Chapter 6.5 - Vulpix

"you can do it, you will apply for the guild today, you will start your journey to heroism." I say staring at my vast collection of hero posters splattered across my room. I then went to my mirror, imagining myself as one of the heroes on my posters. After working up enough courage I grab my filled out application form on my draw and exit my room.

No one is home today. I know they would have given me words of courage but to be honest that would have probably done the opposite. They are a nice couple who took me in when I was really young after my parents perished from an Ursaring attack protecting me. But I never really saw them as my parents, more of a kind couple looking out for a young Pokémon.

I arrived at the guild, I stared at its magnificent walls that house the courageous heroes. I might be overexaggerating its appearance just a tinsey bit. One of those heroes saved me from my parents' fate. I move forward. "I'm going to do it, just a couple of steps, no big deal."

…..I ran away, I feel so ashamed of it. Ever since my parents attacked I haven't been able to do much of anything. I'm just so scared, I miss them. After I ran out of breath I slowed down. I continue to walk onwards, regretting running away once again. You see, I've been trying to enter the guild for months now, hoping to both meet my saviour and build my shattered courage back up.

I continued to walk for some time before I noticed that I'm in the woods. Deep into the woods. Oh my I must have really been in a deep thought, I haven't entered these woods since the incident.

"Uh oh I shouldn't be here. The guild reported missing Pokémon who entered the woods." I say to myself. I turned to walk away but as I did something hit the back of my head knocking me out.

I was so scared waking up in that wagon. It was full of strangers and outside of it was filled with scarier looking strangers. I kept to myself in the corner, when someone spoke to me saying hi, I tried to say hi back but I couldn't. All I could muster was a whine noise. I just looked away trying to hide myself. We arrived at our destination, guarded by a large gate with a giant wooden door. It opened and we entered inside.

We hopped out of the wagon and lined up in a single line as we were told to.

"Ok you all will group up over there by that stage. Our wonderful leader is going to give us a welcome speech. Oh isn't she so kind…MOVE IT!" The tall stranger with the long crimson red hair shouted towards our group.

I gingerly moved my way to where I was told to. Apparently there is meant to be others joining from another captor so we are told to wait.

After waiting a short time the entrance door opened again and instead of a full wagon of Pokémon like ours was, it was empty. There is however an angry looking Bulbasaur getting dragged along while wrapped in a white rope of sorts. Poor thing.

He was freed and brandished a vine from his plant, looking to attack the Machoke near him. Luckily he was wise enough not to attack.

While that Pokémon was making his way towards us a Pokémon named Scorbunny introduced himself to me but all I could say was my name. I really tried to say more but I couldn't muster the courage.

After the speech with The Overseer, we were then introduced to our housing area manager Granbull. He told us he is a prisoner like us. He seems nice at least. The others asked some questions even that scary looking Bulbasaur. I thought he didn't like talking since he told Scorbunny to leave him alone earlier.

"Has anyone ever escaped before?" Bulbasaur asked.

"Hmm no..wait yes, there was one. Who was it again? Oh yes it was Sneasel if I'm not mistaken. I wonder what happened to her…" Granbull replied.

I felt a wave then, a wave of pure anger.

I can't describe it but I felt a burst of pure anger wash through me, scarring me even more than I already was. It came from Bulbasaur, I knew he was dangerous. I really hope I don't have to be around him anymore then I have to. I don't know what he would do to me if that anger was directed at me.

And I got put into the same room as Bulbasaur. Even though he's just sitting on his bed, I could still tell he was angry, it isn't the same as before but more of an observation. I wonder what Sneasel did to him?

I hate it here, I really hate it here. All the other Pokémon are scary and mean. At least Scorbunny and Pachirisu are kind. The others look down on me for being so scared, if I could be brave I would already.

On the 1st day of working, Scorbunny and Pachirisu sat with me. I didn't say much but I felt better having them around. I'm just glad Bulbasaur didn't join in. Apparently he has a name, Ace. Weird, Scorbunny also explained that Bulbasaur said names can be used as a sign for friendship. Maybe I misjudged Bulbasaur too early if he's giving his name as a friendship token.

When we got back to work, I overheard Pachirisu talking with Bulbasaur. It seemed fine but I think he got upset with something. I couldn't hear what it was about though.

My attention was stolen again to Bulbasaur, he smacked that giant rock he was chipping away at so hard that it resulted in a very loud twang noise. He then went for another even harder hit resulting in an even louder bang. Then on his 3rd hit I felt it again. ANGER a wave of pure anger pulsed from Bulbasaur as he swung his pickaxe down again. The fear I felt when he split that giant rock in half with that swing, almost made me soil myself. I didn't imagine it, I could sense his anger. He's a monster in sheep's clothing. He even snapped at kind Scorbunny for trying to see if he's alright.

I cried at the side of the house that day when no one was looking.

"Please, save me. I know you are searching for us. Please, you have to." I pleaded to my idol heroes, hoping they could somehow sense my plea for help.

Bulbasaur fought Nidoran's group today when they tried to pick on Pachirisu. He took out Nidoran with one headbutt! He also must have made up with Scorbunny since neither will leave his side. They must feel safe around him. I wish I could too but I still don't understand what that anger sense was. I'm still convinced he's a monster…well not a monster but a bad Pokémon in sheep's clothing.

Today at work, I was at first scared stiff when I was told I had to work with him alone. But after Machoke showed up and insulted Bulbasaur while giving him a harder version of the job I'm doing for no real reason then too. I started to see Bulbasaur slightly differently, if someone as bad as a slaver hates a Pokémon, then maybe he's a lesser evil per se.

It was pretty cool how he made Machoke's gleeful face turn to anger by simply saying "Ha bring it on" to him.

At the end of the day I was afraid of getting scolded or worse by Bulbasaur. Even though I had an easier time than he did, I still held us back, resulting in us getting a demerit. I was ready to receive a tongue lashing but all he said was "Hey it's fine, we will get it next time. Just try not to freak out every time I say something to you. Ok?" I nodded as a reply.

Maybe he's not even a villain, just a bit of a grouch since he's here.

One day I couldn't stand being alone in that depressing bedroom all alone. I usually do but I couldn't today. So I left my room. When I went downstairs I spotted Pachirisu and Scorbunny sitting on the couch with Bulbasaur as usual. Even though Bulbasaur still scares me, I decided to join them on the other nearby couch.

It seemed Bulbasaur was either bored with their conversation or really tired. Maybe both? I wanted to join in on the conversation but I couldn't muster the courage. I still enjoyed listening to them though. Eventually the topic of heroes rotated in. They talked about who their favourite heroes are. Scorbunny was Incineroar while Pachirisu vs Raichu, both very respectable heroes. One uses strength while the other uses speed to beat their foes. Bulbasaur looked more interested in this conversation. I wonder who he is?

"Erm, to be honest I didn't even know a guild existed till just right now. Heroes for that matter too. Guess it would make sense for them to exist, are they important or something?" Bulbasaur responded to Pachirisu's question of who his favourite hero was.

WHAT!? How doesn't he know what guilds exist or even heroes? That just doesn't make sense, like, at all. It's like finding out that the sun exists in the sky today. Or how that Mystery dungeons change after certain times of the day.

The thought of someone who doesn't know what a hero is was so alarming to me, that I couldn't help but interrupt whatever Pachirisu's response was.

"WHAT!? How do you not know of them? They are the pillar that keeps us above the brink of destruction, the Order amongst the chaotic nature of the mystery dungeons. They are what every adventurer dreams to be. They are…" I stupidly spoke up now that i said it

I just had to speak up but now that I did I completely regret doing it. Oh they are looking at me, this is so embarrassing. I just tried to hide behind my paws.

Bulbasaur made a comment about me but left it after Pachirisu punched him. I half expected him to retaliate but, no he just took it.

After the embarrassment faded. I listened back into their conversation. I slightly moved my paw from one of my eyes, looking in on them. They asked if Bulbasaur was interested in joining a guild if we ever got out. He said that it was too much responsibility and that he didn't want to get hurt for others for nothing in return. What a selfish attitude I thought to myself. He then asked what it took to be a hero.

Scorbunny said it was about beating us bad guys while Pachirisu said it was about helping those in need. Silly, don't they know it's so much more than that.

They argued back and forth. The more they did the more I got frustrated on how neither truly understood what a hero represented. Eventually I couldn't take it, so I had to speak up again. So I stood up, took a deep breath and shouted "Noooo!" That got their attention.

"It's about putting others above yourself in a self righteous sacrifice. You must stand as a pillar of courage for others. A pure beacon of light, no matter how dark a situation would get. A bastion of hope for those in an unhopeful situation. While, yes they beat up bad guys and save others, they must be so much more than that. A hero in a word is the pure definition of a benevolent being." I passionately said to them all.

After saying all that I just stood at them, especially Bulbasaur, hoping he understood what it means to be a hero and how it isn't about material gain or renown. Sure you might get hurt but it's worth it if it means peace for the innocent. The more I stared at him the more I realized what I did again, embarrassment was starting to really grow inside of me.

"Are you a fan of heroes?" He asked me.

I wanted to say yes, I loved heroes but, I couldn't respond. So I just left the room. I decided to go outside since if I go to the side of the house, no one will be there so i can regret speaking up and embarrassing myself.

After that, I went to the side of the house to escape from everyone. I sat in the corner thinking over why I did that. After a while my thoughts drifted to a more sad tone as I thought about my parents and how I missed them. Eventually I started to cry as I began to miss even my foster parents.

After a while I was greeted by Nidoran and his crew. He once again asked me to help sabotage Bulbasaur. He asked me once before to sabotage Bulbasaur but I told him I'd think about it. At the time I thought Bulbasaur was an angry and evil Pokémon. Now I don't think he's bad. Still scary though. Instead of leaving while saying for me to think about it, he instead offered me a choice: You or him.

This time though I would get hurt for not agreeing. But even though I'm scared of getting hurt, I couldn't do it. It was the right thing to do.

"Then I chose him," I replied. "I won't hurt others for you. D-do your w-w-worst. A hero would stand up to bullies like you, so that's what I'll do!" I'm scared of getting hurt but I'd rather get hurt than hurt others. Because that is what a hero would do.

"Fine, then let's show you what it means to hurt." Nidoran snarled.

I tried to stand my ground but I fell short, I was so scared. Please don't hurt me. I thought to myself. Someone please help me. Please.

Then he showed up. The Pokémon I once feared more than any Pokémon else, the Pokémon I thought was a monster all this time, showed up. Saying he would help me. I felt something stir inside. Was it hope?

I don't understand why he's helping me. All I've done is get him a demerit and avoid him. It's like a…

"I'm sorry I…I don't want to fight you, I can't."

"Well what if you helped Bulbasaur instead?" I asked him

"N-no I can't do that either, I don't want to anger Nidoran in case Bulbasaur looses. I'm sorry" He started to rub his arm while looking to the ground.

"Well if you won't help, then I will…"

I began to move to help Bulbasaur but a memory of my parents fighting Ursaring in order to protect me forced its way through to the forefront of my mind.

"Run Vulpix! Run away, we will hold it off." My dad's memory said.

I remember seeing the Ursaring swing its claw, diving deep into.

"Ruuuuun!" was the last thing my parents ever said to me before I did as I was told and ran away. Ever since I can't help but keep running away.

I'm overcome with that feeling of fear from that moment. I try to fight through it, to overcome my fear but I can't.

I'm too scared.

After a gruelling fight, Bulbasaur was defeated. I tried to say anything of encouragement but all I could muster was a whine noise.

Nidoran and his crew approached me. I thought about running away but my escape was cut off. All I could do in that situation was to back away. Back into the side of the house. However once Nidoran's crew got close I felt a wave, like before but instead of rage it..felt like power. Just pure power. A power that was shaping itself into something while gathering an enormous amount of it.

After a short time of the energy building up it erupted a bright flashing light. It cracked through the air, striking true on its target. Nidoran's crew. The white light resulted in a dust spinning explosion.

Once the dust cleared all 3 attackers were down for the count. All defeated by that one move. I looked up to find where that move came from. It was Bulbasaur, only he's enveloped by a glowing taller, pudgier outline of a figure. instead of a closed plant though, it was open. The light disappeared leaving the original Bulbasaur standing.

He…he saved me. He did it, even though he was beaten he still pulled a miracle out of nowhere…like a hero would.

He began to stumble and fall. In instinct I ran to him. Once I got there the other Pokémon from the housing area finally appeared to see what was going on.

When Bulbasaur coughed out a purplish Gump I knew he was in real danger. "Help!" I shouted "Bulbasaur has been badly poisoned, please help!"

In order to treat Bulbasaur, Granbull mushed up a combo of Pecha and Oran berries into a paste mixed with some water to help it go down. It had to be applied quite often until he got to a stable condition. I refused to leave his side, even when dinner was called. Pachirisu and Scorbunny were kind enough to bring me some food though.

Apparently it shouldn't have taken him this long to get to a stable condition. A stronger dose was used. After an hour of more treatment, making this quite late into the night he finally stabilized. All he needed now was a good night's rest.

I thanked Granbull for his help as he went to bed. I fell asleep on Bulbasaur's bed.

The next day, even though I really wanted to stay by Bulbasaur's side, I had to leave for work. I wanted to just cop the demerits but I was talked out of it and was assured by Granbull that he would be fine, he just needed more rest.

After a difficult day with both being worried for Bulbasaur and being very tired for staying up so late, the day is finally done. I went back to our room to check in on Bulbasaur but when I got to the door all I could hear was growing.

When I entered Bulbasaur was still asleep but it seemed he was having a very bad dream. I walked up to him, thinking about what I could do to help him.

"No…no. Please, no more." He wailed this time in great distress.

I remembered back to what my mum would do if i was having a bad dream, she would hold my paw while stroking my head. It worked every time apparently to settle me down.

I moved to his tossing and turning body. I took one of his paws into mine, he did settle a small amount. This allowed me the chance to lightly rub his head. When I did this he calmed down completely.

I don't really know how long I did this for, but if this will help him get a good sleep, then it's a small price to pay for someone who helped me.

I think I heard the door close gently behind me after some time but I didn't care. I didn't take my attention from the Pokémon who threw himself at 4 Pokémon to save me.

My hero.

End Chapter 6.5