I hope you all enjoy this next chapter!
"Blah." Normal speech.
'Blah.' Parseltongue
/Blah./ pokemon speech
This will all change in the future once, or if, Harry starts to understand his pokemon. It will just be mentioned that no one else can understand them. And just to be clear, Harry can't understand what pokemon say, save Ekans/Shane.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
'I wonder what the Veridian Forest is like,' Harry mused.
The newly dubbed Shane flicked out his tongue. 'The other pokemon in the center warned me of many poison types in this forest but I won't have much to worry about, being a poison type myself. However, the fact still remains that I may not be strong enough to battle against some pokemon.' Shane said the last part with a dull tone, clearly disappointed in himself.
Harry eyed the depressed snake. 'I don't think it'll be too bad,' he said. 'Perhaps if we just leave the others alone they won't bother us.'
'Unlikely,' Shane said quietly but Harry still heard it but ignored him. Together, the two finally stepped into the thick forest, muscles tense as they made their wary way through this new area.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts and perhaps the most powerful wizard of the century sat behind his desk, gazing softly at the half melted cauldron with the remains of a potion. He sighed, tiredness and sadness flooding him.
"Oh, Harry, whatever shall I do? The Somnium potion has an unlimited number of worlds. Which one could you have gone too?"
Fawkes the phoenix trilled softly, padding over to the cauldron and staring into it.
"Fawkes?" Dumbledore questioned. Could his faithful companion perhaps find Harry? "Can you find Harry?"
Fawkes shook his head, nearly making Dumbledore slump his shoulders in defeat. However, Fawkes pointed a wing at the cauldron and made a few notes.
"Can you find Harry after Severus is done with what I told him?" Dumbledore asked, hope in his voice.
Fawkes trilled a positive note, causing a relieved smile to emerge on the Headmasters face.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Harry looked around the thick forest with interest. He had only been walking for about fifteen minutes, but there was just something about this place. It seemed to be filled with energy, very much like Hogwarts or the Forbidden Forest. He had passed by several Weedil and made sure to leave them alone, but a new pokemon, a Caterpie, caused his interest in this new world to sky rocket.
He hadn't seen any other pokemon aside from Caterpie and Weedil, but it was fun trying to guess what animals they represented in his world. Shane had a fun time chasing them, despite soft protests from Harry.
'You promised to help me be strong,' Shane reminded him each time, causing Harry to sigh in defeat and turn away from the fight.
Although, it was rather satisfying see Shane get attacked by three Weedil at once, causing the snake to retreat once he got quite a few jabs. The purple snake was slightly dejected that he couldn't handle three bugs and was silent for a while.
'How long do you suppose this forest is?' Harry asked, glancing down at Shane.
'No idea. Perhaps a day or two, depending on how fast we move.'
'Alright then. Since it'll take a few days, we should probably find an area to spend the night as we walk through. We shouldn't just sit just anywhere.'
Shane hissed in agreement, his yellow eyes watching a Pidgey curiously. 'Harry?' he said softly.
'Hmm?'
Shane gave a sigh but looked at Harry resolutely. 'I want you to battle with me.'
Harry gave a distressed sound. 'Shane, you know I don't really want…'
'I know, but please, for me. Please, Harry, you need to learn that in this world pokemon enjoy battling. Don't you remember the Spearow that attacked us?'
Harry bit his lip but said nothing.
'Alright then,' Shane said boldly, slithering in front of Harry. 'Let's try something easy. I want you to return me to my pokeball.'
'What? I thought you hated it in there!'
Shane rolled his eyes. 'I do enjoy being out of the pokeball, but I know and understand there will be times for when I am needed to be returned. Being inside a pokeball does nothing to the pokemon. It's a nice resting place, unless you're poisoned. Believe me, nothing bad will happen.'
Harry looked doubtful. 'I still don't like the thought of keeping a living being inside of something like property.'
Shane beamed up at Harry. 'Which makes you an exceptional and thoughtful human. Have you ever looked at a pokeball?'
Harry gave Shane a confused stare. 'Of course I have,' he retorted. 'It's red and silver.'
Shane gave Harry a mischievous look. 'And it's see-through.'
'What?'
'You can see the pokemon inside the pokeball,' Shane said. 'That's how pokemon are aware of what is happening. Now, return me.'
'Shane…'
'Return me, Harry,' Shane said strictly, glaring at Harry. The boy would need to learn, and being strict might do the job.
Harry sighed. 'Only if you're sure.'
Shane nodded eagerly. 'Make sure you look at the pokeball closely.'
'Fine.' Harry raised the pokeball. 'Return.' A beam of light shot out and hit Shane, forcing the Ekans into the pokeball. Unsure, Harry raised the pokeball to his face and blinked in surprise. A tiny Shane inside the pokeball looked at him curiously and gave a small wave with his tail. Harry actually dropped the pokeball in shock, releasing Shane.
'Didn't need to drop me,' Shane teased. 'See? Nothing to it.'
Harry picked the ball back up and stared at Shane a bit incredulously. 'Yea… Nothing to it.'
'Exactly. Now, will you battle with me?'
'No.'
Shane gave a disappointed sigh as he leveled Harry with a hard stare. 'You love to grow stronger at your magic school and pokemon like to grow stronger through their journey. The thrill of growing stronger and learning new moves, is it not wonderful?'
Harry let a small smile appear on his face as he remembered how proud he was for learning so many spells during the past two years. Although he knew it was for survival, having that knowledge and skill was amazing. He glanced at Shane as he slithered ahead of him.
'Yea,' Harry whispered so that no one could hear him. 'It is wonderful.'
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Harry gazed at the fire pit with a dull look, glancing at Shane every now and then. The snake pokemon was sound asleep in his sleeping bag, pretty much taking over. Harry didn't mind. He was way too restless to try and get any sleep.
Sighing, Harry thought about what Shane had said earlier. Against his will, Harry could slowly understand what Shane meant. The more he thought about it, Harry remembered all the duels he and his friends had done. Wasn't pokemon battling the same thing? It seemed a bit barbaric compared to wizarding duels, but still had the same basics.
Grimacing at his thoughts, Harry grabbed his pokedex and wandered away from camp. He didn't want Shane to know what he was doing. Finding a small river with some large rocks to sit on, Harry opened up his pokedex, trying to waste time by looking at basic information that anyone from this world would have known about since age one. Finally his stubbornness wore out and Harry demanded the information he needed.
"Tell me about Shane's attacks," Harry commanded.
"No pokemon data found on Shane," the pokedex said in the robotic voice.
Harry slapped his forehead. He had forgotten to register his pokemon's nickname. "Register my Ekans' nickname," he commanded. "It is Shane."
"Registration complete. Data on attacks still needed?"
"Yes."
"First pokemon attack: Wrap. Ekans will wrap its body around its opponent, slowly taking damage and forcing the pokemon to fight. Pokemon cannot escape. Second attack: Leer. Pokemon glares with alight eyes, frightening the foe and causing it to lower its defense in surprise. A perfect opportunity for attack."
Harry mulled over on that specific attack, a small smile gracing his face as he thought that was such a snake thing to do.
"Third attack: Poison Sting. Small, needle like projectiles shoot toward the foe that may cause poisoning. Fourth Attack: Acid. Pokemon sprays hide-melting acid that may lower the Special Attack of the foe. It is noted that Ekans of Harry (last name should be registered soon) is an oddity."
"Why is Shane an oddity?" Harry asked after registering his last name.
"Ekans learn attack moves by leveling up. Your Ekans, Shane, is currently level six, and should not learn Acid until level twenty. Next attack is Bite, which will be learned at level nine."
"You need to level up how to bite people?" Harry demanded. "That's just stupid."
"Pokemon do not only learn moves by level, though that is how most moves are properly learned. Pokemon can learn a move by practice or with the help of a technical machine."
"What's a technical machine?"
A picture of a colored disk appeared on the screen. "Technical machines are mostly manmade but can also be found in the wild because of the influence of nature and the elements. It is noted that trainers should be on the look out for fallen items or nature made items. Berries are also a huge recommendation for starting trainers. Berries have unique uses that can heal a pokemon's health or condition. Technical machines cannot be learned by all pokemon. For instance, an electric type cannot learn a water type move such as Water Pulse."
Well, that made sense. "What are badges? I remember a few people talking about them."
"Badges are a small trophy won by gym leaders after defeating them in a pokemon battle. Trainers collect badges for a number of reasons. Most collect them all to enter the Pokemon League of each specific region. Each badge also has a certain power. The Boulder badge, the first gym badge of the Kanto region, for example, raises the defense of your pokemon. Pokemon that have trouble following your commands also look up to badges and will often follow a trainer with badges in hope of becoming strong and skilled."
"So these badges force a pokemon to obey someone?" Harry asked with a small glare.
"No. It is merely a symbol that proves a trainer's worth and strength in raising pokemon. Wild and traded pokemon will acknowledge the trainer is strong and wise enough to properly raise pokemon and will want to work together."
"Can't friendship also work?"
"Of course."
That was a good sign and Harry was relieved that pokemon really weren't brainwashed. A small rustle in the bushes made his head swivel around and forget about his thoughts for a moment.
A small, blue rabbit popped out. It had bucked teeth tiny spikes on its back and a tiny horn on its head. It stared at Harry curiously. "Nido," it exclaimed in surprise before running off.
"What was that?" Harry asked, looking down at his pokedex.
"Nidoran (F), the poison pin pokemon. While this pokemon prefers not to fight, even a drop of poison from its barbs can be fatal."
"F? Do you mean as in female?"
Another picture popped up on the screen. It looked just like the Nidoran, though it was pink. "Nidoran (M), the poison pin pokemon. More aggressive than its female counterpart, Nidoran scans the surroundings with its large ears. The trainer should know that all interaction with pokemon shall be added to the pokedex in the two categories."
"What are the categories?"
"Caught and Seen."
"Oh." Harry thought for a moment. "Hey, pokedex? How does a trainer battle?"
Throughout the night the pokedex gave Harry tips on how to battle and use the area and situation to his advantage, as well as type and ability advantages.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
With the warm sun rising and the ridiculously loud calls of various pokemon, it was no wonder Harry and Shane couldn't stop groaning and hissing in agitation as they were awakened. They rolled around in the sleeping bag, all but squishing each other in the tight space as they tried to get out.
'Stop squishing my rattles!' Shane complained.
'Stop squeezing my arm then,' Harry retorted, finally getting out of the sleeping bag and rolling away near the dead fire.
Shane hissed at Harry, still sprawled over the sleeping bag before giving a wide yawn. 'Feeeeeed meeee,' Shane said pitifully, making Harry shake with laughter.
'Do you have any idea how pathetic you sound?'
'That's the idea,' Shane laughed, helping Harry clean up camp and eating the left over health bars they had for dinner. 'Next time you should cook. You have pots, so why not use them?'
'We had no ingredients,' Harry said. 'And the stuff we do have I don't know their affects.'
'Then ask the talking square,' Shane suggested. 'My old trainer used to talk to it all the time for help.'
Harry looked at Shane curiously. 'Old trainer?'
Shane curled into a ball, looking horribly depressed. 'I don't want to talk about it.'
Harry gazed at Shane for a moment before nodding. 'I understand.'
The two washed up at the river after cleaning up camp and destroying the small fire pit. It was always best to leave a camp almost the exact same way it had been found.
'Hey, Harry, look at these!' Shane exclaimed excitedly. With a swish of his tail, Shane sent a red fish flying. It landed on the ground with a splat and flailed around pathetically.
"Magi! Magi!" It continued to cry out pitifully.
Harry's pokedex started beeping so he brought it out and pointed it at the koi like pokemon. "Magikarp, the fish pokemon. It is said to be the weakest pokemon and no one knows how it has survived."
"That's kind of… sad," Harry said pathetically, watching the red fish bounce up and down, its eyes quite blank. It was almost as if it had no thoughts. Picking the fish up, Harry dropped it into the water and watched it swim away. 'What was it saying?' Harry asked Shane.
Shane watched Magikarp swim away with weird look. 'Splash, splash, splash.'
'Excuse me?'
'That's what it said.'
The two were silent for a moment before bursting into laughter. Harry didn't know why, but the response from the pokedex and how the Magikarp had acted was completely hilarious.
'Oh, funny moment,' Harry laughed, calming down for a moment.
'Definitely funny moment. Stupid, and no reason for laughter, but still funny.'
One of those moments,' Harry said, smiling as he kicked a rock away.
He watched it bounce toward the trees with a smile. A loud cry made him lose the smile immediately.
'I think you hit someone,' Shane said, stating the obvious.
"Beeeedril!" a large bee screeched, appearing from the trees. Almost immediately several other bees joined it.
'Somehow this isn't funny anymore,' Shane said nervously, attempting to joke about the situation.
'Gee, I wonder why,' Harry hissed, backing away slowly with a nervous look.
"Beedril!" the bee's battle cried, raising their giant stingers into the air and flying toward Harry and Shane.
'Run!' they shouted, completely horrified and were high tailing it out of there.
'Why did you have to kick the stupid rock?' Shane demanded, slithering as fast as possible through the trees.
'Oh, yea! Like I really meant to hit anything!' Harry spat, running just as fast. They passed by many trees, trying to find some type of hiding spot. "Look there!" Harry shouted, not even noticing he switched back to English. He gestured wildly to a thick tree with a large bush surrounding it. "Dive in!"
With a yell, the two dived into the bush, grimacing as several thorns cut into their skin. Quickly holding their breath as the sound of the Beedril flew by, Shane and Harry both held relieved looks as the giant bees lost sight of them.
"At least they aren't that smart," Harry muttered, pulling away from the bush and tossing a few thorns away.
'You could say that again,' Shane said.
Harry looked back at Shane. 'Are you alright?'
'I'm fine,' Shane answered, blinking slowly as he tilted his head. 'I hear something.'
Harry frowned. 'I don't hear anything…' He stopped speaking as an angry howl reached their ears, followed by an equally angry growl.
'Let's leave it alone,' Shane suggested, already backing away.
Harry shook head. 'No, I thinking something is battling those Beedril. It's coming from where they flew off to.' Shane looked nervous. 'Now's your chance to be strong,' Harry urged, already starting to walk. 'We need to help whoever it is.'
Swallowing, Shane nodded, putting on a brave face, rushing to catch up with Harry. As they arrived at the scene, the two watched in awe at the fight that commenced. Harry could only stare in shock as the small, spiky being snarled at the large bee. Its hind leg, which was purple and slightly puffy, hindered its movements as its green fur stood on end.
With an angry snarl, the green dog jumped into the air, Tackling the giant bee and narrowly dodging the large stinger. With a cry, the Beedril landed on the ground, clearly unconscious. Still left two of the left.
Growling, the green pokemon tried to Tackle the one on his left, missing horribly as the Beedril dodged easily and Fury Attacked the poor beast.
"We have to help it," Harry said quickly. His hand went to his pocket before grimacing; having forgotten that he didn't have a wand anymore. He turned to Shane, his expression bold. "Look's like you'll have your battle, Shane."
Shane glanced at him in surprise before going forward with vigor, hissing up at the Beedril. The green dog looked surprised before giving a warning growl.
Harry took a deep breath, his eyes closed before opening them with a hard look. "Shane, help that pokemon with Poison Sting!" he commanded.
Encouraged with his trainer's new vigor, Shane released a barrage of tiny silver needles. Sadly, the Beedril blocked it with its large stinger, chuckling as it did so. The green dog gave Shane a pitiful look and lifted its nose with a sniff, clearly thinking Shane wasn't good enough.
Not bothering to give Shane another glance, the green dog lifted its muzzle and Howled. Grinning, for it seemed more powerful, it shot up at the two Beedril and managed to hit them both with a single Tackle. Landing with a wince, the green dog almost fell. Its poisoned leg was looking horrible.
"Don't give up," Harry encouraged. "Wrap!"
Rearing, Shane hurled itself at the weaker looking Beedril on the right and squeezed with all its might, earning a high pitched scream.
"Don't let go!" Harry called, voice becoming worried at the sight of Shane holding onto a bucking Beedril.
"Elect!" the green pokemon suddenly snarled at Harry, looking at him angrily. It was clearly saying that it didn't need any help. Of course the look failed when it winced and looked ready to fall unconscious. With another angry Howl, it Tackled the giant bee next to the one that Shane was Wrapping. With a single gasp of "Dril!" it went down.
Looking at its fallen partners, the last Beedril took off. Shane, having gotten off of the other one, shot a barrage of Poison Stings, just for a warning. With a pleased hiss, Shane turned to Harry in awe.
'We won!'
The green pokemon sniffed disdainfully at them. "Elec ele electrike," it said pompously.
'Take that back!' Shane snarled, rearing up angrily.
Despite its wobbly form, the green pokemon took a battle stance. "Trike," it taunted.
"Wait a second!" Harry snapped at the two, causing them to jump in surprise. "Shane, that's enough," he said angrily. "It's hurt." Turning to the green pokemon, he brought out an Antidote. "Here, this should help," he said calmly.
Waiting for Harry to move closer, the green pokemon bit down on Harry's hand and jumped away. "Electi," it said threateningly, now standing on three legs.
Harry grit his teeth from the pain but otherwise ignored it as he gazed at the pokemon. If he didn't help it, the poison could knock him out, making him an easy target for a predator. The poor thing could die if he didn't receive help.
"Shane, I hate to say it, but the only way we can help it is if we battle," Harry said calmly, hating the way his voice sounded.
With a glare, Shane hissed, 'Gladly.'
'Acid!" Harry called.
'Right!' Taking a deep breath, a spray of purple and gray acid flew out of Shane's mouth.
The green pokemon was already in action, swiftly dodging the attack and Tackling Shane head on, doing all it could to ignore the pain. Jumping back, it Howled and stood at the ready.
Harry frowned, wondering why the pokemon seemed much stronger than before. "Leer," he commanded softly, wondering if this could work.
With a surprised glance at Harry, Shane's eyes glowed yellow. The green pokemon glared back, only to falter as it began to whimper at Shane's look.
"Quick, another Acid!" Harry called, wanting this to end quickly.
With a scream of pain that even caused Shane to wince, the green pokemon went down as the liquid hit it on the side, eyes shut. Staring at the fallen pokemon, Harry hesitantly pulled out a pokeball. Face grim, he threw it, only to watch in surprise as the dog jumped up and slammed the pokeball away with its pointy tail.
It was now panting horribly, its eyes completely unfocused. With a battle cry, it shot at Shane with lightning speed. Startled by the speed, Shane and Harry could only stare at the blur. Shane closed his eyes, prepared to get knocked away. As the seconds rolled by, he cautiously opened them. Standing before him was the pokemon, its paw an inch away from his face, and completely frozen. Then, with a grunt, it fell to the ground.
The poison had done its work.
'I think you should throw it now,' Shane said quietly.
Jumping, Harry nodded in agreement as he spared the pokemon a sad glance. Tossing the pokeball at the pokemon, Harry watched it shake exactly three times before freezing with a ping.
Picking it up gently, Harry turned to Shane and gasped as he saw the snake pokemon grimacing, tiny bolts of electricity circling him. 'Shane!' Harry cried, moving toward him.
Shane opened one eye. 'Paralyzed,' he said simply. 'Quick, return me.'
Not even hesitating this time, Harry returned Shane and stared at the tiny figures, grimacing at their weakened states. Turning away quickly, Harry ran off, already opening his pokedex. "Help me find those berries that heal paralysis, and quickly!"
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A good hour later Harry had gathered a large pile of berries and different herbs, both good for healing and eating. They were gathered in a pile on a large leaf next to a warm fire that was flicking back and forth lazily in its mythical dance.
Shane and the green dog were put onto a large leaf, their own respectively and were still unconscious. Harry glanced at them worriedly as he placed some herbs into his boiling pot of water. Stirring the chopped blue berries, otherwise known as Oran berries, Harry poured them into two separate cups, leaving enough for more juices to be added.
Squeezing a red berry, known as Cheri berries, which were known to cure Paralysis, Harry carefully poured it into Shane's mouth and helped him swallow. For the green dog pokemon, Harry added a peach color berry, known as a Pecha berry. This cured poison. He poured it into the pokemon's mouth and watched the two pokemon sleep. Once he was sure they were going to be ok, he grabbed his pokedex and pointed it at the green pokemon.
"Electrike, the lightning dog pokemon. Electrike stores electricity into its long body hair. It simulates electricity into its legs, allowing it to run faster than the human eye can follow. It gives off sparks when a storm approaches."
Harry glanced at the Electrike, taking in its green fur with yellow on its side and snout, looking like lightning bolts. He gingerly touched his scar before shaking his head. Electike also had a large head crest, which was almost as big as its small body. The two spikes on the back of its hind legs gave it the impression of having three tails. Sighing, Harry turned back to the pokedex.
"Pokemon Seen: 9. Pokemon Captured: Two."
Harry fought back a flinch as he stared at Electrike, wondering how this was going to play out. It had acted so proud, dismissing any help given and was incredibly strong minded and independent. Well, he would just release it, as that's what it probably wanted.
"Pokemon data required for newly captured Electrike?" the pokedex inquired.
Harry nodded. "Yea, I want to know why it sometimes got stronger when it howled.
"Pokemon attack Howl. This raises the spirit and attack of a pokemon."
"Well, that explains it," Harry muttered.
"Electrike also knows Tackle. It charges the foe head on with a full-body tackle. Thunderwave creates small sparks that paralyze the foe. Leer frightens…"
"I get it," Harry interrupted, already knowing what that attack did. Switching the pokedex shut, Harry sighed as he glanced at the sleeping pokemon. With a determined look, Harry started making dinner.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Electricity flowed through his body, giving him energy and new vigor. Before he even cracked open an eye, he thought about the situation, barely maintaining an angry growl. He had battled against three Beedril but had been poisoned. A trainer and a weak Ekans had come to his rescue. His rescue! He had been dong fine! Heck, he had even won, despite the pathetic help from the snake pokemon.
And then there's the fact that the trainer had captured him. Oh yes, he remembered that dreaded ball, his very nightmare, coming at him as he was sprawled on the ground in a weak clump. And now he had to be some trainers pet. The thought infuriated him enough to snap open his eyes. What met his sight was not what he had been expecting.
The night sky shown with an almost eerie darkness as the camp fire glowed ominously. A skinny boy with messy hair was busy hissing in some foreign language at that blasted Ekans. Turning to him in surprise, the boy gave a small smile and started hissing.
/You're doing it again,/ the Ekans said. /He can't understand the snake language./
The boy cleared his throat, looking embarrassed. "Sorry," he apologized. "I'm glad to see you're ok. You had a pretty nasty bruise."
Speaking of that bruise, there was no pain. Glancing down, his foot was completely healed. He even felt better, meaning the boy had healed him.
"Are you hungry?" the boy asked.
His voice was softened with pty, infuriating him. With a sniff, he turned away, though it was quite hard with the sight of so much food and his hungry stomach.
As Harry stared down at the Electrike, he felt guilt. "You know," he said softly. "You don't have to stay. I only captured you so that I could help you. You're free to go."
Now this caught the Electrike's attention. The boy was seriously letting him go. What the hell! It was supposed to be only him that wanted freedom, not the both of them! Well, he wasn't going to stand for that, especially since he, like all pokemon, abode by the capture rule. This human caught him and would make him stronger. If he didn't try to help, a few sharp teeth might be able to prove the point.
Harry was surprised when the Electrike stood up furiously and shook his head, barking angrily.
'He says that he will abide by the capture law,' Shane translated. 'A trainer that is able to capture him is worthy to make him strong, and if you don't help a few sharp teeth will put you in your place,' he finished with a glare, dislike growing for the electric pokemon.
Harry rubbed the bridge of his nose. "So you wish to stay." It wasn't said as a question.
Electrike stood resolutely and nodded, eyes hard and arrogant air returning slightly. "Elec," he stated, acting as if it were obvious as he turned his nose in the air, eyes closed.
Harry grinned, feeling a little bewildered. "Well, welcome to the team, I guess."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
/…when I woke up from the fight with the Spearow Harry held me gently, and that's when we saw the rainbow bird,/ Shane explained to the brooding Electrike, who later confessed that his name was Koji.
Harry had readily accepted Koji's name, confusing the two that he found it pleasing that some wild pokemon already have a nickname. Shane enjoyed talking to Harry, and although he disliked his new teammate, it would be best to make a sort of truce. It was already well into noon of the second day they were in the forest and didn't seem any closer to the exit.
/How fascinating,/ Koji drawled, making Shane's scales to shiver unpleasantly.
/So what about you?/ Shane asked, changing the topic. /Have you always lived in the forest?/
/None of your business,/ Koji scoffed.
Shane hissed in warning. /No need to snap,/ he said back, voice just as waspish. The two continued to glare at one another.
"Hey you guys!" Harry called from ahead of them, completely oblivious to their discomfort. "There are some really weird trees up ahead. They're cut down and stacked down, tied up with vines and I can hear a lot of buzzing. I think there's a Beedril hive up ahead." The two pokemon blanched. Harry nodded. "Yea, I think its best we leave, but there's something weird about it."
'What's wrong?' Shane asked.
'There's a bunch…' Harry frowned as he entered the snake language and cleared his throat, not wanting Koji to not be able to understand him. "There's a bunch of food, like fruit and berries, in several piles in front of the opening. It's kinda creepy."
Shane looked up at Harry in curiosity, wondering what was over there. The sound of buzzing in the distance, however, destroyed all curiosity. Koji didn't look like he cared one way or another.
"Let's keep moving… Get down!" Harry hissed, dragging the two startled pokemon into a bush.
Koji, who was just about to snarl, snapped his muzzle shut. Three pairs of Beedril flew overhead and were carrying various berries in their stingers. What was strange was that one of them was carrying a very wounded Pikachu.
'What are they doing with that Pikachu?" Harry asked Shane. He cleared his throat uncomfortably at Koji's glare for not being able to understand him.
'I'm not sure,' Shane said. 'Do you think they're trying to heal it?'
Koji gave a disdainful snort. /Hardly,/ he snapped. /Beedril care only for their own and, above all, their queen./
Shane translated for Harry who nodded. "Come on," he said, moving quietly toward the large nest. "We need to know what's going on. If that Pikachu is in trouble, we need to help."
/Joy, my new trainer has a hero complex,/ Koji drawled.
/Be quiet,/ Shane hissed. /And learn to keep your comments to yourself./
"Would you two stop fighting?" Harry asked irritably. "This is not the place, nor the time, to fight."
/Sorry,/ Shane said.
/Yeah, follow your master's order,/ Koji laughed, strutting beside Harry as they crept through the many bushes.
Shane hissed angrily but otherwise kept his mouth shut, wishing for more than anything to give the irritating electric type a good bite on the tail.
"Look at them all," Harry whispered, staring in awe at the large dam of trees, bushes and fallen branches
It was as if a cave had been made out of wood. In the very center was an opening that obviously meant the entrance. As Harry, Shane and Koji crept closer, they could see the Beedril holding fruit toss the food into the already large pile. Then, as one, they called out with an extremely high pitched buzz. After a moment of nothing happening and just massaging his ear, Harry finally heard the large stomps of the being inside the large den.
/What is that?/ Shane whispered, voice trembling.
/Coward,/ Koji hissed, despite looking a little unnerved as well. Whatever made those loud footsteps were obviously from a large, and probably powerful, pokemon.
"I think I see it," Harry said, confusion evident. The two pokemon stared, wondering where the confusion was coming from. "I think," Harry hesitated. "I think it's a walking bush with arms."
Bewildered, the two turned back to the sight and gapped. There, standing before the bowed Beedril, was a monstrous Tangrowth. Its blue and purple vies made up its entire body and only left two little white eyes visible. Two large hands swung at its side. The finger tips, which barely had any red, proved that this was a male.
"Tang, grow grow growth!" it boomed, glaring at the scared insects.
While Harry watched in confusion, wondering why such monstrous bees would be scared this plant; Shane and Koji were narrowing their eyes as the conversation progressed.
/You have brought very little food this time,/ the Tangrowth growled, white eyes narrowing dangerously. The vines around his body twitched in agitation.
The Beedril lowered their heads submissively. /We have brought as much food as we can,/ one buzzed desperately. /The forest is nearly depleted. You have all the food!/
/Silence!/ Tangrowth roared, Slamming his large arms to the ground, causing it to shake. He turned to the Pikachu who had been knocked out. It was slowly regaining awareness before snarling at him, its cheeks sparking. /And what of this?/ he asked.
/Rebel,/ a second Beedril intoned. /Your orders were to bring any or all rebels./
/Fools!/ the Pikachu roared, cheeks sparking even more dangerously. /If you keep this up, there will be no more food for the rest of us!/ it snarled at Tangrowth.
With a glare, Tangrowth sent many vines toward the Pikachu, intent on using Vine Whip. Eyes wide with fright, the Pikachu yelped in surprise as a barrage of Poison Stings made contact with the vines.
/Who dares?/ Tangrowth intoned deeply. He wrung his vines out, only irritated by the weak attack.
"Hey, what do you think you're doing?" Harry demanded, coming into view with an angry Ekans and scoffing Electrike by his side.
/What is this human doing here?/ Tangrowth asked the Beedril. /What have I told your hive about letting in intruders!/ it roared, startling them all as vines launched everywhere, encircling the group.
'Block,' Shane whispered to Harry. 'It's an attack that won't allow an opponent to escape,' he said nervously.
/Who are you?/ the Pikachu asked nervously, stepping closer to them as Tangrowth ordered the Beedril to attack.
Harry, who could understand a word, let Shane deal with Pikachu. /We're friends,/ Shane said.
/I'm not,/ Koji snarled, his fur rising sharply. /I'm only here for revenge./ With a Howl, Koji leaped at the Beedril, far too quickly for the eye to follow.
"Quick Attack," Harry muttered in awe. He turned to the Tangrowth. "You won't get away with taking all of the food like some greedy pig," he snarled. "Shane, I know I don't like to battle, but there will always be times to fight."
/Right!/ Shane yelled, encouraged. Immediately, he released a mouthful of Acid, hitting the Beedril head on.
The Pikachu was busy launching Thundershock after Thundershock, too busy to notice Tangrowth's fingers glow softly before slamming them into the ground. Rock chunks escaped from the ground and were launched at it.
"Watch out!" Harry shouted, hearing only a surprised "Chu?" before launching himself at the Pikachu, barely avoiding the sharp rocks.
/Why?/ Pikachu asked in surprise, eyes wide with shock. All his life, Pikachu had only heard stories of how humans steal pokemon from their homes and force them to battle one another to the death. But here was this human, saving him from a high level attack that could have actually killed him if it hit him right, especially since he was at such a low level.
Harry groaned, his body twitching as he found it incredibly hard to move.
/Hey, what are you… Oh crap!/ Pikachu exclaimed. /You! The Electrike! Your trainer is paralyzed!/
/Busy here!/ Koji snarled, having the time of his life dodging the vines Tangrowth shot at him and hitting him when he got behind the large grass type. Despite the little damage he evoked, he was still doing excellent.
/Harry!/ Shane slithered over to Harry, avoiding the giant stingers aimed his way. More and more Beedril were coming.
'Shane,' Harry hissed, startling the Pikachu.
'I'm here,' Shane answered in the snake language. 'But we're in a tough situation. Beedril are everywhere and you kind of got paralyzed before the battle really started.'
Harry tried to stand, only to get another jolt of electricity run through him. Gritting his teeth, Harry tried to fight it. Standing fully, Harry nearly stumbled.
/Wow,/ Pikachu whispered, awed as he absently shot off Thundershocks. A bold expression lit up his face. /Stay here, I'm going to get help!/
/Wait!/ Shane called, watching Pikachu duck under the vines and escape through an opening through the Block.
Tangrowth chuckled in amusement at the fallen Beedril, finding it sad that the pokemon of this forest were so weak. However, with a wince he had to remember that his weak spot was speed, and that blasted Electrike was able to get around with Quick Attacks. With a guttural cry, Tangrowth slammed his glowing fingers into the ground, unleashing a torrent of Ancient Power.
/Is that the best you've got!/ Koji crowed as he dodged the vines. /You stupid plant… / Koji's eyes widened as the large rocks soared toward him. With a startled yelp, the rocks were upon him, and he was out for the count.
"Koji!" Harry yelled, running toward the fallen pokemon, only to trip as the paralysis caught up with him.
The Tangrowth sighed as it gazed upon the fallen pokemon. Only the simple Ekans was left. /Even your trainer is incapacitated,/ it gloated. /Surrender, and you may live to serve me./
/Not going to happen!/ Shane hissed, rising angrily. /What kind of pokemon are you to enslave the rest of us? You're nothing but a coward that targets weaker pokemon!/
Tangrowth Slammed his hands into the ground. /Be silent!/ he roared. /You are nothing and have nothing./
/Wrong,/ a deep voice growled. /Defenders of this forest have help./
Both Harry and Shane turned toward the Block, only to gap as it was destroyed by an onslaught of dozens of pokemon. In the lead stood a large mouse with a long tail that had a lightning bolt at the end. It was a Raichu.
/They're the one's that saved me!/ the same Pikachu from before cried, coming to stop at the side of the Raichu.
/What is this?/ Tangrowth asked gleefully. /More rebels to destroy? Then come at me!/ As Tangrowth finished speaking, he began to glow a bright white.
"What's it doing?" Harry asked as Pikachu handed him a Cheri berry. He ate it gratefully, his body working once more.
/Now is our chance!/ the Raichu roared, cheeks sparking.
With a battle cry, bug types of all kind, as well as Pidgey, Rattata, Pikachu and few others. They all attacked, doing all they could to attack the immobile pokemon.
"Why isn't anything happening?" Harry asked, eyes narrowed at the glowing plant. He whipped out his pokedex.
"Tangrowth, the grass type pokemon. It ensnares prey by extending arms made out of vines. Losing arms to predators does not trouble it as it simply grows them back. Tangrowth's current level is 57."
The surrounding pokemon blanched. No wonder why they weren't doing any damage, they were all level 10!
Tangrowth sneered as he stopped glowing. /Fools,/ he whispered before unleashing a giant blast of white light, hitting a large number of pokemon.
/Retreat!/ Raichu shouted. /Grab the wounded and regroup!/
Tangrowth Slammed his hands to the ground and let out a loud call. Immediately, more Beedril arrived and, to the horror of the rest, tiny vine pokemon came out of the dam. They were all Tangela.
/Take them! Take them all!/ Tangrowth barked.
'We have to get out of here!' Shane urged Harry, tugging on his hand. 'We're going to regroup.'
Harry nodded in understanding before his eyes widened.
/What's wrong?/ Pikachu asked, trying to push the human along with exasperation.
Harry ignored the pokemon's pleading. "Koji! Koji!" he called for the Electrike. "You go on," he told Shane. "I have to find Koji."
'No, I'll help,' Shane said grimly, dodging a Vine Whip. "I'll be your cover!" With that he launched an Acid.
Harry ran through the battle, trying to avoid any attack headed this way.
"Pucha!" the Pikachu demanded.
"I'm looking for Koji," Harry told the Pikachu desperately. He winced as a Poison Sting got stuck in his arm. Pulling the needle out, Harry looked around. "There!" he cried. "Help me get him out of those rocks," he ordered.
The two ducked low, avoiding a bolt of lighting and began lifting rocks from the fallen pokemon. Koji was battered and bruised and covered in dirt by the time they got him out.
"Oh, Koji," Harry murmured as he cradled the pokemon to his chest.
"Pika!" Pikachu exclaimed, sending a Thundershock towards the vines that were heading toward them.
"Tang," the Tangela growled, vines shifting dangerously.
'Back off!' Shane hissed, Leering at the pokemon. Uncertainty crossed its face and Shane took the time to Poison Sting it. Enraged, Tangela grabbed Shane above its head with its vines, prepared to throw it to the ground.
"Shane, slam it with your tail!" Harry called, Koji still in his arms.
'But I don't know Slam!' Shane called.
"What the heck!?" Harry exclaimed in exasperation. "Just hit it with your tail like with the Magikarp! You don't need to grow a level to whack it! Or better yet, bite it!"
Bewildered, Shane bit down experimentally, shocked that it actually worked. He had always assumed that a pokemon had to learn an attack before doing. Pleased, Shane Slammed down hard on it with his tail.
'Let's get out of here!' Shane cried eagerly. 'I've got—oof!'
"Shane!" Harry called, running toward the three Tangela that were upon him.
"Chua!" Pikachu growled angrily, trying to pull Harry away. "Pik puka!" it called. Quickly, five other pokemon grabbed Harry, trying to get him out of the battle.
"Get off of me!" Harry snarled. "Shane! Shane!" He tried to fight the pokemon that were trying to lead him to safety, Koji almost falling to the ground as he did so. Because of that he faltered.
'Just go!' Shane called. 'I'll be—achg!'
Angry at the pokemon from trying to keep him away, Harry could feel something inside of him burn, almost the way his magic felt when he was about to cast a spell. Roaring with anger, Harry felt a wind encircle him, blasting the pokemon away from him.
The pokemon who had seen stared at him in fear, watching him pant for breath. Koji finally slid from his fingers before electricity hit him, forcing him into darkness.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Elec, ti tri elect!" an angry voice snarled.
"Raichu," the voice said warningly.
Harry winced as the voices hit him. Groaning, Harry sat up from where he had been laying and brought a hand to his face. "Uhg, what happened?" he asked blearily.
When Harry opened his eyes, he saw that he was in a patch of the forest that was clear of trees with dozens of pokemon surrounding him. Most were wounded and were currently being healed. However, as soon as he had spoken, the clearing had gone silent. Harry gulped.
"Elec," Koji sighed, still looking battered but much better than before.
"Koji, you're ok," Harry said happily, scooting over to the green dog. "Where's Shane?" he asked, looking around. "Shane? Shane!"
Nobody answered.
Harry felt a weight settle in his stomach. "Koji, where's Shane?"
Koji growled before looking away, a defeated look on his normally proud face.
"Pik," Pikachu said sadly, patting his knee.
Harry swallowed. He had let Shane down. He hadn't even last a minute in that battle since he had gotten paralyzed so quickly. Not to mention all of those pokemon attacking. Why had they attacked them, and what was with that Tangrowth?
"Why is that pokemon doing this?" Harry asked to the surrounding pokemon almost desperately.
The Raichu came forward. "Ra rai chu raichu," it said disapprovingly. It pointed to some food and made a grabbing motion.
Harry felt a bitter sneer cross his face. "So he preys from the weak and steals food," he said angrily. The pokemon nodded. Harry turned to Koji. "We need to get Shane back. We need to get all the pokemon back and stop him," he said angrily.
Koji looked at him reproachfully, wondering if there was something else that made his trainer angry, other than the fact that Shane had been taken.
"Raichu," Riachu sighed, gesturing to his fallen comrades.
Harry looked around at the wounded pokemon. Rattata were shivering together as they licked their scratches. Pidgey and Piegeoto were caring for their wings. Ledyba, Spinarak and other bug types were searching for healing plants. And even a few Weedle were among them, though a few pokemon looked at them with scorn.
"Sentret," a pokemon growled at a nervous Weedle, snapping at it.
"Hey," Harry scolded from where he was sitting. He took the scared Weedle in his arms, cradling it carefully and rubbed its body soothingly. "Is this how you treat your comrades?" he asked angrily.
"Sent, se, tret tre," the pokemon sneered, hissing angrily.
Harry rubbed his eyes tiredly, wishing Shane was here to translate for him. "Look," he said softly, knowing that all of the pokemon were watching him carefully. "I know that you're all scared right now. There's a dictator that's controlling your lives and turning you all against one another. I know what that's like."
The Sentret scoff. "Set tret," it said offhandedly.
This time Harry didn't wish Shane was there to translate. He knew exactly what it had said.
"You really think I don't understand?" he asked coldly, pleased that he saw the surrounding pokemon look nervous now. "Do you really think you're all that special?" He could feel the bitterness in his words. "There are others who deal with others just like that Tangrowth. There's this man in my… near my home that's just like him. His name is Voldemort," Harry told them. "And he is much worse than Tangrowth."
"Cater," a Caterpie questioned.
Harry smiled bitterly. "He does more than just turn people against each other. He tortures and kills people."
There was a gasp from the pokemon. While it wasn't unusual for pokemon to kill each other in the wild for food or land, it was forbidden for mindless torture and killings. In fact, it was a downright sin and was rarely talked about.
"So don't say I don't know what a war is like," Harry continued. "And I also know that we shouldn't be turning on our allies." He set the Weedle down, smiling at its thankful look. "Those Beedril looked scared, and I'm sure that the Tangrowth is forcing them to fight for him." The Weedle nodded sadly,
The pokemon talked amongst themselves.
"Pidg?" a Pidgey called, fluttering forward proudly. It gazed into Harry's eyes deeply, and Harry knew what it was asking.
"Yes," he said. "I'm going to help you all fight. Truthfully I hate pokemon battles," he said to the shock of them all, "but Shane explained to me that pokemon are prideful creatures and will fight to defend their honor."
There was a roar of agreement from them all.
Harry smiled grimly. "So I suppose I'll put aside my distaste for pokemon battles and help you win this war."
From the sidelines Koji slapped a paw to his head. His trainer was so weird.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
/Your trainer has a way with words,/ the Raichu said. /He has a way of uniting us all, even the most stubborn./ He watched the Sentret from earlier help the Weedle gather berries.
/He's an idiot,/ Koji said with a sniff.
Raichu eyed the Electrike carefully. /He saved your life, you know. Dug you out of those rocks and held onto you even as the others tried to get him out of the battle./
Koji was silent for a moment. /Why?/ he asked finally.
Raichu smiled softly. /Because he cares deeply for you./
/Not that,/ Koji said impatiently. /Why did you all try to save him?/
/He save my son,/ Raichu said simply. /And as I am leader and my son a leader as well, the pokemon felt obligated to help. I am surprised that he used to be against the idea of battling. Where do you suppose your trainer came from, especially with that accent?/
Koji scoffed. /As if I care./
Raichu's ear twitched. /Then I'm sure you'll be interested to hear he's a psychic./
Koji looked at the Raichu suspiciously before looking at his trainer. Harry was busy healing all of the wounded pokemon. They seemed encouraged by his eagerness to help.
/It is simply because he wants to help with this fight that the rest of the pokemon like him,/ he said, ignoring the psychic part.
/Perhaps,/ Raichu amended. /And what of you?/
Koji bared his fangs in a feral grin. /Revenge sounds fine./
Raichu gazed at him, wisdom reflecting in his eyes. /You know, I was just a Pikachu who had barely master Thunderbolt before my trainer evolved me without my permission. At first I had been happy to evolve, as I had gained power. However, in my trainer's haste, he hadn't realized I hadn't fully learned Thunderbolt. He had no money to buy a TM, so he abandoned me./ Raichu sighed. /For a week I suffered from starvation and depression before rage clouded my mind. I found my trainer and paralyzed him,/ Raichu said softly. Koji listened, though he didn't look at the Raichu. /I dumped his body into the river,/ Raichu said at last. /Now I don't know if that makes me any better than Tangrowth, but I do know what it feels like to be clouded by vengeance. You have been betrayed, haven't you? And now you only wish to become strong. Staying with this trainer is proof enough./
Koji bared his fangs at the Raichu. /You know nothing about me, old timer,/ he said, voice deadly. /I stay with the boy because I abide by the capture law. Nothing more, nothing less. He means nothing to me./
Glaring at the electric rodent, Koji got up and walked away, spiked tail stiffer than usual.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Harry sighed as he gazed up at the moon. It was late and all of the pokemon were resting, waiting for tomorrow's battle. They couldn't afford to leave their friends as prisoners in Tangrowth's den. He yawned widely, wishing he could go to sleep. Sadly his mind was too preoccupied worrying about Shane.
"Elec," a voice growled.
Harry turned to see Koji strut up to him.
"There you are," he said softly, smiling. "I was worried about you. You were pretty bashed up."
Koji scoffed.
Harry chuckled. "Still as prideful as ever." He was about to run a hand over Koji's crown before stopping himself. "Sorry," he apologized. He had seen Koji's disgruntled look as he was about to be pet. "Don't worry, I know you're not a pet," he said simply, reading the electric pokemon's thoughts.
Koji huffed in agreement.
"Koji," Harry said seriously, eyeing him intensely. "Do you remember what I said earlier? I'm not keeping you here. You're free to leave. I would never, and will never, keep a pokemon as some tool." Harry sighed.
Koji settled down a good foot away from Harry, being close enough to show that he was listening but far enough for him to have his space.
"I enjoy dueling back in my world," Harry began. Koji felt his ears prick at that. Was he truly from another world? "And I suppose battling is dueling to you. I've seen you battle, and you obviously enjoy it."
"Elec," Koji confirmed. "Elec, tri hard."
"Yes, I'm sure it's hard word," Harry began before his eyes widened.
The two stared at each other in astonishment.
"Trike," Koji said softly, eyes narrowed dangerously.
"I think I almost understood you," Harry said in wonder. "Is that normal for humans to understand pokemon?"
Truthfully, Koji had never heard of a human understand pokemon speech word for word. There were a few that got the gist of it or who had lived with their pokemon for so long they understood each other's emotions, but not word for word.
"Tri." He shook his head.
Harry sighed. "Great, another thing that makes me a freak."
Koji rolled his eyes. His trainer was such a drama queen.
"Hey, Koji," Harry said suddenly.
Koji watched Harry warily.
"Thank you for staying with me," he said at last. And for going into battle with me. I… We need to get Shane back."
Because I abandoned him. Koji could hear that unheard message and scoffed. Again, he was such a drama queen.
With a sigh, Koji barked, "Trie alright."
"No, I don't think it's alright," Harry said hesitantly.
The rest of the night Koji watched Harry suspiciously, not trusting this human that could begin to understand pokemon speech. And, as Koji looked up into the trees to watch the Murkrow stare at Harry'ssleeping form curiously, Koji didn't think it was normal for a human to attract dark types.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Omg this sucks! Yarg! Ok, so every time I write the Veridian Forest, it sucks. Hopefully it'll get better and I hope you all enjoy the future battle scene, which will be awesome, next chapter! Yay!
Oh yea, and I enunciated on the attacks. So Slamming is the attack Slam. All attacks will be like that.