Ash waited in the lobby. Pacing back and forth. The assistant medic who passed by shot him an exasperated look. Did he bother them? No. He was doing his own business which is... waiting. It's not his fault kay? He's getting antsy. He was alone here, after the Men in uniform done asking him questions. Steven isn't though, he was still detained in the Office they borrowed from Nurse Joy, but he told Ash to wait in the lobby.
Things happened so fast, he gets whiplash. What is supposed to be easy going trekking through the tunnel, and maybe get lost along the way, suddenly become a rescue mission straight from a movie. And the Team Rocket they faced this time... they are strong. And dangerous. More than those Trio he encounters at Viridian.
Even with Steven diverting all attention, Ash still got caught up by one grunt with that blasted Houndoom of his. That pokemon took out Pidgeotto and Butterfree like it was nothing and knock Pikachu out... or maybe not. Pikachu was fine. He must be pretending to be fainted and planning a surprise attack.
At least Ash managed to unlock the cage bar and free the hostages, but only some. He was just done unlocking the Sandshrew cage when he was ambushed from behind. Startling the Pokemon into running away... except for this pretty one who took the brunt for him, which buy Ash enough time to command his Pokemon... even if it was futile.
(Note to self: Teach his Pokemon a lesson in dodging. Powerful attack is useless if it didn't connect)
At least Ash managed to shield the Ground-type into safety before the grunt subdues him.
Still, that Shiny Sandshrew was badly injured, but the medic should be able to help... hopefully. There are so many Pokemon who need medical attention.
Something cold pressed to his neck.
"HIIIIEEEEE!" Ash jumped in surprise, tripped over his leg, and fell over like an idiot. Ouchie... that's hurt. That hurt more than when Pikachu shocks him.
"Pika!"
And Pikachu landed on his face, kicking his mouth and nose before jumped off to his shoulder. Messing with Ash's hat in the process. Once Ash lifted the hat, he shot a glare at Brock. The Gym leader didn't look guilty... much. In fact, he was chuckling. On one hand, he was carrying a cold soda can, and on other hand, a tray contains Pokeballs.
"Your Pokeballs." He said, handing over the tray. "And here, free drink."
"Thanks." Ash accepts them. The static when Pikachu ribbed against his head was a welcome feeling. Comfortable, even, but it was not... hhh...
He sighed for the nth time today.
"Don't worry. They'll be fine."
Huh?
"Those Pokemon are in good hands." Continue Brock. "Nurse Joy knows what she does. She's used to taking care of a large number of Pokemon at the same time. Plus, she was helped by G-Man Nurse Joy and the Viridian City Nurse Joy arrived half an hour ago. The Pokemon Rangers are doing their best to help to make temporary shelter until the Mt. Moon is deemed safe. Those Pokemons will be fine soon. You can rest assured."
Ash blinked. "Are you psychic?"
Brock grinned. "Nope. You just easy to read." He replied. "Though, really, you don't have anything to worry about. Your friend? He'll be fine. He just needs to answer some questions."
"Yeah..." Hopefully. Probably. Lance was there. He and Steven are good friends, aren't they? Steven will be fine.
Doesn't stop Ash from feeling like a deadweight. Steven tasked him with one thing, one IMPORTANT thing, trust him to do it, and Ash failed. It was very fortunate that the grunt focused on him and not the Pokemon. He could have ordered that Houndoom attack Ash's Pokemon or others, but choose not to. Imagine if he had! That would be even worse! It was truly fortunate he didn't.
"Hmm... you know," Brock spoke up. "What do you know about grooming?"
"Isn't that the same as bathing?" Ash asks dryly. Why is he suddenly talk about grooming?
"No, no, I mean Pokemon grooming." Uhh... "It is like Art of Taking Care of Pokemon. Pokemon can groom themselves, but I think it's better if as their trainers, we helped them in it. After all, there's might be a spot they can't reach by themselves."
Huh. Ash didn't know such a thing exist. That was not... what he learn in the class. He thought taking care of Pokemon only just feeding them and making sure they get treatment. After all, Pokemon has a mind of its own. If they feel dirty they would clean themselves, right?
"Does all trainers do it?"
"Well, no. Mostly, it was breeders who do that. But what's wrong with grooming your Pokemon? It also counts as a bonding activity. The only downside was it took time, so it requires patience. Lots and lots of Patience."
Ash nodded and contemplating.
He isn't... the most patient person. He can't sit still unless he's doing something. If he has nothing to occupy time, he will get restless.
But isn't that what he's doing? Doing nothing and ended up annoying passerby?
"Right. So you're going to teach me?"
"I'd like to. But since my kit is rather limited, so I can only give you pointers." Is it just Ash or was it longing in Brock's voice? "Let's see... Pokemon comes in various sizes and kind. There's those whose body covered in fur, feather, scales, or has a hard body or being a slime. Each has a different method to take care of. You can't treat your Metapod—"
"Butterfree." Ash cut in. "He evolves back in Mt. Moon."
"...right. As I said, you can't treat Butterfree the same way you treat Pikachu. For one, Pikachu has fur while Butterfree doesn't. You can brush Pikachu's fur, but definitely, you can't brush Butterfree. That just doesn't happen." Ash nodded along. Yeah. That was common sense. "Also, you can't use just whatever kind of brush. Since Pikachu has short smooth hair, I recommend a bristle brush. That works best, I think. As for Caterpie, well, I think you can start with wiping the body carefully with a wet towel—don't worry about scales since the wing scales are waterproof, though be mindful as inhaling them can cause status effects such as paralysis. As for your third Pokemon... what is it?"
"A Pidgeotto."
"Ah, then you can use a towel, but be careful with the feathers, you don't want to accidentally pluck them off. That was a quick way to learn Drill Peck... with you as the target. Also, you may look out for the claws. I don't recommend you try and trim the claw. Trimming the claw could lead to sharpening it as well as shaving off unnecessary parts, which would help in the long run, but if and ONLY IF done right. If done wrong, you might cut into the blood vessel, which was Bad. Injury aside, your Pokemon would be furious. Pidgeotto is no Spearow or Ho-Oh forbid a Fearow, but their anger is still fearsome to witness. Leave claw trimming to professionals and stuck with cleaning the claw."
Keep sharp things away from Pidgeotto's claw. Got it.
"You might also want to look at their diet. Each Pokemon requires different calories. Some need it small, some need it massive. Example: Snorlax." Ash nodded. Snorlax is big and HEAVY. "Pokefood you can buy in stores are fine, but it might be best to slip in berries once in a while. Every pokemon has preferences. Some like it sour, spicy, sweet, dry, or bitter. Make sure you check what their preferences are."
Ash hummed. "How about Honey for Butterfree?"
"Wild Butterfree is known for drinking honey from the flower or tree sap. Giving Butterfree Honey would be a welcome treat."
"Ketchup?"
Brock raised an eyebrow. "What about Ketchup?"
Ash pointed at Pikachu. "This one once drank an entire bottle of ketchup by himself." He said.
Brock stares. "That... that I don't know." He admitted. "Some Pokemon requires unusual material like food, for example, my Geodude and Onix sometimes like to chow rocks to grow stronger and bigger. But this is the first time I heard a Pikachu drank ketchup. You might ask Professor or expert in Pokemon... or maybe Lt. Surge could tell you. He's Electric Specialist." Assuming Ash passed the test... "Though since Ketchup is sour, Pikachu must have a preference for sour food."
Pikachu let out a cheerful "Pika!" in confirmation.
Gotcha, Ash thought, time to crack the Book about Berries. Maybe he could learn about their taste. Speak of learning, "You know a lot."
"Thanks." Brock smiled. "I've always wanted to be a Breeder."
"Breeder?" Ash has an imaginary spot of Brock being a matchmaker to Pokemon. It's up and including setting up a date, tailing on said date to make sure it goes smoothly, keeping jealous other mons away, making the nest, and so on. Maybe taking care of the eggs, too. Well... he can see why Grooming is important. His mom always nagging him to get a bath and change his underwear... so embarrassing...
"If you want to be a Breeder then why you're a Gym Leader?" That... that come out harsher than Ash intended. "U-uh... I mean, don't you... well..."
"Nah, it's okay. I get it." Really? Really? He's not just saying things for sake of saying it, right? "Truth to be honest... well... I don't really want to be a Gym Leader. It was my younger brother, Forrest, who's passionate about the stuff, not me. It was supposed to be him who took over the Gym after our father retired." Huh, then why did he... "But suddenly my parents went out to and I quote "To become better Trainer". Forrest was only eight, too young to take over the job and he hasn't learned more than basic, so... yeah. I took care over the Gym in meantime."
...
...
...
Fuck. That's deep. Like, real deep.
"Sorry." Ash winces. "For the reminder."
Ash always wanted to be a Trainer, to explore the world and create the ultimate team. If, by a chance, he can't become a trainer but took another job that is Pokemon-related, like become Professor Oak's assistant... sure, he can interact with Pokemon but it... just not the same. Won't be the same.
"Oh, have no worry. My useless good-for-nothing old man had returned. Do you know he's been actually lurking around?" What. "Thanks to your friend, I finally catch him. Saying sorry and sappy promise and all that stuff."
"Uhh... congrats?" What else could he say? "Does it mean you can become Breeder?"
Brock shook his head. "Nah... Even if my old man gets home, I can't. I don't trust him. Sure, he might be a Good Gym Leader. Might, I tell you. But raising my siblings when I'm gone? Not happening. Gotta make sure he can cook without burning down the house, laundry without ripping the clothes, et cetera."
Ah. Got it. "But if you got the chance, you would go?"
"Mm-hmm. Yeah. Go and explore. Maybe learn about Pokemon Medical Care along the way."
~X~
After two days of quarantine in Pewter City, the captured Pokemon were deemed fit to be released back to the wilderness. To ensure nothing bad happened, Lance led a group consist some of the G-Men and Rangers scouring the tunnel to ensure there's no nasty surprise left behind. Once the tunnels are deemed safe, the Pokemon are released. Bigger Pokemon such as Onix and Graveler goes first, then smaller pokemon such as Geodude, Sandshrew, Sandslash, Paras, Parasect, Zubats, and Clefairy.
The Tunnel was operating again that evening, few hours after the Pokemon were released back to the wilderness.
Steven notices Ash looking around the tunnel. "What are you looking for?" He can't help but ask.
"Well..." Ash scratches his cheek. "Hoping the Pokemon are fine."
"Admirable." Praised Steven, then his voice turned to tease. "But watch out where you're going. Don't want to upset Zubats so soon, aren't we?" At the mention of Zubats, Pikachu jumped from Ash's shoulder to Steven's.
"Of course I know that!" Huffed Ash. "I'm not that stu-piiiiiiiidddd!"
"Whoa there! Easy!"
Lance caught Ash before the boy could hit the ground. "You're not stupid, alright, but you definitely are clumsy. Keeping eyes up is fine. But watch where you're stepping, too. The lights are dim here. Look, you upset this guy." He pointed at the Geodude who glaring at Ash, cursing something in Pokespeak, and shaking its fit in anger before rolling away.
"S-shut up!" Ash shouted, cheeks burning with embarrassment. "W-what are you doing here, anyway?"
Lance shrugged. "Room for one more?" He replied. More asking than answering.
Ash gawked. "You want to join?"
"Am I not allowed? I'm hurt." Seeing Ash stuttering, Lance grinned. "Just kidding. I'm sticking around, though. It has been years since I got a chance to stretch my legs."
"Well, I don't mind..." trailed Ash off. "How about you Steven?" No answer. "Steven? Hello? You're with us?"
Steven shook up from his stupor. "You!" He pointed at Lance. "What are you wearing?!"
It was not an unfounded question, seeing that Lance already changed out from his usual get-up. Gone was his usual tight leather suit with a cape. He was wearing a casual white shirt and jeans cargo pants under a black trench coat with pair of brown boots. A belt with Pokeball slots wrapped nicely around his waist, and a backpack slung across his shoulder. Hell, his hair even down, flat against his head and nearly covering his right eyes.
"I don't want to be recognized. Paparazzi are scary and annoying." Lance huffed, crossing his arms. "Shouldn't you know about it?"
"You don't wear a cape."
"No. It doesn't go with the rest of the outfit."
"You. Don't wear a cape. You."
Lance threw up his hands. "Is that too hard to accept?!"
"Yes." Deadpanned Steven. "Very much."
Because Lance is associated with Dragon and Cape. Seeing Lance without a cape is... error. Error. Does Not Compute.
"Oh come on! I have other outfits! I can wear whatever I damn pleased!" He knew he loves Capes, but it wasn't like he collects Capes and wears them on every single occasion. He only wears a cape on his duty as Champion, on the non-undercover mission, and when he's in the safety of his home. It was not his fault that most of his outfits go well with a cape, ok?
"Uh-huh."
Lance scowled. "You don't believe me, do you?"
"Who would?"
"Agh! You incorrigible!"
Ash just sweatdrops at the banters between friends. Wow. Was this how Steven felt when he and Misty bickerings back at Viridian forest? This... Ash doesn't know whether he wants to cover his ears, shout at them to shut up, whack them upside the head—wait, no, he had to jump first. Damn height difference... or maybe he could just walk away.
Just then, he felt something tugged at his pants. Looking down he found a Sandshrew. It as that green Sandshrew. The one who saved him once.
Curious, Ash crouching down. "Hi there. Are you lost?" The Sandshrew shook its head. "No? Right. You lived here. So what do you want? Oh, wait. Do they bother you?" Ash pointed at Steven and Lance who, as expected, still bickering and ignore everything else. Their voice was at normal levels, but since they were at tunnel... yeah. Surprise that no locals haven't come and make them shut up just yet.
He remembers that one time local bug in Viridian threw berries at him and Misty for being nosy. It was when they got lost after running from Beedrill.
The Sandshrew just shook its head again.
"No? Then what do you want?"
In response, Sandshrew climbs on Ash and unzipped the bag. "H-hey?!" Ignoring the human's sputtering, Sandshrew dropped into the bag. That made Ash take off the bag, worried about what Sandshrew might do with its content. "Hey, none of that." He lifts the Sandshrew and put it down. "What are you doing?"
The Pokemon scratched its head and focused on another part of the bag. This time, it was the compartment where Ash stored his spare empty Pokeballs.
"Hey wait that was—!"
Too late. The Sandhsrew already pressed the white button to enlarge a Pokeball and with another tap, it gets sucked in.
The Pokeball only shakes once before goes completely still. Signaling its success capture.
Ash just stared.
"...did that just happens?"
TBC