Chapter 2 - What a Morning (Reworked)

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"Okay, not long until we get to the camping grounds now, dearie," Kangaskhan said while looking over her shoulder, down towards me.

"I sure hope so. I need a rest," I replied, in between huffing and puffing while trying my hardest to match her already slowed pace. Seeing I was still chugging behind her, she looked back ahead.

Kangaskhan and I had been walking along this flattened dirt path that led through this large forest for the better part of the afternoon- with minimal stops, I might add. Kangaskhan really insisted on getting to the camping ground by nightfall, so you bet my feet were throbbing like hell at the moment. It really doesn't help that I'm still not entirely used to my new body, so I was putting too much weight into each footstep, practically stomping for a long time and making them hurt even more before I learned how to distribute the weight evenly.

"You did well, dearie. It would've been a shorter trip if the bridge for the Raving River wasn't destroyed." According to her, it would have saved us at least a couple of hours of side tracking. Makes me want to smack whoever broke it.

"Why is it called the 'Raving River?'" I asked more out of boredom than curiosity. Gotta learn about my new world as early as possible.

"It's called that because it is home to a vast amount of wild water Pokémon that attack all who enter the river, dearie. It's very dangerous to be traveling through that river without a professional on hand. Like those guilders." Oh yeah, that's right: she mentioned a town earlier, so I'm guessing this guild, or guilders, is located in this town.

"Tell me about this OakTown you mentioned earlier. What are the people like there?"

"People? I think you mean Pokémon, dearie. What is 'people?'"

Ah crap! Of course they wouldn't call each other people here. Can't believe I made such a stupid mistake. So with my brain scrambling for a way to brush this off, I came up with a response.

"Ah, nothing. It's just some slang for Pokémon. A habit I'm trying to break out of, since it was never popular. Don't worry about it."

"Oh, okay. You crazy youngsters do make me laugh with your silly word changes."

I breathed out a sigh of relief for Kangaskhan buying that. I didn't want people- or Pokémon I guess, knowing about my secret. For now anyway. For all I know, this world's Pokémon might find me a looney saying that I used to be a human, and throw me in their version of an insane asylum. No sir, says I.

"So, about that town?" I asked again.

"Ah yes. It's a nice place, full of nice Pokémon. It has everything from a bank, local street markets and its very own guild! I even have my own business there." Kangaskhan explained.

"Oh? You have your own business?"

"Sure do, dearie. I make herbs, potions, and all sorts of other various mixtures on request. Can't make a potion without a good quality base, after all."

"Is that what that pouch was? A product from your business?"

"Y-yes it is, hehe," she stuttered, while rubbing the back of her head.

"What does it do?"

"Ah! Simple painkillers, don't worry about it. Oh look, we are almost at the camping ground!"

She pointed towards a sign that signaled opposite ways along the branching path. I'm still curious about that pouch. She acted a bit too shady about it. Oh well, I'm sure it's nothing. I hope so, anyway. Man, this benefit of the doubt thing is tough.

I took a glance at the sign as we walked past it, and it read like complete and utter gibberish. It was like Egyptian hieroglyphs, only with Pokémon shaped symbols instead of the usual Egyptian ones, and I'm not talking about Unown characters either.

So we continued onwards with our walking, knowing we were close to our destination.

Gotta say, it really is a wonderful sight to behold. All the Pokémon you only get to see form the anime or games, just scampering about around you, minding their own business as they get on with their lives. None came close to the path, mind you, but I was able to catch glimpses of Pidgeys flying about, a Murkrow just chilling on a branch tall tree watching us, and even curious critters such as Furrets checking us out before scurrying off.

I was really confused as to why none came onto the path. It was like they were avoiding it on purpose. I wanted to ask, but I was too stunned with the pure beauty that the setting sun added through the godrays that shone through the leaves.

"The campsite is just ahead of us, and down towards the left path, dearie," Kangaskhan said, bringing me out of my amazement of this beautiful, lush forest.

Looking past Kangaskhan, there was a fork in the road with another sign in the middle that pointed down both paths. Still no clue what it says, but I have no reason to doubt Kangaskhan and neither did my aching feet.

"Finally!" I yelled out, letting my exhaustion get the better of me. "By the way, Kangaskhan, my name is 'Ace,' not 'dearie.'"

"Of course it is, dearie," she replied without missing a beat. I just let out a sigh. It seems my new name is 'dearie,' now. Lucky me.

Taking a good look around the campsite, it was a large circular bit of land with a wall of trees, bushes, and some strange looking flowers surrounding it on all sides. Scattered around this land are small patches of dirt with remnants of extinguished campfires in the middle of them. You could really tell that these camps could house some awesome camping nights. The previous users could have cleaned up after themselves, though: it's like someone opened a bag of rubbish and chucked it around along all the individual spots.

At the entrance of the campsite sat a peculiar building, It looked to be a small information booth. It was yellow with the highlights being a faded brown. There was a sign resting above it with some scribbles, probably saying that this is a campsite or something. The strangest thing though was that there was no one manning it. In fact, it feels oddly quiet here.

"Is this your first camping experience, dearie?" Kangaskhan asked, taking me out of my thoughts.

"No, but It is the most recent one I've been on since I was a kid," I replied. Looking up at her, she seemed distracted by the tree line, well one spot in particular with a large bush. She was completely engrossed in it.

"Oh? Well, isn't that nice. Camping is… nice," she absent-mindedly said. I was beginning to get a bit concerned about that spot she was fixated on.

"So, what's to stop wild Pokémon coming from the forest, and gutting us while we sleep?" In an almost hurried state, she furiously shook her head then looked down to me. I just tilted my head in confusion as to why she was acting so aloof and weird.

"W-well you see, dearie," Kangaskhan points towards the tree line towards a spot away from that large bush, "see those small flowers?" I nodded. "Those flowers are called 'petal wards,' and they secrete a scent that wards off wild Pokémon. So, as long as those are here, we are safe."

"Weird. Hey wait, why don't they repel us? Aren't we Pokémon too?"

"Don't be silly," she chuckled, "of course we're Pokémon. It only affects wild Pokémon, and we aren't wild, are we?"

"Oh, well that makes all the sense, now then, doesn't it?" I said with extra sarcasm. Kangaskhan just ignored me and started to walk further into the campsite.

"Let's choose a nice, clean spot, and get some dinner cooking, shall we? I'm famished after all that walking."

Searching around we finally spotted an area that only had a couple of items in it. "This seems to be the cleanest of the camps. Let's settle down on this one," Kangaskhan said. I walked up to the softest patch of grass I could find and plopped onto it.

I was able to rest my aching feet for about five whole minutes before Kangaskhan asked me to go and collect some firewood. I grumbled to myself, and even though my feet were threatening to murder me, I trotted off in search of some firewood.

Looking around the campsite, albeit slowly since my feet still hurt, I was able to find a small pile of leftover firewood at one of the camps. The remnants of the fire once lit was strangely small, like it was rushed to be put out with how much dirt was mixed in with the soot. I just shrugged the thought off. When you gotta leave, you gotta leave.

"Score!" I say to me, myself and I, "Guess who doesn't have to search the forest for wood? This guy!" Looking over the bundle of stacked wood, I almost went to pick it up with my arms, but realized something- the distinct lack of arms. "Yep, still no hands, damn. I wish I still had them, how am I going to- oh yeah! Duh, I have vine powers now! Okay vines, do your thing."

Nothing.

"Well that's upsetting." I frowned as I went into deep thought.

How did I move them before? It kinda just kinda happened last time, and I would rather not have a Rattata come and attack me to try to trigger it the same way. Hmm, what if I try focusing on my plant thingy? Maybe since I'm not used to my vines' existence, I'll have to train my thoughts on using them. I'd imagine it would be the same if I suddenly got two extra arms when I was a human. That would've been cool, though.

Focusing on my plant for a short amount of time, I felt a nerve tingle run down my spine and into my plant that followed up into two long appendages that were snuggly stacked inside. It kinda feels like that tingly feeling when you hit your arm after it has fallen asleep

I shuddered from the feeling.

After taking a small breath, I refocused on the plant area: the vines in particular, only this time with the intent of 'move' behind it. With the command issued, and weird feeling connected, I focused purely on getting my vines out of their sheathed state and out in the open. Slowly, but surely, they started to emerge and were now dangling in front of me like curious snakes.

I moved them around, testing my motor skills with them: up, down, left and right I moved them. They were surprisingly agile and able to really move like how I wanted them, too. It's like moving really long fingers that aren't limited by bones.

With my vines now bending to my will, I looked back onto my prey.

"Prepare yourself, wood! For your time of not being on fire is about to come to an end!" I even gave a small, evil chuckle.

With my tongue resting on my upper lip for focus, I moved my vines over to the pile of wood. After struggling for a moment, I was able to fine-tune my control of my vines and was finally able to grab a good third of the pile.

Satisfied for now, I made my way back towards our camp. It was a slower trudge, but I wasn't losing any bits of wood, so that's good.

I couldn't help but notice how basically all the camps had rubbish scattered around them. I know it's upsetting and all about littering, but I'm starting to think it wasn't the leftovers of lazy visitors, but remnants of Pokémon leaving in a hurry. Like, there are small bags and various bits of uneaten food around them. There are even small toys abandoned! One camp is one thing, but all of them?

What on Earth happened here?

Arriving back at our spot, I expertly placed the bits of wood on the ground...and by 'expertly placed,' I mean dropping them all over the ground.

"Whoops. Sorry."

"That's alright, dearie. I'll pick them up. Are you not feeling well? Maybe take a seat and rest up. I thought Bulbasaurs had great control of their vines?"

"Ah, yeah we do, but I'm just tired. Plus, I was seriously injured earlier today, so I'm going with that, too." I nodded satisfyingly with my answer. I found my earlier spot of soft grass and sat my tokus on it.

"If you say so, dearie. Just relax for now, you did have a big day and we are going to need you in good condition for tomorrow," Kangaskhan said while not taking her eyes away from the firewood she was picking up.

Heat washed over my face, like a warm summer hug. I opened my eyes that I hadn't realized I closed, and moved up a little to better enwrap myself in the fire's gentle warmth. Kangaskhan eyed me curiously.

"Hmm, I thought grass types hated to be near fire?" She asked.

"Really? Well, not this grassy boy. I have always loved a good open fire. Heh, reminds me of the times I would go camping with my best friend and my grandpa."

"Oh, that sounds nice. They, um, they aren't looking for you right now, are they?" I took a short glance towards Kangaskhan to notice her looking around the tree lines and towards that bush again.

"No… no, they aren't."

"Well, that's too bad. Th-the more the merrier," she sighed with either a sigh of relief or disappointment. I'm not exactly sure which since she had a small, relieved smile on her face. "Anyway, I better get dinner started."

After 'borrowing' an unused, clean pot from a nearby camp, dinner was well on its way. Kangaskhan used food from her pouch that was in a container, so no, we didn't eat leftovers from the other camps. Dinner looks to be some sort of curry with apples as the main ingredient. Odd.

I feel as though I should be way more hungrier than I currently am. I have a slight peckish feeling at best. Maybe it's a Bulbasaur thing? I should find some more of my kind when I'm able to.

Not much was said the whole time between Kangaskhan and I. She served our food, and we ate in more silence. Even though I didn't feel hungry, my body still ate it all greedily. It's strange, but It feels like I have a pool of energy stored somewhere in my plant. If that's the case, then that could explain why I'm not so hungry and still able to eat.

Full batteries, but empty fuel tank, so to speak.

A sniffle from Kangaskhan caught my attention. She was staring at her empty bowl while a tear ran down her cheek. I wasn't too sure if I should pry or not, but decided to ask anyway.

"Are you okay, Kangaskhan? Did you get a stomach cramp?"

She quickly wiped her tear stained cheek with her arm.

"No, I'm fine. I'm just gonna… get some firewood. You will be safe here while I'm gone."

Kangaskhan got up from her spot and walked away towards the forest. I continued to stare at her until she disappeared into the thick forest and out of sight. I cast a side glance towards the large pile of wood I had gotten my earlier pile from. Hmm. Gathering wood, huh?

Feeling a wave of fatigue wash over me, I decided it was time for some much needed sleep. I got as cozy as I could from a patch of grass and an open flame as my heat source. Not the most comfortable I have ever been, but could be worse.

Looking up at the night sky, my breath was caught in my throat. The sky was vast and clear, not a sign of smog or airplanes/satellites bleeping in the sky or anything man made in sight. It was like a box of untainted diamonds, just twinking without a care. It was mesmerizing. However, even though I'm in a new world full of infinite possibilities, I can't help but feel a deep rooted feeling of anxiety about this whole thing. Like something is wrong and I'm blinded to it. Hmm.

Oh well, tomorrow's problems are for tomorrow's me. For now, I need my beauty sleep. A day of adventuring…awaits…

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Flashing images I can't quite make out are coming and going before me like a trippy slideshow. Eventually, the sickening light show clears up and becomes more focused, until it is clear enough for me to see what is going on.

Ah, I'm back in my old body, but as a kid. I'm holding my bloodied knee that I had injured from falling out of a tree I was climbing alongside my friend. Strangely, even though my old friend is there, his face is blurred out.

"It appears you have fallen," an old, gruff voice kneeling down in front of me says. It's my grandpa and unlike my friend's face, his is clearly visible. "I know it hurts now, but you will heal and with your friend by your side, I reckon you will reach the top of that tree in no time. Just don't give up. Promise?"

I was about to reply to him when a strange, repeating beeping noise was heard from behind me. I turned to see if I could find the source, but when I turned around, I was now in a pristinely cleaned, white hospital room.

Turning back around towards my grandpa, he was no longer kneeling down in front of me with that kind smile of his, but instead was in a hospital bed attached to machines. Next to his bed was the source of the beeping: it was a heart beat monitor. The beeping continued as the machine measured his heart beat until it flatlined.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

I woke up.

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"Grandpa!" In an adrenaline filled panic, I jumped up on all fours, looking around the area. Realizing that I was dreaming, I took a couple of deep breaths. I hate that nightmare.

Shaking off a deep, depressing feeling from that nightmare, I looked around for Kangaskhan, but she was nowhere to be found. I did, however, spot a little note sitting next to a covered bowl; it was some of the soup from last night with a slight oddity in its color. Probably because it was left out all night or something.

Looking over the note was pointless as it was written in Pokémon gibberish. This was definitely strange, but I decided to chock it up with Kangaskhan looking for herbs or something and left me some breakfast and the note so I wouldn't panic. I would have preferred her waking me up before leaving though.

Taking the lid of the soup, it was still warm, so Kangaskan must have reheated it. Did I really sleep through all that noise it would've made? Man, when a man needs his sleep, he sleeps. I devoured my meal, then decided to do some stretches to get better used to my body.

After some failed attempts at jumping jacks, I couldn't help but notice that my body was starting to seize up. It wasn't like muscle cramps, but like my whole body was completely locking up. Panic began to rise in the back of my throat. "What is going on?" Looking down at myself, I had this strange, goldenly glow to my person. Am I evolving? No, that would be a white glow.

A cold shiver ran down my spine, screaming at me that I was no longer safe.

I began to furiously look around my area again, trying to confirm that I was alone and not in danger. I instead spied the bush that Kangaskahn was looking at yesterday was shaking around.

Eyes locked on the bush and panic filling my being, I didn't bother to see what that bush would birth. I got my four small legs kicking and ran towards the exit of the camp. I made it to about halfway towards the exit before my body seized up again, making my tumble to the ground. At least my mouth locked up so I didn't eat dirt like yesterday.

A louder rusting of the bush stole my attention from my smarting nose since I landed face first. A grey, blurry figure very quickly emerged from the bush and made a mad dash towards the exit. It easily cut me off in the time it took for me to recover from my seizure attack.

Back on my feet, I was able to get a good look at this grey thing. It was an intimidating looking Mightyena who was eyeing me up like vulnerable prey. I gulped, trying to keep my cool.

"Uh, good morning?" I said with a forced smile, "You would not believe it, but the exit is that way, and uh, you are kinda in the way. So if you could just move aside, that would be grand, you creepy wolf."

"Oh, is it?" her deep, feminine voice replied. "And why would you want to leave so soon? It's not because of me? Is it?" she smiled.

"What? No, of course not. It's because, um, oh! You see my friend is kinda missing, so I want to see if I can find her. So, um, yeah, I want to go that way." I started to move around her, keeping a very wide distance from her. My eyes were locked onto her all the while.

"Oh, a missing partner? My, my! What a tragedy. Oh! Your partner wouldn't happen to be a tall, brown, female with a pouch that was with you last night?"

I froze in place, really feeling the large amount of sweat rolling down my face.

She had a paw on her jaw like she was thinking. "Kangaskhan, wasn't it? Hey, how was the soup?"

"The soup? What about it?!" I shouted.

"Oh you stupid idiot. Just how dense are you? It was so clear that Kangaskahn was up to something. She is a terrible actor! I thought I had to intervene last night, but it seems you are too dense to realize when you're being led to an ambush."

"What are you talking about? She would never do something like that! S-she wouldn't…"

"Face it, your 'friend' led you here and now we are going to capture you. So make like a good boy, and don't resist."

My mind was racing a million miles per minute. There was no way that Kangaskhan would set me up like this. She was a good person! I think, I mean, didn't she save me from the Ratata?

I won't, no, I can't believe it. This is the world of Pokémon, a kids' game for crying out loud! It can't be corrupted like my old world, I refuse to believe it! But that would explain why Kangaskhan was so determined for me to travel with her and how she was always on edge. What was in that bag Kangaskahn had- no, no time for such thoughts.

Wait, Mightyena said 'we.'

As on cue, towards my right a new figure came rolling out of the tree line and was hurrying over towards me. It was much smaller and ball shaped than Mightyena who had yet to move from her spot by the exit. Not feeling up to becoming a pin for this bowling ball, I made an attempt to dodge out of the way… only for my body to seize up again. Now?! All I could do was watch as this death ball of death came hurtling towards me.

This is going to hurt!

The bowling ball came at me full force, bowling through me, knocking me out of its way. I hit the ground hard and tried to open my eyes immediately, but all I saw were stars.

That was a hell of a rollout!

Doing my best to ignore the excruciating pain that seared itself into my head, I tried getting up, but found myself quickly wrapped up in some sort of sticky substance, halting my attempt.

"Yuck! What is this?!" No matter how hard I tried to pull, move, or even bite the stuff, it wouldn't budge off from me.

Getting a good look now that my vision was clearing up, it looked to be some sort of thick, wet silky substance in the shape of a net. Strange, though, silk shouldn't be sticky like this. My brain made the unwanted connection as to what it could be quickly: spider's webbing. The thought of a giant spider sent pure chills up my spine and my breathing started to pick up rapidly from being held in this net with no sense of escape in sight.

"No, no, no, no! Help! Stranger danger! Stranger danger!" I screamed out, hoping someone, anyone would help.

"Scream all you want. NoPokémon is coming to save you," Mightyena smugly stated. I eyed her as she made her way towards me. At first a wave of fear seeped into my being, but that was quickly drowned out because anger was overtaking it.

"Yeah, well, up yours. Help! Help me!" I shouted out again. Still furiously trying to break free from my capture, something hit me right on the nose. Why always the nose?! "Gaah!" My ears began to ring from the pain. Opening my closed eyes, Mightyena was right up in my face, snarling.

"If you don't stop making so much noise, I'll show you what these are for." She snapped her teeth. "Oh, and trying to use your vines will result in a worse punishment."

"W-we got him good, didn't we, Mightyena? Woah, dizzy," the bowling ball revealed as Nuzleaf said while making his way towards Mightyena.

"Yes, yes, you did very well. Now would you hoist our prize on Ariados, already?" barked Mightyena. "You know what will happen if we're late." Mightena visibly, which Nuzleaf reciprocated.

"I'll get right to it!" Nuzleaf shouted. He ran up to me and started to look me over then looked over towards some nearby trees. "Hey, Ariados? Get out here, would ya? You heard her, we don't want to keep the boss waiting!"

"Yesh, Yesh, coming," a slurpy sounding voice replied. My heart was now pounding to the beat of Darude Sandstorm as I eyed this walking nightmare of a Pokémon, Ariados. The only thing stopping me from completely freaking out was not wanting to get chomped on.

The tall mass of pure nightmare fuel stood looming over me. She sealed up my plant, preventing my vines from escaping by wrapping the small opening tight shut. It was very uncomfortable.

"Looks good," Nuzleaf said as he looked over my bulb. I felt weirdly violated by this action. I can walk around naked, but looking there was a no-no? "Well, time for a spider ride!" Nuzleaf said. I snapped back to attention.

"Oh, hell no!" I shouted, not caring for a punishment. "You put me on that spider and I'll… put a curse on you. I'll do it, don't test me."

"A curse? Ariados, I think we should listen to him. I don't want to get cursed again," Nuzleaf said to Ariados while backing away from me with his arms raised.

"You idiot, heesh lying." Ariados said to Nuzleaf. She got right up to me face and did the equivalent of a smile, "Whatsh wrong? Got a fear of shpiders?" She showed off her large, inner fangs at me.

"If you don't back up, I'm going to throw up on you."

"Ew." She backed up from me. "We don't have time to washte. I would rather get thrown up than get another punishment from 'him.' Hurry, Nuzleaf, let'sh not delay."

Ariados got down on her stomach allowing Nuzleaf, who was much shorter than herself, to be able to place me on her back.

"Got it!" he replied. " So… he isn't going to curse me, right?"

"No, Nuzleaf. He won't curshe you. I don't think sho anyway. Think- would you rather a curshe, or a punishment from 'him?'" Nuzleaf stood stiff for a whopping one second before coming to an answer.

"Today's a good day for a curse!" He said. Nuzleaf then spat into his hands and rubbed them together. He then grabbed me and hefted me on Ariados' back. Like velcro, I was stuck instantly onto Ariados's back in between her two large yellow appendages. I felt my stomach churning even more than it was. Gotta say, it wasn't making my migraine any easier to deal with.

"Is the bounty fastened in?" asked Mightyena to Nuzleaf. "Well?" She asked again when there was no response. I could feel something tugging at me. Nuzleaf had yet to let go of the net.

"Hmm, yep. Thought so. I'm stuck to the net." replied Nuzleaf who tugged more at the spider's net. The dumbfounded look Mightyena gave Nuzleaf was priceless! I just wished I wasn't in this damn net.

"You idiot!" Mightyena screamed, "How many times must I tell you to use a leaf or something when moving prey that are caught in Ariados's nets! Argh, quick, Ariados, let's get this idiot freed."

"Sorry…"

After some struggle, they were able to free Nuzleaf from his sticky situation. Although, it does feel as though this net, in particular the bulb, was a bit looser than it was. I didn't try anything since if what I'm hoping happened is true, I would rather not have the captors see.

So with an embarrassed Nuzleaf and irritated teammates, I was forcibly carried off into the trees where Mightyena originally came from. Goodbye, camping grounds, it was fun while it lasted.

One good thing about spiders is due to having eight legs, they are way more stable when walking. I'm still grossed out to max, but If I don't think about anything positive, I might have a stroke. During the entire trip my mind was wracking up old spy movies I used to watch, trying to think up some potential ways I might be able to escape.

A faint pair of voices grabbed my attention. I wasn't sure who the posh sounding voice belonged to, but the more I focused the more I could make out who it might be. Oh, it's Kangaskhan.

"You promised that if I helped capture a rare Pokémon, that you would release her," Kangaskhan said to the other voice. We were now close enough that I could hear their conversation.

"And I'm a Pokémon of my word. You will have your little one back, once I see the arrival of this 'rare' Pokémon you speak of," replied the mystery voice.

"T-they will get that Bulbasaur. I made sure to put some paralyzing powder in his breakfast, this morning. Your team should have no issues getting him." My heart sank, guess it's true. Kangaskhan did set me up, then. Even though it was highly likely, I was hoping deep down that it was a lie.

"We will see then. Won't we? Ah, here you all are, and I see our new green friend is with you. Splendid. Bring him here, I want to get a good look at this rare capture."

Atop the Ariados, I was able to get a look at the small campsite they had going here as I was delivered to this stranger. It was simple in design with a couple of crates, a singular tent, and a couple of sleeping bags orientated around a campfire. The thing that stood out was a large bared wagon with a Tauros guarding the closed entrance. I was able to make out a mixture of colorful figures inside said wagon, but I couldn't make out who they were.

Getting a good look at the mysterious stranger I was getting moved to, he was a muscular Pokémon: a Machoke. Once I was close enough, he walked over and grabbed my head with his muscular hand, avoiding the spider's net and forcibly turned my head around to get a good look at me. "Take a picture, why don't you? It'll last longer," I snarkily said. I wanted to bite my tongue at that moment. Me and my big mouth.

"Ah. He's got spirit." He backed up from me and pointed towards the cage, satisfied with his new prize. "Alright, you lot know the deal, place him in the cage and make sure none escape."

"Yes sir!" his underlings said at the same time. I have to admit that Machoke terrified me. There was a strange, almost deranged look he had in his eyes.

"S-so I did as I was asked, so please release my daughter!" Kangaskhan desperately pleaded.

"Oh, you're still here. Yes, I suppose you fulfilled your end of the bargain. Fetch her infant while you drop off our new 'friend' there," Machoke ordered. Mightyena acknowledged the order and we continued to move towards the cage.

Approaching the cage, Tauros removed the metal prod that was keeping the cage locked from its place and pulled open the door. The door swung open to the right as it squeaked from neglectful maintenance. I was promptly removed from Ariados' back by Nuzleaf who had learned from his past blunder and had used a leaf instead of his bare hands to grab the webbing, and threw me into the cage.

"Geez, thanks for the soft landing. You know, for a bunch of bad guys, you really know how to make a guy feel special," I snarked.

"We aim to please," retorted Mightyena. "Now, Kangaskhan's kin, get out here before I drag you out."

From the litter of Pokémon far away from the door, a smaller looking Kangaskhan timidly moved over towards the door. She gave me a quick look as she walked past me, revealing how scared she was. It looked like she was about to cry any second now.

She got to the edge of the wagon and jumped down from the small height, landing on her knees since her terrified legs were too weak to catch her. No one helped her up.

"Alright, move it," Mightytena ordered.

"Yeah, yeah, move it. Hehe, look at her legs, they are shaking so much! What a scaredy cat," laughed Nuzleaf. With the joe in the front, they walked slowly towards Kangaskhan. I felt kinda bad for the joe. I at least have an adult mind in this situation, I couldn't imagine being a kid and going through this.

Once Kangaskhan and her joe were close enough to each other, they ran into each other's embrace. The joe started to cry in her mother's arm, while Kangaskhan wrapped her up in her arms.

"It's okay, mama's here. Mama's got you."

"Oh, how it brings a tear to my eye to see a potential new slave leave us. Now then, leave before I change my mind," Machoke said.

Kangaskhan held her joe even closer to herself, with her eyes opened wide with fear of Machoke taking her joe again. She started to slowly back off from everyone, before looking at me. She looked into my eyes for a second before looking down to the ground with guilt-ridden eyes.

"I'm so sorry, dearie," I was just able to make out. I had to swallow the lump in my throat, or else I might cry. Even if I got set up, at least it wasn't for money. I'm still pissed from it, mind you.

Machoke, after watching Kangaskhan leave, walked up over towards the cage. I was still bound, so all I could do was watch as he smiled while walking towards me.

"Hmm, yes, I believe the Master and the Warden will be pleased with this gathering," Machoke said while looking at all his other gathered victims. I gave a small laugh.

"The Warden, and the Master? Geez what original names. What's your name? The meathead? The Muscle? Oh! I know, 'Lackey.' Yeah, you totally look like a simple, generic lackey. Go on, do your bosses' dirty work, lackey," I taunted. He was just silent and he stared deep into my eyes with a wide smile. His left eye twitched and he let go of his clenched fist.

"Keep that spirit of yours intact, for who knows how much longer you will have it for. I can't wait to break it." He turned towards Mightyena, " Mightyena, come. I would like to discuss our next move."

"Yes, sir!" Mightyena replied. They walked off towards the tent where a crate is located and started their discussion, leaving me still bound in the cage.

"Is it true that Bulbasaurs are rare?" Nuzleaf asked Ariados.

"Yesh. Very hard to find, good at hiding, they are."

"Oh, well this one was super easy to catch. Reckon he's stupid? I bet he is. Ha, you're stupid!" Dingus mockingly said while jabbing me with a stick he found. All I could do was jerk around in anger. I decided that his new name was now 'Dingus.'

"Quit jabbing the cargo," Machoke said, startling Dingus. He rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment.

"Sorry, boss."

"Yes, I bet you are. Well, get ready, for we are going to be leaving soon. So make sure to feed the prisoners before we leave. I would rather them not starve and be in good shape for when we arrive at the labor camp."

"Yes, sir. I will get right on it."

"Oh, and Nuzleaf: when you untie the Bulbasaur, make sure to keep his plant bound. I will not be as understanding if you make the same mistake and let loose a grass type's weapon again."

"R-right, I understand." Nuzleaf lowered his head, rubbing his left arm. Machoke nodded, and walked off again. "Alright, idiots!" Nuzleaf said, turning to all of us in the cage, "You know the drill, get to the back of the cage, and I will give you your food. If you try to run, then you better run really fast. Hehe, not like that will help. Hey Taurus, ol' buddy ol' pal, open the door for me, would ya?" He patted the Tauros's leg who had yet to move from his spot by the entrance. The Tautos just looked down on him and let out a puff of steam from his nose. "P-please."

Tauros, after glaring some more at Nuzleaf, relented and opened the door. Nuzleaf instantly perked back up and grabbed a nearby full sack of something. He placed the sack in the cage and jumped in with it. "Oi, didn't you hear me, green face? I said move to the back of the cage!"

"Oh, gee wiz, sorry boss. Let me just get up and move and- oh wait, I'm still bound, you idiot!" I yelled.

"...I-I knew that. I was testing you." He walked up to me and revealed a knife I didn't realize he had. Like a rookie cutting for the first time, he cut me loose very sloppily. He made sure to avoid the part covering my bulb's tunic, however. "Alright, you're free, so move to the back with the others."

"Yeah, 'free.' Funny." I did as I was told since I would rather not aggravate this already painful headache I was nursing and walked over towards the back. I was able to get a good look at the other 'cargo.'

There are five other Pokémon cowering at the back. Well, only four are cowering since one of them was a very pissed looking Sneasel who had her mouth and claws bound in spider's web. I wonder what she did to get that treatment. The claws I get, but why her mouth?

The other four Pokémon, respectively, are Poliwag, Mankey, Zigzagoon, and a Wynaut who looked like it was about to explode with how much it was shaking.

"Hey, how's it going," I said nonchalantly to them. They all looked at me with raised eyebrows like I was a weirdo. Fair, I guess.

Nuzleaf reached into the bag of wonder and pulled out six apples, one for each of us. He then bowled them over towards us, to which we grabbed them. When the apples would roll of course, Mankey would grab it with his long tail and would give it to the proper Pokémon.

"You could jusht pash it through the side barsh," Ariados said.

"Yeah, but this is more fun! I should make a game of this," Nuzleaf replied. He grabbed his sack of apples and hopped down. Tauros closed the door behind him. "Seriously, what if we got a heavy ball and rolled it down to some standing up sticks or something? The more you knock over, the more points you get!"

"That would never work. How would I be able to move the ball? No handsh."

"Hmm," they continued while walking off towards the camp. They started to clean and pack up.

I casually ate my apple while scanning the camp site, memorizing its contents. I took great notice of how Nuzleaf stored the knife away in a rapsack. A plan was formulating in my mind, I just needed the perfect time to strike, for you see, when Nuzleaf was cutting me loose, he massively loosened the sealing on my bulb even more then it was.

I prodded at the opening. Ya, I could totally get a vine out if I use the other as sacrifice.

"Are you okay?" one of the others behind me asked. Turning around, It was the Zigzagoon. He was looking at me with wide and curious eyes.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks for asking. Name's Ace," I replied with a half-forced smile. I needed them on good terms if I was going to use them to escape.

"Ace? But, aren't you a Bulbasaur?" He tilted his head in confusion. It was honestly kinda cute. Like a weird, but cute puppy.

"Sure am. I just prefer to go by Ace. Helps for when there are multiple Bulbasaurs nearby, you know?"

"Sounds dumb," sulked the Mankey, who had his arms crossed. I took a deep breath, really forcing myself to not comment on how stupid his forked feet looked gross.

"If it works, it works." He turned his head to the side. "So," I continued, "do any of you know where we are going?"

"No. None of us do. What do you think they are going to do to us?" Zigzagoon asked.

"Eh, probably just sell us, or put us to work. Hopefully, anyway." I was about to go into what normally happens in these sorts of situations, but stopped. The littler Pokémon looked like they were about to cry. Oh wait.

"Waaa! I don't want to be sold! I want to go hooome! I want my mummy!" Like a dam being burst, Wynaut cried, making Poliwag join in.

"Hey, hey, hey. It's okay," Mankey said, trying to soothe them. Seems he cares about them. Interesting.

"Shut up, there!" Boomed Tauros. You would not believe it, but yelling at kids to shut up only makes them cry harder.

"If you don't stop that whining, then I'll really give you something to cry about," he threatened.

"Mate, calm down. Yelling at kids won't make them magically quieter, idiot," I spat. The look he gave me could kill. Veins popped from his head, and his mouth started to froth and his whole face started to turn red. He walked a couple of steps from the cage and began to drag his right foot against the dirt. Was he really about to charge us? Yep, sure was.

"Woah, woah!"

"Tauros! Stop this foolishness!" screamed Machoke. Tauros immediately put on the brakes, skidding to a halt along the dirt. Machoke walked up to Tauros who was now shaking in fear with his eyes wide. Machoke put his hand on Tauros's shoulder. "It seems we still need to work on that anger of yours," he said calmly. Tauros seemed confused by Machoke now patting his shoulder, until his face was forcibly scrunched in by Machoke's fist colliding with it.

Tauros screamed in pain and was on the ground trying to help aid his now bleeding nose. "Sorry about him. You know, you have a knack for angering those around you," Machoke said to me. He walked up to the cage. My anger flared up, flushing away any fear that was building up.

"Yeah, it appears getting captured, beaten then almost killed, tends to make me a bit grumpy. Sorry I hurt your pweascious feelings," I mocked.

"You are funny. She was funny, too, well, before I beat her and bound her mouth. Think you will be funny for much longer?" he asked. I turned my head to the side, not wanting to join said fate. "Yeah, I thought so. Alright! I want the pack-up put into overdrive. We are leaving in the hour!" Machoke ordered his minions.

"Yes sir!" they all replied.

"Thanks for standing up for the kiddies," Mankey said. He patted me on the head, I held my tongue and stopped myself from shaking his hand off. I forced a smile.

"Yeah, no worries. Almost got us a one way ticket to freedom from it."

"Ha! If you call getting almost killed freed."

After about thirty minutes or so, the camp was packed up and we were on our way to where we were going. Oh boy, I can't wait.

Sarcasm.

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End Chapter 2.