Enjoy the chapter!
PokemonFan: For the tournament, I was thinking it could be held somewhere between Koga's and Blaine's gyms. I first thought of a Moon stone, but she's already gotten one, so I thought of an Egg as a prize, as it could give an explaination on how Evelyn could ended up getting a Pokémon from later Generation, in which the region sponsored the tournament. Yeah, I agree with you about Togepi, it was just an idea had floating in my head.
A few days after leaving AJ, they encounter a student named Joe who goes to Pokémon Tech, a boarding school. There they meet Giselle, a top student who belittles Joe, which doesn't sit well with Evelyn, who immediately challenges her to a Pokémon battle, in which her Marill suffers defeat at the hands of Giselle's Graveler. After the battle, Giselle taunted her and started lecturing Joe, which offended Ash, who started arguing with her angrily, prompting him to challenge her with Pikachu. Ash eventually wins the battle, and Team Rocket takes the opportunity to raid the school, but unfortunately for them, they're blown away by the gang. After that, Giselle apologized and reconciled with Joe, who decided to leave the school and go on a journey to earn badges for the Pokémon League, at which point they parted ways.
That was a week ago. Currently, the gang is walking through the tall grass of a forest, as Evelyn consults a map.
Evelyn sighed. "Just as I thought... we're lost."
Ash looked over his shoulder at Evelyn as Pikachu rest on his backpack. "Don't worry! I'm positive that this will lead us back to the path."
"Positive, huh?" Brock said.
"That's what you said an hour ago! I'm tired..." Misty sighed as the gang stop walking. "Phew... I told you to stick to the main road but nooo... You had to take a shortcut!"
"I took a shortcut? It was you who said to go this way!" Ash snaps back at her.
"Ha! If I was leading we wouldn't have got lost like this." Misty retorts, while Brock and Evelyn exchange a look.
"Who said we're lost!?" Ash replied.
"Listen, genius, if you don't know where you are or where you're going, that means you're lost."
"Okay, that's enough!" Evelyn exclaims, stepping in between them. "Instead of fighting and arguing, we should find a way out."
"Evelyn's right, if you keep fighting, we won't get anywhere." Brock said, crossing his arms.
Misty and Ash sighed. "Fine..."
Once calmed down, they resume their hike.
Timeskip...
20 minutes later, they arrived at a clearing and headed for some rocks.
"Let's rest for a bit." Evelyn said, as they all sat down.
It wasn't long after they sat down that they began to hear noises behind them. They look behind them and see an Oddish drinking from a small pond.
"Wow, that's an Oddish." Evelyn said, while Ash pulled out his Pokédex.
"Oddish, the Weed Pokémon. If exposed to moonlight, it starts to move. It roams far and wide at night to scatter its seeds."
"I'll catch it." Ash declared with a smile.
"Hold it!" Misty interrupts him as she steps into the way of Ash.
"What for?" Ash asked.
"Because I'm going to catch that Pokémon."
"Ah, no way, Misty, I saw it first!" Ash argued.
"Technically, it was Evelyn who saw it first. Besides we found it near water and water is my specialty." Misty said.
Evelyn raises an eyebrow. "You do know that Oddish is a grass and poison type, and not a water type?"
Misty stammers out that she knows and that it doesn't matter 'cause she still wants it. As they talk, Oddish takes the opportunity to run away, which Misty notices, sending her Starmie to stop her. Starmie materializes in front of Oddish, prompting her to run in the opposite direction.
"Water Gun, now!" Misty declared.
Starmie sends a jet of water at Oddish, which knocks her high into the air.
"Now that's the way to spray. Tackle it Starmie."
Starmie stops its attack and charges at the helpless Oddish. It hits its target, knocking out Oddish, who groans under the effect of the assault she has suffered.
"That weakened it, gotta to catch it now. Go... Pokéball!" Misty says, throwing her Pokéball at the defenseless Oddish. Unfortunately, just as it was about to hit Oddish, the Pokéball was hit by two attacks...
"Woah! What was that?" Ash asked.
They looked and saw a Bulbasaur and a snarling black dog standing protectively in front of Oddish.
"Wow! I can't believe it! A Bulbasaur!" Ash exclaims, with stars in his eyes.
"Wait! Isn't that..." Evelyn muttered, as she and Ash pulled out their Pokédex to scan the new arrival.
"Bulbasaur, the Seed Pokémon. It carries a seed on its back right from birth. As it grows older, the seed also grows larger."
"Houndour, the Dark Pokémon. Houndour hunt as a coordinated pack. They communicate with each other using a variety of cries to corner their prey. This Pokémon's remarkable teamwork is unparalleled."
Bulbasaur immediately charged Starmie, knocking it back into Misty's arms, while Houndour stood in front of Oddish snarling at the gang. Evelyn and Brock immediately throw up their hands to show they mean no harm, while Houndour narrow his eyes at them.
"Now it's my turn to try." Ash said as he stepped forward.
"Ash, wait!" Evelyn calls out to him, but he ignores her and sends his Butterfree out.
"Butterfree, Sleep Powder!" Ash ordered.
Butterfree began to release his sleep powder in the direction of Bulbasaur, who unexpectedly blew the powder away with a deep breath. The powder then spread over Butterfree, who fell asleep as he dropped to the ground.
"Ah! Come on, hang in there, Butterfree." Ash said, as Butterfree tries to shake off the effect of his own attack, but unfortunately he's too late as Bulbasaur charges at him and knocks him backwards. "Oh, no..."
Oddish, Bulbasaur and Houndour took advantage of the situation to flee into the bushes and disappear.
"Bulbasaur... It's not fair! I want it!" Ash whined.
Evelyn sighs as she approaches Ash and places a hand on his shoulder. "Calm down, this isn't the end, there'll always be a next time."
Ash bounce back with a smile. "Yeah, you're right." he said, grabbing Evelyn by the wrist. "Maybe we can find another one, come on!" He dragged her away, as Misty, Pikachu and Brock quickly followed after them.
Later...
With Oddish, Bulbasaur and Houndour having escaped them, the gang continue on their way, Ash wanting to find more wild Bulbasaur so that he could catch one this time around. But before they can continue, they have to cross a wooden bridge.
"I bet there's many Bulbasaur in this forest." Ash said happily.
Misty gulped nervously at how high above the raging river below they were. "But, where is this place?" She asked.
"I can't find this bridge on the map..." Evelyn said, looking at her map.
A sudden gust of wind shakes the bridge, causing it to sway back and forth, sending everyone into a panic. As the wind pushed the bridge, the rope snapped and the bridge disappeared beneath their feet. They all screamed as the bridge tipped to one side. Before Evelyn falls into the river, a hand grabs her wrist and she looks up to see that it's Ash who's grabbing her while holding on tight to the side of the bridge with his other hand. Pikachu holds on tightly to Ash's backpack, Brock clings to the other side next to her and Ash, while Misty holds on tightly to a rope.
"Hold on, everyone!" Ash shouted.
Evelyn's eyes widened as she felt her hand begin to slip from his grasp. "I'm slipping!" She yells, Ash tries to hold her tighter but unfortunately he couldn't, as her wrist slips out of his grasp and she falls down towards the river below.
"Evie!" Ash shouted.
"Pi-Pika-Pi!"
"Evelyn!" Misty and Brock shouted.
Evelyn fell into the water, which pulled her under and away from them. She tries to swim to shore, but struggles against the current. Suddenly, she hears barking followed by a splash and a voice, and feels something grab her by the hoodie as well as a hand grabbing her hand. She was pulled ashore, while the rescuer fought against the current. Once on shore, she inhales deeply, trying to catch her breath.
"Are you okay?" A concerned voice asks.
Evelyn looks up and notices a girl in front of her, looking at her with concern, as a Houndour sits next to her.
"Hmmm... Yes, I'm okay. Thank you for saving me."
"Thank goodness." The girl sighed in relief as Houndour bark. "If you'd like, you can come to my cabin, I have towels you can use to dry yourself."
"That would be much appreciated." Evelyn said, as she rose and introduced herself. "I'm Evelyn."
"Pleased to meet you Evelyn. My name is Melanie." Melanie smiled, as they begin to make their way towards Melanie's cabin.
It was a 5-minute walk, but once there, Evelyn's eyes widened at the sight of so many different Pokémon in the same place.
"Woah! Are they all your Pokémon?" Evelyn asked, as she saw the Pokémon watching her with a certain curiosity and apprehension.
"Oh, no, no" Melanie shakes her head. "I simply look after all these abandoned or injured Pokémon until they're feeling better and ready to leave."
"That's an admirable thing to do." Evelyn said, as they entered Melanie's cabin.
Once inside, Melanie opens one of her cupboards and takes out a towel, which she hands to Evelyn. She dries her hair, then returns the towel and asks if there's somewhere she could change, to which Melanie responds by pointing to the bathroom. Evelyn nodded, she opened her backpack and grabbed a change of clothes, and as she left for the bathroom, Houndour's nose twitched as he sniffed a delicious scent from her backpack. After two minutes, she came out of the bathroom and raised an eyebrow as she saw Melanie trying to get Houndour's head out of her backpack.
"What's going on?" Evelyn asked, as she approaches her backpack.
"Ah! I'm sorry I couldn't stop Houndour from messing with your backpack." Melanie bowed.
Evelyn shakes her head with a smile. "It's okay, it's my fault, I left it open and he probably smelled my Pokémon food." She squats down and starts stroking Houndour's head, who tenses up at first before relaxing as his tail wags happily. She gently takes back her backpack and pulls out a can of Pokémon food. She puts some in her free hand and holds it out to Houndour, who sniffs her hand and, after a few seconds, immediately starts eating it.
She giggles as she feels Houndour's rough tongue on her hand. "You really like my food, huh?" Houndour soon finishes eating and looks expectantly at Evelyn. "Sorry, but that's enough for now, maybe later, okay?" Houndour bark in respond as Evelyn looks at Melanie. "I'll have to go looking for my friends, who are probably worried sick about me."
"If you go, you'll need to be careful, as there are traps around." Melanie informed Evelyn.
"I'll be careful."
"And If you return with your friends, please, make sure they won't try to catch any of the Pokémon." Melanie said.
"I will." Evelyn replied as she walk away from the cabin. After a few minutes of walking, she hears familiar voices and smiles as she heads towards them. Once there, she saw her friends hanging in a net.
"Hey, guy!" Evelyn called out, getting their attention as they looked down towards her.
"Evelyn!" Evie!" "Pika-Pi!"
Evelyn sends her Bulbasaur out to cut her friends free. Bulbasaur uses a low-powered Razor Leaf, cutting the net as Ash, Misty, Pikachu and Brock fall to the ground. Then Pikachu jumped into Evelyn's arm and nuzzling his head against her chest.
"Evelyn, you're okay." Ash said as he stood up, relieved.
"Yes, I am. I'm sorry I worried you guys." Evelyn said, blushing as she rubs Pikachu's head.
"We've been looking all over for you." Misty said.
"We all saw you fall into the river, so what happened?" Brock asked.
"I was being swept away by the rapids... when suddenly I was saved by a girl named Melanie and Houndour." Evelyn explained.
"A Houndour, huh? Was it the one we saw earlier?" Misty asked, which Evelyn nodded in respond.
"That's better than what I originally thought." Ash said.
"And what did you thought?" Evelyn asked, curious.
"Pirates!" Ash blurted out, they looked at him bewildered as Evelyn burst out laughing.
"S-Seriously! P-Pirates? That's ridiculous..." Evelyn continued laughing causing Ash to rub the back of his head sheepishly. After a moment, she calmed down. "Come on, let's go see Melanie."
Later...
With Evelyn leading the way, she tells them her promise to Melanie, which they agreed with, as they soon arrived at Melanie's cabin. As they approach, Ash, Misty and Brock spotted a young woman tending a Pokémon. Hearing the footsteps behind her, she turns and smiles to see Evelyn returning with her friends.
"Hey, Melanie!" Evelyn waved.
"Evelyn, you're back."
"I would like you to meet my friends. This is Ash, Misty and Brock." Evelyn said, introducing her friends.
"Hello." Ash and Misty said.
Brock was in a trance as he stared at Melanie. He was suddenly brought out of his reverie by a elbow from Misty. "H-Hello."
"So you're Evelyn's friends, I'm glad she was able to found you." Melanie smiled.
Misty looked around the area in amazement. "Are all those Pokémon yours?" She asked.
"Oh no, this is a place where Pokémon can rest and relax in peace." Melanie replied.
"Like a summer camp?" Ash said.
"You see, when a Pokémon is abandoned or injured, they come here and Melanie takes care of them until they feel better, then they leave." Evelyn explained.
"Oh! So this is like a Pokémon Center and Melanie is a Pokémon doctor." Misty said.
"Oh no, I'm not qualified to be a doctor." Melanie replied. "It's more like a Pokémon spa. Here, Pokémon don't fight each other. They just relax and enjoy themselves until they recover."
Ash, Misty, Pikachu and Brock look around them, observing the Pokémon enjoying themselves, some even playing with each other.
"Amazing..."
"You know, Brock, you and Melanie have a few things in common. Like me, you both like to take care of Pokémon." Evelyn said, Melanie smiled which make Brock blushed.
Misty smirked. "Looks to me that there's something else Brock loves." She said teasingly, which caused Brock to put a hand on her mouth.
"Be quiet, She may hear you!" Brock whispers as they struggle with one another. Evelyn watches with a sweatdrop while Ash was confused...
5 minutes later, they've calmed down and Brock is talking with Melanie, Misty is at the pond watching the water Pokémon while Evelyn watches her Bulbasaur interact with other Pokémon.
Ash is deep in thought, rubbing his chin. "You know, I wondered who set up the net trap..."
Misty looked up from the pond. "It must be the same person who dug the hole I fell into."
Melanie upon hearing their conversation spoke up. "I'm sorry, I was the one who set those traps."
"But why?" Misty asked.
"There's so many injured Pokémon here, I have to protect them against poacher." Melanie explained.
"So then... That bridge was a trap, too!" Ash exclaimed.
"Bridge?" Melanie asked, looking confused.
"The bridge we were walking on collapsed beneath our feet, and that's how I got swept away by the river." Evelyn explained.
"Oh... then no, I didn't do anything to the bridge, I just set up some net traps and holes." Melanie replied.
"But are those traps enough to keep the poacher away?" Ash asked. "I mean, you'd have to be pretty stupid to fell into one of those holes."
"Hey!" Misty snapped, glaring at Ash.
Evelyn laughed. "You do know, you're calling yourself and Brock stupid too, since you did get caught in a trap..."
Ash is stuttering as everyone laughs while Misty continues to glare at him.
Later...
After deciding to help Melanie, the gang takes care of the injured Pokémon. Ash and Brock tend to a Staryu, Brock pours water on the Staryu to make him feel better, prompting the Staryu to shake his body of the water.
"Are you feeling better, Staryu?" Ash asked, earning a cry of affirmation from Staryu.
Misty encountered the Oddish she'd tried to catch, and apologized for what had happened, wanting to repent. While Misty talks and looks after Oddish, Evelyn looks after Houndour by brushing his fur, while Bulbasaur tries her best to look after a Hoppip.
While continuing to brush Houndour, Evelyn looks up at Melanie. "Melanie, I was wondering... What happened to Houndour that led him here?" At this question, Houndour's expression saddened and his ears fell flat on his head, which concerned Evelyn.
Melanie sighed. "He was released by his trainer, who felt he was too small and weak and that it would be pointless to continue training him." She explained.
"What!?" Evelyn exclaimed, startling Houndour. "That's absurd! Any trainer worth his salt knows that any Pokémon, no matter their stature, can become powerful with the right training. How can he call himself a Pokémon trainer if he easily gives up on his Pokémon?" She said heatedly as Houndour looked up at her, when suddenly he starts licking her face. "Ah! Houndour, stop it! Hahaha..."
Melanie smiles, even giggles as she watches their interaction. Suddenly, they heard Misty and Ash arguing, which made Evelyn sigh. But just as she's about to approach them, Misty is attacked from behind, causing her to fall to the ground. They turn to see who has attacked them and discover that it's Bulbasaur! Evelyn's Bulbasaur rushes over to Misty and helps her up with her vines, before turning to the other Bulbasaur and growling at him.
"Bulb!" Bulbasaur scoffed at her.
"Hey! What was that for?" Misty snapped, but Bulbasaur just kept glaring.
"I know, you're just mad because I was going to beat you, but you chicken out and ran off." Ash glaring back at Bulbasaur.
"That must be it." Misty agreed.
"Then let's see how though you really are!" Ash said.
"Please wait!" Melanie exclaimed as she rushes over stepping between Bulbasaur and Ash. "Please... Bulbasaur was only trying to protect Oddish. You see, Bulbasaur and Houndour volunteered to guard our village. He and Houndour protect all injured Pokémon from any one who tries to attack them. They are the bravest and most loyal Pokémon I know."
Everyone looked at Bulbasaur and Houndour with a newfound respect.
"Your ex-trainer was really stupid to release a Pokémon as remarkable as you." Evelyn crouched down and stroked Houndour's head, making his tail wag.
"So that's why he attacked me, he must have thought I was going take Oddish from the village." Misty said, crossing her arms.
Ash's about to speak when he feels something bump his leg, looks down and sees Bulbasaur pushing his head against his leg. Everyone noticed his annoyed expression.
"Now what?" Ash asked.
"Bulbasaur doesn't like Pokémon trainer, he wants you to leave." Melanie said.
"Bulbasaur, calm down. We're not trying to capture any injured Pokémon. We just want to help." Evelyn said as her own Bulbasaur steps forward and starts talking to the other Bulbasaur, trying to make him understand that they are here to help and not to cause harm. He just scoffed at her once more, not believing her.
"It's true, Bulbasaur, these are our friends." Melanie said, as Houndour bark in agreement.
"So Bulbasaur was worried about the other Pokémon and he decided to become the village bodyguard. Now that's what I call bravery. He would be a great Pokémon to have." Ash said.
Suddenly, a large shadow loomed over them, prompting them to look up and catch a glimpse of a floating stadium before it landed near the village. They saw three familiar silhouettes emerge.
"Team Rocket..." Evelyn groaned.
"Here we go again..." Ash sighed, annoyed.
"Today only at Jessie's stadium, it's the Team Rocket challenge!" Jessie announced.
James glare at her. "The flying stadium was my idea." He corrected her, causing her to rub her back sheepishly, as the stadium revealed a gigantic vacuum. It then began to sucked in everything that was in its way...
"All Pokémon are invited to enter the stadium!" Jessie declared.
"Step right up!" James added mockingly.
The wind from the hose blew Evelyn's hair as she returned her Bulbasaur to her Pokéball and picked up Houndour in her arms. The Staryu in front of her struggled to stay on the ground, and just as it was about to be caught by the hose, Ash grabbed it.
"Argh! They never run out of idea, do they?" Ash said, annoyed.
"Hurry! Everybody get in the cabin!" Brock called out as he opened the door. Melanie, Evelyn and the rest of the wild Pokémon managed to get inside just in time. Unfortunately, just as Misty is about to make it, she loses her grip on Oddish.
"No, Oddish!" Misty yelled as she tried to catch Oddish again, but she was too slow. Suddenly, a vine springs up and catches her before she can enter the hose, thanks to Bulbasaur. "Bulbasaur..." She sighed in relief.
"Take Staryu." Ash said, handing her Staryu, and rushed to Bulbasaur's aid. "Keep going, Bulbasaur." He told him as he pushed his back, he looked at Ash curiously before continuing forward, it wasn't long before they managed to get inside the cabin as Brock closed the door behind them.
"Those rottens little pests! They're always ruining our flawless plans!" Jessie complains, annoyed that they're once again interfering in their business.
"Not this time. They've gathered them all in one places for us." James pointed out.
"Our super vacuum will sucked 'em up!" Meowth said as the vacuum is moved closer to the cabin and tries to suck it in. Believing in victory, the trio burst into cheers. But their moment of happiness didn't last long, as Bulbasaur leapt onto the cabin roof and unleashed his vines. The Vine Whip attack struck the vacuum and knocked it away from the cabin.
Taking the opportunity, Ash and Evelyn emerge from the cabin. Ash immediately sends his Pidgeotto, while Evelyn sends her Spearow.
"Pidgeotto, Gust attack!"
"Spearow, Whirlwind!"
Pidgeotto and Spearow flap their wings and create a powerful gust to counter the vacuum wind, which eventually forms a tornado. Team Rocket panic as the tornado approaches them. They are sucked in with their stadium, which begins to float in the tornado wind. Everyone emerges from the cabin and watches them disappear into the distance.
"LOOKS LIKE TEAM ROCKET'S BLASTING OFF AGAIN!"
Once they were out of sight, Ash and Evelyn called back their Pidgeotto and Spearow, but not before thanking them.
Then Melanie looks at everyone and asks. "Is everyone feeling okay?"
"Yeah, we're good." Evelyn said, as every Pokémon cried out in agreement.
"This village is very well protected with Bulbasaur here." Ash said.
"Ash, don't you agree that Bulbasaur would be an excellent addition to your team?" Melanie asked.
"Oh, yeah! Would he ever." Ash replied.
"I think he should go with you." Melanie said, catching everyone by surprise. She picks up Bulbasaur in her arms and continued. "Bulbasaur has stayed here to protect the weaker Pokémon, but this village is too small. The bulb on his back can't grow. He needs to go out into the world now," She explained. "and I know you'll take good care of him." she assured softly, as she turned towards him. "Please do me this favor. Please take Bulbasaur with you on your journey. He'll be a good companion."
Everyone looks between Melanie and Ash, wondering what his answer will be, when suddenly they hear a bark. They turn and see Houndour standing in front of Evelyn, looking at her expectantly.
"What's the matter?" Evelyn asked.
Melanie smiled as she saw that her intuition was correct. "I think he'd like to join you." Which took Evelyn by surprised as Melanie giggles. "Don't be surprised, he has become quite attached to you."
"Really? Is that what you really want?" Evelyn asked Houndour, who barked and jumped on her, knocking her to the ground and enthusiastically licks her face. "Hahaha! Stop it... hahahaha..."
Everyone smiles at the scene, and a minute later, Evelyn has managed to stop Houndour, whom she is now holding in her arms.
"But if Bulbasaur and Houndour leaves, who will protect this village?" Misty asked.
"It's true that they've done a great job of protecting this place. But, you see... these Pokémon shouldn't stay in this village forever." Melanie said, closing her eyes before reopening them. "After they've recovered, they are supposed to leave. But it's too safe here, and none of them want to leave. They don't want to go back to the outside world." She continued to explained. "But I think it's important that they all return to the wild. That's where Pokémon belong, and I hope one day they'll find good trainers like all of you."
Everyone listens to her and nods in agreement.
"Of course, taking care of sick Pokémon will always be my mission. But I know my job isn't done until they're back where they came from, so it's the day a Pokémon leaves that's most rewarding for me." Melanie said.
Brock seems to want to say something, he spoke up. "Melanie, I-"
Unfortunately, she interrupts him by approaching Ash and Evelyn.
"So, you see... It's time for them to leave here. Please take them with you, they won't be burden, I promise." Melanie assured, causing Ash to think as Evelyn looks down at Houndour. "They still have a lot of growing to do, I want them to be in a place where I'm sure they can grow up strong and happy. And I'm sure that place is with you two."
"Well, if you really want me to." Ash said.
Bulbasaur looks back at Melanie and spoke to her, which made her chuckled softly.
"What did he say?" Ash asked.
"Bulbasaur will join you, on one condition, he wants to battle you in a Pokémon match, right Bulbasaur?"
"Ha! If you want a match, you'll get one!" Ash declared.
Meanwhile, Evelyn glanced at Houndour. "Do you want a match too?" She asked, Houndour respond by licking her cheek. "All right, I got it." She smiled as she pulled out one of her empty Pokéballs and pressed it gently against Houndour's head, he was sucked in and the Pokéball shook once before a ding was heard. Everyone smiled, happy for them, as Evelyn then let Houndour out.
"All right, now it's time for our match." Ash said, excitedly, but before he can get into position, Misty interrupts him.
"Wait! Please, let me battle Bulbasaur, please, pretty please." Misty begged, which caused Ash and Evelyn to frowned.
"No way!" Ash answered, bluntly, and he and Pikachu ran to the end of the cabin. While Bulbasaur leapt from Melanie's arms and positioned himself opposite of Ash. Everyone else stood on the sidelines as the match was about to begin.
"Pikachu, go!" Ash declared.
Pikachu ran towards Bulbasaur, who used his vines to counter-attack, trying to wipe Pikachu with them, but Pikachu kept dodging them. Bulbasaur then changed his plan and ran towards Pikachu, headbutting him backwards. Bulbasaur then charges at the downed Pikachu.
"Pikachu, look out!"
Unfortunately, he's too late, as Bulbasaur head-butts Pikachu again, knocking him into the air. But Pikachu recovers and lunges at Bulbasaur again, tackling him and knocking him backwards. Bulbasaur growls at Pikachu and uses his vines to wrap them around Pikachu and begins to slam him to the ground repeatedly. This shocked Ash, causing him to paused.
"Ash, now's your chance, Bulbasaur is vulnerable!" Evelyn called.
"Huh? Oh! Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!" Ash ordered.
Without wasting any time, Pikachu unleashes his electric attack, shocking the life out of Bulbasaur, who yelps in pain. Paralyzed by the attack, Bulbasaur groans before falling on his side.
"All right! Pokéball, go!" Ash said, as he threw his Pokéball towards Bulbasaur. Everyone watched as Bulbasaur was sucked inside, the Pokéball fell to the ground and shook a little. It shook again, before a ding was heard... "We did it! We got Bulbasaur!" He exclaimed in joy, as he made a peace sign with Pikachu.
"Bulbasaur... Houndour... I'll miss the two of you." Melanie muttered softly.
Later...
It was time for the group to leave, as they were ready to get back on the road and continue their journey to Vermillion City.
"Have a safe trip." Melanie told them.
"I promise to take good care of Bulbasaur." Ash assured, with Evelyn doing the same for Houndour.
Melanie smiles and nods, kneeling down and patting Bulbasaur and Houndour on the head. "Thank you for watching over us."
Brock approaches Melanie as she stood up. "Huh, Melanie, I've been thinking now."
"Yes?"
"Well, since Bulbasaur and Houndour are leaving, I wouldn't mind staying and helping you out." Brock said.
"It's very kind of you, but we'll be okay, I wouldn't want to keep you from all of your wonderful adventures." Melanie replied with a smile.
"Oh..." Brock trailed off. "I guess you're right."
"Oh, Evelyn, before I forget." Melanie said before handing her a map. "I've marked all the traps I've set to make sure you won't get caught. And I've mapped out the route back to the main road."
"Thank you."
Once everything was settled, the group began to leave the village, waving goodbye to Melanie and all the wild Pokémon.
"Goodbye, Melanie!"
"Take good care of each other! Bye bye!" Melanie called back as the wild Pokémon cried out their goodbyes to their two friends as well.
Bulbasaur and Houndour looked back, looking rather hesitant to say their goodbye.
"Don't worry, you'll both see your friends again. As soon as the Pokémon are feeling better, they'll be leaving this village too. So don't frown, okay?" Evelyn reassured, this earned a satisfied smile from Bulbasaur as Houndour bark.
As they walk away, Brock sighs as he receives a teasing smile from Misty.
"I think someone like Melanie." Misty said, teasingly, only for Brock to cover her mouth.
"Shut up! Okay, she's cute and all-"
Ash, Evelyn, Pikachu, Bulbasaur and Houndour watch them bickering.
"Did I miss something? What's going on?" Ash asked, causing Evelyn laughed. "What? What is it? Tell me, come on, Evie." He said as Evelyn shooks her head.
Bulbasaur and Houndour tilt their heads to the side, unamused, while continuing to watch Brock and Misty's antics.
I know Evelyn and Ash's Bulbasaur is going to be confusing, but thankfully her Bulbasaur will evolve soon, which I'm eager to write it, so it won't be a problem in the future.
Evelyn's teams:
Bulbasaur (F) Overgrow -Tackle, Vine Whip, Growl, Razor Leaf-
Nidorina (F) Hustle -Scratch, Poison Sting, Double Kick, Bite, Growl, Supersonic-
Spearow (M) Keen Eye -Peck, Fury Attack, Leer, Whirlwind, Aerial Ace-
Marill (M) Huge Power -Water Gun, Rollout, Defense Curl, Slam-
Houndour (M) Flash Fire -Flamethrower, Bite, Howl, Fire Fang, Roar-
Pokémon at Prof. Oak:
-None Currently-