Jhoto - Blackthorn City

The rest of the day was spent replanting flower seeds to replacing the destroyed flower patches and helping Venasaur deal with the out of control aura. Venasaur and the other grass type Pokemon guided them in replenishing the grounds. Lord Dragonite while upset over the fact his late trainer's sacred grounds were destroyed in the first place, cooed and thanked them all for helping heal the land. Ash felt really sad and angry on the Lord Dragonite's behalf, the sacred grounds was probably the last thing he had left from his late trainer.

Lucario, -Do not be sad Meema. The temple is safe especially, the reason why the temple was built here is safe.-

Ash, "I know, but still... You know the only thing we have of my late Dad is his badges and Champion Cup. So, I can't help but feel for Dragonite. I don't know what I would do if the last few things left behind were destroyed."

Tyrantrum nuzzled his back, "Rrrrrn."

Snorlax hugged him, "Snor snor."

Ash, "Thank you big guy. I think he would appreciate a hug too."

Ash giggled as Snorlax nodded and went off to hug Lord Dragonite who was surprised at first but then returned the hug happily. On seeing the hug the other Pokemon decided to join in as well giving their version of hugs much to the rest of the human's amazement and amusement. Max sent a knowing look in Ash's direction while he smiled back and decided to enjoy the scene and work. The destruction caused was almost dealt with on the surface, the dragon Aura though would take some time to settle down.

Later on, Tyson dragged all of them back to the main clan area to be checked over a second time. Feeling too tired to argue with them, the group decided to just get it over with getting nods of approval from the clan Doctor. The Doctor however did not stop making pointed remarks about idiotic patients who always ran from their check up, looking pointedly at Claire and Tyson. Brock raised an eyebrow at that thanking whatever God was out there for the common sense his friends had when it came to health.

Claire, "You guys can stay for the night."

Tyson, "Especially after what happened."

Ash was looking outside the window, "Well, Snorlax made a good friend in Lord Dragonite and I don't want to separate them. I will take your offer."

Max, "Me too, Mareep has become fast friends with that Ampharos."

Claire, "Oh, isn't that your Ampharos Tyson?"

Tyson, "My girl is probably feeling motherly."

Casey, "Well I'm too tired to move. So, I'll stay."

Gou, "Same, besides I think our Pokemon made fast friends too."

Claire, "Nothing like working together for new friendships to bloom."

Brock, "I'm just glad no one died this time."

Gou, "I still can't forget Vermilion City."

Lance, "You kids were there as well. I read the report."

Max, "I saw it on TV. Everyone in school was talking about it."

Ash nodded rubbing his head, "Yes, it was a great source of nightmares filled with the smell of burning bodies."

Lance looked at him in concern but Ash was paying attention to the Pokemon knowing full well he was not the only one worried. Tyson was not happy to hear they were directly involved and were affected but understood it was part of being a trainer. No one said being a trainer was easy but everyone warned about the traumas associated with becoming a trainer. As they finished check up a familiar loud roar pierced the sky and everyone looked up while Ash brightened.

Ash, "Charizard? Charizard, am I happy to see you."

Charizard landed in front of him, -Ash, good to see you too.-

Charmender who was riding on Charizard, "Char charmender."

Max, "Charmender? Is that you girl? What are you doing here?"

Charizard, -Charmender has been cleared for travel and she wanted to travel with you.-

Max's eyes widened, "Really?"

Charmender was nuzzling him, "Char char charmender char."

Ash grinned, "Looks like Charmender chose you Max."

Lance, "Congratulations! It is very rare when Pokemon themselves chooses a human for a partner."

Max smiled hugging Charmender, "Welcome to the team Charmender. I have a full six Pokemon team now."

Houndour sniffed the fellow fire type, "Houn."

Charmender, "Char."

Breloom, Beedrill, Kirlia and Mareep happily welcomed their sixth member, they were a full team now. Houndour was still young but that was okay they could take care of the youngest together and Charmender was a real sweet heart. Max was really happy too, he had always looked up to Ash and wanted to be like him for a while, though he would never admit it as it was embarrassing. Now, however he had two Pokemon similar to the ones Ash has and he was going to train them right just like Ash did. He would not make the mistake Cross or Damien did and make sure his Pokemon were happy and healthy.

Charizard was looking around, -Venasaur what happened here?-

Venasaur looked at where their trainer was congratulating the youngest, "Saur vena saur venasaur."

Charizard bristled, -That Hunter was here. I should have arrived earlier.-

Venasaur eyed him, "Saur saur vena?"

Charizard spat on the ground, -That witch is one of the reasons why some of the Charizard's back in the temple no longer have living trainers. She killed them and now she is after Ash? Not under my watch!-

Lucario joined them, -I see we are on the same page then.-

Charizard, -I suppose Ash knows of our plans?-

Lucario, -Not the details. Meema said he will not pester us for it as long as we are careful and returned to him alive.-

Charizard nodded that was fine with him, Ash had always encouraged them to think for themselves from the beginning. Their trainer trusted them to always be careful and as long as they did not get mortally wounded he would not ask questions. Charizard felt very proud to be trusted someone deeply, Damien had never cared nor did he ever trust or believe in him. Charizard had a feeling inside him that Ash had been raising and training them to become the Alphas of their future herds and pods.

Charizard, -Ash, a word please?-

Ash, "Of course, Charizard."

Lance, "I know Ash mentioned Charizard line could use aura too. I just never expected to see it in person."

Brock, "It's not just any Aura either, it's Dragon Aura."

Claire, "Are you serious?"

Gou, "As a heart attack. The only difference is Charizard chose to use the Aura to speak with others rather than battle."

Max, "That is amazing. Charmender, did you hear that?"

Charmender was looking at Charizard with awe, "Char charmender."

Brock eyed them, "If you want your Charmender to be able to do that, you will have to be very careful. Ash was always careful and wary of poking the sleeping dragon so to speak."

Max, "Oh!"

Brock, "Ash is pretty sure there is a reason why the Charizard line chose Fire Aura over Dragon Aura. So we will have to monitor and watch over Charmender as she gets trained."

Max, "I understand, we will work hard."

Charmender nodded, "Char charmender."

Meanwhile Charizard was telling Ash he would be sticking around but would not be within sight. He would be off on missions from time to time but not to worry as he would have his herd of Charizards during the mission. Ash was feeling very proud of his Charizard, it felt like only yesterday when he met Charmender and started to raise him as one of his own. Charizard rumbled happily when Ash agreed to it telling him how proud he was of him and how far as powerful he had become.

Charizard, -You raised me and taught me how to stand up for myself and others. Take some credit Ash.-

Ash, "I never said I didn't Charizard. I just feel nostalgic right now. I am really happy to see you become an Alpha leader."

Charizard, -So, our guesses were right. You want us to be as powerful as the Pokemon of the old.-

Ash looked at him, "It is the only way I know you keep you all safe. The other way is to confine you which would be detrimental to everyone. I don't want that."

Charizard nodded, -True, it is not like you to keep us in one place. I for one am very happy you applied for a free roaming card for each of us. It allows us to visit you of free will though Pidgeot and Fearrow are occupied with their nest at the moment. Expect them to visit you after three years though.-

Ash laughed, "Of course, how could I say no."

Lucario, -Meema, focus on the Ace battle. We will work with the Dragon clan to deal with the Hunters.-

Ash, "I understand, you are all growing into a leader of your own right. Just please be very careful and always stay in contact with Venasaur and Meganium."

Charizard blinked, -She finally reached her last form. I must congratulate her then.-

Ash smiled as they talked about bit more then Lucario and Charizard approached Lance who was actually waiting for Ash. Lance was very surprised the two Pokemon had approached him and wondered what they wanted only to become more shocked. Lance listened to their plan and agreed about increasing the security around Blackthorn City. It was very obvious they were after Tyrantrum and Annihilape, as they were the first ones who appeared in Kanto. Charizard was very angry on his nest mate and little one's behalf, why couldn't the Hunters try to meet Pokemon as normal people. They have caused nothing but pain and headaches for Ash right from the time at Lavender town, he would not forgive them.

Tyson, "Ash, I think it will be a better idea for you all to cancel your stay at the Pokemon center and stay with us."

Claire, "Especially with Hunter J showing an interest in your Pokemon."

Ash wanted to decline but thought about it, "I will accept it if you help me out with a little idea I have been working on."

Tyson, "Of course, what is the idea?"

Ash, "Have you noticed how half my Pokemon are actually rescues? Abandoned? Or even abused?"

Claire nodded, "It was in your profile too."

Ash, "I need your help to pass on a strict rule for trainers to follow. My friends and I have been talking about it for a while now."

Lance turned from Lucario and Charizard, "A rule? I am curious now."

Brock, "It is very simple really. Make it a strict rules for every trainer to get a thorough check up for their Pokemon. Make it free as well, that way no one would complain."

Ash nodded, "Most of the cost is from getting medicine or staying their overnight anyway."

Casey, "That way we can find out if any trainer is abusing their Pokemon."

Gou, "Though some trainers may still go under the radar, hopefully it will encourage trainers to stop being jerks to their own Pokemon."

Max, "It's a good idea in theory."

Lance, "Hmm, I think your idea has merit though admittedly Red did approach me with a similar idea before."

Ash, "So it could work."

Lance, "We are already working on a version of it. Adding your idea of free check ups would no doubt be a good incentive for many trainers out there."

Gou, "Yeah, I can count on one hand how many Pokemon I caught in the wild and how many chose to follow me because I showed them just a little care."

Casey held back a sigh, "It is kind of sad when you think about it, isn't it?"

Max muttered remembering the scared Donphan and Phanphy, "Yeah, I hope that rule will make things better."

Lance smiled, "It will take a few months for the rule to be established but it will be out there soon."

Ash, "Let me guess, paperwork."

Lance gave a tired grin, "Paperwork."

Claire clapped, "I think we all had enough excitement for today. How about we return to the main compound for dinner?"

Casey looked at the sky, "It's already late?"

Max, "I didn't realize it."

Brock, "Dinner sounds good."

[A. N.: For the one who wanted Charizard back for one chapter.

Hope this satisfied you. :D

Take care!]