Making the young trainer to sniff lightly and rub his hand across his face, making sure to be careful of his bandage hand. Stinging or opening up the wound again, he then felt Pikachu climbing up his shoulder and happily lets out a cute 'Pikachu' at the boy. When he felt Ash moving his free hand up towards the top of Pikachu head and begins rubbing him "yeah buddy I'm okay…" he then faces forward. "I hope Flareon will be fine as well."
"You're never too far from Home~"
Xxx
"Ash…Ash", a female voice echoed out through the boy's head. Everything is dark and the boy groaned out lightly, feeling his chin shifting and rubbing against the top of his head. He then felt something touching his shoulders and shaking the boy gently "time to wake up Ash there is someone who wants to see you." The voice now he remembers belonging to Nurse Joy!
He must've fallen asleep in the waiting room and halls for Flareon to getting better. Though how long he was out is the good question? "Uhh…what time is it?" The boy asked while lifting his head up from the table he apparently found and slept on. Blinking his eyes and rubbing them gently against his eyes, looking up towards the pink hair nurse. Who smiled down at him and carefully helped him out from his chair before falling over.
"Its 7am in the morning you and your friends fell asleep through the entire night here in the Pokemon center." She informed the young boy while stepping back, happily smiling and pointing towards the healing ward "your friends and Pokemon along with Flareon are all waiting for you to enter the room. Once you are all settled come to me and we will see about writing the reports to Jenny." And with that the nurse bowed her head at Ash. "You did the right thing Ash never question it alright?" Joy then giggles while walking towards the door leading to the main hall "if anything I think Flareon will be better off being with you than Mark." She then left the boy to his deeds and regroup with his friends. Having those words echoing throughout his head about Flareon joining on his quest to becoming a Pokemon master…doesn't actually sound all that bad!
No doubt she will be probably better off with him than Mark, but before making that decision though. He should really ask the female Pokemon first then making the choice without her consent. Stretching his arms and yawning out the boy grabs his hat while heading on inside the healing ward. Letting the door swoosh open and nearly getting knocked down to the ground by Pikachu and Buneary running over to him, jumping into his arms and then nuzzling against his chest. "Oof easy guys you almost made me fall, you two had a good sleep?" The boy asks the two Pokemon who happily chanted and yipped their names up to him and then proceeds to climbing up his body and to his shoulders.
"Hey Ash you doing alright buddy?" Robert is the first to ask this question. While being near the bed that Flareon is sleeping on. Who looked very healthy and full of life, eating and scarfing her way through about four pounds of Pokemon food! Specially made kinds from Leaf as the girl felt so worried for the female not getting enough to eat and too her surprise, Flareon is one starving Pokemon.
"Yeah I'm good how is Flareon doing?" Ash then laughed when the fire type Pokemon. With crumbs all over her lips and mouth happily let out a low flare and wagging of her now bright and colorful bushy tail. Only to resume back into eating her Pokemon food rapidly. "Heh she almost has a bigger appetite than I do!" he joked and earn some chuckles and giggles around the room.
"I hope so who knows how long that man left her to starve, the poor thing stomach was growling so loud when we enter. I couldn't help but make about six different bowls of Pokemon food for her to eat! And already she is down to her fourth bowl this morning", Leaf informed Ash while gently stroking and rubbing her hand down the Pokemon head and back. Earning some purring and happy yipping of her name as she continues to eat and scarf down her breakfast. "It was a good thing we went through with our plans, I don't know if Flareon would have survived any longer…"
Ash agrees especially the condition he left her in. Definitely showed signs she wouldn't even last one more day with these terrible injuries. Even more so when that monster began using a whip on the Pokemon "oh hey where's Charles?" Ash suddenly announced while looking left and right. Then gets told by Robert that the boy had to run off and get Officer Jenny, informing the police woman about the situation as he didn't wanted to take risks of Mark. Showing up to the Pokemon center causing a scene and demanding his Pokemon to be back. "That is good", Ash silently stated while he then approaches Flareon and stands in front of the bed where she is enjoying her food.
The female Pokemon blinked her eyes and looks up at him then eye smile "hey Flareon…do you still want to stay with him?" Ash struggled to say without losing his voice. He then moves a hand over to her face and gently rests his palm against her cheek a smile creeping across his face. From the way Flareon leans into it and sighs cutely "because if you do keep staying with him. All he will do is keep pressuring you and pushing you so hard that he wouldn't care how badly hurt you will get." He stated now his voice barely audible but still able to hear him.
Causing Robert and Leaf in the room to soften their eyes while looking at one another. They truly feel for Ash, especially what the young boy had to see or even witness on his journey. Hoping he wouldn't have to witness such troublemaker trainers like this early on in his quest…but seems fate had something else in mind and wanted the cheerful boy. To see the ugliness in some of the trainers out here in the world, letting him know and possibly understand that not everything is exactly how he would picture it.
"If you want and alright with either Leaf, Robert and I. You could possibly come and travel with one of us on our journey!" Ash smiled bright while beginning to pet and stroke the Flareon cheek some more watching the girl. Opening her eyes up and continuing to wagging her tail "I have no doubt you will have tones of fun with one of us on our adventure, and being able to make new friends allies and possibly discovering new and interesting things!" He then laughed when the girl leans forward and licks his face.
"Flareon, flare, flare!" she cheerfully said while then hopping left and right on the bed. Which to Robert and Leaf's eyes would be a regular Flareon doing it. But to Ash's own eyes was a humanoid Flareon wiggling and swaying her rear left to right lightly bouncing up and down against her hands and knees. Nodding her head happily: wanting to be with either one of them but more importantly being with Ash!
"Well I guess that settles it!" Robert announced with a clap of his hand. Causing everyone there minus Flareon to blink their eyes at him. Robert then you got it fashion with his pointer finger and thumb winking "I think be best if you take her Ash, you are the first person to notice her injuries along with being able to convince the Pokemon. To coming with us and properly get too the Pokemon center without thrashing or arguing with us!"
Making Leaf beamed greatly "yeah! And if I did had Flareon on my party no doubt my Charmeleon would probably get jealous! Thinking that she is going to be replace by someone like her!" Joked Leaf. Watching the way now Pikachu and Buneary were chanting at one another and then down to the boy. Saying in their own language that it is not a bad idea! Yeah sure they will have three fire types in their team, but it wouldn't matter as all Pokemon have their own unique ways of fighting. And with both Ninetaile's flash fire and whatever ability Flareon has? Will be amazing combo when up against other fire types or even Grass and Ice type Pokemon who might give Ninetails a hard time during a battle!
Ash couldn't help but feel somewhat ashamed much he knows everyone does their own thing while traveling. He would have thought Robert or Leaf would want to have a Flareon on their team but now thinking about it? It wouldn't make sense if they do have her as Robert has his own Eevee, who could possibly evolve into any Pokemon he wanted. While Leaf has her Charmeleon and stating the fire type Pokemon might get jealous of seeing another fire type on her team. Which leaves the only candidate left is Ash.
"Flareon!" though seems like the girl made the decision for him as she happily leaps forward and pounces on the boy. Knocking him, her and his two Pokemon onto the floor! Nuzzling and rubbing her cheeks against his face while licking him all over his face. Earning couple of laughter around the room by his friends and Pokemon.
"Alright then it is a deal and since you already decided on it." Ash told her while lifting the girl off from his body by placing his hands on both of her sides. Sat up and places her over to his right "let's go meet Nurse Joy and see if we can do anything about having you not bound by Mark." He informed her while standing up and getting the fire Pokemon to nod and happily began running around him in a circle letting out happy yips and barks of her name.
"Wow kind of reminds me of Eevee whenever he gets very excited or overly happy about a situation. Better watch out Ash, when they are like this it is nearly impossible to calm them down!" Robert boasted happily. All of them then head on out of the healing ward and into the hallway of the Pokemon center, making their way down the halls and turning the corners where they will be entering the main entrance of the building. Only for a nasty surprise be waiting for them once they get there…
Xxx
"And I'm telling you sir that what you have done to your Pokemon is unforgivable!" Nurse Joy shouted and screamed at Mark. Who had apparently gone home after doing his fight with Leaf yesterday once more not bothering to heal any of his Pokemon, going to check up on Flareon and beat her up for no good reason at all!
About blaming the Pokemon for his lost yesterday and how easily he got defeated when fighting Leaf. But he was not alone oh no, he had brought Officer Jenny with him. Informing her and telling a horrible lie towards the officer…well half lie to her. About his Flareon having been kidnapped and stolen from his property and house hold while demanding her to have a search warrant for the Pokemon center!
"Please let's all just calm down and settle this in a more adult and responsible manner." Jenny exclaimed with authority in her tone. Along with annoyance by this constant screaming and yelling between the two adults. Not exactly understanding what is going on or why Joy is even preventing vital information about the man's Flareon "now Joy", Jenny began while looking towards the nurse. "Do you know the whereabouts of this man Pokemon?"
"I'm sorry but you honestly don't know the situation at hand Jenny and I can't give you the information. Not after what this monster did to his Pokemon." Retorted Joy with a very angry expression crossing her face. Even Chansey had an angry expression across their faces and they are always cheerful!
"Apparently I don't whatever is going on here, I am not getting anything done." Jenny groaned while rubbing the bridges of her nose sighing in irritation. All she wanted to do today is go to work and ask for the day off. After being busy patrolling and watching out for any criminal activity around the city limits and area. But no the infamous losing Mark had to come barging into the Police department, speak to her police chief and demands justice for those who had kidnapped and stolen his precious Pokemon! Yet, every clue and information they had gather while out in the city along with terrible sneers and hateful glares towards the man.
Telling Jenny that there were two boys and two Pokemon, carrying a Pokemon following the description of said Flareon. But then with sass in their tones told her off and saying the real monster is the one she is helping and couldn't believe he wasn't put in jail yet!
"Not like I want to arrest the boy's especially if they have done something to help the Pokemon in question. If so and getting their side of the story along with proving facts that this man has abused his Pokemon? Then I will arrest him…" downside though is getting her voice in and asking for the medical reports of Flareon. Letting the papers decides the man's fate of being brought into justice and be charged with crimes of harming a Pokemon in his possession.
"You will like it Flareon being able to travel across the many different routes, being able to go and battling strong and tough gym leaders. Which of course when you are feeling up for them!" announced a child's voice. Stopping the argument between Mark and Nurse Joy momentarily while turning their head in the general direction of the hall, spotting what will be the kids written in Jenny's notepad. "And even possibly seeing the beach once we get too Vermilion city! I can even ask Professor Oak if he can bring Nidoqueen too!"
"That actually sounds like a fantastic idea Ash! Be able to have and greet all of your Pokemon with the new one", then everything suddenly went quiet and everyone froze in place and nearly freaked out when they saw Mark.
"YOU!" Both Mark and Ash screamed at the same while thrusting both arms forward "what the hell are you doing with MY Flareon!"
"What the heck are you doing here you don't belong in a place like this you monster!" Ash retorted and then widen his eyes when he saw Officer Jenny with him. "Of-Officer Jenny!?" he stuttered out making the police woman to smile and gave a hello wave.
"See there is your proof officer!" exclaimed Mark with his eyes burning with rage and hatred, slowly losing his cool and sanity as he turn his head at the group of kids. Along with a very scared and frighten Flareon who began cowering right behind Ash's legs "they obviously broke into my house, snuck inside and possibly took anything they needed only to go after my prize Pokemon instead. While sneaking out of my home and told lies to everyone about how Flareon is!"
Leaf though cleared her throat with a sneer but mixed with a smirk "actually to be more technical sir? You left your spare keys underneath your welcome mat. Which if anyone who lived with family would know to look under, in case they lost the main keys to their house. So ergo", she waggled her finger "they actually did not break into your house."
Making Jenny to sweat drop lightly with a chuckle "well she got you there Mark. But you kids did trespass on privet property." Which she saw them nodding along with knowing about it. "Alright as long you know about it, but tell me the real story behind Flareon."
"What you seriously going to listen to THEM!? THEY'RE CROOKS officer Jenny, they came into my home, my domain and stole MY Pokemon!" he shouted and continued screaming his lungs out. Showing signs of frustration, agitation and irritation throughout his body language almost ready to snap and shed some blood to someone unless he gets justice.
"So what much as they did so, they would have a perfectly good reasoning in doing such actions in the first place." Jenny retorted towards the man and begins walking forward and approaching Ash first. Seeing how Flareon is cowering behind the boy and kneels down in front of Ash's legs, facing at the fire type "now Flareon did this man hurt you?" she asked the Pokemon. Not even questioning the children in the room or even asking them if Mark has harmed her or not. No instead she will get it from the main source of information and that is the Pokemon, since Pokemon don't ever lie and speak from their hearts? This shouldn't take as long she doesn't get intimidated or having her choice of words be swayed by the man behind her.
"Just look at me honey okay? No one else exist in this room right now, just you and me. Now did Mr Mark harm you and abused you like Nurse Joy has told me?" she asks once more and then glared upward towards her cap. From hearing the man cursing and foul mouthing in the room right now, saying how the fuck would she get answers from Flareon. Just making it look even worse to himself and her decision on really wanting to arrest this man now.
"Flareon…flare", Flareon nodded her head slowly while not looking straight into her eyes. "Leon, flare, flare", she whimpered and whine having tears starting to form across her eyes. Hiccupping heavily at the officer who eyes turn into serious mode, one that says you better not mess with me or you're going to get your ass beat! Jenny then places a hand on the Pokemon head and rubs her gently.
"Thanks Flareon that is all I needed!" and with that the woman stood upright and salutes towards Ash and the children. Having them blink their eyes in confusion and then smiled in relief seeing they were not going to get arrested or be blamed! "Thanks to you kids your service won't be forgotten! Now Mark you hereby under-arrest!" She growled out while whipping police cuffs from her skirt pockets facing towards the man who had the look of unbelievable!
"What the hell Jenny, you are actually going to listen to that no good pathetic excuse of a Pokemon. Over an actual human testimony!?" he screamed out and made it just worse by calling Flareon pathetic, giving it away that he does in fact abuse her.
"Not until you said that", grin the officer making the man to blink his eyes confusingly. While then shifting his gaze up to the corner of his face. And then threw his arm out from realizing what he just said "now you have the right to remain silent and whatever you say will be used against you!" only to then yelp out when the man suddenly charges forward and shoves her aside.
"Fuck it all you piece of shit Pokemon, I should have ended your life when I had the chance!" Screamed the man with wild and crazy eyes. Causing Jenny to slide against the ground and force her feet to dig into the floor tiles and charges forward ready to grab her Pokeball, to send out Growlith to stopping this man watching in pure fright of him pulling out what appears to be a whip from within his pocket! "You will obey me and go into the Pokeball!" he shouted and had everyone screaming watch out towards the now scared and frighten Flareon!
"Pikachu, Buneary double Quick attack!" Ash shouted out and watches his Pokemon immediately jump off from his shoulders and ram their arms into the man's stomach. Causing him to scream out in pain and fly across the Pokemon center main halls and straight towards one of the walls. "Pikachu thunder wave!" Ash swung his arm from right to left showing great hate and disdain towards this awful man!
"Pikachu!" Pikachu shouted while stretching his arms apart while charging electricity throughout his body. Then firing off rings of yellow energy straight towards the down man, who yelled and screamed in agony. Feeling his entire body becoming paralyzed and unable to move from his spot, but is still able to move his mouth and eyes.
"You fucker all of you! I will teach her a lesson I will have her obeying me, battling for me and even doing everything I tell her to do!" he shouted his mind and train of thought literally gone and is now just a delusional and crazy person laying on the ground. "Fuck you Flareon, I hope you rot in hell and let the Murkrow come and eat away the very skin and flesh of your body till there Is nothing-"
Only to completely shut up and scream in complete agony once more. Not from Pikachu using Thunder shock, no this time around and fully having him cover in nothing but soot and ash. Had his pupils in tiny dots and puffing out smoke from within his mouth while passing out on the ground with swirls in his eyes.
Flareon, is the Pokemon who went and used her fire spin attack on the man. Having enough of his mouth and that foul language of his. Even getting really tired of him treating her so badly, saying awful and means too her. Even going far as to wishing for her death and that the Murkrow will come and feast away her flesh after dying or whatever insane thoughts were running through his mind. The female Pokemon stomp her foot and swung her head towards the right spitting out a small flow of fire, in a way of saying shut up, she can do whatever she wants now without having him bound her or chaining her down into the middle of the basement floor. Standing tall and firm in front of Ash, she somehow jumped in front of him when he got ready to pulling out that whip of his and using it against Ash!
Thankfully Pikachu and Buneary with Ash quick thinking had them using Quick attack on the man, shoving him away and preventing him from ever using that horrible tool of his. She like the boy and his friends have been saying to her and whispering to her ears while she slept against his chest, when he carried her here. She will be free from him and will not have to worry about him ever bothering her again and rightfully so!
Xxx
The early morning sun beaming down in the Blare Gits town, everyone in the entire village had gathered around near the exit of town. Giving offerings and supplies to Ash, Robert and Leaf letting them know how much they are proud of them for doing such a wonderful thing they did for Flareon. Can't thank him enough for finally putting that man behind bars or even stopping him from harming and abusing anymore of his other Pokemon.
"On behave of the city and our thanks for your support of bringing a criminal into justice. The people and I would like to wish you all a safe trip on your Pokemon journey!" announced Jenny towards the group. Making Ash to chuckle sheepishly at the many people, having Robert to just tilt his hat downward in thanks while Leaf brought her hands behind her head grinning brightly. "I also want to inform you all that Mark Pokemon were taken into custody and are being brought to the Pokemon center to get treated and taken care of from any injuries or abusing they receive from that man. While also finding trainers who will do a better job of taking care of them."
"That is great news to hear Officer Jenny! You sure Flareon Pokeball reached to Professor A-Okay?" Asked Ash in concern. Hoping that everything turned out okay with changing the ownership of Flareons Pokeball to that belonging to Ash, after doing that Pokeball transfer into his name back in the center.
"Don't worry Ash we have confirmation from Oak himself stating he has received the Pokeball." Jenny smiled at the young man while then giggling "though he also wanted to tell me, he will be meeting you at Vermilion city. Right after you won your next gym badge to come and check up on the progress you and your friends are making, along with saying that he has some very important information to tell ya."
Making the trio to blink their eyes at one another and then grins "alright then! Let him know I will see him there then. Thanks and goodbye everyone!" and thus the trio began heading on out. Waving and saying their goodbye to the People of Blare Gits towns on their way to their next destination and possibly their next adventure. Along the way and about twenty minutes down the road the trio came to a branching pathway.
"Alright I guess this is where we split." Robert suddenly stated while turning to face Ash. Who turned as well having a big smile "remember the lessons well Ash and you will do great! We will meet up with you at Vermilion city as well. No doubt Oak probably wants to meet me and Leaf too once he arrives there."
Which then the two boys clasps hands together and shook on it "now remember the third and final part of becoming a Pokemon trainer." Robert began to say right before they start to leave. Having Ash to start blinking his eyes a bit and then chuckles out when Robert closed his eyes with one finger raised high with his free hand. "Always make sure you switch your party around when out on your quest. Be sure to give all of your Pokemon experience, you never know how helpful they may become!"
"Also make sure that everyone gets proper training schedules okay Ash?" Leaf quickly stated while moving her body towards left from behind Robert. Feeling her brown hair hanging down past her waist and grins broadly "a good schedule and work out session will keep the Pokemon fit and ready to fight!"
"Sure thing and I will definitely make sure that everyone gets equal if not the same training time!" Informed Ash.
Thus our heroes went their separate ways with new meaning and understanding what the world now offers. Along with the dangers and people that live in this world they live in, maturing and growing up during their quest is another testament of young Pokemon Masters like Ash, to understand and know that not everyone are what they seem and sometime even goes to the point of abusing and mistreating their Pokemon. One lesson and understanding he will definitely keep in mind for and making sure, whenever he meets up with someone like Mark again? They're Pokemon will receive better treatment and trainers they deserve more than the ones they currently have. With Flareon added into his team and eager to once again meet our hero when switching her with either of his part Pokemon? She will make sure to thank him and do her best on his quest of becoming a Pokemon master and getting him gym badges!
As the road ahead of Ash is still a long ways from the Pokemon league. What kind of adventures will he and his Pokemon have next and what exciting new Pokemon will he catch? As our hero journey continues!