Hello and blessings to you all. I hope everyone is having a wonderful St. Patrick's Day. Before we get going I want to give everyone who reviewed my last chapter a big thank you. It seemed that while my history segment was well liked the consensus was the execution could've been a little better. I'll think about how to improve it in the future. That's all for now, so let's hop in.
Chapter 13: Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village Part 1
It was a sweltering day in Eastern Kanto. Summer was at its peak now and the sun was relentless in beating down on the young trainers.
"Guys, can't we please take a break?" Ash complained as Pikachu fanned himself on the trainer's shoulder.
"Oh, quit complaining Ash! It's not that bad." Misty shot back, although she appeared to be fairing only a little better.
"You don't understand, Misty. Pallet Town is in the foothills of the Nihon Mountain Range. It never gets this hot there."
"Being a pokemon trainer means you're constantly adapting to new situations. Think of this as a training opportunity." Brock offered to Ash grumbles.
"Maybe we can take a break if we cross by a river or lake." Serena offered.
Ash smiled, "That'd be so nice. I might even be able to get in some training with Krabby around the water."
"You really have been training a lot recently." Serena noted.
It was true. It had been over a week since the gang had left and Ash had spent any free opportunity in relentless training.
"Every time I talk with Prof. Oak, I learn that Gary is getting further and further in front of me." Ash replied seriously, "Gary has speed on his side thanks to that stupid car so the only thing that I can do is out work him."
"That's the spirit, Ash!" Serena responded with a warm smile at her crush. Ash getting so passionate about his dreams was one of things she admired most about him.
"What about you, Serena?" Brock asked cautiously.
"What about me?" Serena responded in confusion.
"Well" Brock said carefully, it was clear he was trying to choose the right words. "I know that Vermillion City feels like forever away but it's really not. We'll be there in like 6 weeks and you'll need to compete in your first showcase. I haven't seen you preparing for it yet."
"I have been." Serena responded a bit defensively, "I've been reading the pokepuff book I got from the showcase everyday."
"But pokepuff baking is just one of many different events that could happen in the first round." Brock added, "And even if you get lucky and it is a pokepuff baking event you would still need to beat everybody in the second round. Have you given any thought to what your performance will be."
"I… I've thought about it a little." Serena replied with a bit of embarrassment, "I just don't know what my pokemon can do compared to all the amazing things they did at the performance."
"You can't worry about what others do, only what you can do. I recommend taking some time to train with your pokemon. Really try to find out what your pokemon can bring to the table."
"If you want, I'd love to help you with some training." Misty offered her friend.
"Yea, I guess that might be a good thing to do." Serena responded weakly. In truth she wasn't sure about training like those who battle. Ever since their first run in with Team Rocket Serena had been avoiding any battling. Her hope was they wouldn't have any more encounters with villains and she wouldn't be forced to battle.
Serena was pulled from her thoughts by a bush rustling in front of them. The group stopped in their tracks as a small blue pokemon with leaves growing out of its head popped out. The pokemon merrily skipped across the trail they were on while singing, "Od-od-od-od-od-oddish!"
"Wow, an Oddish!" Ash exclaimed.
"It's so cute!" Misty cried.
The small grass type looked up in surprise as it finally noticed the group.
"Hmm I was just thinking I could go for a grass type." Ash said thoughtfully.
"Oh, please catch it, Ash!" Misty begged.
"Wait, I thought you only liked water types?" Ash questioned.
"I only train water types." Misty clarified, "But who wouldn't love that little cutie."
"Alright, alright, I might as well catch it." Ash sighed. "It's pretty small. Hopefully it'll be as easy as Krabby."
The raven haired teen stepped forward and pulled a pokeball from his belt. The small grass type stared in confusion at him. Giving a slightly over the top throwing motion, Ash launched the ball like a pitcher. Oddish only continued to stand there petrified in fear as the ball raced towards it. Just as it was about to get hit with the pokeball, two vines burst out of nowhere. The first one slapped the pokeball away before reaching out further and throwing a slap at Ash. The second wrapped around Oddish and pulled the pokemon towards where the vines came from. Ash was able to avoid the vine whip and looked up in frustration. That feeling quickly melted away though as he broke out into a big smile, "No way, that's awesome!"
Standing there was a small green dinosaur like pokemon with a plant growing out of its back.
"I can't believe we ran into a Bulbasaur!" Ash exclaimed, "I'm definitely going to catch this one."
The Bulbasaur didn't give him a chance though. Its vine gave one more mighty slap, this one connecting well with Ash, before it and Oddish dashed back into the forest.
"What was that?" Ash asked in bewilderment when the pokemon were gone.
"It seems like that Bulbasaur was protecting Oddish." Serena responded, "They must be friends."
"Can't say I blame him. I can't imagine any pokemon would want Ash as its trainer." Misty added with a sly grin.
"Oh very funny Misty." Ash shot back before the two began bickering again. This lasted for a while longer until finally the group reached a large canyon with a river down below.
"Too bad there isn't a way down there. The water looks so nice right now." Serena said. In truth, like Ash she was not used to the heat and desperately wanted a way to escape it.
"Looks like there's a way to cross up ahead." Brock noted.
The group walked up a little further until they reached a long rope bridge connecting them to the other side. The rope looked rather insecure and the wooden planks on it were severely decayed.
"Are-uh we sure there isn't another path?" Misty asked nervously.
"Come on Misty, you scared?" Ash taunted.
"Unfortunately, I don't think there is." Brock said grimly, "This trail from Cerulean City to Lavender Town isn't very often traveled. We can try to walk further but I doubt there'll be another crossing for miles."
"I don't want to spend all day walking in the wrong direction in this heat." Ash said defiantly. "We need to keep heading south and we know this path is the fastest way to Lavender Town."
Misty seemed like she wanted to protest but gave in, "Fine, let's just be careful."
The four then began their journey over the bridge. Ash led the group, followed by Serena, Misty, and finally Brock. The group moved very cautiously across, making sure to watch each step closely. Ash was the first to get a cross. Upon reaching the other side he taunted Misty a bit more, so the girl shot a few obscenities back at him. Serena then reached next. She took a deep breath in relief. Next was Misty. She had moved a little slower but finally got past. Finally, was Brock. He had only a bit more to go when suddenly the wooden plank he stepped on snapped. Before anyone could react, the tanned trainer went crashing below into the water. After being briefly submerged he lifted his head out of the fast-moving water and waved frantically at his friends. "Guys!" he shouted desperately as the water flushed him out of sight.
"I told you that was a bad idea." Misty spat at Ash.
"Misty!" Serena shrieked in panic, "Brock could be killed!"
"Oh relax, he survived the most dangerous part which was falling. He'll probably wash out a few miles upstream. We just need to follow the river until we find him."
Relieved by this fact, the group traveled on along the side of the canyon, scanning the river below. Try as they might though, they could not find Brock anywhere.
"I thought Brock would've popped up by now." Misty scowled after a while walking.
Serena noticed Ash looking a bit pale, "This isn't your fault, Ash. It was a freak accident."
"Serena's right, Ash. And Brock wanted to cross there also." Misty said from over her shoulder. Despite their bickering the girl didn't want her friend feeling guilty.
"I'll just feel better when we find him." Ash finally said.
Suddenly there was a shriek from Misty. Where the red head had been walking a large hole opened up and she went falling in.
"Misty!" Both Ash and Serena shouted as they rushed forward. They looked in the hole to see the girl getting to her feet.
"What the heck is this?" Misty scowled as she rubbed her lower back.
"Maybe a pokemon made it?" Ash offered as he reached a hand down to the girl. Misty took his hand and was picked up from the hole.
"Whatever" Misty muttered in embarrassment at falling in, "Let's just keep moving."
The three now walked closer together as they were a bit more cautious.
"Do you know how much longer this river goes on for?" Serena asked.
"Until we reach the ocean. Has to be miles." Misty responded.
"I hope Brock didn't get swept all the way to the ocean." Ash added.
"He better not have." Misty huffed, "There's plenty of rocks for him to grab onto. Once he stopped getting swept away, getting to shore should be easy. It's not like this river is that big."
"But Brock hasn't spent his entire life around water like you Mi-" Suddenly Serena froze. Underneath her was a loud cracking noise like she had just stepped on an egg. It wasn't an egg though. The group didn't even have time to think before a net sprang to life around them, squishing the three together, and pulling them high into the hair."
"What is going on?" Misty shouted to nobody in particular.
"Everyone ok?" Ash asked groggily. The net was clearly not made to hold three teenagers and was far too tight.
"Serena I'm sorry I'm crushing you" Ash added, "Serena?"
Although Ash didn't seem to notice his entire body was now pushing up on Serena. The girl was bright red and could only squeak, "yes" as she felt her crush closer to her then he'd ever been before.
"Quit enjoying this so much." Misty grumbled to the honey blonde trainer causing Ash to tilt his head in confusion and Serena to find a way to become even more red. The group remained like this for a few minutes before Pikachu was able to wrestle free from being trapped behind Ash and began to chew at the net. He was making progress when they heard what sounded like laughing from below, "bulbahaha!"
The group looked down to see the same Bulbasaur from earlier smiling mischievously at them.
"Oh, you think this is funny?" Ash shouted down, "Just you wait. We're going to get down from here and then I'm going to capture you! We'll see who's laughing then!"
Bulbasaur then released its vine whip and began slapping at the trio in the trees. The net was tossed around like a beachball as the three shouted in terror. Ash felt like he was about to hurl when their savior came.
"Guy's is that you?" Came the unmistakable voice of Brock.
Realizing another human was coming Bulbasaur quickly ended its shenanigans and retreated back into the forest.
"Brock" Serena cried, half with relief and half with exhaustion, "You're ok!"
"Yea sorry it's kind of a long story. You see-"
"Just get us down!" Misty shouted, causing the older teen to sweat drop. Afterwards Brock used Onix to reach the group and used a pocket knife while Pikachu continued chewing on the rope until finally the three were free.
"I'm so glad to be free!"" Ash shouted with joy as he and Pikachu stretched their arms in the air in unison.
"At least one of us enjoyed our time up there." Misty said to Serena with a devious grin. The trainer turned bright red again and looking to change the conversation said, "So, uh, how did you find us, Brock?"
Brock smiled, "I used Zubat to scout you all out. I'm assumed Ash would do the same thing with Butterfree and they'd find each other in the air. It never happened but at least she eventually spotted you three."
Now it was Ash's turn to blush with embarrassment, "That would've probably been a smart thing to do."
"Probably?" Misty growled.
"So how did you get out of the river?" Serena asked, attempting to push the conversation forward.
Brock smiled, "It's the most amazing thing. Let me show you."
As they walked through the forest Brock began his story, "I was getting rushed down the river, desperately trying to stop myself. No matter what I did I couldn't stop. I was about to use Onix as a last resort when I was saved… by an angel." He added the last part with a blush and sparkles in his squinty eyes.
"An angel?" Misty said in confusion.
"That's right. She was sent from heaven to save me. And steal my heart. Then she took me here." He pulled away some bushes to reveal a small farm nestled in the forest. There was a small house, a barn, and even a garden growing many different vegetables. But what was truly amazing was there were pokemon of all different types wandering around the farm. There were Paras, Pidgey, Bellsprouts, Rattata, and even a small lake with water pokemon.
"Welcome to the Hidden Village." Brock said. Noticing the greedy eyes of Ash and Misty he quickly added, "Now I promised the owner of this land we wouldn't try to catch any pokemon here so be on your best behavior."
"And who would that be?" Serena asked but her question was immediately answered.
"Brock!" A voice from the barn. Out running came a girl. She looked to be about 20 and was on the shorter side at only about 5'2 with green hair.
"Melanie my darling, I've returned at last!" Brock exclaimed, causing the girl to laugh.
"Aww you're so cute! I see you found your friends."
Brock seemed a little crestfallen at this but composed himself and said, "I did. Melanie, I'd like to introduce you to my friends, Ash, Misty, and Serena. Guys, this is Melanie the owner of this farm and the one who saved me."
"Oh, the angel. I hope Brock hasn't been giving you too much trouble." Misty said, giving Brock a dark look.
Melanie merely laughed, "Not at all. In fact it's been great having someone around to help out. I'm really glad he was able to find you all."
"I would've found them sooner but unfortunately they fell into one of your traps."
"Your trap? Did you make that pitfall too? Those really hurt you know." Misty exclaimed.
Melanie smiled with embarrassment, "I'm really sorry. There is a good reason they're there though."
"I thought the first trap was hilarious." Ash said while smirking at Misty. Suddenly he felt a rough slap at the back of his head. It wasn't Misty who did it though. Instead, it came from a familiar green vine.
"You!" Ash shouted while pointing at Bulbasaur.
Bulbasaur seemed to have lost all its humor from earlier and now growled at the group.
"It's time for payback." Ash growled but Brock grabbed him by the back of his collar as he tried to march over.
"Ash, remember what I said. Don't bother the pokemon." Brock warned.
"He started it." Ash grumbled as he watched the Bulbasaur march away.
"Oh, was Bulbasaur causing trouble? Please forgive him. Things have been rough for him recently." Melanie said sadly.
"Why's that?" Misty asked.
Sighing, Melanie gestured towards the house. A few minutes later the group was resting on the porch with fresh lemonade.
"I guess the story starts about nine months ago." Melanie began, "I had just graduated from Cinnabar University Medical School. Four years of intense schooling but I was finally a pokemon doctor. I was preparing to apply for internships in pokemon centers when I decided to do a bit of traveling. Most pokemon medical students don't go on adventures after primary school you see, because we want to jump right into more schooling and get it over with. After graduation though it's not uncommon to travel a bit before going to work full time. I was traveling with two girlfriends of mine when we came through this forest. It was like any other forest when we heard a terrible cry from a pokemon. Rushing in we found a Venasaur with a freshly hatched Bulbasaur, that Bulbasaur. Bulbasaur hadn't gotten the proper nutrients and was dying. He was very pale and the plant on his back was wilted. It took a lot to convince his mother to let us get closer but eventually she gave in and let us help. Bulbasaur was completely healthy in a few days but by then things had changed. Pokemon from all over the forest were coming to us for help. My friends decided to keep traveling but I just couldn't leave. I felt like this forest was where I was meant to be. The pokemon led me to this abandoned farm and I've been taking care of them ever since."
"So, you've been living in the forest all by yourself for nine months?" Ash asked in confusion.
Melanie smiled sweetly, "I know it's not a sustainable way to live and I'll need to leave eventually. But I've just enjoyed it so much here. Plus, when I do leave, I'll have plenty of experience to apply for a position in a pokemon center."
"I guess that makes sense." Ash said.
"Also there are two pokemon rangers in the area I spend time with." Her sweet smile suddenly faded into an expression of pure grief, "At least there were."
"What happened to them?" Serena asked gently.
"It all started two months ago. These poachers from far away began hiding out in the forest. I think they're trying to hide from the authorities. Anyway, started to cause major trouble. They've captured many pokemon with illegal traps. They even got Bulbasaur's mother. She was badly wounded by a bear trap. I don't know how she could have survived but knowing the poachers I think it might be worse if she did. Normally with things like this the rangers would call the police for support but they can't help right now."
"Why not?" Misty asked.
"Because of Team Rocket." Melanie responded, "They've been causing so much trouble that the police can't allocate the resources necessary to launch a manhunt in the forest for some poachers. One day the poachers actually showed up here and stole supplies from me. They were chased off by a swarm of Beedrill though. My two ranger friends, Jeff and Albert, decided then they couldn't sit by any longer. They hunted the poachers themselves and attempted to apprehend them. But these weren't normal poachers. They have extremely powerful pokemon and are well trained. Albert was able to just escape but Jeff wasn't so lucky. He lost his life to the poachers. They strung his body up in the forest and-" Melanie stopped with tears falling from her face. An act mirrored by Serena as Ash and Misty looked away in disgust. Brock put a sympathetic hand on Melanies shoulder. The girl smiled softly to him before taking a moment to compose herself before continuing, "Well, it was a terrible scene."
"How could that happen!" Misty shouted with anger, "How could the police do nothing while these animals are on the loose."
"It was right after the Viridian city incident." Melanie explained, "People all over the region were terrified their towns would be next. The leaders of Kanto had just declared war on Team Rocket... I also suspect they covered up the story of Jeff's death to not cause more fear. Albert said he could get help though. He said he an uncle in some elite law enforcement unit. He left two weeks ago to get help, but I've heard nothing. Since then many of the pokemon moved to or around the farm for safety. They're smart creatures. They know I'll protect them. We set up traps like you saw everywhere to keep the poachers away. So far it seems to be working. I think the poachers know about this place but have been happy lying low. If they do get here though there's nothing that will stop them from burning the hidden village to the ground and capturing the pokemon. My only hope is that Albert comes through with some reinforcements."
"Maybe the poachers have already left." Ash said hopefully.
Melanie shook her head sadly, "That doesn't seem to be the case. My Pidgeotto has been spying on them for me. It spotted them about 3 days ago. They're still here."
"Maybe we can help fight them." Misty offered.
"No!" Brock said so forcefully that Misty visibly recoiled. "These poachers sound far more dangerous than Team Rocket. We're not risking our lives like that."
"But what about Melanie?" Misty asked weakly.
Brock gave the green haired girl a sad glance, "I advised Melanie to join us on our trip to Lavender Town. Dangerous criminals in an area where there isn't law enforcement for miles is an exceptionally dangerous situation. She said no though. We're going to rest up tonight and head straight out of the forest tomorrow. If we make good time we'll reach Lavender Town in a few days and I'll beg the police there to help. I'll even threaten to go to the local press if they don't help."
Misty looked down with no argument. Ash wanted desperately to voice his support for her plan but even he knew this was far too dangerous. With no other choice the group sat in silence.
Across the forest a much different scene was unfolding. Three men hurried back to their camp carrying a fourth.
"Damn Beedrill! Why does that hive attack us everywhere we go?" Asked a very large man, standing nearly 6'7, with short hair and yellow teeth. He put down the man he was carrying, a man standing about 5'8 with long shaggy black hair panting furiously.
"They must know what we've done. I've warned you before: pokemon are for more intelligent than humans give them credit for." Said a third man. He was also about 5'8 with black hair but had it pulled back in a ponytail and had beady eyes.
"Enough of that!" An assertive voice growled. Stepping in front of the three was a very muscular man standing 5'10. He had a shaved head and a long scar running down his face cutting across one eye causing it to be completely white. Looking at the group he snapped, "Leo, how's Damien?
"I'll be fine boss." The man named Damien tried to say while giving a thumbs up.
"He's lying Taz, Damien got a good dose of Poison from the Beedrill." Leo said, tearing away part of Damiens already tattered shirt. Underneath was a horrific purple wound that seemed to be spreading to the rest of his stomach. "We don't have the knowledge or medical supplies to stop this. He'll be gone in 24 hours if we do nothing."
Taz scowled at this. How had things got to this point? A few months ago, they were in a hotel in Kalos living like kings. They had just poached a very rare pokemon from his native region of Galar and were lying low to celebrate. Well, apparently not that low. Kalos police were somehow tipped off and were soon swarming the hotel. The four were forced to fight for their lives to get out. Eventually they escaped and boarded a cargo ship. They had a few more close calls before finally finding this horrible little forest to hide out in. Now the most successful poachers in the world were forced to live like beasts in a forest to survive.
"Please boss, we got to save Damien." The large man begged.
Taz rolled his eyes at this. Brutus had monstrous strength and was as loyal as a starter pokemon, but be also acted like a fool. Leo on the other hand was as cunning as he was savage. If he said Damien was dying then it needed to be taken seriously, "Pull yourself together, Brutus." Taz growled, "We're not going to let him die."
"It would be ill advised to leave the forest at this time." Leo warned.
Taz smiled sinisterly, "Not to worry. We just so happen to know about a little pokemon doctor in this forest who can help us."
And that's it for today. Originally, I had this and the next chapter combined into a single chapter but felt it was way too long. I don't like releasing really long chapters because I feel like it's a massive commitment for people to read. This chapter really was a tease for the next chapter though so I assure you all that the next chapter will be released in the next five day. Until then though, thank you all for reading!