Chapter 31: Spread Your Wings, Young Archen, Tranquil Reunion, and Past
"Human Speech"
"Pokemon Speech"
When the egg hatched, a Larvesta emerged and approached Ash with the innocence of a freshly-born Pokémon. The little one ran over and nuzzled Ash, who couldn't help but chuckle.
"Friendly little one, huh?" Larvesta nodded as Ash let Blitzle out for her to check the little one. She was the breeding center expert of Ash's Pokémon. She was surprised that it hatched so soon. "What's wrong, Blitzle? Is everything OK with the little one? Ash asked. Blitzle shook her head.
"Oh dear, no need to worry. Despite Larvesta's longer-than-usual egg-hatching cycles, everything is fine. However, I would like to discuss the matter privately with you regarding Larvesta," Blitzle said. Ash nodded as Pikachu and Snivy watched him as he was hyper like Scraggy, but nothing too wrong. Ash and Blitzle were away from the group.
"Hi Blitzle, can you please provide me with information about Larvesta? Is there a specific concern that requires addressing?" Ash asked, which made her shake her head.
"No, that's not what I wanted to tell you, but I have a question for you, Ash?" Blitzle said to Ash, who was now curious about what Blitzle was about to ask him.
"What is it you want to ask?" Ash asked Blitzle, who sighed and prepared herself.
"Are you considering evolving Larvesta while you're on your journey in Unova?" she asked, to which Ash nodded.
"If necessary, I can always have my Pokémon back home train him, but why do you ask me to now, as you know that when we first met when you joined Blitzle?" Ash asked Blitzle as Blitzle sighed.
"Raising Larvesta may pose a challenge, particularly for trainers who lack experience," Blitzle said to Ash, which caught Ash off guard. "To understand better, you can look up his information on the Pokedex. This will provide you with a clear explanation rather than relying on my words alone," Blitzle said, pointing at Ash's Pokedex in his pocket. Ash looked up Volcarona and her evolutions. Ash realized that Volcarona, despite being a strong Pokémon in Unova, had only one stage of evolution. If not trained well, it could take years for it to evolve.
"Wow, I must admit I thought, like most bug Pokémon, he had at least a middle stage. You weren't kidding, Blitzle," Ash admitted to Blitzle, who smirked.
"Fortunately, I have good news. His mother has agreed to take care of him and train him. You don't need to worry because she will eventually return him to you. However, it's important to remember that very few of his kind and their evolutions exist. As far as I know, there are only seven others like him, making him the eighth. Also, with his father being taken, it may be a while before any more are born. It's worth considering that owning one of these creatures is a rare opportunity, and seeing his family is even rarer. I understand that he may not be thrilled, but it's a unique situation," Blitzle suggested, which Ash thought over but only briefly and nodded.
"OK, I get what you're saying, and I agree. I know that Larvesta may be upset, especially since he just hatched. Still, he should understand why?" as he was interrupted by Snivy.
"I'd say he would understand. After all, he was curious where you went," Snivy ran over to where they were with little Larvesta beside them, a little upset but still showing a little happiness. It can barely speak words but understand what was said. Ash kneels to the little guy, who gives a little nuzzle before nodding.
"OK, I don't need to ask. I need to send a Pokémon to the lab to catch you, and I'll connect the preserve, and you'll be able to see your mother, little one, and maybe your sibling," Ash said to Larvesta, who smiled eyes and nodded as he was looking forward to seeing his mom at least.
The group nodded. Luckily, a small Pokémon center is near a massive building of sorts. Ash thought hard but decided to send little Axew to be trained by his Gabite at the lab, which she was OK with doing. Ash returned Axew and sent her to Professor Oaks' lab, as he pulled out another ball and caught Larvesta without hassle. As he contacted the Bug-type preservation center, Jason answered.
"I've taken by you are contacting the preservation that the Larvesta egg just hatched," Jason asked, to which Ash nodded.
"I guess you were expecting my call at some point, huh?" Ash said to Jason, who nodded.
"Let's say it was just a hunch, but his mother will take care of him and let me know when he's ready. Don't worry, nothing will change about him, and you can train him your way when Larvesta is more experienced," Jason said to Ash which made Ash smile but a bit sad, but he agreed to send Larvesta to the preservation, which Ash did.
"I will stay in touch with you. Jason ensures that the little one is content throughout this process." Ash said as Jason nodded.
"Don't worry. Ash. I'll check on the two occasionally. Take care, Ash," Jason said as the call ended; Ash sighed.
"Have fun, little guy, and I will make sure that your training won't go in vain," Ash said, sighing, knowing that Larvesta was in good hands as Ash heard his name being called out.
"Ash? Ash Ketchum, is that you?" A female voice said as he turned around. It was Professor Juniper, along with Bianca.
"Ah, Professor Juniper and Bianca didn't expect one of you out here," Ash asked.
"We are currently located near a preservation site home to flying types. This is one of two known preservation sites, the other being in Forretree City, which Winona, the gym leader, runs," Juniper explained to Ash, surprising Ash.
"I remember hearing about this place during my family's visit to Unova. Unfortunately, we couldn't see it because only a few people and Pokémon are permitted inside." Ash said.
"So that's the big building we saw coming here?"Brock said to Juniper. The Professor nodded.
"Yes, it is, and I am surprised you were informed about it. I might be able to let you come in as guests. As I might need you and your Tranquil's help," Ash was curious.
"Really, what is it? Professor and Tranquil aren't with me at the moment," Ash asked.
"You're close to a phone. Contact Professor Oak and request him to bring her to your location. He should understand why you need her." the Professor suggested, which embarrassed Ash.
"I have an Emolga if it's OK for me to come with," Misty suggested. The Professor nodded.
"Sure, Emolga may be from this reservation, and it's not just Unova Pokémon that lives here. Even other Pokémon from other regions are born in one of the two reservations," Juniper said. This made Ash and the others curious about that. Ash contacted Professor Oak and told him what Juniper had said to him.
"I understand, Ash. Starraptor seems interested in this, so it looks like both Tranquil and Starraptor will join you. Starraptor may be from the same reservation as you."Oak said to Ash.
"Sure, the more, the merrier, and I think extra help would be useful," Professor Juniper says, to which Ash nods. Snivy became curious about this for multiple reasons. Ash had sent Scraggy away, likely to make room for Starraptor. He sent Scraggy to train with his sister while the Professor sent over Ash's two flying-type Pokémon.
"Thanks, Professor Oak. I'll contact you later," Ash said to Oak, who nodded as the call ended.
The group followed Professor Juniper to the reservation and was allowed in. They were inside the reservation as it was pretty big and open for the flying types to leave if they wanted to, as Ash let out Tranquil and Starraptor simultaneously as Misty sent out Emolga. However, Tranquil looked different than the last time the gang saw her.
"Hello, you three, can you assist me with a flying type Pokémon that is having difficulties flying due to its flock leaving before it hatched?" Juniper said as Tranquil looked down. This almost sounded like when she was young when Starraptor nuzzled her.
"Don't worry, I'm here for you, Tranquil, and we'll help," Starraptor comforted Tranquil while Ash didn't notice what was said even with the translator Snivy picked in on it quickly, as did Emolga though she recognized where she was.
"I will assist you shortly after I attend to a matter that requires my attention. We will meet up soon," Emolga said, as just being here brought some of her memories back but not too much, which Ash translated to Misty.
"Now, Emolga, we're here to help, not to wander off," Misty told Emolga, shaking her head.
"I'll be brief. I was born in this place, and I need to visit someone. I assure you that I won't cause any trouble, as you already know," Emolga said.
"I was also born here, but if it's important to you, then sure, go ahead. Just remember, OK?" Tranquil interjects Emolga nodded as she flew off, as the group sighed.
The Professor brought the group to a flying-type Pokémon that they'd never met during their journey. Tranquil noticed but somehow almost recognized it as if his past sounded familiar.
"Archen is a fossil Pokémon who was abandoned by his flock about a month or two ago. Since no one here knows the flock, training him to fly is difficult," Juniper saidStarraptor and Tranquil nodded as the two flew over to the little guy.
"I guess they don't need me at the moment," Ash said to his Pokemon, who nodded.
"You can look around and check in on them at times. I hope they might have it done by the day's end. I hope to be the case," Juniper said to Ash, who sighed and nodded. The group nodded as Snivy decided to stay with the two flying types, making Pikachu curious.
"It might be helpful to have another female accompany them, especially since Emolga has flown away. Pikachu, please don't worry about it and avoid getting distracted by another girl, OK?" Snivy said as Pikachu shook his head.
"Remember, Snivy, that was an accident. You are the only female for me," Pikachu said to Snivy as Snivy made an, I guess, arm gesture.
"I trust your judgment, Pikachu, for now," Snivy said as Pikachu left with Ash and the others. Tranquil noticed that Snivy and Pikachu's relationship was still on the rocks but had lightened up lately.
"Snivy, do you still have difficulty trusting Pikachu?" Tranquil asked Snivy Snivy nodded at this as she looked at Pikachu walking away from the group.
"Although Pikachu has made some progress in winning back my favor, I am still far from loving him again. However, I cannot say the same for you two. I noticed you were OK with Starraptor joining and how you feel when he comforts you. Even though Ash is new, I am not fooled," Snivy said to Tranquil and Starraptor, which made the two birds blush.
"You were right about Snivy Tranquil; Snivy has excellent attention to detail," Starraptor said to Tranquil, who nodded, which made her nod as Tranquil knew that she couldn't fool Snivy's eyes, especially now it was pretty evident.
"So…how long until?" Snivy asked, as it was more appropriate for her to ask than say Pikachu and the others Starraptor nodded to Tranquil, who smiled and turned to Snivy.
"I am expecting the eggs in a few months, and I anticipate completing my training with Starraptor by then," Tranquil said to Snivy, as Snivy nodded as it was evident that Tranquil was carrying eggs at the moment since their arrival, as Emolga flew to the group. Though she is hiding it, she looks like she is under stress.
"Finally, Emolga has arrived," Snivy said, crossing her arms as she noticed something was wrong with Emolga. Although Snivy had her arms crossed, she appeared less angry and more concerned.
"I rather not talk about it right now. Let's help out with what is going on. Please don't ask me during this. I respect your wishes about Pikachu and the others. Please do this for me as a friend,' Emolga asked cheerfully.
Still, she held back her fear as Snivy nodded.
"Alright, Emolga, but can you confirm with me afterward?" Snivy said to Emolga, who groaned but nodded as she couldn't hide anything from Snivy even if she tried.
"OK, I'll agree to the deal, but I have something to say that you may not like. However, let's not let that ruin things," Emolga said to Snivy and the others, who are even more concerned about Emolga now but let it go. The young Archen wakes from the commotion to see the group standing near him.
"I'm sorry to interrupt. Can you please introduce yourselves to me?" Archen said, not scared but curious as Tranquil flew over to Archen.
"Why hello there, little Archen, my name is Tranquil, this is Starraptor, and my friends Emolga and Snivy, we heard about your situation both with what happened with your flock leaving and you not flying, and we are here to help you in any way possible while we are here," Tranquil said to the young Rock/Flying type. Archen noticed that Tranquil was acting like a mother-like figure to him, as Archen smiled and nodded.
"If you know what my evolution line is like, and they can fly, then sure," Archen asked, which made Snivy concerned even though Emolga was as well.
"Can you do it? Many of us who can fly didn't learn from anyone else. It's just something we were born knowing how to do. I'm unfamiliar with his Evolution lines flying training or how they fly Tranquil?" Emolga asked Tranquil, who looked at Emolga. Even Starraptor perks up.
"I believe that Tranquil is fully capable of handling the task," Starraptor said to Emolga as Tranquil nodded.
"I have more knowledge about his evolutionary lineage than you might expect. However, let's begin, and I can explain more later," Tranquil said to Emolga. The group nodded as Archen was curious about what she meant, but he was happy that someone was helping him out, as most wouldn't.
"Let's focus on increasing your speed while spreading your wings and moving. I'll demonstrate by starting to do so," Tranquil explained to Archen while running off with her wings sticking out, which she wasn't trying to take off. Though she did look ridiculous, it was a small step, and most flying types began with it.
"It's OK. Go ahead and try but don't overexert yourself," Tranquil said as Archen nodded and tried, but as he picked up speed, he lost his footing and fell. She sighed and flew over to him and helped him up as she tried to explain without scolding him or trying to make it complicated. Archen is good at listening, but he is a bit stubborn. As their stomachs growled as the group chuckled though Archen didn't want to eat, he was determined, which was a familiarity with Tranquil, as she thought.
"It must be the same flock; if so, then I know that I am making the right decision in placing my training with this little one," Tranquil thought as she turned to Archen. "Look, we have all day. You can't do that on an empty stomach," Tranquil said to Archen as Archen sighed.
"Fine, if it helps, then I won't say no to you, Tranquil," Archen said as he had to admit he was indeed hungry. As the group went to the feeding area.
"Why are you so determined to help no offense, but even if you get him to get somewhat off the ground, it will take longer than a day to master it?" Emolga questioned Tranquil as Tranquil sighed.
"Emolga, I agree with your last point. However, I won't stop trying because he and I have more similarities with him than you realize, and it's not just how our flocks handled both of us when it came to being abandoned," Tranquil said as Snivy was curious about this.
"You mentioned that you were born here and have knowledge of his evolutionary line. Can you explain more about that?" Snivy asked Tranquil, who sighed as Starraptor also was curious about this.
"You are also curious. You told me about your past, which connected to my growing flock here, so what is it?" Starraptor asked Tranquil, who noticed that Archen wasn't paying attention to the conversation and dropped a bombshell.
"My flock was a mixed one regarding relatives and friends….my mom had a stepsister who was an Archeops in his final stage, and I grew up always watching them and how they would train and fly. My life with the flock was rougher than you think. Especially for me, especially when," Tranquil looked down as Starraptor noticed and knew what she was about to say.
"You, too, didn't know how to fly either. That's why you see him in you," Starraptor asked as Tranquil nodded, which surprised everyone.
"I had no idea. Many flying types in the past are usually quick studies, but that is not the case with you?" Emolga said as Tranquil was slightly upset but held it back.
"I wasn't with my flock when we migrated from here because I struggled to fly properly. Eventually, I managed to fly to the place where I met Ash. Although surprised, I'm determined to prove I'm stronger now," Tranquil said with a determined look. "That's why I have to help him, not just for Archen there but myself," Tranquil said. Snivy smiled at this as well as Starraptor and Emolga.
"I understand your hesitation to bring it up when we first met and got to know each other. The matter is not Ash's concern or ours, but he has supported me in the past. Now, it's our turn to help you out as well," Snivy said to Tranquil as Starrpator nodded.
"I agree with Snivy there, and I'll help if need be after we did promise to help each other out in more ways than one, Tranquil," Starraptor said to Tranquil, who nodded in agreement to it as Emolga nodded and smiled.
"I agree. It appears that Archen has finished eating as he is no longer present," Emolga said. The four noticed as they saw the little guy still determined to pick his speed up. As an hour passed, Archen could run almost. He accidentally got off the ground.
"OK, nicely done, you will get there, and you have improved your speed," Tranquil praised Archen, who was surprised that he could do that but was now curious as to why Tranquil was so supportive of him and well knowledgeable about him.
"Tranquil, why are you doing all this for me? I barely know you, yet you act like you know how my evolutionary line works. Are you related to me in some way?" Archen asked Tranquil. Tranquil was taken aback by what Archen had said and thought about what to say. She had to choose her words carefully and then say.
"You can say that, but I don't mind being a mother figure to you when you are a bit older or evolved, then I'll tell you," Tranquil said to Archen, hiding that she is indeed a member of his family, not biologically. He was curious about what she said but nodded as he had never met his mother or flock, so he was okay with seeing her as one and nodded.
"Good, now let's try to glide, Emolga. That's where your expertise is," Tranquil said to Emolga. Emolga was dumbstruck that Tranquil would say that.
"Wait a moment, Tranquil. Just because I glide at times doesn't mean I cannot fly," Emolga said to Tranquil as that was out of character for her, even more than she was letting on, which Snivy caught.
"You agreed to help Emolga. Whatever happened earlier is getting you out of character," Snivy said to Emolga. It was Emolga's turn to be caught off guard.
"I agree. Do you have a problem, or should we ask what happened," Starraptor said to Emolga, to which Emolga shook her head?
"No, I'm fine with helping now. Let's start. Still, my style is a bit harder cause you will need to be in a good spot in the trees," Emolga said to Archen. Emolga looks around for a low enough branch to teach; she spots one. "There, that should work," Emolga said as she pointed out a low hanging one.
"That'll work. Let's try that," Tranquil said as she managed to get Archen up there as Emolga was beside Archen.
"OK, let's try this. Pay close attention, as watching is a bit easier to learn than instructing," Emolga said to Archen, who nodded as Emolga glided with her arms. Little Archen was impressed as she landed a small distance from where they were.
"Like that, now you should give it a try," Emolga said as Archen tried, and Snivy had her vines ready just in case it didn't work, and surprisingly he did it without issues which surprised everyone. However, steering was more challenging as he lost his balance and crashed into a tree. As the group ran over to him as he was crying. He may be stubborn. However, he's still young, as Tranquil comforts him.
"It's OK, Archen. I'm here for you," Tranquil held him in her wing as Tranquil started singing a song to calm him down, which helped as everyone was impressed by this as Starraptor walked over to her.
"Where did you learn to sing like that? This is the first time I've seen you sing like that?" Starraptor questioned Tranquil, who noticed that Archen was now asleep from that.
"It's a song my mother always sang when I was sad or alone. I knew that it would work for him," Tranquil said to the group as they smiled as Emolga said.
"I'm sorry, I didn't expect that to happen," Emolga said, Snivy interjected.
"Honestly, it doesn't seem like anyone else taught him. From what I can gather, you did your best to teach him to glide, but he never ventured too far. This could be the reason for his limited abilities," Snivy said to Emolga, who nodded in agreement, as did everyone else.
"I agree with Emolga's observation that many flying types typically learn to fly either by accident or as a starting point," Starraptor said. Tranquil nodded.
"I can help him, but the day is coming shortly, so you better wake him up," Emolga said. The group noticed that the sun was almost setting in an hour.
"Emolga, will one hour be enough time?" Starraptor said, which Emolga snickered.
"You know who you are talking to here, and I say the way he's going, I'd say a half-hour would be enough," Emolga said proudly as Tranquil nodded.
"OK, I'm counting on you, Emolga," Tranquil said as Tranquil woke up Archen.
Emolga was helping the little guy out more as he got better at the landing. The steering still needed practice as the area's winds weren't usually used for gliding training, but as the half-hour passed, Archen tried and got the hang of it, minus the winds being against him.
"What's your plan? Will you ask Ash to include Archen in the team? You'll unlikely be here until Archen is fully trained," Emolga said in a concerned tone.
"I agree that your suggestion could work, and you mentioned that you don't mind taking on a motherly role towards him. This could potentially benefit you in the future," Snivy says as Emolga just noticed that she was expecting someday.
"I can't believe that I didn't realize it sooner. I just noticed that. Congratulations, and I agree with Snivy. The winds here are unsuitable for gliding, training, and flying. This is the main reason I left. I believe the Professor also shared this view," Emolga said as Tranquil chuckled and nuzzled Starraptor.
"I believe that's why many flying types have also left. While it's a great place to raise a family, it's not worth staying here for the long term. I hope Ash agrees, but I don't think he's ready for battles yet. He's the same age as Axew and Scraggy, and we can help him improve his battle skills," Tranquil said as Starraptor pointed out.
"It's worth trying to teach him, but it's important to understand that teaching him may not be the same as how others are trained. Even you had some difficulty keeping pace with Swellow and me," Starraptor said to Tranquil, who shook her head.
"That's different, and remember, I grew up around his flock. They're always looking forward to battling, so I will ask Ash when he comes to get us," Tranquil said to Starraptor, who chuckled.
The remaining half-hour passed. Ash and the others come back to check on the progress of Archen as the little guy glid almost past them but still managed to be next to them.
"Seems like he's making progress, I see," Ash said as the group headed towards Ash Ash noticed that Tranquil was about to ask him something. "What's wrong Tranquil?" Ash asked Tranquil.
"Ash, can I ask you something," Tranquil said as Ash was curious about what she had to say and nodded. "Is it possible for Archen to join Starraptor and me on the team and return to the lab?" Tranquil asked, which surprised Ash.
"Why do you ask Tranquil did something happen?" Ash asked as Tranquil looked down.
"Honestly, this place is not ideal for improving his flying skills, even during training. However, he is very important to me, and I am determined to help him become an excellent flyer. His evolution line is quite strong, and I know effective training methods. I haven't asked for your help before, but I believe he would also benefit from it," Tranquil pleaded, and Ash nodded.
"OK, you don't need to ask twice to tell him what is happening. I will prepare a Pokeball for him," Ash said to Tranquil. She nodded and flew over to him as he noticed and knew she was about to leave.
"Are you going to be leaving here?" Archen said, and Tranquil nodded. "I'm not sure why I believe you care about me. It's similar to what happened with my family. They likely didn't want me around," Archen said, upset as Tranquil let him finish what he said to give him the good news.
"Who says that you are staying here? Archen," Tranquil said to Archen, which surprised him.
"What you mean I can come with you?" Archen asked Tranquil as Tranquil nodded happily.
"Yes, you will be coming with us. But you will be a human-trained Pokémon and Starraptor, and I will help you, but if Ash wants you to listen to him, agree," Tranquil said as she wiped a tear from his eyes. He nodded and smiled.
"Thanks….mom, and yes, I will be happy to listen to him," Archen said and hugged her. As she smiled and hugged him back before he went to Ash. As he catches him without hassle. Ash sent Tranquil and Starraptor back to the lab after Tranquil said her goodbyes as the group stayed at the Pokémon center before leaving. Snivy was still curious about what happened with Emolga.
"OK, Emolga, now's your turn to say what you were doing and what happened," Snivy said as Emolga sighed as Ash noticed.
"Like Tranquil and Starraptor, I, too, grew up here in the preservation. I went to see if my sisters were still there," Emolga looked down, and Snivy was worried about what she was about to say.
"That's why you are adamant about going to leave the group. If I recall, Buizel mentioned your family," Snivy said Emolga nodded.
"I am the second oldest of 4 siblings. Two of them went with trainers. My younger sister was fine staying here as I knew she was safe. Still, I promised her that I would see her when I returned here; however, when I arrived where I used to live, my sister was nowhere to be seen," Emolga said as she was hesitant about what was about to happen next.
"Maybe she left on her own or found a trainer?" Ash asked Emolga, who nodded.
"I thought that too until I saw Buizel at the preservation. Ash, they have her, and I'm in a tight position," Emolga said tearfully. Ash and Snivy were surprised by what she had just said.
"You don't mean," Snivy says as Emolga looks down.
"I may have to be under team rocket's control again. But temporarily, and I am hesitant to say it. Still, whether I choose to agree or not. Once Zoroark is released from her tank, thoroughly brainwashed, the Pokémon under Team Rocket's control will receive a massive boost in power, even former ones," Emolga said as she pulled out a communicator, which Snivy recognized.
"What's the condition? I hate to say it. Still, whatever it is, it's out of our control?" Ash asked.
"10" made the group curious about why she said that. "Not all at once, 9 is my choice, but the 10th is their choice which I don't know," Emolga said to Ash and Snivy as they knew that things were terrible for Emolga.
"It's a lose-lose situation either you agree or forced to if I'm getting this right," Ash said as Emolga nodded.
"Yes, but I told him as long as the group doesn't get targeted by this. I have until the day after the battle club is over for my decision," Emolga clenched her paw with the device in her paw. Snivy walked over to her and hugged her. "Thank you, Snivy. I needed that," Emolga said as Snivy let go of Emolga.
"Now I understand why you were so adamant about not talking about it even when Starraptor pressed you, but you aren't that good at hiding things even before you were no longer with Team Rocket," Snivy said as Emolga nodded, she had to admit Snivy wasn't wrong about that.
"We'll discuss this tomorrow. I feel we'll have to agree to let you do this, as much as I hate to say that," the group nodded.
After all of this, a fun day becomes a problem as the journey continues.
Stay Tuned.
And done; yes, I am doing more with Emolga and Team Rocket. As for the last one, I won't spoil it, but that's later in the story, and I'm looking forward to that. As I said, this chapter is Pokemon-focused, and I was curious to know how long it would be, and I wasn't expecting that get it done when my vacation ended.
Still, it won't stop me from finishing this chapter, and yes, Archen was requested for Ash, and he's one of those Pokemon I wanted him to have for a while. I also try to get a similar story to Tranquil, so hopefully, it will work for you all. As for Larvesta, I said before that I was in a position where he would have to do that, and it was requested to evolve during the story, so expect him around the 6th or 7th gym battle. The next chapter is the battle club. See you guys next time.