What is this? Two chapters released in a single day? Well, I felt you guys deserved to eat well after spending all that time fixing my past mistakes. Since I don't have a consistent schedule due to my functioning life, this would be a nice present to offer you guys. I don't know when the next chapter will be, but I hope it's not during 2024.
I don't have much to say now. Enjoy the chapter and... I don't know. Eat a piece of cake or something.
The Very Best:
Chapter 19:
Rock Tunnel Part II:
Opening (If you want to): Fly High! (From Haikyu!, performed by BURNOUT SYNDROMES)
Haxours looked at the group. "Haxours haxo our rs?" He asked them.
Wartortle gave a small gasp, not believing what he had just heard. He quickly shook his head. "War tor ortle artor tor?" He asked why it mattered if he knew about other Trainers here, a slight glimmer of hope coming to him.
"Hax our ours hax our Haxours," He explained, making Wartortle gasp loudly. Everyone saw the Water-type in shock, even dropping his guard at hearing the Haxours. "Hax our axour rs ax haxo axo." Wartortle couldn't believe what this Haxours told him.
Not only did the Dragon-type know about Ash, but he and other family members had been searching for their group.
"What is it, Wartortle?" Misty noticed that Wartortle had suddenly become excited at what Haxours said. Wartortle looked at Misty, hugging the girl's legs as he bounced up and down.
"War tor Wartortle ort le! War tort wart!" He exclaimed in joy, almost tearing up. Red seemed to realize what he was trying to say.
"This Haxours," Red looked at the Dragon-type, seeing no intent of fighting in his eyes. "He knows where Ash is?" Wartortle nodded happily, not believing it himself either. The fact that this Haxours knew the names of everyone in the group was more than enough to convince the Water-type.
Ryan gave a big smile. Though he was still intimidated by Haxours, he could tell that they didn't have to be enemies. "It's nice to meet you, Haxours." He brought his hand out, something the Dragon-type accepted. Misty could not believe that Ryan just did that.
Red looked at Haxours. Noibat had come out of the bag, quickly hiding at seeing the massive creature before him. "Haxours," He respectfully called out. "Could you take us to Ash? We need to meet back up."
Haxours nodded, agreeing with this idea. "Dour!" Houndour suddenly barked at him. The Dark-type got into a fighting stance, angry at seeing her enemy right before her.
The Dragon-type did the same, giving a small roar at the less imposing Pokémon. "Wow! Wow." Ryan got in between the two, calming down both sides. "We don't have to fight."
"This is one of our Pokémon." Misty expressed; Houndour was confused at what she was just called. "She is just out of her Poke Ball right now, and she's... she's just been looking for a good fight."
Haxours looked at the group, very skeptical at the claim they had just made. "Hound dou dour do." Houndour suddenly spoke up, putting aside her pride to play along with the cover-up. "Hound do ou, Houndour." She went next to Red, claiming him to be the Trainer.
Haxours thought for a moment, deciding to let it slide. The Dragon-type kept an extra close eye on the Fire-type as he guided the group, Wartortle standing beside the powerful Pokémon. The odd group followed the Pokémon they just met, Houndour scowling a bit at her position. "Just try to act like you don't want to rip them apart," Red whispered. "If it comes down to it, don't complain when I put you in a Poke Ball. I promise to release you when I can."
"Dour," Houndour agreed to it all, not needing to be told this basic stuff. She wanted to get back to her pack, not this. That is when she realized something. She could take this moment to go and gather info from the Haxours side, knowing all their weakness and strategies. A smile suddenly came across her face, realizing how fortunate she was.
She was going to make use of these great tools.
"WARRR!" Wartortle had tears in his eyes as he and Ash were in an extremely tight hug. Wartortle dug his face into his shoulder, declaring that this would never happen again.
Ash smiled at his emotional partner. "Hey. You don't need to tear up." Ash gently told his Pokémon, wiping away the tears he had. "We made it out, didn't we?"
Wartortle wiped away the tears, trying to deny his reaction. "War tor ortle, or... war Wartortle!" he said his eyes were just sweating, Ash giving him a very unconvinced look. The two returned to their hug, glad to have each other again. The group had been given time away from the Haxours and Fraxure. They were allowed into a secluded part of the cave. Well, except for two guests.
"Ax axe w?" A bipedal, grayish-green Pokémon with pale, straight tusks protruding from the sides of his mouth asked his brother. The back of their head was dark grayish-green with a tall, slightly curved horn. Large, dark grayish-green ovals surrounded their red eyes, and they had short, rounded snouts with large nostrils. A forest green collar marking encircles their neck. Their limbs and tails were short, with the forelimbs having three digits and the feet having two digits.
The older Axew looked at May's kerchief, shaking his head. "Ax axe Axew ew!" He said the kerchief was probably a weapon, curious about what it was. May smiled at seeing the two Dragon-types argue with each other.
"It's not like that." She told them, taking it off as she showed the real purpose of it. "It just makes my hair look prettier, that's all." The two Axew looked at the Trainers in amazement, holding them in similar stature to the Haxours they always respected.
"It's comforting to see that we are unharmed," Red told the group after they had become situated. "I am glad that you and Lillie were safe." He truthfully told Pikachu, holding the Electric-type in a one-arm hug. Pikachu held his Trainer close; their reunion was as emotional as Ash's.
Lillie felt relaxed at having everyone with her, seeing one of the Axew come to her feet. "Xew! Xew!" He chanted, lifting his arms. Lillie gave a kind smile, picking up the Dragon-type with both arms.
"Wow! You're heavier than you look." Lillie remarked, the Dragon-type taking that as a compliment. Misty was in a similar position, surprised at the weight of these small Pokémon.
"Noibat," Noibat gently told May as he rested on her shoulder. May got a berry out, giving it to the Flying-type for him to nibble on. She looked at Ryan.
"This... Noibat," She had to remember the name. "Did it seriously follow you guys just to get to me?" Ryan shrugged, not believing it himself either. She looked at Noibat. "I still don't get you, but I guess you're fine in my book."
Ash smiled at May, holding Wartortle's hand as they stood by each other. "You know what that means?" He asked her, May looked around. She did not know what Noibat following her meant. "That means that Noibat wants you as his Trainer!"
Brock suddenly came over. "Let's not jump to conclusions. This Noibat was extremely curious and dedicated to finding you." Brock didn't mean to rain on their parade; he was just being realistic.
May decided to go with what Ash said, gently petting Noibat. "Well, it would be rude not to accept a new Pokémon!" She pointed at Noibat. "What do you say? Do you want me to be your Trainer?"
Instead of responding meaningfully, Noibat just tilted his head at her. "Noiba?" He asked, not understanding why May seemed excited about the question. The girl had a sweat drop going down her face.
"You have no idea what I just asked for, huh?" May held Noibat in her hands, the two smiling at each other. "Well, we can do it later." That remark made Ryan raise his eyebrow, still not understanding why the Haxours wanted them.
"I know these Dragon-types need our help, but for what?"
"Simple. They want us to fight against their Houndoom enemy." Brock explained to him. No one wanted to do this task, but they worried that trying to defy would put them in a terrible position. If these Haxours could, they could make them regret making that choice.
Ash sighed as he knew what they agreed on, but he wasn't happy. "I don't want to fight the Houndour or Houndoom." He said to the group, not being the only one who thought this. "I just wish there was another choice we could make."
Houndour was with them, knowing about what the Haxours's plan was. The Dark-type had been met with a fair amount of anger from the Dragon-type population, but they weren't openly hostile, at least not now. She didn't want to leave until she knew when this attack would be made, wanting to get as much information as possible before leading a surprise attack at the heart of enemy territory.
She just needed to be patient.
"Hax!" A Haxours and Fraxure suddenly came to them. "Hax our ours axou!" Haxours called for the two Axew, who were sad they had to leave so early. The Fraxure guided them away, but not before giving an untrustworthy look to the Houndour. "Hax our our Haxours." The calm Pokémon told the group.
"That sounds like our call," Misty remarked, standing up and preparing to leave with the group. Everyone followed the Haxours, making their way out of their area.
They passed through the colony of the Dragon-types. The Pokémon had developed an organized home that impressed even Red. The ones mostly out were Axew and Fraxure, the unevolved ones playing or trying to strengthen their tusk. Very few Haxours stayed in the home, often being needed for strategy and fighting.
The Axew happily waved at the group, some of the Fraxure even doing the same as their new comrades. Misty felt pride seeing this, Lillie blushing at the positivity she was receiving. Houndour was not met with cheers, just silence or angry looks when she was looked upon.
They made it to an area with the leader of this whole colony, a Haxours who had one of his tusks broken off. The Dragon-type was serious as his strongest members were with him, ready to create the strategy to end this war. "This one looks serious..." Misty thought to herself as she saw the leader Haxours.
"Frax!" Two Fraxure suddenly stood in Houndour's path, blocking the Fire-type from entering the meeting. She angrily barked at them, claiming that she was with the group. The Fraxure wouldn't budge; just because the group was allowed with the high-ranking members, that didn't mean she had clearance.
Ash came back, not wanting this to escalate. "Are you sure she can't be let in?" The two Fraxure nodded; even one of the Haxours agreed. Ash sighed as he looked at the Fire-type. "Don't worry. We'll make it quick, and Red can always come out if you need him." He assured the Pokémon, going back into the room.
Houndour growled as she saw the Fraxure blocking, knowing they wouldn't budge. She decided to walk off, the two Fraxure closely watching her walk off. She began to craft a way inside since it would most likely be the case that the Haxours would tell the group not to say to her the plan. Houndour walked back to the main area, deep in thought.
She looked around, seeing Axew innocently playing with one another. Fraxure's were going about their day, enjoying each other's company as a group was working on making a new home the younger Axew could use. Houndour stopped briefly, looking around to see how close they were. It reminded it of her home in these caves, and she decided to take a more balanced look at her surroundings.
This place... was actually better than she gave credit for.
Houndour saw how similar they seemed to act, which confused her. They seemed different from the powerful monsters her pack saw in battle. "AXEW!" Houndour was caught off-guard as a happy Axew approached her, instinctively going into a battle position. "Axew axe?" The Axew kindly asked the Pokémon, Houndour growling at him.
Houndour stopped, giving an odd look to the Dragon-type. "Dour? Houndur dour ound our?" The Axew asked her to play with him, the Drak-type asking why he wanted to be with her.
"Axe ax ew Axew!" The Axew said that they weren't enemies since he thought this Houndour was different than the ones they had to fight against. "Axe Axew ew xe."
Houndour looked at the innocent Pokémon, shaking her head. "Hound dou dour Houndour." She lied about having important business to do, ready to walk away. Axew gave a sad look.
"Axe," He pleated to her, looking down. "Axew ax ew Axew ew, Axew ew xe." He explained that his friend didn't want to be with him today, and that his mom was off getting food for them. Houndour stopped as she heard that, looking back to see the innocent Axew feeling slightly sad. Houndour felt a shift in her heart, a sense of pity for the Dragon-type.
This was her enemy, yet also a Pokémon that just wanted to play.
Houndour looked forward, giving a deep sigh. She turned around and came to the Axew. "Houndour ound do?" She asked what game it was in a blunt tone.
"Ax!" Axew suddenly hugged her, Houndour becoming extremely stiff as she had that happen. She gave a very mean look to Axew, following the Dragon-type to where he led her. The Dragon-types watched the pair closely, ready to defend their Axew from Houndour. "Axew ew xew ax Axew!" He explained that they were going to play tag.
Houndour looked confused. "Houn our dour o?" She asked why he wanted a simple game like that.
"Xew ax Axew ew ax xe." Axew said she wasn't an Axew, so they had to play a game that didn't require tusks. Houndour was allowed to be first, Axew getting a slight head start. It didn't matter as Houndour effortlessly chased down Axew, getting him with ease. "Axe Axew ax!" Axew remarked how fast she was with a smile, getting ready to chase her down.
It was clear that Houndour was far faster than Axew in this game, the Dark-type having trained herself to be quick during battle. Houndour was making Axew try his best, sweat coming down. The Fire-type knew she was going faster than she should've, but she wanted to see if this Axew had it in him to keep up. The Dragon-type was breathing heavily, suddenly landing on the ground.
Houndour turned around, actually stopping at seeing the Dragon-type struggling to stand up. A few Fraxure and Axew watched as Houndour approached, seeing the Dark-type had slight concern in her eyes. "Hound... dou our?" She asked if he was alright as she came to him, getting close to him. All of a sudden, Axew placed his hand on her.
Axew being in pain was just an act.
The Dragon-type smirked at Houndour, quickly running away like nothing had happened. Houndour was shocked, quickly trying to catch up. The Fraxure and other Axew laughed at seeing the Dark-type losing her position. Houndour was impressed by Axew, though she was mainly embarrassed that she had fallen for that trick.
The two would continue playing until they tired themselves out. Axew had more energy than Hundour gave credit for, the Dragon-type slowly catching up to her speed. Houndour started to see this as some fun, not just a chore she had to go through. The two were lying on the ground, ending with Houndour being the ultimate victor.
Axew sighed to himself. "Ax xew Axew ew!" He admired Houndour, complimenting her speed. Houndour took it.
"Hound ound do ur our oun hound." She said he wasn't too bad himself, Axew giving a goofy smile at hearing that from the gruff Pokémon. Axew smiled at Houndour, the Fire-type giving a relaxed look in return.
Abruptly, one of Axew's tusks broke off.
Houndour gasped as she quickly stood up. "Hound do our?" She asked in fear. She suddenly realized her tone, quickly correcting herself. "Hound do our?" She asked in a composed way. Axew just nodded.
Axew was unbothered by what happened, picking up the tusk that broke off. "Axe Axew ew. Axew ax ew xew." He said he had been waiting for this to come off, assuring her that it would return stronger in a few days.
"Hou dou our oun?"
Axew nodded. "Axew ax ew xew w!" He swore to keep growing his tusk, looking up at the ceiling as he thought of becoming a mighty Haxours one day. "Axe ax ew Axew!"
Houndour respected the Axew's will. "Houndour hou." She gave her support, offering a small smile to the Dragon-type.
"Ax ew xe w." He returned the favor, hoping she would become a mighty Houndoom one day as well. Houndour looked on, actually having a good time. She still knew her goal, but this time was not as awful as she thought it would be. If only they weren't enemies, maybe they could've been real friends.
Back with the group, the strategy had been finalized. Red and Brock were impressed by the plan the Haxours had already made up before they got there, giving some advice and correcting some flaws. Everyone was given the last rundown of the plan, the Haxours with the lost tusk explaining it to them. "Hax?" He asked the group.
"We understand our role, sir," Red spoke for the group, Haxours nodding. The meeting began to split after that as they had to prepare for tomorrow morning.
The leading Haxours remained as he suddenly saw Ash come up. "Hi!" He kindly greeted, Wartortle by his side. "Sorry to bother you. I just had to ask something."
"Our?" Haxours muttered, letting Ash say what he wanted. The eleven-year-old looked a bit nervous, knowing that the question he would ask might not sit well with the Dragon-type.
"How did you... you know?" Ash pointed to the side of his face, not wanting to say it out loud. Haxours became silent as he looked at Ash. "Sorry if I'm being too personal. I just wanted to know."
Haxours became angry as he recalled what happened. Haxours explained that he got this from one of the first battles during this war, getting surprised attacked by three Houndour and the leader of their side. He was able to beat them and even gave a scar to the leader, but it cost him. Haxours tusk was nowhere to be found, suspecting that their enemy may have taken it as some trophy.
He and his people will enjoy watching their enemies pay.
Ash heard this, feeling bad for Haxours. "That sounds rough, but at least you made it out." He tried to be positive, Haxours having to agree with that statement. Ash shifted around, knowing his next question had an obvious answer. The boy still asked. "I have another question?"
"Haxou our ax ha xours." If it were another personal question, then Ash wouldn't get an answer. The boy shook his head.
"I don't mean that." The boy readied himself, hoping that Haxours would at least hear him out on this. "I was just thinking... do we have to fight them?"
Haxours became still, looking at the boy with a blank expression. His face was unreadable and unnerving as he just stared at the boy. Wartortle got into position, but Haxours didn't look hostile. The silence was very uncomfortable. "Hax our rs?" He asked what Ash meant.
"I mean, do you have to do this? Isn't there a compromise we can all agree on?" Ash tried to specify. "A way where neither of you have to fight and still get what you want?"
Instead of being angered or annoyed, Haxours posed a counter-question. "Hax ours axo ur ha?" How would they do that, he asked.
Ash tried to think, trying to come up with a reasonable response. "Well, could we maybe set up a meeting between you two where you can fully discuss it?" He suggested. "I know you want this land, but so do those Houndoom's and Houndour's."
"Haxoours xour rs hax axour hax?" He asked if Ash thought that the enemy would drop everything to listen.
"I... I don't know that, but is it not worth a try?" The boy looked at the Dragon-type, his peaceful idea slowly being destroyed. He looked down. "I just want the best for everyone, and I'm not the only one who thinks that."
Suddenly, Haxours placed a calm hand on his shoulder. The boy and Pokémon looked at one another. Haxours explained to the boy that war wasn't fair and was not always meant to end happily. This was about more than just territory; it was about persevering the legacy and pride of the Dragon-types that resided here for decades. He pointed to his missing tusk, asking the boy if he would forgive someone if they did that to him.
Ash was silent after hearing that. "Haxour ax ours?" Haxours asked if he understood, and Ash slowly nodded. The Dragon-type offered a kind smile to the kid. "Haxours our ha a xo." Haxours told the boy to return to his friends since he looked like he needed them.
"Yes sir," Ash muttered, he and Wartortle giving a respectful bow as they left. Haxours watched on, recalling how he once thought like Ash when he was an Axew. Compromise needed to be earned, and that was something the Houndoom had not done.
Wartortle looked at his Trainer, seeing how disappointed Ash was after that. "War tor," Wartortle tried to cheer him. "War tortle ort Wartortle wa tor art tle." He assured him they'd get through this, making Ash slightly cheerful.
"There you are," Ryan called out, walking up to them. "You look down. What's wrong?"
"I tried to talk to the Haxours, but he wasn't willing to listen." Ash expressed as the trio, plus Houndour went back to the group. They saw everyone already preparing for sleep, taking out their sleeping bags.
"Is it nine already?" Lillie asked, not believing how much time had passed.
"Unless my phone is lying to me, that would be the time," Misty replied, seeing the four coming. "Good evening. I've discovered Ryan's blanket is comfier, so I've decided to switch ours out for tonight."
Ryan gave a very unimpressed look after hearing that. "Really? I don't steal blankets from you whenever I'm upset." He replied, Misty just giving him a shrug with a sly smile. The girl took something out of her bag, revealing that she still had the Rare Candy from May after all this time.
The girl thought to herself. "This might be the best time, and Magikarp wants to evolve." She went to Red since he was always good with decision-making. "What do you think? I should use it, right?"
Red looked at the candy. "I think so, but let's wait on the Gyarados for now."
"Pika," Pikachu agreed, learning to be as innovative with decisions as Red was. He went to check if Lillie was comfortable enough.
Ash went to Brock, the teenager having already done his task. "Brock, can I be honest with you?"
"Do you have to ask that question?"
Ash gave a small chuckle. "You're right, I shouldn't have even asked." Ash looked at the older boy. "I tried to speak to Haxours about us ending it peacefully, but it didn't work out." He admitted.
Brock saw how down Ash seemed to be, showing the boy comfort. "I know it sucks, but that's how territorial wars tend to be." He gently told Ash. "For one side to be victorious, the other must suffer defeat and loss."
"But that's sad."
Brock completely agreed. "I know it is." He hugged Ash, smiling at him. "Take this as a lesson, so maybe we can help another group of Pokémon with this issue in the future. And besides, you still have us."
"Warto!"
Ash knew they were right, but he wasn't happy about it. "Yeah... I know." Houndour looked on, surprised at how Ash tried to avoid this conflict altogether. She thought to herself. Her mind told her that a future like that wasn't possible, but her heart wanted to believe it could happen.
Nighttime came, or at least that was what Misty said. Everyone was asleep and trying to catch up on their missing hours. The floor wasn't very comfortable, but it's not like they had anything else to lie on. Noibat, despite becoming closer with May, decided to sleep in Ryan's backpack tonight. Red was still in his weird sleeping position as Brock tossed and turned, the boy having difficulty staying asleep.
Brock opened his eyes, placing his hand on his forehead. He looked around to see no one else awake, thinking he could get away with it. The boy quietly stood up, causing Houndour to open her eyes as she saw the boy leave, curiously following him. She stealthily went through the ground, shaking herself when she got out.
Brock took a Poke Ball from his pocket, calling out his Graveler. The Rock-type looked around, not seeing any enemy or threat around him. He saw Brock place down a flashlight to see each other fully. "Grav le?" Graveler asked his Trainer in a loud way.
"Shh!" Brock quickly silenced him, looking around to see if any noise was made. "Don't talk too loudly. Everyone's asleep, alright?"
Graveler quickly nodded, wondering why the boy wasn't doing the same. "Graveler vel eler rav?"
"Well, I had something on my mind, and I couldn't fall asleep with it," Brock said honestly as he looked at him. "If you want to say anything first, do it now because my problem is a bit long."
Graveler sent a sympathetic look to his Trainer, placing one of his rocky hands to assure Brock that he and his team were always there for him. If he needed to say anything, they'd listen. Houndour noticed this, coming out of hiding as she approached the two. "Houndour?"
Brock and Graveler were surprised, Brock quickly calming down. "It's just you," He sighed in relief, giving a kind smile to her. "Did I wake you?"
Houndour shook her head as a lie, looking at the boy with a curious look. "Hound our dou ound our?" She asked what was wrong since Brock was one of the few she could like due to his mature mind. He also gave her food, so she felt she had to make it up.
"I shouldn't be telling you this, but I'm guessing you won't leave me alone until you help me." Houndour nodded, Brock expecting a response like that. "Well, maybe you can give some insight into what I say."
Graveler looked at Brock with worry in his eyes. "Graveler eler avel?"
Brock knew he could be honest here. He wanted to tell the group but knew they couldn't relate. "I feel like I'm stuck right now." He admitted to them, clarifying what he meant. "This isn't about the Haxours or anything related to that, but something I've been feeling for a while."
"Gravele eler gravel ra?"
"Everyone always looks up to me and wants my help. I know they respect and care about me, but it's exhausting." Brock said truthfully, surprising Graveler. "I'm the oldest, which means I always have to be the mature one."
Houndour stepped forward. "Houndou dour ound our ound hou?" She asked if he was unhappy, but the boy shook his head.
"I am happy. They're my friends, and I'm so lucky to have people like that." Brock quickly answered, grateful that he got to meet people like them. "It's just hard being the oldest one. Being the closest thing to the adult."
Graveler suddenly wrapped two arms around Brock, giving a hug to his Trainer. "Graveler eler ravel rave gra ele. Graveler ra ave eler gravele raveler." The Rock-type assured him that it wouldn't always be like this and that he could always ask the group for help.
"I know I should be honest with them, but I worry they'll think of me differently if I do." Brock realized what he had said, chuckling. "I know I'm just making an excuse, but they might not get it."
"Houndour," The Dark-type called out, approaching the boy. "Hound dour do ur ound our dour ound our hound. Hound ou hou ndo ur dou oun, Houndour dour oundo our do." Even though Brock couldn't understand her, he knew the Fire-type was telling him to keep moving. She compared them to a pack, and no pack should be unfair.
"Thank you, Houndour." He said with a smile, breaking the hug with Graveler. He felt good to have that off his chest. "I appreciate you for listening to me. Sorry to have woken you up, though." Graveler and Houndour didn't mind, Graveler giving one last hug before returning to his Poke Ball on his own.
Houndour looked down, deciding to ask a question while Brock was still awake. "Houndour," She began as she looked down. "Hound do our Houndour, o our dour Houndour." Brock looked at the Pokemon with a raised eyebrow, wondering what she was saying.
Brock knelt, Houndour coming over as she pressed her head against his hand. She then moved her body to make Brock's hand touch her chest, the boy taking a few moments to realize what she was saying. "You... you're asking if you should your head or your heart?" Houndour nodded, Brock feeling good for somehow guessing correctly.
"Hmm..." Brock thought to himself, wanting to give a well-rounded answer. "Personally, I trust my head more because I know it's often right. But for you, I'd say you should follow your heart."
"Dour?"
"You seem like the kind of Pokemon that does care, even if you don't like to show it." Houndour felt embarrassed at being called out, wanting to argue against that. "How about this: listen to what both of them say and decide what you agree on."
Houndour took this advice, her mind very split at the moment. "Hound dou." She thanked him, the two exchanging a good night to each other. Houndour sat on the ground while Brock quickly got back to sleep. Houndour was left to think, looking around her surroundings.
Houndour had thought about what Ash had failed to convince Haxours and her time with Axew. She realized that everything wasn't all black and white and that her group and the Dragon-types weren't too far off from each other. She had been fully healed as she began to go, but not to the rest of the group.
She left the place altogether.
Tomorrow came around, and the group's first action was to prepare for the battle ahead.
Only two Haxours and five Fraxure would remain in their home, bringing their best warriors for this battle. The end of the territorial struggle was here, with the Haxours side now having a safe victory. The group just had to play their part, and they could leave after the battle had concluded. Ash was putting on his gloves, making sure that Nidorino would be the first one that he would be sending out.
"War?" Wartortle asked his Trainer, seeing him put his cap on. Ash took a deep breath.
"Ready as I'll ever be." He responded, putting on his backpack. The two walked side by side, knowing what to do now. Despite the circumstances, the two still held hope for a peaceful resolution. That somehow, they didn't have to kick a group out of their home.
"Hey!" Misty surprised the pair from the back, Wartortle getting slightly annoyed by how easily she snuck up on them. "I was worried that you got cold feet, Ashie."
Ash tried to hide it with a smile. "You know I wouldn't just run away like that."
"Oh yeah. You prefer to run into things." Misty remarked with a smirk. The girl could sense that something was wrong with Ash, all their time together giving her a keen sense. "Hey, are you alright? I want the real answer."
Ash gave a small smile, looking at the ground. "I know I should be thinking about what's best for the group, but I don't want to fight these Pokémon away." He admitted. "If I have to, then I guess I have to."
Misty gently grabbed his hand. "I'm not too thrilled about this either, but we're here to help each other. At the end of the day, this is just another Pokémon battle." She reassured him, Ash's smile growing at hearing his best friend say that. Misty offered her own smile.
Ash's face suddenly became fearful. "AHHHH!" Misty looked around in complete worry.
"What? What happened?"
"Nothing," Ash said in a normal tone. "I just wanted to scream." Misty gave a slightly angry look to him, Wartortle just laughing on the ground after that unexpected reaction.
"Ugh! You are so immature." Misty pushed him out of the way as she started walking away. "I swear, how are you my best friend?"
"Do you need me to tell you that, Mist?" Ash questioned back, Misty rolling her eyes as she got out of view. She was annoyed at Ash, but she wasn't upset. Ryan suddenly came over, looking around.
"What was that? I heard a girl screaming?"
Misty pointed behind her. "You might want to ask Ash. He'll give you the real story." She walked by, Ryan deciding to say something before she left.
"Is it because of that, or because it's too embarrassing to say for you?" Misty glared slightly at Ryan, the boy smiling as he knew it was the latter.
Everyone got ready for the battle to come. Ash apologized to Misty, mainly because May and Lillie forced him to. Red, Brock, and the leader Haxours were in charge of this, having the best tactical minds in this force. Haxours looked on ahead. The day of their victory was finally here. "Haxour?" He asked the two, wanting them to bring their best effort.
"I was born ready. Let's go." Red responded. He was willing to make this choice, even if he wasn't happy, and he knew Pikachu was against this idea. The Electric-type would still come with them, but he had no intention of helping.
The massive force marched to where their enemy was, knowing the precise location of their base. They had noticed how quiet it was, especially when they got closer. There seemed to be no one patrolling anywhere, no members walking around. It was getting strange since going this far always meant a fight.
"Frax ure ax Fraxure?" One of the Fraxure asked one of the higher-ranking Haxours, wondering if the enemy knew what kind of help they had.
Haxours thought but shook his head. "Haxour ours ax haxo." He suggested that this may be some trap. Even if it was, the Haxours knew they could handle it.
Red thought to himself about this weird situation. He knew Houndour had disappeared, forcing him to give a convincing lie that he had put her in his Poke Ball, but he didn't want to think that she had betrayed them. Even then, they had to consider the possibility that they had given the enemy an unfair advantage. The forces still kept going, arriving at their final destination.
The enemy base.
They could see the main entrance of the enemy, all the way across a wide-open space that was once a battlefield. Haxours's had once pushed their enemy all the way to their base but ultimately couldn't make it in when reinforcements arrived. That result wouldn't be repeated, as the leader told Haxours's and Fraxure's into prime fighting positions.
Brock had Onix and Graveler at the ready. That is when they suddenly heard a massive number of steps approaching, knowing that their enemy was finally coming. "Keep your position!" Brock instructed everyone.
May and Lillie looked on and saw over fifty Houndour and Houndoom. They approached from their base, staring down at the company that they had been facing for all this time. A Houndoom was in front of everyone, a scar across the left side of his body. The leaders of both sides looked at each other like old enemies, knowing what they did to each other.
The approaching army stopped, and the Houndour they knew was right next to her leader. Houndoom looked at them, seeing the whole scale of what she was doing. "Doom!" He called out the leader, the Haxours stepping forward with a glare. "Houndoom ound oom und oom." He told them, looking at what they went against.
Houndoom looked at Houndour, the girl giving him a reassuring nod. Houndoom wasn't too thrilled about this, but he knew that fighting here and now wouldn't give him the result he wanted. To their shock, the leader Houndoom and Houndour walked over to the other side. Everyone was shocked, even more so when they saw no Houndour or Houndoom following them.
"What is this?" Lillie asked, seeing Haxours also coming to them. The two parties went to each other, stopping when they were only a foot away. The Fraxure and Haxours waited to strike at the perfect moment, the scene becoming tense as both sides looked at each other. Houndoom took a deep breath, moving forward.
Instead of attacking them, Houndoom sat on the ground.
"Houn doom oom do oundoom doom ound," To lose your life for your people is a great sacrifice, he began to say. "Om doom Houndoom ound doom houn." But to live for your people was an even greater sacrifice.
Everyone on the enemy side was not expecting this at all, some thinking that Houndoom probably lost his mind if he was actually saying this. Our group knew that the Houndour in front was the one they had known, Brock realizing what was happening. Houndour has chosen to follow her heart, and her heart told her to attempt the same thing that Ash had wanted. Ash couldn't be happier that this was happening.
"Houndour..." Ryan looked in awe.
Houndoom looked up at Haxours. "Houndoom ound do ound doom, Houndoom ound hou doom houndoo." He said that they were enemies, but they agreed that none wanted to fight like this anymore. "Houndoom doom ound do ound, doom ound houh oundoom, hound o un ndo om." If giving up now meant protecting his family from pain, then he chooses to live for them.
Houndour also sat down, hiding her fear as she looked at him. "Hound dour, Houndour?" She asked him what he picked.
The silence rang out, Haxours still looking distrustfully at his territorial enemy. He didn't want to believe it, but he knew Houndoom was too prideful to say this without meaning it. He was prideful himself, but he wouldn't admit it. Haxours and Fraxure looked at their leader, knowing his choice would change everything. To cause a fight that had no reason to be or to reach a conclusion they could all be satisfied with.
Haxours said nothing, suddenly taking a knee.
Houndoom and Houndor looked up at him. "Haxours ha axo ours hax." He said that he chooses to live as well.
Both sides were left in shock. These two had finally put aside their pride and desire for more to reach a peaceful resolve, one where both sides didn't have to lose anything. Ash was so proud of them for finally seeing the right way, even stepping out of his position. Everyone else followed when they saw that fighting was no longer necessary.
"Haxo urs ha ax ou urs Haxours," Haxours said that he didn't want to have a friendship with them. "Axo haxo urs haxou ours s. Haxours ha ur?" But he agreed to negotiate with them, asking Houndoom to agree with that.
The two Dark-types bowed their head at this request, Haxours giving the same gesture. Both leaders faced their sides. "Doom hound ound oom ound Houndoom d Houndoom!"
"Haxo ax urs Haxours a Haxours!" Both armies were told to drop their guard finally, Houndoom's side following the order without question. The Dragon-types were initially hesitant, but they all complied with the mandate. Pikachu looked around, impressed that they could reach a non-violent conclusion.
The two sides looked at each other, not knowing what would happen now. A few Haxours were annoyed they had prepared so hard for nothing. Ash and Red came to where the two leaders were, the eleven-year-old smiling at them. "I'm grateful that no damage had to happen," Red spoke to Houndoom in a well-mannered way. "Now that you have made peace, you better keep it."
Both leaders knew this, Houndour barking happily. She began to rush straight to Brock, a few of the Haxours seeing the Pokémon run up to him. Brock went down and petted the Fire-type. "I'm guessing this was your doing." Houndour nodded, knowing she had to take the credit. "Glad you took my advice to heart. Although, how did you convince your leader to listen to you?"
Houndour smirked. "Houndour, do ur undo ur oundour hou." She remarked how easy it is when your brother is the leader—Wartortle and Brock were flabbergasted by this.
"Ar Wartortle?" Houndour just shrugged, knowing that was the reaction she would get. She returned to her older brother, the leader sending a soft look to his sibling. Haxours smiled at seeing these two, recognizing the Houndour for who she was.
He always knew but sensed that Houndour didn't want violence. Looks like his instinct was right once more.
"So that's it, then? No battle?" Misty asked out loud.
"Seems to be that way," Brock replied, not expecting it to be this easy. Lillie was very relieved about this, as well as Ryan, though the boy still wanted a challenge of some kind.
"I'm glad that both sides can see eye to eye. Well, not literally, but you know." Ash remarked, realizing that one group was far taller than the other. "Thank you, Houndoom and Houndour. I hope your people reach a fair agreement."
Houndoom hoped the same. "War," Wartortle smiled with a thumbs up, telling them to try their hardest with this negotiation. Pikachu gave the same support as well.
"Ound doom, Houndoom," Haxours watched as the leader suddenly ran back to their base, everyone moving out of the way for him. He returned as something was on his back, Haxours freezing at what he saw. On the back of the Fire-type was something he wanted back.
The missing piece of his tusk.
Haxours quickly snatched it, giving a snarl to them. "Dour Houndour dou houn ound our." Houndour explained that he should have this back. "Hou und ound our do ur dour, dou houn r ur do." Despite the scars inflicted on each of them, she hoped that were be no hard feelings to either of them.
Houndoom looked at Haxours, seeing the Dragon-type hold the piece of him close to his chest. Haxours looked away, stepping away from them. Houndoom looked at his own scar, seeing that it was still new. He wasn't all about peace talks, but it didn't seem as impossible as it seemed to be.
"Haxours," Haxours called to everyone, still holding the piece. "Axour ours axo!" Haxours told them to go home, Houndoom following his example. The two armies quickly went away with their leader. Houndoom was all that remained, seeing the group start to leave them.
"Thank you, Houndoom," Ryan said gratefully. Lillie quickly realized she had to say something.
"G-good luck!"
"I hope everything works in the end." Brock the pair, ready to leave with the others. He heard barking, shocked to see Houndour come to him again. He kneeled once more. "What? You want a personal goodbye?"
Houndour chuckled but shook her head. Houndour looked down, almost like she was nervous about something. Despite her attitude, she had trouble summoning courage when asking for something. "Houdoom," Her brother called to her, the older one sending a smile to his sibling.
Houndour faced Brock, placing her two front legs on his chest. "Houndour," She began, not believing that she would ever ask this of someone. "ound our und Houndour?" Brock was surprised at her request.
"You want me to be your Trainer?"
Houndour nodded. Her viewpoint had already changed after meeting this group. If she stuck with them, maybe she could see everything in more than one lens. "Wow, Brock!" Ash smiled at the boy as he heard this. "Houndour wants to join you!"
"War tor!"
Misty sent him a smile. "Well, would you do the honors?" She asked him since she wouldn't pass up on this.
"Houndour must respect you a lot if she wants to be with you," Lillie remarked, knowing a good deal about them. Pikachu and Red sent him a thumbs-up, and Ryan sent his best friend a quick nod. It looked like everything was pointing in one direction.
Brock gave a respectful smile to Houndour. "It would be an honor to have you on my team. You may not seem too much action, but I promise to teach you everything I know." Houndour nodded, seeing Brock take out a Poke Ball.
Houndour gently bit down on his arm, making the boy stop. She made him pick a different ball from his bag, looking satisfied when she saw a Great Ball in his hand. "Dour," She nodded as she was ready.
Ryan and Brock had a sweat drop. "Really? She cares about what ball is used on her?"
"I can tell this relationship is going to be fun," Brock said sarcastically as he put Houndour in the ball. The whole shaking process went by without any complications. The ball stopped moving as he picked it up from the ground. Houndoom came to the Trainer. "I promise that she'll be safe with us."
Houndoom took his word for it. Because if they didn't, Houndoom would personally come out with his group, find them, and beat the snot out of them. "Doom," Luckily, he shouldn't have to do that.
"Great job, Brock!" Ash complimented his best friend.
"That was good!" May complimented as well, Noibat resting on the girl's shoulder. "It was easy, but you did great!"
"Thanks," Brock brought out Houndour again. The Dark-type came out in a good mood, bringing Brock down as she began to lick his face in affection for her new Trainer.
Brock chuckled as he saw Houndour lick his face. "Hey! That tickles." He laughed. Houndoom smiled to himself, knowing that his sister would be safe with these caring Trainers.
The group was back on the base, and things were tense.
The leader Haxours had wanted to be alone from everyone. They could tell that having the tusk back in his possession was sentimental for the Pokémon and respected his request for isolation. Though the other Haxours assured them they did no wrong and were even willing to show them the way out that they promised, no one wanted to leave until the leader was finally alright.
Ryan had decided to go and help out the Dragon-type. The boy wanted to prove that he could help out, and he had something that might end up working. "Alright, just scream if you need my help," Brock assured the kid as they walked to where the leader was.
"Don't worry, I doubt he's that mad," Ryan responded. Two Haxours blocked their way, keeping their leader protected. "Please. I wish to go in alone to speak with him. It is important and will be quick." The two Pokémon looked at each other, allowing only Ryan to pass through. Brock gave him some last bit of good luck as he went in.
The boy saw Haxours sitting on the ground, holding his missing tusk in his hands. "Haxours hax ou?" Haxours calmly asked what he was doing here, not wanting to be disturbed.
Ryan tried to be brave. "I-I know that you are sad with your tusk being broken, but that's why I came here." He explained, Haxours giving him an uncredible look. "It won't be able to fix your horn, but it can at least help it."
Ryan took something out of his bag, taking out some strong medical tape they had. Haxours looked at the white tape, then up at Ryan. "Haxou urs our axou axours." He asked if Ryan was being serious.
"Yeah, it's not a great solution." He had to admit. "But it's better than nothing at all, right?" Haxours had to agree there, giving an angry sigh as he handed his broken tusk to Ryan. The boy quickly got to work fixing the Dragon-type, even though Haxours felt personally offended that a low-level Trainer was touching his prized tusks.
Ryan managed to secure it in place, getting the tape out. "So, why are you upset about getting your tusk back?" Ryan asked, still confused by why Haxours was angry with that fact. "Is it dishonorable for your kind?"
Haxours just gave an annoyed huff. "Hax our acour axours ours rs s Haxours a xo axou our!" He complained about Houndour giving him his tusk in the first place. "Haxours a xo xou ours ax xo urs axours Haxours ha haxo xours!" Even though they had reached a peaceful conclusion, he felt it was dishonorable to have his enemy return his weapon because he wanted to reclaim it alone.
"So, you're complaining about getting your tusk back because it was not how you wanted it to be?" Ryan asked, Haxours seeing that the boy was pretty spot on with his question. "I don't know. I would be just happy that I got it back at all."
Haxours just sighed, feeling the tape secure his tusk. "Haxours axo ours axo ou urs rs a ha Haxours axou haxours." He admitted that he was just under some stress since he knew finding a peaceful solution with their enemy would be more complex than just simply fighting them. "Haxours Haxours axou urs axours haxou a xo x our." He knew that his people greatly admired him, and so he wanted to make the best decision for them.
Ryan sent a sympathetic look to the Dragon-type. One hand gently held the area that he tapped the tusk back on. "I think you are just worried because you are the hope for everyone." Haxours looked at him, seeing what he had to say. "I can't relate to that because no one has ever expected me of that. I doubt I could be a good leader if I had to." He admitted with a small smile, still holding the tusk. "You they still care about you, because you their Haxours. No matter what choice you may make, or what you look like on the outside."
Haxours thought about this, realizing that what he said had truth behind it. He knew that everyone would ultimately love and follow him, even if they had to travel to the very center of the planet. "Haxo ours axo urs Haxours." He said after a moment, sending his thanks for the talk and tape. Ryan still held the area, now with both hands.
"It seems secure," Ryan remarked, smiling at the mighty dragon. "It may not last, but I hope it makes you feel like yourself." He said to Haxours, the Dragon-type still thinking. "Well, I need to go. Just come out whenever you can." Ryan said as he left him alone, leaving out the same way we came.
Ryan would return to the group, being met with the smiling form of Lillie. "Hey! Did you talk to him?"
"I did, but I think he might need some time for himself," Ryan responded honestly. "Wish we could leave now, but I'm willing to wait."
"I doubt any of us would choose to remain here now," Red said to the group. He wasn't being mean; he was just being right. May petted her Noibat. The Flying-type had agreed to be her Pokémon, the girl having officially captured him just a few minutes beforehand.
"The more I look at you, the more cute you are," May said to the Pokémon, Noibat smiling at the compliment. The Haxours suddenly came to them, now in a far better mood than before.
"Hax ours axours ours rs?" He asked in a happy tone, asking them if they were ready to leave. Everyone was glad to see the Dragon-type out, but that is when they noticed something. The tusk no longer had any tape on it, but the broken piece of the tusk was still on there.
In fact, it looked like the tusk had fixed itself.
This left everyone in surprise. "What?" Red called out, knowing that a broken Haxours tusk couldn't be fixed. He looked at the tusk of the happy Haxours, seeing that signs of damage were present. "How can this be?"
"That's not right," Brock looked at the tusk as well, then at Ryan. "Ryan, what did you do?"
Ryan was as surprised as everyone else. "I-I just put the tape on there with my own two hands. I don't know what happened." Haxours came to Ryan, suddenly picking up the boy in a massive hug. The Dragon-type was grateful for the talk they had, the leader vowing to keep moving forward no matter what. He would try to make peace for his group and for these Trainers he had the pleasure of meeting.
The leader was very grateful to the group, and everyone with the Dragon-type were also thankful for Ash and his company. The leader would kindly show them the way out of this place, and they were allowed to come through this place again as allies, not enemies. Making peace would be challenging, but Haxours believed it could be achieved. Yet, the group was very inquiring about something.
"How did Haxours get his tusk repaired?" That is a question they would all ponder, but that was not the focus as the clan of Dragon-types was praising them. Besides, not even Haxours had the answer when they asked for it.
Misty gave a massive sigh. "What a day," She said in an exasperated tone. "I'm ready to sleep. What about you?"
"You want to sleep? We didn't even do much today." Lillie replied, knowing that it was now only the afternoon. Misty quickly stopped her.
"The important thing is, we are all tired." She spoke for the group, suddenly pointing to Red. "Look at Red. He is exhausted."
"No. I require adequate sleep, but I crave the sun more than anything else." Red spoke honestly, making Misty look wrong for assuming that of him. Pikachu was the exact opposite of his Trainer; he was actually kind of scared to experience the sun again.
They were finally on the right path that Haxours had given them, exchanging their last goodbyes as they moved forward. Their simple trip through the cave was a bit longer than expected, but they were finally within moments of going outside. They didn't plan to travel much after that since Lavender Town was nearby, and only Ash had the energy to go.
"Noi bat noib at oibat?" Noibat asked his new Trainer while sitting on her shoulder. May sent a kind smile to her Dragon-type.
"Don't worry, the sun isn't as bad as you think. Just don't look up at it."
"Are you excited about experiencing the outside?" Brock asked Noibat, to which the Pokémon happily nodded. May approached Lillie, seeing the girl trying to adjust her clothes.
"I wouldn't call this fun, but it was an experience," May said truthfully.
"I thought this was fun," Lillie replied, surprising May. "Not only did we get to help people, but I was allowed to know you guys a bit more." The two smiled at the point, May fully agreeing with that point.
May decided to ask a question since everything was calm now. "So, Lillie, Red says you have a brother." May began as she looked at her. "I have a younger brother of my own. I was wondering if we could share their names."
At the simple request, Lillie became slightly fearful. "Um... how about not today?" She responded with a nervous smile. "I'd rather do it another time."
"Okay. I understand," May agreed, knowing there was something else as she saw Lillie go near the front. Noibat looked curiously back and forth, wondering what that was about. Red looked at the ten-year-old coming up to her.
"Bat?"
He gently tapped her shoulder, whispering in her ear. "Don't worry, even I don't know his name. Lillie doesn't seem comfortable about sharing personal information with anyone, even I only know the bare minimum about her."
"Isn't that a little suspicious?"
Red shrugged. "if someone wants to be quiet, I'll honor their wish." He answered in an even tone. A sharp gasp suddenly got everyone's attention.
"I see the light!" Ash exclaimed in pure joy, holding the Dratini egg close to him. They looked forward, seeing a bright light peer out of the dark tunnel. Ash and Wartortle wasted no time, picking up the pace as they ran for it.
"Hey!" Misty called out, running after them. Everyone began to run after that, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. They could feel the warmth of the sun growing, the sounds from outside, and even the path outside this place. They stepped out, most covering their eyes.
It felt hot outside, the heat hitting everyone without warning. It took a couple of seconds for their eyes to adjust fully. They looked at their surroundings, seeing they were in a different part of the outside. The trees and plants seemed a lot greener, and they could fully see some stains on their clothes that they had missed. Pikachu quickly rubbed his eyes, seeing something in the far distance.
There was a town about ten miles away. Lavender Town.
Noibat had difficulty adjusting to the exposure of the light, taking a minute before he could fully see again. He looked around at the nature, stunned that he had missed out on all this. He looked around, noticing the bright blue sky above with some clouds. His eyes suddenly landed on the sun.
He had to quickly look away, his eyes burning after seeing that. "I told you not to look." May simply told him, Noibat knowing why May had given him that advice.
"Could someone turn down the sun? It's a bit brighter than what it is meant to be." Red joked, looking around. He and Pikachu took a deep breath, feeling the clean air around them. "It's... pleasant."
"Pika pi..."
Misty smiled as she took in some air too. "I agree." She spoke in a soft tone before talking loudly. "This seems like a good spot for a nap."
"I agree," Brock was already getting stuff ready for their sleep, glad the ground was far more stable than before.
Sunset had come, and everyone was still up.
A nice fire was going as everyone was doing their own thing, now feeling energized after a two-hour nap. The girls had grouped together, talking amongst each other. Brock and Ryan enjoyed some tea the older boy made while Red and Pikachu were preparing everything for sleeping. Ash and Wartortle were taking care of the Pokémon outside of the Poke Balls.
Brock's Zubat, Misty's Jigglypuff, Ryan's Oddish, and May's Beldum gathered around the boy. Noibat was also out but was hanging upside down from a nearby tree to try and get a good sleep schedule. Ash's Pidgey rested on his shoulder, reading a book to the Pokémon around him. Wartortle was in charge of the Dratini egg, telling him to alert Ash if anything happened.
Ash was reading them a fantasy book, which was his favorite genre, and put so much emotion into his voice. "My armour is like tenfold shields, my teeth are swords, my claws spears, the shock of my tail a thunderbolt, my wings a hurricane, and my breath death!" He said boomingly, giving a powerful voice to the character he was quoting.
"Bat!" Zubat listened closely, loving this chapter they were on. Jigglypuff's and Oddish's reactions were the best because they were so expressive. Beldum sat there, finding the story enjoyable, though its pacing was slow for his taste. Ash continued, standing up to empathize the important dialogue. They were there for a couple more minutes, absorbing every word they could read.
Ash said the last paragraph. "He rose in fire and went away south towards the Running River!" He spoke in a serious tone. That is when Ash suddenly closed the book, smiling at the group.
Zubat looked around, thinking that this was how it would end. "Zu ubat?" Pidgey quickly calmed them down, explaining that the chapter was just over in a rather blunt way. She enjoyed the story, but she didn't like how she had to move whenever Ash got too deep into character.
"Odd!" Oddish and Beldum begged Ash to keep going, Zubat and Jigglypuff quickly joining them.
"Don't worry, we'll finish it tomorrow." He assured everyone. "Besides, aren't any of you getting tired?" Everyone shook their heads, with Beldum shaking his entire body.
Lillie quickly sighed in relief. "I forgot how nice silence was," She joked, May and Misty sharing a good laugh. Ash went over to his egg, seeing it move around a lot. He knew the time was not too far, and he would stay up all night if it meant meeting his Dratini.
"Jig?" Jigglypuff gently tugged his pants, giving him a begging look, complete with fake tears. All the Pokémon suddenly started to do it, and even Wartortle decided to help them. Pikachu thought about helping but saw that Ash was already getting overwhelmed.
Ash simply couldn't say no as he playfully rolled his eyes. "Alright. One page, and no more." All the Pokemon began to cheer at what they could squeeze out of the kid.
Brock shook his head in a joking way. 'Tsk, tsk, tsk. I thought you would've been stronger than that, Ash." He said as he and Ryan washed the dishes.
"What can I say? I was swarmed." Ash sat down right beside his egg. "You scamps better enjoy this."
"Beldum dum bel." Beldum told him that was the plan, everyone getting in position to listen to Ash once again. The boy reached the page, getting his throat in prime condition for this.
"In the meanwhile, the dwarves sat in darkness, and utter silence fell-"
Abruptly, the egg suddenly began to grow white.
Everyone stopped what they were doing as they looked on, Ash dropping his book on the ground as he came to his egg. Red was marveled by what he saw, never having seen this before. 'I-it's happening. It's really happening." Lillie said in shock.
"Oh no! Do I look good? Is my hair fine?" May worried, worried she wouldn't look her best for this.
Ryan quickly steadied himself. "Ok. You got this. You've been preparing to be a good uncle for this." He reminded himself. Ash sat by his egg, having the same smile he had when he got Squirtle that day.
"What do you look like, my little dragon?" He thought to himself, seeing the egg grow bright one last time. The egg seemingly disappeared, revealing a Pokémon curled up on the ground.
Dratini had finally arrived!
Dratini was a reptilian Pokémon with a blue serpentine body and a white underside. She had a white, three-pronged fins on the sides of her head and a white bump on the forehead, resembling a small horn. She had a round, white snout. Everyone became silent as they saw Dratini slowly raise her head, sensing the unfamiliar surroundings.
She had struggled to open her eyes, revealing her deeply purple pupils. "Dra?" She muttered, looking around at the new world she was brought into. She then saw all these massive creatures around her, becoming fearful when she looked at the group. "Dra!" She curled up into a ball, crying as she worried what might happen.
Everyone was caught off-guard by the crying. "Oh. Did we scare you?" Misty realized that they probably overwhelmed the poor girl. "Don't worry. We're not here to hurt you." She said in a sweet voice.
Dratini still didn't look up, everyone looking around as they were unsure what to do for the scared Pokémon. "Hey..." Ash gently called to her. Dratini recognized that voice, as it was the one she heard the most when she was in the egg. She slowly looked up at the boy. "You don't have to be afraid."
Dratini looked around, still afraid to see this new world she was part of. "Wartortle," The Water-type sat by his Trainer. Dratini looked at the second familiar voice, seeing the fellow Pokémon didn't want to fight. "War tor ortle tor tle arto." He assured her.
Ash offered a gentle hand. "Let us start again. I'm Ash, this is Wartortle." He explained to her, Dratini looking at the hand offered. She cautiously approached, worried that something terrible would happen as she got closer. She touched the hand, her quickly subsiding at the caring touch Ash had. Ash smiled at seeing Dratini like this. "People say I have soft hands."
Dratini stopped tearing up, looking at the boy who had taken care of her after all this time. Misty had suddenly come over, Dratini looking up at the girl. "Yo," She kindly greeted, sitting down next to them. "Name's Misty. I don't mean to brag, but I'm the best person in this group." She said with fake smugness, trying to play with the Dratini.
"She's right. She's the best lying person in the group." Ash corrected, the girl playfully rolling her eyes. She offered her hand as Dratini slithered to her. Her touch was a mix of rough and soft, Dratini finding it peculiar.
Ryan excitedly came over, a big smile on his face. "Hi, little Dratini." He greeted. Dratini looked at the energized boy, Ryan giving her a soft look. "You're... a lot smaller than I thought you'd be. Don't worry. I promise to be the best uncle for you!" He said with passion. Dratini looked at Ryan in awe, feeling safe in the boy's presence.
"He's Ryan," Ash clarified for her.
May sat down, gushing at the adorable thing. She excitedly waved to her. "What's up?" Dratini had no idea what she said, but May kept her optimistic speech. "I'm May, and I think you are the cutest Dragon-type ever." She complimented, offering her hand. Dratini felt how happy the girl was. May was no longer in fear when Pokémon touched her.
Red deadened down in the circle that everyone was making. "I am Red." He introduced himself. The boy was happy about this moment but tried to remain composed. "You have hatched before us, and it is an honor to welcome you to this world."
"Pikachu!" Pikachu happily introduced himself, and Dratini saw the other Pokémon. She looked at the hand offered by Pikachu, calming down as the Electric-type gently petted her. She went to Red, allured by the boy's relaxed presence.
Red gained a big smile, laughing a bit at how silky she felt. "Y-your so... soft." He remarked, actual joy on his face. Ash and Lillie smiled at seeing him like this since he never showed this side of himself that much.
"Greetings. My name is Lillie," Her voice was very calming, soothing the Dragon-type, no longer in fear. "It is a pleasure to meet you. You remind me of my Pokémon, Snowy, when she hatched." Dratini approached the girl, her touch even being softer than Ash's. Brock was the last one to come.
"Good thing you saved the best for last," Brock remarked, Dratini seeing that he was larger than any of the other Trainers. "You can call me Brock or any nickname you make for me. Just don't make it embarrassing, alright?" Dratini felt his touch. It was a bit gruff but very caring underneath it all.
Dratini looked at the group before her, seeing a bunch of Pokémon she had not been introduced to yet. She saw Ash gently pat his lap. "You don't have to be afraid. You have a place here. With us." Dratini looked at the lap, slithering with her less-than-impressive speed. She went to Ash's lap, the Pokémon looking up as the boy looked down. Ash petted her long body, the Dragon-type feeling attached to the boy already.
She felt safe when he was near her.
Red offered a more calm smile than before. "You're a perfect joy, all in the shape of a Dratini." Dratini didn't know what Red meant by that but assumed that it had to be a good thing.
END OF CHAPTER 19
And that's a wrap! Thanks again for checking out the chapter, and I hope you have a great rest of your day. I understand these two were much shorter and different than other chapters, but I'm still getting used to writing actual stories again. I'll try to have more character interactions and personality show in the next chapter.
I mean that, and I'm glad you guys stuck around for so long. It makes coming here and writing for hours a lot more bearable with you around. Time for a three-day break!
Ash's Team: Wartortle (M), Pidgey (F), Nidorino (M), Bulbasaur (M), Chimchar (M)
Misty's Team: Starmie (N/G), Azumarill (M), Horsea (F), Magikarp (M), Jigglypuff (F), Squirtle (F)
Misty's Other Members: Seaking (F)
Ryan's Team: Pinsir (M), Butterfree (M), Jangmo-o (M), Oddish (M), Slowpoke (M), Ponyta (Galarian, F)
Brock's Team: Graveler (M), Onix (M), Zubat (M), Eevee (M), Houndour (F)
May's Team: Beldum (Shiny, N/G), Charmander (M), Noibat (M)
Red's Team: Pikachu (M), Eevee (M), Ivysaur (M), Charmeleon (M), Wartortle (M)
Lillie's Team: Snowy (Alolan Ninetails, F), Bobby (Flaffy, M), Celestia (Clefable, F), Terry (Trapinch, M)