Kanto Gets Loud
Chapter 24: The Hidden Village (Part 1)
The Grass Pokemon was glaring threateningly at the trio, "What's with that Bulbasaur? It's got some attitude problem," Misty commented. Lincoln then pointed his Pokedex at the Bulbasaur.
"Bulbasaur, the Seed Pokemon, a Grass and Poison Type. Bulbasaur can be seen napping in strong sunlight. It has a seed on its back that grows with this Pokemon. The seed grow progressively larger by taking in large amounts of sunlight. This Male Bulbasaur is level 15, and knows the moves Vine Whip, Sleep Powder, Poison Powder, Razor Leaf, and Take Down," the Pokedex explained.
"Humans, leave this forest now! This is a place of healing for injured Pokemon like this Oddish! Your kind is not welcome here!" Bulbasaur demanded, as it left with Oddish by its side.
"What was with that thing?" Misty questioned.
"Bulbasaur said something about this forest being a place of healing for Pokemon like that Oddish," Lincoln replied. Both Misty and Brock looked very surprised.
"I see, so it was just protecting one of its friends," Misty replied, as she recalled Buizel.
"I thought that Bulbasaur could only be obtained from people like Professor Oak?" Lincoln questioned.
"Well, it is rare to see a wild starter Pokemon like Bulbasaur, so if I had to take a guess, more than likely it was abandoned by its trainer," Brock theorized. Lincoln was horrified.
"There are really trainers that would abandon their precious Pokemon?" Lincoln asked.
"Yep, and to make matters worse, they don't feel the slightest bit of remorse for it. They normally only do it when training the Pokemon doesn't work out the way they want," Brock replied.
"That's awful! I would always try as many different methods as I can instead of doing something like that," Lincoln commented sadly.
"That's what separates the good trainers from the bad ones. Good trainers would always try to work with their Pokemon, instead of abandoning them. There are even real scumbag trainers who would blame their losses on the Pokemon before abandoning them," Misty replied.
"I will never stoop that low," Lincoln declared.
"That's good to hear. Now then, I assume you want to catch that Bulbasaur?" Misty asked.
"Naturally. I mean, how many chances does a trainer get to catch a Bulbasaur in the wild?" Lincoln replied.
"Well, you should be careful. That Bulbasaur seemed really angry," Brock observed.
"You're right. Maybe there's a way to convince it that we're it's friends," Lincoln replied, as he recalled his Pokemon, and they set out through the forest.
A little bit later,
"Are you sure about this, Lincoln?" Misty asked warily, as they had arrived at a rickety looking bridge.
"I don't see any other way across, not unless we cut down a tree," Lincoln replied, looking around for any alternative route.
"I can't seem to find any other route across. In fact, I can't even find this bridge on the map," Brock commented, looking at the map, then looking at the bridge, "Not to mention those ropes look like they could snap at any moment."
"Well, if we can't find any other way across, then we're just going to have to move quickly," Lincoln suggested, as they began to carefully make their way across. The bridge creaked and groaned as they walked further on.
"Uh, guys? I don't think this was such a good idea," Misty commented, and, much to her chagrin, she was right, as one of the ropes snapped, causing the trio to lose their balance, as the bridge began to sag, almost leading them into the river.
"Why did I think this was a good idea?!" Lincoln exclaimed. It was then that Brock lost his grip on the rope he was holding onto, and plummeted into the river, "Brock, no!" Lincoln cried, as Brock was carried away by the river.
"We'll have to regroup with him downstream. For now, lets try to get back onto solid ground," Misty suggested, as she climbed back up onto the sides of the bridge planks.
"Right," Lincoln said, as Misty helped him up. They then proceeded to shimmy across to the other side. After a few brief minutes of shimmying, they had finally reached the other side.
"Lets agree… to never… cross another… bridge like… that again…," Misty said in between gasps.
"Agreed. But for now, we need to find Brock," Lincoln said, as they followed the river downstream.
High in the skies,
"Heh, if they were a few seconds later, then they would've joined their friend," Meowth commented, as he and his cohorts were watching the young trainers from their balloon.
"Pity that they made it across," Jessie sighed dejectedly.
"Geez, Jess, that's a little harsh, don't you think? I mean, wanting revenge on them is one thing, but wanting them dead is taking it a bit too far," Meowth replied.
"Those twerps ruined our Viridian City heist and caused us to be chased through Viridian Forest by those Beedrill. I have every right to say something like that!" Jessie snapped, before casting a glance over at James, who was looking at a map, "By the way, where are we anyhow James?"
"I'm not too sure, Jessie, but it could have something to do with a briefing I attended a while back," James replied.
"Is it something important?"
"If the rumors are true, then it may be our chance to get back into good graces with the boss," James replied.
"Well, what are ya waitin' for? Lay it on us!" Meowth demanded.
"You see, supposedly there's a secret place on Route 24 where Pokemon go for healing after they get abandoned before they return to the wild," James explained.
"Is that so? Well, why don't we try to find this place and help relocate them to Team Rocket Headquarters?" Jessie suggested.
"Sounds like a plan. Plus, we can use the new Pokemon we got from our Wonder Trade back in Pewter City," James pointed out.
"As much as I want to get back in good graces with the boss, not to mention boot that mangey Persian off of his lap, aren't we supposed to be monitoring that brat and everything he does?" Meowth asked.
"I'm sure the boss will overlook a few minor details, especially once we present him with our most generous gift," Jessie replied.
"Well, alright, if you say so. But where even is this secret place anyhow?" Meowth asked.
"I don't know. All I was told is that it's somewhere on Route 24," James replied.
"In that case, we're just going to have to keep our eyes peeled for it," Jessie added, as they changed course, in an attempt to find the "secret place".
Back with Lincoln and Misty,
"Brock! Hey, Brock, are you out there?" Lincoln called out.
"If you can hear us, say something!" Misty called out, just as the ground beneath her collapsed, and she fell into a pit.
"Misty! Are you alight?" Lincoln asked, coming to the redhead's aid.
"Apart from falling into a hole, I've been better," Misty replied, as Lincoln helped her climb out.
"What could a pit trap be doing all the way out here?" Lincoln wondered.
"Probably someone like that Bulbasaur, who doesn't want any unwanted visitors," Misty theorized.
"Well, if there's one trap like this, then there's bound to be more all around the area. We'll need to be careful from here on out," Lincoln replied.
"You don't need to worry about that," a familiar voice said. Lincoln and Misty turned to the source, and found none other than…
"BROCK!" they exclaimed, rushing over to their friend.
"What happened after you fell from the bridge?" Misty asked.
"Well, I was being swept away by the river, and was nearly about to drown, when I was saved by someone, who was able to pull me out of the river and onto dry land," Brock explained.
"You were saved by someone?"
"Yep. A blue haired angel by the name of 'Melanie'. After we talked for a bit about where we were, I set out to find you," Brock replied.
"So, what were you able to find out?" Lincoln asked.
"It'll probably be easier to show you, rather than to tell you. Come and follow me," Brock said, as he led them down a nearby path.
A little later, near a small pond,
The trio eventually arrived at a small clearing next to a small pond, where a log cabin was located. All around the clearing were numerous Pokemon that were just socializing with one another, sleeping, or eating. Standing nearby was a blue haired girl, just as Brock had described. She was wearing a pair of red overalls. What caught Lincoln's eye was the very same Bulbasaur from before, standing by her, presumably guarding her, "Oh, Brock! You're back! And I see that you've brough your friends," the woman said.
"Yep. Guys, this is Melanie, the girl who saved me. Melanie, this is Lincoln and Misty," Brock said, introducing the three of them.
"It's very nice to meet both of you. As Brock said, my name is Melanie. I act as the guardian of this place and the Pokemon who live here," Melanie said to the two.
"A guardian? So, does that mean that you've raised all these Pokemon yourself?" Lincoln asked, looking around.
"Oh no, not at all. I'm just their caretaker until they've recuperated enough to leave and live on their own. A lot of trainers abandoned them because they thought they were too weak," Melanie replied.
"Sounds like a lot of work," Misty commented, before a wave of soreness shot through her leg, "By the way, do you know who made those traps? I want to give the ones responsible a piece of my mind."
"Oh, I'm the one who made all those traps. I wanted to ward off any Pokemon Trainers that come to the village trying to catch the Pokemon. All the pit traps, snares, and even the bridge," Melanie admitted. Both Lincoln and Misty looked at her incredulously.
"Snares? I don't remember running into any snares," Lincoln mused, only to be shoved to the side by Misty, who stormed up to Melanie.
"Are you out of your mind?! We could've been killed on that bridge!" she yelled, only to get pushed back by Bulbasaur, glaring threateningly at Misty, more than likely as a warning for her to back off, "Oh, so its you! I've been itching for a little payback for what you did to Buizel!" Misty said, ready to battle Bulbasaur, only to be stopped by Brock.
"Now Misty, that's quite enough. Melanie only set up those traps to keep trainers from coming and catching the Pokemon here before they're ready to leave. She never thought of having guests like us here, so we should try to respect her wishes and leave the Pokemon here alone," Brock explained.
"Oh, alright, though I bet you're just doing to this to try to score with her," Misty huffed, only to get a smack to the back of the head, "Ow! The hell was that for?!"
"Will you shut up about that?!" Brock hissed.
"Oh, I get it now, you must have a…" Misty got cut off with another smack to the head, "Ow! Brock, I swear to Arceus, if you hit me one more time, I will punch you in the face so hard, Chuck Norris would be impressed!"
"Please you two, no fighting! This place is meant for healing!" Melanie pleaded.
"Alright, but my warning still stands," Misty warned.
"So, this place is like an outdoors spa for Pokemon?" Lincoln asked, trying to change the subject.
"Pretty much. It's a lot of work to keep things running smoothly, but I don't really mind," Melanie replied, before her expression turned serious, "That being said, I would very much appreciate it if none of you were to try catching the Pokemon here."
"No worries, Melanie, we understand. Though it is a shame. I was kind of looking forward to adding Bulbasaur to my team," Lincoln replied.
"Well, that isn't ever happening. I've already been betrayed and abandoned by my old trainer, and I'm not about to run the risk of having another one," Bulbasaur replied.
"Sorry, but Bulbasaur here isn't too terribly fond of trainers since his old one abandoned him years ago," Melanie replied, looking down at Bulbasaur with a saddened expression, "Bulbasaur, these people are our guests, so could you please try to show a little hospitality? I promise they won't cause any trouble."
"As much as I want to share your sentiments Melanie, how can we be sure these guys can be trusted?" Bulbasaur asked, still glaring distrustfully at them.
'I guess what Lori said about actions speaking louder than words was true. Hmm, maybe that'll work!' Lincoln thought, as he dug through his bag, "Melanie, could I ask you to hold onto these until we leave?" he asked, handing the blue haired girl all of his empty Pokeballs.
"Of course. I'll look after them until you leave out of here," Melanie replied, turning her attention to Brock and Misty, "Would the two of you like to give your Pokeballs too?"
"If it'll keep Bulbasaur from feeling suspicious, then alright," Brock said, as he handed over his Pokeballs.
"Oh, alright. If you guys insist," Misty grumbled, handing over her Pokeballs as well. As Melanie went to put the Pokeballs away in the cabin, Bulbasaur's untrusting expression appeared to ease up a little.
"Alright, I'll allow you three to stay as Melanie's guests. But mark my words, I will deal with you personally if you dare to go back on your word."
"Sounds good, seeing as how we can't and won't go back on our word," Lincoln retorted. Both he and the Seed Pokemon stared at one another, before the latter walked off. Melanie soon returned.
"I can't thank the three of you enough for doing that to help ease Bulbasaur's mind. I really appreciate it."
"Not a problem, Melanie. So, any chance you can show us around? We'd like to see how things work around here," Lincoln asked.
"Certainly. Just follow me, and I'll show you around our humble home."
Meanwhile, back in the forest,
"Stop laughing and get us out of here already, Meowth!" Jessie barked at a laughing Meowth, as she was dangling from a snare that she had got caught in. Nearby, James was climbing out of a pitfall, groaning in discomfort. Deciding to tackle the forest on foot, Team Rocket found themselves facing some "difficulties", mostly in the form of traps set up by Melanie. So far, they had set off sixteen different traps – eight between the two of them.
"Oh Arceus, this is just too rich! I haven't laughed this hard in a long time!" Meowth cackled, before pointing at the furious redhead, "Today just ain't your day, eh Jess?"
"Meowth, if you know what's good for you, then you'll get me down from here, NOW!" Jessie said icily. Meowth quit laughing at the tone that Jessie had used. He knew that when she used that tone, she was deadly serious.
"Oh, alight. Spoil sport," Meowth muttered under his breath, before cutting the rope holding up Jessie, causing her to fall to the ground with a thud.
"Oof, you could've let me down a bit more gently," she stated.
"Well, maybe I would've if you had been more specific. Now come help me get James out of this hole so we can get back to finding that secret place!" Meowth snapped, as they went over to help James out of the hole.
"Alright, so where do we go now? I want to find this secret place of yours before nighttime, James," Jessie grumbled.
"Well, I think I may have found what we're looking for," James said, looking through some binoculars. He then handed them over to Jessie, who peered through them, seeing the hidden village.
"Well boys, lets get to work," Jessie said, an evil look in her eyes, as she gazed down at the village.
Lincoln:
Pikachu
Level: 22
Gender: Male
Ability: Static
Nature: Mild
Moves: Thundershock, Quick Attack, Electro Ball, Protect, Thunder Punch, Iron Tail, Volt Tail (Hybrid Move)
Ralts (Shiny)
Level: 18
Gender: Female
Ability: Synchronize
Nature: Timid
Moves: Growl, Teleport, Confusion, Disarming Voice, Double Team, Misty Terrain (Egg Move), Protect, Thunder Punch
Sandshrew:
Nickname: Andrea
Level: 17
Gender: Female
Ability: Sand Veil
Nature: Calm
Moves: Poison Sting, Defense Curl, Rapid Spin, Fury Cutter, Magnitude, Metal Claw (Egg Move)
Steenee
Nickname: Queeny
Level: 18
Gender: Female
Ability: Leaf Guard
Nature:
Moves: Sweet Scent, Razor Leaf, Rapid Spin, Splash, Play Nice, Grass Whistle (Egg Move)
Trapinch
Nickname: Spirit
Level: 21
Gender: Male
Ability: Arena Trap
Nature:
Moves: Bite, Bide, Mud Slap, Dig, Sand Tomb, Rock Slide, Focus Energy (Egg Move)
Goomy
Level: 17
Gender: Female
Ability: Hydration
Nature:
Moves: Tackle, Bubble, Absorb, Bide, Protect, Poison Tail (Egg Move)
Fearow (At the Loud House)
Level: 23
Gender: Female
Ability: Sniper
Nature: Calm
Moves: Arieal Ace, Pursuit, Mirror Move, Leer, Fury Attack, Steel Wing
Poliwag (At the Loud House)
Level: 17
Gender: Male
Ability: Water Absorb
Nature: Jolly
Moves: Water Gun, Water Sport, Hypnosis, Protect, Water Pulse
Beedriil (Shiny) (At The Loud House)
Level: 16
Gender: Male
Ability: Shield Dust
Nature: Lax
Moves: Poison Sting, String Shot, Bug Bite, Harden, U-Turn, Protect
Pidgeotto (At the Loud House)
Level: 22
Gender: Female
Ability: Tangled Feet
Nature: Rash
Moves: Gust, Whirlwind, Quick Attack, Sand Attack, Tackle, Steel Wing, Twister, Protect
Riolu (At the Loud House)
Level: 15
Gender: Male
Ability: Inner Focus
Nature: Quirky
Moves: Quick Attack, Counter, Metal Claw, Endure, Vacuum Wave (Egg Move), Protect, Thunder Punch
Zubat (At the Loud House)
Level: 17
Gender: Male
Ability: Inner Focus
Nature: Quirky
Moves: Absorb, Bite, Wing Attack, Astonish, Supersonic, Giga Drain (Egg Move), Protect
Cleffa (At Professor Oak's Lab)
Level: 7
Gender: Male
Ability: Cute Charm
Nature: Jolly
Moves: Metronome (Egg Move), Pound, Sing Encore, Charm
Clefairy (At Professor Oak's Lab)
Level: 14
Gender: Female
Ability: Magic Guard
Nature: Calm
Moves: Metronome, Double Slap, Defense Curl, Sing, Encore, Disarming Voice
Clefable (Shiny)(At Professor Oak's Lab)
Level: 22
Gender: Female
Ability: Magic Guard
Nature: Graceful
Moves: (Known so far): Metronome, Double Slap, Follow Me, Minimize, Disarming Voice
Misty
Starmie
Level: 16
Gender: None
Ability: Natural Cure
Nature: Careful
Moves (currently known): Water Gun, Rapid Spin, Water Pulse
Poliwhirl
Level: 26
Gender: Male
Ability: Damp
Nature: Bold
Moves: Water Pulse, Mega Punch, Water Gun,
Gyarados (At the Cerulean Gym)
Level: 22
Gender: Male
Ability: Intimidate
Nature: Rash
Moves: Dragon Dance, Twister, Ice Fang, Aqua Tail
Buizel
Level: 17
Gender: Male
Ability: Swift Swim
Nature: Careful
Moves: Water Pulse, Water Gun, Quick Attack, Water Sport, Growl, Sonic Boom
Skrelp
Level: 20
Gender: Female
Ability: Poison Point
Nature: Hardy
Moves: Water Pulse, Bubble, Acid, Camouflage, Smokescreen, Tail Whip, Toxic Spikes (Egg Move)
Dewpider
Level: 18
Gender Male
Ability: Water Absord (Hidden Ability)
Nature: Lazy
Moves: Icy Wind, Bubblebeam, Protect Bug Bite, Spider Web, Water Sport
Brock:
Main Party:
Geodude
Level: 14
Gender: Male
Ability: Sturdy
Nature: Hardy
Moves: Defense Curl, Rollout, Tackle, Rock Polish, Rock Tomb
Onix:
Level: 17
Gender: Male
Ability: Rock Head
Nature: Graceful
Moves: Bind, Tackle, Rock Tomb, Dragon Breath, Stealth Rock, Head Smash (Egg Move)
Bronzor
Gender: N/A
Level: 23
Ability: Heatproof
Nature: Hardy
Moves: Tackle, Confusion, Psywave, Iron Defense, Hypnosis, Feint Attack
Budew
Gender: Female
Level: 17
Ability: Natural Cure
Nature: Docile
Moves: Absorb, Growth, Worry Seed, Water Sport, Mega Drain, Stun Spore, Extrasensory (Egg Move)