Just to let you all know, I looked it up. Apparently, Lucario and the Sobble line are indeed in the same egg group. I didn;t know that before making the previous chapter, jut thought I'd put it here.
Pokemon is owned by Gamefreak and all Pokédex entries are from Bulbapedia.
"Butts"- Humans speaking
"Butts"- Pokemon speaking
'Butts'- thoughts
"Butts"-Pokedex entries/TV commentary
Mystery Of The Lighthouse
The next afternoon after Kestrel's birth, the group was traveling down a shady forest trail. Azla had taken her old perch on Ash's shoulder as Misty carried Kestrel, in order to help the baby get used to the others. As they walked, Green let out a huge yawn and rubbed his eyes.
Ash: Tired, Green?
Green: Yeah. I had a really weird dream last night and couldn't get back to sleep after that.
Ash: It must have been the hot sauce we ate with dinner last night, because I had a weird dream too.
Misty: What was it?
Ash: It was the weirdest thing ever. I dreamed my team and I were in an alternate reality and all but Aiden were different Pokemon. I even thought I had a Pikachu and…. Never mind.
Cobalt: Yeah, I weirdly thought my spot as Ash's starter was taken by a Rattata of all Pokemon.
Green: Actually, same here. Except I was a Fearow….. A FEMALE Fearow.
Ash: Brock, I love your homemade hot sauce, but I am NEVER eating it right before bed again.
Brock: *nods* Gotcha.
Misty: Ugh! We should have reached the port by now!
Misty grumbled while checking the map. Brock took the map from her, looking at it.
Brock: I think you led us down the wrong trail, Misty.
Ash: Ha! Now I'm no longer the only one that gets us lost! *Misty elbow him* Ow!
Misty rolled her eyes at her raven-haired friend, then turned to Brock.
Misty: Brock, how do we get out of here?
Brock: I have no damn clue.
Ash: Let's just follow the trail. All roads gotta lead somewhere, right?
His friends reluctantly agreed to his plan. It was either that or backtrack, and possibly get more lost in the deep woods. 10 minutes later, they emerged from the woods to find a beautiful white sand beach and a sparkling blue ocean.
Misty: Look at that beautiful sunset! I love the beach!
Brock: Me too.
Brock pulled off his shoes and socks and rolled up his pant legs as Ash did the same. Green allowed his toes to sink into the sands as he looked over.
Green: Hey, look over there!
The Sceptile pointed in a random direction, the gang followed it to see a massive spire in the distance.
Green: It's a… It's a Beach Boner…
Cobalt bursted out laughing as he put his hands on his knees to keep himself balanced as Ash, as mature as he had become, began giggling like the child he was.
Misty: What's so funny?
Ash: I uh… Green said something about the lighthouse.
Brock: Good find, Green. Every lighthouse has a keeper, right? Maybe they can tell us where we are.
Misty: And maybe they'll have a bed. I'm tired of sleeping in a sleeping bag. I need my beauty sleep.
The group ran towards the lighthouse, hoping to get there before it got dark, however Brock should have watched where he was going. As he ran, he accidentally stepped on a small red crustacean Pokemon, who was understandably not too happy about that and clamped its pincer down onto Brock's big toe.
Brock screamed as he began hopping around on one foot and trying to shake the Krabby off, but it hung on. Ash and Misty ran back to help him, but one of Brock's Poké Balls started shaking and Nightwing popped out.
Nightwing: What's all the commotion out here? I heard scr….
The Zubat started, before turning to see his trainer dancing around and screaming with a crab firmly attached to his big toe. "Glaring" at the crustacean, Nightwing swooped in forn a Wing Attack but missed because Brock was still jumping around and hit Brock's foot, making Brock yelp in pain.
Nightwing: Sorry.
As the Zubat tried to take care of the crab, Ash scanned it with his Pokedex.
Pokedex: Krabby, the River Crab Pokémon. A Water type. Living on sandy beaches in burrows it digs, Krabby can grow back its pincers if they break off in battle. It cloaks itself with bubbles from its mouth so it will look bigger and intimidate its enemies.
Nightwing swooped in agai, this time biting onto the Krabby, the impact causing it to let go. As Brock fell onto his back as Krabby hit the sand, a Poké Ball was accidentally knocked off Brock's belt, which landed on top of the Krabby and sucked it inside. It rocked once, twice, three times, before clicking shut. Everyone stared in surprise, not knowing what exactly to say.
Azula: …Did that just happen? I-I-I'm not the only one who saw that, right?
Ash: Are you okay, Brock?
Both he and Misty were holding back laughter at the sheer ludicrousness of the situation. Green and Loki had lost their own battle with laughter, which caused Kestrel to clap and giggle as Cobalt held him.
Brock: Yeah. I don't think anything's broken, thanks to my Zubat's quick thinking. Thanks, Nightwing.
Nightwing: Anytime.
Misty: Wow, that was embarrassing. Too bad no one had a video camera. That would have won us the $100,000 grand prize on Kanto's Funniest Home Videos.
Ash watched as Krabby's Poké Ball teleported away, seemingly back to the Pewter gym.
Ash: At least you got another Pokémon out of this whole crazy incident.
Cobalt: Doesn;t look like that;s the only thing going on. Look.
The gang looked over to see a bright glow coming from Brock's Zubat as he began to finally evolve. As the light faded, Nightwing's mouth got larger, as did his wings. His ears got smaller as he gained small feet with two toes. However, what amazed Nightwing immensely was that he now had a pair of eyes, which he opened much to his amazement.
Nightwing: I…. I can see… I CAN SEE! IT'S A MIRACLE!
Ash: Congratulations, Nightwing.
Pokedex: Golbat, the Bat Pokemon and the evolved form of Zubat. A Poison and Flying type. Golbat's thick fangs are hollow like straws, making them unexpectedly fragile. These fangs are specialized for sucking blood, which can suck up 10 ounces per every bite.
Brock: Man, things are just coming up Brock today… *looks down* Now if only I could get a girlfriend.
—-
Later on, they reached the lighthouse just as it began to grow dark. Ash looked at the door's many carvings, many of them being detailed depictions of various Pokemon.
Brock: Whew, that was further than it looked.
Ash: Look at those carvings on the door. I wonder who lives here.
Brock: Let's find out.
The older teen pressed the doorbell, which let out an ominous sound that made everyone huddle together.
Cobalt: That is officially the creepiest sound I have ever heard.
Green: What about those weird computer sounds coming from Brock's tent at night?
Ash: Wha-
?: *on loudspeaker* Who's there?
Ash: Excuse us, sir, but we're travelers and we're lost.
Misty: We've been camping out for quite a while and we were wondering if you had some extra beds. We can pay you for the stay.
Brock: And I was wondering if I could use your kitchen to make bacon double cheeseburgers for our group. I have all the ingredients with me. I'd be more than happy to make something for you too.
?: Oh, that'd be swell…. Can you cook without using tofu?
Brock: I can cook LOTS of things without using tofu.
?: Praise to Arceus! I've been eating nothing but tofu since my cook went on vacation. Come on in.
The loudspeaker went silent and the double doors creaked open, allowing the group to walk inside. The lighthouse was huge inside and dimly lit with a winding staircase and huge windows. The group looked around curiously, wondering where the keeper of the lighthouse was. Ash spotted a phone shaped like a Bellsprout.
Ash: Sir, may I use your phone please? I'd like to call my mom.
?: Of course. It's right near you, just press nine first to start dialing.
Ash gave the loudspeaker a thanks as he dialed his mother's number right after pressing nine just as told. He was extremely surprised when Professor Oak's face appeared on the screen.
Prof. Oak: Hello, Ketchum Residence- Oh, hello, Ash! I bet you're pretty surprised to see me here.
Ash: Uh….. Is it that obvious?
Prof. Oak: Your mother was kind enough to invite me to dinner. My cook's been on vacation and I've been eating nothing but tofu since she left. Anyway, let me get your mother… Delia, Ash is on the phone!
Green: Huh, sounds familiar.
Ash's mother came running into the room, picking up the receiver.
Delia: Hi sweetheart! I'm so glad you called! How are you doing? Is your journey going well?
Ash: I'm doing great, Mom. I'm on my way for my 7th badge. How's Blacky doing?
Delia: Oh, you mean the Pokemon the professor gave me that you caught in order to keep me company? *cheerful* Oh, he's a real peach! It's been so quiet without you here, but Blacky has made everything seem so lively now! He even helps me in the kitchen, the sweetheart. Though, he stares at the moon a lot at night…. I mean…. A LOT…..
Ash: Yeah, I think his species is prone to doing tha-
He was cut off by a timer ringing in the kitchen.
Delia: Oh, the casserole must be done! I'll be back in just a moment.
She left the room, allowing Oak back onto the phone.
Prof. Oak: So how many Pokémon have you caught so far, Ash? I haven't gotten any from you yet and I received notice that you gained a limit extension from the admissions exam office. High honor.
Ash: Only one more since Blacky.
Cobalt then walked up to the screen, giving a wave to the professor as he showed the man his son in his arms.
Prof. Oak: Oh my, a Togepi! How rare. Must be one of your best catches besides your shiny Umbreon.
Ash: Yep, this is Kestrel. He's Cobalt and Azula's son.
Prof. Oak: …..But….. Wouldn;t he be a Sobble if he were-
Ash: He hatched from an egg I found.
Prof. Oak: *sighs in relief* That saves me giving birth to a bouncing baby hernia. Gary's caught 54 so far, so you better get catching if you want to catch up to Gary.
The last part was said in a light, teasing tone. He knew well of Ash and Gary's constant rivalry with one another. Even as little kids, they were always competing about something. Ash rubbed the back of his neck.
Ash: Actually, Professor Oak, I was originally only planning on capturing six Pokémon…
Prof. Oak: What?! Only six? And you have nine now! Ash, you can't be a great trainer if you only capture nine Pokémon!
Ash winced slightly at the tone, and Cobalt, Green, and Azula glared at the professor.
Green: Ash already IS a great trainer.
Professor Oak noticed the slight hurt in Ash's eyes and the anger in those of his Pokémon's.
Prof. Oak: Ash, I'm sorry if that came out sounding like an insult. I'm not saying you're a bad trainer. What I mean is that it is best to have a wide variety of Pokémon to cover any type weaknesses. With only nine Pokémon, your opponents will be able to exploit those weaknesses and you'll have a lot of difficulty competing in the League. Do you understand what I'm saying?
Ash: Yes I do, sir…. But if I teach my Pokémon a wide variety of moves and come up with good strategies, I can cover those weaknesses. Plus, with a smaller number of Pokémon, I'll have more time to train each of them to their full potential and bond with them, instead of having to switch around all the time. I know it might be difficult and that I'll have to work hard, but I'm willing to do it to keep my Pokémon with me.
Prof. Oak: *sighs* Ash, I understand your reasons and while I think that fifty four Pokémon may be too much for a beginning trainer, I still don't believe nine, let alon six is enough. Even with teaching them a wide variety of moves, you'll never be able to completely cover all weaknesses, and if your Pokémon get hurt and can't battle and you have to do a full battle, you'll be stuck. Plus, there are benefits to sending your Pokémon to the lab. It gives them a chance to relax, but they can also continue with training, and there's a wide variety of Pokémon here that can help them learn new moves. While I don't suggest catching tons of Pokémon, I recommend that you think about catching at least one or two more so you can cover your problem areas.
Ash was quiet, thinking about Professor Oak's argument. He did have a good point, and Ash would discuss it with his Pokémon later and see what they thought. The problem was that any time the idea of being separated from any of his beloved team for a long period of time came across his mind, he felt a pang in his chest. He knew Professor Oak would take good care of them, but he would miss them terribly if he sent them away.
Ash: I'll think about it, Professor. Thank you for your advice.
Prof. Oak: You're welcome, Ash.
Delia: *returns* Hi again, sweetie. Sorry I took so long. So where are you at now?
Ash: I'm at an old lighthouse on top of a cliff off of Saffron. We're trying to find Cinnibar Island.
Prof. Oak: Oh, that must be my friend Bill's lighthouse. He's a young Pokémon Researcher that knows even more than me. See what you can learn from him. He could teach you just about everything there is to know about Pokémon and then some.
?: This is Bill, Professor. It's good to hear from you.
Prof. Oak: Oh hello, Bill! Please give my friends a crash course on Pokémon!
Ash and his mother talked a few more minutes and then Delia had to go to finish getting dinner ready. With an embarrassing reminder to be careful, to eat right, and to make sure to change his underwear every day, which had Ash turning beet red and Brock, Misty, Loki, and Ash's Pokémon struggling to hide their laughter, Delia hung up.
Bill: Well, there's no way I can ignore a request from the great Professor Oak.
The lights suddenly turned on as the voice from the loudspeaker came from the far side of the room.
Bill: I am Bill of the lighthouse.
Everyone slowly turned to look at the top of the stairs, and gasped in shock as they saw not a human, but a giant Kabuto. Kestrel whimpered in fright as Azula held onto him while Cobalt and Green took defensive positions in front of Ash and Loki in front of Misty.
Brock: It can't be! That's a Kabuto, an extinct Pokémon! What's it doing here?
Bill: No! I'm not a Kabuto! I'm Bill, the Pokémon researcher!
Ash: So, what is that? A costume or something?
Bill: Yes, and…. *sheepish* I'm kind of stuck inside it.
Ash: Need some help getting out of it?
Bill: Yes, please!
As Ash walked up the stairs to Bill, he used a claw on the costume to point to a small button on the right side.
Bill: Press the button.
Ash: You mean *taps side* this one?
Bill: Yes. These arms are too short. I tried to get out, but I couldn't reach the button.
Cobalt: Why would you put the button to get you out of the costume on the outside?
Green gave a shrug as Ash pushed the button. The costume popped apart to reveal a green haired young man in a red suit, who got out of the suit and stretched.
Bill: Thanks for helping me get out. I've been stuck in that costume for hours!
Loki: You could have been out ten minutes ago if you had turned on the lights and told us when we walked in.
Misty: Did you come from a costume party?
Bill: No, it's not for a party. It's a special costume I use in my research. Getting inside its skin helps me get inside its head.
Ash: What do you mean?
Bill gestured to some carvings of an Omstar, Omanyte, and Aerodactyl, the last one giving Ash shivers up his spine.
Bill: There are many types of extinct Pokémon and I want to understand how they lived. Putting on a costume is one way of trying to figure out what they were like.
Ash: You can understand what a Pokémon was like from wearing a costume?
Bill: Kind of. This planet was created 4.6 billion years ago. During that time, all kinds of Pokémon existed, and they had many ways of living. In Kanto alone, there are at least one hundred and fifty known species of Pokémon, not even counting the ones brought in from other regions. And new ones are discovered all the time, so we need to keep searching.
Ash: I wonder how many there truly are?
Bill: No one knows exactly and so the search goes on. There's always something new to look for in our lives and in ourselves.
Brock: Something to look for?
Bill: Yes. There's a lot for us to look for, inside and outside ourselves. There's a meaning for every creature. A meaning for all the Pokémon, and a meaning for all us humans too.
Green: At least he didn't burst into rhyme.
Cobalt covered his mouth to hide his laughter while Azula and Loki looked at him in confusion.
Green: Long story. we'll explain later.
Bill: So, Ash, was it? *Ash nods* I know you're not looking to catch all the Pokémon in the world, and that's okay. *laughing tone* You'd probably be at it for the rest of your life if you tried to catch them all. Just remember to always keep your eyes out for new Pokémon and new discoveries. It's as vital to me as it is to you….. Right now, there's only one Pokémon I'm searching for.
Ash: What kind of Pokémon?
Bill started to head up the stairs, gesturing for them to follow. Confused and curious, the group did.
Bill: It's probably the biggest Pokémon ever, bigger than all the rest, and no one has ever seen it. It's been wandering the world for years and years, looking for friends.
Green: If no one has ever seen it, how do you know it's bigger than all the rest or what the hell it's looking for?
Azula: *joking* Maybe someone talked to it with their eyes closed.
Misty: But doesn't that Pokémon have any friends or family?
Bill opened the door at the top of the stairs, and they all walked out onto the balcony.
Misty: The Pokémon wanders because it's alone. It's the only Pokémon of its species. One of a kind.
Cobalt: But if no one's ever seen it, how do you know- You know what, I give up.
Bill: One night, I heard this very strange sound coming to me from across the ocean.
He hit a button, and a sweet, but mournful call came from speakers atop the lighthouse. Though it was garbled and not coming through very clearly, Ash could make out a soft male voice speaking on the other side.
?: Is anyone out there? I am alone. Please, if someone can hear me, I'd like to be friends. I'd like to meet you!
Bill: I'd like to meet you, that's what it was saying to me.
Ash: Can you understand Pokémon?
Bill: In a way. I have spent many years researching different Pokémon calls. This is definitely the call of a Pokémon looking for others, for someone to be its friend.
Ash: That's….. That's amazing.
It must have been hard, figuring out what each call meant. He certainly wouldn't have been able to do it without his new ability.
Bill: Some time ago, I recorded a similar sound and played it back towards the ocean.
Bill hit the button again as a slightly different call began playing. "Let's be friends. I want to meet you.
To Ash's amazement, the call said exactly that. Bill looked off into the distance, a small smile on his face.
Bill: One day, I heard the same voice calling to me from across the ocean. "I want to meet you too. I want to be friends." It was answering me back. *looks into fog* Some foggy night, that Pokémon might come here to meet a friend it's been seeking for a very long time. I would be so happy to meet that Pokémon!
Ash: *worried* But would you try to capture that Pokémon?
Bill: Why would I need to capture it? Just meeting it would be enough for me. Just a chance to study it would make my long wait worthwhile.
Suddenly, a strange cry in the distance interrupted their conversation.
?: I have heard your call, my friend. I am coming.
That was too clear to be the recording. Ash looked over the horizon as something semed to be approaching them through the fog. It was the mystery Pokémon, and it was coming to meet them tonight.
Bill: It's here! The signal!
Bill pressed the button as the lighthouse's signal beam began flashing different colors, and the call Bill had recorded began to play. Ash took out Psi, Aiden, and Yami's Poké Balls, and released them onto the balcony.
Yami: What's going on? Where are we?
Aiden: Are we under attack?
Ash: *whispers* You guys have to see this!
The three looked at him in confusion, then saw the shadowy figure of the giant Pokémon.
Psi: What is that?
Aiden stared at the creature, his eyes wide as he took a defensive stande. However, Ash placed a hand on the Charizard's back and gently scratched behind his wings.
Ash: It's okay, guys. It's a Pokémon who's been looking for a friend.
?: I am here.
Bill began asking excited questions, talking so fast that even Cobalt, who had the best hearing, could barely understand him. The obvious friendliness in the Pokémon's tone relaxed Ash's Pokémon, and they looked at it in awe.
Misty: It sounds like it's singing.
Cobalt mockingly smiled at Azula as he bowed and held a hand out.
Cobalt: Would you care to dance?
Azula: *semi-curtsey* Thank you.
Psi squinted to see what the Pokémon was as the creature came closer, only to roll their eyes upon recognizing the shape.
Psi: Well, Bill seemed incorrect about it being a new species.
Ash checked to make sure Bill wasn't paying attention to him, but the researcher's eyes were focused on the approaching Pokémon.
Ash: What is he? It's really foggy out here.
Psi: It looks like a Dragonite. A…. VERY BIG Dragonite. It is….. immaculate.
Cobalt: Dragonite?
Ash: *pulls out Pokedex* Look at this.
The Pokedex's picture depicts a paunchy yellow dragon with small blue wings and antenna on its head.
Pokedex: Dragonite, the Dragon Pokémon. A Dragon and Flying type. Dragonite is capable of circling the globe in just 16 hours. It is a kindhearted Pokémon that leads lost and foundering ships in a storm to the safety of land.
Ash: I can't wait to meet him.
But what neither our heroes, Bill, or the giant Dragonite knew was that there was danger lurking below.
?: Go on! FIRE!
Suddenly, what seemed to be a bazooka round hit the Dragonite. It screamed in pain as it was struck by the rocket as the group on top of the lighthouse screamed in horror.
Ash: What's happening?! Who's shooting?!
He scooped up Kestrel and Azula as Cobalt and Green led them into the lighthouse, Psi, Aiden, and Yami quickly flew after him.
Brock: Bill, what's going on?
He says this as he picked up Loki and grabbed Misty's hand, herding her towards the door.
Bill: I don't know, I don't know!
Thinking that he had been betrayed, the Dragonite angrily swiped at the top of the lighthouse, destroying the speakers and lights. Ash ran over and pushed Bill out of the way just in time. Dodging debris, the group ran out of the lighthouse.
Bill: Please don't go, Pokémon! Please stay with us! I've waited so long for a chance to see you here!
Dragonite: ….You betrayed me. I thought you were my friend.
Cobalt: Dragonite, it's not his fault! We're not the ones shooting at you- Look out!
The Dragonite heard his warning just in time to dodge the rocket. He looked back at the frightened group, suddenly realizing that whatever was going on, that the group on top of the lighthouse had nothing to do with it and they were just as scared as he was. He tried to find and take out the attackers, but was stopped by another rocket. Thankfully, he got out of the way just in time.
Yami: I see the shooters! They're on that cliff!
Cobalt: What the- It's that Cassidy girl! And…. That other guy!
Green: What was his name again? Beck?
Yami: *floats* I got 'em!
Ash: Yami, no! If you get close enough to attack them, they'll shoot you too!
Yami: Not if I;m fast enough.
Aiden: I don;t think Gengar is known for its speed… But I think that gives me an idea….
As Aiden points to Ash's Kety Stone, the boy understood what Aiden was suggesting. Yami got the idea too, as he began excitedly bouncing in place as Ash tapped the stone on his glove, causing it to glow brightly.
Ash: Yami! Mega Evolve!
Yami let out a chuckle, which escalated into full on maniacal laughter as the stone on his cuff glowed and bathed him in light, changing his body before the glow subsided. A portion of Yami's body sunk into the ground and turned a more reddish-purple. His arms and tail became longer and pointier as his ears pointed backwards as a large yellow eye appeared on his forehead.
Cobalt: Woah, now THAT is awesome.
Yami: Hell yeah it is!
Pokedex: Mega Gengar, a result of Gengar being exposed to a sample of Gengarite. A Ghost and Poison type. A result of Mega Evolution has allowed Gengar a tremendous ability of transportation. It can pass through other dimensions and can appear anywhere.
Green: Woah! OTHER DIMENSIONS?!
Ash: Alright, let's do this! Use Phanrtom Force to get close!
Yami quickly disappeared into the floor as a large shadowy blob appeared and zipped up to them, where Butch and Sableye were seen firing at Dragonite. Sableye spotted the blob and turnd to fire at it, only for it to quickly dodge every shot fired. As Xassidy began reprimanding her Pokemon, the blob swirled, revealing Yami, now with his red hands and feet out of the ground. The three stared in terror at the odd-looking Gengar.
Ash: Now, full power Shadow Ball!
Cassidy, Butch, and Sableye screamed as they were struck by the blob of shadow energy, dropping their weapons. Careful not to hit Yami, the Dragonite swung his tail, sending Team Rocket flying. However, unlike the admittedly more likable Jessie, James, and Meowth, they didn;t scream anything as thy were sent flying.
Yami flew back to his friends, settling back as his friends approached.
Ash: That was incredible! *concerned* How do you feel, Yami? Are you hurt?
Yami: No way, I feel amazing! Weird taste in my mouth, though.
Cobalt: What is it, chicken?
Yami: No. It was more like- *demonic* THE SUCCULENT TORMENT OF THE DAMNED!
Yami let out a dark laugh beforehe suddenly covered his mouth, shocked over what he said. Kestrel became frightened at the sudden outburst, turning and curling more to his mother.
Azula: Not funny, Yami.
Yami: That…. I don;t know why I said that. If I was trying to be funny, I would've said something like, "How do you keep an idiot in"- *demonic* BLARRRRWIARGH!
Ash and the others immediately became concerned as Yami began to grunt out in insanity just as he glowed again, reverting back to normal. However, Yami clutched his head as he stumbled, eliciting Psi to catch him before he fell.
Yami: Ugh,... What happened?
Ash: I….. I think it's best we don;t Mega Evolve you before we find out what's going on. *to Dragonite* Are you alright?
He approached carefully, not wanting to scare the large Pokémon. He reached into his backpack to pull out a Super Potion, and the giant Dragonite started to go into a defensive stance, nervous that he was pulling out a weapon or Poké Ball.
Ash: It's okay. I'm not going to hurt you. I'm just taking out a Super Potion to heal any injuries from where those rockets hit you. *holds up potion* See?
The Dragonite looked into Ash's eyes, checking to see that he was sincere. Realizing he was, the giant Pokémon relaxed.
Ash: Is it okay if I heal you?
Dragonite studied him for a second more, then nodded. Ash took a flashlight out of his backpack and turned it on, then looked over the Dragonite, noticing some nasty bruises and cuts on the Pokémon's chest. He sprayed the Super Potion on them, warning Dragonite that it might sting for a second. Dragonite winced at the potion's sting, then sighed with relief as the pain went away and the wounds healed.
Dragonite: Thanks.
Ash: You're welcome.
He applied one more Super Potion just to be safe, and checked over the Dragonite as best as he could to make sure he had no more injuries as Bill approached the Dragonite.
Bill: I am so, so sorry about what happened. When I sent you that signal, I did it because I really wanted to become your friend. I swear I did not know those…things… who attacked you were there. I am so sorry you got hurt, and I wish I could have stopped them before it happened.
Dragonite looked into Bill's eyes, seeing nothing but sincerity as he gently headbutted him.
Dragonite: I believe you. And it wasn't your fault, only that of the ones who attacked me
Bill smiled and petted the Dragonite, who gave a soft coo. Misty, Brock, and Ash came over and began playing with and petting the Dragonite as well as the larg Pokemon turned to Yami.
Dragonite: Thanks for saving me.
Yami: No problem. Name's Yami, by the way.
Ash's other Pokémon and Loki introduced themselves as well.
Dragonite: It's nice to meet you. I'm Artech. *gestures towards humans* What are their names? I'd ask them, but I doubt they could understand me.
Green: Actually, our trainer, Ash, the one with the black hair who healed you, can understand Pokémon. But he's keeping his ability a secret. His friends, the tall one with the brown hair, Brock, and the red-haired one, Misty, know, but he's trying to keep it secret from the rest of the world. The green haired one who sent you the signal; his name's Bill.
Ash's stomach rumbled loudly, interrupting the conversation.
Brock: Sounds like it's time for dinner. If it's okay to use your kitchen, Bill, I can whip us up some burgers, and of course some more Poké Chow.
Bill: That's fine. Can I get extra bacon on my burger?
Brock: Of course. Ash, Misty, what do you want on yours?
They told him what they wanted as Brock then went into the lighthouse to start dinner. Ash, Misty, and Bill offered to help, but Brock smiled and said he'd be fine and to keep the Dragonite company.
Bill: Ash, have you ever considered looking into becoming a Pokémon doctor?
Ash: I've never given it much thought. Brock is interested in Pokémon breeding and I've learned a couple things from him, though.
Bill: Well, you definitely have a good touch with injured Pokémon. I'd recommend looking into careers in Pokémon care and breeding. I think you would do very well in that field.
Ash: Really?
Bill: Really. I know you're working to become a great Trainer, but remember, you can be a trainer and a Breeder at the same time.
Ash: I can?
Bill: Of course. The options are limitless, as long as you work hard and keep your mind open to new possibilities. Anyway, if you do find out you're interested, there are several books I'd recommend.
Bill gave Ash several book titles, which Ash wrote down.
Bill: Also, talk to Professor Oak. He knows even more on the subject than I do.
Ash: Thank you, sir.
Bill: *chuckles* It's Bill, and you're welcome.
The group talked for a few minutes until Brock came out carrying a plate of burgers and some big bowls of Poké Chow. They ate on the picnic blanket under the stars, and Brock was delighted to find that the giant Dragonite loved his new recipe. After dinner, they talked and played with the giant Dragonite for another half hour. Finally, Brock let out a huge yawn.
Brock: Well, I'm about ready to hit the sack.
Misty: Me too. May we stay in the lighthouse tonight, Bill?
Bill: By all means.
Misty: Thanks. *to Ash* Are you ready… Ash?
She stopped in midsentence as she saw that Ash was fast asleep, cuddled against Aiden's side in what looked like a very uncomfortable sitting position. Psi was asleep as they meditated and Azula was asleep in his lap, Kestrel cuddled up to her. Cobalt, Green, and Yami were beside him, awake and watching Ash in amusement as Misty stifled a laugh.
Misty: Okay, that CANNOT be comfortable…
Brock: It has to be or he'd move.
Misty went over to Ash, taking Azula and Kestrel off his lap and handing the Togepi to Brock. The Drizzile woke up, looked around and yawned as Misty shook Ash;s shoulder, waking him up.
Ash: *sleepily* Whass' goin' on?
Misty: Wake up, Ash. It's time to go to bed.
Ash: Okay.
He then got up and walked a few steps before what she had said registered in his half-asleep mind.
Ash: Hey!
Misty: You'll thank me tomorrow when you don't wake up with the mother of all backaches. Now, c'mon. Let's go to the lighthouse and sleep in a REAL bed.
Unable to come up with a good comeback, Ash nodded, recalling Aiden, Psi, and Yami and saying goodnight to Artech before heading into the lighthouse, Cobalt and Green next to him, and Azula and Kestrel still fast asleep in Cobalt and Brock's arms.
—-
After breakfast the next morning, the group said goodbye to Bill and the giant Dragonite. They offered to pay Bill for the stay, but he refused, saying their help last night had been payment enough. Before leaving, Bill had informed them of a small town which housed a ferry that they could use to get to Cinnibar. As they walked the town, following the directions Bill gave them, Green turned to Ash, who was being quiet and staring off into the distance.
Green: A berry for your thoughts?
Ash jumped, then looked over to Green.
Ash: Oh, I was just thinking.
Cobalt: Well, duh. We already knew what you were doing. He asked you what you were thinking ABOUT.
Ash: I was just thinking about what Professor Oak said last night.
Cobalt: You mean about him telling you you need to catch more than nine Pokémon?
Ash: Yeah…. I don't know what to do.
Misty: About what?
Ash: About what Professor Oak said about catching more Pokémon.
Azula: Well, I can;t make those kinds of decisions for you, it's YOUR life. But what I can say is… Do what feels right to YOU. Think it over, and do what your heart and instincts tell you is best. Keep his advice in mind, but remember, in the end it's your choice.
Green: Az's right. And you still have time to think it over. You only have seven of us on you.
Cobalt: Just remember, we'll be with you no matter what.
Cobalt took Ash's hand as the others nodded, even Kestrel. He was so young yet somehow, he understood the situation.
Ash: Thank you.
Like always, his Pokémon had given him good advice. He would keep Professor Oak's advice in mind, and Bill's, but in the end, he needed to do what was right for him and his Pokémon. Right now, he didn't quite know what that was, but he had the strange feeling that he would know when the time came, especially since he was just one boat ride to Cinnibar Island.
TO BE CONTINUED…
—-
Ash's Team
Lucario: Cobalt
Sceptile: Green
Alakazam: Psi
Gengar: Yami
Charizard: Aidan
Drizzile: Azula
Togepi: Kestrel
Rotom: Sparky (at Oak's lab)
Umbreon *shiny*: Blacky (at home)
Misty's Team
Staryu
Psyduck: Perry
Gyarados: Mel (Malestrom)
Squirtle: Loki
Wimpod: Harold
Goldeen: Bella (at gym)
Horsea: Jeff
Starmie (at gym)
Butterfree: Alex (at gym)
Tentacool: Charles (at gym)
Brock's Team
Onix
Geodude
Golbat: Nightwing
Bulbasaur
Croagunk
Mankey: John
Krabby (at gym)
Jessie's Team
Arbok
Wobbuffet
Yanmega
Seviper
James's Team
Weezing
Inkay
Growlithe: Growlie
Carnivine