Chapter 9 - A jailbreak? Don't mind if I do.

"...And that basically leads to how I ended up in this whole crazy situation." I said. I took a couple of deep breaths; it was a lot I just talked about. Like how I came home from work, got snagged into my 3DS console; of course she didn't know what one was so I simply explained it as a magic box where you control the hero, and basically all the events from this world. I can't believe I've been here for almost 2 months…

Vulpix had a couple of expressions on her face at the moment. Sadness, confusion and a hint of anger. I'm guessing all for how I was treated in this world. I'm surprised she believes me; I know I wouldn't. It just sounds too far-fetched.

"I'm sorry Ace, I didn't know you had such a bad time. So full of betrayal, no wonder you don't trust any Pokémon anymore." Vulpix said with passion in her voice.

"Yeah, I should've been more careful about who I trust. You never know someone's true motives on the first meeting." I said.

"I won't disagree with you Ace, but please don't give up on trusting others. A few bad berries doesn't mean the whole bush is bad."

"I'll…try, I guess."

She nodded in satisfaction after that. "So…you were a human before? What did you look like?"

"Yep. Sure was. Hmm if I were to describe how I looked…I guess imagine Machoke, but way less muscly, pink and plain in features. I was about 5'11, black hair, a bit of muscle and um, a nice beard. Also, we humans don't have any powers you Pokémon have." Yep, that was me before I got sent here. I wanted to say my nationality; Australia, but I doubt she would know where it is. At least if I did tell her I wont get that stupid "put a shrimp on the barby" joke. Tch, you don't cook shrimps on the barby. Also they are called prawns here...there.

I miss my country.

"Humans don't have powers? Then how did you survive?" She asked, tilting her head.

"Well in our world, we have no natural predators when we evolved to the point where we started using tools. One thing led to another and we made weapons that could destroy entire lands. In short, humans are very smart when it comes to ingenuity. Plus it does help that no super creatures like Pokémon exist there."

That caused Vulpix's jaw to drop. So me coming from another world and turning into a Pokémon is fine, but the idea that Pokémon don't exist is jaw dropping? Wack. "I…I can't imagine a world without Pokémon. It sounds unbelievable."

"Well if that sounds unbelievable, then I'm about to blow your brain. Get this, while Pokémon don't actually exist as living creatures, they do exist in another form."

"What do you mean?" Vulpix asked, her head tilted even more than it already was.

I smiled. "Games, stories, trading cards, merchandise, you name it. Some mad lad invented the idea of magical creatures, slapped it into a magic box where you play as a human that would go and…befriend Pokémon to then battle tougher Pokémon. So essentially I have outer world knowledge about this world. For example, I know you can evolve with a fire stone."

"Wow, not many Pokémon know about that." Vulpix looked down to the ground, her brain was trying to process all this information. It is a lot to take in. Not only do other realities exist but other forms of Pokémon.

"It's ok if you don't believe me, I know it sounds insane." I said while rubbing the back of my large head.

"No, no I believe you, it's just a lot to take in. Another world with a different existence of Pokémon. Oh! That explains how you were able to tell what a Pokémon's name was before even meeting them."

"Oh yeah, I didn't really think about that hehe." Woops.

"You know, all this talk about human turned Pokémon, kinda sounds like the heroes of legends."

"Heroes of legends?" I asked.

"Yeah, it would all start the same, a human turned Pokémon sent off on a quest to save the world with the help of their partner and guildmates." She replied.

"Um, would some include convincing Rayquaza to blow up a meteorite and another about stopping the Temporal Tower from crumbling?"

"You know the legends!? Amazing! Do they all exist in your world too?" she basically shouted while asking, guess she really is enthusiastic about those stories.

"Well there were 2 more, but I never got around to playing them." Pokémon Sky took so long to complete after the prologue and with work, plus moving and all other issues, I never got around to playing them. I wish I did though, having that knowledge could be quite helpful. Especially since those events and more have occurred here.

"Oh, well I could tell you about them!" She enthusiastically offered while 2 inches from my face. She backed off and I swear I could see her cheeks reddening from embarrassment. "Oh uh when…when you want to, of course." Her head was turned away while stealing glimpses of me with her eyes. It was adorable.

"Um, sure, but maybe on a rainy day. I doubt I would retain any information right now. I'm still very tired."

"Oh yeah, haha." We both just sat there for a short time in silence. Looking at Vulpix I could tell something was on her mind, so I just waited. Plus I was enjoying the company.

"Um…Ace?" She finally spoke.

"Yes?" I replied.

"Do you still not want to join a guild?" She asked.

"Um, I wasn't really planning on it, especially with me being trapped here at the moment. Why?"

"If-If we get out of here would…would you join the guild with me, as your partner? I know you don't trust others at the moment but I think it could be a good way to see that others aren't so bad. That there is kindness in the world. Plus if you were there, I'd finally have the courage to join. Y-you don't have to if you don't want to. I understand if you don't want to have a coward like me as your partner. Oh um, not that I'm trying to pressure you or anything um oh uuuuuh." She stumbled over herself.

"Ha. Ha hahahaha!" I bursted out laughing.

After wiping the tears from my eyes I could see that Vulpix had a very confused look on her. I thought for a second, no not even a second. If it's her as my partner, then I could give this world another try. I was planning on just running off or finding a very simple job and living quietly as possible away from as many as possible if I ever get out of here.

"You know what Vulpix, If it's you as my partner then I guess I could give joining the guild a try. As long as you are fine with a trouble magnet like myself, if those other stories about human turned Pokémon are of any reference." I said with a smile on my face.

"R-really you mean it!?"

"Yeah, it may not seem like it, but I too once had the dream of becoming an adventurer. Finding treasure in unexplored areas, getting into trouble while relying on your wits to get out of it. I once thought that I wanted to do it alone, but I'm not sure about that anymore. So yes, I do mean it. I Ace, a former human turned Bulbasaur, would be honoured to form a team with you Vulpix." With the smile still plastered on my face, I raised my right paw towards Vulpix.

Her face was both a mix of happiness and confusion at my action. "Uh, what are you doing?"

"Well we humans, once we decided on something, we would shake our hands on it signifying an agreement. Or in this case, our paws. So put yours to mine then we shake them up and down."

With her confusion gone, she eagerly put her paw to mine. Once touching, we both shook up and down multiple times. When I pulled mine back, Vulpix did so too.

"And with that, we are now a team. All we have to do is get out of here and join up with the guild. Plus come up with a name. Vulpix?" I looked at Vulpix. She was looking down to the floor, it kinda looked like she was in pain or something with how she was trembling.

"Are you ok?" I asked again.

"YEAH! I'VE GOT A PARTNER FOR A GUILD NOW! YAAAY!" She shouted with excitement. She was now dancing around the place, really cutting the non-existent rug "I have a partner, I have a partner! I'm so happy! Oh I'm so excited, I'm going to tell the others! Oh um if that is okay with you..partner. Teh-he."

My heart melted with how adorable she was being. Imagine if your favourite animal was doing the cutest thing ever. That was how I was feeling right now. "Yeah ok, just don't tell them about me being a human. I will tell them once we get out of here, but the fewer who know, the less likely Machoke will find out."

"Mmmhmm" She hummed while nodding. She then darted out the door with haste.

Gasp, this is impossible. Her cuteness, it's over 9000!

grrrrr my stomach growled, interrupting my DBZ meme time. Oh well might as well go join her downstairs. I looked out the window. It's probably almost dinner time. So with that I left to go downstairs.

I sat down in silence with my food held by my vines. Vulpix was still going on about getting a partner for joining the guild and how we will go on so many adventures together. I just ate some food, I could still roughly taste the mud from that pit but it was barely there. So I ate and ate and ate, man I didn't know I was this hungry. My food was gone in seconds.

"You have your appetite back now? That's good, I was worried you would starve to death. I'm surprised you could work as hard as you could with how little you were eating." Servine said while moving over to me. The others were still talking amongst themselves.

"Yeah. Vulpix helped with that." I said while looking towards Vulpix.

"You know, I think I know what you have been through." Servine spoke up.

"How could you possibly know what I've been through?" I spat back at Servine.

She raised her right arm, giving me a full view of a single large scare just below her armpit.

"Not all injuries can be fully healed with Oran berries. Plus it doesn't matter to them, as long as you don't die. Right?"

Shocked at what she said, I shot my attention straight to her. Has she been…

"Yeah when I say I know what you have been through, I mean it. When I was still a Snivy, I was kidnapped by a nasty group of Pokémon who only found joy in hurting others. They hurt me in a way I didn't even know was possible. This scar here, couldn't be healed since they put poison in the wound to make it even more painful. When I was in my pit of despair, I too was saved. I can never repay him for his kindness. He saved me and was there for me when I needed him after. He told me, 'I know things are tough right now, but things will get better! I promise.' and it was true. I found happiness in helping others through their traumas." She said with real empathy in her voice.

This saviour kinda reminded me of my Grandpa. Guess we all need someone like that in our darkest times. To help us get through to the light. Don't worry Grandpa, I think I found someone like that. I thought while looking at Vulpix again.

"You know, I don't know what you did for her, but she really does seem to care for you." Servine pointed out.

"Yeah but I don't know what I did for her. She's done more for me at this point than I have for her." I replied.

"I'm not sure about that one chief. Every Pokémon's pit of despair looks different. I reckon you helped her out of hers with what she told me about you. Even if you don't realize it. So look after her, Ace, and don't let your friends go. They will help you in your darkest times."

I looked down. She was right. My god she's absolutely right. But… "I don't deserve friends. Not after I got my only friend killed. Vulpix is too good for someone like me."

"Do you want to talk about it?" She offered.

"Sorry but I refuse to talk about this. So please don't ask again. The answer wont change."

"Ok I won't pry. But if you ever want to talk about something that is bothering you, something that the others wont understand for various reasons, feel free to chat with me about them."

"Ok, thanks for the offer."

"No problem. So… what's with the Ace thing?"

"Argh, misunderstanding, but the current word is that it's a sign of friendship, where it's just a unique way to identify someone."

"Well I'm going to call you Ace now."

"Knock yourself out." She was surprised at my reaction. Like a deflated balloon that wanted to tease. Oh well.

During our short silence I was nudged slightly by a wet nose. "Are you still hungry Ace?" Vulpix asked after nudging me.

"Yeah but I'll be fine, I've still got stored energy in my plant. I can use that if I need energy." I said.

"Here, I'll give you some of mine." Vulpix said while handing some on my plate.

"Me too." Scorbunny said standing up on his chair, with his arm raised.

"Oh um, I don't mind giving you some of mine." Helioptile offered. Honestly I forget he sits with us now. He's very quiet most of the time.

"Well I guess I should offer some too then, here." Pachirisu said while handing over a piece of apple. She was looking away with shyness.

"See, your friends will help you out. Don't be afraid to rely on them." Servine spoke while giving me a portion of her food also.

A tear ran down my cheek. I'm not used to such kindness. They all smiled thinking I was happy. I was. I was overjoyed at the kind gesture, but at the same time an immeasurable amount of guilt sat in my stomach.

'You don't deserve them.' my guilt told me. 'How dare you make friends after what you did.' So with tainted happiness I ate the food.

"So do you 2 have a name for your party?" Servine asked.

"Nothing as of yet, we just made it after all. We haven't had the chance to discuss anything about it, since Vulpix ran downstairs to tell everyone." I replied.

Vulpix just looked away sheepishly. She then looked back at the group. "Well let's discuss some names then. That might be fun." She said,

"Yeah yeah, how about the Vulpix and Ace team?" Scorbunny added in.

"Nooo it's gotta be cool sounding, like 'Team Mystic' or 'The Dragonoids'." Pachirisu berated.

"Ooooooh."

Everyone chuckled but me. I was eating after all.

So that's how we spent the rest of our afternoon, discussing names for our team and talking about other guild-like stuff.

It was nice.

Over the next 2 days something seemed off about this place. I can't describe it but something big is about to happen. We would never usually see The Overseer, besides for newcomers and general inspections. Thinking about what could be happening, all I could piece together is someone important coming in or something important going out. Man, I missed being able to think and place pieces together again. Sleep is a magical thing, even if I still get nightmares about all the bad crap I've been through. Small victories me, small victories.

I continue walking back from work, the others are walking with me. Our destination is the housing district. The sun is way too hot to soak in today. Something caught my attention when I was walking back though, a good handful of guards and a rather large cargo wagon with a tarp over the top gathered near the entrance of the facility. With the wind blowing slightly, it allowed me glimpses inside to see that the wagon is full of those crystals we have been mining. I was wondering if they ever were going to move them.

Those crystals must be important since The Warden is inspecting the cargo personally. I wonder if she will be escorting it herself. It would make sense for her to since they do seem rather important to-

"Hey! I'm talking to you!" Screamed an annoyed Pachirisu.

"I'd argue that you are screaming at me but whatever. Now that my ears are ringing, what were you saying?" I asked

"I was suggesting team names! But since you clearly don't care, I wont bother." She harrumphed while crossing her arms.

"Oh don't be like that, I would love to hear your terrible team name. BZZZzZZZz" I say before I'm electrocuted by the small chipmunk looking rodent.

"My names aren't terrible! Cutie patrol or Team Awesome, are great names. Don't you think so, Vulpix?" She turned her head from me, towards Vulpix, as I was still steaming from being electrocuted.

"Um I kinda agree with Ace, while your names are cute, we want something a bit more heroic." Vulpix replied while walking over to me.

"Well I think they are cool names…" Pachirisu mumbled to herself.

"Are you ok Ace?" Vulpix asked.

"Yeah I'll be fine, I've been through worse." When I said this Pachirisu tensed up. I think she realized that it wasn't too smart to shock me since apparently I'm still in this mental hot zone. Sometimes I just zone out thinking back on what Machoke did to me. Luckily Vulpix has been there to snap me out of it.

Pachirisu apologized, which was a nice gesture. I said sorry for saying her names are terrible. I didn't want to originally but Vulpix gave me a hell of a glare, so I reluctantly did so. I wanted to just blow them off but I'm too tired and I feel gross. It's bath day and I need one, badly. Your boy be feeling pretty stanky. So we continued onwards.

"You know," I said while walking, "I'm surprised none of you have asked to join yet. I thought for sure that at least one of you would have."

"Well, I want to but I promised someone else that I would join their team. I can't wait to see her again. It's been a while." Scorbunny said while bouncing around. I tend to get dizzy if I try to maintain eye contact while he jumps like this so I don't bother.

"Yeah, I'm too young to join the guild. Plus I'm not sure if I'm cut out for fighting." Pachirisu said.

"Oh the guild has an age restriction, makes sense. And not being cut out for fighting? Tuh, give it some time with training and I reckon your zaps would pack a hell of a punch." I said to her.

However, as the conversation continued, something caught my eye. It was Servine who was near the stage area. She seemed to be talking to someone. Moving my head to the side I was able to see that she was talking to her shadow.

"What's wrong Ace? Are you having a moment?" Vulpix worriedly spoke.

"Oh nah, I'm just looking at Servine." Vulpix seemed to get annoyed by this for some reason. "She seems to be talking to someone. I think she might be talking to her shadow as I can't see anyone else near her." I said poking my vine to Servine's direction.

Vulpix calmed down after I said this. Everyone then looked towards Servine. "Yeah she does seem to be talking to someone." Vulpix said.

"Completely crazy. And at such a young age, it really hurts the heart." I joked as I continued onwards to the baths.

"You're horrible, Ace." Vulpix replied.

"Hey, it's a part of my charm." I flicked my head.

"Ha, the only charm you could possibly get is the type you wear." Pachirisu zinged.

Everyone laughed from this, while I grumbled to myself.

At dinner that night, we gathered like usual, ate like usual. No new people have joined our table besides for Servine. All the newcomers have formed their own groups, which is fine, we did that too. I hope there won't be a new Nidoran. I would have to teach them their place quickly.

While sitting, bored with how bland the food was and this current conversation, I spied Servine walking over to sit with us. A malicious smile grew on my face. I waited for her to sit down before speaking.

"So I heard talking to our shadows is all the rave at the moment. What do you think Servine?" I said.

Me saying this to Servine though must have really caught her off guard, since she started to choke slightly on her food. After her coughing spit and everyone asking if she was alright, she began to stammer while responding to me.

"Uh-um I ah. I um, don't really have an opinion on talking with your shadow. Hehe." She said while doing that eye closed smile. The one where it's obvious you are hiding something. "Um sorry but I have to go, I need to uh…clean something in my room." She got 2 steps before suddenly turning around grabbing all the food she could from her tray with her tiny arms.

I was starting to feel a bit bad, since she reacted very strongly when I swore I could see something in her shadow. It was hard to see, but I could make out 2 very faint eyes that seemed to be glaring at me. So she was talking to something. I wonder if it's a demon or ghost. I know ghost types do exist in this world so maybe it's a ghost type? Wait, didn't a creepy orb get absorbed into my plant a time ago? What if they are connected? Well I'm not going down without a fight, spooky.

(POV GRENINJA)

'Tonight is the night.' I think to myself. I have been hiding in Servine's shadow for a couple of days now and I was starting to get a bit impatient. Especially with that Bulbasaur noticing me. I told Servine that talking out in public like that was stupid. Anyways, after relaying my instructions to her about informing the inmates about what is happening when I give the signal which is the door opening, I departed from her shadow.

I moved from shadow to shadow, until I got out from under the front door. I hate trying to spot other shadows to move from in this form, but with many years of practice, I'm able to spot them. It does help that it is night time.

I hang close to the edge of the compound. Better to take my time, then to rush and get caught. I have a mission and I must complete it. With another couple of darts from shadow to shadow, making sure I don't alert the watching Zubats who are stationed at the watchtowers, I make it to the front gate. Normally there were more patrols out but since The Warden left, she took a huge handful of guards with her.

The gate is illuminated with some glow stone torches. It doesn't completely light the area up, but it does illuminate just enough so I can tell where all the guards are currently. Normally from my observation, there would be 5 Zubats and 4 Geodudes watching the gate. However there is only 1 Zubat and 1 Geodude. Child's play.

Sneaking as close as possible to the Zubat who was hanging from one of the Glow stone torches stands (Imagine old fashion street lights). Conjuring a handful of Water Shuriken's from my water pouch, 8 in total, I throw 2 of them towards the 2 sources of light and the other 6 towards the Geodude with one swift motion. Knowing my aim is true I follow my attack by using shadow sneak on the unsuspecting Zubat. I connect with him, sending him towards the floor with a small thud. I quickly follow that up by licking him, effectively paralyzing him. I look up to confirm that Geodude was out and yep he's out like a log. Heh damn I'm good. I deliver one quick punch to the paralysed Zubat, knocking him out. Better safe than sorry.

With the only 2 guards down, I move onwards to the front gate. I unlock the door by lifting the huge log blocking them. Using my acrobatic skills I hop over the door. Noticing my signal, the Pokémon in hiding approached the front gate with great haste, while trying to be as silent as possible.

They get as far as they can reach, before "Alert! Alert! Intruders!." But it's too late.

Incineroar like normal runs full force into the door, sending it wide open. "You know you can just open it like a normal Pokémon." I said to him,

"Yeah I know, but this seems more dramatic. Now then," he replied while moving his neck to pop it "Crack it's time to free some Pokémon. CHARGE!"

And with that the battle commenced.

(POV - ACE)

I was lying there in a half asleep state. I was too busy trying to sense if that orb thing was in me. It creeped me out alright. So here I am in a half sleep half conscious state where I kinda could sense something. A blurry figure. If I focus I think I can make out what it is. Its kinda shaped like-

CRASH "CHARGE!" A foreign voice shouted.

I was instantly awake, I went over to the window to see what was going on. I couldn't believe the sight I saw. It was a battlefield. Pokémon from outside the compound were charging down the slope leading to the gate, while a couple of strong looking Pokémon were defending the gate from oncoming guards.

I was frozen on spot by how those stronger Pokémon moved. It was like watching kung fu masters at work, only with water and fire attacks. It was pretty cool.

"Mm wa whatz it. What's going on" Vulpix asked while coming to join me at the window.

"It appears to be a battle of sorts." I pointed out.

"A battle? Oh do you reckon they are here to rescue us?"

"Could be. Whoever they are, they seem to be well coordinated. Those 2 are defending the gate, while the others are coming in to push to attack. Whoever they are, they plan to win."

"Wait that red one at the gate…he kinda looks like... Incineroar! Ace, he is a hero, the guild has come to save us!"

"What's with all the noise?" Pachirisu said after waking up. Scorbunny was still fast asleep like a fat man after a huge turkey feast.

"The guild is here, Pachirisu! They have finally come to save us!" Vulpix said with glee.

"No way, let me look." She jumped up on top of my head to get a better look. I huffed at being used as a stool.

After a couple of seconds of getting a look at the battle, the attackers have arrived at the gate and are pushing forwards against the guards. The attackers have more power but the guards are tough, so it's literally like pushing past huge rocks. The door behind me slams open. I quickly turn around, brandishing my vines while making Pachirisu fall off me.

Standing at the door is Servine. She looks like she's in a rush. "Ok the short version is the guild is here to save everyone here. The long version will be talked about later, but for now we must move. Come on, time for you all to leave."

I didn't move. I just glared at her. "Then what was the deal with your shadow? I know I saw something there."

"Oh yeah that was Greninja, he was hiding in my shadow. He is the one who unlocked the door. Gaah come one we have to leave now. Especially you Ace, we have to get you far from Machoke." She was basically fast hopping.

"What why?" I asked.

"Haaaa Machoke has been told to make sure you don't escape at all. I don't know why Greninja wasn't able to find out why, but I reckon Machoke will come for you so please, LET'S GO!"

"Machoke is coming for Ace? Well let's get out of here then. Come on Ace. we can trust her." Vulpix chimed in.

I continued my glare but I relented.

"Oh don't forget about bunny butt." And with that Servine ran off. I'm assuming she's going to tell the others about what is going on since I could hear another door bash open.

"I can't believe we are getting out of here." Vulpix said as she walked over to Scorbunny, who was still snoring away.

"Come on Scorbunny, wake up." She nudged him.

"Zzzzz snort zzzz" Nothing.

"Ah, forget it." I pulled my vine out and just grabbed Scorbunny by his hanging foot from his bed with my vine. His head hit the floor with a loud, painful sounding thud. Yet he still didn't awake.

"Ace. What am I going to do with you?" Vulpix said while shaking her head.

I just shrugged as I continued to walk with Scorbunny in tow. His head hit the side of the door frame though. Ok now I kinda felt bad.

"Huh what the? Where am I? What's going on? Are you kidnapping me, Ace?" Scorbunny said while still waking up.

"No bed boy, We are getting out of here. Now wake up, we are going to need you fully focused."

"Getting out of here? What's the point of leaving the room?" he asked.

"You idiot, we are getting saved from the guild! They have sent heroes and everything." Pachirisu spoke up

"Oh we are? Yaaah! My head hurts." Scorbunny said "Um can you let me go Ace?"

I did so and we gathered with the others downstairs by the front door. I could hear the crowd murmuring, discussing what was happening.

"Okay everyone," Servine spoke, getting in front of everyone. "A hero is coming soon, he will escort us out of this place. So please follow him, he is a trained professional."

"A hero", "a hero is coming to save us?", "I wonder who it is," The crowd spoke.

The door then knocked with a knock knock….knock knock…knock

"Oh that's him now." She turned from us to the door, opening it. A small, orange Pokémon walked in. It was a Raichu.

"Hey everyone, my name is Raichu. It's a pleasure to meet you." He greeted us while bowing. "Now I would love to continue the greeting but I'm afraid I'm pressed for time. Outside are 3 Pokémon, they are here to assist me if anyone gets into trouble. Please stay with them no matter what. Now let's go, it's time to get out of here."

In a single file we all made our way outside. Once we were all out Raichu spoke again.

"Ok the big one is Grotle, the bird is Murkrow and the tall cutie is Audino." He said with a smile.

"Raichu please control yourself." Audino said with a small blush.

"Teeh heeheehee. Ok everyone follow me."

We began to move at a brisk pace, not too fast so smaller stubbier Pokémon can keep up…okay only I seemed to be struggling to keep up, I got small legs alright!

"I can't believe it, after so many years. I'm finally leaving." Granbull said.

"Yep, I can't wait to be rid of this hell hole." I said.

We went around the long way towards the stage to avoid the main fight in the middle of the facility. I'm glad we did, I really don't want to be a part of that. Balls of various colours are thrown around, Pokémon are sent flying and various colourful liquids are being thrown around. Pokémon are terrifying creatures.

We got past most of the scuffle when…"Oi ye lot ain't going no wheres." Zangoose said as he jumped in front of us. He was accompanied by Loudred, a Durant and a Geodude.

"Alright, I'll make this quick. Team, make sure you protect them while I do this."

"Yes sir!" they all spoke up.

Raichu glowed a brilliant white, instantly arriving at Zangoose, delivering a quick attack to his gut. Zangoose stumbled back while holding his stomach in pain. Raichu in the meantime spun while jumping in the air towards the floating Geodude. He didn't even get a chance before an iron tail connected with the top of him, sending the Geodude to the floor with Xs for eyes. One-shot.

Seeing how his back was turned, Durant went in for a sneak attack. It lunged forward with its powerful pincers, only for Raichu to jump up and with one hand was balancing on the Durant's pincers all acrobatic style. Raichu winked at Durant before he brought his powerful tail down on his head. Durant wasn't able to withstand the amount of power this small Pokémon had as he too was out with only a single attack.

Upset with how easily his 2 comrades fell, Zangoose charged into Raichu, swinging his claws. Raichu expertly dogged to his left, ducking and jumping back. When he got out of range, Raichu noticed the Loudred who was waiting for this opportunity.

Loudred was about to release his charged up attack when a small electrical field washed over him, preventing him from doing so. Raichu smiled, as his Thunder wave landed with perfect precision. Zangoose once again tried to swipe at the smiling Raichu when he suddenly turned into a small ball of yellow…lightning? Electricity? Who knows? He turned into a ball of yellow, and hurled himself at Zangoose in such a way that it knocked Zangoose towards his ally, making both of them fall over.

The smaller Pokémon cheeks began to spark as the clouds above began to stir. With the distant sound of thunder, electricity began to spark even greater from Raichu. He then raised his hands towards the 2 fumbling Pokémon when BZZZZZAAARRRCKKKKK! A terrifying, huge lightning bolt came careening down from the sky, hitting Loudred and Zangoose. After a second the small bit of dust cleared, revealing both Pokémon with Xs for eyes.

"Phew, that was a good warm up," Raichu said while winking at us.

I was absolutely captivated at how powerful that small Pokémon was. I can see how Pikachu from the anime was able to blast Team Rocket away with ease. Pokémon are scary creatures, as I said earlier.

"Alright, let's keep goin-" Raichu said before he got distracted by something. A small, blue orb flew past him, landing behind him. Instantly Machoke appeared in its place. Oh crap I forgot Pokémon MD had those weird items! Raichu who was caught off guard by this and could only contort his face in worry as a curled up fist connected with his face, sending him smashing into the earth.

"Now where do you think you are going, Bulbasaur? I'm not finished with you just yet." Machoke said while staring straight into my eyes.

The 3 defending Pokémon jumped into defence mode, with Grotle at the front, Audino behind and Murkrow hopping into the sky.

"Ace, everyone follow me!" Servine shouted.

Everyone snapped into attention and began to follow behind Servine. Machoke tried to run past the 3 defending Pokémon but they were able to block him. Murrow's attacks were really doing damage. I continued to run, not looking back as I heard loud thuds and cracking noises from behind. I turned around to see Machoke break the arm of Audino who was shouting in pain. Grotle was on his side presumably unconscious. Hoping unconscious, while Murkrow kept shooting wing attacks at Machoke.

"How dare you!" Murkrow shouted. Filled with rage and not thinking straight he dive bombed Machoke, piercing straight into his left arm with his beak. Machoke grunted in pain but quickly grabbed the small Pokémon who was stuck in him. I turned away from what was to happen, I didn't want that in my mind too.

I could hear a couple of Crunches coming from behind me.

FEAR

I continued to run. I was completely terrified. Vulpix, who was in front of me, slowed down to match my pace. Her face was filled with worry. She spoke something but I couldn't hear her, I just ran. Something forced me out of this trance, it was a black, small object hurtling past me. Coming to a halt as if I didn't I would've trampled this small thing. After coming to a stop, I stared at this small figure. It was the broken body of Murkrow. He was still breathing, but wings ain't meant to bend like that.

Now I'm not saying I have 6th sense or anything but I could feel Machoke's gaze upon me. I turned around in a hurry, spotting him charging at me like a bulldozer. Instincts activated, I grabbed the small broken bird, moving him to a safe distance with my vine as I jumped aside from the charging ball of muscle.

Fear etched itself into my heart at this moment. My heart just wanted to stop working. But something happened, something filled my heart with warmth. Vulpix was by my side. True, I was completely terrified but she was here nonetheless.

"L-l-leave A–Ace al-lone yo-u b-bully." she wasn't intimidating, not even in the slightest. Her ears were curled down, tails wrapping around her and she was trying to make herself look as small as possible, but she still defended me.

Pure warmth I can't describe filled my heart. "Ha, ha hahahaha!" Machoke started to laugh maniacally. "What a pitiful display you carry little miss. I was only planning on taking Bulbasaur, but I think I can manage a beat down for you too."

"Eeeep!" Vulpix cowered.

Anger flared in my soul. I walked in front of Vulpix, making myself a shield for her. "You dare threaten one of my friends? Hurting me is one thing, but threaten one of my few friends, then i'm going to tear you apart.'' I was basically growling at Machoke.

"HA! I would like to see you tr-!" I cut him off. I sent my vines, full speed towards Machoke. He dodged out of the way.

"Tch." I said. "You promised me a free shot a while back. I would like to cash that in."

"Grrrr" Machoke growled. With the speed of a demon, he came zipping towards me. I tried to hit him with my vines, one went straight for him like a bullet while the other acted like a traditional whip, but nothing landed. He was way too fast for me. He connected a foot straight to my face. I scooted backwards from the impact. My vision was dazed from how hard he kicked me. I tried to get my focus together but my head hurt too badly. Double vision? Nah, more like triple.

When my blurry vision started to clear, I could see Machoke standing above Vulpix, her mouth glowing with a bright red light. She was hesitating, the hulking mass of muscle must be too much for her to handle. I got to my feet with great effort. The world was spinning for me at this point. I shook my head, which hurt like hell by the way, but it did give me some of my vision back. I turned my reserve energy on and focused it to my vines. They shot out like a speeding bullet. They are going to hit him, yes they are going to hit him….they didn't hit him. Machoke turned around just in time to catch my vines. I didn't give in though, unfortunately he didn't release my vines. He instead started to pull me towards him. I tried to resist, but all I was doing was dragging dirt. An idea popped in my mind.

I continued to resist to the best of my capabilities until I got into range of him. Feeling sorry for my poor brain, I lunged at Machoke's face. This connected with a satisfying thud!

"Gaaah! Why you little." He grunted in pain. He still had hold of my vines while he stumbled from my headbutt attack. So stuck, hanging like a piñata, I was helpless for Machoke's incoming fist. I wouldn't be surprised if I broke apart like a piñata too.

The world slowed down for me as Machoke's fist was coming towards me. My mind however was focused on the cowering Pokémon nearby. I don't blame her for not assisting, Machoke is the definition of pure terror. Guess I won't be joining a guild with Vulpix anytime soon. Ah damn, I was kinda looking forward to it. At least I got to make one real friend here before whatever happens, happens.

End Chapter 9