Disclaimer hello everyone and all, at last, I have a new chapter for you all; if you're still around to read this story, there is a critical AN at the end. So, please read. Also, I am always looking for a co-writer for this story as with help, I should be able to bring out chapters a lot faster, plus you can throw in some of your ideas for the story as well as I don't mind all that much.
Chapter 9 Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village
Ash, Misty, Sakura, Naruto, and Brock continue their journey, only to soon find themselves completely lost in a forest. And without a compass, they have no way of knowing which way leads to Vermilion City.
The last two days had been exciting for Naruto and Sakura, to say the least, as they had met a trainer called AJ. Who was training to win one hundred battles in a row without losing, and needless to say, Ash wanted to battle AJ, who had gotten a little arrogant over the wins that Ash had been getting. Something that was starting to get his friends worried about, but the five soon learned about a Gym from a trainer Ash had beaten told the five about the trainer called AJ.
Once they arrived, the two ninjas looked at the so-called Gym that the trainer told them about both Naruto and Sakura looked at the Gym as they looked at the scoreboard, which showed that AJ had won ninety-eight battles in a row without losing once. Yet, on the other hand, Ash just gave a smile and said once he one, then it would have to be changed to almost undefeated.
However, Ash's battle plan didn't go the way he wanted it to happen, as AJ only used his Sandshrew on Ash. At the same time, Ash had tried to use the three Pokémon he had, but two of his Pokémon were all beaten easily, while Pikachu didn't even want to battle AJ's Sandshrew after seeing what the ground Pokémon had done to both his friends.
Once the battle was over and AJ had won, the group followed AJ into his tent where he was training, and the four were impressed by what they were seeing; even Ash was impressed. That was until he saw the way AJ was using his whip on Sandshrew, who had recently dived into the pool and jumped back out soon after. Hence the two trainers started to get into a fight over how to raise a Pokémon. Yet when Naruto asked if AJ mistreated Sandshrew, to which the ground Pokémon shook his head at this.
Ash then notices that the Sandshrew and all the other Pokémon in the tent are wearing some odd straitjacket type of thing. AJ explains that they are "strength intensifiers" and help his Pokémon become stronger. Ash feels AJ is treating them too harshly and appeals to Brock for support. Unfortunately for him, Brock takes an interest in what AJ feeds them.
Meanwhile, just outside, Jessie, James, and Meowth have seen Ash go in and plan to steal Pikachu again. They try out a new motto, but James frowns, saying it just doesn't feel right. They plan to hide in a giant rubber ball, sneak in, capture Pikachu, and escape with it before Ash realizes what happened.
As Ash and AJ talk, Pikachu tries on one of the strength intensifiers but is overwhelmed and rolls into a ball. Sandshrew snickers and rolls up into a ball next to Pikachu. Team Rocket rolls in and sneaks up on two. In the darkness inside the ball, they accidentally take Sandshrew instead.
Soon enough, Ash and AJ notice Pikachu's predicament, and AJ frees him. Then, AJ realizes that Sandshrew is missing. Ash meanly suggests that Sandshrew ran away after seeing how much better Ash treated Pikachu. He offers the other Pokémon a spot on his team, but they turn Ash down.
In the meantime, James is struggling with his bundle. It seems that the Pikachu is heavier than it looks. He is about to hand the bag over to Jessie when Sandshrew pops out, knocking Jessie and James out. Sandshrew then burrows into the ground, bringing Meowth along.
Back at AJ's Gym, Sandshrew pops out through the floorboards, with Meowth dragging behind. AJ and Sandshrew are thrilled to see each other, and they share a warm embrace. Ash starts to rethink his feelings about AJ when Pikachu alerts him of Meowth's presence. Meowth is scared until Jessie and James show up to get him back. They half-heartedly apologize to AJ but insult him by calling his Sandshrew weak, and he challenges them to a battle.
After easily defeating Ekans, Koffing, and Meowth with Sandshrew's Fissure attack, AJ soon got his 100th straight win. He begins to pack up for his journey, and Ash offers to let him join his group. AJ declines, telling his friends he had his path to follow.
After their encounter with AJ, Ash and Misty were bickering about when Ash would pay her back for her bike. Brock, annoyed with their constant fighting, suggests that they stop for a rest and decide to make crepes. He asks for someone to go and gather some firewood, and that someone ends up being Ash. He starts to search in the fog for sticks and comes across several kids huddled together. Ash, Naruto, and Sakura come closer and sees that one of the kids is running on a treadmill, and the other, older kids, are drilling him on facts on Pidgey's evolutionary levels. Ash had felt sorry for the younger kid on the treadmill, so he chases the rest away.
After that, Brock and Misty show up, the boy, whose name is Joe, explains what is going on. He explains that he goes to Pokémon Tech, a school for Pokémon trainers. He says that he is at the bottom of his beginner class, and the other kids were "helping" him when Ash showed up. When Ash asks to see the one responsible for this program, Joe pulls out a picture of a girl named Giselle. Joe explains that even though he doesn't like how she treats him, he admires how she looks. Ash and Brock agree. Ash then asks where the school building is, and Joe points in the direction. The fog clears, and we see a huge campus surrounded by forest.
Meanwhile, Team Rocket had been in some bushes nearby, as they have been following Ash and Pikachu. They see the campus and start to worry. They tell Meowth that they were once enrolled there but flunked the admissions test with the lowest scores in the school's history. Meowth cheers them up by saying that at least they were the top of the bottom. They all follow Ash, Joe, and the rest to the building.
As Joe shows our friends around the area, he describes the type of curriculum the school offers. He says that those who graduate are truly allowed to go to the Pokémon League without going around and gathering badges.
Joe explains that a beginner, such as himself, has the experiences equivalent to someone with two to four badges, an intermediate has skills equal to someone with five or six, and an advanced has skills that Joe says are also equal to eight. He then points to an older kid sitting under a tree and says that the courses are so hard that this kid is still a beginner, something that shocked Naruto. The privilege of going here costs a lot, so everyone feels obligated to stay. Misty believed that the students here do not get the same experience as those who collect the badges and drives home her point by beating his Weepinbell with her Starmie.
Giselle comes in with the boys Ash had chased away earlier and then reprimands him for becoming an embarrassment to the school. She goes on and on about how weak he is, making Team Rocket outside think that she's even more arrogant than they are, which the three hated. On the other hand, Misty got tired of Giselle's attitude and the fact that Ash, Brock, and all the other Tech students think she's "a star" and challenged her to a match, sending out her Starmie again.
In what appears to be a poor strategic move, Giselle sent out Graveler, but he defeats Starmie without any trouble and sends it flying out the window and into a pool. Giselle started to lecture Misty and said that she lost because Graveler was much higher than Starmie. Ash gets perturbed and argues that Pokémon raising is more than just calculating levels and types; you need to treat them with love and care. Giselle just laughs and calls him a beginner. She goes on and on about how he's been on his journey for two months, and all he has is two badges and three Pokémon, one of which is a weak, untamed Pikachu (the other two beings, of course, Pidgeotto and Butterfree). Both Ash and Pikachu are outraged and challenge the arrogant Giselle to a match.
She agrees and sends out Cubone, a strong Pokémon against electric attacks. Pikachu is at a sheer disadvantage to Cubone's Bone Clubs and Bonemerangs (a cheap move, according to Ash) and became weakened. Finally, Ash tells Pikachu to fight back in any way it can. Pikachu then launches a major defensive maneuver, scratching, biting, and disorientating Cubone, ultimately using his Bonemerang attack against Cubone. The Cubone sits down and starts bawling. Pikachu has won.
Giselle is astounded to see a Pikachu win without using electrical attacks. She admits that she underestimated him and Ash. She has finally been brought down from her high horse and agrees with Ash that battles don't always go the way they should and that there are many training methods.
Suddenly, Team Rocket makes their appearance. They partly want to steal Pikachu, but this time is mainly to impress the other students. Giselle makes fun of them and reminds them of their low test scores, and the other kids pelt them with Pokéballs until they leave.
Joe tells Giselle that he is leaving Pokémon Tech and will start again as Ash did, collecting badges. They part in friendship, saying that maybe they'll see each other again at the Pokémon League. Ash wonders why he and Misty can't follow their example, and Misty reminds him about the bike. Ash walks on with his companions towards Vermilion City.
"Don't worry," Ash said to his friends as he looked back at them with a reassuring smile While Pikachu was sleeping on Ash's shoulder. "I'm positive this way will take us back to the path, and then it's off to Vermillion."
"You're positive, huh?" Brock wondered with a frown on his face as he looked over at Ash.
"That's what you said an hour ago, Ash. I'm tired." Misty said as she looked at Ash with a frown on her face.
"Maybe we should find someplace to rest guys," Sakura suggested. "I mean me and Naruto couldn't see anything but trees, trees, and well even more trees," Reminding the three when the two used their chakra to climb up the trees to see if there was any sign of a city or town that could help them. But all the two Konoha ninja found there were just more and more trees.
Ash just looked back at Sakura, and he knew that she had a point. "Alright, then I guess your right, Sakura, and we do need it too," Ash said, somewhat defeated.
The four of them stopped walking to rest their feet and take a quick break. "Phew! I told you to stick to the main road, but you had to take a shortcut." Misty said to Ash, starting another one of their arguments.
"Great, they're at it again." The two ninjas thought with a sigh as they looked at the two young trainers as Naruto moved closer to Sakura and whispered in her ear. "Are you sure Sasuke and I aren't as bad as them?" Naruto asked with a whisper so that their two friends didn't hear him, while Sakura couldn't help but giggle at this as she looked at Ash and Misty, both of whom were still fighting with each other and then at Naruto.
Ash and Misty were both too busy fighting with each other to hear what Naruto had said. "I took a shortcut? It was you who said to go this way." Ash argued back as he looked at Misty, not wanting to back down from the girl as Misty was still following him.
With a snort, Misty placed her hand on her hips as he shot a glare at Ash. "Ha! If I were leading, we wouldn't have gotten lost like this in the first place Mr. Pokemon master to be." Misty claimed with anger in her voice while she moved a little closer to Ash.
"Oh, really, and who says we're lost anyway?" Ash asked as he turned around to face Misty. "I know where we are going, Misty."
Misty looked over at Ash with a light growl as she felt slight anger over Ash when she knew they were lost, and Ash just didn't want to admit it. "Listen, genius! If you don't know where you are or where you're going, that means you're lost!" Misty yelled at the hat-wearing boy shooting him a deadly glare.
"Chill, guys, chill!" Brock said, trying to calm the two arguing trainers down.
"Brock's right, you two. Arguing won't help us get out of here. We just need to calm down and figure something out." Sakura said in agreement with the oldest trainer.
"It's good to have someone else who doesn't get into an argument," Brock said to Sakura.
"No problem, Brock," Sakura said as she gave a light smile to the older teen as she looked over to Ash and Misty and smiled at them. "After all, it's not the first time we've had to deal with them since Viridian City." She said as she looked at Naruto with a grin on her face. "Besides, I've had to deal with things like this back home, right Naruto?" Sakura asked with a smile on her face.
On the other hand, Naruto already knew what Sakura was saying, and all the blonde ninja could do was look at her and gives a fake depressed yet comedic face. "Hey, I'm not that bad ya'know Sakura-chan," Naruto said as he crossed his arms over his chest.
Sakura just gave a light giggle at this as she looked at Naruto. "Oh really, well, I think that Iruka sensei would say differently, Naruto," She said, knowing the many pranks that he had pulled back home as she had heard of many of them.
"All right fine, but remind me to yell at Ash some more later, if we ever get to Vermilion City that is you two," Misty said to the two older trainers. "I'm just glad I have another girl to talk to, at least." She said, looking at Sakura with a smile.
"Well, Misty, you know the old saying," Sakura began as she locked arms with the other girl as Misty as well started to smile back at Sakura. "We girls need to stick together," Sakura said as she gave a grin to Misty.
"There's always a catch," Naruto sighed, knowing that there would be another fight but smiled as he looked at Ash and Misty and then Brock. "Look, let's just find a place to rest, alright," Naruto said as he and Sakura looked at their supplies. "After all, we're going to need some more water soon," Sakura said as she took out a water bottle, which was already running low.
The four continued walking again until they found a small clearing with a little pond and a few rocks to sit on.
"Well time for a break, guys," Ash said, and the four of them picked a rock to sit on to rest, but then Ash heard something behind him. "Hmm, what's that?" Ash turned around and saw an Oddish that was drinking from the pond. "Oh, wow! It's a Pokémon!" Ash pointed out as he smiled and then pulled out his Pokédex and pointed it at the Oddish.
"Oddish. This Pokémon is typically found roaming the forest, scattering pollen as it walks around." the red machine explained.
"I'll catch it," Ash said with a smile on his face as he reached for a Poké Ball on his belt.
"Hold it, Ash!" Misty said as she pushed Ash aside.
"What for Misty?" Ash asked as he saw Misty and Sakura both smiling at each other. As he saw, Misty nodded her head at Sakura, who stepped forward.
"Because I'm gonna catch that Pokémon Ash," Sakura answered as she smiled. "After all, I need a new Pokémon, and Oddish is just the Pokémon for me. Since a flower would be just right for me."
"Aw, no way, Sakura, I saw it first." Ash tried to argue.
"That may be true Ash, but both Naruto and Sakura need to catch some Pokémon after all," Misty said as she smiled at Ash. "So come on, please." With that, both Misty and Sakura gave Ash a puppy dog looking face
But before the three could do anything, they heard Oddish walking away and turned around to see it doing so. "Oh no, it's going to get away! Go, Butterfree!" Sakura called out as she threw one of her Poké Balls, Butterfree materialized from the ball and landed right in front of the Oddish, but the Weed Pokémon turned and ran in another direction.
"Okay, Butterfree now use Whirlwind," Sakura said to her Pokémon with a smile on her face as her Butterfree just nodded, as she began to flap her wings towards the Oddish, which blew the little Pokémon away. "Now, use Stun Spore."
"Now that's the way Butterfree, you're doing a good job just keep it up." Sakura just smiled at this, knowing that. "Tackle it, Butterfree!"
Butterfree just let out a cry as she charged at the Oddish and hit it with a full-force Tackle, knocking the little Pokémon out. "That weakened it, gotta catch it now," Sakura said as she held up an empty Poké Ball. "Poké Ball, go!"
Sakura threw the empty ball, but something else struck it and sent it flying back. "Uh-oh," Sakura said as she saw what had happened.
Standing between Starmie and Oddish was a Bulbasaur, and it seemed to be protecting the smaller Pokémon. "Whoa! What's that?" Ash wondered.
Bulbasaur just stood there growling at the trainers. "Wow! I can't believe it, a Bulbasaur!" Ash shouted, unable to believe his luck in finding a Bulbasaur.
Ash then pulled out his Pokédex again and pointed it at the Seed Pokémon. "Bulbasaur, it bears the seed of a plant on its back from birth. The seed slowly develops. Researchers are unsure whether to classify Bulbasaur as a plant or animal. Bulbasaur, are extremely tough and very difficult to capture in the wild." the machine stated.
Bulbasaur then charged forward and hit Sakura's Butterfree with a powerful Tackle attack. Butterfree was then quickly knocked to the ground, and Sakura held it up, making sure it was okay. "Oh, oh, Butterfree, are you okay?" Sakura asked with worry present in her voice.
"That's a strong Bulbasaur if it's able to beat Butterfree in one hit with just a Tackle," Naruto thought aloud. "Which just makes him that much cooler!" Naruto yelled as he watched the grass-type Pokémon with a grin crossed over his face.
"Now it's my turn to try," Ash said as he stepped forward, looking over at Bulbasaur with a smile all over his face. "Bulbasaur is mine!"
Ash grabbed one of his Poké Balls and threw it. "Butterfree, I choose you," Ash called out as the ball opened.
The Bug/Flying Pokémon materialized from the white light that poured out of the ball. "Butterfree, Sleep Powder!" Ash told his Pokémon.
Butterfree did as its trainer commanded and sprinkled the blue powder-like substance from its wings above the Bulbasaur. But Bulbasaur inhaled some air and then blew the Sleep Powder back at Butterfree. The Butterfly Pokémon fell victim to its attack and dropped to the ground.
"Ah! Come on. Hang in there, Butterfree!" Ash called out to his Pokémon.
Butterfree tried to get back up but was then soon tackled by Bulbasaur and sent flying.
"Oh, no," was all Ash could say, as he looked over to see both Bulbasaur and Oddish then ran away from the trainers and out of sight.
"Oh, the Bulbasaur," Ash said as he watched the Seed Pokémon run away, then he started whining like he always does. "It's not fair! I want it!"
"Well, if we're lucky, we may run into it again Ash," Naruto said with a grin as he looked over to where the two Grass-type Pokémon were as he smiled. "I mean, who knows what other cool Pokémon there are, and you know what I'm going to catch them all dattebayo!" Naruto cried with a big smile on his face
With that said from Naruto, Ash just looked at his friend with a big smile on his face. "Then what are we waiting for, guys? Let's go get that Bulbasaur!" Ash said before running off.
Little did the five know that Team Rocket was not too far behind them as the trio had recently contacted the boss. Telling him what they had found out about the two ninjas and what they could do as well.
He was most impressed at hearing this as he told the trio to keep track of the two ninjas to get more information on their skills, so he ordered the trio to go after them.
It wasn't long before the four of them reached a bridge, but the problem was that it didn't look very stable. "So, who wants to go first?" Ash asked as he looked down at the raging river far below the bridge.
Ash just sweatdropped but knew there was no way out of it. He then put one foot on the bridge, and it seemed to be more stable than it looked. "I bet there are Bulbasaur all over this place," Ash said, trying to cheer himself up and calm his nerves from the height of the drop.
Ash then started to walk across the bridge, followed closely by Misty, Naruto, Sakura, and then it was Brock in that exact order. "But, where is this place?" Misty started to wonder as she looked from side to side.
Naruto just looked over to Brock, who started to reach to get the Map out. "I can't find this bridge on my map," Brock said as he pulled out a map and looked at it.
A strong gust of wind then started up and began to swing the bridge. The five trainers held on so they wouldn't get blown off. The rope on one side of the bridge snapped and nearly fell, though the rope on the other side was still intact. Ash grabbed the rope with both hands, holding on for dear life while Naruto held on with his arms, as did Sakura. Misty had also grabbed hold, but she was beginning to lose her grip.
Naruto just looked around as he wanted to make sure that all of his friends were alright. "Just hold on, everyone!" Naruto yelled as he looked over to the other side of the bridge. "Okay, let's all try to get there slowly."
Misty felt her hands slipping slowly, and she knew that she wouldn't hold on much longer. "Ah! I can't hold on! I'm going to fall!" Misty cried out.
When Ash heard this, he just looked right next to Misty and saw she was slowly losing her grip. Fear began to overtake Ash as he was worried for her; he didn't know why right now, but he didn't care. "No, Misty! Take my hand!" Ash said to the girl, reaching out to her with his left hand.
Misty reached out to grab it, but she then lost her grip on the rope and began to fall. Ash reached out as far as he could and grabbed Misty's wrist, stopping her from falling. While Misty looked up at Ash, smiling on her face, happy that she got saved from falling into the river below them. "Ash..."
"Misty, grab my arm! I don't know how much longer I can hold on!" Ash said to her with a hint of fear and worry for her safety.
Misty did as she was told and reached up with her other hand, grabbing Ash's arm. As for Brock, he could grab onto the rope, but he was too far from the other three. He lost his grip and fell off the bridge. "No! Brock's falling!" Ash yelled.
Brock hit the water and disappeared from view. At the same time, both Naruto and Sakura looked over to Ash and Misty. "Hey, Ash, listen, you need to try climbing up before the rope gives!" Naruto cried as he looked at Sakura, who jumped to the other side, ready to grab hold of both her friends if he needed to save them. "Sakura-chan will be ready to grab you in case you need it!"
Ash just looked at Naruto for a bit before nodding, pulling himself up, so he was standing on the only supported half of the bridge. Ash and Misty started walking over the bridge to the side opposite of where they started while catching their breath.
"Hang on. We need to find, Brock," Ash said as he stood to his feet and looked at Misty, hoping that she was alright after what had just happened. "Are you okay, Mist?" Ash asked as he looked at her with deep concern over his face.
"Yeah, I just hope he didn't…." Sakura started but then stopped herself as he thought of the worst-case scenario. She and Naruto both knew that right now, they couldn't think like that.
"You'er right Sakura..." Misty spoke up with a smile on her face. "It's best we not think about it right now and try to find him."
The four trainers then found a path the led down by the river, and they ran, following the river downstream, hoping to find Brock somewhere."Hurry up!" Ash shouted.
"Aah!" Misty yelled out as she fell.
"Huh?" Ash wondered as he heard Misty yell as Ash, Naruto, and Sakura walked over towards Misty to see she had fallen into a hole. "Whoa. How'd you get down there?" Ash asked as he looked down at Misty.
"I fell in Ash, how else?" Misty answered as she rubbed her sore behind. "What's a trap doing here anyway?"
"It does seem a little odd." Naruto thought aloud. "Why would someone put a trap here of all places?" Naruto silently thought to himself.
"Just help me out, quick!" Misty ordered her friends.
"Don't worry. We wouldn't leave you behind," Sakura said as he reached down into the hole as Misty grabbed her arm, and she pulled her up out of the pit hole.
"Thanks, Sakura," Misty said as she looked back at the hole that she had just been in recently. "Who the heck would put a hole right in the middle of nowhere."
Ash just nodded as he gave a slight sigh. "This just isn't our day, first the Bulbasaur, then the bridge, and now the hole," Ash said as he gave a deep sigh.
The three trainers continued to walk, searching for their missing traveling companion. "Hey Brock, can you hear me," Ash called out, hoping Brock would answer.
"Think he washed this far downstream?" Misty asked the others.
"I'm not sure. But we can't just give up," Naruto said, frowning; it was then Naruto felt his foot get stuck on something, and the next thing the four trainers knew, they were hanging from a tree in a net.
"Hey! How'd we get up in a tree?" Ash wondered.
"It's another trap. Do something!" Misty said as she was now starting to get tired of all the traps.
"What can I do?" Ash asked as he looked towards Naruto and Sakura. Ash could see they were both cramped inside the net.
"Try wiggling. See if the net will open," Misty suggested.
"I don't think that's a good- Ouch! Hey, watch it!" Sakura shouted as Ash accidentally kicked her. "See, it won't work."
"Oh, this is dumb!" Ash said as he stopped moving around as he looked over to Naruto and Sakura. "Hey, can't use your Umm, Kunai, to get us free?"
Both ninjas just nodded as they went to reach their Kunai when they noticed something. "Umm, Misty, Ash, we kind of have a problem with that." They said as the two ninjas pointed down to the ground, showing that their Kunai had also fallen to the ground.
"Bulbasaur!" the four trainers heard; they then looked down and saw a Bulbasaur, the same one from earlier. It just looked up at the trainers.
"Bulbasaur!" Ash yelled out.
"Saur… saur…" the Seed Pokémon seemed to be chuckling to itself, seeing the three trainers utterly helpless in the net.
"Hold it there, Bulbasaur," Ash yelled as he started squirming around in the net again. "I want a match!"
"Ash, stop it!" Misty shouted. "Ouch! You kicked me!" Misty cried as she now knew how Sakura felt.
"Bulbasaur!" Ash yelled, completely ignoring what Misty had said. The four trainers just sat in the net after Ash had calmed down. "Gee, I wonder what happened to Brock?" Ash asked, worried about what happened to Brock and if he was okay.
"I wonder, too," Misty said.
"I'm sure he's okay," Naruto said, trying to cheer his friends up.
"Maybe the river carried him far away. All the way to the ocean," Ash said, completely ignoring what Naruto had said, as Ash started to let his imagination take over as he continued talking.
"Then some pirates spotted him and brought him aboard their ship. And one of the pirates has a wooden leg." Ash said as he closed his eyes and gave a smile.
"You have a crazy imagination," Misty said with a frown and looked at Ash.
"Yeah, I doubt the river took him that far in the amount of time since he fell in," Sakura said, giving Ash a bank stare, thinking he was going a little overboard with his story.
"Then came the storm," Ash continued, completely ignoring his friends.
"Ahoy!" the four trainers heard a voice say, and it sounded exactly like Brock's voice.
"Huh?" all four trainers wondered as they looked down to see Brock completely fine. "So, can you tell me why you guys are hanging around up in that tree?" Brock asked his friends.
After a rather quick explanation from the four trainers, Brock took out a small knife and started to cut the net down. The net trap fell, and Ash landed hard on the ground while Misty landed on Ash's back, causing more pain to the brown-haired boy.
On the other hand, Naruto and Sakura just landed on their feet and looked at the two friends with a slight smile.
"Thanks, but maybe next time, you could let us down a little more gently," Ash painfully said.
"Yeah, sure I'm, sorry about that." Brock apologized.
Misty then stood up as she got off of Ash so the boy could stand up."Sorry about that, Ash," Misty apologized.
"Nah, it's okay. At least you're not hurt. Besides, you would've fallen on anyway," Ash said.
"By the way, we've been looking all over for you, Brock," Misty said, turning to their oldest friend.
"We saw you fall into the river. Then what happened?" Ash asked.
"Well, I was being washed away in the rapids," Brock started his little story. "I reached out, trying to grab onto something when I felt someone grab my arm and pull me out of the water. The girl who saved my life was incredibly beautiful."
"So, you were saved by a beautiful girl, huh?" Naruto wondered, thinking Brock might be exaggerating a little bit. "I bet it was love at first sight for you, hey Brock?"
"That's even better than pirates," Ash said, but he soon fell victim to his imagination over what Brock was telling them. "Wait unless, of course, she was really a pirate in disguise."
"Maybe it's time to get a reality check," Misty sighed while Sakura nodded in agreement, earned an embarrassing laugh from Ash, who just closed his eyes at this, knowing maybe it was best to stop now.
Brock then led his friends to a clearing with a decent-sized pond and what looked like a cabin. The four trainers then saw the girl that Brock had mentioned from his story earlier. The girl looked back and seemed happy to see Brock again.
"Melanie, this is Ash, Misty, Naruto, and Sakura," Brock said, introducing the three trainers to the girl.
"Hello," Ash greeted.
"So, you're Brock's friends. He told me all about you." Melanie said.
"Great." Misty smiled. "Wow, look at that!" Misty and Sakura looked at all the Pokémon that were eating some food.
"Are all these Pokémon yours?" Naruto asked as he looked down at the little pond with a few water Pokémon in the water and smiled at them.
"Oh, no," Melanie answered with a smile over her face.
"This is a place where all Pokémon are at least able to rest and relax," Brock said as he walked over towards a Paras and kneeled to pet its head.
"Like summer camp for Pokémon?" Ash asked, looking at Brock for answers.
"Well, sort of, but all year long," Brock answered. "You see, when Pokémon get abandoned or injured, they can come here. Melanie takes care of 'em until they feel better. Then, they leave."
"So, this is a Pokémon Center, and Melanie is a Pokémon doctor," Misty said, trying to make a comparison.
"Oh, no, I'm not qualified to be a Pokémon doctor," Melanie said.
"So, is this more like a spa or something?" Sakura guessed as she looked at the Pokémon. "Well, for Pokémon, that is."
"That's right," Brock answered.
"Here, the Pokémon don't battle with one another. They relax and try to enjoy themselves until they've recovered," Melanie explained.
"Cool!" Misty said.
"Melanie collects plants to use for medicine. She knows all about which plants can help a Pokémon feel better or grow stronger when it's too weak," Brock said.
"So, you and Melanie both love to take care of Pokémon," Ash said.
"We do," Brock replied as he looked at Melanie.
"Well, it looks to me like there's something else Brock might love. Huh?" Misty said, giving Brock a sly look.
Brock's face went completely red as he walked over to Misty and put his hand over her mouth. "Be quiet! She might hear you!" Brock said to the orange-haired girl.
On the other hand, Naruto laughed as Brock tried to hide the fact he honestly liked Melanie. "But I wonder who put that net up in the tree," Ash thought aloud.
"Probably the same person who dug the hole I fell into," Misty said with a frown over her face.
"I'm sorry. I was the one who set those traps. I wanted to catch Pokémon trainers before they reached the village," Melanie explained. "Since you got caught, I guess they really work."
"But why?" Misty asked.
"There are so many injured Pokémon here, I have to protect them," Melanie answered.
"So the bridge was also a trap I'm guessing," Naruto said.
"That's right," Melanie answered.
Brock then led Ash, Misty, Sakura, and Naruto away from Melanie. "I promised Melanie we wouldn't capture any Pokémon here," Brock said to them.
"And did you seal the promise with a kiss?" Misty joked, but her response from Brock was a hit in the head. "So that must mean you really do love her." Misty continued to joke. Misty was once again hit in the head by Brock.
"Hey, you don't need to hit her. She's just joking around, Brock," Naruto said.
"Well, she shouldn't joke about stuff like that," Brock said as he looked over at Misty, rubbing her head.
There was a bit of silence when Naruto got a grin on his face, making Sakura frown, knowing full well what he would say. "So, it is true. You do love Melanie." Naruto joked.
But when Brock tried to hit Naruto, the blonde-haired ninja moved out of the way and stuck out his tongue while laughing. But as Brock went to take another swing, Naruto jumped away; however, one of his Poké Balls fell down and close to a Magikarp that Naruto had seen not too long ago. However, Magikarp stared at the ball with wondering eyes as the fish tapped it, and then quickly Magikarp got sucked into the Poké Ball.
"Oh, no!" Naruto yelled with shock and fear over his face as he saw that Magikarp had got captured. Naruto then looked over at Melanie. "I'm sorry." He said as he reached his Poké Ball, unsure as to what he should do next.
Melanie, on the other hand, just gave a smile at this. "No, it's alright. I saw the look Magikarp had, and I think he wants to go with you, you see many trainers hate Magikarp as they only see them as weak and useless and I think that Magikarp saw something in you."
Hearing this, Naruto just gave a slight smile as he nodded and picked up the Poké Ball that had Magikarp in. "Well, welcome to the team."
"Well, I guess I'll have to keep your promise," Ash said to Brock.
"Only bad guys try to capture sick Pokémon," Misty said as she rubbed her head.
"But are those traps tough enough to keep robbers away from this place? I mean, you'd have to be pretty stupid to fall into one of those holes," Ash said.
"Hey!" Misty shouted, looking at Ash with a scowl.
After Misty and Brock calmed down, the four trainers walked back to join Melanie as Brock went over by the pond and used a tin cup to pour water onto a Staryu. "Hyah!" the Star shape Pokémon said as it dried itself off.
"Do you feel any better yet, Staryu?" Ash asked the Water-type.
Meanwhile, Misty and Sakura found the Oddish they met earlier, and Sakura went over to go and apologize. "Sorry about what happened in the forest." Misty apologized. "We shouldn't have surprised you like that. Ha. You must have been scared. Melanie told me your old trainer got rid of you. Was it because he thought you were too weak?"
The Oddish just nodded. "You know, some trainers can be insensitive, but not all of us are mean like that," Misty said as she pets Oddish's head. "You just need to find a trainer who understands you."
Sakura nodded at what Misty said as she understood as Sasuke was always calling her weak, and she realized that he would do the same to Pokémon. And that thought made her sick a little since coming to this world. She learned that Pokémon were living creatures, and Sasuke would use them to get what he wanted. "Anyway, I'm sorry for what I did, and I hope we can become friends."
Sakura's eyes then started to water a bit as tears began to form. Oddish saw this and used one of its leaves to wipe away a tear. "You're sweet, Oddish. I am sorry
Naruto just watched as Sakura and Oddish seemed to become friends, and he just smiled. "Sakura-chan such a kind-hearted person, she'd never do anything bad on purpose." Naruto thought to himself.
Then, Ash looked past Sakura and Misty and saw the Bulbasaur from earlier charging at Misty and tackling her. Ash reached forward and stopped Misty from falling to the ground. "Thanks, Ash," Misty said as her face went red as little, earning a nod from Ash as the two of them, as well as Naruto, looked at Bulbasaur.
"It's rude to tackle people, you know!" Ash said to the Seed Pokémon.
"He's right." Sakura agreed as she crossed her arms over her chest as Sakura looked at the seed Pokémon with a frown on her face.
Bulbasaur just growled as it prepared to tackle again. "I know. You're just mad because I was going to beat you, but you chickened out and ran off." Ash assumed.
"That must be it." Misty agreed.
Ash reached for a PokéBall. "Then let's see how tough you really are." Ash challenged Bulbasaur.
"Please, wait!" Melanie called out to Ash as she ran between Ash and Bulbasaur and stood there, holding her arms out to protect the Seed Pokémon. "Please! Bulbasaur is only trying to protect Oddish. Bulbasaur volunteered to guard our whole village."
"Huh?" both Ash and Misty wondered.
"I figured it would be something like that," Naruto said to himself.
"It protects all the injured Pokémon whenever enemies try to attack them," Melanie explained.
"Oh," both Ash and Misty said in understanding.
"Bulbasaur is the bravest and most loyal Pokémon I know," Melanie said.
"So that's why Bulbasaur attacked Misty. It thought she was trying to hurt Oddish," Naruto said.
"Bulbasaur." the four trainers heard and looked down to see Bulbasaur pushing itself against Ash's leg as if trying to make him leave.
"Now, what's going on?" Ash wondered.
"Bulbasaur doesn't like Pokémon trainers. It wants you to leave the village now." Melanie answered.
"But we're not here to catch a Pokémon. We want to help you," Misty said, trying to convince Bulbasaur.
"It's true, Bulbasaur. These are our friends," Melanie said; however, Bulbasaur wasn't listening. He just kept pushing against Ash's leg.
"Bulbasaur was worried about the other Pokémon, so he decided to be the village bodyguard," Aaron said, managing to piece together what he had overheard.
"Now that's what I call bravery," Ash said. "It would be great to have a Pokémon like that."
All five humans and Pokémon looked up to the sky when they saw a large shadow moving closer. The object making that shadow made its descent and landed in the clearing.
"Here we go again," Ash said as he knew just who'd come up with something like this. "Can't they just buzz off."
"Today only, at Jessie Stadium- It's the Team Rocket Pokémon Challenge," Jessie said.
"The flying stadium was my idea," James said.
Then a side of the stadium slid open, and a giant vacuum stretched out before it started to suck everything in and capture them. "All Pokémon are invited to enter the stadium," Jessie said.
"Step right up," James added.
"Yeah. We're not hosin' you. Well, maybe we are," Meowth said.
"Hyah! Hyah!" Staryu yelled as it was slowly getting sucked towards the vacuum.
Ash ran forward, jumped, grabbed Staryu, and stopped it from getting closer to the stadium's vacuum. "They never run out of ideas, do they?" Ash asked himself.
"Hurry everybody in the cabin!" Brock called out.
Melanie and some of the Pokémon got through the door and into the wooden building. "Wait!" Sakura yelled as she jumped to try and grab Oddish, but the Weed Pokémon escaped her grasp as it was now getting sucked towards the vacuum. "No! Oddish!"
Naruto saw this and ran towards the vacuum. He jumped up and let the vacuum pull him closer until he reached Oddish. He wrapped his arms around the Pokémon and pushed his feet into the ground. Oddish looked up at the person who caught it.
"You'll be okay, Oddish," Naruto said but then felt himself slowly getting closer to the vacuum.
On the other hand, the Team Rocket Trio smiled as they saw Naruto slowly getting pulled in. "Well, looks like we shall be getting one person that the Boss wants."
"Naruto, look out!" Sakura called out.
Naruto looked behind himself and saw the vacuum getting bigger and bigger as he got closer and closer. But then Naruto felt something tie around him, and he looked ahead to see Bulbasaur had used Vine Whip to catch him, though Naruto knew Bulbasaur was only doing this to save Oddish. Bulbasaur pulled its vines back to itself, slowly pulling Naruto closer. The blonde ninja tried to help as best he could as he started to walk towards Bulbasaur and against the force of the vacuum while still holding onto Oddish. Once Naruto was beside Bulbasaur, the Seed Pokémon released its vines, and Naruto nodded. Ash had run over to Misty and pushed Staryu into her hands.
"Take Staryu," was all Ash said before running off to help Bulbasaur. Once Ash had reached Naruto and Bulbasaur, Naruto just nodded to Ash.
"You get Bulbasaur to safety! I'll help Oddish!" Naruto said as he started to walk ahead while Ash started to push Bulbasaur from behind.
"Keep going, Bulbasaur," Ash said to the Seed Pokémon.
The two trainers struggled against the wind as it pushed against them. Naruto felt his grip loosening around Oddish, but he just tightened it, making sure not to hurt the Pokémon.
"I'm not going to let you go until we reach the cabin, Oddish!" Naruto said to the Pokémon. "Misty and Sakura would be crushed if they lost a new friend they had recently made."
Both Naruto and Ash, along with Oddish and Bulbasaur, made it to the cabin while Misty stood there, holding the door open for them to get in. Once they got in, Misty quickly shut the door.
"Whew. That was a close one," Naruto said as he sat down and tried to catch his breath after releasing Oddish, which thanked him for saving it. "Sure thing, Oddish."
Sakura just stomped towards Naruto, and he looked up at her but kept quiet. "I told you not to be so reckless! You could've been sucked up by that thing!" She yelled at the boy.
"Well, if I didn't do it, then Team Rocket would've gotten Oddish," Naruto said, not raising his voice to Sakura since he still had to catch his breath.
But before Sakura could yell at Naruto some more, they felt the cabin start to shake and figured Team Rocket turned up the vacuum's suction power. Bulbasaur then jumped outside and headed for the roof.
"Hey, where's Bulbasaur going?" Ash wondered.
"Probably to go fight off Team Rocket," Brock thought aloud.
Outside, Bulbasaur used its Vine Whip to smack the vacuum around a bit. Ash then rushed outdoors, and so did Naruto, and they both threw a PokéBall each.
"Pidgeotto!" Ash called out. "I choose you!"
"Pidgeotto! Gust attack!" Ash commanded his Pokémon.
The Flying Pokémon began to flap his wings, creating powerful blasts of wind that collided with the vacuum's suction. The opposing wind forces started to swirl around each other and create a tornado.
"And the tornado's winding up…." James said and started to pose like he was a pitcher for a baseball team.
"But will it strike us out?" Jessie wondered as she stared at the tornado.
"There goes the whole ball game," Meowth said.
The tornado moved towards Team Rocket and sucked them up, along with their stadium.
"So, what are we gonna do now?" Meowth yelled from inside the swirling vortex.
"Challenge them to windsurf with them?" Jessie joked as the tornado then flung Team Rocket through the air before it died down.
"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!" Meowth cried out something the others could hear.
"Way to go, Pidgeotto!" Ash cheered for his Pokémon.
The two trainers then returned the Flying-type to their respective PokéBall before giving each other a thumbs-up. Everyone else who was in the cabin then walked out.
"Is everyone feeling okay?" Melanie asked.
"I just had the wind knocked out of me," Ash answered.
"Yeah, it sure was breath-taking," Naruto chuckled.
"Bulbasaur," Bulbasaur said happily.
"This village is well protected with Bulbasaur here," Ash said as he looked down at the Seed Pokémon.
"Ash, don't you agree that Bulbasaur would be an excellent addition to your team?" Melanie asked the young boy.
"Oh, yeah! Would he ever!" Ash answered enthusiastically.
"I think Bulbasaur should go with you," Melanie said.
"Huh?" Ash asked, completely confused.
"Bulbasaur stayed here to protect the weaker Pokémon, but this village is too small," Melanie said as she picked up the Grass/Poison Pokémon. "The bulb on its back can't grow. It needs to go out into the world now, and 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's going to protect you?" Brock asked.
"It's true that Bulbasaur has done a great job. Maybe too great a job. See, these Pokémon shouldn't remain in this village for ever and ever. After they recover, the Pokémon are supposed to leave. But it's too safe here, so none of them wants to go away. They don't want to return to the outside world," Melanie answered. "But I think it's important that all of them return to the wild. That's where Pokémon belong. And hopefully, someday they'll find good trainers like you. Of course, taking care of sick Pokémon will always be my mission, but I know my job isn't finished until they return where they came from. So it's the day a Pokémon leaves that are most rewarding to me."
"Melanie, I…" Brock started but couldn't finish his sentence.
"So, you see, it's time for Bulbasaur to leave here. Please take it with you. It won't be a burden. I promise," Melanie said to Ash. "Bulbasaur still has a lot of growing to do. I want it to be in a place where I'm sure it can grow strong and happy. I'm sure that place is with you, Ash."
"Well, if you really want me to," Ash said.
"Bulbasaur," Bulbasaur said to Melanie, only to get a giggle in return.
"What did it say?" Ash asked.
"Bulbasaur will join you on one condition. It wants to battle you in a Pokémon match," Melanie answered. "Right, Bulbasaur?"
"Bulbasaur," the Seed Pokémon answered.
"Hah! If you want a match, you'll get it," Ash said.
"Oh! Please let me battle with Bulbasaur," Misty begged as she looked at Ash. "Please, pretty please!"
"No way," Ash said, turning to look at Misty.
Oddish stood next to Sakura. Once it had was decided, Ash sent Pikachu to battle Bulbasaur. "Pikachu! Go!" Ash shouted.
Pikachu ran towards Bulbasaur to attack, but Bulbasaur used its Vine Whip to attack, though Pikachu dodged each strike. Bulbasaur then charged at Pikachu and hit it with a full-force Tackle.
"Pikachu!" Ash called out when Pikachu was then quickly sent backward. "Look out, Pikachu."
Bulbasaur used Tackle on Pikachu again, sending the Electric-type back some more, but Pikachu stopped within mid-air and landed perfectly on the ground. Pikachu then charged at Bulbasaur and hit it, sending the Grass/Poison Pokémon back this time. Bulbasaur flipped back up and used Vine Whip again, this time wrapping them around Pikachu. Bulbasaur then used the vines to start slamming Pikachu into the ground.
"Ash, Vine Whip is Bulbasaur's special attack!" Brock said.
"Bulbasaur!" the Seed Pokémon said as it continued to slam Pikachu into the ground.
"Aah! Pikachu! Thunderbolt!" Ash ordered his Pokémon. Pikachu did what Ash told him and released the powerful Electric-type attack, sending it along with Bulbasaur's vines before going straight to the Seed Pokémon, electrocuting it.
"All right! Poké Ball, go!" Ash shouted as he threw an empty Poké Ball at Bulbasaur.
It took a while, but Ash had succeeded in capturing Bulbasaur. "We did it! We got Bulbasaur!" Ash shouted as he struck a pose.
"Bulbasaur, I'll miss you," Melanie said.
Everyone then stood in front of the cabin to say their farewells. "Have a safe trip," Melanie said.
"I promise to take good care of Bulbasaur," Ash said.
"Bulbasaur, thank you for watching over us," Melanie said to the Bulbasaur, who was let out of its ball to say goodbye to its friends.
"Bulba," the Seed Pokémon said.
"Uh, Melanie, I've been thinking…." Brock started, a blush visible on his face.
"Yes?" Melanie asked.
"Well, since Bulbasaur is leaving, I wouldn't mind staying and helping you out," Brock offered.
"It's very kind of you, but we'll be okay. I wouldn't want to keep you from all your wonderful adventures," Melanie said.
"Oh, yeah. I guess you're right," Brock said with a little disappointment in his voice.
"Oddish," the little Weed Pokémon said as it walked up to Naruto, causing everyone to turn their attention to it. "Huh? I wonder what Oddish is up to," Sakura said.
"I think I know," Melanie said.
"Huh?" the five trainers wondered.
"I think Oddish wants to go with you," Melanie said.
"With me?" Sakura asked and looked down at Oddish. "Is that what you want?"
"Oddish," the Weed Pokémon said with a nod.
Sakura just nodded and turned to Oddish while holding out an empty Poké Ball to it. "Welcome to the group, Oddish," Sakura said with a smile on her face.
Oddish smiled as it jumped into the Poké Ball, becoming the newest addition to Sakura's team just as Bulbasaur became Ash's. The five trainers then turned around and started to walk away as they waved farewell.
"Good-bye, Melanie," Ash said.
"Good-bye. Good luck," Melanie waved to the trainers.
"Bulbasaur," the Seed Pokémon said, a little sad it had to leave the rest of its friends.
"Don't worry, Bulbasaur," Ash said to the Grass/Poison Pokémon. "You'll see your friends again. As soon as the Pokémon feel better, they'll leave this village, too."
"Take good care of each other," Melanie's voice cried out as the four trainers continued on their journey. "Bye-bye."
Brock just looked back towards Melanie and let out a sigh.
"So! What did Melanie say when you said you loved her?" Misty started to joke around again. "Did you kiss her good-bye?"
"That's enough stupid questions," Brock said as he covered Misty's mouth with his hand. "Would you please stop embarrassing me already? You know, okay, so she's cute. I understand that, but-"
"Uh, did I miss something? What's going on?" Ash wondered as he looked at what was going on with both Brock and Misty. He just looked over to Naruto and Sakura, wondering if they knew what was wrong with Brock and Misty.
A/N well, it's at last finished, and as I said, I have sad news which by now you all know.
First of all, I want to thank all of you who have taken the time to read my work and follow/favorite/review it, and you don't know how much it meant to me.
I want to start by saying 2014 has been a very turbulent year for me, I lost my job, not only that, but my laptop has not been going all that well for me either.
Now, I've been following Naruto since 2000. Maybe as such, it has been a significant part of my life. When I found out it was ending, I was rather sad, yeah it was going to end at some point, but like with all the things we love, we thought it would end later rather than sooner. Then the movie announcement came up, and I was excited.
Then the extended trailer came out along with the movie soundtrack cover and the scans of Naruto's kids with Hinata.
For a NaruSaku fan like I, I simply couldn't believe it, and I even thought it was just a joke.
The whole NaruHina relationship is a joke. Simple. Even Naruto x Movie girls have more development than NaruHina, and that's a fact. What, Hinata says she loves Naruto, and they held hands, and bam, it's canon?! That's a joke.
Kishimoto has been hinting at NaruSaku the whole time, no matter what others may say. You cannot deny that. All the parallels with MinaKushi JirTsu, even Obito/Rin, the tones of foreshadowing, and then he goes and pulls this out of his ass just wow. Even non-pairing fans were saying it's a joke with how they get together out of nowhere.
Yeah, Sakura reaffirmed her love for Sasuke in chapter 69whatever, but Sakura had harbored some romantic feelings for Naruto. What happened to that?
And while we're talking about feelings, yes, Hinata confessed her love for Naruto, but when has he ever shown any romantic interest in her? And I'm talking about canon as in MANGAVERSE, not anime canon that NaruHina fans like to quote like it's some bible scripture or something.
I've seen people talking about how DB/DBZ was Kishi's inspiration, and Goku ended up with Chi-Chi over Bulma, so it's only right Naruto picks Hinata over Sakura. Well, I don't recall Goku ever even attracted to Bulma or vice versa. And besides, Toriyama didn't put as much romance as Kishi put into his manga. Toriyama made it about having the desire to defend and the love for fighting, the strongest under the heavens. Kishi wanted to protect as the central theme, but, my God, romance was not a huge part of the Naruto manga.
Before I round up, I want to add one more thing.
I'm sorry to say, but Kishimoto, when you deus ex machina a pairing to work as the final note of the series as a way of 'connecting to the next generation,' I cannot for the life of me consider the series to be a success. I'm very disappointed because it feels like a piece of me has been destroyed. But hey Kishi, it's your series, do what you will. We're only the fans that you tricked, right? Naruto made a big issue about never giving up and all that, but he sure gave up on his heart.
I loved the Naruto series because, out of all the manga I've read, Naruto was the only one I could relate to the easiest.
Anyway, sorry for the long wait, as I feel this chapter was not my best, honestly; hence a co-writer is what I need right now for this story to be updated faster. I hope that one of you readers can do this. As I said at the start, send a PM to me, and we can talk.
Update: I fixed this chapter on 6/08/21