7 A Growlithe Joins The Team

Vex suggested that they all go to bed early that night as he planned to get up early and train together with Pikachu. He already had a clear training schedule that not only would increase Pikachu's abilities but also increase his own capabilities. He also wanted to go out and catch a pokemon for the first time. Though he wasn't a fan of enslaving pokemon against his will, he figured that there was a way around it without having to force a pokemon into the ball.

Beatrice didnt seem too keen on the idea of hitting the sack early but since she couldnt offer up a plausible excuse for staying up later, she gave up and decided to follow Vex's orders. Misty on the other hand, was the first one to lay down and pass out, clearly tired from everything that had happened today, though she hadn't even come close to the amount of things Vex had experienced in his first day in this brand new world. However, this was probably the most adventure she had had in a while so of course she'd be unconscious within minutes.

Vex lay down completely, Pikachu scampering from his lap over to the ground, curling up beside him, its tail taplong lightly into his side. Vex smiled and rubbed Pikachu's back for a while, enjoying the peace and quiet that had eluded him throughout the whole day. It had been one action packed event after another, a rollercoaster of excitement that was beyond his own control. To finally lay down and enjoy some down time was an amazing thing and he was gonna spend it all on his much deserved nap as he closed his eyes and drifted off to the land of dreams.

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Vex opened his sleepy eyes, it was still rather dark but his senses told him that it was close to sunrise. To him it had felt as if he had drifted off to sleep, but of it was about to be sunrise in an hour or two then that meant he had slept a good 6 to 7 hours. Pushing himself into a sitting postion Vex stretched out his arms, his muscles feeling more than a bit cramped after sleeping on the rather hard ground last night. He looked at the ground next to him and, unable to find Pikachu, immediately began to try to find the tiny yellow electric mouse.

It was pretty dark out still, so Vex pulled out his handy dandy flashlight and began a thorough search of his surroundings, looking for any sign of Pikachu. "Pikachu, you out there somewhere?" Vex whispered, trying not to wake up Misty or Beatrice as they would only become nuisances that he didnt have time for. "Pikachu, its almost time to start training, come on out."

He was just about to pick a random direction to go start his search when there was a sound of snapping branches and cracking of dried leaves behind him. He spun on his heels and took a fighting stance, ready for whatever threat had appeared. The creature that appeared wasn't Pikachu but rather a small furry animal that was about the size of a dog but thats where the similarity stopped. Taking out his pokedex, Vex held it in front of the creature in hopes of gaining more info.

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Growlithe- The Puppy Pokemon

Growlithe is a quadruped, canine Pokémon. It has orange fur with black stripes along its back and legs. The fur on its muzzle, chest, belly, and tail is cream-colored, as well as an additional tuft of fur on top of its head. Growlithe's coat is noticeably longer on its chest and tail. It has gray eyes, a black nose, and large, round ears. Its forepaws have two visible claws, while its hind paws have three toes each. Each paw has a brown pad.

Growlithe is a friendly and loyal Pokémon that will fearlessly defend its Trainer and territory from harm, even against larger, stronger enemies. It will fiercely bark at, bite, and chase away any perceived threat, including those who suddenly approach its Trainer. Otherwise, this obedient Pokémon will wait motionlessly until given an order. Growlithe also has a powerful olfactory sense. If it detects an unknown smell in its territory, it roars to flush out the intruder. It is able to smell the emotions of others and never forget a scent. Growlithe can commonly be found on grassy plains.

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"Damn Pokedex, that was a pretty long explanation," Vex exclaimed as he slipped the device back into his pocket. "Next time give me a bit less information. As for you Growlithe, why exactly are you here?" Being able to understand Pokemon was undoubtedly helpful as he attempted to communicate with a creature other Pikachu.

This time however, instead of hearing it just inside his head, it almost looked like the Growlithe itself was speaking as words began to flow from its mouth the moment it opened. "My master has abandoned me. I seek a new master and your friend says that you are more then worthy." Growlithe flicked its tail back and forth rather slowly as it gazed into Vex's eyes.

'Holy crap I'm Dr. Dolittle' thought Vex before clearing his throat, preparing to answer the Pokemons question. "Well I would like to say yes, that I am more then worthy, but I have to ask.....who is this friend of yours?"

It was then that Pikachu made an appearance, running from behind the Growlithe and dashing its way up Vex's arm, perching itself on his shoulder. "I'm that was my own doing Vex, I greatly apologize for any inconvenience I may have caused you."

Vex could only glance back and forth at yhe two pokemon before shaking his head in disbelief. "Either you two can talk, I understand pokemon, or I've just gone crazy."

Growlithe looked very confused for a second, its expression blank and his tail twitching about. "Wait, are you saying that you can understand us? Ace, is this true?" Vex was confused about who he was talking to, no, he was just confused in general, unable to make sense of anything that was happening.

"Yeah, its actually true," Pikachu replied proudly, tapping Vex on the cheek. "Master Vex here can freely communicate with pokemon which makes him an ideal partner, one who will treat you as an equal instead as a means to an end." Pikachu pushed off Vex's shoulder and scampered up to the Growlithe.

"Well if what you say is true then of course I'll join you all, consider me a part of you team Master Vex." The Growlithe walked up and sat near Vex's feet, clearly waiting on something, though whatever he was waiting for Vex didnt know, in fact he didn't know what had happened even though he had understood every word that was uttered.

He was just about to say something when a shout rang out behind him. "Oh, is that a Growlithe?" Misty came running up behind him, clearly having just woken up as her hair was still a mess. "Its so rare to see one in a forest as they usually like grasslands and wide open spaces."

Misty running up to them was like being throw a life preserver, bringing him to his senses and snapping him out of his previous state of confusion. Vex was happy about this and, turning to face Misty, he gave her a quick peck on the cheek before turning his attention back to Growlithe.

"Okay Growlithe, I'll let you join but you gotta stick to our training schedule," Vex stated, completely ignoring the embarassed and blushing face of Misty. The Growlithe seemed to be thinking it over but eventually agreed to Vex's condition, nodding its head in confirmation.

Vex nodded and reached into the bag that Professor Oak had given to him, rummaging for one of the five pokeballs the Professor had left in it. It took a while but he finally found one mashed in between the rope and the container filled with rice. After taking it out, Vex pressed the button, allowing the pokeball to expand to its original size before setting down on the floor. "All you have to do is press the button and you'll get sucked right in."

"I know how it works," the Growlithe responded as it approached the pokeball. "If you remember, I used to belong to someone else before I was released back into this forest."

"Why were you even released?" Vex asked curiously, confused as why anyone would abandon such a cool and loyal creature.

"He claimed I was too weak," The Growlithe responded as it stopped in front of the pokeball, staring at it. "Said I wasn't fit to battle alongside him.

Vex knelt down after hearing Growlithe's words, feeling a sense of agitation and frustration at this stranger who he hadn't even met. "Growlithe, there is no shame in being weak. No one is born strong, we all start off as weaklings, but that's nothing to be ashamed about. The only shame is in STAYING weak, there's shame in not wanting to be stronger." Vex picked up the pokeball and held it out to him. "Whatcha say Growlithe? How about me and you work together and become the strongest team that ever existed? Let aim for the top together!"

There was definitely a sparkle in Growlithes eyes as it stared at Vex, stirred on by the words that he had spoken. Growlithe took a step forward and pressed its head against the small button on the front of the pokeball. There was a flash and Growlithe turned into a ball of red as the pokeball opened and dragged the ball of red inside before closing. There was some slight shaking, followed by a small "poof" before it was absolutely still.