I never thought we were ever going to make it this far. It is my honor to say that we are on chapter 10 of this fanfic, we are now in double digits! I can't believe that we have already made it this far, and it had been because of the support that you have given this fanfic so far! However, I will be taking a break from this story for at least a month. School has just been killing my creativity so far. Along with this, we are about to see what is about to happen with the first of the three starters!
Also, Here is the response to your review 'Pokémon Fan'. While I did mainly base my own Sakura off Sakura Haruno from Naruto, her personality actually came from Raven in the original Teen Titans. And while I think your idea of Sakura and Misty fighting over Ash was actually pretty good, I already have a boyfriend planned for her in this story. But I won't say who it is!
Ok, chapter time!
Disclaimer: I do not, have not, or ever will own Pokémon. All right's go to they're respective owners. I recommend watching/playing Pokémon in general.
The Very Best:
Chapter 10:
A Grass Type, Brock's Love, And Goodbye To Butterfree
Opening (If you really want to): Ready, Steady, Go! (From Fullmetal Alchemist, cover by AmaLee)
It was now June first, and that meant that summer was on it's way to take over the Kanto Region. Even though it was unbearably hot yet, you could tell that it was a bit more warmer than before. Having Sakura wasn't as exciting as many people were hoping. The girl didn't like to interact anyone, even when they try there hardest. Sakura would usually read very long books, try to train her female Nidoran, or just get lost in her thoughts while she look into space. It was clear that she was the most intelligent person out of the five trainers, but she just didn't seem that interested in sharing the knowledge she had. The only people she would usually talk with were Ash and Misty, and even those conversations were very short lived.
Although, Ash had revealed the gender of everyone's Pokémon with the Pokédex. Ash and Ryan was surprised by the results. While everyone else had normal genders to their Pokémon, Starmie actually didn't have a gender assigned to it. Misty explained that some Pokémon just don't have a gender to them, and those kind of Pokémon are rather rare. Ash and Ryan were able to understand this.
There was also another thing also happened during this time. Ryan had tried one last time to get the Boulder Badge from Brock, but he lost once again. The ten year finally accepted the idea that he was going to need a Pokémon that can beat rock types, preferably a grass type. Ryan promised the former Gym Leader that he would try again once he found a better Pokémon to battle with, and Brock gave a small smile at this promise. Brock had decided that he needed to train up as well, just in case he has to fight later on. While he did some pretty good training with both Onix and Zubat, he was mostly focused on training up Geodude.
Everyone was now currently doing their own thing in the small, open field they were in. Brock was mostly defeating any wild Pokémon with Geodude. The Pokédex said that Geodude was at level twenty three right now, only two levels away from evolution. Misty was watching the training by sitting right next to the small pond nearby, Sakura quietly reading her book. Ash was currently playing with Wartortle while Ryan looked in the bushes a few feet away, just trying to find one grass type.
Then this happened.
"Geodude, use Smack Down." Geodude picked up the largest rock he could find within a two foot radius and threw it with as much force as it could do. The rock went so far that it was able to hit the opposing Pidgey, who was ten feet up in the air. The power that small rock had was able to make the flying type slowly fall to the ground, fainting as soon as it hit the ground.
"Nice throw." Misty commented as she saw the fainted Pidgey on the ground, Sakura reading her book nearby.
"Geodude!" The male said in joy as he looked down at his fallen enemy. Suddenly, the rock type began to glow in a bright light.
Everyone stopped and looked at the glowing Pokémon, obviously caught off guard by this. The Geodude's body began to change and even create entire limbs inside of this light. Eventually, the light began to die out.
The light went away, and now stood a completely new Pokémon. The male has four arms, but it seemed like two of them were always stuck to it's large body. Above its eyes is a wide rock crest. But unlike its pre-evolved form, this rock type actually had feet. No one was surprised by this evolution, they were all expecting this to happen at one point. However, they weren't expecting to happen just so suddenly.
"Graveler!" The rock type yelled out in a somehow deeper voice from before.
"I-I can't believe." Brock said in with wide eyes, as he knelled down to get a better look at his new Pokémon. "I finally have a Graveler!"
"Woah." Misty stood up and began to walk up to the large rock type, a smile on her face. "You look so much more stronger, Graveler."
"Graveler!" The male responded with a happy nod.
"I'm happy that to see that your getting stronger, Brock." Ash commented as he also walked up to Brock, standing right next to Misty. "You've been needing a new team member for a while now."
"You got that right." Brock responded with a small smirk, quietly putting Graveler back into his poke ball.
"These people act like they never seen evolution before." Sakura thought to herself as she kept on reading her book, hearing the others praise Brock.
"I guess I have to train harder now." Ryan said in a whisper as he gave a small sigh. Suddenly, a Pokémon voice came from behind them.
"Oddish."
Everyone, besides Sakura, instantly turned to see that a Pokémon was right by the small pond, not even noticing the group of trainers as it drank from the water. Oddish looks like a small animated plant. It's body was blue, with two small feet and red eyes. On top of its head grows a large clump of five long green leaves. The female Oddish was also the pre-evolution of Gloom.
"This one's mine!" Before anyone could even say or do anything, Ryan threw a great ball at the grass type.
Just as the great ball was about to hit the un knowing Oddish, a Vine Whip knocked the small ball away at the last moment. Ryan was able to catch the ball in midair before it landed far, and the boy saw what the new Pokémon was. Everyone was surprised at the sight of this new Pokémon since it was not very rare, but it actually one of the Kanto starters. Even Sakura wasn't surprised to stop looking at her book, but she didn't even remotely show this on her face.
It was actually a Bulbasaur!
Oddish quickly ran away from the area in fear, realizing what was about to just happen. Bulbasaur gave a deep scowl and death glare at the trainers before quickly following after the other grass type. "NO! Stop!" Ryan instantly began to chase after the grass starter, refusing to let those two Pokémon just run away.
"Ryan, wait!" Ash and Wartortle quickly began to run after the friend, Misty and Brock right behind the eleven year old. Sakura looked at the with an indifferent stare as she let out sigh. Sakura realized that she was going to have to follow them now, it seems like she'll have to finish her chapter later. She might as well contribute to the team, or something like that.
"Ryan, you have stop!" Ash grabbed ahold of the ten year old's hand, making the boy stop completely. "We can help you find a different grass type. It's fine if you can't catch a Pokémon, but it's not okay to just run away from us like that." Brock and Misty gave a nod from nearby.
"It's alright, Ryan." Brock suddenly placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "All of us know why you want that kind of Pokémon, but you don't have to get it so quickly. You can battle me for my badge at any time, it doesn't have to right away."
"But that's was a Bulbasaur, one of the three Kanto starters!" Ryan countered as he took Brock's hand off him. "I can't pass up an opportunity like this."
"He's right." Sakura told them in a very collected voice. "Starter Pokémon are notorious for being rare, especially out in the wild. It's very unlikely we'll be able to find another out in this forest."
"See, Sakura get's it." Ryan turned his back on the group, a small frown on his face. "I want you to let me do this alone, please."
Ryan began to walk away from the group, not even looking at them. Ash and Misty looked to see that Ryan was getting further away from them, but they knew that shouldn't interfere right now. Sakura merely seemed impartial to the whole situation. Ash just looked at the dirt ground, seeing a large pile of green leaves that were all piled together.
All of a sudden, Ash noticed something very off with the ground.
"Ryan, stand where you are!" The ten year old had stopped only a step away from the pile of leaves, now looking at Ash with a twitching eye.
"What is it now?" He asked in a somewhat annoyed way at this point. Ash picked the largest rock that was nearby and threw at the pile of leaves.
Instead of just simply hitting the ground underneath the leaves, a gigantic crater opened up from underneath. It turns that the pile of leaves was covering up a gigantic hole that looked to be digged by a shovel, the pile of leaves resting at the bottom of the eight foot hole. Brock and Misty were not expecting this to be on a path, and even Sakura decided to pay attention to this. Ryan looked at that with wide eyes, now seeing just how close he was to being injured.
"Are you sure you want to this alone, especially with stuff like this in the middle of the path?" Ash asked as he stood right next to Ryan, Wartortle on his back.
"That doesn't seem to be the only one." Sakura grabbed a nearby stick and began to walk forward, going around the large open hole. She eventually stopped at a random place on the path and used the stick in her hand to pull on something that was sticking out.
Instantly, a giant net was pulled up the nearby tree. Sakura looked at this with an unimpressed look, but noticed that this net looked like it could fit two people. "Who would make these kind of traps? Are they meant capture Pokémon?"
"At least we didn't fall for any of them." Misty tried to look at the bright side of this whole situation, walking up to Ryan. "So, do you now want to us to come with you or not?"
"Wartortle?" The male asked as well.
Ryan let out a sigh, seeing that he might need some help after all. "Okay, I guess you can come. But that Bulbasaur is mine, got it?"
"We understand." Misty told her friend with a nod. Now, the entire group was going to assist Ryan with catching a grass type. They all began to run forward as a team, starting to follow the small river that was nearby.
The group had been walking by the shore of the river for about twenty minutes at this point. Everyone, minus Sakura, thought that they might be able to find the two grass types drinking water from the river. It may not be the best idea, but it was better than just running around the forest until they accidently got lost.
Unexpectedly, they actually found a fairly big cabin near the river they had been near this whole time. The cabin was made entirely from wood and seemed to only have a single room inside it. The group could see that there was also a group of Pokémon that was near the river from the bush they were currently near, but none of the Pokémon were the ones that they were looking for. All of a sudden, a person walked out of the small cabin.
This person appeared to be a girl with long blue hair that was tied with a lime green bow in the back. She was currently wearing red overalls with a pink shirt underneath and her pant legs were stuffed into some yellow boots. Not only did she have dark blue eyes, but she was also fifteen year old like Brock. The girl walked over to the large group of Pokémon.
Around her were all kind of Pokémon. There was Rattatas, Paras's, Staryus in the river nearby, and Weedle's. All of these Pokémon seem excited to see this girl as they were eating from various bowls near them. The girl quickly took an empty and went to go refill it, and smile on her face as she walked away from the various Pokémon. Suddenly, the girl saw that a group of trainers were standing behind a bush that was nearby.
"Um... can I help you?" She asked in a confused way.
"Sorry to bother you," Ryan instantly told her as he walked across the bush they were behind, the rest of the group doing the same thing. "But we were just searchin-"
He stopped himself before the sentence was complete. He saw that not only the Oddish from earlier had joined the group of Pokémon, but also the Bulbasaur that they have been looking for this entire time. Ryan was able to quickly to take out his great and readied his arm to throw it, keeping his eyes glued on his capture. Before Ryan could actually throw the great ball, the girl suddenly grabbed his hand. This made the great ball drop to the ground as a result.
"What are you doing?!" She questioned with wide eyes.
"I was just trying to capture the Bulbasaur." Ryan admitted, felling rather dejected as he picked up his great ball. "I had no idea that was your Pokémon."
"Oh. None of these are my Pokémon." The person told them with a smile, but this answer made Misty and Ryan raise an eyebrow in surprise.
"What even is this place?" Ask asked as he looked around. "Is this some kind of daycare?"
"I guess it's something like that." The girl then realized something. "I don't believe I've told you my name yet. It's Melanie."
"That's a nice name." Ash complimented as he stuck his hand out. "My name is Ash Ketchum."
"It's a delight to meet all of you." Melanie said with a smile as she broke the handshake with Ash. "So, what brings you people here?"
"We were trying to hunt for that Bulbasaur over there, but it seems like we can't do that aymore."Also, there were traps all over the path we took to get here."
"Sorry, but I'm the one who set up those traps." The girl quickly apologized for actions. "They were meant to stop any bad trainers from coming here. But seeing as you experienced them, I guess they did work."
"Not really. I personally think a five year old could do better, and actually hide it well." Sakura said to Melanie in a neutral way, but the fifteen year old was currently talking with Ash right now. The blue haired girl was lucky she didn't just hear that.
"Why don't you want us to capture any of these Pokémon? Are you saving them for something?" Ash asked Melanie with his arms crossed.
"It nothing like that. You see, this place was created to help any kind of Pokémon that was abandoned or injured out in this forest. This is where they can recover and relax while I take care of them." Melanie began to explain as she watched the group of Pokémon just trying to enjoy themselves. "And when the Pokémon are finally done with this place, they are allowed to leave and head back into the wild."
"This an impressive place." Ash commented as he looked around with a smile. "Can you believe that she likes to take care of Pokémon too, Brock?" There was no answer for a few seconds. "Brock?"
The former Gym Leader didn't seem to be focused on his group right now, but his eyes were completely focused on Melanie. Brock looked at Melanie, a small blush on his cheeks. He had always had felling for any girls he saw, but this one felt even more powerful than any of the other times. Melaine just seemed so kind, smart, pretty, and caring to the older boy.
She was just so amazing to Brock!
"Brock? BROCK?" The former Gym Leader saw that Ash was napping his finger right in front of his face, trying to get the fifteen year old's attention. "Did you even just hear my question?"
"Sorry. I just got lost in thought for a second." Brock responded with an weird smile, Ash just rolled his eyes at this.
"Hey, Oddish." The grass type turned around to see that Ryan was walking up to her, the ten year old knelling down right next to the Pokémon. "I just wanted to apologize for trying to capture you earlier, I just wanted to have someone as great as you on my team."
"Oddish." The Pokémon gave a small nod, already willing to forgive the little misunderstanding.
"I heard that you were abandoned by your trainer because you were to weak for them, is that true?" The now saddened grass type gave a nod, Ryan now started to feel bad for the female. "Then that was there lost. You don't look weak at all, at least not to me."
"Oddish." The Oddish was happy to hear such a nice thing.
"You know what should do? You should try talking with Ash's Wartortle over there." The ten year old pointed to Wartortle, who, and made the Oddish look at the other Pokémon. "That Wartortle is not only strong, but he has been with Ash since the beginning. Maybe you can learn about our travels or how to get stronger from him."
"Oddish?" The grass type asked itself, thinking about this idea that Ryan suggested.
"It was really just a suggestion." Ryan said to Oddish as he stood up to walk away. "You don't have to do it."
Oddish watched to see Ryan walk away to talk with the others, the Pokémon eyes focused on Wartortle. The grass type could see that the Wartortle looked strong and it could tell that the male really trusted Ash. Oddish looked at the group, wondering what it should choose right now.
"So, how do you make your hair look so amazing?" Brock asked Melanie, trying to hid his faint blush.
"This? This really doesn't take that much effort to do." Melanie explained with a smile, grabbing some hair as she did so. "Although, I'm happy to see that you like it."
All of a sudden, the Bulbasaur had given a hard Tackle to the back of Brock. The former Gym Leader began to fall towards the hard ground, not even remotely expecting something like. Melanie was able to grab Brock's arm before he landed on the ground, saving the fifteen year old from any kind of injury. Brock then gave angry look at the grass type.
"HEY! I was just standing here!"
"Bulbasaur!" The Pokémon told in a very menacing way, ready to attack whenever.
"What's your problem? Are you that interested in picking a fight?" Ash questioned the Pokémon, both of them glaring at each other. "No one attacks one of my friends and get's away with it. I'll show you who's boss."
"Stop! Both of you!" Melanie brought out both of her hands to stop any more arguing, a frown on her face. "Bulbasaur is only trying to protect this whole village, the Pokémon is just trying to protect her home." Melanie then looked at the Bulbasaur, the female quickly calmed down after seeing her caretakers face. "That Bulbasaur is one of the most loyal Pokémon that I've ever met, all it want's is for her fellow Pokémon to be safe."
"Then why did she attack Brock?" Ash questioned. "Brock wasn't even near any Pokémon."
"Bulbasaur just doesn't like Pokémon trainers, not since she was also abandoned by her own trainer." Melanie then faced Ash. "I think you and your group should leave now. It was nice to have you here, but it's clear that Bulbasaur wants you to leave this village now."
"But we haven't even been here for ten minutes." Ash countered, wanting to help these Pokémon.
"And we can't leave, especially not right now." Brock added, clearly not wanting to leave Melanie now.
"Why can't we leave?" Misty asked as she fully turned to Brock.
"Because. Because the sun is so low!" Brock answered in the most sure way possible. "Just look at the sky."
Misty and Ash looked at the sky and were surprised to see how late it actually was. The sun and sky was not only a very bright orange color, but it seemed that nightfall would be happening in a hour or so. The eleven year thought this place was good enough for at least some sleep, as long as they don't mess with the Bulbasaur.
"I guess your right." Ash then faced the older girl. "Is it okay if we stay here for just tonight, Melanie?"
"of course you can, just don't mess with any of the Pokémon here." Melaine then gently picked up Bulbasaur, and began to go towards the cabin. "I'll try to keep Bulbasaur away from you."
"Thank you!" Ash told Melanie in a very excited way, watching as the girl closed the door behind her.
"YES!" Brock thought to himself as he saw Melanie through the window. "I can now get to know Melanie better tonight, I hope she'll like me back!"
"Guess were going to be staying here for a little while." Misty commented as she took a seat at the edge of the water.
"It really does seem like that." Ryan said as well.
"Just as long as I can read my book, I could care less." Sakura responded in a bored way, reading her book on top of a rock.
"Why do you want to sleep in my tent tonight?" Ash questioned Misty as his lower half was currently in his sleeping bag, the trio were also inside a tent.
"Wartortle?" The water type asked as well.
It was now nighttime and everyone was now starting to get ready for bed, the sky also lacked a moon tonight. Outside of tent Ryan was just sitting by the water while Sakura was already sleep at this point. Brock seemed to be somewhere else, and now Misty was wanting to sleep in Ash's tent for the night. The other Pokémon were already
"Well, I just thought I'd do something knew and actually not sleep alone for once." Misty told him with a kind voice. "Is it okay if I'll sleep in your tent for one night?"
"It's fine, I just wasn't expecting this." Misty gave a smile after she heard that, sitting inside the tent as well. "So, are you excited for Vermillion?"
"Of course I am. I'll be able to get my badge from Lt Surge over there!" Ash answered in a confident way.
"I know that I'm gonna be happy, Vermillion is right by the ocean!" Suddenly, a noise can be heard from outside the tent.
The trio all faced the closed entrance of the tent, hearing something approaching them from the outside. Ash quickly grabbed on the zipper of the entrance and unzipped it, opening up the entrance. On the other side was someone that none of them were expecting.
It was the Oddish that Ryan tried to catch earlier.
"Oh. Hi there!" Ash gave a small wave at the grass type. "Do you need something?"
Oddish went inside and went up to Wartortle. "Oddish?"
"Wartortle?" The water type asked in return.
"Oddish." The grass type responded.
Wartortle thought about this for a few seconds, but eventually gave a nod at Oddish. "Warotrtle."
"I wonder what they're talking about." Misty thought to herself as watched this conversation between Pokémon happen, now seeing Wartortle face his trainer.
"Wartortle?" The Pokémon asked Ash as it pointed at the open entrance of the tent.
It took a quick second for Ash to realize what his Pokémon wanted. " Oh. You want to go outside with Oddish?" The Pokémon gave a firm nod. "Um, sure. You two can go spend time together."
"Wartortle!" The Pokémon quickly thanked his trainer before walking out of the tent, Oddish right by his side.
"Now that was... unexpected." Misty said out loud.
"You can say that again." Ash agreed from right next to her, now laying down in his sleeping bag.
While all this was happening, Brock was starting to walk up to the cabin the Melanie was in. The fifteen year old was now ready to actually interact with the girl he had growing feelings for, and he hoped to get to know her better. He could tell that the lights were still on inside, and the former Gym Leader took a deep breath in as he moved his hand to the door.
Brock then knocked on the door.
Melanie opened the door after a few seconds and wasn't expecting Brock of all people, the girl was now also in her pajamas. "Oh. Your name was Brock, right?"
"Yes it was. Um. Sorry to bother you at this hour, but I just wanted to speak with you for a few minutes." Brock began as he put all of attention on Melanie. "Can we talk inside the cabin, please?"
"Sure." Melanie answered with a smile, moving out of the way of the door. "Come on in."
Brock went inside, smiling to himself. However, neither of the two noticed something while all of this was happening. The Bulbasaur, that had been in the cabin this entire time, had escaped through the door when it was open for Brock. The Bulbasaur quietly walked away from the small building, not even turning around to see the door close.
The former Gym Leader looked around the small cabin, and it was very barren. There was a mini fridge off in the corner, a surprising large bed on the other side, a computer in the third corner, and some tables and chairs on the last corner of this room. Melanie quickly took a seat in the chair, looking very refined as she did so. "So what would you like to talk about?"
"Don't worry, it's nothing that bad." Brock assured before pointing to the chair nearby, Melanie gave a nod at the silent request to sit at the table. "I just wanted to get to know you better, because we are probably going to have leave in the morning."
"I guess that makes sense." Melanie said out loud. "What would you like me to tell you about? Favorite color, or what kind of plants I like?"
"While I would like to know about that stuff later on, I have a different question for you." Brock said, making Melanie focus all of her attention on Brock. "Why did you ever make this place? What makes you want to take care of Pokémon so much?"
Melanie began to look down at the ground as she twiddled with her thumbs, clearly not expecting this question. "I-I rather not say it. The answer is something I'm comfortable talking about."
"If you think that I am going to judge you or make fun of your answer, then your wrong." Brock then softly grabbed the hand of Melanie, an action the girl wasn't expecting. "Just say it. I really do want to know you better, but I can't do that if you can't answer my question."
Melanie looked at Brock with an unsure look, wondering if she was making the right choice. "Ok." The girl quickly took Brock's hand off her so that she could sit normally. "Where should I begin?"
"It's always best to start at the beginning." Brock tried to make her happy with a smile, but the girl didn't seem to notice that.
Melanie let out a sigh as she turned her head at the window, looking at the dark sky. "I didn't exactly come from the best family in Cerulean. My Dad was very abusive and my Mom was always busy with jobs, which means that she usually never had any time for me. I was finally able to leave that house by the age of thirteen and I was allowed to go out on my journey, even though I didn't have a Pokémon to begin with."
Brock was now interested in this story by these few sentences alone. He now wanted to see where this was going.
"Eventually, I found an injured Pokémon out in these very woods. Seeing that poor creature suffering on the ground reminded me of when I lived with my parents, and I couldn't just walk away from that." Melanie then faced Brock. "When I finally healed that injured Pokémon, and let out into the wild, I finally realized what I wanted to do. Instead of trying to make Pokémon harm each other through battle, I was going use my knowledge to help those in need."
The former Gym Leader gave a smile at this answer, realizing how Melanie got her motivation in the first place.
"So, I created this place out of the abandoned cabin that was here in the first place. I would make a location where any Pokémon could come and finally have a place to call home, even if it's just for a little bit." Melanie then looked at the table, her face in deep empathy. "I know what's like to feel hurt or worthless, and that is a feeling I don't want any of these of these Pokémon to fell. I just want to help the weak, that's all."
Brock was wondering why she didn't want to say of this at first, it's like it was downright embarrassing. "I'm sorry to hear all that, but your not the only who has suffered."
"What do you mean?" Melanie asked with a raised eyebrow.
"You see, my Father left the family when I was thirteen to become a failed Pokémon trainer. Our mother tried to keep the eleven us under control, but she was sadly killed off by a disease." Brock let out a sigh after saying that, while Melanie gave a sad look at Brock. "Naturally, as the oldest I was the who had to take over what was left of the family. You could only imagine how hard that must have been, having to keep a smile on your face even though you aren't happy on the inside."
"Well, wasn't there any other siblings that could help you?"
"The oldest sibling, besides myself, was my little brother Forrest." Brock told her, a small smile on his face as he remembered his brother. "He is currently twelve years old and is probably taking care of the family now."
"That sound's pretty rough." Melanie commented as she spoke in a kid way. "That Ash kid told me you wanted to be a Pokémon Breeder when this journey ends, is that true?"
"Yup. I want to be someone that takes care of Pokémon and helps them, just like what your doing." Brock then had an idea come to his mind. "Maybe I can stay here and help you raise these Pokémon, it would be some pretty good experience!"
Melanie just gave a very warm chuckle at this, amused by this idea. "Sorry, but I rather not keep you away from your journey. I would hate it if you were removed from your group."
"Well, I'd just like to stay in a place as amazing as this." Brock then placed his hand on Melanie's hand, a smile on his face. "Especially with someone as beautiful as you."
Melanie looked away after hearing Brock say that, a small blush growing on her cheeks. She had never heard someone say that to her, especially in such a kind way. Brock was instantly embarrassed by what he just did, thinking that he had just said the wrong thing to Melanie.
Suddenly, Brock removed his hand and began to move.
"Well, I should probably leave now." Brock got up and began to move towards the door. "You should have your rest."
"Actually, you could sleep in here for tonight."
This suggestion made Brock turn around to face the girl. "Your really going to be okay with that?"
"Of course. After all, we still barley know each other." Melanie said as she laid down on her bed.
Brock gave a smile at this comment. "Your not wrong, and I'm happy about that." The two stared into each other's eyes as they had a smile on their face, a faint blush growing on both of their faces. Even though that may be happening inside the cabin, there was also other stuff happening on the outside.
Bulbasaur was still outside of the cabin and began to walk around underneath the dark sky. The grass type saw that both Oddish and Wartortle were currently speaking to each other while Sakura was asleep nearby. Even though Bulbasaur wanted to protect Oddish from both Wartortle and Sakura, but the Pokémon saw that the Oddish was happy right now.
It turns out that Oddish wanted to know about the journey that Wartortle has had so far, something the water type was happy to do. Wartortle had told Oddish about everything that has happened up to this point, mostly telling her about his trainer Ash. He had told Oddish that Ash is now a pretty good and fairly smart trainer, especially compared to when he first started. Wartortle also told her about the other people that were with Ash and how they wanted to follow the boy all the way to the end. Finally, Wartortle said that the necklace that Ash had was given by Misty, and that their friendship is rather something special.
And Oddish had listened to every last word that came from Wartortle's mouth.
Bulbasaur walked up to the edge of the water, sitting right by the shore of the river. The Pokémon looked to see it's reflection, wondering what it ever did wrong. Even though it has been a long time since it was abandoned by it's trainer, it still wondered why it was left behind in the first place. Was she really that weak to her trainer, or was it because she just didn't deserve a owner in the first place?
"What are you doing out here?"
Bulbasaur turned to where that voice just came from, seeing that Ryan was also right by the flowing river. The Pokémon instantly began to growl at the trainer as she took an attacking stance, wondering where Ryan came from. Ryan saw that the Bulbasaur was getting angry with him, now felling bad for scaring the grass type.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you like that. I wasn't expecting you to come out here, but I'm not wanting to fight right now." This line made Bulbasaur drop his stance for a second, but only for as second. "I just came here to think, that's all."
Ryan turned away from Bulbasaur to look at the water, making the Pokémon look at him in a confused way. Bulbasaur was fully expecting to battle Ryan in a battle tonight, and she wasn't going to stop until she downright won. The grass type began to ease up and began to slowly crawl towards Ryan, waiting for any sudden movement. The grass eventually stop right next to Ryan, the pair looking at the water.
"The water seem rather pleasing tonight, wouldn't you agree?" Ryan asked the Pokémon.
"Bulbasaur." The only thing that the Pokémon could do was just nod at this question.
"It's a shame we are going to have to leave tomorrow, but I know you don't want us here anymore." Ryan then let out a sigh, turning his head towards the Pokémon. "Listen, I really am sorry for trying to capture you earlier. I just let my own selfish desires take over my mind, and that almost resulted in you losing one of your own friends."
Bulbasaur was shocked that someone, other than Melanie, would try to be nice to her. Bulbasaur looked at the trainer with some widened eyes and was now starting to wonder what else Ryan was going to say.
"I just wanted to become strong enough to actually fight Brock, I wanted to show everyone that I could battle for a gym badge. So that is why I wanted to capture you earlier today, because you just seemed so much stronger than Oddish." The Pokémon wasn't expecting this kind of compliment. "You seem so strong for a starter, and your trainer must have been foolish to get rid of you." Ryan then grew a frown on his face. "Your not the only one who was left behind by someone you cared about. That happened to me with my parents, and I still have no idea why it happened in the first place."
Bulbasaur was surprised to see that a trainer could even relate to her pain. She had met plenty of Pokémon that have been abandoned by their parent's or trainers, but this was the first time she had ever seen that same situation with a trainer. The Pokémon now realized just how mean she had been to the entire group, even though they didn't try to harm her or any of the Pokémon here.
"Bulbasaur." Suddenly, the grass type began to walk up to Ryan. The Pokémon began to gently nudge the arm of the trainer to get his attention, which eventually happened after a few seconds. Ryan gave a small smile at the kind face that the Pokémon was giving. Ryan then gently placed his hand on the head of the female Bulbasaur.
Instead of trying to attack or harm each other, Ryan began to gently scratch the head of the Pokémon. The Pokémon felt very relived by this action, it's mouth was open and everything. Ryan did this for a solid minute and was happy to see the once angry Bulbasaur look so happy now. after all of that the Bulbasaur then jumped onto Ryan's lap, something the trainer wasn't expecting.
Bulbasaur began to make itself comfortable in the lap of Ryan, eventually laying down to fall asleep. Ryan, after seeing that the Bulbasaur was asleep, placed a hand on the Pokémon as he began to look up at the night sky. There were so many stars on this particular night, the light from every last one of them was being reflected from the eyes of the trainer.
Ryan was now trying to find any of the constellations up in the sky, occasionally looking down to make sure Bulbasaur was still asleep in his lap. It was so calm and quiet at this point, even the lights inside the cabin were gone now and Oddish and Wartortle have stopped talking. A single thought went through Ryan's mind as he looked down at the grass type, a caring smile on him.
"What a great Pokémon you are, Bulbasaur."
Morning had come upon the group, and that meant that it was time for them to all leave. Everyone was already in their normal cloths and were outside, even Brock was no longer in the cabin. The reason why the group hadn't left yet is because Melanie had told them that she had something to give them, and that it was something the group should have. As a result of this unexpected change, everyone was now waiting outside of the cabin for Melanie.
"I wonder what Melanie wants to give us before we leave." Misty told Ash as the group was waiting outside of the cabin. "Do you think it's some kind of gift?"
"I'm just as unsure as everyone else." The eleven year old responded, Wartortle on his back. "But, there seems to be something weird Oddish. She won't stop looking at me ever since Wartortle talked to her."
The three of them turned around to see that grass type was nearby, just looking at them with interest. Oddish didn't seem interested about what was going on around it or how it's caretaker was currently doing right now. The Pokémon was only focused on Ash Ketchum, and no one else on that group.
"I think she might be interested in you." That was only good answer that Misty could come up with.
Ash just gave a bewildered look at this suggestion. "Really? I never would've expected that to happen."
"Hey, does anyone know where Sakura is?" Ryan asked as he looked around, not seeing the quiet girl.
"I think she was reading her book behind that tree over there." Brock pointed at a large tree that was nearby.
"I'll go get her." Ash began to walk over to where his companion was, Wartortle by his side.
Ash and his Pokémon came up to the tree to find their friend, and she was sitting right there. Sakura was currently finishing the last few chapter of her book, trying to somewhat enjoy herself before they were forced out of here.
"Hey, Sakur-"
"I know were about to leave." The girl instantly said before he can finish his sentence, flipping a page as she did so.
"Sorry to bother you during your reading time, but there is something you should have." Ash took out something from his pocket and presented it to Sakura, who's eyes briefly widened after seeing it.
In the open hand of Ash Ketchum was one of the Moon Stones he had gained back in Mt Moon.
"Where did you get this?" Sakura asked in a still emotionless way as she took the Moon Stone from Ash, examining the small rock. "These are one of the rarest thing in the Kanto Region."
"I got it from the Pokémon in Mt Moon, but no one else had any Pokémon that could use it." Ash explained as he crouched down to Sakura. "So, are you going to instantly use it when you get a Nidorina?"
"I'll use when it's the right time." Was the only answer Sakura gave as she stood up and placed both the Moon Stone and book in the satchel. "I am grateful that you gave me this, but we should be leaving now."
"Okay then." Ash and Sakura then walked over to everyone else.
Just as the two trainers made it back to everyone, Melanie finally came out of the cabin. The fifteen year old girl was now in her normal cloths and her hair was now fully straighten out. She was holding Bulbasaur with both of her hands, an apologetic smile on her face. "Sorry I took so long, but I'm glad that you decided to stay here."
"That's fine." Misty instantly responded. "So, what is that you want to show us?"
"Well, I've been thinking about how you guys were looking for Pokémon to capture and make your teammates yesterday. I asked all of the Pokémon here if they could join you, but none of them accepted this offer. Well... there was one who did take the offer." Melanie then presented the Bulbasaur that was in her hands. "Our Bulbasaur wants to come with you, Ash Ketchum."
This was something that almost no one was expecting. Oddish was now worried by this, because she was the one who wanted to come with Ash. Ash wasn't quite sure what to say about this.
"But who's going to protect this place without Bulbasaur?"
"While yes, there will be no other Pokémon that has protected this village better than Bulbasaur. But none of the Pokémon here should stay here forever." Melanie began to explain as she looked down at the grass type. "The creatures here need to eventually leave and grow on their own, or even with a trainer. That is why I think someone like you should have Bulbasaur."
While Melanie was saying all of this, Bulbasaur gave a quick glance at Ryan. The pair looked at each other, both of them trying to give a smile at this situation. Ash noticed this detail with his eyes, but his ears were focused on Melanie.
"I can tell that all of you actually care about Pokémon, and are willing to help no matter what. So, please take Bulbasaur on your journey. This Bulbasaur has to be one of the most loyal Pokémon that I've ever meet, and I just know that she will always be by your side. I now know that this Pokémon was meant to be with someone like you."
Everyone was waiting for Ash to say or do something now. Even though Bulbasaur would've liked to be with Ryan out of the five, she was going to be fine with whoever she got. Ash began to wonder if that this should be his Pokémon, or if there was something that someone else should have. Finally, he had made his choice.
"While I am very grateful for your offer," Ash told Melanie as he took the Bulbasaur from her hands. "I'm not the person who should have a Pokémon like this."
Everyone was quite surprised by this answer, even Melanie let out a little gasp. Brock and Misty were wondering what was going to happen, because it wasn't like Ash to just give up a Pokémon. Ryan was wondering if Ash had seen he and Bulbasaur looking at each other, and even Sakura was actually paying attention to this. Both Bulbasaur and Melanie were the most confused by this, wondering if they did something wrong.
"Then, who should have Bulbasaur?" Melanie finally asked.
Ash just gave a smile at the girl. "There's a pretty easy answer to that question." Ash, still holding the grass type, began to walk away from Melanie. The eleven year old stopped right in front of Ryan, confusing the boy. But then, the next sentence that came out of Ash's mouth was something that the ten year old wasn't expecting:
"I think that you should have the Bulbasaur, Ryan."
Absolutely no one was expecting this from Ash, especially Melanie. Brock, Misty, Wartortle, and Sakura then realized why Ash was doing this in the first place. Ryan and Bulbasaur looked at each other, unsure about the situation.
"What? Why me?" Ryan questioned as he looked at Ash. "I don't deserve this."
"Yes, you do." Ash instantly told him in a somewhat blunt way. "I've seen you raise and train your own Pokémon, and I can tell that your just as good as me. Your problem is that you don't have the best Pokémon types, but that can be fixed now. I want you to have the Bulbasaur, not me."
Ryan gave a very unsure look after hearing that. "Are you sure about this?"
"Ryan, I know that you can do this. I know that you need this Pokémon more than I do, and that you will be an amazing trainer for it." Ash placed his hand on his friend's shoulder, holding the Pokémon in the other hand. "I want you to go and collect those badges, I want to see you become stronger and do amazing things. And you can start doing that, by having your very own starter."
Ryan had nothing to say after hearing that kind, very genuine speech that his friend had just given him. Ryan realized that he was never going to make it that far with the team that he has, he needed to capture more Pokémon so that he could be a better Pokémon trainer. Ryan took a deep breath in as he took a Great ball from his pocket, the same one he tried to use yesterday. Ash placed Bulbasaur on the ground and took a step back, everyone watched as the ten year kneeled down in front of the of the Pokémon.
"Are you truly okay with this?" Ryan asked the Pokémon, the grass type just gave a assured nod at this question. Ryan let out an exhale as he placed the Great ball right in front of the Pokémon. "Whenever your ready."
Bulbasaur instantly touched the button the Great ball, quickly disappearing inside it. Ryan placed the ball on the ground as it began to shake. The ten year old was very nervous about this, wondering if this just wasn't going to work at all.
The Great ball continued to shake on the ground, it's button now glowing red. Everyone watched on, waiting to see what would happen. After it did a fifth shake it not only stopped moving entirely, but it no longer glowed as well.
Bulbasaur had been caught!
Ryan picked up the Great ball, a smile now on his face. "Glad that you are part of my team now, Bulbasaur." He whispered the the ball.
"Congratulations, Ryan." The former Gym Leader told Ryan as he walked up to him, Misty also there as well. "Looks like you have your own starter now."
"I'm so happy for you, Ryan." Misty said as well.
"I'm glad that Bulbasaur now has her own owner." Melanie commented, but she then turned to the smiling Ash. "So, I guess Bulbausar isn't going to be your Pokémon then."
"That is the truth, but there is another Pokémon that can come with me."
Melanie was very confused by this. "Who are you talking about?"
Ash pointed his thumb in a certain direction, the one where Oddish was standing at. "I think your Oddish has taken an interest in me and may actually want to leave this place as well."
Melanie began to walk up to her Oddish after hearing that, crouching right next to the Pokémon. "Do you really want to leave this place so that you could leave with Ash?"
"Oddish." The female gave a strong and firm nod at this question.
Melanie had never seen Oddish be so sure of something, but the Pokémon seemed to have already made her choice. She knew that this Oddish was a fairly strong grass type, but it was just to insecure about itself. Maybe leaving with a group like Ash's might be able to break Oddish from her insecurity, and make her a very strong.
After all, it was Melanie's job to make sure that the Pokémon were able to leave this place.
"Well, if that is what you truly want." Melaine stood up and allowed Oddish to go near Ash. Now Ash and Oddish were starring each other down, Wartortle still on the trainer's back.
"What's going on?" Brock asked as he and everyone else began to look at what was happening with Ash.
"It seems like another Pokémon is going to be coming with you." Melaine told them, pointing to where Oddish was.
"Are you ready?" Ash asked, a Great ball now in his hand. Everyone now watching what was going to happen
"Oddish!" Was the only answer the Pokémon had to give.
"Great ball, go!" Ash threw the Great ball and it was able to perfectly hit the Pokémon. After the grass type was sucked into the ball, it began to shake on the ground.
One shake, then two shake, then a third shake. everyone watched on with interested, both Ash and Wartortle were highly anticipating the result. After the fifth shake happened the poke ball stood still on the ground.
Now Oddish had been caught as well!
"I'm glad that your with us, Oddish!" Ash happily yelled out as he grabbed the Great ball on the ground, Wartortle giving a big smile at this new development.
"Congradulations as well, Ash." Misty told him as she walked over, earning a smile from the boy.
"I'm rather glad for Ash." Sakura thought to herself as she saw all of that.
"I'm so happy for everyone here." Melanie told them with a smile, but then she had a small frown on her face. "But it's sad to see two of my Pokémon go so quickly. I would've never expected something like this to happen, but if that is the way it has to be."
Ryan felt bad for the older girl. He could tell that Melanie was having a hard time with having to say goodbye to two Pokémon, even if she was smiling on the outside. Suddenly, the ten year old then thought of an idea that might be able help Melanie and her village. He was going to give them someone that would be able to protect, no matter what might happen. However, there was a small catch with this idea.
And that he would have to say goodbye to one of his own Pokémon.
"Wait here, everyone!" Ryan shouted as he began to walk away from them. "I have to go do something really quick!"
"I wonder where he's going." Melanie commented as she, along with everyone else, saw the ten year walk away from them
Ryan walked far away from the group, stopping in a small clearing. The boy was wondering if he was actually going to do this, but then he remembered Melanie and all of the Pokémon that were still there. He wanted to help them, and the answer he had might work. Ryan took out a small poke ball from his pocket and held it with both hands, gently caressing with his finger. Ryan let out a long exhale, clicking the button on the poke ball. A Pokémon then came out of his poke ball, a bug type Pokémon.
It was his Butterfree.
"Butterfree." The Pokémon said as it was finally out of it's poke ball, now facing his trainer.
"Hey there, buddy. I know that you were in there for a long time." Ryan gave a smile as he pet the bug type. "Just wanted to ask you something ."
"Butterfree." Butterfree gave a nod at his trainer, clearly wanting to hear the question. Ryan let out a sigh, trying to prepare himself for this.
"How would you feel if you weren't my Pokémon anymore?"
The Pokémon was very confused by this question. Butterfree was wondering why his trainer would ask that kind of question, especially out of no where. Ryan saw that his Pokémon had a bewildered face after hearing that, but that was to be expected.
"I understand it may seem like a random question, but I have good reason for asking this." Ryan told the bug type "You see, there is this place that a girl named Melanie owns. This place is supposed to be a location where the Pokémon that have been harmed are allowed to go, and there was a Bulbasaur there that protected that place from any threats."
Butterfree carefully listened to his trainer say all of this. The Pokémon was wondering why Ryan was saying all of this in the first place, but the bug type didn't say anything.
"However, I now own that Bulbasaur that protect the place." Ryan showed Butterfree the Great ball that he had used earlier as he said this. "While it is a good thing that I have another Pokémon with me, that means I have just taken away the protector that all the Pokémon had their. I think that we can both agree that it's not fair for the Pokémon there. So, I knew that I needed to repay Melanie with a Pokémon that can still protect that place. And I want the Pokémon to be you, Butterfree."
Butterfree was surprised after hearing that. The Pokémon wasn't sure how to respond to this, it was all just happening a bit to fast for him. Ryan saw the weird look that his Pokémon gave him, putting the Great ball back in his pocket. The boy then put his hand on his Pokémon's shoulder.
"I know that this all seems random, but I also know that you hate being inside a poke ball. There is some many other things that you can do besides being my Pokémon or battling, Butterfree. This is your chance to finally have a new purpose that you could have never had by sticking with me." Ryan said this while his eyes began to water. "You deserve freedom and a new purpose, even if it means having to leave me."
Butter was so touched by hearing that last line, especially from his own trainer. Even though this may seem like a good thing for Butterfree, it clearly wasn't a good thing for his trainer. Tears began to form on the eyes of Butterfree, while Ryan already had a tear run down his face.
"I know that if you take this offer it will mean goodbye for the both of us. I don't want to see you go away, but I know that those abandoned Pokémon need someone else to look after them. Besides, I don't want you to worry about someone like me." Ryan then brought his Pokémon into a hug. Butterfree wasn't expecting this, but the next sentence that his trainer told him made tears finally go down his face. "It's time that you should worry about yourself for once."
Butterfree just broke and cried into the shoulder of his trainer, Ryan was also crying as well right now. Both of them were holding each other so tightly, neither of them even tried to let go of the other. Ryan could hear just how loudly the Pokémon was crying because of what he did, and he now started to feel regret after doing this. But he knew that his Pokémon deserved another purpose then being his partner, and he decided to comfort his saddened Pokémon.
"I will always remember you, Butterfree."
"Free!" The Pokémon responded in a very broken way.
Ryan was now remembering how he met his Pokémon back in the Viridian Forest. He remembered how he met the Pokémon as a weak Caterpie on the ground. Caterpie was a worm-like Pokémon that is mainly green in color with a tan underside. Just below it's head are four, tiny legs that were used only for movement. On top of its head was a red, Y-shaped antenna.
Ryan thought back to how he helped the weak Pokémon heal back then, eventually considering the Pokémon his own. That was when he was nine years old, and it would be a few months until it grew until a Metapod. Now, it was the amazing Butterfree that he was holding onto.
Suddenly, the two broke their hug as they stared at each other with red eyes from all that crying. Both of them remained silent and still for a few minutes, unsure of what to do right now. Ryan then raised his hand to the Butterfree's level, the poke ball still in his other hand.
"Free." The bug type said in a very weak way, gently touching the hand of his trainer.
"Thank you." Ryan then put Butterfree in his poke ball, resulting in the Pokémon no longer being there anymore.
Ryan just stood there and cried after having all of that happen, holding the poke ball tightly. At this point, it was hard not to feel bad for the ten year old. While he may say that he was ok, it was clear that only sadness was in his mind at this point.
Eventually, Ryan knew that he to go back to the others. He turned around and tried to run as fast he could to Melanie's village, hoping that everyone was still there. He tried to wipe away any of the tears that his eyes produced, not wanting to scare anyone when he got back.
And he was also holding the poke ball close to where his heart was.
"Hey, Ryan. We were wondering where you went." Misty told the boy. That is when she saw that his were now somewhat red, a sign that he had been crying. "Is everything okay?"
"What happened to you?" Ash asked
Ryan didn't care to answer any of the questions his friends, only walking up to the girl in front of him. The boy stopped when he was right in front of Melanie, looking right at her in the face.
"Is something wrong?" The girl asked.
Ryan took out a poke ball from his pocket, an it was the same poke ball that his Butterfree was in. He held the ball with both hands as he presented it to Melanie. The girl wasn't sure what was going, but the sentence that came from Ryan's mouth was something none of them were expecting.
"Please, take my Butterfree."
Everyone eye's widened after hearing that. Ash was wondering what was going on right now, because this wasn't like Ryan to do something like this. Brock and Misty were equally shocked by this, and even Sakura mouth barely opened from this. Melanie took a step back after hearing that sentence and seeing the boy hold the poke ball to her, the poor girl was very unsure of what to do.
"I'm sorry, what?" Melanie was able to finally say.
"I want you to take Butterfree so that he could protect this village just like Bulbasaur did." Ryan explained as he still held out the poke ball in his hand. "So, please take it."
Melanie had no idea what to do. "I-I can't accept this."
"How is it fair that you have to lose the Pokémon, that you raised, for us?!"
No one expected Ryan to yell out that kind of answer. Everyone closed their mouths, wanting to see where Ryan was going with this. Melanie just stood there, now shocked by this development.
"It's not right that you lose the Pokémon that you grew a connection with just for us! How fair is it that I just took the protector of this Village from you, and that you get absolutely nothing in return?" Ryan exclaimed as a tear ran down his face. "You, and the Pokémon that live here, deserve someone who can protect from any threat! They deserve a Pokémon that is not only strong, but someone that will never leave them behind!"
Ash's group was understand where Ryan was coming from with this. Melanie was surprised by how right this answer actually was. Even though the girl never cared about getting stuff in return, it was clear that this boy felt strongly about that.
"I know that these Pokémon have been abandoned by the people that they cared about, or are to weak to truly protect themselves! Those are felling's that no one should fell in their life, no matter what! I want to give these creatures a reason to hope about something! I need to give them a Pokémon that is truly strong, a Pokémon that a fool like me shouldn't deserve!"
Ash, along with everyone else in the group, couldn't believe that last sentence. They were wondering if that was just something he said to make Melanie fell better about getting the Pokémon, or if that is how he saw himself. Melanie was now frozen in place, not being able to believe in any of these answers.
"I know that my Butterfree is a strong Pokémon, and I know that he will consider anyone his friend. So please, take Butterfree so that he can use his strength to help anyone that is harmed." Ryan had tears run down his face, landing on the hard ground. "People may think that they don't have to give anything in return, but that is not even remotely true! If I can't repay you, or anyone, for being so kind to people like us! Then I can't call myself a true friend!"
Ryan looked at the ground after saying all that, trying his best to breath in. Everyone was just left speechless after hearing all that, even Sakura had her eyes fully widened after hearing that. Melanie was now clueless on what to do next. Everything about what Ryan had just said had made her so surprised, especially the final sentence. But then, she made her choice.
Suddenly, Melanie took the poke ball from Ryan's hand. The ten year old looked up at Melanie, his mouth now opened slightly. "I accept your offer."
Ryan wiped the tears from his eyes, his mouth letting out a small chuckle. "You and your Pokémon deserve him."
Melanie clicked the button on the ball in her hand, releasing the Butterfree. The girl gave a smile at the new Pokémon she now had. "Woah. You do look rather strong."
"Butterfree." The Pokémon gave a small bow at his new trainer.
"Are we really going to just let him give away his Pokémon like that?" Misty asked the group as she saw all of this happen.
"You have to know something, Misty. A bond between a Pokémon and a trainer can not last forever." Sakura began to explain in her usual stoic way. "It's very likely that one will die before the other, or that one eventually drifts away from the other. It's something that everyone tries to not admit, but they know that it will forever be the truth. A friendship can only last for so long."
"Sadly, Sakura is right." Ash said as well, trying to smile at the interaction between Butterfree and melanie. "But it seems like both of them have at least accepted this idea as the reality. They know that they won't be partners anymore, but they also realize that they will eventually see each other again. Besides, it's like Ryan is abusing Butterfree or anything like that."
"Wartortle." The water type agreed.
Ryan suddenly faced the group, taking in a deep breath. "I think it's time for us to leave now."
"It does seem that way." Ash agreed as he faced the older girl with a smile. "It was a pleasure to stay with you, Melanie."
"I am going to to miss all of you." Melanie told the group as they began to prepare to leave. The girl then looked at Brock, walking over to him. "I wish your Pokémon good luck on this journey, especially your Graveler. It was nice to talk last night, and I'm glad that you get to be on a trip like this. I think I'll miss you the most, Brock."
"I'll miss you too." Brock assured the girl.
"Here." Melanie held up a piece of paper that contained her phone number on it. The girl placing the paper in one of the pocket's or Brock's vest, the former Gym Leader giving a small blush at the girl. "Whenever you want to talk over the phone."
"Th-Thank you." Brock somehow managed to say through his growing blush, a blush that Misty saw as she was comforting Ryan.
"Come on, we must go." Sakura grabbed Brock's arm and began to walk away, dragging the former Gym Leader from his love.
"I'll never forget you, Melanie!" Brock told her as he tried to break free of the twelve year old's grip, but Sakura wasn't even budging at this. "You'll always be beautiful to me!"
Melanie gained a small blush on her face after hearing that, watching everyone start to walk away from her and Butterfree. She couldn't believe how much of an impact these people left on her in such a short amount of time, remembering how she saw them behind a bush just yesterday. The girl just couldn't help but fell bad that she would no longer have their presence here anymore.
Just the thought of these amazing people leaving brought a tear to her eye.
"GOODBYE! Take great care of each other!" Melanie yelled out to them as she saw them walk away from her village, a small tear rolled down her eyes.
"Free! Free!" The Pokémon waved as well, tears also forming in his eyes.
"Goodbye, Melanie!" Ash yelled back, Misty and Brock still comforting the sadden Ryan. "You better take good care of Butterfree for us!"
"I will!" Melanie promised as another tear went down her face. "All of you, good luck with everything!"
"Thank you, Melanie! I'll call you as so as I can!" The fifteen year old stated as they continued to walk away from the girl. Eventually, neither Melanie or Butterfree could see the group anymore.
"I know those people are going to do amazing things." Melanie thought to herself as she wiped the tears from her eyes. After the tears were gone the girl looked at her new Pokémon, gently wiping the tear from Butterfree's eye. "Don't worry, They'll always remember you."
"Butterfree." The Pokémon responded in a kind way, grateful for the care that Melanie gave.
"Come on, I can give you some food in the cabin."
Melanie went up to the cabin door and opened it up, letting Butterfree in. Even though she had the poke ball for the Pokémon, there was no reason for Melanie to use it right now. Melanie was happy to have a creature like Butterfree here, watching the bug type take a seat on the side of her bed. Smiling at not only the new guardian of this village, but a Pokémon that she can now call family.
Closing the door behind her.
"I'm not sure about any of you, but I'd call this an... okay day so far." Ash told the group as they were back on the path towards Vermillion, the eleven year grew a small frown. "While yes, Ryan did have to leave Butterfree behind and we did have to say goodbye to Melanie. But Ryan was able to capture Bulbasaur, and I also got myself Oddish!"
"I guess your right." Ryan responded as he had been looking down, still down about the whole thing. "I still miss him though."
"There, there. Here's emotional support." Sakura said this in an apathetic way while he patted the boy's back. Ryan had his eyes wide as he looked up, not even remotely expecting this from her of all people.
"Well, that wasn't the only thing that happened." Misty gave a sly look at Brock, something that made the former Gym Leader stop in his tracks. "So, what is actually going on between you and Melanie? Are you two a couple now?"
"I have no idea what you are talking about! " Brock yelled at the girl as he covered her mouth with his hand, a bright blush was on his cheeks. "Don't ask stupid questions like that again! She is cute, but that does not mean were a couple!" Brock kept on telling the entire group stuff like, while Misty was trying to remove the mouth from her face.
"Someone seems to be in denial." Ryan commented with a smile, facing both Ash and Sakura. "So, should we stop them?"
"No. This is too funny to stop." Sakura then took a seat on the ground, putting all of her attention on what was happening in front of her.
"You have a point." Ryan admitted as he took a seat as well, quickly followed by both Ash and Wartortle. "Let the four of us see where this goes."
Ash, along with everyone else, watched as both Misty and Brock were fighting over the truth about the felling on Melanie. The eleven year watched with a smile on his face, it was just so funny to see these usually mature people argue over something like emotions. Ash was grateful to have people like this on his journey since they were not only his friends and people who help him, but they were also full of energy at times. Our eleven year old was glad that these people were not only be by his side this whole time, but that this group was going to be with when he became the Champion.
That was a guaranteed.
In an undisclosed location was a large complex that was filled with all kinds of security, this place was hidden from the whole Kanto Region. within one of the many halls of this place was Lydia herself, and the poor girl was carrying all kinds of paperwork in her hand's. The Team Rocket Grunt was currently trying to deliver these papers to her Lieutenant for examination, and she was the unlucky that was chosen for the job.
Lydia entered a much longer hall, struggling to hold all of the papers in both of her hands. She was only focused on getting these papers to her Lieutenant and to eventually wait for her next mission to happen. However, she then heard a voice through the metallic door on the left side.
"So there's has been a recent sighting all the way in Mitis Town?" A male person asked, Lydia slowly walking toward the metal door in curiosity.
"Yes, and the Lord wanted us to personally do this mission." She heard as she brought her ear to the door, trying her best to listen in. through the metal door. The Grunt saw that this door could only access by a keycard, and that this metal looked like it could handle intense fire. "He wants us to leave at midnight, we should reach there in three days."
"Oh, man." A third voice said in a disappointed way. "Should we bring any Grunts with us?"
"The lord only wanted the three of us to complete this task." The main person said. "We should prepare for the journey, now."
Lydia could faintly hear that three pairs of boots were coming toward the door, which resulted in Lydia's eyes widening. The Grunt was able to quickly stick to the other side of the wall, trying to stay out of the way of these people.
The metal door began to instantly go down into the door frame, eventually opening up the entire thing. Three people came out of the room, and they had this presence that felt like pure power. Lydia wasn't able to see any of the individual's faces, but she could see that they were wearing boots and white cloaks that covered their heads, except one had on a black cloak instead. Suddenly, the person on the right stopped in place while the other two kept on moving forward.
"You shouldn't just stand right there," The male recommended to Lydia, not even looking at the girl. "Those papers aren't just going to deliver themselves."
Lydia watched as the person walked away from her view, the Grunt let out a sigh after that whole situation. She was scared that she had gotten in trouble for eavesdropping on the conversation, but it seemed like the people did not notice. The poor woman was still only two months into this whole Team Rocket thing, and she still barley knew about what was going on around her.
"You seem to really like sticking by that wall."
Lydia turned at the voice with a small smile, knowing who it was based on the sound. Eric walked up to the girl with a small smile of his own, though his eyes seemed to be rather emotionless. "S-Sorry that I look weird right now, Eric. I need to bring these papers to our Lieutenant."
"I saw you trying to listen in on their conversation." This simple sentence made Lydia stop walking altogether. "I promise to not tell our Division, but you should not mess with those people."
"I know that a Grunt shouldn't interfere with any higher up business, I just accidently let my interest get the better of me."
"Then I recommend not letting that happen again. After all, those people weren't only just Lieutenants." Lydia was now confused by this, she still didn't know ever last thing as of now. Eric took a deep breath, hoping to not accidently scare the girl with this revelation. He cared about her, but Lydia had to know how close she was to possible death. Finally, Eric said the following:
"The people that you just ran into were not only the two Lieutenants of Division 6, but their Captain as well."
Lydia was now in fear after what she had just heard from Eric's mouth, the poor woman's face was in deep shock and terror. Lydia dropped the papers from pure shock, her face and body completely frozen in pure, unfiltered, fear.
Here's the progress of AJ so far!
Bonus Scene:
"That was a totally great battle." Daisy admitted as she returned her fainted Seel to his poke ball. "Your Sandshrew was able to handle my Water Gun like it was nothing."
"What can I say?" AJ asked with a shrug, Sandshrew right by his side. "I want to win those gym badges."
It had been a full week since AJ had met Ash and went to actually begin his Pokémon journey. The boy's plan was to go to Cerulean to get the badge, get himself a Zubat from Mt Moon, and to finally get the Boulder Badge all the way from Pewter. He would then use the air travel to make from Pewter all the way to Vermillion, and that trip should only take a week instead of over a month.
Now, AJ was currently in the Cerulean City gym. The ten year old had used his Sandshrew to actually beat both of Daisy's Pokémon, his Sandshrew can now handle low tier water type attacks. The actual fight itself had only lasted about five minutes, and it was one of the better ones that the Sensational Sister have seen in a while.
"Then your in luck." Violet walked up to the boy, a Cascade Badge in her hand. "I think this is now yours."
"Thanks." AJ took the badge with a smile, quietly calling back Sandshrew. "I very grateful for this."
"Well, I have to go heal up my Pokémon." Daisy began to walk away from AJ, Violet right by her side. "You can leave now."
"Bye." AJ called out as he saw the two sisters walk away, now looking at the blue badge in his hand.
"One down, only seven more to collect." AJ thought to himself as he put the badge in a black case where he would eventually hold all of the other badges. The ten year exited the building and felt a nice breeze go against his body and face. He looked up into with a smirk, thinking about how he'll make it the Pokémon League. "You better be ready, Ash. Because I'm going to catch up very soon."
END OF CHAPTER 10
I hope I subverted your expectations with Ryan getting the Bulbasaur, and with Ash getting another Pokémon that he never did catch in the canon timeline. Once again, there won't be any new chapters from this story in quite some time. I will come back and fix all the mistakes in the previous chapters, but don't expect any serious updates. And yes, Brock now does have a love in the form of Melony. I personally think that pairing should have happened in the anime, but at least they gave us the surprised Pikachu face in this episode. Anyways, see you when next chapter comes out! Goodbye!
Ash's Team: Wartortle (M), Pidgeotto (F), Sandshrew (M), Oddish (F)
Misty's Team: Goldeen (F), Starmie (N/A)
Ryan's Team: Pinsir (M), Paras (M), Bubasaur (F)
Brock's Team: Graveler (M), Onix (F), Zubat (M)
Sakura's Team: Nidoran (F)