"Alright," Dave clapped his hands together. "Observations people. What did we see today?"
He and his subordinates were sitting around a campsite; a circle of five tents in a clearing under the stars. There were pokémon acting as sentries at the edge of camp, and Dave knew that there were a few more pokémon waiting unseen in the forest. The humans were gathered in the center of the campsite, sitting around a portable electric stove, and holding recently emptied dishes.
"The number of squirtles haven't changed," Anne spoke up. "It looks like they all came with the primary and secondary targets."
"The electric type we encountered is a possible candidate for the electric type that was deployed alongside that onix," a man with brown eyes and black hair said.
"Same with the flying type," another man, one with purple hair, pointed out.
"They have a butterfree," a woman with cyan hair said, "that has a counter to Supersonic."
"Good, good, good," Dave said, jotting down some notes in a flip open notebook. "Keep it coming people."
"The charmander is willing and able to fight," the cyan haired woman pointed out. "It's just not very skilled."
"The human trainer is skilled, but inexperienced," Dave said, jotting down his thoughts. "He came up with a way to paralyze Aron, but he's impulsive. He took the hit for a squirtle instead of using a pokémon."
"I think the bulbasaur was acting independently of the trainer," Anne said, a pensive expression on her face. "The trainer didn't seem to give it any orders and I think the trainer and his pokémon would change or delay their plan to adapt to its actions."
"The squirtles were less effective today," Dave chewed on the cap of his pen. "It might be because they're used to working together as a larger group, or it might be because the one of the other pokémon were directing them earlier."
"We also made sure to hit them with type advantage and an ability that hard counters their primary attacks," the black-haired man said. "That may have factored into the drop in their performance."
"Another good point," Dave muttered.
"The boy and his pokémon are close," the purple haired man said in a quiet voice, looking down. "They got rather angry when he was hurt."
"Is that really relevant Toji?" Dave asked, rolling his eyes in exasperation.
"I don't know, is it?" Toji, shot back, meeting Dave's eyes. After a moment Dave jotted it down in his notebook.
"It might be," Dave admitted with a slight nod in Toji's direction. "Anything else people?"
Nobody else had anything to add.
"Ikue," Dave turned to the cyan haired woman. "How long will your bellsprout take to recover?"
"She should be fine in a day," Ikue replied.
"Everyone else's pokémon took general damage, they should be ready to fight again in the morning," Dave told his people. "Unfortunately, that goes for a lot of their pokémon as well. On the other hand, we held a lot of pokémon in reserve today. We know what pokémon they have and we know how they fight."
Dave looked around, meeting everyone's eyes.
"Once all of our bellsprouts are fully recovered, we'll strike and kill our targets," he went on. "Tend to your pokémon tonight. Rest tomorrow. And then we'll figure out how we're going to end this."
The sun rose, spilling golden light over the gentle hills of the forest, sunlight filtering through the dying leaves, briefly turning them incandescent and creating a kaleidoscope of red, yellow, and orange. A chill autumn breeze blew through the landscape, stirring up leaves from the forest floor in a whispering rustle and causing branches to sway as if the trees were gently shaking themselves to wakefulness.
Bulbasaur opened one eye to the scene and then closed it. A few seconds later both eyes opened and Bulbasaur groaned.
Morning already, it ain't right, the grass type grumbled as he got up and then he too shook himself to full wakefulness.
He looked around, glaring at the sleeping pokémon scattered all around him and the three tents in the center of their makeshift camp. Bulbasaur grumbled even more when he noticed that the squirtles who were supposed to be on the last watch had fallen asleep. They were leaning back against the trees they had been sitting under.
Time to wake up! Bulbasaur shouted. Vines came out and the various members of the Squirtle Squad found themselves far more shaken than the trees.
Five more minutes, Squirtle mumbled, his angular sunglasses askew. Instead of giving him the time, Bulbasaur's vine wrapped around his foot and then dangled him in the air, shaking him up and down like coins might fall out of his shell.
Hey! Stop! I'm awake, I'm awake! Squirtle shouted, sunglasses falling off. You can put me down now!
If you insist, Bulbasaur said with a shrug and then let go of Squirtle. The water type barely had time for a yelp before he crashed face first into the dirt.
I see you're in a fine mood this morning, Squirtle grumbled as he picked himself up.
Finding out that the sentries were sleeping on the job always puts me in a fine mood, Bulbasaur growled, shooting a glare at the squirtles in question. The two squirtles blushed, clasped their hands behind their back, looked away from Bulbasaur and fidgeted.
Don't hold it against them. We had a tough day yesterday, their leader said with a yawn, before retrieving his sunglasses. Type advantage was not in our favor.
I'm pretty sure the machop did more to you then the bellsprouts, Bulbasaur informed him.
The machop did more damage, but the poliwag and the bellsprouts are what let it hit us, Squirtle replied as he put his sunglasses back on. But now that we know their tricks, we'll be ready for them. Round two will go a lot differently. He pounded his fist into his palm to emphasis the point.
But now they'll know our tricks as well, Bulbasaur told the water types. And we don't know how many of them there are.
True, Squirtle grimaced. We'll have to deal with that when it comes.
I'll talk with Ash, Bulbasaur went on. Maybe we can think of some way to deal with those bellsprouts. Pidgeotto might be able to do something.
Ash, huh, Squirtle said, looking away from Bulbasaur.
I never thought I'd see a human do something like that, one of the others squirtles piped up.
I know my old trainer never would, another added.
Poor human, that looked like it hurt a lot, another one said.
It was pretty stupid.
But it was awesome!
I'm just glad the boss didn't have to take another hit, one of the squirtles said, looking over at the squad's leader. I don't think he could've taken it.
It wouldn't have been fun, Squirtle admitted, not looking at any of the other pokémon.
Pikachu is correct, that boy is an idiot, Bulbasaur huffed. He should've had Pidgeotto attack instead of throwing himself in the way. He ain't gonna live long if he keeps acting like that.
Life's short as it is, one of the squirtles said, waving away Bulbasaur's concerns. We all should focus on being cool instead. And that was so cool!
Well, at first, another squirtle said, looking pensive. But dealing with the injury got pretty boring. He didn't do anything other than lie there and cry.
Do humans ever sew pokémon wounds shut? One of the other squirtle's asked. Does it hurt?
Most of the time they don't need to, Bulbasaur answered. We heal pretty quick and if that's not enough a potion will generally work. It's only for very serious cases that they give a pokémon stitches. And it does hurt if they don't have anything to make you numb.
Speaking from experience? Squirtle asked, finally looking at Bulbasaur again.
Yes, Bulbasaur replied. Humans aren't like us. It hurts worse for them if they don't get numbed first.
Really, Squirtle said, looking away again.
Enough chit-chat, Bulbasaur declared. You lot should go wake up the humans so we can all have something to eat. Now get!
Most of the Squirtle Squad took to the assigned task with a minimum of groaning and complaining. But their leader hung back, looking out into the forest.
Bulbasaur, Squirtle said in a hesitant manner. Can I ask you a question?
What? Bulbasaur asked with a roll of his eyes. Can't this wait?
I'd rather not, Squirtle said. What Ash did yesterday… is that what the good trainers you knew would've done?
The stupid ones, Bulbasaur snorted, not the good ones. The good ones wouldn't've done it.
What would they have done?
What I said earlier, Bulbasaur rolled his eyes again. Have Pidgeotto take care of the attack. Type advantage would've meant she would've had an easy time counter-attacking.
What if your good trainer didn't have Pidgeotto with them? Squirtle asked, turning away from Bulbasaur, leaving the grass type unable to see his expression. Or Pikachu? What would they have done then?
Bulbasaur was silent for a moment, starting at the back of Squirtle's shell. Squirtle continued to stare off into the forest.
They….. Bulbasaur sighed, they probably would've done what Ash did.
What about the bad trainers you knew? Would any of them done something like that?
Some might've, Bulbasaur said with a shrug. It depends on why they were bad. Humans can be complicated like that.
Do you think Ash is a bad trainer? Squirtle asked without turning around.
He's reckless and stupid, but he cares for his pokémon and they care for him, Bulbasaur answered.
Is that a yes or a no?
It depends on what you're looking for, Bulbasaur told the water type. What are you looking for Squirtle?
Squirtle didn't answer at first. Bulbasaur rolled his eyes, sighed, and began to walk away. But just before he left, Bulbasaur heard Squirtle say one more thing.
I'm just wondering about what I found.
Doesn't it hurt? Charmander asked Ash.
Morning was almost gone and the sun was nearing the apex of its journey in the sky. The group had been traveling for a couple of hours. Their pace had slowed, a fact that frustrated Ash and Bulbasaur to no end.
But Melanie refused to let Ash push himself too hard.
"If you want to get better, then you'll rest," Melanie had scolded him when the boy had tried to have everyone pick up the pace. "Otherwise you'll set back your recovery."
"I can recover plenty at the pokémon center," Ash had tried to protest, but Melanie wouldn't hear it.
So, Ash sulked at the back of the group with Charmander.
No, Ash lied even as he felt his back throb with pain. If he pretended it didn't hurt then maybe everyone would start moving faster.
Really? Charmander tilted his head, leaned back and looked at Ash's back and stiff walk. Why are you walking so weird then?
I'm just stiff, Ash said with gritted teeth.
He's just acting tough, Pikachu said, trotting along by Ash's feet.
I'm fine, Ash growled.
Ignore him. He's just grumpy. He didn't sleep well, Pikachu continued as if he hadn't heard Ash.
I'm fine! Ash insisted.
You don't sound fine, Charmander noted.
Okay, yes it hurts, Ash admitted, throwing up his hands and then wincing as the motion sent a shot of pain up and down his back.
See, just acting tough, Pikachu said in a manner that Ash thought was far too cheery.
Did you know it would hurt? Charmander asked.
I didn't really think about it, Ash admitted through gritted teeth, slowing down as he waited for the pain in his back to fade to a more manageable level.
That's for sure, Pikachu muttered with a glare.
If you had known it would hurt would you have done it? Chamander inquired further.
I think that if I had thought about it, I would've asked Pidgeotto to grab the vine, Ash admitted, finally relaxing as the pain faded. But I don't think I had time to think about it, I think.
You of all people shouldn't be saying 'think' so much, Pikachu said.
Hush you.
Hey, Ash, Charmander piped up, looking pensive.
What? Ash replied, holding his head stiffly and looking straight ahead to avoid aggravating his back further.
What if you had time to think but you didn't have any pokémon, Charmander continued. What would you have done?
I- I- Ash grimaced, knowing the reaction his answer would elicit. I think I would've done the same thing-
And there's another prime example of why you shouldn't use the word 'think', Pikachu spat out, eyes narrowing, mouth forming a frown.
Are trainers supposed to do that? Charmander's face was pensive and troubled.
Do what? Pikachu asked with a scowl. Be idiots?
Uh, Ash started to reach up to rub the back of his head but his back reminded him why he couldn't do that.
The young trainer thought about the other trainers he knew, about Gary, about Brock, about Misty, and about his caretaker's stories of Lucas. About the love his caretakers had for their deceased trainer. About Misty taking opportunities to let her pokémon be in their preferred environment. About how Brock took care of pokémon that weren't even his, brushing and grooming them. About Gary deciding that he wanted to see what sort of evolution his eevee wanted instead of trying to influence her decision.
I think they're supposed to have the desire, Ash said finally. But given how angry I made everyone, I don't think we're supposed to actually do it.
Huh, Charmander mused. I don't- I don't think Damien would've ever done something like that.
Ash carefully didn't say anything.
But then again, maybe it was 'cause I'm too weak, Charmander sighed while Ash and even Pikachu winced.
Look, Pikachu said to Charmander, if, and this is a big 'if', Pikachu shot a glare at Ash, it was expected for a trainer to act like Ash did yesterday, then they should do it for all their pokémon. Whether they're weak or not.
They should do it more for weak pokémon actually, Ash added, while Pikachu shot him an even darker look.
Really? Charmander didn't look convinced.
Weak pokémon would need it more, Ash went on. And if a pokémon's weak, it's because the trainer hasn't helped it become strong yet.
What if the pokémon's just weak? What if it can't be made strong? Charmander asked, scuffing at the ground with his foot.
That's not true of any pokémon, Ash said instantly. Every pokémon is strong, but sometimes it's in ways you're not expecting. As a trainer not only to you have to help them become strong, you first have to figure out what strong is for the pokémon. If the pokémon's not getting stronger under your care it's because you haven't figured out how they're strong, not because they're weak.
You- you really think so? Charmander asked, looking at Ash out of the corner of his eye, his manner so shy and hopeful that Ash just wanted to give the fire type a hug.
I was raised by a weedle and he was one of the strongest pokémon I know, Ash informed Charmander. I don't think so, I know so.
Really? Charmander asked, looking up at Ash, eyes bright.
Really, Ash reassured the fire type.
Charmander didn't say anything else. Tears welled up in his eyes and he looked away from Ash. The boy could see the fire-type's shoulders shaking, see tear drops hitting the ground by Charmander's feet, and could hear the pokémon's quiet sobs.
Ash tried to reach out and give Charmander a hug, once again forgetting about his back.
Ack! The boy let out a strangled gasp of pain. Charmander, stand still for a moment, Ash continued in a tense voice.
Charmander complied without turning to face Ash. Ash knelt and swept Charmander up in a hug, holding his back stiff and straight not to hurt himself as he did so. The pokéraised child could feel damps spots growing on his shoulders as Charmander returned the hug and started crying openly.
Slowly, carefully, Ash stood back up, the fire type clutched in his arms.
A couple hours later the group had rearranged itself so that Charmander was in the middle of the group while Ash, Pikachu, and Bulbasaur walked at the rear.
I imagine that everyone else has already given you a piece of their mind, Bulbasaur told Ash, looking up at the child. That means I'm next. I never thought I would share an opinion with the yellow menace you call a pikachu, but you Ash, you are an idiot.
Who you callin' a menace? Pikachu said, forepaws on his sides, glaring at Bulbasaur.
I mean, Ash was able to stop himself from beginning the motions that would lead to him rubbing the back of his head, his wound had finally driven its point home. He very gently inclined his head to meet Bulbasaur's gaze. I know I should've had Pidgeotto counter-attack but-
You coulda just tackled Squirtle out of the way! Bulbasaur exclaimed. And then no one would've gotten hurt!
Well, there's that too I guess, Ash replied with a careful shrug.
Bulbasaur closed his eyes and let out a noise that was a cross between a groan and a sigh. You're so young it's almost painful. Didn't your parents teach you some basic caution?
No, Ash replied, looking away from Bulbasaur, his voice flat. They're dead. They died when I was very young.
Oh, Bulbasaur replied, opening his eyes, expression one of discomfort. What about the people who raised you? Did they try to teach you basic human sense? Bulbasaur continued.
Well, they tried, but they were pokémon, so they had a natural disadvantage in that area, Ash informed the grass-type.
You were raised by pokémon? Bulbasaur glanced over at Pikachu. Is he pulling my leg?
As far as I can tell he's serious, Pikachu replied with a shrug. I never met his pokémon parents though.
Why didn't they just take you to an orphanage or something? Bulbasaur asked, looking back at Ash. It ain't like any pokémon have a natural inclination to raise human children…. Well maybe a chansey, or a kangaskhan. Were you raised by one of them?
No, Ash answered. It was a weedle and hypno at first, and then they called in a noctowl.
Why would they… Bulbasaur's voice trailed off and his expression grew thoughtful. How did your parents die Ash?
They…. were killed by hunters who wanted to take me, Ash said, grimacing.
And these pokémon, I'm guessing they were one of your parent's pokémon? Bulbasaur continued.
No, but they were friends with some of my parent's pokémon, Ash answered, still looking away. They rescued me and did some investigating. All they could find was that the hunters who killed my parents were actually after me….
So, they decided to hide you were no human would think to look, Bulbasaur nodded. From how you act with other humans I'm guessing they made sure you had some human contact when you were young?
They snuck me into places, Ash said, looking at Bulbasaur again, voice returning to normal. I even got a few years of school!
A weedle, a hypno, and a noctowl, Bulbasaur muttered to himself. I'm guessing the psychic abilities came in handy?
Yes, Ash almost nodded, before catching himself. They used them to make sure my hunters didn't find me. But I might have more than one set of hunters as it turned out- Ash filled Bulbasaur in on the details of the kidnapping attempt in Sinnoh.
And they don't know why either group wanted you, Bulbasaur said, mostly to himself. I'm surprised they let you become a trainer.
Well, I need to become strong enough to fight off the hunters by myself, Ash replied. And there are things I don't like about living in the wild.
Like? Bulbasaur asked, one eyebrow equivalent raised.
Predation, Ash answered with a frown. I really don't like the fact that my friends killed each other for food.
Yeah, Bulbasaur huffed. I have more problems with your species then I can count Ash, but at least you don't casually kill and eat each other all the time. For all your wars and murders and every other bad thing that your race does, you ain't as bad as pokémon are.
As a forager, Pikachu piped up, I would just like to add that I've never killed another pokémon for food.
Is that why you hang out with us? Ash inquired. Humans, I mean?
Yes, Bulbasaur replied. I went into some of the worse human places and found less death there than in the wild.
And is that why you do things like protect Melanie? Ash asked.
Yes again, Bulbasaur said, looking straight ahead, eyelids hooding his eyes as his mind turned to his past. You might not be as bad as pokémon, but you humans could really be better. And if I see some humans trying to make things better, then I'll try to help them, 'cause I'd like to live in the world they're building.
Of course, Bulbasaur continued, eyes returning to normal as he came back to the present. I don't think I need to explain that to you.
Huh?
You're here, helping us, Bulbasaur explained, looking up at Ash while they walked. You're also trying to make things better.
Not exactly, Ash frowned and looking down and to the side. You and Melanie were being hunted and I just- I just don't want to leave someone to be hunted.
Oh, yes, that's so very different, Pikachu said, rolling his eyes.
And? Bulbasaur asked.
Well, I only think like that because of my past, Ash pointed out.
And? Bulbasaur asked again.
Normally I'd accuse someone talking like this of acting modest, Pikachu said, but in your case Ash, I know you're just stupid.
Well, it's not like I'm making the world better for its own sake, Ash told Bulbasaur looking at the grass type again and ignoring Pikachu.
'Cause helping people not to get hurt like you did is so selfish, this time Bulbasaur rolled his eyes. Everyone helps others 'cause of empathy. So, you wanted to help us because of something specific from your past. You still want to help us. That's enough.
If you say so, Ash replied, still not entirely agreeing.
No one would blame you for keeping your head down kid, Bulbasaur went on. Hell, that's what I woulda told you to do in your position. But instead of hiding away somewhere and focusing on getting stronger, you're here with us, risking your life to save some strangers from some other strangers. Instead of using your past as a reason to hide, you're using it as a reason to go out and help. That's what I like to see in people.
Thanks, I guess, Ash said a blush creeping up his cheeks.
Still, I'd prefer it if Ash did some less risking his life and more hiding, Pikachu muttered, kicking at some pebbles on the path.
Sorry Pikachu, Ash said, awkwardly turning his torso and bending over to look at the little yellow electric type. But I can at least count on you to warn me when I'm being an idiot, right?
Like that would've stopped you yesterday, Pikachu muttered.
Well, at least now I know to tackle instead of block, Ash said with a smile. Right Bulbasaur?
The grass type ignored the human and looked at Pikachu. I'm sorry Pikachu, Bulbasaur told the electric type, but you've got your work cut out for you I'm afraid.
More time passed as the group slowly made their way to the Yi-Lin Memorial Pokémon Center. Charmander ended up traveling next to the group of squirtles near the front of the group, with Aoba and Tauros.
Charmander stared at the ground, deep in thought, as he trudged forward. Squirtle noticed his behavior and moved closer to the fire-type.
What's on your mind? The water-type asked the fire-type.
Just stuff, Charmander answered in a quiet voice.
What stuff? Squirtle continued to probe.
Lots of stuff, Charmander answered, not so quietly this time.
You know, I'm not going to quit bothering you until you give me a better answer, Squirtle informed Charmander. So, you might as well spill the beans now.
Bulbasaur's right, you can be obnoxious, Charmander sighed, still not looking up. Fine, I was thinking about Damien.
That shit-head? Squirtle growled. Charmander you're better off just forgetting about that asshole.
Maybe, Charmander admitted in a quiet voice, you're right. I'm starting to think he wasn't a good trainer after all.
The admission shocked Squirtle, who twitched back and almost stumbled.
What brought this on? Squirtle asked once he had gotten his bearings.
It's just that I can't imagine him wanting to do what Ash did yesterday, Charmander told Squirtle, finally looking up and at the water-type. And I think good trainers are supposed to want to do that.
Yeah, Squirtle admitted. That's sort of what Bulbasaur said too.
I'm weak, Charmander went on, giving Squirtle the urge to clutch his head in exasperation, but according to Ash that shouldn't matter to the trainer.
How many- you know what, never mind that now, Squirtle said, ending with a sigh. Yes, Damien was a bad trainer. Bulbasaur's been telling you that for a long time. We've been telling you that for over a week.
I thought you were just trying to be nice to me, Charmander replied. I know I'm weak no matter how many times you try to lie to make me feel better. Yesterday I couldn't even beat those bellsprouts without Butterfree's help and I had type advantage-
They also ambushed you, Squirtle pointed out. And it was a two on one fight while you had to protect Melanie. Type advantage helps, but it's not everything.
But I couldn't even protect Melanie, Charmander whined, looking miserable.
And I got beaten up by a machop, Squirtle informed the fire type. Do you think I'm weak? Squirtle asked, jabbing a thumb into his own chest.
No! Charmander protested.
But I got beaten up. Doesn't that mean I'm weak? It's why you're calling yourself weak.
It's not the same, Charmander protested with a stomp. You're great at fighting. You were able to fight all those pokémon in the cave and you helped save me from that ratiticate and-
And you helped fight off those two bellsprouts, Squirtle told the fire type. Even though Butterfree told me that they ambushed you and had been choking you. You did better than me yesterday.
I just got lucky! Charmander shouted.
You got lucky because you kept fighting! You got lucky because you were strong enough to get up again after they nearly choked you out! Squirtle declared, crossing his arms and puffing out his chest.
I got knocked out by the cubone and had to be saved by Pidgeotto and Bulbasaur, Charmander argued.
I had to be saved too! Again, do you think I'm weak?
No!
Then why do you think it's okay to call yourself weak? Squirtle asked, leaning forward into Charmander's face. Despite being the shorter of the two Squirtle seemed to loom over Charmander. Because everything you're calling yourself weak for could apply to me!
It's not the same! Charmander shouted, leaning back from Squirtle.
Why not!?
It just isn't! Charmander screamed, closing his eyes. There were several seconds of silence before anyone spoke.
I get that you're trying to make me feel better, Charmander said, opening his eyes, but looking at the ground between them instead of meeting Squirtle's eyes, but please don't. I know I'm weak. Quit lying to me.
Ehhh…. Urg, Squirtle groaned, rubbing the space between his eyes. Fine I'll drop the subject for now. But this isn't over!
It is, Charmander said gently and then sighed. I wonder if I can learn to look good? Maybe I can become a coordinator's pokémon. Or maybe I can find a trainer that won't mind weak pokémon.
Well, I don't get the 'wanting to be beautiful' thing that coordinators and their pokémon have going on, I don't see anything wrong with it, if that's what you want, Squirtle said, patting Charmander's shoulder. But you don't need a human you know. You can stay with the squad if you want.
I- I'm not sure what I want to do, Charmander admitted, fidgeting. I like fighting, I'm just not very good at it.
You can playfight with us, Squirtle threw an arm around Charmander's shoulder and gestured forwards and towards the sky with his other arm. Just imagine the future wherever we end up settling. Playfighting, eating, pranking, and napping as our hearts desire!
But we won't get stronger that way, Charmander said. I mean, I'm weak, but I still want to try to get stronger. But that won't happen if I don't do anything but play, eat, and nap.
Yeah, well, Squirtle sighed, getting stronger would require training, and my squad doesn't want to do anything like training.
Because they all had bad trainers? Charmander inquired, peeking up as he asked.
Yeah….. Squirtle sighed again. I wish- well, I guess it isn't important.
What do you wish for? Charmander asked, looking curious. You can tell me.
I just wish there was a way I could get stronger, like a trainer, Squirtle said. I never had a trainer, so I don't know what it's like. I only know what I've heard from others. Not just my squad; I've talked with some pokémon who did have good experiences with their trainers. I want to try something like the good things I hear.
Then why don't you go get a trainer? Charmander asked.
'Cause I know what it's like when things go wrong, Squirtle said, jerking a thumb over his shoulder to point at another member of the Squirtle Squad. Or take a look at you. I'd have to be absolutely sure I found a good trainer before I risked becoming their pokémon.
Oh, Charmander replied.
Besides, I've got my squad to look after, Squirtle went on. I'd have to make sure they were somewhere safe before I went looking for a trainer.
That might not be too hard, Charmander stated. I mean Melanie can watch over them for you! And then you could go looking for a trainer…. But I guess making sure that you've found a good one would be really hard.
Well, maybe not, Squirtle said glancing back towards the rest of the group. It might be easier than I thought.
AN: I'd like to thank BlackCatSpecialist for beta reading.
Once again, I'd like to thank everyone for all the comments and reviews.
And on that note, don't forget to review!