Hi all! Just before we get this chapter started, I need to make something clear.
I am splitting the Kanto starters between Ash, Misty, and Brock!
Now before you all tear me limb from limb, there is a method to this madness. First, this happened in the original story this is based on, so I wanted to add this to add some variety. Ash always gets the starters, and Misty and Brock never get any in every other fan fiction I've 't worry, Ash will get one of the starters, and a pretty interesting sixth Pokémon.
Now with that out of the way, on with the show!
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
Sanctuary Of The Forsaken Mons
After a few nore days of traveling and training, the group is then shown wading through a bunch of tall grass, with Misty grumbling in annoyance. Ash had been trying to learn how to navigate but it failed. Miserably.
Misty: That's the last time I let you hold the map, Ash! Now we're completely lost!
Ash: I said I was sorry! 7 times! AT regular intervals!
Misty: Just give me the map.
Sheepishly, Ash handed it over without argument. But, Misty was unable to stay mad at her raven-haired friend for long as she teased him, causing him to turn beat red.
Misty: You know you'd be lost without us, right? Literally.
Cobalt: Maybe not. He does have me, the Omnipotent and Cool Cobalt, right Ash?
Ash laughed and nodded, translating for the others as Green shook his head as he smiled.
Green: The "Omnipotent and Cool Cobalt"? Really, bro?
Yami: Personally, I like mine better. "Yami, The Mightiest Of All Ghost Pokemon And King Of All Hilarious Quips".
He struck a deliberately ridiculous-looking pose, which made Ash and his other three Pokémon laugh.
Psi: *comically* A tad long though, no?
Misty managed to lead them out of the tall grass, and they sat down for a rest on some rocks. Suddenly, they heard a rustling noise and turned to see a small blue creature with leaves on its head drinking at the stream.
Ash: What's that?
Ash was unable to get a good look at it with all the grass in the way. He took out his Pokédex, scanning it.
Pokedex: Oddish, the Weed Pokemon. A Grass and Poison type. Oddish searches for fertile, nutrient-rich soil, then plants itself. During the daytime, while it is planted, this Pokémon's feet are thought to change shape and become similar to the roots of trees.
Misty: It's so cute! I'm gonna catch it! *pulls out Pokeball* Go! Butterfree!
Butterfree landed in front of Oddish, making it scream in terror as it backed up.
Oddish: Bulbasaur, HELP!
Green: That ain't good.
Ash tried to warn his friend, but she didn't hear him in her excitement.
Misty: Butterfree, use Confusion!
Butterfree shot off a Confusion which went directly for Oddish, but green vines came out of a bush, pulling the Oddish safely out of the way. Suddenly, a Bulbasaur shot out of the bushes, tackling Butterfree, who went flying back several feet.
Misty: Butterfree! Are you okay?
He nodded, getting out of her arms and facing the Bulbasaur. The Bulbasaur stood in front of the Oddish protectively, while Ash looked in wonder at the Pokemon as he got out his Pokedex.
Ash: Holy- A Bulbasaur! Starter Pokemon are really rare to find in the wild.
Pokedex: Bulbasaur, the Seed Pokemon. A Grass and Poison type. Bulbasaur can be seen napping in bright sunlight. By soaking up the sun's rays, the seed on its back grows progressively larger.
Bulbasaur: Leave her alone! Get out of here! This is a sanctuary for injured and abandoned Pokémon, not a free-for-all!
He knew humans couldn't understand a word he said, but it didn't keep him from saying it.
Ash: Misty, call Butterfree off! *to Bulbasaur* We're sorry, Bulbasaur. We didn't know this was a sanctuary for injured and abandoned Pokémon. We'll get out of here.
As he began to walk away, the shocked Bulbasaur pointed a vine at Ash.
Bulbasaur: Did he just…
Yami: Yeah, he can understand us.
Misty: *recalls Butterfree* Bulbasaur, Oddish, I'm sorry. I didn't know…
Brock: We won't bother or try to capture any Pokémon while we're in this area.
Bulbasaur stared at them. The fact that one of the human trainers could understand Pokémon was strange enough, but the fact that they actually cared that this was a sanctuary and agreed to leave the Pokémon here alone was almost unbelievable. And yet, they seemed sincere.
Bulbasuar: See that you don't. Come on, Oddish, let's go. *he and Oddish walk away*
Brock: Wow. Good thing you can understand Pokémon, Ash, or there might have been some trouble. I wonder if Bulbasaur runs this sanctuary itself or if a human runs it.
Ash: He didn't say. Now how do we get out of here?
Misty: I don't know. I can't find this area on the map.
They came to a bridge, and began crossing it. Cobalt, who had fallen behind the others while grabbing a Pecha Berry, was about to step on the bridge when he noticed something frightening. The ropes holding the bridge up looked aged and fragile, like they were about to snap any second.
Cobalt: Guys, get off the bridge quick! It's…
But the warning came too late as he watched helplessly as the bridge began to shake, a critical support rope snapping. The bridge tilted on its side, and everyone began tumbling. Ash managed to grab hold of a rope, and Misty clung to Ash's legs as they dangled off the bridge. Brock and Psi weren't so lucky. They lost their grip and fell, plummeting towards the river below as everyone screamed in horror.
Thankfully, Psi and Yami could still defy gravity. The Kadabra grabbed hold of Brock with their psychic power and Yami caught Green by one of his tail leaves. Both rushed their passengers to the other side of the bridge as Psi and Yami dropped Brock and Green safely on the ground and rushed back to their endangered friends.
Psi: We are on our way, hold on!
Ash: Trust me, Psi, I have no intention of letting go!
Psi enveloped Misty with psychic energy and quickly carried her to the other side before Yami went for Ash. Suddenly, the rope Ash was clinging to snapped, and he began to fall.
Yami: ASH!
The ghost quickly flew underneath him, allowing him to land on his head, shaken but unhurt.
Yami: Got ya. You alright?
Ash: Thanks to you.
Yami flew him to the other side, and he got off, hugging him tightly. Green and Psi went over, Green hugging Ash and checking him over while Psi smiled at him.
Psi: All of you wait here, I shall get Cobalt.
They quickly teleported to the other side, where they grabbed Cobalt and teleported back with the owrried Riolu in tow.
Cobalt: Is everyone okay?
Green: We're just fine, thanks to Psi and Yami.
Brock: Thanks, Psi. I'll make you your own special Pokemon food mix when I get the chance.
Starting now, Brock became extremely glad for Ash's little quirk of keeping his Pokémon out most of the time. If it hadn't been for the Kadabra, he probably would have died or been seriously injured.
Green: Yeah, and thanks Y. I probably would have been seaweed if you hadn't caught me.
Yami: No problem.
?: What's going on over here?
Everyone turned to see a pretty young woman with blue hair and the Bulbasaur from earlier.
Woman: We heard a huge crash and a lot of screaming.
Misty: The bridge collapsed while we were crossing it.
Woman: Oh no! Is anyone hurt?
Brock: We're all fine.
Brock assured her while grinning a bit goofily. The girl was breathtakingly beautiful, after all…
Woman: That's good. I'm Melanie. So…. *slightly suspicious* What are you folks doing all the way out here?
Brock: I'm Brock, and this is Ash and Misty. We're heading for Vermillion City, but we got lost.
Melanie: *suspicions eleviated* Easy to do in a remote area like this. "I'll take you to my cabin and give you some directions. I'll make a pot of tea too; you guys probably need it after the scare you had.
Misty: Thanks. We really appreciate it.
Melanie: You're welcome, but can you do me a favor? Please do not capture any Pokémon while you're here. I created a retreat for Pokémon that have been abandoned or injured, and they do not need battles while they're trying to recover.
Ash: We won't.
Brock: *as they walk* So are you a Pokémon Doctor, Melanie?
Melanie: Oh no, I'm not qualified to be a doctor. But I'm really interested in Pokémon care and breeding. My grandmother taught me all about which plants will make a Pokémon feel better or strengthen it when it's weak.
Brock: I'm actually studying to be a Pokémon Breeder myself. I even make my own Pokémon food.
Melanie was about to reply when they heard a sudden thump behind them. Ash, Misty, Cobalt and Green had accidentally triggered a pit trap and were now lying in a giant hole, groaning with the Grovyle being under all of them.
Green: *dazed* I see a bright light~. I'm coming, Grandma~.
Misty: What the- What's a trap doing here?
The woman became nervous as he and Brock helped the others out of the hole, Ash returning Green to his ball to save time before letting him back out.
Melanie: I'm really sorry. I was the one who set the trap. There are other traps around here too.
Ash: What? Why?
Melanie: To catch Pokémon Trainers before they enter the village and try to harm or capture the Pokémon here.
Ash: Couldn't you just put up a sign or something?
Melanie: I tried, but some trainers just ignored the signs. So I had to resort to traps.
Bulbasaur: *growls* Trainers never listen or care!
Cobalt: Hey, our trainer and his friends did!
Bulbasaur opened his mouth to retort, then decided against it. These trainers HAD listened when he had told them to stop. Maybe some trainers weren't so bad after all…. But he would definitely not be letting his guard down, just in case. But things seemingly got worse when Green thought of something, making him narrow his eyes.
Green: That bridge was a trap too, wasn't it? You were trying to kill us just now, weren't you?!
Bulbasaur: Of course not! We want to keep Pokémon Trainers out of the village, not kill someone!
Mentally, Ash let out a sigh of relief.
Green: …Alright, sorry. Just making sure. And here I thought we'd be dealing with ANOTHER starter with some weird vendetta against humanity.
Yami: Wait, "another"? What are you talking about?
Melanie: Watch your step.
Melanie cautioned, leading them away from a trip wire. They did, carefully keeping their eyes on the ground. Thankfully, they were able to get back to the village without any more mishaps. Bulbasaur kept his eyes on Ash, Brock, and Misty the whole way there, just to make sure they didn't go back on their promise. But what Bulbasaur didn't know was that there were three wicked ones nearby who would harm the village if they could. And they weren't Ash, Misty, and Brock.
—-
Later on, they walked into an area with a small log cabin beside a slow-moving river. There were tons of wild Pokémon there, mostly forest dwellers like Rattata, Caterpie, Paras, and the Oddish they had seen before. They were peacefully relaxing and eating.
Ash: Wow…
Melanie bent down to pet a Paras, which cooed happily.
Melanie: This is a place for Pokémon to just rest and relax until they recover. They don't battle one another here.
The group went inside for a cup of tea, and Brock and Melanie chatted the whole time about Pokémon breeding. Though Psi came inside, Cobalt, Green, and Yami played with the other Pokémon outside, though during a game of chase, Yami stopped Cobalt and brought him to the side.
Cobalt: Dude, what's going on?
Yami: You said something earlier. Something about "dealing with ANOTHER starter with some weird vendetta against humanity". Mind running that by me one more time?
Remembering Yami hadn't been informed yet of what happened to Ash, Cobalt quickly told him the entire story. Usually, the ghost was seen with a joking smile and always cracking one liners, but this was the first time Cobalt had seen Yami look… Sad and sympathetic.
Yami: Holy Mew, that's…. That's awful! *angered* If I ever see that Pikachu and if he ever tries to hurt Ash again, he's getting a Shadow Punch straight to the head!
Cobalt: Well, you'll have to wait in line behind me, Green, Psi, possibly Misty and Brock, and my entire tribe. But he's long gone as we know now. Let's just… Try to relax, alright?
And so they did. Later on, Brock, Ash, and Misty helped Melanie with taking care of the Pokémon. Bulbasaur watched warily at first, but as time went on, he began to relax. These trainers seemed to have genuinely good hearts, unlike the trainer who had abandoned Bulbasaur two years ago. He especially liked the two boys, as Brock helped heal the Pokémon with gentle, experienced hands. He used a gentle, soothing voice as he talked to them, and the Pokémon flocked to him, especially when Brock started handing out the deliciously smelling Pokémon treats he had made himself.
Ash reminded Bulbasaur of a little Growlithe puppy he had met once; friendly, gentle, fiercely loyal, and eager to please. Though inexperienced, he took instructions from Brock and from Green, his Grovyle, who must have had some healing experience as well. Though Bulbasaur noticed that Ash was extremely careful not to reveal his ability in Melanie's presence, the young boy would non-verbally respond to anything the Pokémon wanted, and they flocked to him as well, just to get petted or receive attention.
Turning, Bulbasaur noticed Misty, the female trainer, speaking to Oddish. He wandered over just to make sure everything was okay.
Misty: Sorry about what happened in the forest. I shouldn't have surprised you like that. You must have been scared. Melanie told me your trainer abandoned you. I'm so sorry. They don't deserve a great Pokémon like you.
Oddish stared at her, tears in her eyes. Her former trainer had dumped her in the forest near the village, calling her weak and pathetic because she couldn't beat a Poliwag that was ten levels higher than she was, and ever since she was abandoned, she had believed that. But now this young trainer was not only apologizing for scaring her, but also telling her that she was a good Pokémon and that the betrayal was not her fault. Maybe, just maybe, she could begin to trust trainers again.
Misty: *pets Oddish* Some trainers can be insensitive, but not all of us are like that. You just need to find a trainer that understands you… Anyway, I'm sorry about what I did, and I hope we can be friends.
Misty continued, starting to cry. She felt terrible for nearly hurting a Pokémon that had been hurt so much already. Oddish gently wiped Misty's tears away with her leaves as Ash approached her with Cobalt.
Misty: You're sweet, Oddish. It seems all I've thought about lately is winning. I hope I'm not becoming heartless.
Ash: Misty, you are NOT heartless. A heartless person wouldn't be a great friend like you are, or care so much about Pokémon.
He blushed after saying this, wondering if that had come out stupid. Misty smiled up at him, blushing a little herself.
Misty: Thanks, Ash.
Bulbasaur, who had been watching from a short distance away, came over.
Bulbasaur: Everything okay over here? *Oddish nods*
Ash: Bulbasaur, we're not going to hurt Oddish.
Bulbasaur: ….I believe you. But I had to be absolutely sure. Some trainers have attempted to catch Pokémon here behind Melanie's back after falsely promising not to and taking advantage of her trust. It's my duty to protect the others, and I will guard their safety with my life.
Ash very quietly translated Bulbasaur's words to Misty, not wanting Melanie to overhear.
Cobalt: Isn't Melanie your trainer?
Misty had asked the same thing but before he could answer, Melanie overheard her and walked over, Brock behind her.
Melanie: No, Bulbasaur's not mine, but he's been helping me guard the Pokémon here ever since he arrived. *pets Bulbasaur's head* He's the bravest and most loyal Pokémon I know.
Brock looked at Bulbasaur in admiration, understanding what it was like to assume a great responsibility and put others before yourself.
Brock: That's real dedication.
Melanie looked at Bulbasaur. She had never seen him so comfortable around a group of trainers before. He had always been aggressive or wary around trainers, and for a good reason. Seeing Bulbasaur so happy, she knew what she had to do. But before she could say anything, everyone heard a loud rumbling, and a giant shadow blocked out the sun. Everyone looked up to see Team Rocket flying in on a giant stadium.
Ash: These guys again?!
He, Misty, and Brock began rushing the village's Pokémon into the cabin as Team Rocket began reciting their motto.
Melanie: Who are these people?
Misty: Team Rocket, and they live to steal Pokémon.
Misty told her in a hurry as she picked up several Rattata at once, rushing them to safety. They had gotten most of the Pokémon safely inside the cabin before the flying stadium crash-landed to the ground.
Cobalt: I'll take care of these idiots.
Cobalt rushed at Team Rocket in an attempt to use Force Palm. They hit the roof just in time to avoid being pulverized and escaped into the stadium through a safety hatch.
James: Those twerps again?! Why do they follow us everywhere we go?
Meowth: Well, they can't stop this plan! We've got the home team advantage!
Jessie hit a button that released a vacuum hose, which quickly emitted a powerful suction as she spoke into a mictophone.
Jessie: All Pokémon are invited to come inside the stadium!
James: Step right up.
Meowth: We're not hosing ya. Well, maybe we are!
Green grabbed Psi, who was being pulled towards the hose. However, he started to be dragged towards it herself, but Yami grabbed him, and Ash grabbed him. They managed to make their way towards the cabin. Ash would have returned them to their Poké Balls, but he feared they'd be sucked right out of his hands.
Ash: Cobalt, use Vacuum Wave on the hose! See if you can break it or push it aside!
Cobalt rushed to aid them, launching the wind formation at the hose and managing to push it sideways and pin it to the side with his body.
Meowth: Good thing we sprang for the double hose attachment!
Meowth pressed a button that released another hose. Cobalt could only watch helplessly as he held the first hose away from her friends. Brock grabbed a Staryu before it could get sucked into the machine, and Misty dived for Oddish who was getting pulled towards but missed. Thankfully, Bulbasaur grabbed Oddish with his vines just before she entered the machine.
Brock: Misty, take Staryu!
Brock told Misty as he and Ash, who had managed to get his smaller Pokémon into the cabin, raced to help Bulbasaur. Brock got there first, scooping Bulbasaur and Oddish up and carrying them towards the cabin. Seeing several big rocks nearby, Ash grabbed them and threw them towards the hose, hoping to jam the vacuum mechanism. Yami raced out of the cabin through the wall and rushed to help his trainer, attacking the hose with Shadow Punch to no avail. Unlike Cobalt, he wasn't heavy enough to hold the hose back. Brock had an idea.
Brock: Onix, go! Use those boulders to jam the hoses!
After he released Onic, he pointed to some rock seats that Melanie had.
Onix: On it! *grabs boulder* Everyone stand clear!
Cobalt released the hose as Ash and Yami dived to the side. With amazing aim, Onix threw the boulder, jamming the hose. Bulbasaur saw what he was doing, ran outside, and tossed another boulder into the second hose. Bulbasaur's boulder, slightly smaller than Onix's, was forced through the hose, destroying both it and the vacuum mechanism before crashing through a wall. Inside the giant stadium, Team Rocket heard a loud rumbling and escaped through the safety hatch as the boulder came through, hitting a vital(and explosive) part of the engine. The resulting shock wave blasted through the open safety hatch, sending Team Rocket flying.
Melanie called the police about the stadium still sitting in her sanctuary. She was afraid they wouldn't believe her, but they did as there had been a police search for the stadium, the theft of which had been caught on video camera. The police agreed to pick it up in a few days, once they figured out a way to remove the stadium and take it back to Saffron City where it belonged. After getting directions out of the sanctuary, the group said their goodbyes to Melanie, who thanked them for their help.
Ash: Looks like this village is well protected with Bulbasaur around.
Melanie: Ash, Brock….. Don't you agree that Bulbasaur would be an excellent addition to one of your teams?
She had been watching Bulbasaur earlier, and he had taken especial interest in Ash and Brock. And she had a strange feeling that little Oddish would be leaving with a certain red-haired trainer. Brock and Ash both nodded, looking confused.
Melanie: I think Bulbasaur should go with you.
Ash: Huh?
Melanie: Bulbasaur stayed here to protect the weaker Pokémon, but this village is too small. The bulb on his back can't grow here. He needs to go out into the world now, and I know you two will take good care of him. Please, add Bulbasaur to one of your teams. He's more comfortable with you than he's ever been around any other trainer and I know he'll be happy with either of you.
Bulbasaur: But what about the village?
Misty: But what will happen to the village without Bulbasaur?
Brock: Yeah, who's going to protect you?
Melanie: It's true Bulbasaur's done a great job. Maybe too great of a job. You see, these Pokémon shouldn't remain in this village forever and ever. When they recover, the Pokémon are supposed to leave, but it's too safe here, so none of them want to leave. But I think it's important that they return to the wild. That's where Pokémon belong. And hopefully someday they'll find trainers as good as the three of you.
She picked up Bulbasaur and hugged him.
Mlenaie: Taking care of sick Pokémon will always be my mission, but my job isn't finished until they return to where they came from. So it's the day a Pokémon leaves that's most rewarding to me. *ets Bulbasaur down* It's time for you to leave here, Bulbasaur. You need to follow your own dreams. *to Ash and Brock* Please, take him with you.
Brock and Ash looked at each other, then nodded to Melanie.
Misty: So, which one of you gets Bulbasaur?
Brock: That would be up to Bulbasaur.
Bulbasaur walked up to them, his eyes flickering between them. Who should he choose? Both were obviously good trainers, were compassionate, and loved Pokémon. But which one was right for him? And now that he was leaving the village, what were his dreams?
For the next few minutes, Bulbasaur talked to both Ash's and Brock's Pokémon, learning about the boys' personalities, their goals, and their pasts in order to make a decision on which trainer to choose. By the time the team had to go (and Misty having to drag Brock away by the ear), he had made up his mind. As the group began to leave, Bulbasaur walked up behinf Brock and tapped on his shoulder with a vine, making him turn and see Bulbasaur looking up at him.
Brock: Did you need something, Bulbasaur?
Bulbasaur: I'd like you to become my trainer.
Both Ash and Brock were amazing people, but after talking to both their teams, he felt he'd fit in with Brock a little bit better. Though Bulbasaur didn't mind battling, taking on the Pokémon League wasn't really his dream. He'd rather help out the other Pokémon from the sidelines. Plus, he and Brock seemed to be the most similar in personality. Both had dealt with taking on a very huge responsibility. When he had talked to Onix, he learned about how Brock had stepped up to take care of his ten younger brothers and sisters when Brock's parents walked away and left them. It spoke miles for Brock's strength of character, loyalty, and patience.
Ash: He wants you to be his trainer.
Though he had to admit he was a tiny bit disappointed, he knew Brock and Bulbasaur would work well together. Both were strong, steady, and cared deeply for others. Plus, he felt Green was the only Grass type for him.
Brock smiled and reached for a empty Poké Ball, but Bulbasaur took on a battle stance.
Bulbasaur: Battle me first.
Though he knew Brock wasn't taking on the Pokémon League; with that idiotic Team Rocket around, battles would still be necessary. Plus, he wanted to see Brock's strategy. Brock didn't need Ash's translation for this as he reached for Zubat's Poké Ball.
Brock: Zubat! Go!
He threw the Poké Ball and released the bat Pokémon. Bulbasaur reached out with his vines, grabbing Zubat.
Brock: Use Bite on the vines to make him let you go!
Zubat bit down on Bulbasaur's vines, making him roar in pain and flinch away.
Brock: Now, use Wing Attack!
Bulbasaur cried out as the super effective attack struck him, sending him flying backwards. But he wasn't giving up yet. Bulbasaur used Vine Whip again, sending Zubat flying.
Brock: Zubat, can you continue?
Zubat: *gets up* You know it, Brock!
Brock: Alright then. Use Wing Attack again!
As Zubat flew towards Bulbasaur, Bulbasaur shot out a Razor Leaf.
Brock: Zubat, dodge it!
Zubat barely got out of the way in time, then struck Bulbasaur with another Wing Attack. Bulbasaur went flying, landing hard on the ground and not getting up this time, allowing Brock to throw a Poké Ball at Bulbasaur. Bulbasaur was immediately sucked inside as the ball rattled once, twice, three times, then clicked shut. Brock picked up the Poké Ball, smiling.
Brock: Welcome to the team, Bulbasaur.
And as such, the group walked off with the Kanto grass starter in tow, ready and waiting for what the world would throw at them next…. Which was actually later on that day an hour or so later.
TO BE CONTINUED…GH