Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon.
UltimateCCC: He's missing a lot of things my friend. He has no proper counter against Ghost Types, for example. Thanks for the insight though. It helped me plan a recent event.
Xxx
Bulbasaur The Ambassador Pokémon!
Route 9 was a fairly long route with many strong trainers and wild Pokémon. It was the perfect place if one wanted to train or catch some new additions to their team.
For Ash and Cynthia, it was a little of both columns. Ash wanted to bond more with his Pokémon over the route while Cynthia wanted to learn more about the wild Pokémon.
"They say there's an abandoned Power Plant near the exit of Rock Tunnel." Ash told Cynthia conversationally. "We could visit there while we're in the area."
"I read about it." The blonde replied. "It's off limits to trainers under four badges due to security reasons."
"What's so big and scary in it anyway?" Ash questioned. "Other than Electric Types."
'You really think you can defeat Electric Types near large resources of electricity when two of your Pokémon are weak to said type? And you have no type advantage against it?" Cynthia questioned.
"Hm." Ash frowned in deep thought. "Good question." Cynthia resisted the urge to face palm. "Hey! I defeated Misty's Gyarados didn't I?"
"Because of Zeus's Type Advantage." Cynthia reminded. "You would've been hard pressed if you didn't have that."
"True." Ash admitted. Snivy on his shoulder rolled her eyes. Leave it to a female to set a male straight. "Snivy seems to agree." Ash commented seeing her expression.
"She's sensible." Cynthia added. "Unlike someone." The blonde commented, grinning innocently and looking away.
"What's that supposed to mean?!" Snivy resisted the urge to crack a smile at that. The blonde knew just what to do to rile Ash up. His reactions were pretty funny too.
"Moving on." Cynthia began after a small giggle. "How did your exercise go today morning?"
"I almost collapsed." Ash replied with a wince. "My left shoulder is still aching." He said, rolling it.
"I thought you learned by yesterday that Pokémon are humans are different." Cynthia scolded softly. "I'm sure Snivy would understand." The Grass Type shrugged. She herself half-expected Ash to back out of the exercise today.
"Nah." Ash flashed her his trademark grin. "Besides, I'm getting fitter." He flexed his bicep jokingly only to wince. "Okay, not so fit." Snivy shook his head at his reaction.
She jumped from his shoulder to Cynthia, realizing Ash was indeed in pain. The blonde flashed her a smile. "Thanks girl." Snivy pointedly looked away at that. Cynthia did her best to hide her disappointment.
Ash readjusted his backpack now that his shoulder was unoccupied and stared at the route. "It'll take us approximately one and a half week if we hurry."
"And if we don't?" Cynthia questioned.
"Two weeks or more." Ash answered. "Personally, I would rather spend more time on this route. It'll give me more time to bond with my team. Plus, the wild area is pretty versatile here. We can catch a new Pokémon and Snivy can settle pretty well here if she wants to leave."
"True." Cynthia replied. "A lot of Grass Types make their home in this route. Snivy will fit in just fine." She played along. The blonde did notice Snivy giving her a sideways glance at this.
"Skylar come on out!" Ash tossed her pokéball in the air. The avian came out and flew over to his shoulder. "Hey girl." Ash smiled, scratching under her beak as she nipped his ear playfully. "Go stretch your wings."
Skylar did as said, moving into the air and flying over them half-heartedly. "How long are we gonna train in Rock Tunnel?" Ash questioned Cynthia.
"About a few weeks tops." The blonde responded. "We're gonna capture Ghost Types in Lavender Town and some Pokémon in Rock Tunnel so its best we bond with our current Pokémon as much as we can."
"If I capture more than one Pokémon, it'll go straight to Professor Oak." Ash mentioned. "That'll be problematic."
"…I just realized that." The blonde responded a moment. "Our limits are about to maximize."
"Finally!" Ash exclaimed happily. "I'm not the only person clueless this time!"
"You have your moments." Cynthia commented. "Or it'll be hard to tolerate you." She joked.
"Ha ha." Ash rolled his eyes. "So funny." Cynthia lightly elbowed him.
"That's my gesture!" She complained. Ash rolled his eyes again.
"Sure." He chuckled at Cynthia's deadpan look. The blonde was about to reply when she saw a trainer approach them. "Here comes the first battle."
"Mind taking it?" Cynthia asked. "I wanna relax a bit." Ash nodded and stepped forward. The trainer stood a bit away from him and released his Pokémon, a Sandshrew.
"Hey Snivy." Ash called to his Pokémon. "Wanna fight?" The Grass Type examined the Sandshrew. Frowning, she shook her head. "Oceanus I choose you!"
Ash's Seadra came out, regarding the Ground Type with an intimidating stare. The Sandshrew shrunk a bit uncomfortably. Ash's opponent stared at the Seadra with awe.
"Where did you get him?" He asked.
"Cerulean City." Ash responded. "You have the first move."
The battle was pretty quick. While the Sandshrew was fast, Oceanus had way too much raw energy for it to handle. Cloaking his side in Smokescreen, he tackled Sandshrew back and pelted him with Bubble Beam.
His other Pokémon, a Geodude and a Rattata, both fell to Oceanus. Ash had called out Eevee for the last one, wanting her to warm up. Eevee nailed the sneaky mouse with one powerful Iron Tail.
"That was fast." Cynthia commented as the trainer walked away. Ash had offered Eevee his other shoulder, lifting her up with a wince.
"Oceanus is one monster eh?" Ash smirked. The duo continued down the route, fighting trainers and cleaving through them with ease. Cynthia got more practice with Buizel and the newly evolved Nidorino, letting the latter get more used to his form by walking besides her.
She noted that the Poison Type was pretty protective of her. He would growl now and then to scare off any Wild Pokémon around them. The blonde felt a bit guilty at the fact she didn't spend much type with him.
Eevee and Snivy were chatting, as usual. The former was the only one Snivy was that carefree with. And even then she was reserved and almost monotonous.
Skylar enjoyed the freedom granted to her by Ash and tested sharp turns and flight patterns in the air. She remembered what May had taught her in Viridian Forest and practiced incorporating them into her normal flight.
Nidorino grunted suddenly, catching Cynthia's attention. "What's up?" The blonde asked the Poison Type. Nidorino gestured with his head towards a particular area.
"Hey Ash." Cynthia spoke up quietly. "Nidorino is sensing something." Ash looked at the blonde and then at her Poison Type. The gang stopped, body tense.
They looked at the bushy area with narrowed eyes. Nidorino grunted suddenly and jumped in front of Cynthia. Two vines hit him and wrapped around him, trying to drag him towards itself.
Snivy jumped from Ash's shoulder and cut the vines with Leaf Blade. The attacker hissed and tried to hide but Snivy wasn't having it. She used Vine Whip and pulled it out.
Slamming it down into the ground, she unleashed her Leaf Storm. The attacker growled in pain as the attack battered it. Snivy was about to carry on when dizziness hit her.
She dropped to the ground, dropping on thirds to prevent from falling. The attacker, a Bulbasaur, roared and unleashed Vine Whip towards her.
"Snivy!" Ash yelled in alarm as his Grass Type was whipped and forced down. Eevee yipped and unleashed a Shadow Ball, striking a clean hit and forcing the Bulbasaur back.
He stumbled and unleashed a flurry of sharp leaves towards her. Eevee, knowing she couldn't dodge lest anyone else be hit, countered with Swift.
The two flurry of projectiles met and exploded, cancelling the other out. Snivy snarled as she got up, eyes sharpening and a green aura forming around her.
A snarl left her lips and she lunged at the Bulbasaur. The Poison/Grass Type smirked and unleashed purple powder directly in her face. Snivy coughed as it entered her system and was unable to dodge the Tackle.
She was sent sliding back but Bulbasaur wasn't done. He used Vine Whip, planning to grab Snivy.
Ash wasn't having it.
He jumped in front of Snivy and blocked the vines with his arms, wincing a bit. Eevee unleashed a Shadow Ball and hit Bulbasaur again, forcing his vines back.
Snivy struggled to get up, the poison and her weakened health forcing her back down. Suddenly, Skylar burst from above and slammed into Bulbasaur with a powerful Aerial Ace.
Bulbasaur cried out in pain as he rolled to a stop. He let out a battle cry, getting back up. Skylar shrieked angrily, preparing another Aerial Ace.
"Stop!" A voice pleaded. Skylar held her attack and hovered in the air, looking at the newcomer with sharp eyes. She was a teenage girl with brown hair done in a pigtail.
She stood in front of Bulbasaur, arms stretched wide to protect him. Nidorino almost lunged at her, his judgment clouded from the attack on Cynthia, but the blonde in question managed to placate him.
Eevee rushed to Snivy's side, nuzzling the Grass Type worriedly. Snivy stared as the scene unfolded with blurry eyes before finally collapsing. Eevee yipped in concern, getting Ash's attention.
"Snivy!" Ash quickly crouched next to her downed form and scooped her in his arms. "Hey, are you okay?" Snivy didn't respond, body shuddering.
"She's poisoned." Cynthia told him worriedly. "The Poison Powder slammed right into her. We need to treat her immediately." She glared at the Bulbasaur behind the girl. "I swear to God, if something happens to her…" Her voice wavered so she stopped and took a deep breathe.
"Cynthia." Ash began in a steady and calm voice. "It's just poisoning, relax." He had already uncapped an Antidote and poured it down Snivy's throat.
The Grass Type swallowed it, eyes tightening as the formula slid through her throat. Ash brought out a Potion and applied it to her bruises.
"Mind telling us why your Bulbasaur attacked us out of nowhere?" Cynthia questioned after calming down a bit.
"I apologize for that." Melanie replied, sounding ashamed. "He's been attacking trainers a lot. He's pretty aggressive."
"And why's that?" Ash asked, tending to the recently woken up Snivy. He offered her a Oran Berry which she took with shaky hands.
"Let me tell you from the beginning." She said. "My name's Melanie, and I and Bulbasaur belong to a small settlement of Pokémon hidden from common eyes. Come with me, I'll show you the village."
"No thanks." Cynthia replied curtly. "Your Bulbasaur gave us enough courtesy to last a lifetime." Bulbasaur growled at that making Nidorino grind his teeth in anger. She placed one hand on Nidorino, stopping him.
"Like I said, I'm sorry." She replied in a small voice.
"Apology accepted." Cynthia retorted. "Now you can leave." Ash glanced at her.
"Cynthia-" Ash began but was interrupted.
"Don't Ash." She spoke back. "I won't go to her village no matter what." She turned back to Melanie with venomous eyes. "Keep your Bulbasaur hidden from me Melanie. Or next time I won't stop Nidorino."
Melanie's eyes hardened at the warning. "Look. I admit what Bulbasaur did was unacceptable but that doesn't mean you have to act like this to us."
"Unacceptable?" Cynthia repeated incredulously. "Whatever." She turned to Nidorino. "Stay on guard. If they try something, you have free reign." She walked over to Ash. "Is she okay?"
"Guys-" Melanie tried but Nidorino growled. Bulbasaur narrowed his eyes and barked a challenge. Nidorino used Focus Energy as a warning, baring his fangs.
Skylar suddenly slammed into Bulbasaur with a full powered Sky Attack. Melanie yelped as her Grass/Poison Type was knocked out cold from the devastating attack.
She flew back and perched herself on Nidorino. That punk won't be attacking someone else anytime soon now! Melanie had half a mind to do something but she knew they were at blame.
So she quietly picked up her Bulbasaur and walked away, leaving them alone. Ash returned Snivy to her pokéball so she could rest and got up. "Let's cover up some distance and then we can rest Kay?" Cynthia wordlessly nodded.
Ash returned Skylar, offering Eevee his shoulder while Cynthia left Nidorino out. The four began their trudging, the previous friendly atmosphere replaced with awkward and uncomfortable silence.
Xxx
The duo settled after a few more battles for a late lunch and let out their Pokémon. Nidorino sat next to Cynthia, appearing to doze off but being on guard and full alert.
Eevee, Fenniken, and Zeus were playing a little bit away while Skylar was perched on a tree branch above them. Oceanus and Buizel were having a staring contest and Snivy was sitting a bit secluded from them.
"Was I a bit harsh back there?" Cynthia spoke up suddenly. Ash looked at the blonde but was unable to see her expression. The blonde had used her hair to create a curtain of sorts between her and Ash.
"Yup." Ash responded bluntly. "I know Bulbasaur attacked you but there was no reason to be so blunt." Ash added. He got up, tossing her a sandwich. "Where's Snivy?"
He saw the Grass Type a bit away, staring off into space. He walked over to his Grass Type and sat beside her, frowning when Snivy didn't even look at him.
"Hey." Ash began. "You okay?" Snivy didn't respond, looking away pointedly. "Look Snivy, how long are you gonna keep this up?" Ash asked. "You yourself saw what happened with you during the fight with Bulbasaur. How long are you gonna punish yourself?"
Snivy did look at him at that. Her brown eyes were filled with disappointment which was quickly replaced with her usual coldness and anger.
Ash and his Pokémon both stared each other, one with anger and the other with determination. "Snivy. Eat your food, okay? Don't ignore it." Ash placed her bowl in front of her.
Snivy looked at him stubbornly, refusing to even touch her food. Ash stayed there for a few moments before getting up. "Eat up girl. You'll need it if that Bulbasaur returns."
Ash walked away leaving Snivy with her food. The Grass Type glared at his retreating form before plopping down. Her anger faded away, leaving only disappointment and sadness behind.
She still remembered how Ash had taken that Vine Whip for her. She may not have mentioned it, but she saw the red mark on Ash's arms. He would definitely feel it later.
Snivy stared at her hands and then her tail. What use she was if she couldn't even defend herself? Surely sooner or later even Ash would dispatch her off. She was useless.
A disappointment. Her tough façade wouldn't work much.
She turned around and placed her head on her tail leaf, curling up. She wasn't in the mood to eat. Too much was on her mind.
"She isn't eating." Cynthia told Ash worriedly. Ash sighed and sat down, covering his face with his hands. "Ash, calm down." She got up and sat next to him.
"What do I do with her?" Ash questioned the blonde. "She isn't willing to eat. That Bulbasaur wasn't even that strong yet Snivy suffered such hits. What if someone stronger gets her?"
"Nothing will happen Ash. Don't worry." Cynthia assured him. "Let's try again."
"She isn't even willing to talk to me, let alone eat." Ash grumbled. "You try. Maybe she'll open up." Ash suggested. Cynthia nodded and got up. Nidorino got up as well but she gestured him to relax.
"I'm just there dear. Don't worry." Nidorino grumbled and settled back down, though his eyes were accurately on Cynthia. The blonde walked over to Snivy, wondering whether Nidorino was still looking at her.
She turned back and found him doing so. Sighing, she reached Snivy and sat down next to her. "Hey Snivy." The blonde began softly. Snivy didn't respond, feigning sleep. But Cynthia knew she was awake from how her eyelids had fluttered.
"I know you're awake." Snivy opened one eye at that. "What's up? Something on your mind?" The Grass Snake got up fully and sat down. Cynthia grabbed a small amount of the food in her hand and offered it to Snivy.
The Grass Type turned her away stubbornly, clearly refusing. "Okay." Cynthia said, putting it back down in the bowl. "If you don't mind me asking, why aren't you eating?"
Snivy shrugged. She didn't feel like eating. "Why did you fight Bulbasaur? He clearly didn't attack you did he?" The Grass Type shrugged again. She didn't know.
Or rather, she didn't want to reply that.
"You know, it was Nidorino's fault Bulbasaur attacked." Snivy looked at Cynthia in surprise. "He had scared one of Bulbasaur's friends with his growling. Bulbasaur saw that as a challenge and attacked him. He wouldn't even have fought you if you hadn't attacked him first."
Snivy nodded after a few moments, processing that. Cynthia grabbed a small amount and offered it to Snivy. The Grass Type looked at Cynthia with a look that said 'Really?'.
"It's obvious you care a lot about us." Cynthia chuckled. "Or else you wouldn't have jumped in the fight." Snivy shook her head vigorously. "You don't?" Cynthia asked in amusement. Snivy nodded. "Then why are you trying so hard to prove it?"
Snivy stopped and stared at Cynthia. "Learned that from Ash." She chuckled. "Eat up Snivy. C'mon now." Cynthia pleaded. Snivy sighed, giving in. She took a small amount and chewed it, feeling the taste and texture.
She swallowed it and smiled. "Nice taste right?" Cynthia questioned as Snivy began to eat directly from the bowl. "Eat up girl. Then come join Ash. He has some exercises for you."
Snivy nodded and Cynthia got up. She approached Ash who was currently supervising Eevee's and Zeus's game of tag. "What should I name Eevee?"
"I don't know." Cynthia responded. "We don't know what Eevee wants to evolve into so I'm at a blank."
"I thought of a neutral name." Ash began. "It's Selena."
"Nah." Cynthia shook her head. "Too… normal. You don't have any special name?"
"I have one." Ash carried on. "Athena, the fictional Greek Goddess of War and Intelligence."
"Aren't you leaning a little too much towards Greek Mythology?" Cynthia asked. "First Zeus, then Oceanus, and now Athena?"
"I noticed it before too." Ash answered. "That's why I wasn't suggesting it first."
"Let's try to think one based on her personality." She reminded. Ash's eyebrows furrowed in thought.
"She's cheerful and happy all the time. But if someone tries to harm someone close to her, her demeanor changes to aggressive and ferocious." Ash spoke up.
"Nice observation." Cynthia praised. "According to that, the name should be…"
"We'll think about it later." Ash eased her, getting up. Snivy had finished her food by then making Ash grin. "How did you make her eat her food?"
"Girl secrets." Cynthia winked. The Grass Snake reached Ash, handing him his bowl.
"Want more?" Ash asked. Snivy shook her head. "I noticed you had problems after activating Overgrow. You get tired too soon. The only way we can increase your endurance is through training and a rich diet. So do eat lots of food all the time."
Snivy shook her head. She didn't want to get fat! "You won't get fat, don't worry." Cynthia assured her. "You can work twice as hard and burn off any fat."
Ash stared at Cynthia. "Girl secrets." She winked again. Ash turned to Snivy. "So, the latter is done for today. Ready for exercise?" Snivy nodded.
The duo began their exercises after that.
Xxx
It turned out Bulbasaur wasn't done with them.
After a few days of normal travelling, battling trainers and training, Ash and Cynthia were searching for strong Pokémon to capture. Their pokedex said a few species were worth looking.
Snivy was on Ash's shoulder, resting contently. Over the few days, she understood that Ash wouldn't harm her out of the blue and that she really was safe. The change wasn't that much, but it was something.
Nidorino had refused to go back into his pokéball, walking besides Cynthia protectively. The blonde pondered how to make him relax. Other than that, Fenniken had finally evolved.
The fight against an opposing trainer's Geodude had done wonders for her. Even without being capable of using Iron Tail, she managed to nail some powerful Bites. Lemme give you the end scene…
"Now use Flame Charge!" Fenniken burst into motion and slammed into the unbalanced Geodude, the Boulder Pokémon jerking backwards from the hit.
"Geodude!" The trainer yelled in concern. "Use Rock Throw now!" His Boulder Pokémon tossed the chunks of earth towards Fenniken who easily dodged them due to her increased speed.
"Finish this with Bite!" Fenniken appeared behind Geodude and bit her teeth into his neck. Geodude let out a shudder of pain, all the previous damage finally knocking him.
Fenniken moved back to Cynthia's side, panting. The trainer returned his Geodude and sent out his final Pokémon, a Cloyster. "He's my Father's! Try beating him!" The trainer boasted.
"Quick Attack Fenniken." Cynthia ordered. Fenniken burst into speed and rammed into the Cloyster pretty fast. "Don't stop! Keep using Quick Attack!"
"Withdraw." The trainer drawled. Cloyster closed his shells, letting Fenniken ram uselessly into him.
"Switch into Flame Charge!" Cynthia ordered. Fenniken did as ordered, dealing small amounts of damage all the while.
"Rapid Spin!" Cloyster began to spin suddenly. Fenniken stuck him again but was bounced back. "Now Water Pulse!" Fenniken squealed in pain as the attack struck her. "Now Clamp!"
"Flame Burst Fenniken! Right into its core!" Cynthia ordered. Fenniken opened her mouth and blasted Cloyster right in its core, making it flinch. Still, he managed to clamp around Fenniken.
"Blizzard!" The trainer ordered victoriously. "End this!" Fenniken squealed as the cold stormy air began to pelt her.
"Flame Charge! Then Hypnosis!" Cynthia ordered. Fenniken brought up flames around herself, eyes locking on to Cloyster's. The shell-whatever was lulled into sleep making Cynthia grin victoriously. "Now pelt him with back to back Ember!"
"Return!" The trainer called back his Cloyster before Fenniken could move on. "But how?! Cloyster is my dad's OG team member!"
"The fault is not with him, it's with his trainer." Cynthia responded. She scratched Fenniken under her chin when it happened.
The Fire Fox was enveloped in bright white light, morphing right before the blonde. When the light died down, a Braixen stood in place of the Fenniken.
Cynthia had hugged her starter in joy.
Back to the present, Nidorino grunted suddenly. Cynthia looked at him confusedly. "Anything wrong?" Snivy tensed up and jumped off Ash's shoulder suddenly.
A pair of vines raced towards them but Snivy was quick to intercept them with her own Vine Whip. The vines tangled and Snivy was quick to pull back.
Nidorino growled and was about to unleash a Poison Sting when Snivy told him to stop. Nidorino roared aggressively but Snivy quickly told him this fight was hers.
"Bulbasaur." Cynthia muttered as the attacker showed himself. Snivy snarled at his sight and boosted up using Swords Dance.
"And he has friends too." Ash commented as a familiar sky blue turtle showed itself. "A Squirtle?" Snivy stood there, unfazed at the sight of the two starters.
Ash called out Zeus to even the odds. The four stared at each other with narrowed eyes, daring the other to make the first move.
"So we finally found you." The duo of trainers looked up and saw Melanie staring at them with a smirk. Cynthia bit her lip at her sight while Nidorino had half a mind to attack her.
"What do you want now?" Ash questioned.
"I just want to show you my hidden village, that's all." She responded.
"Nice ambassadors you have." Cynthia commented. "What else you have to force us to go there? Cause we sure as hell are not going there!" She ended with a snarl.
"Stay calm girly." Melanie snapped. "So Ash, I think," Ash nodded. "Want to visit my Hidden Village?"
"Sorry Melanie." Ash began. "But we don't trust you."
"What happened before was a misunderstanding Ash!" Melanie protested. "Cynthia herself said that Bulbasaur attacked only because your Nidorino provoked it!"
"Not his fault your Pokémon was stalking us!" The blonde argued. "And attacked is one thing. He straight on tried to kill Snivy with Poison Powder!"
"Oh God." Melanie face palmed. "How can Snivy die from Poison Powder? Bulbasaur isn't even that strong!"
"For your information, Snivy here is underweight and has recently broken out of an illegal mill where she was treated like an object! She was already shaky after the Leaf Storm and when she activates Overgrow she gets even more fragile! Combined with that, wouldn't Poison Powder kill her?!"
"…And how the hell is Bulbasaur supposed to know that?!" Melanie argued back.
"Shut up both of you!" Ash roared. The two females stopped arguing. "Phew." Ash rubbed his temples in aggravation. "Melanie's right Cynthia. How was Bulbasaur supposed to know Snivy could possibly die from the Poison Powder?"
They looked at the Kanto Starter who was looking a bit uncomfortable at the fact he had nearly killed Snivy. He uttered an apology to Snivy and stepped back, surprising the Grass Snake.
"Melanie, just answer me one thing." Ash began. "Why do you want us to visit your Hidden Village so desperately?"
"I have a pair of eggs I want to give you two." She answered. "Partly as apology for the inconvenience we gave you, and partly because they don't deserve staying contained in a village all their life."
"Okay then." Ash took a deep breathe. "We'll visit your Hidden Village." Cynthia stared at Ash in surprise. "But if you promise not to pull any tricks against us."
"I promise." Melanie swore. Ash looked at Snivy and Zeus.
"C'mon guys." He offered them his shoulder. Zeus quickly scampered up while Snivy jumped with a Vine Whip boost and landed on his other shoulder. He looked at Cynthia who was dead silent. "C'mon Cynth." He urged.
"I'm not coming." She answered stubbornly. "You go." Ash stared at her in surprise.
"Why?" Ash asked. Cynthia was about to retort when Melanie interrupted.
"It's ok." She responded sadly. "Let's go Bulbasaur and Squirtle." She turned around and began to walk away. Ash stared at Cynthia and silently pleaded but she shook her head.
Soon, Melanie and co. were out of sight. Ash took off his hat and ran his hands through his hair in aggravation. "Happy?" He asked Cynthia. Nidorino growled warningly making Ash shift to him.
"You evolved just yesterday Nidorino." Ash growled back. "But Oceanus evolved ages ago. Remember that." He grabbed his bag and began to walk away.
Cynthia quietly followed him, Nidorino thrashing his teeth in vexation. Snivy was a bit surprised at the anger Ash was showing, especially at Cynthia. Zeus tried to cheer up Ash but he wasn't having it.
The two walked like that, a very hostile air between them. Snivy and Zeus noted that it was the first time Ash was straight out angry with someone.
"It's not my fault." Cynthia said after a little while. Ash didn't respond, not even acknowledging her. "Why are you so mad Ash?" She began. "For another girl." She ended in a quiet voice.
Ash managed to hear that and turned out. "For-" He stopped and took a deep breathe. "Leave it." He turned back and quietly walked.
"Ash?" Cynthia began. "Ash!" She raised her voice. "Ash! Listen to me!" Snivy looked at Ash's face to see pure anger and gulped.
Who thought that Ash could get so angry? With Cynthia of all people?
Still, she couldn't let this barrier stay and cause any more damage. She lightly prodded Ash with her vine. "Yeah?" Snivy gestured a little to Ash. "Don't Snivy." Ash whispered back. The Grass Snake gave him a confused look. "Just leave it." Ash managed, filtering the most of his anger away.
Nidorino had enough and charged Ash with a Tackle. Snivy's eyes widened and she quickly jumped to his defense. Vines coming out, she grabbed Nidorino's hind legs and pulled them from under him.
Nidorino slammed down and growled as a powerful Overgrow and Swords Dance boosted Leaf Blade struck his neck. Snivy snarled back, daring him to attack again. Ash turned around to look at the Poison Type snarling and Snivy looking at him murderously.
He looked at Cynthia to find her looking horrified at her Pokémon's sudden attack. Ash stared at her, lower lip quivering. "What now?" He questioned. "Wouldn't your Pokémon have killed me with his poison? Should I treat you like you treated Melanie?"
He stared at the Poison Type and released Oceanus. The Oceanus understood the gravity of the situation and began to whip up a Twister. "St-stop." Cynthia stuttered. "I'm sorry."
Ash ignored her. "Sorry Cynthia, but he deserves it." Oceanus unleashed his Twister towards the downed Nidorino. Nidorino roared and unleashed a Poison Sting. The Twister easily absorbed them and swallowed Cynthia's first capture.
Nidorino growled in pain and was suddenly pelted from a Water Pulse. Oceanus used his control over the Twister and raised the Poison Type high in the air.
"Higher, higher." Ash told his Water Type. "Now drop him." Oceanus dissipated his Twister suddenly, letting Nidorino drop from a high height.
Cynthia didn't stop Ash or Oceanus. She stared at the ground with disappointment, realizing just what kind of horrible person she was. She was a hypocrite!
Nidorino slammed on the ground hard, dizzy and hurt pretty bad. Oceanus unleashed a Water Pulse that struck him again. Cynthia finally decided to return her first capture and placed the pokéball at her waist.
"Nice job." Ash returned his Water Type and sighed. "What can you say now Cynthia?" He asked.
The blonde dropped to her knees suddenly, her blonde hair hiding her face again. Ash knew that was a sign she was horribly ashamed of herself.
"It's not your fault." Ash exhaled a few times to calm himself down. "All of this mess is due to your Nidorino."
"I know." Cynthia mumbled. "Believe me or not, I'm sorry." She tried.
"I'm not the person you should apologize to." Ash replied with a leveled voice. "Snivy, you talked to Bulbasaur, right?" Ash asked his Grass Type. "Do you have the Hidden Village's address?"
Snivy nodded. "I'm going to the Hidden Village. See you later Cynthia." Ash gestured Snivy to lead the way and began to walk away. He noted Cynthia wasn't following him even when he had walked a little away.
'Someone needs to do this.' He reminded himself. 'If she's that stubborn, I'm no better.'
All the while Snivy wondered what would happen now.
Xxx
"That was a horrible decision." Ash face palmed after a while. "I left Cynthia alone on the route, decided to clean up the mess with Melanie, and now am alone with no idea where Cynthia is."
Snivy sighed. Way to go! They broke up after an argument and now Ash was already thinking of patching up!
Neat.
"Zeus, Snivy. Never make decisions in anger." He told the two. "It bites you, hard." Ash plopped down, having sent Skylar to search for Cynthia before.
Snivy jumped from his shoulder, landing down and making herself comfortable. Zeus joined her, trying to converse with her but Snivy not so politely declined.
"Thanks for saving me back then Snivy." Ash said. "Otherwise, I would've been with Mew by now." Snivy curtly nodded. After a little rest and time pass, Ash finally saw Skylar return with Cynthia in tow.
"Hi." He waved, smiling when he saw Cynthia's expression. Her eyes were red, cheeks were puffy, and she held remorse. "Wanna go now?"
Cynthia nodded. Ash got up, stretching. "It isn't that far from now. C'mon."
After two minutes of walking, they reached their destination, the Hidden Village. It was hidden pretty well with shrubbery and trees. Snivy gestured to the village.
It wasn't much, they noted. A simple cabin, most probably of Melanie, was built at one side. Another bigger one with a red plus was at its left. Adjacent to the cabins, wild Pokémon ranging from common Rattata to rare ones like Squirtle and Bulbasaur were playing etc.
Bulbasaur approached them, growling at the sight of Cynthia. Snivy outstretched a vine making him stop. "Where's Melanie?" Ash asked.
"Here." They turned and found the brunette approaching them, a smile on her face. "So you finally decided to come here." She grinned.
"Yeah. Couldn't resist your charm." Ash joked. Melanie giggled at that. She turned to Cynthia.
"Sorry for the fight before." She apologized. "I hope you forgive me." Cynthia's expression remained stony but she managed a nod.
"So, what does you village have to offer Melanie?" Ash questioned.
"Not much I'm afraid." She answered. "I built this as a sanction for abandoned Pokémon. Bulbasaur decided to join me in my goal as a caretaker. He spies on travelling trainers and if he sees a mistreated Pokémon, he attacks and if they join him, brings them here."
"I don't think any of our Pokémon are mistreated." Cynthia mumbled.
"Well," Melanie began. "Snivy does look thinner than regular Pokémon. But that's due to her past."
"She still doesn't trust anyone." Ash commented. Snivy shrugged and walked off with Bulbasaur, surprising Ash. "Except a few exceptions, I guess." He added after a few moments.
"That was one hell of a misunderstanding." Melanie added. "To sum it up, it was everyone's fault. If Nidorino wouldn't have provoked Bulbasaur, he wouldn't have attacked, just spied to see if Snivy was being treated correctly. If he hadn't attacked Nidorino, Snivy wouldn't have jumped in and get harmed."
"And we wouldn't have fought." Ash added.
"Yeah. That too." Melanie had the grace to be embarrassed. "Cynthia, do you want to come with me? I can make up for the inconvenience I caused you."
"Sure." She responded after a moment. The duo turned to Ash.
"What about you? You coming?" Melanie questioned. Ash nodded.
"Can I release my Pokémon first though? They would like to relax with new Pokémon." Ash asked. Melanie gestured an affirmative.
"I don't see any reason not to anyway." Ash and Cynthia released all of their Pokémon, except Nidorino, that is.
"Guys, we're at Melanie's village." Ash explained seeing their confused looks. "Relax and enjoy yourself. Don't fight with anyone. Okay?" They nodded and all spread around.
"Let's go now." Cynthia spoke up. Melanie nodded and the trio walked away, deciding to put any past arguments behind them.
None of them noticed the gleaming eyes spying on them.
Xxx
"This is the hidden village eh?" A voice began. "And those are its protectors?" He questioned seeing Bulbasaur, Melanie, Ash and Cynthia. "Let's see how strong they are for ourselves."
He retreated back, preparing himself.
Xxx
Cliffhanger! The ending was struggling with me so I decided to write it this way. The beginning flowed out of me like water through a river but the ending just didn't want to work with me!
Suggest nicknames for Eevee! I'm at a loss to what to name her due to not wanting to expose her future Evolution. Suggest names in the reviews, and give your reasoning on why it should be that. The winner will get a shout out!
And do you think I did Nidorino justice? I did think he was really underdeveloped as a character and wanted to begin on his character. It's inspired from Traveler's Nidoking if someone's wondering. I can't help it! The Straight Elf is such a master writer!
R&R guys! Whenever I upload a chapter, I wait impatiently for your reviews. I don't think you know how much importance reviews hold for writers, just like subscribers and comments for YouTubers. Please, review. I don't mind if its constructive criticism, praise, something you don't like etc. Just don't flame me for no apparent reason. You can if you have a valid reason but don't hate for seemingly no reason. Kay?
List of Pokémon:
Eevee: Quick Attack, Sand Attack, Shadow Ball. Dig. Iron Tail. Double Team, Swift, Bite. (Detect)
Zeus: Thunder Bolt, Nasty Plot, Thunder Wave, Iron Tail, Dig, Double Team, Feint, Nuzzle, Charge. (Volt Tackle)
Skylar: Tackle, Quick Attack, Gust, Sand Attack, Aerial Ace, Steel Wing, and Double Team. (Sky Attack)
Oceanus: Water Gun, Water Pulse, Tackle, Smokescreen, Agility, Bubble Beam, Whirlpool, Twister.
Snivy: Vine Whip, Leer, Leaf Storm, Slam, Swords Dance, and Leaf Blade. (Grassy Terrain)
Cynthia Pokémon:
Braixen: Scratch, Hypnosis, Ember, Flame Burst, Quick Attack, Flame Charge, Howl, Bite. (Heat Wave).
Nidorino: Tackle, Poison Sting, Confusion, Double Kick, Fury Attack, Peck, Focus Energy.
Roselia: Mega Drain, Growth, Poison Sting, Magical Leaf, Leech Seed, Synthesis, Energy Ball.
Buizel: Water Gun, Sonic Boom, Ice Punch, Ice Beam, Vacuum Wave, Aqua Jet, Ice Fang.