This is Chapter 19.
Sorry. It's later than I'd planned. But it's here now.
Seriously, I've been staring at this chapter, going "One more scene, one more scene," and then I was like, f*** it, let's get this done and move on. Hope it turned out all right. I almost did cut this into three parts, but it wasn't long enough for that. So this is pretty long.
Thank you to everyone who added this story/me to their favorites/alerts. And a special thanks for reviewing to Bptex, Bluewolfbat, Joey, Demidevi, NinjaFang1331, major Wallace, deannamd, thor94, Typhlosion8, duskrider, Kiomori, Teddi 8347, avidreader-everafter, KaliAnn, Uranium235, Cato Yugi, Adrienne Dark, The Chronicler's Forge, stardust902, Pokemon Trainer Tom, random bug, tjizthebest, and Black Silverclaw.
Over two-hundred reviews. -_- I'm so happy!
Well, Ash and Bulbasaur talk, things get worked out, things get discovered, and there are Pokémon playing. Not all in that order.
Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon. There. I said it. Where's the cookie I was promised?
Anyway, enjoy.
In the forest, Ash had found an open spot between four trees. He lie down on his back, wincing as he jarred his shoulders.
"Ash?" Pikachu's voice asked. "Are you okay?"
"Hey Pikachu." Ash replied tiredly. "Yeah, I'm fine."
Pikachu nuzzled the side of his head. "Don't listen to a word that Bulbasaur said. He doesn't know what he's talking about."
Ash sighed, looking up at the sky. "Are humans really that bad? Am I as bad as that?"
"No." Pikachu's reply was vehement. "You're a great friend, and a wonderful trainer, and don't let anyone tell you different. You're my best friend."
The corner of Ash's mouth lifted half-heartedly.
Soft crunching of the leaves on the forest floor had Ash glancing over. When he saw Bulbasaur, his tiny smile fell away.
"I'm not in the village anymore, Bulbasaur. I can't hurt them, but you can watch me to be sure, if you want." He said dejectedly, returning to stare up at the sky.
Bulbasaur blinked in surprise. So the human could speak Pokémon.
"Go away. Haven't you done enough?" Pikachu demanded.
"I wanted to apologize." Bulbasaur gritted out. "I might have been too hasty."
"You bet you were wrong." Pikachu glowered at him.
"Pikachu." Ash said softly. "It's all right Bulbasaur. You're right. Some humans can't be trusted." He shuddered.
Bulbasaur was intrigued despite himself. "And when did you learn that? And where did you learn how to speak our language?"
"I was raised by Pokemon as a hatchling." Ash answered. "Humans attacked and killed most of them. Others came and tried to help, but my kin were killed. I was hidden, held by one of my kin, a Charizard. My Mama, my human Mama, found me. She saved me from the men and hid me, but it doesn't change what those men did."
Bulbasaur wasn't sure exactly what to do with this information. It wasn't something he'd expected.
Ash raised his hand to his head, and hissed in pain. He really hurt.
"Ash? What is it? Where are you hurt?" Pikachu hadn't missed his wince.
"My shoulders and hands from holding us up on the bridge." Ash admitted. "And I think I cut my hand."
Pikachu noticed the rip in the green glove, and tugged at it with his teeth. Ash moved his hand, helping Pikachu slip it off.
"Oh Ash. You should have said something." Pikachu said, licking at the slice in Ash's palm. There was dried blood covering it and his palm, but it wasn't bleeding anymore.
"There's a stream over there. It's cold." Bulbasaur offered. "I'll take you there. I really am sorry. I haven't met a good human, aside from Melany. They're all cruel. And seeing what they did to the others just proved it. But you're different, and I should have known it."
"Yes you should've." Pikachu tugged at Ash's jacket. "Now come on Ash. You need to clean out that wound."
Ash grumbled, but got to his feet. "Thanks Bulbasaur." He said as he followed the Pokémon to a fairly large brook. Ash suspected that it ran down to the river from before.
He slowly and painfully stripped off his jacket and shirt, leaving them next to his pack. Bulbasaur, impatient and with concern for the boy, shoved at his legs.
Not expecting it, the push sent Ash flailing into the brook.
The water wasn't that deep, but it was cold, and refreshing, and as Ash surfaced, he glared at Bulbasaur, a look that was not very effective when he was sopping wet.
"Stay in there until you stop hurting." Bulbasaur commanded. "And wash off your hand."
Ash yanked off his now sodden right glove off and tossed it in the direction of his shirt, following it with his now-soaked hat. "Fine, fine." He griped. But despite all of his grumbling, he sighed in relief as he leaned back against the bank. His shoulders already felt better.
Pikachu, ignoring the water, jumped into his lap and purred, leaning back against him. Ash smiled and closed his eyes, making a wordless whistle of contentment.
He began humming with pleasure as Bulbasaur began preening his hair. "Silly hatchling." The Pokemon said, tone almost affectionate.
"M'not a hatchling." Ash protested without any ire behind the words. It was more of an automatic complaint than one he really meant.
Bulbasaur knew that, he rolled his red eyes and snorted a laugh. "Whatever you say, hatchling."
Pikachu laughed as Ash pouted.
A short time later, Ash slowly stretched his arms. "I feel better now. We can go back to the village." He eyed Bulbasaur uncertainly, before looking down at his injured hand. "If that's all right. I can just stay in the woods and wait, if you don't want me going back."
Bulbasaur made an annoyed noise and blew on Ash's head, making him wrinkle his nose. "Don't be stupid. Come on back to the village. You're a hatchling, you belong there."
Because, as he'd watched Ash and listened to the boy talk to Pikachu and Bulbasaur himself, he'd seen. The boy may look human, and he may act like it sometimes, but when the veneer of humanity dropped away, the boy was more Pokémon than human. He was a hatchling, and no one could convince Bulbasaur otherwise. And as a hatchling, Ash was under Bulbasaur's protection.
Ash fished a bandage out of his pack's front pocket and used the adhesive to stick it to his palm before climbing out of the stream.
Bulbasaur led the way back to the village after Ash tugged on his shirt and put on a new pair of fingerless green gloves. He held his backpack over one shoulder and the three of them got to the village clearing quickly.
All eyes turned to them.
"This hatchling is under my protection." Bulbasaur announced, lipping at Ash's damp jeans. "I wanted him treated as such."
Ash blushed.
Misty came up to Ash. Brock was busy pouring a ladle of water over a Staryu, and Melany had ducked into her cottage to grab something she needed.
"Are you okay?" Misty asked her friend. He certainly looked cheerful enough, but his lower half was wet, and darker wet patches were beginning to show through his shirt. He was carrying his jacket and hat in his right hand.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Ash answered smiling. Misty smiled back, but then heard a low growling from the ground. She looked down to see the Bulbasaur glaring at her with furious eyes.
"Um…"
"Bulbasaur." Ash groaned in exasperation, just barely managing to stay out of the Pokémon language.
Bulbasaur stopped growling. "Why are you speaking that again? It's so unclear."
"He doesn't want the humans to know he can talk to us." Pikachu explained. "He says it might be dangerous to tell them."
Bulbasaur nodded in satisfaction. "Smart move, hatchling. Now, about these humans…"
"They're okay." Pikachu piped up. "I mean, they won't hurt anyone here, and they're friends with me and Ash."
"Nevertheless, I'll be watching them closely." Bulbasaur threatened, before attempting to drag Ash over to the other Pokemon. "Come on, hatchlings need to be around other Pokémon to properly grow."
"Ash?" Misty was watching, bewildered.
Brock came up to them, drying his hands off on his brown pants. "Why are you all wet?"
"There was a stream in the woods." Ash said, as if that explained everything. "Um, I think I'm supposed to follow." He said with a laugh as Bulbasaur continued to tug on his pantleg.
Ash stopped resisting and went with Bulbasaur over to the other side of the pond from Misty and Brock.
The Oddish, two Rattatas, and a Paras came over to them. A Magikarp swam over to join them.
"Hatchling?" the Paras asked skeptically.
"I'm not a hatchling." Ash protested softly, not wanting Misty or Brock to hear him.
Oddish's leaves moved as she laughed. "Yep. He's a hatchling."
"You thought I was lying?" Bulbasaur asked, raising his eyeridge. "You know how I feel about humans."
"No, but he does look human." One of the Rattatas pointed out.
"Obvious he's not though, if you're willing to vouch for him." The other added.
Ash grunted as the Staryu Brock had been pouring water over jumped onto him. Staryu's next jump landed the Pokémon in the pond, when he shot a light spray of water up into the sky, creating a sprinkler that rained water down on everyone nearby.
Ash laughed and jumped forward to tackle Staryu. Staryu leapt to the side, leaving Ash to splash into the water, where Magikarp swam by, dousing him in the liquid, and getting a nearby Weepinbell as well.
Ash splashed back and the Weepinbell used Vine Whip to hit the water right next to where Magikarp resurfaced.
Pikachu didn't want to be left out and ran at one of the Rattata, who jumped out of the way. The Rattata bumped into the other Rattata, creating a game of tag.
Ash quickly clambered out of the pond and joined in.
Misty and Brock were watching this when Melany came out of her cottage. She had a few towels, some jars, and another ladle in her arms, but she dropped them when she saw the scene in front of her.
"What is going on?" she asked.
"I think they're playing." Brock answered, rushing over to help her pick up her spilled supplies. Misty never took her eyes off of Ash.
Ash suddenly stopped and began pulling out his Pokéballs.
"Wait!" Melany cried, alarmed.
Ash didn't seem to hear her. He released his Pokémon. Weedle, Pidgeotto and Butterfree emerged. Ash stroked Zubat's Pokéball, but it was too light out, and would hurt her. He out it in his backpack to keep it safe.
A quick word with his Pokémon friends, and they joined in the fun, Butterfree and Pidgeotto taking to the air and adding a new dimension to the game, which quickly devolved from a simple game of tag to some sort of wrestling, splashing, dive-bombing thing. They tumbled around, laughing and taunting each other, although Ash kept his voice down and mixed with the others'. He didn't bother hiding his sounds of joy, though, although his chirps, whistles, and squeaks blended in with the rest of theirs so that they were indistinguishable to the watching humans.
Melany blinked with surprise. "What's going on?" she repeated faintly, turning to Brock for an explanation.
"I think they're playing." He said again, blushing slightly under her attention.
"But only a little while ago, Bulbasaur wanted Ash out of the village." Melany said, unable to comprehend the change. Bulbasaur never acted this way, as if it was okay with the humans. She sometimes doubted it even trusted her fully, and only tolerated her for the sake of the others.
But she'd never seen the Pokémon so happy. A grin lit up her face. If the Pokémon were happy, she was happy.
"Well, I guess these can wait then." she said, resting her supplies against the cottage's front wall. "I wouldn't want to ruin their fun."
"Ash is really having fun." Misty commented. In fact, he was getting along with them better than she thought he probably should, having been kicked out of the village and leaving looking so upset. He fit well with the Pokémon, and they were treating him like just another Pokémon.
She knew he was good with Pokémon, but this was way beyond what he'd shown so far.
A shared look with Brock when he took a minute to stop mooning over Melany and pay attention to Ash and Misty again confirmed that he felt the same way.
"Well, I don't know what changed Bulbasaur's mind, but you guys can stay the night here, if you'd like." Melany offered as she sat down on the front step of her house. She propped her head up on her fist and watched the Pokémon and Ash play, smiling softly.
"Dinner!" Melany called to the still-playing Pokémon.
They all rushed over to her as she finished filling the bowls, and then she set a plate of sandwiches in front of Misty and Brock. "And these are for us humans." She glanced at Ash, who was walking over with the other Pokémon, his face flushed and happy. "Although, maybe I should put Ash's into a bowl. It certainly seems like he belongs with the Pokémon, doesn't it?"
Brock forced a chuckle and a few stuttered words as his eyebrows shot up. Misty didn't bother. Her lips pursed in thought, before her eyes went wide.
"You're right." She said quietly, watching a Rattata bump into Ash's legs until the boy rolled his eyes and reached down to scratch the Rattata behind the ear and once on his chest. The other Rattata quickly nudged his hand, demanding the same treatment.
Brock sucked in a breath as he caught her whisper. There wasn't enough there, not yet, but this was a huge piece of the puzzle that was Ash Ketchum. Pokémon sanctuaries couldn't explain this. He was too comfortable with the Pokémon, and them with him. Even the people who worked at the sanctuaries, some who practically lived there, didn't have this, this innate knowledge of Pokémon.
And how did he change Bulbasaur's mind? The Pokémon seemed very against him. What had changed when they were in the forest together?
It was on the tip of Misty's mind, tickling her awareness.
She was broken out of her thoughts when Ash came up to her smiling. "Hi Misty. Dinner time, huh?"
The words felt thick and heavy on his tongue. He swallowed hard and hoped no one would notice.
But he felt refreshed. Better than he'd felt in years. He'd needed this, more than he'd realized. Just to be around Pokémon, to be himself, not having to constantly check the language he was speaking in or the sounds he was making to make sure they were appropriate for a human.
"Yes." Melany spoke up, holding out the plate of sandwiches. "You must be hungry."
Ash took one. A nudge to his leg had him looking down.
"Get another and come with me." Bulbasaur commanded. He was watching Misty and Brock with suspicion. He wanted to get the hatchling away from them, and back with the others, where he could protect him easier.
Ash rolled his eyes again. He looked at the plate. Six sandwiches looked back at him. "Are there enough for everyone?" he asked. "Only, Pikachu's over there…"
"Oh yes. Two each, with one left over." Melany promised.
Ash took a second sandwich and followed Bulbasaur to where Pikachu was sitting with the other Pokémon.
He sat down next to his friend and started to hand off one of the sandwiches to Pikachu, ready to split the rest amongst his other Pokémon.
Bulbasaur interrupted with a growl. "You eat both of them. Pikachu and the others can share with us."
Ash shrugged and took a bite from the sandwich instead. Pikachu grabbed a brown kibble from Bulbasaur's bowl and began munching happily, leaning against Ash's leg. The rest of his Pokémon paired up with the wild Pokémon and started eating from their bowls.
"Ash, did you tell your Pokémon to eat that food?" Melany asked, getting a little upset. That food was for the weak and injured Pokémon of the village. He had to have his own food for his Pokémon. Did he think that he could just tell his Pokémon to steal food from the others and it would be okay? These were wild Pokémon, and no matter how close they seemed, they didn't take well to having their food eaten out from under them.
Ash looked at her incredulously. "You think I have any say in the matter?" He spread him arms wide.
"The wild Pokémon don't like it when anyone takes their food, even other Pokémon." Melany explained.
"They don't seem to mind." Misty pointed out.
And Melany could see that. She just couldn't believe it.
"I didn't tell them to do anything. They decided for their own selves." Ash continued, before a sharp, "Bulba!" caused him to shut up and eat his sandwich.
Misty smirked and took a sandwich. "It seems like Bulbasaur's taken you under his wing, Ash."
Ash blinked. "Bulbasaur doesn't have wings."
"It means he's taken responsibility for you." Brock explained as Melany's mouth dropped open.
"Of course I have." Bulbasaur said indignantly. "You are a hatchling, and therefore need looking after."
Pikachu laughed, falling over onto the ground. The other humans looked stunned at the sudden hysterics.
Ash prodded Pikachu with a finger, causing the Pokémon to howl with even more laughter as Ash tickled him.
"I guess he has." Ash pouted. "I can look after myself."
Misty, Brock, and Bulbasaur snorted at that. Pikachu would have too, if he could stop laughing.
"E-enough Ash." The mouse Pokémon managed to get out. "I can't breathe. And-and I'm hungry."
Ash stopped tickling him and went back to eating his sandwich, finishing his first one and going to work on the second. He was famished.
"He thought you meant literal wings?" Melany whispered to Misty.
Misty shrugged. "He's like that sometimes." And another check for the list…
That night, Misty and Brock accepted Melany's invitation to join her in her cottage to sleep.
Ash declined. "I'll just sleep out here, if it's okay." He said with a smile.
When Melany looked out the front window, just before she was going to climb into bed, she gaped.
Misty and Brock joined her at the window, curious.
Ash was lying in a heap of Pokémon. He was at the edge of the pond. Pokémon were at his sides, head, feet, and the two Rattata were curled up on his back. His arm was wrapped around Pikachu. The steady breathing of the entire group showed that they were all asleep.
"I've never met anyone like him." She whispered.
"And you never will again." Misty replied. She felt Brock at her side and looked up at him. He was scrutinizing the pile of human and Pokémon, as if it would give him the answers he wanted.
He finally shook his head and smiled. "I think we'd better go to sleep now. It'll be a long day tomorrow."
Agreeing, Misty and Melany followed him. Melany turned out the light and slipped into her bed. Misty got into her sleeping bag and pulled her blanket over her.
It was good to see Ash so happy. Brock thought as he drifted off to sleep. Even if they never figured out what he was hiding, it was good to see him having fun. Brock knew Misty agreed.
They both felt like they were close, like whatever it was was obvious, was right in front of them, but they just couldn't see it. It was maddening. They wouldn't force it out of Ash, but still, Brock wished he knew what it was. He could help Ash more, be there for the kid more, if he knew what he was trying so desperately to hide from everyone.
Ash stirred. He didn't want to move. He was warm and comfortable, and he felt safe.
"Are you awake?" Pikachu's voice piped up just as he was drifting back to sleep.
Ash groaned and cracked open his eyes to look into Pikachu's happy eyes. "Yeah." He mumbled sleepily. "'m awake."
He started to raise his hand to rub at his eyes, but met resistance. He turned his head to see that Weedle and a Caterpie were using his left arm as a pillow. His other arm was wrapped around Pikachu.
Feeling a weight on his back and legs, he asked, "Who's on me?"
Pikachu chuckled. "The Rattatas are on your back and the Paras is on your legs."
"Is there a reason I'm awake right now?" Ash asked his friend. "'cause I'd rather be asleep. I'm comfy."
Pikachu shrugged his shoulders and curled up closer to Ash, nuzzling his chin. Ash released a low trill of contentment.
"Ash?" a female voice called out. Ash twisted his head around to see Melany watching him. She chuckled. He was absolutely buried in Pokémon. "It's time for breakfast."
Ash glanced around himself as best he could. If he read the situation correctly, he wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.
"Here. Let me help." Melany stepped forward, only to have her way blocked by Bulbasaur.
Around Ash, the Pokémon were waking up. They took one look at Melany and formed a ground between him and Melany, even Ash's own Pokémon. Well, except Pikachu, who stayed at his side.
Misty and Brock chose this moment to step out of the cottage, and were greeted by this sight.
Ash got to his feet and began forcing his way through the Pokémon. "Rattata, Weedle, Paras." He said, touching each one as he passed. They looked at him, and backed off with a grumble.
He knelt down just behind Bulbasaur. "Bulbasaur." He said.
Misty and Brock watched as Bulbasaur stopped growling at Melany and turned to look at him, though he kept Melany in his sight. "Bulbasaur. Bulba." He said. But although it was in a firm tone, there was something else behind it. It was a softer inflection.
"Bulba." Ash said, his eyes locked on Bulbasaur's. "Bulbasaur."
To Melany's surprise, Bulbasaur lowered his head. He made grumbling noises, but other than nudging at Ash's leg, he backed off.
And suddenly, it clicked.
Misty gasped and Brock's face went pale. Was that it? That was a conversation. There was no other explanation.
Ash could speak the Pokémon language.
Ash looked up at them with a bright smile, and they both smiled back, albeit a bit weakly. He didn't seem to notice, instead turning to Melany and asking if she needed any help with breakfast.
"I didn't expect that." Misty murmured.
"How did he learn it?" Brock breathed.
They shared a moment of silence, both coming to the same conclusion.
"It doesn't matter."
They said it at the same time. Looking at each other, they nodded decisively and walked over to where Ash was helping lay the bowls out while Melany filled them.
"Sleep well Ash?" Misty asked when she reached him.
"Yeah. It was great." Ash answered. Pikachu chirped next to him.
"Good. You certainly looked comfortable." Brock added.
Ash mock-scowled at Pikachu. "Yeah, until Pikachu woke me up."
Pikachu stuck his tongue out at Ash. "Pikapi."
"That was rude." Ash ruffled the fur on top of Pikachu's head.
His friends' smiles grew. They were like brothers, teasing and having fun. How had they not put it together before this?
Ash moved away to lay out the last bowl and Misty muttered, rubbing her forehead, "I feel really stupid."
"You're not the only one." Brock mumbled. "It's so obvious."
And it was, in retrospect. His behavior, the Pokémons' behavior…it all made sense.
Well, not all, he admitted. Why the Pokémon got along with him so well was still a mystery. It couldn't all be because he spoke their language. And his lack of common knowledge of, for lack of a better term, human language was a bit disconcerting, even knowing this secret.
They were obviously still missing some vital information, but he wasn't going to worry about it right now.
He knew Misty had come to the same decision when she shook herself off and called out, "So, what are we having?" and striding over to Melany.
Ash frowned. "Do you hear that?" he asked, looking around the clearing. When he didn't see anything, he turned his frantic gaze to the sky.
And groaned.
"Ash, what is it?" Misty asked, concerned.
"Team Rocket." Ash answered, pointing to the floating grey half-circle.
Listening hard, Misty and Brock could just barely make out the telltale motto.
"Who are they?" Melany sounded worried as she shielded her eyes with her hand, trying to see the people on top of the grey semicircle.
"You thought your traps would stop us!" James jeered.
"Nothing will stop us now." Jesse added.
"I suggested the balloons on the roof!" Meowth snapped as he glanced down at the clearing. He did a double-take. "Hey, what's the brat doing here?"
"Which one?" Jesse asked, scanning the ground below.
"The one with the Pikachu?" James asked, seeing the telltale Pikachu. "How did he even know we were coming here?"
"Whatever." Jesse dismissed. She clicked a button on the remote in her hands. "We invite all Pokémon into Jesse's Pokémon Stadium."
A hose stretched out from the floating stadium and turned on, sucking in air.
"Hey, the flying stadium was my idea." James growled.
"Quick, get the Pokémon into the cottage!" Misty yelled.
"Why is it always hoses?" Brock demanded as he began ushering the Pokémon away as fast as he could. He saw Pikachu, who was trying to get to Ash, being pulled off of his feet, and grabbed the Pokémon, running into the cottage with him.
Misty lunged at Oddish as the Pokémon was pulled away by the wind.
"Everyone get into the cottage!" Bulbasaur ordered as he caught Oddish with his vines and resting her on his back against his bulb.
Ash, who had just picked up Staryu, saw the Bulbasaur was having trouble moving in the wind.
He raced over to Misty. "Take him!" He thrust Staryu into Misty's arms.
"What?" she yelped.
Ash didn't look back. He ran over to Bulbasaur and squatted down, bracing his back against Bulbasaur and pushing.
"What are you doing? Get into the cottage, hatchling!" Bulbasaur was furious.
"Just…keep…going." Ash gritted out, straining against the hose's sucking.
They struggled towards the cottage, but Bulbasaur wasn't sure they'd make it.
He turned sharply, throwing Oddish into Ash's lap and lashing out with his vines to force the hose away.
"Pidgeotto!" Ash called out. The bird Pokémon flew out of the cottage just before Melany yanked the door closed to protect the Pokémon within.
Pidgeotto didn't ask what he needed. It was pretty obvious. He flew up and started flapping his wings as hard as he could. Trees shook and Jesse, James, and Meowth were tossed off of the stadium.
They didn't even have time to fall before they were caught up in the strong winds and carried, screaming, far away.
Bulbasaur rounded on Ash immediately. "You stupid hatchling. What were you thinking?"
But Ash wasn't listening. His head was whipping around as he frantically searched the clearing. "Where's Pikachu?"
The cottage window lit up, and the door opened. Ash found himself with a lapful of Pikachu (Oddish jumping off as soon as she saw the electric mouse coming).
"Are you okay?" Ash asked worriedly.
Pikachu nipped his chin. "They locked me in the house. Stop scaring me like that."
"Sorry." Ash nuzzled Pikachu's head and cooed, soothing the Pokémon's frazzled nerves.
Pikachu gave a whistling sigh and purred. He couldn't get out of the cottage, and Ash had been outside. How could he protect Ash if the silly boy wasn't with him?
Brock stumbled out of the cottage, leaning heavily on Misty. His hair stood on end and his hand spasmed slightly, although that was slowing down.
"What happened to you?" Ash demanded, catching sight of his friend.
"I was holding Pikachu. He shocked me trying to get away." Brock answered.
"He wouldn't let me come out here and help you. He should have let go." Pikachu responded at the same time. "He'll be fine in a little while."
"Pikachu has some pretty powerful attacks." Misty agreed as she unceremoniously dropped Brock onto the grass. "Is everyone all right? Did Team Rocket take any of the Pokémon?"
Ash looked at the Pokémon filing out of the cottage. "No. I don't think so."
"That's a relief." Melany smiled. "Thank you all for helping protect the Pokémon."
But Ash wasn't paying attention anymore. He was wincing as Bulbasaur, Oddish, and Paras gave him a thorough tongue-lashing for putting himself in danger like that.
"You are a foolish hatchling." Paras informed him. "It is astonishing your dam even let you out of her sight with so little common sense."
Ash glared at Paras, but the Pokémon ignored him, turning to face Bulbasaur instead. "You need to go with him. Goodness knows what kind of trouble such a foolish hatchling could get himself into otherwise. We'll be fine without you."
"Hey!" Pikachu protested. "I look out for him."
Bulbasaur sniffed. "You are almost a hatchling yourself, and it is obvious that this hatchling needs more guidance than most."
Ash groaned. "Do I get any say in this?" he demanded lowly as Melany knelt down next to Magikarp to see how the water Pokémon, who had not been able to get into the cottage, was fairing.
"No." Oddish informed him. "Bulbasaur, take care of yourself and the hatchling."
"Ash?"
Ash whipped around to see Melany approaching. He stood, Pikachu quickly clambering onto his shoulder. "Um, yeah?" he asked, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. Melany was standing in front of him now. Misty and Brock were behind her. Misty was laughing and Brock was grinning.
Ash wondered why, but Melany was talking again. "I think Bulbasaur should go with you."
Ash rolled his eyes. "I don't actually think I have a choice in that."
"This village is too small. The bulb on it's—his," she corrected at Ash's look, "back can't grow. I know you'll take good care of him. He'll be a good companion."
"But who will protect you?" Brock asked, finally getting to his feet."
"These Pokémon shouldn't remain in this village forever. They're supposed to leave. But it's too safe here, so none of them want to leave. But it's the day that Pokémon return to where they come from that tells me I'm doing a good job." Melany explained.
"Silly human. Of course Bulbasaur is going with the hatchling." Oddish said dismissively. "We already decided that."
Ash bit his lip, and then sighed. "Of course Bulbasaur can come with me."
"You have those Pokéballs?" Bulbasaur demanded. "Roll one over here."
"But how will you protect the hatchling in a ball?" Paras asked, confused.
"He needs me in a Pokéball so that none of those stupid other trainers won't try to take me away from him. It doesn't mean I have to stay in the Pokéball." Bulbasaur explained. "Pikachu doesn't." He refocused on Ash. "The ball, hatchling."
Grumbling under his breath at the nickname, Ash rolled his last free Pokéball to Bulbasaur.
"Let me out the minute it's over." When Ash nodded, Bulbasaur tapped the Pokéball with his head. Red light surrounded him and drew him into the Pokéball.
When the Pokéball settled, Ash picked it up. He threw it, and it opened, releasing Bulbasaur again.
Bulbasaur gave a small shiver. "I forgot about that feeling. Oh well, it'll go away."
"Ash?" Melany was gaping. Ash looked at her, seemingly puzzled by her reaction.
"What?" he asked, returning the rest of his Pokémon to their Pokéballs. Bulbasaur and Pikachu were the only ones still out.
"Well, we should be going, shouldn't we?" Misty said quickly. "Goodbye, Melany. And thanks."
"Um, yes. It was nice to meet you." She smiled gently at Ash. "Especially you, Ash."
Ash blushed. "I'm really not that special." He muttered. "But thanks."
"Let's get going." Bulbasaur said as he started after Misty, who was walking out of the clearing. Ash shrugged and followed.
"Bulbasaur, I'll miss you." Melany said sadly, but with a smile. "Thank you for watching over us."
"It wasn't for your sake." Bulbasaur grumbled, but stopped long enough for Melany to rub his head.
"Goodbye Bulbasaur! Bye hatchling!" The wild Pokémon called. "Stay safe."
"We'll see each other again." Bulbasaur answered them. Ash waved his hand. "Be safe until then."
"Uh, Melany, I've been thinking." Brock started, his face red.
"Yes?" Melany turned to him expectantly.
"Since Bulbasaur's leaving, I wouldn't mind staying at helping out."
"We'll be okay." Melany answered, tilting her head. Her smile widened. "I wouldn't want to keep you from your adventures."
"Uhm, right. Yeah. I guess you're right." Brock scratched his head and hurried after his friends.
Misty immediately turned on him. "So, what did Melany say when you said you loved her? Did you kiss her goodbye?" she teased good-naturedly.
Brock covered Misty's mouth again, grabbing her shoulder and shaking her. "That's enough stupid questions. Would you please stop embarrassing me already? Okay, so she's cute, and…" he ranted, Misty flailing her hands in the air.
Ash watched them, his eyebrows furrowing. "Um, did I miss something?" he asked.
"You have silly friends, hatchling." Bulbasaur informed his new charge. Ash and Pikachu could only nod in agreement.
"But silly isn't always bad." Pikachu finally decided.
"Hm." Ash hummed as he settled back to watch as Misty got free of Brock and, clocking him over the head, began speaking in falsetto and pretending to swoon, while darting away from Brock and staying just out of reach. She was leading him further down the path, and the poor boy hadn't even noticed.
Ash smiled. "Yeah. Silly isn't bad at all."
So, this is the end of the chapter. Part two. I hope it meets expectations.
Suggestions and ideas are great, reviews are amazing. Even one-word reviews are appreciated. Constructive criticism is good. Flames will be used to learn how to breathe fire. Whoosh *blows on a candle* Eh. Needs more practice.
Next is Charmander - The Stray Pokémon. I'm excited. I hope you are as well. We'll see what happens.
Thanks for reading. See you next chapter!