Sorry this took so long. I've been dealing with some things (Writer's block, less-than-reliable Internet and a minor but painful injury). Hopefully this chapter will make up for the delay.
Chapter 26: The Fox and the Hound - Pokémon Style
With Ash's Gym battle in Treetop Town growing closer with each day, and with Nikki desperately seeking her first Contest win, the group decided to make a stop for a special training session. Ash was looking to strengthen his newest Pokémon while Nikki was helping Vulpix work on Contest routines. Right now the Fox Pokémon was paired up with Swablu.
"Okay, use Fire Spin, Vulpix!" Nikki instructed.
"(Okay!)" Taking a deep breath Vulpix spewed forth a spinning stream of flames towards the Cotton Bird Pokémon.
"Now twirl, Swablu!" Nikki shouted. As the Fire Spin closed in on her Swablu spun in the air. Once it reached her the Fire Spin began encircling her, just as Nikki had hoped it would.
"Okay, now fly through the air, but keep on spinning!" she instructed.
"(Right!)" Swablu complied. She gracefully flew through the air, still spinning, with the Fire Spin trailing right behind her.
"Now put on the finishing touches!" Nikki shouted. Swablu stopped and hovered in the air right above Vulpix, letting the Fire Spin swirl around her. Then, with one flap of her wings, she dispersed the Fire attack, golden embers slowly falling to the ground around the Fox Pokémon. As the embers fell Swablu flew down and landed on Vulpix's back, the two of them taking a bow.
"Alright, that was great!" Nikki praised upon seeing the conclusion of the successful performance.
"(Naturally,)" Vulpix bragged.
"(What else would you expect?)" Swablu added.
"Okay, you two. Don't let all that praise go to your heads," Nikki giggled.
"I don't know, Nikki. As good as they looked I say they have reason to be confident," Ash commented.
"Perhaps, but I don't want them getting over-confident," she replied. "And speaking of training who's getting a workout today?" Ash grabbed a single Poké Ball from his belt.
"I think I'll train this guy," Ash said. He tossed the Ball and watched as Growlithe appeared from within. As soon as he appeared Vulpix's eyes grew wide.
"(Who is he?)" she wondered.
"Feel like sparring with Pikachu today, Growlithe?" Ash asked.
"(Sure,)" the Puppy Pokémon agreed. He stood in front of Ash while Pikachu stood opposite of them.
"Okay, Pikachu! We're ready whenever you are!" Ash called.
"(Right! Here I come!)" The Mouse Pokémon started things off with his signature move.
"Pikachu's not wasting any time," Ash thought. "Growlithe, counter with Flamethrower!" Taking a deep breath Growlithe spewed forth a Flamethrower, the Fire attack canceling out Pikachu's Thunderbolt.
"Good job, Growlithe! Now use Flame Wheel!" Ash instructed. Growlithe's body became wrapped in flames as he curled into a ball and sped towards Pikachu.
"Looking good, Growlithe!" Nikki commented.
"(Yeah… real good,)" Vulpix added in her head.
"(Yeah, but not good enough!)" Pikachu countered. As Growlithe got closer he charged up his Iron Tail. Then, right before Growlithe's Flame Wheel was to hit, Pikachu ducked under the attack and struck him with Iron Tail. The impact threw off Growlithe's trajectory, causing the Puppy Pokémon to have a rough landing. He wasn't injured, but the impact did leave him slightly dazed.
"(You're mine now!)" Pikachu declared. He went into his Quick Attack and closed in on Growlithe. Vulpix looked on nervously, hoping that Growlithe would be able to stop Pikachu's attack in time.
"Quick, use Roar!" Ash shouted. With Pikachu right on top of him Growlithe let out a desperation Roar. The sudden attack froze Pikachu in his tracks, making the Mouse Pokémon flinch.
"Double Team!" Ash said. By the time Pikachu recovered he was surrounded by multiple Growlithe.
"(Darn! How could I let myself get in this situation?)" Pikachu griped.
"Flamethrower!" Ash instructed. At that moment all the Growlithe prepared to ire a Flamethrower, though Pikachu knew only one was the actual attack. The problem was finding the real one in time to either stop or avoid it. Within seconds his ears picked up on the crackling sound of the real Flamethrower coming from his right, and with lightning speed he managed to duck underneath it, letting the Flamethrower pass harmlessly overhead. After his attack Growlithe's Double Team faded, revealing his true location.
"(Now I've got you!)" Pikachu shouted. He broke out into a charge towards Growlithe, his body quickly becoming enveloped in electricity as he went into his Volt Tackle.
"Quick! Counter with Flame Wheel!" Ash shouted. Without missing a beat Growlithe wrapped his body in flames and went into an intercept path.
"Oh man. This is going to be big," Nikki commented. Vulpix couldn't tear her eyes away as she worried about Growlithe's safety. She hadn't known the group for very long, but she was aware of the power of Volt Tackle through stories she had heard over the years.
"(Please come out of this okay…)" she prayed. Moments later the two attacks collided, resulting in an explosion of fire and electricity. Both combatants were thrown back and came tumbling to a stop. Though clearly stunned neither were hurt. At that moment Ash decided to end the battle.
"Okay, guys. That's enough for now," he said. With the battle over both Pokémon returned to their trainer.
"That was a great training session," Ash praised. "Especially you, Growlithe. You're making a lot of progress."
"(I'll say. You had me going there for a while,)" Pikachu agreed. The Puppy Pokémon beamed with pride at all the praise he was receiving.
"Growlithe looked good out there, didn't he," Nikki commented.
"(He sure did,)" Buneary agreed.
"(They both did,)" Swablu added.
"What did you think, Vulpix?" Nikki asked. "… Vulpix?" The Fox Pokémon did not hear her, for her eyes were still fixated on Growlithe, a slight blush making its way to her cheeks. Taking note of this a smile made its way to Nikki's lips.
"(Hello? You still with us?)" Buneary questioned, waving a paw in front of Vulpix. The sudden movement in her face snapped the Fox Pokémon out of her trance.
"(Huh? What?)" she stammered.
"(You were really spaced-out there. You okay?)" Swablu asked.
"(Oh… y-yeah. I'm fine,)" Vulpix said. Even though Vulpix was snapped out of her trance Nikki could tell Growlithe was still on her mind.
"Hey, Ash, let's take a break," she suggested.
"Good idea," Ash agreed. "I'll let everyone else out of their Poké Balls."
"And while you're doing that I'll get to work on some food for everyone," Nikki said. While the two trainers went about their tasks Vulpix decided to get to know Growlithe a bit better. As she approached him she could feel the Butterfree in her stomach. Within moments she was standing right behind him.
"(Here goes nothing…)" After taking a moment to calm her nerves the Fox Pokémon spoke up.
"(H-Hi there,)" she said, stuttering slightly. Hearing someone speaking to him Growlithe turned around and saw Vulpix standing behind him.
"(Hello,)" he greeted. "(I don't think we've met before.)"
"(We haven't. I've only been here a short while,)" Vulpix explained. As they spoke Vulpix was able to get a better look at him.
"(Oh Mew, he's even more handsome up close,)" she thought. Alternatively Growlithe was having similar thoughts about Vulpix.
"(She's a cute one,)" he observed. They stood there for a time, each one absorbed in their own thoughts. Finally Growlithe decided to break the silence.
"(So, how did you end up joining the family?)" he asked. Just as she was about to reply Nikki called out to the group.
"Okay, everyone! Food's ready!" she announced. The next few minutes were spent with Ash and Nikki handing out bowls of food to their Pokémon. Once they were done they sat down to eat the sandwiches Nikki had prepared for them.
"You know, Nikki, if coordinating doesn't work out you could always open a restaurant," Ash joked.
"Let's hope I serve up some Contest wins instead of appetizers," Nikki added. As the trainers joked the Pokémon enjoyed their own meals. As Growlithe ate his food he became aware of a presence approaching.
"(Mind if I join you?)" Looking up Growlithe saw Vulpix standing in front of him, her bowl of Pokémon food sitting next to her.
"(Be my guest,)" he told her. With a smile Vulpix sat by his side, placing her bowl of food next to his. As they ate together Growlithe addressed an unanswered question from earlier.
"(You know, you never got a chance to answer my question earlier,)" Growlithe stated.
"(What question?)" Vulpix inquired.
"(About how you came to join us,)" Growlithe said.
"(That's right. I didn't,)" Vulpix realized. "(They found me in a fog-covered forest. The fog was so thick I couldn't see where I was going, so I fell off a cliff and injured my leg. Luckily for me they found the cliff I had fallen off of… by almost falling off themselves.)"
"(That doesn't sound too pleasant,)" Growlithe commented.
"(No, but in the end it all worked out. They kept themselves from falling and saved me in the process,)" Vulpix said. "(After they pulled me up they took me to a Pokémon Center where I was treated by Nurse Joy. Unfortunately for them the fog was too thick for them to continue on, so they stayed at the Center for a few days. During that time I learned that Nikki was a coordinator. I was really interested in it, and once I was fully healed I asked her to let me come along, and here I am.)"
"(Man, that's quite the tale,)" Growlithe commented.
"(And it's all true,)" Vulpix stated. "(How about you? How did you come to be a part of the family?)" As soon as he was asked that Growlithe's expression was saddened a bit.
"(My old trainer… abandoned me,)" he said.
"(He what?)" Vulpix gasped, not believing what she just heard.
"(He abandoned me,)" Growlithe repeated. "(He left me behind at the Pokémon Center in Lunick Town.)"
"(But why? Why would he do something like that?)" Vulpix wondered.
"(Because in his eyes I was a weak and worthless Pokémon,)" Growlithe answered. "(The Nurse Joy there took care of me, and things were going great. Then one day Ash and Nikki came and found me there. After they heard my story they both agreed to stay there to spend some time with me. Then, a few days later, my old trainer entered the Pokémon Center. Let me tell you, it took every bit of self-control I had to not roast him right then and there with my strongest Flamethrower.)"
"(I can imagine,)" Vulpix commented. "(What happened next?)"
"(Ash challenged him to a battle and said he and I would defeat him, which we did,)" Growlithe stated, sticking his chest out. "(After that I asked to join him and he captured me, and the rest as they say… is history.)"
"(Wow… looks like we both had it a bit rough before we met Ash and Nikki,)" Vulpix observed. By then everyone had finished their food. Ash and Nikki were busy cleaning up, but paused to let the Pokémon know they had the rest of the day to themselves.
"You guys can take it easy. You've all earned it," Ash said. A chorus of joyous cries filled the air as the Pokémon set off to have some fun.
"(Say, you want to take a walk with me?)" Vulpix offered.
"(Alright,)" Growlithe agreed. The two Fire types headed towards the forest. As they left Ash called out to them.
"Be careful out there," he said.
"(We will,)" the two replied before disappearing into the forest. Out of the corner of her eye Nikki saw them leave. A smile appeared on her face as she thought about what this could lead to for the two of them.
The forest had a very peaceful feel to it, the only disturbances being the native Pokémon scurrying about. To Vulpix and Growlithe this was just the peaceful atmosphere they needed.
"(I could just lose myself here,)" Vulpix sighed.
"(I know what you mean. If I was a wild Pokémon I wouldn't mind living here,)" Growlithe admitted. "(On the flipside, though, nothing beats traveling with Ash, Nikki and the others.)"
"(I agree,)" Vulpix said. "(So, what goals are you aiming for?)"
"(Goals? Well… if I had to set a goal for myself it would be to prove to anyone who doubts my abilities that I am just as strong as any Pokémon they put in front of me,)" Growlithe explained.
"(Those are some ambitious goals,)" Vulpix commented.
"(Doesn't matter. Nothing's going to stop me from accomplishing them,)" Growlithe declared. As Vulpix listened to Growlithe she couldn't help but feel more and more attracted to him.
"(Not only is he handsome, but he knows just what he wants in life and isn't afraid to go after it… oh Mew, I think I've fallen hard for him,)" she thought.
"(So what about you? Anything interesting about you?)" Growlithe inquired.
"(As a matter of fact, I fancy myself a storyteller,)" the Fox Pokémon admitted.
"(A storyteller?)" Growlithe commented, clearly intrigued.
"(That's right. You see, over the years I've developed a natural talent for telling stories that tend to capture the interest of whoever I tell it to. They're all made up, of course. Still, it makes me feel good whenever I see the look of excitement and wonder in the eyes of my audience,)" Vulpix explained.
"(And based on what I'm hearing am I correct in assuming these stories are intended for a younger audience?)" Growlithe inquired.
"(That's right, though I believe that I could tell a tale that would really get your tail wagging,)" she replied.
"(Really? In that case I need to be around the next time you tell one,)" Growlithe stated. The two of them continued walking, not caring where they ended up.
"(Well, well. What do we have here?)" Their peaceful walk was interrupted when a rather large Tangrowth blocked their path.
"(Umm… can we help you?)" Growlithe asked.
"(I don't know about helping, but what you can do is tell me what you're doing in my territory?)" he demanded. This was something neither Growlithe nor Vulpix knew.
"(Your territory?)" Vulpix questioned.
"(That's right. All the Pokémon in this forest know to stay out of my territory,)" the Tangrowth stated.
"(We're sorry for intruding, but we're not from here. We're here with our trainers,)" Growlithe explained. "(If it's alright with you we'll head on back now.)" The two Fire types, hoping to avoid any unnecessary confrontation, turned to go back the way they came.
"(Not so fast!)" the Tangrowth bellowed. He snapped his fingers, summoning two Tangela who blocked Growlithe and Vulpix's escape.
"(Uh-uh. The Boss didn't give you permission to leave yet,)" one Tangela said.
"(That's right. You can leave when he says you can,)" the second Tangela added. With their way out blocked the two Fire types turned back to the Tangrowth.
"(You're not getting off that easily. If you want to leave here then one of you is going to have to defeat me in a battle,)" he declared.
"(A battle?)" Vulpix said.
(That's right, and if you manage to beat me I'll let you go free,)" the Tangrowth said.
"(Look, we're not interested in a battle. We just want to be left in peace,)" Growlithe explained.
"(I don't recall giving you a choice in the matter,)" the Tangrowth declared. "(Either you battle me or neither of you are leaving here.)"
"(And if we refuse?)" Growlithe retorted. Without saying a word the Tangrowth nodded, which was a signal for the Tangela to spring their trap.
"(H-Hey! Let go! Growlithe, help m-mfph!)" Growlithe spun around only to find the Tangela had used their vines to tie up Vulpix. Her legs were bound to keep her from running way and her mouth had been tied shut, preventing her from crying for help. The Fox Pokémon struggled and squirmed, but she could not free herself.
"(Vulpix!)" Growlithe shouted. Seeing the predicament she was in he turned around to face the Tangrowth, glaring at the Vine Pokémon.
"(Let her go right now!)" he barked.
"(Only if you beat me in a battle!)" the Tangrowth repeated. Growlithe didn't want to fight him, but looking back at Vulpix he knew he had no choice in the matter.
"(You want to battle? Fine,)" Growlithe reluctantly agreed. "(Just make sure you keep your word to let us go when I beat you.)"
"('If'. 'If' you beat me,)" the Tangrowth corrected. Vulpix looked on, unable to do anything.
"(Growlithe…)" she thought. The two combatants stared at each other, each waiting to see who would make the first move. After a few tense moments the Tangrowth went on the attack, lashing out with Vine Whip. Growlithe easily dodged the attack and countered with Flamethrower. That attack was easily countered by the Tangrowth's Ancient Power.
"(Darn!)" Growlithe growled.
"(You didn't think you'd have it easy just because you have a type advantage, did you? I've learned to overcome my weaknesses over the years,)" the Tangrowth stated. Growlithe cursed his misfortune. He was banking on using his type advantage to score an easy win, but seeing that Tangrowth had accounted for that made this much harder than he wanted.
"(If I can't use my type advantage to win then maybe I can use a bit of trickery.)" The Puppy Pokémon quickly went into Double Team, creating multiple copies around the Tangrowth.
"(Okay, let's see how he deals with this,)" Growlithe thought. The Vine Pokémon remained immobile, which left Growlithe both confused and concerned.
"(Why isn't he doing anything? Is he just giving up?)" Growlithe wondered. Though he didn't know what, or even if, the Tangrowth was planning anything he didn't have the luxury to wait on him. With that in mind he activated Flame Wheel. Not only was he engulfed in the attack but so were each of the copies, giving the impression that the attack could truly be coming from anywhere.
"(Not a bad tactic,)" the Vine Pokémon commented. "(Unfortunately for you it's not good enough!)" Immediately after that multiple vines shot out from his body, each one striking a different Growlithe. The copies were all broken up and the real Growlithe was knocked off course. The Puppy Pokémon crashed to the ground, dazed by the impact.
"(Time to end this!)" the Tangrowth declared. Before Growlithe could recover he wrapped a vine around the Puppy Pokémon's leg, hoisting him into the air before slamming him down hard. He then lifted him up again and slammed him back to the ground, this time with more force. He repeated this numerous times, each one more forceful than the last. With each hit Growlithe took Vulpix's concern for him grew, pushing her to the brink of tears.
"(Please… Please make him stop!)" she silently pleaded. After a few minutes the Tangrowth threw Growlithe against a tree, watching as the Puppy Pokémon crumpled to the ground.
"(Come on! Is that all you got!)" he bellowed. Truthfully Growlithe was spent. He had nothing left to give. The Tangrowth, as he feared, was too strong for him. He was considering submitting, but before he could he locked eyes with Vulpix. As he looked her in her eyes he could see the fear they held. He could also see something else… concern. Concern for him.
"(No! I refuse to let her down! I will not be defeated here!)" Right then a new surge of power began to well up inside of Growlithe. Slowly he rose to his feet, surprising the Tangrowth.
"(Well now, it seems as though you still have some fight left in you,)" he commented.
"(You… won't beat me. I have… too much… riding… on this battle,)" Growlithe panted. Vulpix silently cheered. Even if it was on shaky legs Growlithe was standing.
"(Is that so? In that case let's get it on!)" The Tangrowth lashed out with Power Whip, but Growlithe quickly ducked underneath it and charged, his body becoming enveloped in Flame Wheel once again. Unlike last time, though, he was moving much faster, which left the Tangrowth with little time to counter.
"(What the? How did he get so fa… ACK!)" Before he could finish he was struck by Growlithe's Flame Wheel and knocked to the ground. He got up shortly after, but was visibly shaken by Growlithe's attack.
"(I'm just getting warmed up!)" the Puppy Pokémon barked. Once again he activated his Double Team, surrounding the Tangrowth with multiple copies of himself.
"(That didn't work last time and it sure won't work now!)" the Tangrowth declared. He once again used Power Whip, dispelling all the Growlithe copies until there were none left. What surprised him, though, was the fact that the real Growlithe was nowhere to be seen.
"(What? Where is he?)" the Tangrowth gasped.
"(Boss! Above you!)" one of the Tangela warned. The Vine Pokémon looked up in time to see Growlithe plunge down on top of him with another Flame Wheel. Vulpix's optimism grew with each successful attack Growlithe landed. She knew that the momentum had shifted in Growlithe's favor, which meant that he was mere moments away from winning.
"(Time to end this battle!)" Growlithe declared. He took a deep breath and let loose a massive Flamethrower, one much stronger than the one from earlier in the battle. The Tangrowth countered by launching his Ancient Power attack. The two attacks crashed into each other, but unlike last time Growlithe's Flamethrower quickly overpowered the Ancient Power.
"(No!)" the Tangrowth screamed right before he was engulfed in the massive Fire attack.
"(Boss!)" the Tangela shouted. The Flamethrower dispersed after a few seconds, but by then the damage had already been done. The Tangrowth, having been struck with three high-powered Fire attacks, fell to the ground in defeat.
"(N-No way…)"
"(The Boss… lost?)" While the Tangela were dumbfounded Vulpix was ecstatic. Even when things looked bad Growlithe fought through and had now won her freedom.
"(Now… a deal's a deal… let her go,)" Growlithe demanded. Despite his demands the Tangela remained still.
"(I said let her go!)" he repeated, this time with more force.
"(H-Hey! We don't answer to you!)" one Tangela declared.
"(That's right!)" the second agreed.
"(No… but you do answer to me.)" To everyone's surprise the Tangrowth had gotten back to his feet.
"(Alright! The Boss is back in the game!)" the first Tangela cheered.
"(Oh man… I don't have the strength to go another round with this guy,)" Growlithe thought.
"(Now you're gonna get it! Just say the word, Boss!)" the second Tangela said.
"(Alright… let her go.)" This was not the response anyone was expecting, especially not the two Tangela.
"(W-What did you say?)" one of them questioned.
"(I said let the Vulpix go,)" the Tangrowth repeated. "(Like he said… a deal's a deal. He beat me fair and square, so the Vulpix goes free.)"
"(B-But Boss…)"
"(I said let her go… NOW!)" His booming voice echoed all around them, scaring the Tangela into doing as he commanded. Within seconds their vines had been retracted and Vulpix was freed. Though she wanted to celebrate her freedom her first concern was Growlithe. As quickly as she could she ran to his side.
"(Are you alright?)" she asked.
"(Never mind me… are you okay?)" Growlithe responded.
"(I'm fine, but you look like you're out on your feet,)" Vulpix commented. True to her words Growlithe's body was covered with minor scrapes and his fur was a bit messy.
"(To be honest I can't remember the last time I felt this sore,)" the Puppy Pokémon revealed.
"(I may have something for that,)" the Tangrowth said. He tossed something at Growlithe. The object landed at his feet.
"(A berry?)" Growlithe questioned.
"(An Oran Berry. It'll restore your strength,)" the Tangrowth explained. Growlithe was aware of the healing properties of Oran Berries, but at the same time he was a bit cautious about the one the Tangrowth tossed him.
"(Don't worry. It's safe,)" the Tangrowth said. "(The battle's over so I don't have a reason to try and trick you.)" Growlithe was still skeptical, but one look at the Tangrowth's eyes revealed that the Vine Pokémon was speaking the truth. With that in mind Growlithe ate the berry. Immediately he felt his strength returning to him, and within seconds he felt as though the battle with the Tangrowth never happened.
"(Ah, much better,)" he stated.
"(I'm so glad you're alright now,)" Vulpix sighed. At that moment the Tangrowth approached them, the Tangela on each side of him.
"(I've battled against hundreds of Pokémon over the years, and I have to say you're tougher than all of them,)" the Vine Pokémon commented. "(Even when it seemed like you were going to lose you kept fighting.)"
"(I had to,)" Growlithe replied. "(There was too much at stake for me to give in. I had to win no matter what.)" As he said this Vulpix listened intently, a slight blush appearing on her cheeks, something that didn't go unnoticed.
"(I see,)" the Tangrowth said, stealing a glance at Vulpix. "(You know, you two are very lucky to have each other.)" Somehow Vulpix's blush became even redder than it already was.
"(In any case you won the battle, so you two are free to go,)" the Tangrowth said. Both he and the Tangela stepped to the side, allowing Growlithe and Vulpix to pass.
"(Thank you,)" Vulpix said. The Tangrowth nodded as the two Fire types continued on deeper into the forest.
An hour after their encounter with the Tangrowth Growlithe and Vulpix stumbled upon a lake nestled deep in the forest.
"(Oh my… it's so beautiful,)" Vulpix gasped. Growlithe had to agree with her. Thanks to the now setting sun the lake shone with an orange glow, adding to the already serene feeling it was giving off.
"(I could sit here for hours,)" Vulpix said.
"(I know what you mean. It's very peaceful here,)" Growlithe agreed. They sat there in each other's company for a bit, neither one saying anything.
"(Growlithe… thank you…)" The Puppy Pokémon glanced at Vulpix upon hearing her words of thanks.
"(For earlier, I mean,)" Vulpix explained. "(Honestly I didn't know what would have happened to me if you hadn't defeated that Tangrowth.)"
"(He wouldn't have. I wasn't going to let him,)" Growlithe replied.
"(I know you said there was too much at stake for you to lose. What… What did you mean by that?)" Vulpix inquired. Before answering Growlithe gazed out at the lake.
"(I couldn't lose… because it would be you who would pay the price. I didn't… I couldn't let anything happen to you. No matter what I had to protect you,)" Growlithe explained.
"(Is that what pushed you to win? Your need to protect me?)" the Fox Pokémon wondered.
"(That, and what I saw when I looked in your eyes,)" Growlithe explained. "(I could see how concerned you were for me, and how scared you were that I would lose. I also saw how concerned you were for me and for my safety. It was at that moment that I told myself I couldn't lose.)"
"(You didn't want to lose… because of me?)" Vulpix asked.
"(As strange as it sounds yes. If I had I felt like I would have let you down… and I don't know what I would have done if I did,)" Growlithe said. The fact that Growlithe fought so hard not only to save her but not to disappoint her only made her admire him even more.
"(I had no idea. To think that I was the motivation for your comeback,)" she commented.
"(I don't know why, but I feel a… connection between us,)" Growlithe said.
"(That's natural. We're friends, after all,)" Vulpix said.
"(It's more than that. There's a bond of friendship between me and all the other Pokémon, but with you I… I feel it goes deeper than that,)" Growlithe revealed.
"(D-Deeper?)" Vulpix thought.
"(Call me crazy, but there are things I'd do for you that I wouldn't do for any of the others, risks I'd take only for you. It's strange, but I feel… compelled to always be there for you,)" Growlithe said. "(I don't know what it is, but…)"
"(You don't have to say anymore,)" Vulpix interrupted, putting an end to his rambling. "(I know what you're trying to say.)"
"(You… do?)" Growlithe asked.
"(I do, and I'll wait as long as it takes for you to say it.)" Growlithe didn't know what she meant, but before he could ask her Vulpix leaned into him, placing her head in the crook of his neck. Growlithe was surprised by this, but after a while it began to feel right. He glanced at the Vulpix leaning against him, a smile appearing on his face.
"(I'll always be here to protect you. I promise.)" He then gazed out back at the lake, his thoughts on the Fox Pokémon at his side and what may come in the future.
"It's getting late and Growlithe and Vulpix aren't back yet," Ash commented. The sun had nearly set completely and the two Fire types had not returned yet.
"I know. I hope they're alright," Nikki said.
"We could always go look for them," Ash suggested.
"(That won't be necessary,)" Pikachu said. At that moment Growlithe and Vulpix emerged from the forest.
"Well now, you two stayed out late," Nikki commented.
"(Sorry. We lost track of time,)" Vulpix apologized.
"We're just glad you're both okay," Ash said. "Now, let's pack up and hit the road."
"I don't know about that, Ash. It's gotten real late," Nikki stated. "I say we camp here tonight."
"You sure?" Ash questioned.
"Yeah," Nikki confirmed. "In fact I was about to whip up something for us to eat."
"Need any help?" Ash offered.
"Sure. I could always use an extra pair of hands." While the trainers went off to prepare a meal for everyone Pikachu and Buneary questioned Growlithe and Vulpix about their walk.
"(So, what did you two get into?)" Buneary inquired.
"(Well, we had a rather unpleasant encounter with a Tangrowth,)" Vulpix answered.
"(What do you mean by 'unpleasant'?)" Pikachu asked.
"(During our walk we accidentally stumbled into his territory. We tried to leave, but the only way he'd let us is if we defeated him in a battle. We refused at first, but then he called out a pair of Tangela who took me hostage. Naturally Growlithe fought to save me, but the Tangrowth was proving to be too strong for him. Then, when all seemed lost, he looked into my pleading eyes and got an amazing surge of strength that helped him defeat the Tangrowth and win my freedom,)" Vulpix told.
"(Wow. That was quite the tale,)" Buneary commented.
"(Almost sounds like one of your tall tales,)" Pikachu added.
"(Normally you'd be right, but this actually happened," Vulpix argued.
"(She's right. This is a true story,)" Growlithe confirmed.
"(Seriously? Man… it's still hard to believe,)" the Mouse Pokémon admitted.
"(If I hadn't been there I don't think I would have believed it was true either,)" Growlithe commented.
"(Well I for one am glad you were there,)" Vulpix said. Then, in a move that caught Growlithe completely by surprise, she leaned over and kissed him on his cheek.
"(Thank you for being there,)" she whispered in his ear. Growlithe just stood there, too stunned to do anything. Vulpix scampered off, a slight blush on her cheeks.
"(I did not see that coming,)" Buneary commented.
"(Me neither,)" Pikachu agreed. "(What about you, Growlithe?)" The Puppy Pokémon didn't hear him. He was still in a state of shock because of the kiss.
"(Growlithe? You still with us?)" Pikachu called. He waved his paw in front of Growlithe's face, snapping him back to reality.
"(Huh? What?)" he stuttered.
"(That kiss really had you in a trance,)" Buneary said.
"(Yeah. If I didn't know any better I'd say you were falling for Vulpix,)" Pikachu joked. Even though Pikachu meant it as a joke that comment got Growlithe thinking.
"(Is that it? Is that why it felt so good when she rested her head against me at the lake?)" he wondered.
"Okay, gang! Dinner's ready!" Nikki called.
"(Alright! Let's eat!)" Pikachu cheered. As the Pokémon gathered to eat Growlithe continued to think about Pikachu's comment.
"(Am I falling for her? I mean, she is cute an all. Who knows. Maybe I am,)" he thought. Rather than continue to dwell on it at the moment Growlithe pushed it to the back of his mind and focused on the meal Ash and Nikki had prepared for them.
Once everyone had finished their meal they decided to turn in for the night. Rather than return the Pokémon back to their Poké Balls Ash and Nikki decided to let them sleep under the stars. For that purpose a large blanket had been spread out for them to sleep on. Ash and Nikki had placed their sleeping bags next to the blanket.
"Let's get a good night's sleep so we can get an early start tomorrow," Ash said. A chorus of Pokémon calls followed as they all got comfortable.
"Night, Nikki," Ash said.
"Good night, Ash," Nikki replied. As trainer and Pokémon began to drift off to sleep Growlithe felt a presence next to him. Opening his eyes he saw a tuft of orange fur right in front of him. Looking to his side he saw Vulpix curled up right next to him. Memories of earlier in the day came back to him as he looked at her. As he stared Vulpix scooted closer to him, resting her body against his. Right then Growlithe smiled at her and put his head back down. As he began to drift off he came to a conclusion...
"(No doubt about it… I've fallen for her…)"
A harmless walk and a hostile encounter have proven to be the beginnings of a relationship between Ash's Growlithe and Nikki's Vulpix. With their feelings for each other growing how woll this help them in their future challenges? Find out in the next chapter of Search for Power!
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