Save the Forest!
"Pew!" Cosmog happily cried out as it ate away at the star shaped candy that Ash laid out for it. Ash watched on with amusement while letting out a light chuckle.
"Well I guess all Cosmog must love this stuff, probably means that it must know Teleport as well so we'll have to keep a close eye on it. At least the Ultra Beasts appear to have stopped appearing for now."
Lillie gave a light nod while giving him an appreciative smile. "Thanks again for your help, the first Cos-Nebby was more than a handful I'm not sure that I could manage a Cosmog by myself if it starts acting up!"
"Well that's what friends are for!" A large grin spread across his face as he spoke. "I'm always happy and eager to help out my friends wherever I can, especially with my closest friends!"
Lillie blushed at his choice of words and avoided eye contact with him as the two continued watching over Cosmog together.
"Aw Cosmog looks like it's having a blast! There's no way that they're evil, look how happy she is!" Zossie gushed as the two continued spying from afar.
"Looks can be deceiving, don't forget that these are humans. They could just as well be luring her into a false sense of security so that they can use her to teleport to different dimensions at will!" Dulse spat.
"Oh come on Dulse, nobody that close to a Pokemon can be bad." Zossie commented as they could see Pikachu nuzzling himself up against Lillie's cheek as the blonde girl let out a light giggle from the touch.
"You'd be surprised, don't forget that it's because of a human that we're in this mess! We can't afford to lose focus if we wish to save our world."
"Vibrava use Dragon Breath, Eevee dodge that with Quick Attack and leap onto his back with an Iron Tail!" Zach shouted in the midst of a training session.
Vibrava, whom he'd obtained by trading Litwik during the Pokemon Swap Meet, opened up his mouth as he unleashed a blue and purple colored beam of fire! The blast flew towards Eevee who was rather quick to dodge by zigzagging across the field before eventually ending up behind Vibrava where the Normal type proceeded to leap up onto the air in order to land on the Dragon type's back before striking him hard as his tail shined bright as steel! Vibrava let out a pained grunt as Eevee leaped back onto the ground and flashed his trainer a smirk as he'd began to clap.
"Well done you three, you've done a great job today!" He praised the three newest members of his team, Scizor stood on the side of the battlefield with his back against a tree as he'd already had his turn before Vibrava. He aimed to use the three in his next gym battle so he was working to ensure that they'd be ready in time for whenever they returned to Galar, he'd completely lost track of time though as the sun had fully risen and started shining down on him followed by the sounds of his stomach rumbling as it told him it was time for lunch.
"Ace!" Cinderace complained as she tapped her foot, stating that she was hungry too with an impatient look about her.
"Huh that's weird. Usually May's awake and dragged me off long before this point," Zach noted with a worried expression as he gazed towards the hotel. "You all wait here, I'm gonna check up on her. Watch over them, Dragonite!"
Dragonite let out a reassuring roar as she turned to her newly found teammates as her trainer and Lucario walked back towards their hotel room. It wouldn't be long before they arrived and Zach opened up the door, letting Lucario in before closing it behind him. The jackal nodded as he stepped foot inside to confirm May was still there causing Zach to let out a sigh of relief before making his way to the bedroom where he discovered May laying in bed with a sickly look to her, despite all that she smiled weakly upon seeing him.
"Hey babe," She let out a giggle before breaking out into a cough. "S-Sorry but I don't think I can keep on you today!" She playfully teased him despite the sickness and the frown that shortly followed. "I don't feel so good,"
"Don't worry about it May, you want me to make you some soup? I-I know I'm not anywhere near as good as you at cooking but you deserve a day to just do nothing, I wouldn't want to force you to waste energy just to make it!" May couldn't help but let out a faint giggle as she flashed her boyfriend an appreciative smile at his words.
"You're not that bad of a cook, I'm not sure if you could mess up making soup!" May let out a light laugh. "It would be nice to just relax and do nothing with you but that can wait until I'm better!"
"I'll stay, I don't mind getting sick!" May placed a hand atop of his own as she gazed fondly into his eyes.
"I'd like that but then we'd just be repeating the same thing in reverse!" She giggled. "Just go out and enjoy yourself, we can hang out tomorrow just the two of us assuming I'm feeling better!"
Zach wanted to stay but knew it was pointless trying to insist otherwise so he gave in and bowed lightly before heading off into the kitchen area to prepare some soup, returning shortly afterwards as he carefully set it on the table by their bed. May took a lit sip with her spoon before flashing him another smile.
"See? It's not bad!" She giggled out before glancing towards the door. "I trust that you won't go right back to training? I'd still like for you to relax a bit and not train so hard, even if I'm not down there with you!"
Zach sweated and looked away nervously causing May to let out a laugh as she found him out. "I promise I won't go straight back to training."
"Good!" May giggled before calling for his attention as she blew him a quick kiss. "Now get out there and have some fun!"
Zach and Lucario headed back towards where they'd left the other Pokemon as he prepared to find himself and his Pokemon something to eat. "Alright everyone, I'm back-" He paused as he was quick to discover his Pokemon hastily eating away at some food left out for them, Cinderace scarfing hers down while letting out an appreciative cry. Zach wondered where the food had come from for a brief moment before noticing a girl with long green hair bent over close by as she gave more food to a rather pleased sounding Eevee.
"Uh excuse me, miss? T-Thanks for feeding my Pokemon but I'd prefer being asked before a stranger feeds-Mallow?!" He jumped as the girl turned around, hardly recognizing her with her hair undone, his eyes couldn't help but check her out and admire her beauty, feeling sick to his stomach and growing a great sense of guilt before shaking his head to clear his mind while Mallow's cheeks had gone bright red from the attention.
"Hey Zach, I was in the area and couldn't help but notice that you and your Pokemon were so absorbed into your training that you missed lunch so I prepared you all something!" Mallow explained with a cheerful smile as she held out a picnic basket. Lucario narrowed his eyes at the sight and let out a suspicious sounding growl before Mallow turned to the jackal with a warm smile. "Your food's over by Cinderace, I hope you enjoy it!"
Lucario narrowed his eyes as he slowly made his way towards the food before taking a quick bit, his eyes instantly widened at the taste and he was quick to sit down before hastily shoveling more down his throat as Mallow let out a light laugh.
"Well my Pokemon sure seem to enjoy it," Zach stated as he took a look around at his Pokemon before turning back to Mallow with a light smile as his own stomach proceeded to rumble. "I guess I won't turn down a free meal either!" He didn't see anything wrong with it, he was never good at picking up on signs so he assumed that Mallow was just being friendly. Mallow couldn't help but shiver from excitement at the idea of being alone with him, quickly walking through some bushes to get away from his Pokemon before removing a blanket from her basket and spreading it out as she began placing various food items out on display before giving him a cheerful smile.
"Please take your pick!"
Zach gazed at the various items with a light hint of suspicion on his face, if he didn't know better he'd think she planned this with how neat and orderly everything was along with how much food there was. But that'd be silly right? He eventually took his pick, starting off with a sub that had various unknown ingredients slapped onto the meat which he could only assume was stuff native to the region.
"T-This is delicious, probably the best sandwich I've ever had!" Mallow felt her heart flutter at his words, pausing midbite as a dark color formed across her face once more.
"T-Thank you, that means a lot coming from you!" Mallow gazed at him as he continued to eat, a warm smile spread across her face as she did so.
They soon finished up and Zach helped Mallow put away the empty containers and garbage laying about. "So what do you aim to do now? Surely you're not going right back into training? You and your Pokemon already look worn out from before!"
"I'm not sure, I haven't actually gotten to capture a Pokemon while we're here. At least not a permanent capture," He corrected himself. "I'd like to change that and find something to add to my reserve team."
"Well I can help you with that if you want!" Mallow was quick to offer as he started returning his Pokemon to their Pokeballs. "I know a great place you could find a Fire-"
"Ace!" Cinderace tapped her foot with an annoyed look.
"No Fire types, Cinderace doesn't want to share the spotlight." Zach sweated as Cinderace gave a light nod in response but continued casting Mallow a glare for the suggestion.
"Alright then a Grass type? I-I've seen a lot of your Pokemon but I've never seen a Grass type with you." Zach realized she had a point, Grass was one of the types that he hadn't managed to come across in the wild as of yet. He looked thoughtful for a moment as he pictured various Grass typed Pokemon within his head before casting a nod in Mallow's direction.
"Sure, a Grass type sounds perfect!"
"Great! The forest where you uh..." Mallow shot a heavy dark shade of red as she diverted her glance from him. "Caught Buzzwole is an excellent spot for that."
"Really? I was there last week and all I found was a large monkey Pokemon! I guess Scizor scared the rest off during his fuss?"
"Monkey? Like Passimian or Oranguru?" Mallow questioned with a light tilt of her head only for him to shake his head in response.
"I've seen them plenty of times back in Galar, no this was something entirely new. I've never seen anything like it before!"
"Huh.. well how about we try and find it then? I'd like to meet it, whatever it is!" Mallow said with a cheerful smile.
The sound of chainsaws could be heard as two large hulking figures were cutting away at the tree line, a group of people had gathered up to protest the destruction of the forest as it was home to hundreds if not thousands of Pokemon and they were cutting down their homes! The two figures ignored their protests as the source of the protests could only let out a snort.
"Quiet you Alolan buffoons!" Zach could hear the voice of the rich asshole before he could see him, Chad held up a document with a uncaring smirk across his face. "My father bought this land and I'm gonna turn it into a five star resort! The Pokemon can find somewhere else to go, I honestly don't care where but this is the perfect spot for my spa hotel and resort!"
"Doesn't Alola have enough of those?" Zach growled out.
"Who said that-You!" Chad's eyes widened before he clenched his fists and pointed at him angrily. "You ruined my social status by denying my beautiful Bug Pokemon the right to hook up with that Butterfree of yours!"
"It was Butterfree's decision, not mine!"
"So? I could have made you rich and famous!"
"Don't care, Butterfree's happiness mattered more! Isn't there any way we can stop him from destroying the forest?" Zach turned to the crowd as the local Officer Jenny stepped forward.
"Sorry to say but what he's doing is perfectly legal, his family does own the land and the only way to stop them is if there was a rare Pokemon species living within that forest and unfortunately that is not the case."
"Rare Pokemon...? I've seen a Pokemon like that!" Zach was quick to speak up.
"What a load of Tauros," Chad laughed before flashing Mallow a murderous scowl as she spoke up in Zach's defense.
"It's true, he described the Pokemon to me and it's nothing that's listed in the known Alola Dex!"
"Do you have any proof?" Officer Jenny asked only for the two to go pale while Chad let out a laugh.
"No... but I can get you your proof!" Zach offered. "I'll do whatever I can to make sure that these Pokemon don't lose their home!"
"Fair enough," Officer Jenny was very much biased in favor of the forest's preservation so she turned to Chad before speaking up. "It wouldn't hurt to give them twenty four hours to bring back proof right? If you really believe nothing's there then you've got nothing to worry about."
"What?!" Chad's face turned red from frustration as he gritted his teeth. "Okay... fine! Not like it'll do them any good though!"
Officer Jenny gave Zach and Mallow a light nod, telling them to go on ahead. Zach gave Mallow a brief glance before the two took off running into the forest, Lucario and Cinderace right behind them. Chad gazed after them for a moment with murderous intention in his eye as he turned to the two hulking figures.
"You two, I'm not going to pay you to stand around all day!" He hissed out, talking just low enough that Officer Jenny couldn't hear. "I want you to go in there and wipe that Galarian fleabag and his girlfriend out! This will be the last time he messes with me!"
"Taking out two young adults? That's kinda out of our paygrade." One of them started before Chad lifted up a finger.
"I'll quadruple your pay, five times that if you find and eliminate whatever it is they're after, just get it done!"
"Sir yes sir!"
Zach and Mallow had been walking through the forest for what felt like hours and they hadn't found a single trace of the mysterious Pokemon! Zach began to wonder if perhaps he'd just imagined seeing the Pokemon, nobody else had heard of it and the description by itself failed to bring up any data entries on his Pokedex, other than trying to suggest Passimian. Lucario sensed his insecurity and placed his paw on his shoulder with a light growl, reminding him that he was there too and had seen it!
"You're right, it has to be here somewhere we shouldn't just give up!"
"Uh-I think I found it!" Mallow gasped as she fearfully pointed towards a motionless body of a large simian Pokemon. Large scorch marks marked the surrounding area, grass had been burnt up and nearby trees had lost their leaves. Something had definitely been through there before them!
"Oh no, we're too late!" Zach collapsed to his knees while tears filled Mallow's eyes. Eevee walked over after hopping off Zach's shoulder and gave the monkey a light sniff before placing a paw on his belly, his paw began to glow bright pink as the monkey's injuries began to heal up, the monkey's eyes jolted open as he started to stand up only to quickly fall back down due to some heavy scorch marks.
"Za!"
"You know Heal Pulse?" Zach questioned Eevee, Eevee gave a light nod in confirmation before giving the monkey a worried look. "Don't worry, I have just the right stuff! When one of your best friends is a Fire type you can't have too much of it!" Zach formed a light smirk as he pulled out a bottle of Burn Heal, the monkey gave him a cautious look before Mallow stroked him behind the ear to get him to relax.
"You can trust us, it'll sting for a bit but you'll feel better instantly!"
The monkey continued to cautiously watch Zach as he approached, flinching as he was sprayed with the bottle before uttering out a sigh of relief as the pain washed away. Mallow smiled before noticing a long scar alongside the monkey's neck, she frowned and reached into the basket she'd been carrying since meeting up with Zach earlier and produced the purple blanket the two had used before tying it around Zarude's neck. "There, now you're basically good as new!"
"Now it just needs a name."
"Zarude the Simian Pokemon. Within dense forests, this Pokemon lives in a pack with others of its kind. It's incredibly aggressive, and the other Pokemon of the forest fear it!"
"Who did this to you anyways?" Zach was quick to question. Zarude lifted up his arms above his head before stretching them out as he started to leap up and down with an annoyed cry!
"Doesn't that sound like that prick's goons?" Mallow questioned. "If they left Zarude and aren't around then they must be-"
"Zarude, do you have a pack? It's possible they're in danger!" Zarude gave the two an unsure look.
"Come on Zarude, you can trust us. Would we really have saved you if we meant you harm?" Zach pleaded.
"Eevoi!" Eevee added on. Zarude gave a light growl as he stared at the group for a brief moment before eventually standing up and beckoning them to follow him deeper into the forest. After awhile it started getting hotter as flames could be seen followed by cries as smaller forest Pokemon made a run for it! A Mega Camerupt stood in the middle of a clearing as geysers of fire burst out from his back and flew everywhere, causing several Zarude to group up and shiver in fear at the sight of the powerful Mega Pokemon while a Mega Houndoom was corralling a different group into a corner.
Mallow took a gulp at the sight of the Fire types but didn't let that scare her, clenching his fists and summoning up a source of bravery as she walked side by side alongside Zach. "Dragonite let's go, use Hurricane on the flames!"
Dragonite burst from her ball and produced a powerful gust of wind that blew across the clearing and killed off the flames.
"Stone Edge!" One of the men smirked as Camerupt stomped it's hoof, causing a group of rock pillars to burst from the ground and made their way towards Dragonite. Dragonite was pushed back by the attack and grunted before narrowing her eyes at Camerupt as she let out a huff. Zach could see Mallow releasing her Tsareena out of the corner of his eye, he flashed her a worried glance before focusing back on his own fight.
"Dragonite use Aqua Tail!" Dragonite's tail became surrounded in an aquatic veil shortly before slamming it against Camerupt, the Mega let out a pain filled groan while it's trainer shouted out the attack.
"Eruption!" Camerupt's back erupted in a fiery geyser, sparks of flame and ember flew everywhere, some striking Tsareena who cried out as Zach couldn't help but flash a guilty expression despite it not being his fault.
"Aqua Tail!" Dragonite's tail ignited in an aquatic veil once more as she brought her tail up against Mega Camerupt, knocking the Mega evolution away from them and causing it to collapse onto it's side in defeat. Zach could only assume that the Zarude had fought back before giving up and cowering.
"Alright Dragonite, let's help-Mallow!" Tsareena laid on the ground in a defeated slump while the other hulking figure had came over and grabbed the defenseless Mallow, holding her up by the neck as he let out a laugh before starting to squeeze. "Get off of her!" Zach performed a brave and stupid maneuver as he attempted to tackle the man only for him to easily reach out and grab his neck as well! The man let out a laugh as his eyes flicked between the two as he tightened his grasp and started to make them lose air!
"Ace!"
"Car!" Lucario and Cinderace tried to rush over only for Mega Houndoom to block their progress with a growl. Eevee attempted to help only to get kicked away with a yelp!
"Za, Zarude!" The Zarude the two had helped earlier began leaping up and down while pointing at the two, informing them that the two had saved his life and attempted to save their village. If they fought back now then they could save them and also free their home of the evildoers! The other Zarude looked at one another before racing forward with a cry, the caped Zarude's vine wrists expanded outwards into a large vine as he lashed out with a Power Whip and slammed hard against the goon's head, freeing Zach and Mallow as they fell to the ground while the rest teamed up with the other Pokemon to gang up on Mega Houndoom, the wolf let out a yelp as he was crushed by a massive dogpile of monkeys, jackals, rabbits, and a dragon! The other goon attempted to run away only to fall into a pit trap Eevee had quickly made, the Normal type let out an ecstatic cry as he looked downwards at his victim.
The Zarude then tied the two grunts together with vine whip before tossing them at the caped Zarude as they uttered a growl, telling him to go get rid of them. The Zarude let out an affirmative growl before turning to Zach and Mallow as they began to stand up.
"Z-Zarude, I know it's asking a lot but I'd like it if you came back with us so we have proof of your existence." Zach began to speak with lightened breath. "O-Otherwise somebody's going to destroy your home again tomorrow!" The other Zarude let out a growl before the caped one raised his paw. "That wasn't a threat, it's the truth! We came here to gather proof of your existence and well... your presence would do more good than a picture!"
"He's right, you'd also save the life of all the other Pokemon who live here too!" Mallow pointed out. The caped Zarude stared at them for a moment before lightly nodding in agreement as he started dragging the two grunts off.
"Follow us, Officer Jenny will happily take them from you-Wait this isn't an Ewok situation where you want to eat them is it? Cause I can't let you do that."
Zarude made a face as he stuck out his tongue, hastily shaking his head before pointing towards the sound of rushing water.
"...I can't let you do that either, they may be evil but killing them just puts you at their level. Officer Jenny will ensure they get the justice they deserve don't you worry!" Zarude let out a frustrated grunt before relenting as he followed the two out of the forest, though it took quite awhile as neither Zach nor Mallow could remember the way they'd come from. The crowd let out an excited gasp as Zarude came walking out, dragging Chad's goons behind him as the blonde millionaire buried his head into his hands and let out a frustrated scream!
"There's your proof, Officer. These two tried to kill the Zarude along with us!" Mallow quickly exclaimed.
"Is this true?" Officer Jenny turned to Chad who quickly paled before handing the document to Zach as he attempted to save his own behind.
"Those two obviously acted out of rage at the idea of losing their paycheck, I had no choice but to fire them and they went raging off into the forest! But as a gesture of good faith, I'll give the deed to the land to goodie-er I mean hero!" Chad narrowed his eyes however while his Meowth let out a hiss along with his trainer. "Don't think you've won yet, interfere with my business again and I'll make sure everyone you care about perishes!" He shoved the document into Zach's hand before quickly racing off.
Zach glared after him before handing the document to Mallow. "Here, it's better off with you than me. I don't want to risk Cinderace burning it and I know that you'll find somewhere safe for it, I'm not as responsible." He lightly chuckled. Mallow stared at the document for a moment before looking up at him with a warm smile as she quickly pulled him into a tight hug before planting a kiss right on his lips to show her appreciation, the crowd cheer loudly at that as pictures were shot for the local news. Zach remained motionless from the shock as he stared blankly at Mallow after she pulled away
"Thank you, I'll keep a close watch over it!" She breathed out with darkened cheeks as she felt a great honor over how he trusted her enough to do that.
Zach gave her an awkward look and forced a smile before rubbing his arm. "Come on, I should really get back. May's probably worried about me and I'm honestly worried about her, I hope she's feeling better!"
"Right, May... I forgot." Mallow hung her head as she realized she probably just got him in trouble, she'd just got too caught up in the moment! Zach placed his hand on her shoulder and gave her a smile before turning to go only to come face to face with the caped Zarude who stared directly into his eyes, causing Zach to sweat nervously as he stared back.
"W-What's up...?" He asked. Zarude glanced down at his Pokeballs before looking back up with a light growl.
"I think... I think he wants to join you." Zarude let out an affirmative grunt as he stared at Zach. The monkey clapped his hands together before punching the air, he looked forward to all the fights they'd get up to together and he felt indebted to him after Eevee saved his life!
Zach reached out for a Pokeball and paused after enlarging it. "You know it's funny, we started off wanting to catch you and now you're wanting to join us after we completely forgot what we initially planned to do!" Zarude flashed him a smirk while emitting a bit of laughter before the ball touched him, the monkey disappeared in a beam of red light shortly before the ball shook within his grasp and chimed to announce the capture! The ball then glowed a bright white before teleporting away and out of his grasp as it was safely transported to the lab! "Welcome to the family Zarude, I can't wait to get started training with you!"
"And so that's what happened!" Mallow quickly explained to May as she stood on her knees at the side of the bed, being quick to apologize for her actions on kissing the girl's boyfriend. "J-Just please don't be mad at him! He didn't initiate it or engage in it, it was all me! I-I just got caught up in the moment and I-" Mallow went quiet as May held up her hand.
"I appreciate your honesty, he already told me about it over the phone. I know he'd never do that, he gives girls glances all the time but he's extremely loyal! He's had his chances at getting with others girls plenty of times since I met him but never took the shot, him finding you attractive isn't going to get me upset!" May let out a giggle before flashing Zach a warm glance as he sat nearby with his head buried in his hands. Her gaze then turned back to Mallow. "So you're not just into him for his body?"
"N-No! I-I mean at first but during the past few weeks I've started to grow fond of who he really is! He deeply cares about Pokemon of all kind, people too and has a fierce loyalty to those he holds dear. He tried to save my life, despite failing to do so in a moment of rather cute stupidity it was rather admirable! I couldn't bear to break you two apart though, you're perfect together and-" May held up her hand before turning to Zach. "Babe?" She used her pet name for him to ensure him that it wasn't a trap or her being angry at him.
Zach slowly raised his head from his heads with a quizzical expression.
"Do you like Mallow the way she likes you?"
"I-I'm not sure, I mean she is smoking hot with her hair down!" Mallow let out a giggle at that as she stroked her hair and gave him an affectionate look. May couldn't help but laughing lightly before he continued. "B-But she's also nice and caring... she's a great cook too so there's an extra perk... you know I'm not good at these kind of words!"
May glanced between the two for a moment before speaking up. "Mallow I'm willing to share him with you and only you but you're to treat him as you would any boyfriend, if you cheat or do something to harm him then you're out! And what I say goes, I was his first after all!" May boasted with a light smirk as Zach flashed her a nervous grin. Mallow's honesty about what happened along with spilling the beans about her genuine feelings towards him had earned her May's respect.
Mallow's eyes lit up before she bowed her head in appreciation. "Thank you May, I promise I won't disappoint you nor do I plan on hurting him!" She exclaimed while forming a light smile.
Marnie was watching Ash and Lillie interact with one another while bonding with the Cosmog, it had been one week since Mallow had gotten with Zach and May, the three came clean about the relationship to the others so they wouldn't think anything strange was going on or one was going behind the other's back. Marnie saw how happy the three of them were and noticed that Lillie and Ash seemed to have a similar form of happiness when around each other. She could tell rather easily that Lillie liked Ash but did Ash like Lillie? Marnie pondered that over while debating whether or not to copy them and let Lillie share Ash with her.
She'd best act fast though as bubbles began rising not far off from the Akala Island shore before a long black arm extend outwards and a large pincer snapped up a hotdog cart and dragged it underwater. Something was coming their way and it was hungry!
So that happened.
I'm rather pleased with the support I got for Lillie joining Ash, I didn't want to jump right into it though. Marnie didn't seem like the sort to have that idea without a bit of inspiration given to her, and innocent Lillie sure as heck wouldn't dare suggest that!
