Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon and Harry Potter
BloodyKitsune1997: Wow...I really had trouble writing this chapter at times. It might be obvious at some points, but hey, I managed to get it done. Here you guys go, I hope you like it. And it's not an entire month away from the last one either *Grins weakly* We're moving on.
Reviews:
The Ginger Ghost: Normally I don't reply to reviews unless there's a question anymore...it's just not a habit I keep, but I'm touched. I'm sorry about what happened with those kitten's and I'm glad my words eased things even the slightest bit. Things like this are why I write to be honest, I am proud that you've enjoyed my story so far and hope you continue reading. So...thank you for leaving that review.
Chapter 28
Waking came slowly for Bulbasaur, he felt warm like he'd been sleeping in the best sun patch and none of the other grass-types had come to bother him for once. Eyes opening as he shifted carefully, a bolt of anxiety and that hated fear he always felt when around anyone other than Melanie rushed through him. Laying on his side with a peaceful expression, the odd boy rested with an arm curled around Bulbasaur. Jumping away with an alarmed sound, he started growling only to stop as the memories from last night hit him. This boy...had somehow shared those feelings, they'd felt almost like that missing piece in his heart had finally reappeared.
Expression dropping as he slumped slightly, Bulbasaur stared at the boy trying to figure out how he'd done that. It had to be some kind of new human trick, but if it was, why did his heart hurt so much at the thought? He mentally snarled at himself and turned away from the boy. Before he could start walking away, a snapping sound echoed through the air and he jumped around to see more humans approaching. These ones were dressed in that red and black gear that always made Melanie nervous, a snarl left him though somehow his eyes drifted to the boy and an unbidden bolt of worry rose up before he could stop it.
Jolting awake at the jarring motion of Elrond's mental touch, Vali rubbed her face as she asked, "Eli?"
"Three Rangers are approaching, I believe they're part of Green Pidgey squad," Elrond rose up from his place beside her as his ears flicked around, "Bulbasaur's emotions are going in every direction, Ash's is still asleep-"
Jolting at the sudden silence, Vali stood up as alarm bells began to ring in her head and she whistled sharply waking Balto. Balto jumped to his feet as she climbed onto his back while asking Elrond, "What's wrong? What happened?"
Urging Balto in the direction of where she'd left Ash and Bulbasaur last night, Vali hoped that Eowyn, Nazgul, and Galadrial would keep things from getting out of hand. Speaking as they began racing out of Melanie's camp, Elrond sounded a bit worried, "Despite what Bulbasaur currently believes...Ash is starting to become something he wishes to protect even if it's only for the current moment," A bolt of pride went through her at that, "And with his dislike of Rangers-"
"Fucking hell, we need to get there before that little shit gets himself put down," Vali tapped Balto's shoulder as a go ahead to put on some speed.
As they were arriving, Bulbasaur was gearing up to attack the Rangers as he stood over Ash in a defensive position whether the grass-type realized it or not. Eowyn was slipping out of the shadows with Nazgul appearing behind the Rangers. Galadrial wasn't revealing herself just yet, but Vali knew her first ghost was likely hiding herself somewhere close. All three would do whatever it took to ensure no one was harmed, but if anyone even came close to hurting Ash it would be game over. Releasing a shrill whistle as Balto slid to a stop, she watched the Rangers flinch back as Elrond disabled Bulbasaur to prevent the grass-type from reacting, "That was close."
'Ain't that the truth,' Vali mentally sighed as she jumped down from Balto's back right next to where Ash was still blissfully sleeping, "Morning, you three. Want to tell me what Green Pidgey Squad is doing around these parts?"
"Elite Four Potter-Black," The three saluted her quickly before one of them stepped forward while giving Bulbasaur a carefully look as his hand dropped to a pokeball covered waist, "We were checking on Melanie as per usual. But as we were arriving, the Bulbasaur had apparently knocked out a child-"
"Wrong," Vali cut the man off earning a startled look and made a mental note to send a message to the three's supervisor about not actually trying to do any digging, "Ash and Bulbasaur fell asleep together last night," She saw Bulbasaur shoot her a look of disbelief, "I was there when it happened,"
"Y-you were," The man looked at her in surprise and his skin paled, "I-I see...But that's...Why would-"
"My little brother has a way with pokemon as I'm sure you've heard Siri bragging about," Vali crossed her arms and made a mental note to actual call the woman that was actually in charge of these three, "Even the most stubborn pokemon usually ends up turning into a little Growlithe puppy around him," She saw Bulbasaur narrow his eyes out of the corner of hers and mentally winced, "So there's no need to worry about him being harmed by Bulbasaur, the little shit hasn't ever harmed a human,"
"I...Right," The Ranger finally dropped his hand from that pokeball belt, "Well, we should head in and start our look around unless you've already done so,"
"Not officially, I'm on vacation," Vali bent down and scooped up Ash earning a low mumble as she carefully set him on Balto's back, "If you'll excuse us, we'll leave you to your look around,"
Getting onto Balto's back as well, Vali had Balto turn around and start running before the Rangers could say anything in reply. Balto let out a low huff as they raced through the trees, "That was incredibly suspicious, they acted far too nervously around you."
"Did you see how long it took for that asshole to drop his hand?" Eowyn growled as she darted beside Balto, "Not even a newbie Ranger that's jumpy would do that,"
"We're calling into Green Pidgey Squad as well as Ranger HQ," Vali's lips pulled back into a grimace, "Eli-"
"Glad is already working on getting their identifications with Naz," Elrond didn't wait for her to finish the thought, "We'll have it within the next few minutes. They were holding back hostility towards you,"
Eyes narrowing a deep sigh left her, Vali muttered, "I really don't want to deal with corrupt Rangers right now," She glanced towards Eowyn, "Eowyn, keep an eye on them. I'll have Ortho do the same in a little bit,"
Giving her a light nod, Eowyn broke off and disappeared into the woods. Balto slid to a stop as they reached Melanie's cabin and she carefully dismounted before bringing Ash down. Getting him settled on the chair she'd vacated earlier, she glanced towards Bulbasaur as Elrond finally released the little shit. Looking heavily torn, the grass-type glared at her as his body shifted about. She took a seat on the porch as Elrond spoke, "He doesn't understand what's going on. Do I tell him?"
As she took out her pokenav, Vali considered the options before sighing, "If he promises not to run off and cause trouble, yes. You can explain things to a certain extent. If anything, it might help," she offered Bulbasaur a pointed look, "After all, Melanie and your friends here wouldn't be the only ones in danger. Ash would too."
Stilling as his eyes sharpened, Bulbasaur growled at her only to cut himself off as Elrond started to speak to him. Scrolling through the various contacts, she found the specific Ranger's number and dialed it. Leaning back carefully, she only had to wait a few moments before the woman answered, "Elite Four Potter-Black, this is a surprise, I thought you were on vacation."
"I am," Vali looked at the forest ahead of her, "Bex, I need a small bit of information. Is it Green Pidgey's turn to do the Healing Hostel look around?"
There was a small pause and soft hum, Vali heard some paperwork shuffling around before Bex answered, "No, Vali. We aren't due to go around for another month. Why?"
Mentally cursing as her head dropped back, Vali murmured a mental prayer, "Answer me one more question before I do the same, Bex," She rubbed at her face, "Are all your squad members accounted for. Are any on leave and if so...what is it for?"
Letting out a soft sound, a heft thump sounded on the other end of the line, "Vali," Bex's voice was soft with only a small hint of anger, "Why do you need to know?"
"Just tell me, Bex," Vali didn't bother keeping the pleading tone from her voice.
"Three of my men are on leave. Personal leave, they get it every..." Bex trailed off for a long moment, "Vali...are they there? At the Healing Hostel?"
Shoulders slumping at the hurt tone going through Bex's voice, Vali nodded despite it being a voice only call, "Yeah, Bex...They said they're here the look around," She heard a soft curse and closed her eyes, "Bex, Eowyn, Naz, and Glad are trailing them. Naz and Glad are trying to get their identifications. They'll pick up anything else on them that it's standard issue as well," She heard Bex swallow harshly, "I...I am going to be calling Ranger HQ in a few minutes and with your confirmation, I'm calling the Ace HQ as well."
"I...understand," Bex's voice was tight, "I'll ready things here for an investigation though won't let my team know,"
"I'm so sorry, Bex," Vali's eyes burned.
"It's not your fault, Vali," Bex assured her as a wet laugh left the woman, "All we can do is blame the Rockets for turning good men and women into their pawns...shit...I can't even tell Coby his partner isn't coming back,"
Heart going out to Bex, Vali murmured, "Bex..."
"Just get it done, Vali. I'll be waiting on a call from HQ and probably the Ace as well," Bex sniffed softly, "...Bring them to justice,"
"I will," Vali promised in a soft tone before the call ended.
With a heavy heart, Vali proceeded to call both the Ranger and Ace HQ's. It took awhile to explain everything to both before it was all set in motion. Normally, she would just go capture the three and be done with it. But due to her being on vacation and a need for evidence, she had to sit back and wait. Though to be proactive, she sent Ortho out as she'd told Eowyn and the Furret carried with him a small video camera to record any evidence.
Waking up came slowly for Ash, he was a little surprised to find himself curled up in a chair rather than laying on the forest floor like before. Sitting not far from him, Vali stared out into the forest clutching a steaming mug in her hand. To his surprise, Bulbasaur sat not far from his chair with an unreadable look on his face. Rubbing at his face, he asked, "Sis? What's going on? Why am..." He trailed off at the look on her face and how her aura twisted about, "Did something happen?"
Soft sigh leaving her, Vali nodded as she shifted, "Yeah..." She looked back at the forest, "Something that I really wished wouldn't have, but with humans, I really can't be surprised."
Startled by that, Ash frowned at his sister, "What happened?"
As Vali opened her mouth, a boom sounded in the distance making Ash and Bulbasaur both jump. The grass-type's vines extended with one curling around his leg. Eyeing the vine in surprise, he looked at Bulbasaur though the grass-type didn't look at him. Instead, the grass-type glared towards the forest as pokemon raced out with a panicked looks on their faces. Gary, Brock, and Melanie tore out of the house looking as if they'd all just woken up. Gary shouted, "What the fuck was that?"
"The consequence of arrogance and someone thinking they could lead a double life," Vali stood up slowly with a sigh, "But in the end, they always end up losing everything,"
"Vali-" Ash reached out towards his sister feeling concern.
"Elite Four Potter-Black," A man dressed up in an Ace's uniform rode out of the forest on a Rapidash that slid to a stop not far from the porch, "Thanks to your information, we managed to capture those three with little problem. Granted, we did require the assistance of your Houndoom rather unexpectedly due to the presence of a Hypno that wasn't marked down on any of their ID's,"
"It's no problem," Vali waved the man off with a strained smile, "Your team is taking care of the damage?"
"As we speak," The man bobbed his head, "Jeffers specialized her team in treating damaged natural areas,"
"Good," Vali extended her hand and the man eagerly shook it with a grin, "Please extend my thanks to your entire team and the Commander as well,"
"But of course, it was wonderful to work with you even if we weren't actually working together," The man let out a bark of laughter, "If you'll excuse me, we have to get those three back to HQ,"
Waving him off, Vali turned to them as the man disappeared back into the forest. Eyes on Melanie, she spoke in a soft tone, "I would suggest speaking with a League official about get some actual security soon. Those three he was speaking of were Rockets that hid themselves as Rangers, I do not have any more information at the current moment nor would I tell you that information if I did," Melanie paled and slowly sank to her knees as Ash felt Bulbasaur release him to rush over to the panicking girl, "It is luck that we came here otherwise a very different situation could have occurred given how early those three arrived."
"I...shit," Melanie nubly wrapped her arms around Bulbasaur.
"But I can only offer suggestions and advice, it is up to you to take it," Vali set down her cup, "Now, I am going for a walk. I've got a fucking headache for dealing with this shit so early in the morning,"
Without waiting for anyone to say anything, Vali walked off with Balto, Elrond, and a freshly returned Eowyn following after her. The Houndoom was practically prancing as she darted out of the forest. Gary broke the silence that had fallen over them, "Holy shit."
"We slept through that..." Brock murmured softly.
Dread pooled in Ash's stomach as he realized where he'd fallen asleep, he glanced towards Bulbasaur and felt a small bolt of worry. Had the grass-type protected him until Vali arrived to move him? If so...why? He might've used his aura to try and make friends, but that didn't mean Bulbasaur would seek to protect him. So...what had happened this morning while he slept? For the first time in a long time, he wished for the power to see into the past if only to understand what went on.
"So this is...this is the more complicated side of things, isn't it?" Brock asked as Vali returned from her walk, "The kind of thing that my League rep pretty much kept me out of..."
Heaving a sigh as she moved to lean against a tree, Vali glanced towards where Gary and Ash were helping Melanie out with some of the pokemon that had injured themselves thanks to the mess that had happened earlier. Nodding as her shoulder hit the tree, she rubbed at her temples, "Yeah...Even if we say we're taking time off, no one actually does. Not unless they leave the region entirely."
"I..." Brock frowned heavily at that, "You did...awhile back,"
"When I was sixteen after a really bad birthday," Vali snorted softly, "But it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows, I got wrapped up in some bullshit over in Sinnoh. Won't get into what, I'll just say it was a favor for a few people and to ensure that if I do end up traveling outside of Indigo, I won't be restricted,"
Breath hitching at that, Brock murmured, "Why would you..."
"There are things going on behind the scenes, Brock. Many things that I can't go into let alone what I won't go into," Vali looked at him and saw the unreadable look on his face, "Let's just say that if you ever reach my level, you'll find yourself getting involved in a lot of things that most won't. Especially if you're luck is like mine," She forced herself not pull out the pack of cigarettes and smoke one despite the urge, "I'd say you should be thankful that your League rep left you in the dark,"
"Thankful? I-Rockets were in Pewter and I never knew," Brock scowled darkly as his fingers bawled into fists, "If I had known-"
"What would you have done?" Vali eyed the boy, "Despite how it might've seemed, we were very lucky with the Museum not to mention Mount Moon, Brock,"
"I..." Brock trembled slightly, "I...I could have done something more..."
"Perhaps, but you also had your siblings to think of at the time," Vali saw Brock flinch and released a small sigh, "Brock, I won't apologize or reassure you. Despite what it may seem like, I'm not that type of person unless it comes to my siblings or my friends. In time, you'll probably end up in that category, but until then..." She ran a hand through her hair, "Lingering on the past, it isn't a good idea. You can't change what happened no matter how much you might want to just like with people's hearts," Brock looked at her as a bitter smile curled across her lips, "All we can do is keep walking forward even as things try to drag us down,"
"You..." Brock shook his head, "I...won't ever understand you, will I?"
Snorting loudly, Vali shot the boy a grin, "Now where's the fun in that?"
Looking back towards her brothers, Vali smiled as she saw Bulbasaur actually stop Ash from falling down. The little shit let Ash pet him for a moment before darting over to grab Melanie's basket. Brock spoke after a long moment, "Earlier, you said something about humans not really surprising you," She glanced at him, "Somehow, I get the feeling that you don't really like other humans that much."
Lips pulling into a wry smile, Vali shook her head, "To be blunt, I don't like humanity as a whole. It's hard to when you consider what I've seen," Brock winced likely having heard only a portion of what was actually recorded for her missions, "Humanity is a mixed bag in my eyes, I cannot love nor hate everyone. I judge them based on what I'm shown which is probably why Lance trusts me. Though," She grimaced a bit, "That is also why I find myself so tired of humanity at times," Brock looked at her with wide eyes, "Unlike pokemon, they hide behind facades and masks. They use lies and half-truths to cover up anything that makes them feel...less," She crossed her arms, "With Pokemon, it is easier as they see no reason to lie unless a human has trained them to."
"I...I never knew that," Brock frowned slightly.
"Not many outside of the Psychic sect do," Vali felt Elrond settle against her side and smiled at him, "Understanding my partners has only made it easier for me to spend time with pokemon and dislike being around humans that much more, I probably would've become a wild Master if it weren't for my human friends and family,"
"Somehow, I can't see it and can at the same time," Brock jumped and Vali tilted her head at the sight.
Lips pulling into an amused smile, Vali watched as Brock turned around to see an Oddish peering up at him curiously. Standing not far away, a Wooper with a bandaged tail eyed Brock as well though it's eyes kept going to the Oddish. She spoke in a light tone as Brock bent down to take a closer look at the Oddish, "Well, it looks like you have a pair of curious little pokemon that want your attention. I should go check on the boys."
"I-uh-yeah," Brock glanced at her before focusing on the Oddish as it began to jump around.
Biting back a giggle, Vali moved towards where Ash and Gary were still helping Melanie. She glanced at Elrond as he murmured, "Those two have had their eyes on Brock since he first arrived, I'm surprised they're only approaching now."
'Oddish are naturally shy creatures while Wooper...well that one in particular is rather new,' Vali hadn't recognized it when she'd first seen it, 'If they choose to join up with Brock, it will be very interesting to see how the two will develop,'
Low hum leaving him, Elrond chuckled low in his throat, "Well, we'll just have to wait and see. Just like with Ash's little pet project."
Bulbasaur glanced at the boy who was sitting beside him once more as night fell and the forest around them began to slumber. Despite all that had occurred during the early morning hours, the boy showed no fear in coming outside to join him once more. Though he wasn't alone this time, the Pikachu who often lounged on his shoulders and that Electrike that followed him around like an eager Growlithe pup had joined in as well. But rather than speak to him, the pair merely settled against the boy and silently offered their companionship which was a miracle given what he'd seen of the Electrike's overly excited antics.
Once again, the boy talked as the moon rose and traveled the sky above. Unbidden as those emotion's flowed freely, Bulbasaur found himself drawn in again and curling up against the boy's side. With those two other pokemon there, he managed to keep from falling asleep even as the boy did. There was a soft shuffling sound, Pikachu's head popped up over the boy's shoulder and the mouse peered at him, "Tell me, Bulbasaur, why act so hostile when Ash is being so open?"
"Humans are-" Bulbasaur found the words freezing in his throat.
There was a look in Pikachu's eyes that Bulbasaur had seen in so many others, it was a look of pity that he loathed with every fiber of his being. Snarling at the rat, he bared the not-quite fangs that he'd been blessed with even as Pikachu murmured, "It's not easy to say the lie you've convinced yourself of anymore, is it?"
"It's not-" Bulbasaur growled in protest.
"But it is," Pikachu dropped to the ground and moved to stand in front of Bulbasaur, "I know that for a fact because we were in the same position not long ago," Bulbasaur recoiled from the truth that shown in Pikachu's eyes and tried to back away only to fail as he bumped into Electrike, "Much like you, I was abandoned by a trainer though unlike you, I was caught not long after I'd evolved into this form," A sad look crossed Pikachu's face, "The boy promised to travel with me and make me into the best damn Chu possible...only he tried to force me to evolve not even a month into our partnership. When I refused and managed to break the weak thunderstone he'd managed to find, I was beaten within an inch of my life and tossed away...far from the forest that I once called home,"
Jolting as a pang hit him, Bulbasaur asked Pikachu, "Then why? Why follow this boy?"
Shrugging his shoulders, Pikachu released a low sigh, "You've felt his emotions...the love and care he feels for us. No one can fake that no matter how much we may want to try and fool ourselves," The mouse looked at the boy with a tenderness that Bulbasaur couldn't believe given the story he'd just heard, "No matter how much I might've tried to deny it in the beginning...I realized that he genuinely cared for us. Even me when I'd rebuffed him so brutally at times, he always tried again and again. No matter how much we tried to pull away, he always offered us an open palm."
Sinking onto the ground, Bulbasaur murmured, "I...I don't..."
Knowing look in his eye, Pikachu walked over to Bulbasaur, "Letting go of that hate isn't forgetting it nor does it mean forgiving the one who caused it, Bulbasaur. I will never forgive the one who tried to take away my choice, but I transformed the hate that once lived in my heart into something better...stronger."
Looking at Pikachu as he struggled to figure out what to do, Bulbasaur asked, "What did you do?"
"I turned it into strength...the power to protect those that have come to mean so much to me," Pikachu pressed a paw to his chest, "If you choose to let Ash in...choose to heal, you can do the same, Bulbasaur,"
Tears started to fall as Bulbasaur sniffed, he murmured, "I don't know how..."
"First step is to grieve properly," Electrike walked around Ash to press his nose into the side of Bulbasaur's face, "Just let it out, Bulbasaur,"
Tears fell and for the first time in a long time, Bulbasaur didn't try to stop them. Low sobs tore at his throat, he didn't stifle them. To his surprise, Electrike and Pikachu both cuddled close to him for a time. Only when he was picked up and hugged to someone's chest did they pull away, he jolted as the vaguely familiar feeling of the boy's emotion's wrapped around him. Low humming left the boy's throat, he sniffed softly as the boy murmured, "Just let it...I'm here..."
Rather than comment on how closely Bulbasaur stuck to Ash after the second night he'd 'snuck out' to spend with the grass-type, Vali focused on actually helping Melanie work out an actual plan. Apparently having dangerous people come by had ripped off those rose-tinted glasses she'd been clinging to, the gentle girl was now actively trying to figure out how to help her pokemon friends more actively rather than just getting them fixed up and hoping for the best. Setting the girl up with several video calls, it was time to get a list of every 'permanent' resident of the Healing Hostel.
With Elrond and her other pokemon, Vali was able to get a proper list of every pokemon rather than the rough one Melanie had which only listed roughly half the actual pokemon that had taken up residence in her hostel. Once that was done, she began calling various reserves, Surge, and several agencies that were made to deal with this sort of thing. During these calls, she worked on finding places for every single pokemon that didn't need immediate medical care. Melanie helped her go through the list and offered up small bits of information about each pokemon. By the time they were done, the day was long over and both of them were tired.
"So what's going to happen to everyone?" Gary asked as they all sat down to eat dinner.
"Those that aren't in need of immediate medical care will be heading to new homes," Melanie answered earning wide-eyed looks from Ash, Gary, and Brock as Bulbasaur stopped moving in the middle of eating his food, "I realized with what happened...That allowing everyone to stay here wasn't safe...they would only get hurt again or worse..."
"But what about the pokemon who've made this place their home? Ash asked her, "Are you really going to make them leave?"
Pained look on her face, Melanie murmured, "This place was never meant to become anyone's home, Ash," Vali watched as Bulbasaur's expression twisted into one of heartbreak before the little shit took off towards the door, "Not even mine-"
Sighing as the door slammed making everyone jump, Vali spoke as she set down her cup, "I think Bulbasaur disagrees."
"O-oh dear," Melanie covered her mouth.
Standing from his chair, Ash rushed after Bulbasaur just as Melanie began to stand. Setting a hand on the smaller woman's arm, Vali shook her head, "Let Ash handle this."
"But Bulbasaur-" Melanie gained a look of realization, "You never mentioned finding Bulbasaur a placement. I'd assumed it was because you thought he'd be a perfect protector, but..." She frowned slightly, "While they've gotten close, I don't know if he'd be willing to go with your little brother,"
"That's where we will just have to wait and see," Vali removed her hand, "For now, we should continue eating and make sure food is saved for those two when they're ready for it,"
While she dug back in, the others followed suit far more slowly. After dinner had ended with no sign of the two, Vali grabbed Bulbasaur's food and a plate for Ash before heading outside. She found them on the porch with Bulbasaur actually sitting in Ash's lap. Ash didn't look at her as she approached, "Are...Vali, is Bulbasaur being sent away?"
"No," Vali inwardly smirked at the way Bulbasaur swung around to stare at her in shock, "He isn't being sent away. Granted, he'll have to deal with having a few new humans around and trainer pokemon that specialize in rescue,"
Bulbasaur glared at Vali for that though he moved to eat the food as she placed the bowl down. Ash took the plate when she offered it, "I-we were worried."
"Don't be," Vali sat down beside Ash, "Though...I thought for sure you'd be asking if you could take Bulbasaur along,"
Inwardly crackling like a hyena at the way Ash choked, Vali helped him clear his windpipe. He shook his head as Bulbasaur glanced at them, "I-No! I," A flush gathered on his cheeks, "While I'd love to," She saw Bulbasaur stiffen and stop eating, "I know he's happy here and that Melanie is his person," Bulbasaur slowly started eating again though kept glancing towards Ash, "Sure, it would be awesome to have him with me...I could never take him away from the place he's happiest...the place where he's most comfortable. The only way I'd do it is if he wants to go, ya know?"
"Yeah," Vali looked away as Bulbasaur glanced towards her, "I do. It's hard on some pokemon to leave the places they call home at times especially when they've been put through the ringer. I know that once we finally bonded together Thorin threw an absolute bitch fit the first time we had to seperate, but since then...it's become easier on us," She smiled at Ash, "We both realized in the end that no matter how far we're traveling away from one another," She put a hand over her heart, "A piece of the other is still here,"
"But that's cause of...you know," Ash gestured at her.
Letting out a laugh, Vali shook her head, "Nah, it's the same way with all my other pokemon, Ash. Not just Thorin."
"Ah..." Ash let out a low hum, "I guess it makes sense,"
"Now, I've got to get ready for a video call with Lance. He wants an update on the situation here," Vali stood and ruffled Ash's hair, "Don't be out too late tonight, Ash. We're leaving tomorrow, remember?"
"Ah-oh," Ash looked down at the ground.
"You forgot," Vali gave him an apologetic look, "You know we can't linger long unless it's in a city and even then, we can only do that in one that hosts a gym,"
"I know...I know..." Ash sighed heavily.
Despite feeling a bit bad, Vali just patted his head and headed back inside. Grabbing her laptop, she headed to the small storage room that Melanie kept her rarely used supplies in. Slipping inside, she had Elrond create a barrier to block out noise and dropped onto the ground. Getting comfortable, she turned on her laptop and barely had time to log in before Lance called. Offering him an amused look, she leaned back against Irmo as he eyed her, "Are you in a closet?"
"Yes because this place doesn't really have any actual enclosed rooms save for this and I didn't feel like going outside," Vali shrugged her shoulders, "So Dragon-boy, you got the report of everything that happened here?"
Nodding his head, Lance pulled a folder close to him, "Part of me is actually a little surprised that you stayed out of it on an official level, Ash was at risk from what I'm reading and with Gary there as well..."
As her gut twisted at the reminder, Vali grimaced, "Naz, Glad, and Eowyn were ready to jump in if necessary. Whether the report actually shows it or not, Glad had herself attached to their shadows in such a way that she could disable them if they even attempted to make a move towards Ash."
Eyeing her for a long moment, Lance pressed something on his side and Vali felt herself relax knowing he was ensuring their video call wasn't monitoured now, "She would've snapped their spines, wouldn't she?"
"Among other things, she was taught by the best," Vali saw Lance grimace, "Lance..."
"I won't scold you, Vali. After all, I would have done the same thing if I'd been in your position...if Steven, Cynthia, or you had been the one in a vulnerable position like that," Lance shook his head, "But let's try not to talk about that on the recorded shit, alright?"
Smirk forming, Vali gave Lance a mock salute, "Gotcha, Champ."
Rolling his eyes at her, Lance pressed whatever it was once again, "Alright let's talk about..."
Settling in a bit more comfortably against Irmo, Vali felt glad to see this side of Lance again.
Looking at Bulbasaur as sadness welled up, Ash tried to smile, but found himself unable to. Hesitating for a moment, he reached out and laid a hand on Bulbasaur's head. Part of him expected the grass-type to pull away and was glad when Bulbasaur only peered at him, he spoke softly, "I...I hate that we won't get to spend anymore time together, Bulbasaur. After tomorrow, I...I'm going to miss you a lot as strange as it sounds."
There was a low sound from the grass-type, Bulbasaur slowly leaned into his touch. Heaving a sigh, Ash murmured, "I...I meant what I said, Bulbasaur. About wanting to bring you along," Bulbasaur eyed him with a hesitant look in his eyes, "Getting to travel alongside you, it would've been so much fun. The idea of it...I can only image how far we could go together...I've told you about my dream, right? Wanting to become a pokemon master? I...I still want to become a Pokemon Master of all types even if everyone seems to think I should settle on one-type of pokemon. I just...something about that doesn't settle right with me. I like the idea of knowing about every pokemon I come across and being able to bring out the best in them..."
As Ash spoke and allowed his feelings to flow out, he felt a bolt of surprise when foreign ones started to flow back towards him. Eyes meeting Bulbasaur's, he realized just who they belonged to and smiled as tears filled his eyes. Chest warming and fall all at the same time, he slowly sank deeper into the porch as Bulbasaur climbed into his lap and pressed against his chest.
"I...thank you, Vali," Melanie clasped her hands together, "For everything you've done despite the fact I've only been a pain in the ass, I just...had it not been for your help, I might be a very different position right now,"
Letting out a light laugh, Vali waved her off, "Just work on trying to do what I've suggested alright and keep talking with everyone on the list I made, alright?" Melanie nodded, "I also left my Pokenav number and a secondary list of emergency numbers should there be a problem. Elrond had me add little notes next to them about what to call each of us for, so take that as you will."
"I will," Melanie eyed Vali with a wary expression, "Eh," She coughed softly before addressing the group, "I wish you safe travels though before you go...I think a few of my little friends wish to bid you goodbye,"
Covering her mouth with a smile, Vali watched as the Oddish and Wooper pair peeked around Melanie for a moment before rushing over to Brock. Releasing soft sound as Oddish gripped Brock's leg with it's vines, Wooper headbutted him in the gut earning a grunt. Elrond voice what they were trying to say, "I do believe those two wish to join up with you, Brock."
"Y-you do?" Brock asked the pair earning determined nods, "But I've never-"
"It's never stopped me," Vali offered him an amused smile and he sent her a panicked look, "I'll give you a few pointers and the numbers of some people who can help ya out,"
"I-" Brock slowly bent down and looked at the two, "You two are sure?" The two nodded with Oddish nuzzling into Brock's leg, "I-Alright,"
Pulling out two pokeballs with a shaking hand, he enlarged them and offered the pair one each. The two captured themselves with contented cries. Ash slapped Brock on the shoulder as Gary grinned, "Nicely done."
"Congrats," Gary added with a laugh.
"Though they aren't the only ones," Melanie said with a sad smile, "Ash..." Ash looked at her in surprise, "Someone very special to me wishes to go with you,"
As Bulbasaur came into view, Gary and Brock made soft sounds of shock while Ash gasped softly and moved to meet the grass-type. Dropping to his knees, he murmured, "A-are you sure about this, Bulbasaur?"
Nodding with a look of determination, Bulbasaur stamped a pudgy paw and gave Ash a weak smile. Reaching out to the grass-type, Ashe murmured something under his breath and after a long moment, Bulbasaur nodded before pressing his head into the palm of Ash's hand. Watching as awe filled her, the soft blue sparks of aura drift along Ash's palm to brush against Bulbasaur's skin. Elrond's spoke as tears began to fall from both Ash and Bulbasaur's eyes, "They're seeing each other's lives as we speak...Bulbasaur will still need quite a bit of time to heal, but...he is set on coming with Ash."
'I am unsurprised,' Vali replied with a soft smile, 'Somehow I knew this would happen,'
As Ash pulled away, he murmured, "I...Thank you, Bulbasaur, for trusting me. I will not break it."
Giving Ash a nod, Bulbasaur accepted the pokeball Ash offered him and with a vibrant crimson light, the grass-type was sucked inside. He paused for a moment before looking at Vali once the pokeball dinged with a successful capture, "Wait...Won't I get in trouble or have Bulbasaur's pokeball transfered over to Professor Oak's?"
"No, I spoke with Lance last night and we're treating Bulbasaur's case just like Ziggy's," Vali explained earning a stunned look, "You won't be able to battle with him though training is an option. After you gain your next badge, we can officially take the restriction off,"
"Awesome!" Gary grinned brightly.
"Thank you, Vali," Ash hugged her tightly.
Hugging him back, Vali murmured in his ear, "Don't make me regret it, Ash. Now let Bulbasaur out to say his goodbyes, we've got to get moving soon, alright?"
Nodding his head, Ash moved to do as she asked. They lingered for another few minutes before taking their leave. Brock spoke once they'd made it a good mile away from Melanie's, "So our next stop is in Saffron then we're heading to Vermillion? That's a long walk..."
"You would think so, but we have a pokemon center between Saffron and Vermillion," Vali saw all three of her human companions shooting her a look, "It's a recently built one, but the League was kind of forced into it thanks to the massive amount of complaints coming in. From the accidents caused in Diglett tunnel to the plains being a rough place to camp with little protection, they had to put in something,"
"Can we go through Diglett tunnel?" Gary asked earning a soft snort.
"You can. I'll be staying out of that hell hole as long as possible," Vali crossed her arms with a grimace earning a confused look, "Diglett Tunnel is an ever changing waste land, Gary. Only reason we have an actual way in and out is due to several dozen League sanctioned Ground-types making it so,"
There was a long moment of silence before Ash asked, "Did you get lost?"
Looking away from him, Vali admitted rather reluctantly, "Yes...for almost a week."
Eyebrow twitching as her brothers and Brock started to snicker, she snapped her fingers sharply. Nazgul started to crackle as he rose out of her shadow and throw weak Shadow Balls at the trio forcing them to run. Elrond spoke with amusement flowing through their bond, "I'm sure they didn't mean to laugh."
"Mean it or not, it isn't funny, Eli," Vali crossed her arms as she slowly followed after the trio currently running from her Gengar.
Ash's Team:
1. Pidgeotto
Female
2. Electrike
Male
3. Pikachu
Male
4. Blitzle
Female
5. Clefairy
Male
6. Bulbasaur
Male
Gary's Team:
1. Weepinbell
Male
2. Squirtle
Male
3. Spearow
Female
4. 'Ziggy'/ Galarian Zigzagoon
Female
Vali's present team:
1. Balto/ Arcanine
Male
2. Smaug/ Charizard
Male
3. Elrond/ Alolan-Raichu
Male
4. Eowyn/ Houndoom
Female
5. Aragorn/ Vulpix-King-Gene
Male
6. Pele/ Camerupt
Female
7. Celina/ Pidgeot
Female
8. Thorin/ Flareon
Male
9. Arwen/ Rapidash
Female
10. Galadrial/ Chandelure
Female
11. Nazgul/ Gengar-Shiny
Male
12. Irmo/ Pyroar
Male
13. Ortho/ Furret
Male
14. Noldor/ Smeargle
Male
15. Terra/ Tyranitar
Female
16. Empress/ Salamence
Female
17. Idril/ Sandslash-Shiny
Female
18. Pippin/ Luxray
Male
19. Bombur/ Dewgong
Male
20. Balrog/ Magmar
Male
21. Khione/ Aurorus
Female
22. Rosie/ Meganium
Female
23. Balin/ Typhlosion
Male
24. Disa/ Jolteon
Female
25. Absol
Male
26. Noibat
Male