Chapter 12: Village Hidden in the Woods
Austin gave a yawn as they were all taking a break by a stream in the forest. It's only been two days since the incident with the Tech School and Misty seemed annoyed by them being lost, Arceus forbid if she ever found out he got lost on purpose.
He sat on the rocks as he saw the others were relieved to be resting.
As he watched them, Austin couldn't help but feel a sharp pang of guilt.
There were times where he wondered if he should've just gone on his own instead of travelling with them, yes they were great people and he was happy to get to know them.
But he was lying about who he was and they deserved better than that.
'But what can I do?' Austin thought forgetting for a moment that he shared the body. 'There's no way they would believe that I'm from another world.'
"Thinking about telling them?" Ash asked curiously sitting next to him as Pikachu was curled up in Austin's lap.
'More than anything.' Austin thought absently scratching Pikachu's head. 'But how can I just say something like that? Or tell them that their whole reality was a TV show in my reality?'
"You did with me but you were able to prove it." Ash said giving a sigh. "I'm not sure how I could help with that."
The sound of water caused Austin to turn to see an Oddish drinking from a stream and his eyes widened.
This was the part where Bulbasaur came into play.
"Hey it's an Oddish." Brock said in surprise. "They aren't typically found in forests like this."
"And it's near the water." Misty said standing up as she took a Pokeball out. "I'm going to catch it."
As Starmie came out, Austin briefly wondered if he should've interfered as this would cause trouble, but he decided to not do anything at this point.
"Water Gun!" Misty ordered determined to catch a new Pokemon as Starmie cut off Oddish's escape route and blasted her back with water.
That was when a small blue Pokemon with red eyes and a green bulb shot out in front of the Oddish, glaring at them after it knocked Starmie back with a Vine Whip.
"What Pokemon is that?" Yellow asked.
"It's a Bulbasaur, they're pretty rare in the wild." Brock said in shock.
"Bulbasaur." Ash said with a happy smile at seeing one of his oldest Pokemon again.
"Bulba." Bulbasaur growled a challenge with distrust in his eyes at them before running off with Oddish.
"Ash I'm surprised you didn't try to catch the Bulbasaur." Brock commented as Austin blinked before remembering that Ash did try in the show. "Didn't you say you were hoping to catch a Grass Type to balance your team?"
"Well, something about the Bulbasaur just seemed off and I was too busy thinking about that." Austin said quickly.
"I suppose so." Brock said as Misty gave a groan about missing her chance to catch the Oddish.
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They didn't stay long as it was unlikely for the Bulbasaur to come back as everyone walked through the forest area only to come to a stop at a wooden bridge.
Austin came to a complete stop as he saw that, his eyes widening.
"Wow, what bridge is this?" Yellow asked curiously as Brock had a map out.
"That's funny, I can't find it on my map." Brock said curiously when they began to walk across it.
"Well it's the only way forward." Misty pointed out before they paused as they noticed how uncharacteristically quiet that Austin was being.
Looking back, they were surprised to find Austin with his eyes closed as he was making an effort not to look down and he was still at the beginning.
"Ash what's the hold-up?" Misty called over.
"N-No h-hold-up." Austin stammered as he made the mistake of looking down. "Dear lord that's a deep drop!"
Brock frowned. "Ash, are you scared of heights?" He asked seeing how Austin was extremely hesitant to go across this bridge.
"Y-Y-Yeah I h-have a severe case of A-Acrophobia." Austin got out as Pikachu patted his head in an effort to calm him down because the shaking was starting to bother the electric mouse.
"Why didn't you say anything?" Ash asked in surprise as he didn't expect that.
'I didn't want to bother anyone with it.' Austin thought as he shivered. 'And the fact that in the show this bridge broke does not help matters at all.'
"Is there another way across?" Yellow asked Brock as she was trying to hide some surprise at seeing Austin like this.
"Not that I see." Brock commented to her. "And the only other way would be if Fearow decided to give him a lift."
Austin winced before he began to walk across. 'Please don't be like the show.' He pleaded hoping that this would be one of the changes that has happened.
He just caught up with the group when the blast of wind shook the bridge, combined with their weight, caused it to break and it was hanging lopsided with everyone trying to hold on.
Needless to say, this was not helping Austin's phobia any better.
Nearly hyperventilating, Austin saw Misty and Yellow managed to grab a hold of the top edge of the bridge but his eyes widened when he saw Brock slip.
Austin didn't even think when he quickly shot one hand out and grabbed Brock by the wrist, the force of the stop nearly caused Austin to let go by mistake as he was hanging onto the bottom part now.
"Thanks." Brock called out in relief as Austin gave a hesitant nod, trying not to look down anymore.
"Pikachu, can you get to Butterfree and Pidgeotto's Pokeball?" Austin asked, the strain of holding Brock with one hand while keeping a grip on the bridge with the other getting worse.
"Chu." Pikachu gave a nod and quickly ran down Austin's body, into the vest where his head popped out and pawed at the right Pokeballs.
In a flash of light, Butterfree and Pidgeotto appeared, both of their eyes widening at seeing their state.
"Pidgeotto fly and help Yellow to the other side." Austin ordered as she was small enough to be carried by her. "Butterfree use Confusion to help Misty. Then come back to us."
A little hesitant to leave their trainer, the two obeyed as Pidgeotto flew behind Yellow and softly used her talons to grab the back of her dress as Butterfree's eyes began to glow allowing him to pick Misty up.
"Brock do you think you can climb up?" Austin asked the strain was now more noticeable in his tone.
"Just give me a few seconds." Brock said as Pidgeotto dropped Yellow off on the edge before she flew back while Butterfree managed to make it with Misty.
Brock slowly climbed up to get a hold of the bridge to try to take the strain off of Austin without causing him to let go.
"Chu." Pikachu said from Austin's vest before everyone's eyes widened when the rope Austin was hanging onto snapped causing them to begin falling.
They only had a chance to let out a short scream when Butterfree focused to catch both of them in Confusion, but the strain of holding all of them was very noticeable in his eyes.
The bug wasn't giving up though.
Pidgeotto flew in and grabbed Austin by his backpack, allowing Butterfree to focus more on Brock to make the strain manageable.
From there on it didn't take to long for everyone to get to the other side as Butterfree and Pidgeotto collapsed from exhaustion.
"T-That was close." Misty said her heart still beating from fear.
"I'll say." Brock said shaken up from how they nearly fell.
"Ash are you alright?" Yellow called out as Austin was hugging himself his Acrophobia was stronger than before now.
"J-Just give me a few moments." Austin said before looking at his two Pokemon. "Butterfree, Pidgeotto thank you both."
"Fweh." Butterfree flew up despite the exhaustion as Pidgeotto calmly walked over, both were worried for how their trainer was acting.
"Get some rest, you both earned it." Austin said returning the two.
"How come you never said you were scared of heights?" Brock asked after Butterfree and Pidgeotto were returned.
"It never really came up." Austin answered taking a few deep breaths, as his heart was still hammering against his ribs.
That was when Austin saw a hand in front of him and he looked up to see Yellow offering to help him up.
Giving a slight smile, Austin accepted and was pulled up a bit. "Thanks." He said as Pikachu jumped back on his shoulder.
"It's no problem." Yellow said still looking worried.
"That was close." Ash said remembering how Brock was the one to fall the last time.
"Well we should get going." Austin said brushing his jeans clean of dirt.
"You sure you don't want to take a rest?" Misty asked in surprise.
"I'm fine." Austin said, most likely telling himself that rather than it being true.
Thankfully, no one disagreed, although they shot some concerned looks back at him as he was behind the group instead of leading it for once.
Brock however let the girls go ahead before he spoke up. "Ash, thanks for catching me." He said causing the boy to blink.
"I might've been afraid, but I didn't want to lose a friend by not acting." Austin said a little quietly as the truth of that statement hit him.
They were his friends and he was lying about who he was.
And what's more, if he and Ash ever found out how this happened and reversed it, Austin would be going home, never seeing them again.
"Chu." Pikachu smiled as he remembered how Austin acted when they were attacked by the Spearow flock despite him being scared.
Austin quickly looked down to have his hat hide the tears forming in his eyes as Brock continued. "Yeah but it just wasn't me you saved, my brothers and sisters would've been heartbroken if I died." He said having a solemn look. "After everything that happened when Mom passed away and Dad disappeared before he came back, I didn't want to add to their pain."
"Brock, I'm pretty sure that wouldn't have killed you." Austin said as he quickly wiped his eyes. "You just seem to be one of the types to be too stubborn to die."
"Pika Pi!" Pikachu gave a nod in agreement.
On hearing that, Brock gave a short chuckle. "Thanks." He said before pausing. "You know, you talk like you're older than you should be sometimes."
Austin felt his eyes widen as Brock was lost in thought. "Well, I-."
A loud scream cut them off as they looked ahead to see both Misty and Yellow disappear into the ground.
Both of them ran forward, Pikachu jumping off of his shoulder as they made it to the hole. "Are you two alright?" Brock called into the hole as they saw both girls with pained expressions.
"I'm fine." Yellow said pushing herself up as she righted her straw hat.
Misty however was annoyed. "What's a trap doing here?!"
"This is not our day is it?" Austin asked Pikachu who gave a nod.
"Just get us out." Misty said with both of them reaching in to grab the two.
"We must be getting close to the village." Ash commented as he could remember the traps.
'Okay… What happened after the pitfall?' Austin asked trying to remember as they continued through the forest.
"It's been awhile for me, I can't remember every detail of my journey." Ash said with a shrug as Austin blinked.
Something about how Ash said that sentence sounded like something he would say-.
There was a cracking noise as Misty's foot caught a tree root before a net sprung from underneath them and all four of them were tied together in the net.
"Wha, how did we get in a tree?!" Yellow asked in shock from the speed they were pulled up.
"It's another trap, do something." Misty said as Austin was feeling like a sardine right now.
"Wow, that looks more uncomfortable than when I was in there." Ash commented as seeing this made him remember the last time it happened.
"Hang on, I'm going to try to get this untied." Austin said as he was refusing to look down again and went to move his hands, but they brushed up against something soft.
"Eep." Yellow's face was crimson red right now as she felt something grab her butt.
"Sorry!" Austin said embarrassed as he wasn't trying to do that, but his hands were stuck there with how everyone was.
"Hang on, I'm going to see if wiggling will get it open." Brock said as he tried to move around in the net, but his foot kicked Austin's chest. "Sorry Ash!"
"Ow, watch it!"
"Pika Pi!" Pikachu was trying to be peacekeeper as he somehow ended up on Misty's head before they heard a soft growl causing them to look down, Austin paling a bit as he saw how high they were.
Thankfully it was more manageable than when they were on the bridge.
The Bulbasaur from earlier was looking up at them with a satisfied smirk before he walked backwards and turned away, disappearing into the woods.
"Man if I could just reach Scyther's Pokeball we would have no trouble." Austin muttered as his hands were stuck. "Pikachu can you get to it?"
"Pika." Pikachu shook his head as he was too far away and the Pokeballs were out of sight, underneath of Austin.
"None of us can reach our Pokeballs." Misty said as Yellow was attempting to move in order to free Austin's hands, trying to get her face to return to the normal color, but her foot went through one part of the net and she landed right on Austin's back, their faces next to each other.
Needless to say, Yellow was too embarrassed to speak as she was now stuck.
"Pikachu, what about using Iron Tail-?" Austin began only for Brock to intervene.
"Bad idea, with all of us bunched up together, someone would get injured by that." Brock told him as they all sighed.
"Look's like we're stuck up here until whoever put this trap here comes along." Austin said wondering how long it took for the girl in the Village to find them.
"I hope it isn't Team Rocket." Yellow muttered.
It was a bit as they waited, Austin felt his arm go numb from the lack of movement as everyone was uncomfortable and were getting impatient, especially when they saw the sun beginning to set.
"Gah, how long do we have to wait?!" Misty finally yelled before they heard a voice.
"Hello?" They looked down to see a blue haired young woman wearing a pink shirt and red overalls, her hair was tied into a ponytail with a yellow bow.
Brock's eyes went wide as he began to speak. "Hello gorgeous-." He was cut off by Misty kicking him in the face.
"Don't even think about it!" She snapped, not wanting him to scare off what could be their only chance to get down.
The girl looked confused, but she was wary as she looked at them. "What is your business here?"
"We're just passing through." Austin spoke up quickly, wanting to get out of the tree. "We're trying to head to Vermillion City."
"Vermillion City is that way a few days away." The girl said pointing in a different direction from where they were going.
"I knew you didn't know where you were going!" Misty shouted at Austin who wanted to glare at her.
"I didn't see you knowing where we were." He muttered before shaking his head. "Thank you, uh… Can you please cut us down, we've been up here for awhile."
The girl still looked wary before she gave a nod and undid the rope, causing them to fall to the ground with a surprised yelp.
"Talk about a letdown." Brock muttered in pain as Misty jumped up and began to stretch, happy to be out of the net.
Austin blinked as Yellow wasn't getting off of him. "Yellow?" He began only to see that she fell asleep.
'When did she fall asleep?' Austin asked in confusion as he gave a sigh and shifted a bit to where he didn't wake her as he was able to pull himself up.
"Thank you." Misty said, feeling a lot calmer now that they were free.
"Chu Pika!" Pikachu agreed jumping off of Misty's head and landing back on Austin's shoulder as he grinned and rubbed his head.
"It was no problem." The girl said before giving a nod. "I'm Melanie."
"Nice to meet you, I'm Ash." Austin said holding out a hand as Melanie cautiously took it. 'Wow, she's a lot more cautious than I remember.' "This is Misty, Brock and Yellow."
Melanie looked at each person who gave a wave as the names were said, her lips twitched at the sight of Yellow sleeping before she looked at them.
"Did any of you… Attempt to catch any Pokemon here?" She asked looking at them.
"There was an Oddish down that way that I tried." Misty said in confusion. "But a Bulbasaur knocked my Starmie out."
"I would like to ask that you don't catch any Pokemon here, this forest is a sanctuary for injured Pokemon." Melanie said causing Brock to blink.
"Wait so that Bulbasaur was yours?"
"No, Bulbasaur was a Pokemon I found and nursed to health, since then he took it upon himself to defend the Pokemon in this place." Melanie said causing what really happened to sink in with the group as Misty looked guilty about what happened. "So please don't catch any Pokemon while you're in these woods."
"We won't." Austin said with a nod.
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Yellow woke up a bit after that and after explaining it to her, the group set up camp in the woods as the Melanie Girl was with them.
Austin knew that the 'sanctuary' that she had should be nearby but it made more sense that Melanie didn't trust them enough to show them the sanctuary.
"So you're like a doctor?" Yellow asked giving a yawn as she stretched her arms.
"Oh no, I'm not qualified to be a Doctor." Melanie said looking bashful, but she had a small smile. "I just try to do my best to take care of injured Pokemon here."
"Wow, you must have learned a lot doing so." Brock said as he gazed at Melanie in a mixture of admiration and curiosity.
"I have but I still have so much more to learn." Melanie said to that.
"I hear ya, I'm travelling to be a Pokemon Breeder." Brock said catching her attention.
"Have you learned much?" Melanie asked curiously.
"A lot in this past month than I have in years." Brock said giving a chuckle before Zubat let herself out with a yawning shriek. "I take it you're hungry?"
Zubat shrieked in confirmation as she latched onto his pant leg with her small hooks and climbed up to his shoulder.
Austin gave a smile as he saw that Brock is a lot closer to his Zubat than he was in the Anime.
Melanie took note of that. "How long has that Zubat been with you?"
"For a month." Brock said rubbing Zubat's head as he pulled some Pokemon food out of his bag and began feeding her as she nibbled on it.
"And you're already that close?" Melanie asked in surprise.
"Brock has a way with befriending Pokemon." Austin said with some laughter as Pikachu gave a cry and jumped off of his shoulder. "Should we let the other's out to eat?"
"Just give me a moment to prepare the Pokemon food." Brock said as he reached into his bag.
As Brock said that, everyone began doing some small chores to help Brock as Melanie watched them talk to each other while doing so.
These four were a lot different from the trainers she's seen when she set the traps.
Those trainers tried to do anything to get the Pokemon, but these four haven't even made an attempt when she told them what the place was.
Unknown to all of them, Bulbasaur was watching the group warily, ready to spring out if Melanie needed it.
"Okay come on out!" Austin said sending all of his Pokemon out, the others following his example.
The area was even big enough to allow Onix to come out as they all gave cries of greeting, or in Fearow's case glare.
"Wow, all of them look amazing." Melanie said as she saw some Pokemon she never seen in person before with them. "You must take really good care of them."
Yellow gave a smile. "We always do." She said as Dody and Clefy ran up to her while she held Kitty.
"Melanie, didn't you say that you collect plants in this forest to use as medicine?" Brock asked as the girl gave a nod.
"We don't really have the best of medicine, so we use what we can get." Melanie said giving a soft smile.
"You really love taking care of Pokemon don't you?" Yellow asked curiously.
"She does." Brock said with a smile, one that Misty noticed.
"Well it looks like Brock may have something else on his mind." She teased causing his face to go red and he quickly reached out and covered her mouth.
"Be quiet, she might hear you!" Brock hissed in embarrassment causing Austin to chuckle while Zubat looked a bit irked.
Melanie looked at the spectacle curiously as she didn't exactly hear what Misty said before they saw Fearow leave the group, heading into the woods.
"Fearow." Austin said as the bird ignored him.
"Did something happen to your Fearow?" Melanie asked curiously.
"Fearow was the first Pokemon to join my journey after Pikachu, but I haven't bonded with him as much when he was a Spearow like I did with everyone else." Austin explained to her. "I've been trying to correct that."
With that said, Austin stood up.
"I'll be right back." He said as Pikachu looked worried and attempted to follow him. "Pikachu, please stay with the group."
"Chu." Pikachu said as Austin walked into the woods, after Fearow before looking determined and running after him.
Seeing that, Bulbasaur made to follow, in order to make sure that Austin wouldn't attempt to catch any Pokemon out here.
"Is he alright leaving by himself?" Melanie asked seeing that.
"Ash is pretty stubborn when he wants to be." Brock said with a nod. "And Pikachu takes after him in that, so he should be okay."
"Yeah and his Pokemon seem fine with it." Misty said as the rest of Austin's team were conversing with the others, although occasionally they would take a glance towards where Austin, Pikachu and Fearow disappeared through.
Scyther had his bladed arms crossed as he stood next to Onix and Geodude, Pidgeotto and Butterfree were next to Yellow as she held Kitty along with Dody being nearby.
Raticate was giving a yawn as she was next to Staryu and Starmie.
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Fearow just stared at the night sky before hearing footsteps and he didn't need to turn to see who it was.
"Hey Fearow." Austin greeted as Fearow didn't look at him.
But he didn't attack him, so he must be making some progress.
"Row." Fearow finally mumbled as he was annoyed at the silence.
"It's a beautiful night isn't it?" Austin spoke up and this caused Fearow to glare at him. "What? It is?"
"It really is." Ash piped up with a shrug but besides that he chose to remain silent to see what exactly Austin was doing.
"Row Fear!" Fearow said in annoyance, wanting him to leave.
"Fearow… Remember when you used to land on my shoulder as a Spearow?" Austin asked and Fearow was quiet as he was confused on why he brought that up. "I was so happy whenever I let you out because you were the first one to join the team."
Fearow glanced at him as Austin sighed.
"But I was… I'm still inexperienced with Pokemon." Austin said looking down. "I thought you were happy when you weren't because I was so caught up in the adventures we've had and the people we met."
Austin stood back up and looked at Fearow.
"I want to make things right, but I don't know how." He said looking Fearow in the eyes. "Fearow, I just want another chance."
Fearow was silent as he looked at Austin before turning his head away stubbornly causing Austin's face to fall.
"Okay." Austin said looking down. "Can I at least watch the stars with you?"
When Fearow didn't answer, Austin was about to leave before he gave a small caw, as if saying that he didn't care if Austin stayed or not.
Pikachu was watching the whole thing from the bushes before sensing someone behind him and he turned to see Bulbasaur who also saw the whole thing.
"Bulb." Bulbasaur growled a bit, glaring distrustfully at Austin before Pikachu glared back at him.
"Chu! Pika Pi!" Pikachu said reprimanding him for thinking the worst of his trainer causing Bulbasaur to scoff.
True, it was hypocritical considering that Pikachu himself thought that too, but he now knew that Austin wasn't one of those humans who abuse Pokemon.
"Saur Bulba Bulb." Bulbasaur said looking at Pikachu curiously wondering how this human caused a Pokemon to be so deluded.
Pikachu's glare intensified on hearing that as his cheeks began to spark. "Chu Pikachu Pika Pi!" Pikachu said at him telling him that Austin would never hurt a Pokemon like that, not even if the Pokemon attacked him.
THAT caught Bulbasaur's attention. "Saur?"
"Pi." Pikachu gave a nod, admitting that he electrocuted his trainer when they first met and he did it more than once, but Austin didn't shout at him in anger or tried to hit him in retaliation.
Instead he risked his life for Pikachu and not just for him, but for many of the Pokemon and Humans that they met on their journey.
Bulbasaur listened with a frown, he and said that it was all Tauros Crap, no human could be that good.
That caused Pikachu to give him a look. "Chu." He said bringing up Melanie, causing Bulbasaur to recoil as if he was just slapped.
"Saur." Bulbasaur said averting his eyes, trying to say it was different but Pikachu just shook his head.
"Chu Pika." Pikachu pointed out that if there were humans like Melanie who cared for all of the injured Pokemon here then there were good humans out there.
Bulbasaur was silent before he turned to go back to watching Melanie as Pikachu gave him a look.
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"Ash has been gone for awhile." Misty said now looking worried. "Should we look for him."
"He has Pikachu with him." Brock pointed out causing her to nod. "He'll be fine."
A sound of rustling caused them to look to see an Oddish coming out causing Yellow to blink. "Misty that's the same Oddish from earlier."
Misty gave a start, wondering how Yellow even knew that before wincing as she looked at Melanie. "Will Oddish run if I try to apologize?"
"No he won't." Melanie promised before looking at Oddish. "Do you want to join us?"
Oddish looked hesitant, especially when he saw Misty and Starmie.
Bulbasaur was just coming back when he saw that and he tensed when Misty began to approach the Oddish, ready to go out and tackle her away from the weed Pokemon.
But Misty bent over. "Hey, Oddish." She said causing Bulbasaur to blink. "I want to say that I'm sorry for hurting you earlier, I must've gave you a scare when I did that."
"Oddish." Oddish agreed giving a nod.
"Melanie explained the situation to me." Misty said with a sad smile. "I promise I won't do anything like that again."
"Dish?" Oddish looked surprised by that as Misty gave a nod.
"So no hard feelings?" Misty asked and she was surprised when the Oddish jumped into her arms. "Wow, you're a friendly little guy aren't you?"
Bulbasaur was silent at seeing that.
If he didn't come back when he did, there would be no question that he would run out there and tackle the orange haired girl for holding the Oddish.
But now he saw how she was apologizing to Oddish who began to trust her implicitly.
"Saur." Bulbasaur muttered only to hear something and he turned to see the Raticate that was a member of Austin's team.
"Cate, Rati." Raticate began to converse with the Bulbasaur who decided to test his curiosity about the humans that she traveled with.
The Raticate answered his questions easily as Bulbasaur was stuck listening to some tales about the journey these four humans have been on.
It was the exact same thing that Pikachu told him, showing more credibility to how these humans acted.
Unknown to him, Melanie saw Bulbasaur interacting with the Raticate. "I've never seen Bulbasaur so relaxed around other humans or their Pokemon before." She commented bringing his presence to everyone else's attention.
"What's Bulbasaur's story?" Brock asked curiously.
Melanie was silent before she sighed. "Bulbasaur was abandoned by a cruel trainer." She said, her words catching Scyther's attention immensely. "The trainer said that he was weak after Bulbasaur was injured badly and left him without even trying to heal him."
Her fists were clenched as she said that, showing her anger towards the trainer who abandoned the Bulbasaur.
"That's terrible!" Yellow said on hearing that.
Brock's face was shadowed in anger. "That trainer deserves to lose the privilege of being one." He said before giving Bulbasaur a sorrowful look.
"But how did Bulbasaur trust you if that happened?" Misty asked in surprise. "I would think that he wouldn't trust anyone after that."
"It wasn't easy." Melanie said remembering yelling at that trainer for how he was abusing his Pokemon, but he just mocked her and left.
Despite wanting to confront him, her main worry was about Bulbasaur who was snarling at her as she tried to pick him up, he retaliated with Vine Whip causing some stinging bruises to appear on her arms, but she didn't give up.
"Bulbasaur tried everything to make me leave him alone." Melanie had a sad smile as she could remember Bulbasaur biting her fingers as she tried to change his bandages to knocking the food she attempted to give her away. "But overtime he overcame his hatred and began to trust me, since then he worked hard to keep this place safe."
Scyther was quiet as he looked at Bulbasaur in understanding.
Both of them were abandoned Pokemon, but in his case Paul never left them injured on releasing them, he did heal them before doing so.
What Bulbasaur's old trainer did was unforgivable.
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Austin returned later that evening with Fearow who landed in the clearing in order to get something to eat as everyone else was beginning to clean up.
"Any luck?" Yellow asked as he returned only for Austin to give a smile.
"It's an improvement." Austin said looking at her. "So what happened while I was gone?"
Yellow hesitated before she filled him in on what they talked about and Austin went silent.
That was something that they didn't explain in the anime and he could see from Ash's shocked face that he didn't know about that either.
But to his surprise he saw Bulbasaur talking to Raticate and Scyther made the initiative to come over to talk with the little guy as well.
'If anyone could understand him, it's Scyther.' Austin thought seeing that before he began to help with the clean-up from the dinner they had as Melanie was speaking to Brock about the different plants used to make Medicine as the Breeder was writing them down, eager to learn them.
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Nothing else really happened until the next morning when Brock was asking more questions about the healing plants and Melanie decided to show them how to make the plants.
It was interesting to say the least but Austin noticed that Yellow wasn't really paying that much attention, probably because she could heal Pokemon without that stuff.
But she did look amazed by how the medicine was made.
"This is really useful to know." Austin said as he began to write some stuff down for himself.
It wouldn't do to not be able to heal his Pokemon if there was no Pokemon Center and he was separated from everyone else.
"So Ash, what are you doing on your journey?" Melanie asked curiously as Brock was attempting to make some of the medicine.
"I'm going to try for the Indigo League." Austin said with a strained smile at someone else who is calling him Ash, he briefly wondered if he could get them to call him Austin as a nickname but he didn't know how to do it without being suspicious.
"That's quite a goal." Melanie said in surprise. "You think you'll be ready when the time comes?"
"I'll never know unless I get there." Austin said as he began to rub Pikachu's head as the guy was on his shoulder right now. "But I believe that my friends will get far."
As he said that he looked at the team who gave cries of confirmation.
"You have some loyal Pokemon." Melanie said looking like she was thinking on something. "And you treat them as friends rather than animals."
"Well of course." Austin said blinking at her.
"Ash, what do you think about taking Bulbasaur with you?"
Her question was heard by everyone as they looked at her in surprise, none more so than Bulbasaur himself.
"W-What?" Austin asked not expecting that, truthfully he wasn't sure if he would even get Bulbasaur considering how Team Rocket hasn't attacked the Hidden Village that Melanie stay's in.
Melanie calmly picked Bulbasaur up with a smile. "Bulbasaur has always stayed here to protect the weaker Pokemon." She explained to the surprised group. "But this village is too small, the bulb on his back won't grow, he needs to go out into the world now and I can tell from looking at your team that you'll take good care of him."
"I-... I would but I have six Pokemon." Austin said looking at the team who has been with him for this journey. "If I take Bulbasaur, one of them will be going back to Prof. Oak's lab."
"Pi." Pikachu said at hearing that as he looked at the whole team who looked down, knowing that by the end of this discussion, one of them would be going back.
Austin was at a loss as he wasn't sure who to pick.
If he chose Fearow that could cause more distrust between them, Butterfree has a limited time before the Mating Season, Scyther just joined the team so it wouldn't be fair to have him go and Pikachu doesn't have his Pokeball so he wouldn't go.
That left the choice between Raticate and Pidgeotto.
He looked at Ash who shook his head. "The choice is yours in this situation." He said but he had a look of understanding in what Austin was thinking. "It's never easy trying to decide who to keep with you."
A cry caused Austin to look down to see Pidgeotto walking up as she gave a nod to Bulbasaur who looked curious.
"Pidgeotto… Are you volunteering to go?" Austin asked not sure what to make of this as Pidgeotto gave a small nod. "Are you sure?"
"To." Pidgeotto cried out as she did a small motion with her wings.
Austin gave a nod as he looked at Bulbasaur. "Do you want to come with us?"
Bulbasaur looked at Austin warily before see Pikachu, Raticate and Scyther were waiting for his answer and he gave a smirk, jumping out of Melanie's arms to land on the ground, pawing at it.
"I think Bulbasaur wants to battle you first." Brock observed after being silent for the whole conversation. "But what about this village?"
"Yeah." Misty said giving a nod. "Who will protect it?"
"It's true that Bulbasaur has done a great job, but none of these Pokemon should remain here forever and ever." Melanie said sadly. "After they recover they should leave but it's too safe here so none of them return to the outside world."
"I can see why." Yellow said with a nod.
Austin also gave a nod before looking at Pidgeotto. "You want to battle one last time before heading to Prof. Oak for your break?"
Pidgeotto gave a nod as Bulbasaur got ready.
Pikachu had a look of disappointment as he wanted to battle, but relented as Pidgeotto wouldn't be traveling with them as much after this one.
The others stood off to the side to watch the fight as both Pidgeotto and Bulbasaur were staring each other down.
"Quick Attack!" Austin ordered quickly as Pidgeotto responded while Bulbasaur countered with Vine Whip to get her to back off as she was trying to get a clear shot in. "Double Team."
Bulbasaur narrowed his eyes at the numerous copies as one of them slammed into him causing him to roll on the ground before it happened again.
Having enough, he sent a barrage of leaves out, destroying the copies before seeing the real one dodge, allowing him to slam a Vine Whip into her causing Pidgeotto to hit the ground where he tackled her.
"Pidgeotto, you alright?" Austin called out as Pidgeotto quickly stood up, down but not out. "Twister!"
The wind from the Dragon Type move blew Bulbasaur off his feet as a Vine Whip shout out and wrapped around a tree, allowing himself to land on the floor as he made his way through the wind before another Quick Attack slammed into him and he was sent bulb first into the tree, stunning him.
Deciding that was enough, Austin threw an empty Pokeball as Bulbasaur was sucked in.
The ball began to wiggle as everyone watched with baited breath before finally, it stopped with the small 'Ding' sound showing that it was successfully captured.
Austin quickly took the Pokedex out and hit a certain button to delay the transfer mechanic and switched it to Pidgeotto's Pokeball, but not before he looked at the bird.
"Pidgeotto, thank you for the great battle." He said to the bird who gave a small cry as she puffed her chest out in pride. "I'll call Prof. Oak next chance I get to see how you're doing."
Pidgeotto gave a nod as the other Pokemon ran to her to say their good-byes, knowing that they had limited time before she had to go.
Fearow was silent seeing that but his eyes met Pidgeotto's and he gave a small, curt nod with her returning it before she was returned.
No sooner did she return did the ball glow and disappear.
Austin stared at where it was for a few seconds remembering how Pidgeotto was with him since his first week in this world and now she wasn't at the moment.
"Hey you'll see her again." Ash said knowing what he was thinking as Austin gave a small smile.
Yeah, he would.
And whenever he trained near a Pokemon Center, he would swap with Prof. Oak to ensure that every Pokemon he does have at the moment as well as new ones who would join would get a chance to train, bond and battle.
0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0
"Have a safe trip." Melanie said as they were all standing at the edge of the forest, Bulbasaur was out at the moment to say goodbye to the girl who healed him.
"I promise to make sure Bulbasaur is happy with us." Austin said with a smile as Melanie got to one knee and rubbed the Pokemon's head.
"Bulbasaur, thank you for taking good care of us."
"Bulba." Bulbasaur said sadly.
"Well Melanie, since Bulbasaur is leaving I was wondering if I could stay and help out." Brock offered with a small blush on his face.
"It's kind of you to offer, but we'll be okay." Melanie said giving a smile. "I wouldn't want to keep you from your wonderful adventures."
"Oh, I guess you're right." Brock said awkwardly as Misty sniggered.
With that said, they continued on their way, walking on the path that would hopefully lead to Vermillion City-.
"Dish!"
The four trainers, Pikachu and Bulbasaur turned to see Oddish running towards them, coming to a stop at Misty as he had a hopeful look in his eyes.
"Dish Odd!" Oddish jumped into her arms causing Misty to look surprised.
"Well what do you know, Oddish wants to come with you." Austin said hiding the surprise on his face as this was another thing that was different.
"R-Really?" Misty asked as the Oddish gave a nod.
"Congrats Misty." Brock said with a smile as Oddish was happy to be in her arms.
"Bulba." Bulbasaur had a smile of his own that even though he was leaving the village, at least there was someone he knew close by as he watched Misty hold out a Pokeball that Oddish went into.
To Be Continued…
Things are heating up in this story right now. More is shown about Austin with his 'Acrophobia' and he catches Bulbasaur after having Pidgeotto volunteer to head back to the Pokemon Ranch.
Not only that but Oddish went with Misty, something I think should've happened in the Anime from how Misty interacted with the weed Pokemon.
Yes I did show a bit more of Bulbasaur's past that wasn't explained on and I plan to show the trainer very soon.
Originally I was going to have Bulbasaur be at the Lab, but I figured that with his shaky trust in humans that would just make it a bit worse at the moment.
Oh and I know some people are going to complain about the accidental groping while they were in the net, considering the ages at the moment.
I find it a bit more realistic that if four kids went on a journey together, accidents like that would happen, it doesn't mean anything would be coming out of it, no one will be dating for awhile in this story.
Anywho, time to answer some Reviews.
Nightmaster000: So true, it's like book smarts versus street smarts. All the reading in the world can't prepare you for what is out there. But if it's a prestigious school it probably does have some results, those students were only beginners that were shown.
Speedking535: They will eventually and as for Togepi, I'm not to sure, I think it was an important part of character development for Misty when she had Togepi.
Galeforte: Thank you for the combo as well as saying how the last chapter was good. Now for your questions. 1) Yes I have, I've been meaning to get back to you on them. 2) Possibly. 3) You shall see. 4) Yes. 5) Possibly. 6) Maybe.
Marshman101: Yup, I'm glad you liked this chapter.
Coldblue: Thank you, writing their development and interactions is the most challenging thing to the story in my opinion as they are great characters by themselves, but it also makes it the most rewarding if I can get them right. As for the battle with Giselle, I figured having it be a three-on-three would have more of an impact than the one-on-one from the Anime. Well that's true, I will show a more positive memory later on for Ash to see. Writing Fearow's character was pretty fun with him being disobedient but also showing that deep down he does care, we're almost at the end of his disobedience though. The dynamic was by far the best thing to type about with Austin/Ash and their team.
Now for your Questions. 1) Maybe after the Squirtle Squad Episode. 2) She's close, but not there yet. 3) I will neither confirm or deny that one, I plan to keep some secrets until they're revealed. 4) Yes. 5) Not until much later because Volt Tackle to me is like the Electric Variation to Hyper Beam, so Pikachu would need a lot of experience before he could even think about using it. 6) Maybe in Vermillion City. 7) You make a good point, I'll have that in it. 8) When they're strong enough to handle the strain of power from that move. 9) Maybe, but Kitty will be evolving again soon. 10) Maybe… Maybe not. 11) Yes. 12) I'll try to, sorry about the delays on them. 13) Maybe. 14) Yes. 15) I love writing it, I have a prologue (2 pages) and four chapters (9-10 pages each) done on the draft, as for what it's about, I'll reveal that when I publish it. 16) I'll try to include that after the Squirtle Squad chapter and keep them coming, sorry about that.
Foxchick1: Don't worry I planned on that to happen.
Something dictionary related: Which 'witch' are you talking about, I'm still getting back into the original Pokemon series after a long time so my memory is a little fuzzy on that one. Yes Ash can go into other areas, but only at certain distances away from Austin.
OblivionWings: Thank you, it means a lot that people liked the SI OC fic going on, like many of my other stories I never thought this one would be popular.
Shadowjumper7: Yes he will learn a lot of those moves, and I'll look into that story when I have the time, thank you.
Ultima-Owner: It really does, doesn't it?
The Richmaster: Yeah it did seem a bit flukish, but that was why I had this story show the battles to be better. 1) Possibly. 2) The reason why Zubat didn't come out when Brock was talking about Giselle was because he wasn't really flirting with her at the time. 3) Yes, yes it is. 3.1) Agreed. 4) I may have that, thanks. 5) Thank you, I feel that typing the battles are getting easier with more experience, but I also need to make sure that it's not too repetitive as I go on.
UT Midnight Sky: (This is going to be my advice for anyone else who has questions about typing and how to plan stories) Just do what you feel like doing. I usually make stuff up as I go along, that's not to say that I don't think ahead on some parts because I imagine a lot of stuff in my head while thinking on it and the novel I mentioned is actually a few years in the making with planning it.
However if I try to plan it I can get really stuck at times which is why I don't plan on some points, I just type and it comes a lot easier. But that's for me so I don't know if it'll work for you. That being said welcome to Fanfiction and I hope to read the stories you type. Don't be afraid to do what you want while typing because the only way you'll learn is by doing, I've been at this for two or three years now and I still only scratched the surface of typing stories.
Now there is one thing you should know but I'm pretty sure you already do know about it. You can't really please everyone, eventually you'll get a review from someone who doesn't like your stories, it sucks but you'll also get reviews from people encouraging you to do everything. And it's you typing the story not them so do what YOU want with it and don't let any reviewers try to put you on one direction you don't feel like going.
Good luck and I eagerly wait to read your story.
True Master: Yes.
Ranmaleopard: Thank you.
Klutzybear: Haha yeah, I've had moments like that, I'm happy that you're enjoying this story and I hope that you will continue to do so.
Matt: I'll do that.
Great Saiyaman54: Yes they will but most likely not in the Kanto Arc as I want to expand on their character development before they do evolve and Austin will tame Charizard.
Guest9: Sorry for the wait.
Austin's Pokemon Team
Pikachu (M) Ability: Static. Moves: Thundershock, Growl, Tail Whip, Quick Attack Iron Tail, Electro-Ball, Thunderbolt, Agility, Brick Break and Dig.
*Combo* Ion Tail (Iron Tail and Electro Ball), Sword Strike (Iron Tail and Quick Attack), Electric Impact (Thunderbolt and Quick Attack), Burrow (Dig and Quick Attack) and Counter-Shield (Electric-Style)
Fearow (M) Ability: Keen Eye. Moves: Peck, Leer, Focus Energy, Fury Attack, Aerial Ace, Steel Wing, Mirror Move, Assurance and Agility.
*Combo* Aerial Wing (Aerial Ace and Steel Wing)
Raticate (F) Ability: Guts. Moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Quick Attack, Focus Energy, Iron Tail, Dig, Hyper Fang, Sucker Punch, Attract, Thunderbolt *Not Learned Yet*.
*Combo* Sword Strike (Iron Tail and Quick Attack), Burrow (Dig and Quick Attack)
Butterfree (M) Ability: Tinted Lens. Moves: Tackle, String Shot, Bug Bite, Harden, Confusion, Poison Powder, Sleep Powder, Stun Spore, Gust and Psybeam.
Scyther (M) Ability: Technician. Moves: Wing Attack, Quick Attack, Slash, Brick Break, Aerial Ace, Agility, Fury Cutter and Razor Wind.
Bulbasaur (M) Ability: Overgrow. Moves: Tackle, Vine Whip and Razor Leaf.
Pokemon at Prof. Oak's.
Pidgeotto (F) Ability: Tangled Feet. Moves: Tackle, Sand Attack, Gust, Quick Attack, Steel Wing, Twister, Aerial Ace and Double Team.
*Combo* Aerial Wing (Aerial Ace and Steel Wing)
Pokemon used to Own.
Weedle (F) *Given to Yellow in Chapter 04: Viridian Forest Part 2*
Caterpie/Metapod *Evolved in Chapter 05: Pewter Showdown* *Evolved in the same Chapter from Metapod*
Spearow *Evolved in Chapter 07: Challenge of the Nugget Bridge*
Rattata *Evolved in Chapter 09: The Sensational Gym Battle*
Pokemon Seen: 47
Pokemon Owned: 12
Badges Obtained: Boulder Badge and Cascade Badge.
Yellow's Pokemon Team.
Kakuna (Kitty) (F) Ability: Shed Skin. Moves: Poison Sting, String Shot and Harden.
*Combo* Poison String (Poison Sting and String Shot)
Doduo (Dody) (M) Ability: Run Away Moves: Growl, Peck, Quick Attack, Fury Attack, Rage, Pursuit and Aerial Ace.
Clefairy (Clefy) (M) Ability: Magic Guard. Moves: Pound, Growl, Sing, Disarming Voice, Magical Leaf, Double Slap, Defense Curl, Wake-Up Slap, Metronome and Heal Pulse.
Pokemon Used to Own.
Weedle *Evolved in Chapter 10: The Unofficial Gym*
Brock's Pokemon Team.
Onix (M) Ability: Rock Head. Moves: Bind, Tackle, Harden, Mud Sport, Curse, Rock Throw, Rock Tomb and Rage.
Geodude (M) Ability: Sand Veil Moves: Defense Curl, Tackle, Mud Sport, Rock Polish, Rollout, Rock Tomb and Magnitude.
Zubat (F) Ability: Infiltrator. Moves: Leech Life, Supersonic, Astonish, Bite, Wing Attack, Confuse Ray and Air Cutter.
Misty's Pokemon Team.
Staryu (M) Ability: Natural Cure Moves: Rapid Spin, Water Gun, Water Pulse, Swift and Scald.
Starmie (F) Ability: Analytic. Moves: Psyshock, Power Gem, Thunderbolt and Signal Beam.
Oddish (M) Ability: Chlorophyll. Moves: Unknown.
Alright the last update for this year… Man this year flew by so damn fast.
I hope everyone enjoys their holiday and Happy 2016 to everyone out there!
Spidey Signing Out!
