing irritated, Link whipped around to see who was doing it. Nearby, on top of one of the buildings, Link was sure he saw a hand like appendage attached to a tail dart out of sight.
Knowing it had to be Mon, Link started looking around the area for a way up. Nearby, a stack of large boxes piled against the side of the building. Link leapt up onto the first box, barely making the high jump. By the time Link had leapt up onto the last box, he was panting heavily from the exertion.
After pausing to take a breath, Link leapt up onto the roof of the building. Mon was standing by the edge near the street, looking around for the missing Link. Link approached him and got right behind the confused Aipom before speaking.
"Looking for me?" he asked, making Mon jump.
Mon turned around quickly, his eyes darting around for a possible escape. He sighed and gave up realizing there was no way out. "I don't want to go back there," he complained.
"You still have to," Link replied, leading him to the boxes.
The climb down was much easier, Link making sure to stay right by the Aipom's side. Back on the ground, Link led the Aipom back to the orphanage. Mon sat down in a huff once they came back to the wall where the others were. Link also saw that Sallah had already brought back the blue Pokemon, who had its arms crossed angrily and a pouting face on.
Back on the search, Link wearily started searching the streets again for the last little one, Pika. The Pichu was nowhere to be seen as Link went around the same village. The sun was beginning its descent in the sky as Link plopped down in the square, taking a quick drink for refreshment. While he rested his legs, he kept glancing around in case Pika was nearby.
Nearby, a small crowd of Pokemon was starting to gather, uncommon for this market as far as Link had seen. Curious, Link tilted his head as he concentrated on what they were saying. Soon, Link's higher hearing allowed him to catch snippets of their conversation.
". . . went into the sewers . . ."
". . . said he was hiding . . ."
". . . just a child."
"He was a Pichu."
Link jumped up as he heard the last comment. He stepped up to the first Pokemon in the crowd that he recognized the species of, a tall Lombre. "Excuse me, but what's going on?" he asked.
The Lombre turned to him and scowled, as though offended by him, turning away without an answer. A nearby Pokemon turned to him after seeing what happened. It was a tall, blue Pokemon, a pale colored stomach and chest. Standing high on its two legs with its large, spiked tail, Link was surprised when the Pokemon asked in a quiet, kind voice, "Is something wrong?"
"I was wondering what's going on," he replied.
"Oh, everyone's talking about a young Pichu someone saw go down into the sewers," she answered.
Holding down his excitement, he asked, "Where are the sewers?"
The Pokemon seemed surprised to be asked this, but pointed toward a building. A large hole in the front allowed everyone to see the inside. "The stairs in there lead down there, but you shouldn't go down there. Rumor has it that there is a group of Grimer that attacks anyone who go down there," she warned.
Though Link didn't know what a Grimer was, he knew he had to retrieve Pika, especially if it was dangerous down there. "I have to go and get that Pichu. Thanks for the information," he said, heading quickly to the building.
Inside, small, stone stairs went down into the ground, quickly disappearing into the shadows. Pausing to catch his breath, he started down the stairs, trying to keep himself from slipping off the thin steps. In the square, he could hear the talking becoming more excited and quick as he began his descent.
Link swallowed nervously as he began to head down the stairs that were in shadow. His paw shook slightly as he put it down, making him slip. Link tumbled down the stairs, coming to a stop faster than he thought as he reached the bottom.
Groaning, Link sat up, his body sore from his fall. Looking around, Link was surprised to see that he could actually see. He was in a tunnel, a river separating him from the other side. A ledge on either side allowed one to walk, small sticks burning along the walls at small intervals.
Shivering slightly, Link got up and looked both ways. Both ways turned a corner not long after walking. Unsure which way to go, Link lifted his nose and sniffed the air to find Pika's scent. Link instantly gagged as a horrid smell reached his nose, his eyes starting to water from just the one sniff. Holding his breath, Link looked around again to find the source. However, there was no visible thing creating the smell.
Unsure of what to do, Link was about to head in one of the directions, when a ghostly form appeared in front of him. A small, gray thing floated in midair, a skull like mask over its mask and a container holding fire in the other.
Link screamed and backed up against the wall, his eyes widening as he took in the sudden creature. The ghost seemed to chuckle at his actions. In a low, echoing voice, the ghost said, "Do not be afraid. I will not harm you."
Not knowing if he should believe him, Link glanced around for a possible projectile if he needed it. The path seemed almost swept clean, not a single pebble in sight. "What are you?" Link asked, still crouching away from it. "Are you one of those Grimer?" Link suddenly asked, remembering the warning.
"I am Skull, a Duskull. I watch over the sewers to make sure that all is fine. I have come to see why you have entered," it stated, raising its fire box up a little.
Satisfied with the explanation, Link calmed down and slowed his rapid breathing. "I am Link, and I'm here to find a small Pichu that I think came in here earlier," Link explained.
"Yes, a small, energetic Pichu came down here earlier. He went that way," the Duskull said, pointing to the left, "and was taken in by the Grimer Gang."
"Thank you. I've got to go and get him back," Link said, running down the path.
The Duskull watched him for a moment, before shaking his head and slowly fading out of sight.
Link turned the corner swiftly, only to run face first into a large purple sludge. Link quickly backpedaled out of the sticky stuff, gasping for air only to gag as the now much stronger smell assaulted his breath. After shaking his head and getting over the slight nausea that had come from the intense smell, Link looked back up at what he had run into.
Two piles of purple goo were in front of him. However, as he watched, the two piles turned around and Link saw that they had arms and hands, with large eyes. They stared at Link with anger and mouths suddenly opened from the pile, a strong reek hitting Link right in the face.
Repulsed by the sudden burst of their rancid smell, Link started to back up a step. One of the piles of goo grabbed him up with its arms, holding him in the air while his paws padded at the air uselessly. With no pebbles or other projectiles to use, Link used his only actual attack.
Link closed his eyes and quickly recalled the information that Grace had stored in his head. The information came up as though he had just learned it. Link looked at the purple pile again and growled for a moment to warn it. When it didn't let go, Link bit down onto its arm, trying to make it release its grip.
Link's eyes shot wide open, and he quickly let go of the arm, spitting in disgust from where his tongue had made contact. The horrid taste stayed present in his mouth as the two creatures started taking him farther into the sewers. Unable to do anything else, Link focused on trying to get the revolting taste out of his mouth.
The piles turned and continued through the sewers as though knowing exactly how to go through. As they went down the passages, the water gently running beside them, Link had a good guess that these were actually the Pokemon called Grimer.
Link looked up as they turned to go under an archway. Inside was a huge room, several Grimer were lounging around the walls. Against the opposite side from Link and his captors was a much larger Grimer, its size making the others appear to be tiny. Link gasped as he saw Pika sitting beside it, listening to what it was saying.
The huge Grimer paused midsentence as they entered. Instantly, all the attention was on them as the two Grimer carried Link to the large Grimer and dropped him in front of it. Pika immediately came over and helped him up.
"What is this?" the larger Grimer asked, its voice deep and echoing off the walls.
"It is an intruder, oh honored Muk. It came down and tried to attack us by tackling and biting. After a little subduing, we brought it here for you to cast judgment upon," said the Grimer that had carried him as it bowed slightly.
"I've you not to call me honored; it makes me seem old," Muk said, before turning his sight onto Link. "Well, you seem rather young to be an intruder. Why did you come down to the sewers?" he asked.
"I-I came to get this Pichu. H-he ran off, and I came as s-soon as I heard he came down here," Link said, slightly intimidated by the large Pokemon.
The Muk stayed silent for a moment, staring Link down, before suddenly laughing and hitting Link on the back with one of its large arms. Link grunted and collapsed under the blow, though he was sure it was unintentional by the laughter coming from it. The air knocked from his lungs, Link tried to take a breath in, only to find the air stuffed with the horrid smell from all the Grimer. Link coughed a few times from the air and struggled to take in the air without smelling it.
The Muk looked a little concerned at his coughing, but relaxed as Link calmed down. "You came down here to help your friend when all know that we rule here. You are a good Pokemon and friend," he said, patting Link more gently on the back.
Pika patted Link on the back sympathetically once he had helped Link up again. "He's a little rough, but he's really nice," Pika assured Link.
"Why did you run off, Pika? I've been looking all day for you!" Link exclaimed, turning to him.
Pika lowered his ears and looked down sadly. "I only wanted to have a little fun. We're never allowed out of the orphanage and stuck in the same place all the time. I wanted to explore somewhere, not sit around all day again," Pika said, sounding genuinely reprimanded.
Link sighed, his anger fading. "Let's just get back to the orphanage," Link said.
"But I want to listen to Mr. Muk some more. He's really nice and knows all kinds of awesome stories and moves and has all sorts of fun things to do. Please?" Pika asked.
"I'm sorry little Pichu, but I can't allow you to stay if you're supposed to go," the Muk said calmly.
Before they could continue, one of the Grimer that had brought Link spoke up. "Are you not going to punish this intruder?" it asked.
Muk turned to the Grimer, anger suddenly on its face. "Are you questioning my judgment? I have decided that he may pass. Any Pokemon who willingly goes into a dangerous position for a friend is not an intruder here," he sternly said, making the Grimer shrink back from him.
Pika leaned over and whispered to Link, "Mr. Muk is actually a real softy."
The Muk turned back to Link and patted on the back again. "Yes, you are a courageous Pokemon, so I will give you something for your bravery," he said. He then paused for a while, leaving Link anxious to get out of the smelly room. "I've got it," he suddenly said. "I'll teach you a move. But what move will I teach you?" He paused once again, and Link almost groaned as he continued to have to breathe the polluted air.
"I know! I know!" Pika suddenly exclaimed, waving his arm around. "Tell Link how to do that one move! You know, that one where you go like this and then this," he said, waving his forms and posing a few times.
Link looked at him clueless, but Muk seemed to understand. "Well, I guess I can teach him that. He is an Eevee after all, so he should be able to learn it," Muk said, his gaping mouth lifting at the sides in a large grin. "So, I'll teach you how to use Shadow Ball."
"Shadow Ball?" Link echoed questionably.
"Yes, now sit back, and I'll teach you everything you need to know," Muk said, gently forcing Link to sit with one of his hands.
(0)
Link head was still spinning by the time the two Grimer led him and Pika back to the entrance. After learning the complicated move in such a short time combined with the stench of the place, Link was surprised he was still conscious.
Pika was riding on his back, his light wait not much of a burden for Link. "And so, that's how Mr. Muk became the leader of the Grimer Gang," Pika finished his tale. "But you're still cooler. You used that awesome move like nothing. I bet even General Blaze couldn't use Shadow Ball. You're the coolest Eevee I've ever met."
Link held back a chuckle as he remembered that he was the only Eevee Pika had met. "Just don't go off wandering again. You could get hurt," Link repeated.
"I promise I won't again, but you've got to promise to visit," Pika replied, embracing the back of Link's head.
Link smiled. "I promise."
"I'm going to be just like you someday," Pika promised. "I'm going to go out on epic quests and help Pokemon everywhere," Pika continued, waving his arms in wide gestures.
Laughing at his antics, Link found that they had finally reached the entrance. "Here are the stairs," one of the Grimer announced, not sounding happy at letting them go.
"Bye," Pika and Link replied in unison, though the two Grimer slid away without saying a word.
Shrugging and making Pika hold on for balance, Link turned to the thin steps and headed up, not close as fearful as before. At the top, the crowd was still at the square, even seeming larger. They started to gasp and moved to leave a gap around Link as he came with the Pichu on his back.
"He came out."
"Do you think it could be him?"
"That's impossible . . . isn't it?"
"But Blaze was a Flareon, wasn't he?"
Link lowered his head at the attention and moved to the street leading to the orphanage. Pika, however, waved one arm in the air while holding onto Link with the other as though he was being admired by them all. The crowd followed him a little, before splitting off into small groups to talk. Link gladly left the talk behind and continued on to the orphanage.
Once there, Link walked into the backyard. Pika quickly slipped off his back and went running to the others gathered by the wall and being watched by Sallah. "You guys won't believe what I'm going to tell you!" he exclaimed, instantly getting them riled up.
While Pika distracted them with his tale, Sallah came up to Link. "Thank Arceus you're back. I thought you weren't going to make it," she said.
Surprised, Link glanced up and realized that it was almost sunset. "Oh, I guess I lost track of time," he murmured.
"Hey, Link. You were gone for a while. Was something wrong?" Blitz asked, his three Pokemon all on his back and cheering.
Before they could reply, Aunty opened the back door and said, "Dinner's ready."
In the mass chaos that followed, Link found himself rushed into the kitchen and set down at the table. Dazed, Link didn't notice Blue come up until Blue latched onto his tail. "Blue!" Link exclaimed, turning to embrace the small dragon.
"Link!" Blue eagerly replied, rubbing against him happily.
Link froze in the embrace, suddenly remembering that Blue would be staying. He was going to have to leave Blue here while he went on. After Blue let go, Link turned back to the table. He ate his food gloomily and really tasting it, only able to think about what would come next.
