Author's Note:
Here it is, another chapter where a couple new Pokémon are caught. With last chapter focusing pretty heavily on Ash and Serena, this one will be more focused on Brock and May. Don't worry, Max will have his own chapter focus sooner rather than later. I have sort of combined two episodes from the anime to create this one but that shouldn't matter, I just hope you enjoy what we've got in store. Don't forget to vote in the poll, it'll change when we get to chapter eleven and with that, let's begin.
Chapter eight: Pup & a Flower Shop
May stood on one side of the grassy plain which was being used as makeshift battlefield. To one side she saw Ash with his team out, Phanpy and Duskull were sparring together, still working on the latter's Payback attack, as Taillow and Pikachu continued to work on that metal wing attack. Finally, Meganium and Treecko were sparring, as Treecko worked on agility and avoiding her attacks. He proved to be quite the agile fighter over the last few days.
Shaking her head, she refocused ahead of her where Serena was stood with her Cacnea out. Both stood in a battle stance. After the incident where Ash caught his Treecko, she kinda got called out on her favouritism. Now she was trying to fix it, or at least show her friends she is, which is right now.
"Alright Torchic," she declared, tossing her Pokéball up into the air, "you're up!"
In a flash of light, her starter appeared in front of her. He looked straight ahead and must've seen their opponents. Looking left and right, he hopped to the side and stared up at her with a mostly blank expression, "Tor?"
"We're going to battle them, Torchic," she explained.
"Torchic!" he cheered, a bright smile taking over his face. It was funny at the gleeful expression as he hopped into the air, shaking his little wings and feet around. Landing back down, he turned back towards the opponents and scrapped his foot against the ground.
"Alright May and Torchic, you two can have the first move!" Serena called out.
"Then let's start with a Peck attack, Torchic!" she yelled.
Her fire starter took off from his position and ran straight ahead. His beak glew white and extended outward.
"Dodge it and use growth, Cacnea!" Serena shouted.
The pure grass type leaped from his position and high over Torchic. Adding in a frontal-spin. A mystic light surrounded him as he landed and struck a pose.
"But Peck is meant to be super effective!" May complained. Her pure fire type tripping over his own foot, face planting the ground.
"Tor," he muttered.
"It doesn't matter what move is effective or not if they don't land, May!" her know it all brother yelled from the side-lines.
She huffed to herself and crossed her arms, watching as her starter charged back in for another attack. Once again, Cacnea leaped through the air and landed back in front of his trainer. Torchic coming to a stop right in front of her, looking up with a question in his big beady eyes.
"If we can't attack close up then let's use range," May declared, "use Ember!"
Her starter nodded with a glint in his eye. Turning around with a loud cry, he shot out a large barrage of fire balls across the makeshift battlefield.
"Sand Attack!" Serena shouted.
Cacnea spun around, smashing each of his spiked arms into the ground. Heaps of sand went flying and dosed out the flames, landing in Torchic's eyes.
Her fire starter came to a complete stop, crying out with eyes squeezed shut. He looked completely helpless among the sand.
"Now move in for a hug!" their opponent commanded.
The pure grass type leaped forward after his multiple sand attacks. Landing right behind her starter, swooping him in in his spiked arms. Trapping him in a tight bear-hug, Torchic cried out in pain.
"Now that he's close up, use Peck!" she commanded.
With a mighty cry, her starter's beak extended outward and glew white. Swiftly thrusting his head back and forth, a flurry of attacks followed. All missed since Cacnea was hugging him from behind. She tried to find some way to turn around this predicament, but none came to mind.
"Alright Cacnea, let's send them flying with a pin missile attack!" Serena followed up.
The pure grass type spun on the spot and her fire starter was sent flying through the air. Holding his arms out, the spikes glew white and a series of white beams shot out. They soared over the air and landed with Torchic, exploding all around.
As the smoke faded, she saw her pure fire type struggling back to his feet. Shaking his head, his eyes weakly opened, still covered in sand.
She was about to make a call for another move when, a black ball shot out of the bush and tackled Cacnea over. Bouncing off him, the ball smashed into Torchic. Her starter was knocked backwards towards her, rolling around in the dirt. With the black ball coming to a stop and standing off against them.
It was some sort of quadrupedal Pokémon, with a primarily grey body, but a black face, throat, paws, and belly. It's eyes were red with yellow sclerae, and it had a red nose, narrowed down, and locked on them. Growling in anger, two rows of sharp teeth were ever-present, along with two pointing out from the lower jaw. The fur at the base of its tail was rumpled and shaggy. Each paw had three clawed toe's, gripping into the grassy ground.
"Pooch," it growled.
"What is that thing?" she asked, no-one imparticular.
"It's a Poochyena!" Max exclaimed.
"So why did it attack us?!" she asked.
A powerful wind blew from behind and sent it sideways. Through the sparkling attack, she saw Serena's Sylveon moving closer, all her ribbon-things extended outward in an intimidating manner. Standing off against the Poochyena, who was flat out on its stomach.
"May, retrieve Torchic slowly," Serena explained, "Sylveon can handle Poochyena while you do so."
"Right," she nodded, slowly making her way across the ground.
With each step, her eyes were locked on the dark type Pokémon, who slowly pushed themself up. Growling threateningly, she came to a stop and just stared at it, unable to move her legs either way. Leaping from its position, Poochyena flew towards her.
In a pink blur, Sylveon's ribbon's intercepted it mid-air. Spinning it around, the biting Pokémon was sent flying backwards onto it's back.
"Keep moving May!" Serena's voice called out, "like I said, Sylveon will protect you."
Pushing her fear away, she continued forward and kneeled down by her starter. Torchic was struggling around on his back, wiggling back and forth. Slowly she reached down and picked him up. Holding him at eye level, Torchic's eyes were squeezed shut with tears leaking down the sides.
"Tor Torchic," he whined.
"Oh Torchic," she engulfed him in a hug, standing back up. Stepping backwards, she stood next to the honey blonde girl, who smiled back at her.
"Sorry our battle got interrupted, May, but now that Torchic is safe we can find out what this Poochyena wants," she explained, "if I had to hazard a guess, I'd say it just wants to battle."
"What makes you so sure?" she asked.
"Well Poochyena can travel in packs, along with their evolved form, Mightyena," Serena explained, "but if that was the case, all of them would've attacked us together. Like when we encountered Taillow, remember. And looking at Poochyena, it clearly wants some sort of battle."
Looking towards the dark type, it's eyes sneered back and forth between Sylveon, Serena and herself. Never ending it's threatening howl.
Leaping from its position Poochyena avoided the feelers as it dove into the ground. A hole revealed as it disappeared from sight.
"Be careful, May, Poochyena is using dig and could come up from anywhere," Serena warned.
Stepping backwards tentatively, she found her heart beating hard against her chest as her breath stuck in her throat. Out of seemingly no-where, the black ball shot up from the ground and tackled her backwards. She landed on her behind, as her starter went rolling out of her grip into the dirt.
Landing next to her, Poochyena shot towards Torchic and delivered a powerful tackle. Her heart sank as the fire type went flying, crying out in pain.
A series of yellow bullet-like things shot across the ground, splitting the two Pokémon up. Moments later, Treecko landed next to her Torchic, quickly picking him up, Ash's recently caught Pokémon leaped over towards her.
Poochyena stood up and followed both Pokémon, growling threateningly. Another blur appeared and slammed into his side.
Taillow came to a stop, flapping her wings which were returning to normal after a wing attack. Facing off against Poochyena, who rolled in the dirt.
"If you want a battle then we're all in, right guys!" Ash declared.
Soon an army of Pokémon appeared between them and Poochyena. Treecko handed her starter over before joining in his flying teammate, along with Sylveon standing off once more. Meganium and Pikachu also stepped forward but not nearly as close. A strong shake across the ground drew her attention as a large bolder came rolling towards them. Exiting the attack, Brock's Golem came and stood barely in front of her in a protective manner.
Her eyes locked on the dark type, who continued to face off against the swarm of new Pokémon. The low growl slowly fizzled out, as it scanned left to right.
"Hey May, how's Torchic doing?" Brock's voice drew her attention, as he came to a stop next to her. He took a moment and looked down at the fire type in her arms, "no need to worry, he should be just fine. Mind if I take him to help with the sand attack in his eyes?"
"Of course, Brock," she replied, holding the fire type out.
Once out of her grip, she turned back towards the battle. Still standing it's ground, Poochyena took a deep breath and unleashed a series of loud barks, with soundwaves echoing across the field. As it struck the army, a series of red light had some retreat back into their Pokéballs.
Several more roars followed and soon all, but Pikachu was left, who ran forward. Standing his ground, with cheeks sparking out.
"Pikapi!" the electric mouse shouted.
Another roar echoed out with the soundwave tearing up the grassy field. Leaping into the air, Pikachu launched a thunderbolt straight down and imploding the soundwave attack. Landing back down, he made another cry towards the dark type Pokémon.
Poochyena turned heel and shot away back across the field. Within a matter of seconds, it was out of sight.
May released a breath she didn't realise that she was holding, she practically fell onto the ground next to Brock. She watched as he sat cross-legged with Torchic looking up at him. He was squeezing a wet cloth of him, letting the water fall out and wash the sand away from his eyes.
"You see, May, we don't want to directly rub the sand away because being so close to his eyes could be counter-productive," Brock explained, putting the cloth down and picking her starter up. He shook his head free from the water. Coming to a stop, his eyes burst open with a smile spread on his beak, "so how does that feel, Torchic?"
"Tor-chic!" he cheered.
"Thank you, Brock," she found herself smiling.
"It was my pleasure, May," he smiled, "but that only helped with his sight. Torchic is likely still weak after the combined battles with Cacnea then Poochyena."
"Can't we just use one of those potions on him then?" she asked.
"We could," he admitted, "but looking at him, Torchic isn't exactly that badly damaged. Besides there's a berry and flower shop not far from here. I was wanting to stop by when we visited to stock up and I bet some of their berries would be just what Torchic needs to fully recover."
"Well I don't know about you guys, but I think we should pack up camp and make our way over," Ash suggested, "we don't know when that Poochyena will return and it could always come back with re-enforcements."
Serena didn't waste any time in agreeing and they soon found their camp packed up. Thanks to not really setting the tents or cooking utensils out, it was pretty quick. Following the lead of the Pokémon breeder, she found her group heading off in the same direction Poochyena ran off.
Her Torchic was still in her arms, muttering to himself. She didn't like this, Torchic was normally so independent, running around without a care in the world.
Brock smiled as he looked back towards his sleeping normal type. Slakoth was riding on his back with his arms loosely wrapped over his shoulders. While the little guy spends most of his time sleeping, he liked spending time with him. It was a perfect time way to bond with the young sloth Pokémon.
"So... your saying that your carrying Slakoth to get to know him?" Max asked, "when you could just as easily carry him in his Pokéball?"
"It shouldn't be that surprising, Max," he smiled, "baby's spend most of their time sleeping early on, but they get to know their parents through constant contact and just spending time with them. Even when asleep, Slakoth is learning about me through his senses of smell and touch."
"I still don't see how that works," he muttered, "and neither Ash or Serena seem to be doing it at the moment."
He turned forward to look at them, just as the young boy said. They were leading the way in the path with the honey-blonde girl resting her head on his shoulder. While the only Pokémon they had out were Sylveon and Pikachu, who were running ahead, appearing to play some game of chase.
"Well Max, there's a very simple reason for that," Brock smiled, "and it's that their Pokémon deserve a rest after their morning training sessions. And besides, you'll realise this when your older but when you have a girlfriend, and they want alone time. You comply with a smile on your face."
"Whatever," he shrugged, "it still seems like a weird thing to attempt."
Watching the young boy stroll ahead, as he turned his attention to the nearby trees lining the dirt path forward. He was clearly trying to spot any signs of wild Pokémon. Even if most of the wild Pokémon around these parts are similar to those already caught, like Wurmple, Taillow and Slakoth. He wasn't entirely sure what to make of Max in all honest, he definitely knows a lot about Pokémon, but he is also very science focused. He almost had a meltdown when proved wrong about the sizes and weights of Pokémon. Just because textbooks and Pokedex give the average for healthy fully grown of the species.
"Wow, look at all the Lotad!" the young boy exclaimed.
He looked at the boy to see where exactly he was looking. Following his eyeline, he saw a grassy garden with a small pond filled with multiple of the same small blue Pokémon, which had six stubby legs. They had large eyes and a wide, yellow mouth similar to a bill. A large leaf that resembled a lilypad on top of their entire bodies. Some were floating on top of the water, with only the lilypad visible. They all seemed happy playing together.
"I guess they look pretty cute," May muttered, as she put her Pokedex away.
"Cute? What does that matter?" Max asked, "but you should try and catch one anyway, May. You've got to face the Rustbow gym leader and neither your of your current Pokémon stand much of a chance against rock types."
"Oh, what do you know about it, Max?" she mumbled, sighing, and turning away.
"A lot more than you do," he scoffed, crossing his arms, and turning to the side.
"Come on guys, let's not argue," he stepped forward. Catching sight of a large-ish building next to the garden with a big sign outside. A small smile formed on his lips as stopped in-between them, "look, were here at that flower and berry shop. Let's go in."
With everyone else agreeing, they made their way towards the door. Being the first to enter, he noticed a small bell dinging as he held the door open, with everyone entering as he held it open for them. Looking around, he spotted shelves of potted plants and barrels filled with bouquets. A fresh scent of a summer garden filled his nostrils. With a counter in the far wall, littered with papers, a pen cup, and an old grey till register.
A door behind the counter opened and out walked three females. The first was a young girl, probably aged somewhere between Max and May, who had long red hair. The second looked to be closer to Ash and Serena's age, with medium length blue hair and the final one seemed to be closer to his age, with medium length dark green hair that was slightly spiked. He smiled as they approached the group, each with a smile even if some were more excited than others.
"Customers!" the youngest one cheered, "how can we help you all?!"
"Natalie, calm down," the blue haired girl sighed and shook her head, "or you'll scare them off."
"Sorry about my sisters," the eldest one drew all their attention, "I'm Rita, and these are my sisters Natalie and Nicole."
"Nice to meet you," he stepped forward, "my names Brock and these are my friends, Ash, Serena, May and Max."
"How could we help you, today?" she asked.
"Well we came here looking to stock up on some berries," he smiled, "but now were here. I'm not sure about my friends but I wouldn't mind looking around."
Receiving a general agreement from his friends. They each took off around the store. He got talking with Rita about the different berries and medical herbs that he knew they used to grow here. Max mostly stood off to the side, fiddling with the Pokenav that his parents gave him before they set off. Possibly the most surprising one was Ash, who went off with Nicole, as Serena and May went exploring some of the plants on display.
He wasn't entirely sure how it happened, but the conversation soon turned towards Pokémon and they regathered together as Rita released her own team of three Pokémon.
"Awesome, a Bellossom and Jumpluff!" Serena cooed, as they all took in Rita's team, "and whose that Pokémon?"
The eldest sister's third Pokémon was a bipedal Pokémon with hair made of white rose petals, and a leafy, green cape with a yellow, collar-like bangle around her neck. The cape pattern reached towards the back of her head, in spiky, sepal-like extensions on the hair. She had a dark-green mask over her red, yellow-lidded eyes. The lower portion of her face was light green, and each hand seemed to be a massive bouquet, with red flowers on the right arm and blue on the left. Her limbs and underside were light green, with her feet ending in yellow tips. Brock was just close enough to listen as she pulled out her Pokedex:
Roserade, The Bouquet Pokémon. The final evolved form of Budew. After captivating opponents with its sweet scent, it lashes them with its thorny whips. With the movements of a dancer, it strikes with whips that are densely lined with poison thorns
"Roserade here was actually my starter Pokémon," she smiled, "she was just a little Budew when we first met. But now we're a real team. Right girl?"
"Rose-rade," the grass poison type smiled.
"I bet Roserade makes a great performer," Serena smiled, "almost makes me want to go out and find one myself."
"You should," Rita smiled, "it's thanks to her that I've already earned three ribbons. They are very loyal and powerful Pokémon."
"But now you can check out my team," Nicole declared, tossing three Pokéballs into the air.
"Cool a Venomoth and a Sandslash," Ash interjected, as he pulled out his own device, "and what's that third Pokémon?"
Stood to the side of the middle sister was bipedal Pokémon which shared some similarities to Kangashkan of all Pokémon. Most of his body was green, but his head to his neck and his tail were beige. On top of his head was a green, mushroom-like cap with beige gills underneath, and a round, red berry-like growth with a hole in the middle on either side. He had oval, black eyes, a beak-like mouth, and frilled segments around the base of his neck. There were two red claws on each of his hands and feet. At the end of his tail, there were seed clusters. The raven-haired boy held his device out and scanned the Pokémon:
Breloom, The Mushroom Pokémon. The final evolved form of Shroomish. Breloom closes in on its foe with light and sprightly footwork, then throws punches with its stretchy arms. This Pokémon's fighting technique puts boxers to shame
"I met Breloom when he was just a little Shroomish, injured in the forest," Nicole explained, "I brought him home and our parents helped me nurse him back to health. It was because of that incident, that I decided to become a Pokémon breeder. And Breloom's been right by my side ever since."
"Bre! Breloom!" he cried out in agreement.
He looked around as his friends went off to different part of the shops and released their own teams. Ash's Meganium seemed the most interest in the location, infrawled by the shelves of potted plants. His newly caught Treecko stood by her side, although the way he kept glancing up towards her, it was clear something else was on his mind. His two playful Pokémon in Duskull and Phanpy were quick to make their way out of the front, if he had to guess either to play or train. Taillow rested solely on his shoulder as he followed the two grass types through the shelves. While Pikachu was riding on Sylveon's back.
Probably best not thought about.
Speaking of Serena, she was stood with several of her own Pokémon. Cascoon was resting in her arms and Murkrow perched on her shoulder. Cacnea was bouncing back forth, looking closely, he noticed the cerulean-eyed girl's skills in avoiding his attempted hugs. While Hitmontop stood off to the side, arms crossed an unpleased expression on his face. Guess flowers are stereotypically masculine for the pure fighting type.
"Lotad," a voice drew his attention. He turned to the side and saw one of the small water grass types stood by his side.
"Hey there little guy," he kneeled down, "how can I help you today?"
His bill-like-mouth pinched together. A small water spraying out, like some sort child's water pistol.
"Aww, it seems your having a little trouble with your gun there, buddy," he gave a small smile as he picked him up.
"Tad?" he blinked, "Lotad!"
With that declaration, a powerful jet of water shot out and smashed straight into his face. It only lasted a couple seconds but it completely soaked his top.
"Well... maybe you're not having that much trouble after all," he deadpanned.
"This little guy is certainly a unique figure," Rita smiled, "but how about we show you some of the charts we have on medical herbs and how each of them work."
"Thanks Rita," he smiled, "that would be great."
May smiled as she wondered around the flower beds with Natalie. Rainbows of different flowers coloured the garden. Red amaryllis, yellow gaillardia, violet passiflora caerulea and bright pink bougainvillea glabra were just some of her favourites that she could make out.
She always had a passion for flowers, it was one thing she would bond with her mother over. Even when they lived back in Unova, her mother would help her grow indoor plants. They never had a massive garden for growing in that big city but that changed when they moved to Petalburg, that changed. Just like her brother, she would spend a lot of time in their dad's greenhouse, but she wasn't there to see his Pokémon. She was more interested in the flowers and shrubs.
"Wow," she gasped, "this is so beautiful. It's hard to believe we had this flower garden so close to home."
"My ma and pa opened this place when they were in their twenties," she explained, "all our lives, my sisters and I have helped the keep this place running. It was actually my idea to start introducing berries into our garden."
"How come?" she asked.
"While I love flowers, not that many people were buying them," she explained, "sure we'd have the odd customer ready to buy them for an anniversary or to pay respects but it's not exactly a booming business. I thought by introducing berries, we'd also be able to attract travelling trainers, and with you guys turning up, it clearly worked."
"Woah, that was pretty clever idea Natalie," May smiled, "your parents must be glad to have you."
"Well, I don't mean to brag," she mareepishly replied, glancing down at her feet, "while I love my sisters, they each have their own thing that they want to be getting on with. Rita's been talking none-stop about Pokémon contests and Nicole has been practising as a breeder. I'm the only one that wants to really keep running the shop but-"
"That doesn't sound to different to my family," she muttered, "my dad's a gym leader and so everyone's expecting me to try and follow in his footsteps. I'm being expected to compete in the gym at Rustbow, but I know I don't want to be like him."
"What do you want to do, May?" she asked.
"I'm really not sure, when I first became a trainer, I was happy to just travel and explore," she mused, "and while I've grown to like Pokémon like my Silcoon and Torchic a lot more. I just don't know enough about the other options available to make a decision... also doesn't help my little brother idolises our dad, plus he'll call me out on anything I do that's not one-hundred-percent accurate."
"Well May, I don't know how much help this will be, but you might be in luck," Natalie smiled, "you see, Rustbow has one of the best trainer schools in the entire Hoenn region."
"Thanks Natalie, but I don't think being stuck in a hot classroom all day will be much better," May uttered.
"I figured that when you said that you enjoyed travelling," she smirked, "but the Rustbow trainer's school offers free trails for singular day's to get a taste of what sort of classes you want. Whether it's breeding, battling, coordinating, they even recently started performing classes."
"So, by checking out the classes, I could have a better idea of what each path entails," May realised, a wide smile taking over her face, "you're the best!"
"Think nothing of-" she paused mid-sentence, her expression turning from one of excitement and joy to pure terror and anger. Turning to see what the young girl was looking at, May gasped as she saw a Poochyena, digging up one of the flower beds, "oh no, not again."
"Again?" May asked, as the young girl ran forward.
"Shoe! Shoe!" she cried out running over to the dark type. It looked up at them with a tilted head, mud covering most of it's fur coat. A wide grin took over it's look of confusion and bolt off into the forest. Walking over to the young girl, she kneeled down and saw the destroyed flower bed, "oh great."
"I'm guessing this isn't the first time?" she asked.
"Nope," she sighed, "you see that Poochyena is a wild Pokémon who came looking for food when we started growing the berries. We didn't mind since some would've gone to waste, spoiling before we could sell them. But he kept coming back, attacking my sister's Pokémon and digging up the flowers."
"That's awful," she mumbled, "how could he keep doing such a thing?"
"My sister's think he's just wanting to play," Nicole replied, "but I don't care. The worst part isn't the damage but having to throw away the one's that can't be salvaged. All our hard work, down the drain. Hey May, could you do me a favour and go and tell my sisters?"
"Of course," she offered a sad smile, standing back up and walking inside.
She made her way over to the group, where she saw Nicole was showing off some sort of herbal plant to Serena and Brock, as Rita was talking to Ash with a couple of her Pokémon. Grabbing everyone's attention, she went on to explain the situation outside. Hearing their worry and anger, her Torchic made an appearance. Looking down at him, she saw something within his beady eyes. Feeling a fire fuelled in her stomach, she turned towards them.
"Don't worry, Rita and Nicole," May stepped forward, her Torchic squirming in her arms, "you see, Torchic here got pretty upset with how Poochyena interrupted his training earlier. So, we're gonna go out there and find Poochyena! He won't be causing you or your shop any issues from here on out!"
"Thank you, May," the two sisters chorused and bowed in respect, "getting rid of that Poochyena would be a massive help for us!"
"Do you want one of us to come with you, May?" Serena offered, as she approached with Ash in tow, "you've not really adventured out on your own yet and-"
"Thanks Serena but no thanks," she shook her head, "ever since Max joined the group, he's just been judging every move I've made and already thinks of me as pathetic. I want to do this with Torchic so we can prove, not only to you guys but also to ourselves that we can do this. Right, Torchic?"
"Tor! Chic!" her starter cheered in agreement.
"Well best of luck, May," Serena smiled, "we'll be right here if you need us."
"And we'll be ready to celebrate your new capture as well," Ash smirked, "so go and get 'em!"
Nodding in agreement, she felt her lips twitch up into a smirk. Turning around, she took off out of the back door towards the destroyed flower bed where Natalie was already working on salvaging the flowers. Taking off past her, she turned to see muddy footprints leading away into the forest.
Her starter jumped down by her feet and took off after the tracks. Feeling energy bursting through her fingertips, she took off as fast as her feet would carry her. Torchic remained barely in sight as he doubled down on speed. It didn't take that long before they came to a stop in a wide open grassy plain, with a small stream running to the side. Poochyena was lying in a hollowed-out tree trunk, biting, and tugging against a branch in an aggressive manner.
He stopped biting the wild-life and looked up at her. His head tilted to the side before a wide grin overtook his face. Jumping up to his feet, tail wagging back and forth with tongue hanging out. Striding over to the far part of the grassy field, he crouched low and growled threateningly.
"Alright Torchic, let's do this!" she declared. Her fire type stood tall against the dark type, scrapping his foot against the ground.
The bite Pokémon leaped forward with teeth bearing, dark type energy radiating out of his mouth. He landed right where her starter was stood, but Torchic had already run forward and out of the way. Turning around, he launched a large barrage of fireballs towards him.
Poochyena wasted no time in digging underground, he avoided the Embers. May had to dive for cover to also avoid them!
"Hey Torchic! It's Poochyena your battling, remember!" she cried out.
Her pure fire type came to a stop and mareepishly grinned at her, with a light chuckle. A massive sweat drop covering his forehead.
Bursting out of the ground beneath him, Poochyena leaped up and grabbed Torchic in his mouth. Landing on the ground, he shook her starter back and forth.
"Peck attack!" she shouted.
His beak extended outwards while glowing white. With a series of cries, he nodded his head back and forth, smashing the beak into the dark type. Releasing his grip, Torchic leaped up and continued to peck him.
Turning on a heel, the bite Pokémon took off across the field. Torchic landed on his feet, tilting head to the side as he beak returned to normal.
"After it, Torchic!" she commanded.
Taking off from the spot, her fire starter made a straight shot for the dark type. He turned around to see her chick Pokémon charging after him.
As she blinked, she lost tracked of her pure fire type. Turning towards their opponent, she saw an orange blur as Poochyena went flying.
"What was that move?" she asked, pulling out her Pokedex:
Quick Attack: The user lunges at the foe at a speed that makes it almost invisible. It makes the user almost certain to strike first
"So, I guess all that running around was useful," she thought to herself, watching closely as the pure dark type shook off the blow, standing back up as he took off after Torchic. Tackling May's starter and taking him for a ride, "use Peck!"
While being dragged along, her starter's beak extended outward and glew. He smashed it straight into the dark types face with furry.
Sending the fire type flying, Torchic performed a spin mid-air. Landing on both feet, he took a deep breath and launched a barrage of fire balls at him. Being too close to properly react in time, the dark type cried out in pain, whimpering, and crouching from the attack.
"Go Pokéball!" she shouted, as the empty device went flying across the ground.
It struck the dark type and sucked him inside with a red light. Landing flat on the ground, it shook back and forth violently. Torchic stood ready, eyes narrowed with a small twitch in his beak. Her eyes stuck on the device as he held still. After an agonisingly long time, it dinged.
She blinked once... twice...
A wave of relief washed over her. As she bolted forward, "alright! I caught a Poochyena!" Reaching the device, she picked it up and bounced up and down on the spot. An overzealous grin taking over her face. A series of claps drew her attention as she turned to see Serena approaching her.
"Nicely done, May, that was a good battle and capture," she smiled, kneeling down to scratch Torchic on the head, "and well done to you too."
"Thanks Serena... oh yeah," she muttered, pulling her Pokedex out of her pocket. She held it on front of the Pokéball, scanning it:
Poochyena, The Bite Pokémon. At first sight, Poochyena takes a bite at anything that moves. This Pokémon chases after prey until the victim becomes exhausted. However, it may turn tail if the prey strikes back
Type: Dark
Ability: Quick Feet
Hidden Ability: Rattled (Note: This hidden ability is currently locked)
Gender: Male
Nature: Hasty (Note: This could change when/if this Pokémon evolves)
Move(s): Tackle, Howl, Sand Attack, Bite, Odour Sleuth, Roar, Dig
"Well now that you've caught a Poochyena, you might actually stand a chance in the Rustbow gym," her know it all brother commented, as he approached with Ash in tow, "but you should still catch a water or grass type to make sure. Maybe see about taking one of the Lotad, that's what I would do."
"Gee, thanks for your input Max," she muttered.
"Of course, I would've started with a Treecko so I wouldn't be stuck in your place," he smirked, pushing his glasses up with a confident glint in his eye.
"Tor!" Torchic cried out, tackling her brother to the ground. His beak extended outwards and glew, as he began a pecking assault.
"Hey! What's that for!" Max cried out, "stop it!"
"You really should be nicer to Torchic," Ash commented, "if you were, he wouldn't attack you like this!"
"I mean, not necessarily, Ash," Serena replied, "how many times have Charizard or Primeape attacked you? Or Muk with... anyone, when giving a hug."
"I guess you're right," he chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head.
"Just stop it, Torchic!" Max cried out.
Torchic didn't stop. She stepped forward and looked down at her scratched-up brother with a sense of superiority, crossing her arms. Tapping her foot as she inwardly smiled. He was always the golden boy back home, maybe they knew that she wasn't as into Pokémon as him. It's her only explanation.
"I'll only tell him to stop when you apologise," she declared.
"Alright!" he yelled at the top of his voice, "I'm sorry Torchic!"
Coming to a stop, her fire starter smiled at the work he did before walking over to her, with a massive yawn, he fell onto his behind. Smiling at the sight, she pulled out her Pokéball and returned him for a nice long rest. To has been a fun, Torchic filled day, hopefully Silcoon won't mind he took centre-stage.
With her new Pokémon in hand, she made her way over to the garden where she saw the three sister's working on the flower bed. Seeing her arrival, the youngest one stood up, smile on her face, as the two older one's looked on from the working position.
"Your back," Natalie greeted, "how did it go, May?"
"See for yourself," she smiled, holding her Pokéball out. In a flash of light, her newly caught dark type materialised in front of them. He looked pretty beat up from the battle but sat still, "Poochyena won't be causing you or this shop any more problems from now on."
"Thank you," she bowed in respect, "I don't know how we could ever repay you."
"It's nothing, really," she smiled, turning towards her newly caught Pokémon, "now what do you say for destroying their flowers, Poochyena?"
Crouching low and letting out some light whimpering, his eyes were cast downwards. She turned towards the sister's with different expressions of relief, whether a slight smile, relaxed eyes, or sighs of relief.
"Hey May," Brock spoke up, "Poochyena is looking a little beat up. And I'm guessing he gave as good as he got. Want me to give them a check over?"
"Thanks Brock, but no thanks," she cast a glance towards Max, a smirk forming on her face, "they are my Pokémon, after all. I should be the one to do it."
"Well done, May," Serena spoke up, "that's a real mature thing to take. But maybe one of us should supervise, it never hurts to have a second pair of eyes."
Nodding in agreement, she made her way over to a clearing away from the flower beds with the honey-blonde girl following. Setting up on the greenery, she used a potion on both her newly caught dark type and her starter. Although with Serena's suggestion, she added in a little burn heal for Poochyena, as a just in case situation. Once both were healed, the cerulean-eyed girl took her leave, as she looked at the two Pokémon.
"Okay Poochyena, we didn't really get to know each other before," she greeted, "my name is May and this here is my starter, Torchic."
"Tor-chic!" the fire type held his head proudly.
"And this is Silcoon," she explained, holding out her final Pokéball. In a flash of light, the bug type appeared on her lap, "we may not be a big team, but we are one and your apart of it too."
The dark type looked between the three of them. His mouth spread out into a wide smile as his tongue hung out, panting heavily. Leaping up at her, his paws went onto her torso as he began licking her face. She giggled heartily as she stroked the back fur, at the ticklish show of affection.
"I'm happy to meet you too," she laughed.
Brock smiled as he looked towards the side. Stood between his feet was the small water grass type. Not a sound could be heard, and neither could any sort of movement. Although he didn't mind the company, quite the opposite in fact, this little guy was proving to be quite unique in his own right.
He looked forward to see some charts laid out by Rita. It detailed some medical herbs and which parts we're used for which medicines. While he learnt some stuff back in the hidden village in Kanto, this was far more detailed. His hand was mindlessly moving across the page of a notepad, where he was trying to jot down the key information that he could find. Some of the plants shown were also only native to tropical regions, such as Hoenn, so it would be useful to know in case they run into trouble during the road... not that he never met an obstacle not previously prepared for in one way or another.
"How's it going, Brock?" Rita's voice echoed in his ear. Turning to see her approaching, he smiled.
His old self would've been all over her and Nicole too but not this version of him. Even if the reason he straightened himself out, Suzie, couldn't return his feelings, resorting back to his old self wouldn't help anyone. Now he'll just focus on his medical studies, his Pokémon, and his new pal Max.
He gave a quick glance towards the young boy, who was stood next to Ash's Meganium. She seemed to be doing her plant recovery tricks whilst basking in his attention. Not that he's surprised Max was all over her, from what Norman said, he'd followed Ash as a trainer since his victory in the Orange league. Possibly the only Pokémon of Ash's he'd be more pleased to meet would be Aerodactyl.
"It's going great, Rita, thank you for letting me see these notes," he replied, "they're really informative."
"It's no trouble at all Brock," she smiled, "we use to grow medical herbs alongside flowers and the pharmacies sent us these, so we'd know how to properly prepare them for the intended purposes. Of course, they moved that into a bigger factory for the higher quantities needed. It's just one reason we moved onto growing berries."
"Wow, this place sure is filled with history," he smiled, catching sight of lines of Lotad walking through the flower beds, "so what are those one's up to?"
"They're helping us with watering the flowers," she explained, "water gun sprinkler is fine for healthy plants but a natural source, like the lake is filled with more nutrients which'll help us heal those damaged by Poochyena."
"Cool," he smiled, casting a quick glance down towards the small Pokémon between his legs, "what do you say, little guy? Want to help your buddies?"
"Tad," he gave a very simple reply, "Lotad."
Without further ado, the water grass type waddled over towards a line of his own species which were heading back towards the lake, ready to collect a second lot of water for the plants. Brock smiled at the sight, out of the corner of his eye he noticed even Treecko was carefully tending to parts of the garden, although he saw that glint in the wood gekko's eye. He inwardly smirked, knowing that the little guy was more focused on impressing someone. Shaking the thought out of his head for now, he turned back towards the oldest sister.
"So, the Lotad not only help by watering the plants with water gun but can help carry water from the lake in their lilypad?" Brock asked, "it's amazing how many different ways they help with growing flowers."
"At first, their water guns actually damaged the flowers more than they helped," Rita explained, "so we brainstormed this idea since they were adamant about helping out. I think it's because we let them live in our shops lake. Of course, we wouldn't have kicked them out either way."
"You own the lake?" he asked.
"Well, our family does," she smiled, "they've lived on the outskirts of this forest for three generations and the different generations of Lotad helped our past relatives in the same way. But because the water guns had a habit of damaging the flowers, we came up with this method instead."
"What about how they did it earlier?" Brock asked, "when they sprayed their water high into the air."
"That was actually Natalie's idea," Rita smiled, "by spraying upwards, it takes out the momentum of the attack and so when it comes back down, it's just like it's raining."
"Oma Omastar!" his water rock type called out.
"Huh, what is it Omastar?" he asked, turning towards him. The Spiral Pokémon used a couple tentacles to point towards the rows of Lotad, "it seems we have a traffic jam."
"It's because of that Lotad in front," Max pointed out, "it's the same one as earlier."
Turning towards the source, just as the young boy said, the same Lotad from earlier was stood at the boarder of the flower bed. Head full of water and staring off into space. Smiling towards him, he approached and squatted down next to him.
"Excuse me, Lotad, what's wrong?" he asked, seeing the eyes slide over to look at him. His yellow bill-mouth flicked up in a smile, "are you okay?"
"Tad, tad," he replied, "Lotad."
"Right," Brock blinked, not quite sure of what to make of that response. Getting down onto his knees, he flashed the water grass type a toothy grin, "watch, and then you try, Lotad. Just like this." He lowered his head down over the flowerbed.
Lotad blinked at him, as he continued to demonstrate what he wished for the little guy to do. After a few examples, he gestured for the little guy to try himself, and to his pleasant surprise, he did just as shown. Pouring the entire contents of his lilypad onto the soil.
"See, there you go Lotad," he smiled, standing up as he held his hand out. It took him a moment to blankly stare but he jumped onto his hand and Brock easily lifted him up and out of the way. Didn't want to cause even more of a traffic jam with the other Lotad, after all, "good job."
"Wow Brock, you sure do seem to be good with this little one," Rita praised, "he sure is a special case among the rest of the group."
"Everyone's got to start somewhere," he shrugged, "I know I wouldn't be where I am if my mentor's didn't have patients so I can't begrudge that to others."
"Lotad," his passenger muttered, mostly to himself.
"You know, Brock, that Lotad has really taken a shine to you," Rita smiled, "maybe you should take him with you?"
"Do... you really think so?" he asked.
"Tad," the water grass type interjected, "Lotad."
"Of course, you see he is normally left behind by the others since they don't really have the patients for him," she explained, "having someone who'll take their time and help him grow is really the best option he has. And I think Lotad likes that idea as well."
"Is Rita right, little buddy?" he asked, raising the small Pokémon up to his eye level.
"Lotad," he nodded, "Lotad."
It didn't take Brock long to realise, he wasn't actually answering his question. He was, just trying to empty out the water from his lilypad like he did on the flowers. Difference being, no water was currently in his lilypad. Locking eyes with the little guy, a bright smile appeared as his beady little eyes popped.
"Lotad!" he cheered.
Smiling at him, he realised there was only one way to find out. Using his free hand, he fished out a free Pokéball and held it out. Lotad's bill tapped the device and he disappeared in a flash of red light. Stable in his hand, he didn't feel a single shake and just stared out it. Nearly two minutes passed without a single sign of life. He was half expecting Lotad to burst out or for it to ding in success. After another minute, it weakly shook once and dinged in quick succession.
"Guess... that answers that?" he asked aloud, "welcome to the family, Lotad."
He felt his Forretress' Pokéball teleport off his belt. Pressing the centre button, a red light shot out and his newly caught Lotad landed by his feet. Tilting his head up, the water grass type looked up with a bright wide expression, "Lotad!"
"Congratulations, Brock," Serena's voice filled his ears as he turned to see her approaching.
"Thanks, Serena," he smiled, "hey, do you mind if I borrow you Pokedex? I want to check out a little more about Lotad here."
"Of course," she smiled back, reaching into her back pocket on her shorts. Pulling out the device, she held it out. He took the device with a small nod to show his gratitude and used it to scan his newly caught friend:
Lotad, The Water Weed Pokémon. Lotad live in ponds and lakes, where they float on the surface. It grows weak if its broad leaf dies. On rare occasions, this Pokémon travels on land in search of clean water. They are occasionally seen carrying small Pokémon across rivers
"Thank you," he replied, handing the device back to her.
Picking up the little guy, he looked left and right for a large open space. Once finding a grassy field away from the flower beds, he made his way over and released the rest of his team. Spending the next few hours introducing the little guy to his new teammates. Unfortunately, Slakoth was still snoozing from his afternoon nap but Golem, Omastar, Shuckle and Magcargo all made him feel as welcome as could be.
As he re-joined the group, he smiled at the sight of the re-set flower beds. All of them were stood on the dirt path that lead the path towards Rustbow, most of the Pokémon were currently away apart from Pikachu, Sylveon, Poochyena and his new Lotad. Stood opposite them, were the three-flower shop sister's, along with their Roserade and Breloom, respectively.
"I guess this is goodbye," May smiled sadly, "thank you for all the help you gave with the flowers and berries."
"It was the least we could do," Natalie smiled, "after all, your saving our future flowers by taking Poochyena with you-"
A bark of affirmation from said dark type caused a series of chuckles.
"And if any of you are in the area again, feel free to stop by," Rita added, "we're always glad to have the company. Oh yeah, and don't forget these, Ash."
The eldest sister held out a white bag, clearly supporting whatever was in the bottom. Smiling at her, he took the parcel, also being careful to support it from underneath. Deciding not to question it yet, he turned back towards the sister's once more.
Bidding the girl's one more goodbye, they set off down the path towards Rustbow. May went running ahead with her Poochyena by her feet. He smiled at the sight; this was the happiest he recalled seeing her since joining the group. Then again, travelling off to capture a Pokémon on her own is a big mile step in her journey as a trainer. He turned towards the small water weed Pokémon in his arms. No matter how many times one captures a Pokémon, it never gets old. He turned to check on Max, who returned with a small smile, before looking towards the couple.
"So, what's in the bag, Ash?" Brock asked.
"Right," he smiled, turning towards Serena. Holding the bag out, he pulled down the sides to reveal a tray of red flowers, "these are for you, Serena, they're poenies. According to Nicole, these flowers are meant to represent: luck, prosperity, love, and good fortune. I thought they'd make a good, good luck charm for your upcoming showcase in Rustbow."
"Thank you, Ash," she smiled, accepting the flower tray, and reaching over to peck his cheek, "I love them."
Thanks for reading... Please Favourite, Follow and Review. Also, feel free to ask any questions through PM, I will answer them all, although don't expect too big of spoilers. Don't forget to vote in the polls. I really appreciate the support. Thank you and see ya next time...