Thanks for reading and here's the next chapter. Well, I don't own Pokemon except my own characters, but enjoy this chapter anyway!
Chapter 14: Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village
Today, Angelina had, for the first time, lost track of Ash and friends in the forest on the way toward Vermilion City. She figured that Ash was using his own natural orienteering skills, which can only mean trouble or getting him and his friends lost.
"I hope this is the right way," Angelina said as she stepped out from behind a tree. "No, maybe not." She sighed and found herself standing not too far from a river.
Farther down, Angelina could see someone knelt down and pulling someone onto the riverbank. "Is that…." She squinted her eyes, but really couldn't tell. So she walked down until she got a clearer view of the two people. There was a girl with dark purple hair in a braid and wearing red overalls over a yellow shirt standing over a boy with spiky brown hair and…. "Brock, what happened to you?"
The boy looked up at the mention of a name. True, it was Brock, and he was soaking wet from the river. "Angelina…. I wondered why you weren't around. I fell into the river when crossing this bridge with Ash and Misty-"
"They're alone?" Angelina exclaimed.
"Oh dear, that's not good at all." said the girl in red overalls.
"Why?" Brock asked, once he got to his feet.
"Well…." the girl began. "I run a place for sick or abandoned Pokemon. I'm Melanie, by the way. I've set up these traps to stop trainers before they could get here and find the injured Pokemon."
"Which explains why I fell into the river." Brock nodded. "The bridge was a trap."
"I hope Ash and Misty don't discover them," Angelina said. "Oh, I'm Angelina Murakami. I'm a Pokemon trainer, and I'd never hurt or capture injured Pokemon."
"Same here." Brock agreed. "And I'm Brock, I wanna be a Pokemon Breeder."
"Nice to meet you both." Melanie smiled. "You two better go get your friends, I'll be heading back to my village. You can follow so you'll know where it is on your way back."
Brock and Angelina followed Melanie through the forest and leads them to the village, which turned out to be a cabin sitting by a tiny pool.
"Not bad," Angelina looked around and smiled. "Yeah, I can see why Pokemon would love it here."
"Come on, Angel," Brock said. "Let's go find Ash and Misty."
It wasn't long until Ash and Misty were found in a net dangling from a tree. Angelina giggled as she heard Ash talking.
"Maybe Brock was carried down river to the ocean where he was captured by pirates," Ash suggested. "And one of the pirates has a wooden leg."
"You have a vivid imagination." Misty sighed.
"And then came the storm." Ash added which made Misty roll her eyes.
"AHOY!" Brock called out to his friends.
"Brock, you're alive!" Ash shouted in relief, then he noticed Angelina. "You found Angelina, too!"
"Hold on, I'll get you guys down." Brock said, he took out his large bowie knife and cuts the rope, as the net falls to the ground hard and opens up.
"Next time, could you let us down a little more gently?" Misty asked, as Pikachu sits dazed and confused.
"Uh, yeah, sorry," Brock replied as he rubs his head.
"What happened after you fell from the bridge?" Ash asked eagerly.
"Well, I was dragged down-stream by the current," Brock started. "Then this beautiful girl, Melanie, pulled me out. Of course that's when Angelina came by and…. here we are."
"A beautiful girl, huh?" Ash asked, ignoring Angelina's facial expressions from mixed emotions. "That's even better than pirates, unless she was a pirate in disguise?"
"You need a reality check, Ash." Misty sighed.
"Or maybe we can all just go see Melanie ourselves," Angelina suggested. "Just to prove that she's NOT a pirate."
So Brock and Angelina lead Ash and Misty to the village where Melanie lived.
"Hello, you two must be Ash and Misty," Melanie greeted upon their arrival. "Brock told me all about you. This is my village where sick and abandoned Pokemon come to be looked after."
"You mean like a Pokemon Doctor?" Misty asked.
"Oh no I'm not qualified to be that." Melanie replied. "This is more like a Pokemon health spa. Here the Pokemon don't battle with one another. They relax and enjoy themselves until they recover."
"Melanie also collects plants to use as medicine. She knows all about which plants can help a pokemon fell better or grow stronger when they're too weak." Brock said.
"Oh, I get it. You both love to take care of Pokemon." Ash observed.
"We do." Brock responded.
"That might not be the only thing Brock loves." Misty smirked, and Brock's face went red.
"Be quiet." Brock said, as he slaps his palm over her mouth. "She might here you."
"Then who set that net-trap we were caught in earlier?" Ash asked.
"Probably the same person who dug that hole I fell into," Misty guessed.
"Oh I'm sorry," Melanie apologized. "I wanted to catch pokemon trainers before they reached the village. Since you got caught I guess they really work."
"But why?" Misty asked
"There are so many injured pokemon here I have to protect them." Melanie answered.
"So the bridge was a trap, too." Ash said
"Yes." Melanie replied.
"I promised Melanie that we wouldn't capture any Pokemon." Brock informed his friends.
"And did you seal the promise with a kiss?" Misty teased, giggling until Brock punched her in the head. "Oww!" she rubbed the sore spot. "Oh, then you must really love her-Yaaow!" she got another blow to the head.
"Don't worry," Ash said. "I'll try not to capture them."
"Sure, Ash." Misty rolled her eyes. "Only a real loser would capture a sick Pokemon."
"Hmm, you think these traps could stop real robbers?" Ash pondered. "Then again, you'd have to be pretty stupid to fall into one of those holes."
"Hey!" Misty growled with fury.
"Settle, you two." Angelina stepped between the young kids. "There will be no fighting brought to this peaceful village, so I suggest you both keep your opinions to yourselves."
Later on, Ash and friends are helping out Melanie and the Pokemon. Angelina is sitting against a tree and watches Misty talk to an Oddish. The Pokemon wipe away Misty's tears with a leaf as Misty confesses that all she thinks about is winning and worried about becoming heartless.
"You were always heartless!" Ash guffaws.
"Mind your own business!" Misty snaps, jumping to her feet, then she was charged and tackled by Bulbasaur.
"HEY! It's rude to tackle people!" Misty growled, glaring back at Bulbasaur.
"She's right," Ash agreed.
"Bulba..." Bulbasaur growls, pawing at the ground and not backing down an inch.
"Oh, I guess Bulbasaur is covering up it's shame from earlier's battle that I would have won." Ash said.
"Yeah, maybe." Misty agrees.
"No battles, please." Melanie begged, rushing forward. "Bulbasaur is only trying to protect oddish. He volunteered to our whole village and protects all the injured pokemon whenever enemies try to attack them. Bulbasaur is the bravest, most loyal pokemon I know."
"I think its awesome for Bulbasaur to protect this village!" Ash exclaimed enamoredly.
Bulbasaur stomps up and slams it's head angrily against Ash's legs, trying to push him away. "Bulbasaur, Bulbasaur!" (Go away, go away.)
"Bulbasaur doesn't like Pokemon trainers, It wants you to leave the village now." Melanie told them.
"Bulbasaur, I'm not here for the Pokemon." Ash insisted.
"It's true, Bulbasaur. These are our friends." Melanie tried to persuade the green Pokemon.
Angelina was about to add in her two-cents worth, she was cut off by a huge shadow and looked up into the sky. "What the heck is that?"
Everyone looks up and sees a giant stadium roof floating through the air, suspended by balloons.
"Prepare for trouble."
"And make it double."
"To protect the world from devastation."
"To unite all peoples within our nation."
"To denounce the evils of truth and love."
"To extend our reach to the stars above."
"Jessie."
"James."
"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."
"Surrender now or prepare to fight."
"Dat's right!"
"Not you again!" Ash yelled annoyedly. "There's no way you're getting Pikachu!"
"Oh, but we are twerp!" Jessie cackled. "With the brilliant ideas of this scheme, Team Rocket will successfully steal all the Pokemon here!"
A giant hose snakes out of the stadium and instantly begins sucking in like a giant vacuum, pulling at the horrified Pokemon.
"Come on, everyone take shelter!" Brock called out to the Pokemon that rush inside the cabin as Ash captures Stary-u before it was sucked up.
Angelina and Melanie run into the cabin, joined by Brock and the other Pokemon (Bellsprout, Rattata, and Pidgey). Misty then came in holding Star-u.
"WHERE'S ASH?" Angelina yelled over the vacuum's sucking noises. She saw Ash finally come in with Bulbasaur and Oddish, then the door slams shut. "Oh good, you're safe." She sighed in relief.
"But we won't be for long," Ash said, watching Bulbasaur leave. He quickly opens the door and throws a Pokeball. "Go Pidgeotto, Gust Attack!"
Angelina heard Pidgeotto flap it's wings and still heard the vacuum's sucking and last but not least, Meowth's cry of, "Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!"
Everyone returned outside, Team Rocket was finally gone.
Bulbasaur seemed very pleased and happily beams, "Bulba-Saur!" (I'm fine)
"This village is well protected with bulbasaur around." Ash commented
"Ash, don't you agree bulbasaur would make a fine addition to your team?" Melanie asked
"Oh yeah, would he ever!" Ash exclaimed
"I think Bulbasaur should go with you." Melanie said. "Bulbasaur stayed here to protect the weaker pokemon. But this village is too small, the bulb on it's back can't grow, it needs to go out into the world. I know you'll take good care of it. Please do me this favor, take Bulbasaur with you on your journey. He'll be a good companion."
"But what will happen to the village without bulbasaur?" Misty asked
"Yeah, who will protect you?" Brock inquired.
"It's true that Bulbasaur has done a great job, maybe too great a job. See, these Pokemon shouldn't remaine here forever and ever. After they recover, the Pokemon are supposed to leave, but it's too safe here. So, none of them want to go away, they don't want to return to the outside world. But I think it's important that they return to the wild. That's where Pokemon belong and hopefully, one day they'll find good trainers, like you. Of course, taking care of sick Pokemon will always be my mission. But I know my job isn't finished until they return where they come form. So it's the day the pokemon leaves that is most rewarding to me." Melanie finished her speech
"Melanie, I..." Brock whispered.
"So you see, it's time for Bulbasaur to leave here. Please take it with you, he won't be a burden. Bulbasaur still has a lot of growing up to do. I want it to be in a place where I know it will grow up strong and happy. I'm sure that place is with you, Ash." Melanie said
"Well, if you really want me too..." Ash started.
"Bulba, Bulbasaur." The plant Pokemon nodded. (Yes, but I want to fight)
"What did it say?" Ash asked.
"Bulbasaur agrees to join you under one condition." Angelina said, which surprised everyone. "A Pokemon battle!" she smiled, just as the words sunk into the boy's mind.
"All right!" Ash exclaimed eagerly. "You're up, Pikachu!"
"Piiii!" Pikachu jumps forward in battle position to face off Bulbasaur.
"Come on, Ash." Misty begged. "Let me battle Bulbasaur."
"No way, Misty." Ash refused. "This is mine."
The battle began as Bulbasaur sent out it's vines toward Pikachu, but the electric mouse dodged with Agility, though failing to move away from Bulbasaur's Tackle.
"Come on, Pikachu!" Ash shouted.
"Piiii-ka!" Pikachu tries to get up, but Bulbasaur tackles again. "Chaaaaaaa!" it was sent flying and crashed into the ground. "Piiii-kaaaaaa!" it growls and charges at Bulbasaur with it's Slam. "Chuuuuuu!"
"Bulba-SAUR!" the bulb Pokemon sends out its vines that wrap around Pikachu, squeezing, and slamming it's opponent hard into the ground over and over again.
"Pikachu!" Angelina cried.
"Counter with Thunderbolt!" Ash growled.
"Piiiii-kaaaaa-chuuuuuuuuu!" Pikachu's cheeks spark with electricity until it's whole body was surrounded with the yellow power.
Bulbasaur was shocked in pain, it's vines had released Pikachu as it was knocked on its side.
"Now's my chance!" Ash takes out an empty Pokeball and enlarges it, turns his hat backwards, winds up and throws the Pokeball. "Pokeball, go!"
The ball hits Bulbasaur, opening up and sucking in the plant Pokemon inside. It falls to the ground and rocks back and forth as everyone watches on in anticipation as the light flickers red and white. Suddenly, the light turns off and the Pokeball comes to a rest.
"YES!" Ash exclaimed as he picks up the Pokeball. "I caught a Bulbasaur!"
"Pi-Pikachu!" Pikachu squeaks happily.
"Good luck with your Pokemon journey," Melanie says to Ash as he and his friends get ready to leave. "And take good care of Bulbasaur, too. I'm sure he'll be an excellent addition to your team."
"Yeah, he will," Ash nods. "I promise you that."
"Um Melanie, I've been thinking, since Bulbasaur is leaving, I wouldn't mind staying and helping you out with the Pokemon." Brock offered.
"That's very kind of you, but we'll be okay." Melanie declines. "I wouldn't want to keep you from all your wonderful adventures."
"Oh, I guess you're right." Brock said in defeat.
Angelina departs with Ash and friends as they leave the Hidden Village, walking down the dirt path that'll lead them to Vermilion City. Bulbasaur is out of it's Pokeball and walking along side of Ash as everyone waves goodbye to Melanie.
"Don't worry, Bulbasaur." Ash reassures. "You'll see the Pokemon from the village again once they leave there themselves."
"Bulba!" the Pokemon understood.
Brock then takes one last look behind him and sighs.
"So, what did Melanie say when you told her you loved her?" Misty giggled. "Did you kiss her goodbye?"
"That's enough stupid questions! Would you please stop embarrassing me already?" Brock cried and clamped a hand over Misty's mouth. "You know, okay, so she's cute, but that doesn't you have to keep rubbing it in, and besides…."
"Did I miss something?" Ash asked, while Angelina just smiled in hope and satisfaction.
"Bulba-Saur?" Bulbasaur watches Brock dragging Misty around, while Ash and Angelina stand watching also. (What's going on)
Departing the Hidden Village and joined by a new Pokemon, Ash and friends continue onward to Vermilion City.
§To Be Continued§
*Chapter is based from the episode "Bulbasaur And The Hidden Village"
*Misty fails to capture an Oddish.
*Ash catches a Bulbasaur.
This chapter was closely based to the episode as best I could. It's funny how Misty is teasing Brock about liking girls, but we know that's going to change a lot later. Tune in for the next chapter, reviews welcomed! Dani