My Little Pokemon Silver Spoon Version

The next day we got a late start. There was no particular reason, it just felt like a lazy day. I even had time to fully wake up before we got on the move and we were walking slowly the whole way there. As a result, it was nearing dusk when we finally hit the outskirts of Gringey City.

There was a noticeable drop in air quality but it was the water that convinced Weiss this wasn’t a good place to be. Would it be possible to convince everyone to just push on out of town instead of staying at the Pokemon Center?

“Where are all the people?” Ash asked.

“Gringey city doesn’t have very many.” Misty had Brock’s guidebook today. “The guide says this place is mostly automated factories. The few people who do live here just maintain them.”

“Perfect place for Grimer.” Weiss muttered while eyeing the water.

“Piii…kaa…” I looked down.

Pikachu was shuffling along on the ground instead of riding Ash’s shoulders. His cheeks were sparking and his tail dragged on the ground. He didn’t even seem to notice we’d stopped at first. He just shuffled along until he nearly collided with Ash’s legs.

“Pikachu? Buddy? What’s wrong?” Ash kneeled down. As if in slow motion I saw him reach out a hand.

Weiss and I took three big steps back.

“AAAAAAAAAAAHHH!” Ash fell to the side. His hair stuck up in every direction but he didn’t look hurt. “What was…that for?”

“I don’t think he meant to.” I knelt down, making sure to stay out of Pikachu’s reach. “I think Pikachu is sick.”

“What?” Ash pushed himself onto his knees. “Why didn’t you say anything, Pikachu?”

“Piiika pikachuu.” His ears folded back.

“Mm. You didn’t want to slow us down? Is that what you’re saying?” Ash’s brows creased as Pikachu nodded.

You know, it’s kind of impressive that Ash can understand his pokemon so well, especially Pikachu. Almost makes you wonder if he doesn’t have some latent psychic ability, or was related to Fluttershy. With Discord you could never know.

“We should hurry to the Pokemon Center. Nurse Joy will be able to help.” Brock decided.

“Right.” Ash nodded decisively. Also decisively, he reached out to pull Pikachu into his arms.

I almost fell in the water with how quickly I tried to scramble backwards.

“Okay…that…didn’t work.” Ash smelled a little crispy this time.

“Piii.” Pikachu whined, entire body flinching back like he expected to be punished.

“It’s okay, buddy.” Ash smiled, even as he winced and pulled off his backpack. “I still have those rubber gloves from when we first set out. I’ll just use those.”

“Rubber gloves?” Brock repeated, cocking his head curiously.

“Ash and Pikachu didn’t exactly get along at first.” I coughed awkwardly.

Hard to believe they’d come this far.

Ash had to be careful as he cradled Pikachu. The shock didn’t reach through his clothes, only activating with skin contact, but Pikachu kept fidgeting like he couldn’t get comfortable.

We rushed to the Pokemon Center.

“Nurse Joy? Hello?” There was no one at the front desk but there was a bell with a sign. Ring for service.

I rang the bell. We waited.

I rang the bell again. Paused.

Ring ring. Ring ring. Ring ring. Ringringringringringringring—!

“Coming.” A tired voice yawned. From out the back came Nurse Joy, rubbing sleep from her eyes and with her apron undone. “Don’t you kids know how late it is?”

“Sorry.” Ash said reflexively. “But my Pikachu is really sick!”

“Oh?” She leaned against the counter, studying Pikachu before she shrugged dismissively. “Just a cold. Nothing to worry about.”

What kind of Pokemon Center is this?

“A cold.” Ash repeated numbly. “Miss…You wouldn’t happen to be the oddball of your family, would you?”

“Oh no, I’m just the only one who went to medical school.” She giggled after muttering something underneath her breath.

“Aaaaahhhh.” She yawned again. “Enough joking around. Let’s get your Pikachu situated for the night. Do you mind if I borrow your gloves? I’d have to wake Chancey to get one of the electric-type gurneys.”

“Uh, sure.” Ash set Pikachu on the counter so he could take them off.

“Alright, now then.” She was at least professional as she picked up Pikachu. For all that she was odd for a Pokemon Nurse she at least seemed to know what she was doing.

Then the lights went out.

“What on Earth?” She gasped as we were plunged into darkness.

"H-yaah." Mein came out readily, its gem providing light to see by.

“A power outage?” Misty reached for my hand.

“Oh no.” Nurse Joy looked pale in the light. She spun on her heel and darted to the back. After a moment’s pause we followed her through the hallways to the Intensive Care Unit.

“Whoa, what happened to all these pokemon?” Ash hissed in sympathy. They were all on life support machines. None of them looked in good shape.

“They’re all rescues from a Pokemon trafficking operation!” Nurse Joy fretted. She put Pikachu down on a free bed and rushed to the first machine, flipping open a panel and pushing the buttons inside. With a low hum the machine came to life and I could see the Growlithe inside breathe easier.

She kept talking as she went from machine to machine. “It took hours for us to stabilize these pokemon and their conditions are still fragile! What a time for the power to go out!”

“Isn’t there a backup generator?” Weiss questioned her.

“There was.” She grimaced, standing up from one machine with a Spearow inside. “But two days ago I went to inspect it and found that it was choked up with some sort of ooze. It’s still awaiting repairs!”

Ooze?

The city was quiet, empty save for our group. We left Pikachu back with Nurse Joy and Brock. Weiss suggested that someone stay behind to protect Nurse Joy and the pokemon in case the Grimer were staging an attack on the Pokemon Center, Brock was thrilled to spend the night alone with Nurse Joy. Weiss pointing out that Brock’s pokemon were resistant to poison types was a footnote in that decision. I’m just glad that we had plenty of pokemon with psychic type moves considering poison types were weak to them, according to Weiss.

“I see the police station!” Misty brightened a little. We hurried down the street and looked through the windows.

There was an Officer Jenny working by flashlight. When she heard us tapping at the window she shined the light in our faces.

“Kids? Do you need something?” She opened the door to ask us.

“We came from the Pokemon Center. There’s lots of pokemon in intensive care but their backup generator is in need of repair and with this black-out.” I trailed off.

“Right, the pokemon from that rescue operation.” She hissed, adjusting her hat. “I tried getting ahold of the people at the Power Plant already but didn’t get a response. I didn’t know the Pokemon Center’s backup generator was on the fritz.”

“We’re heading to the Power Plant next to see what’s going on. Can you give us directions?” Ash asked.

“I appreciate good trainers like you stepping forward.” She smiled at us. “You can actually see the Power Plant from here. See those four big smokestacks? That’s the place.”

“Ma’am.” Weiss spoke up for the first time. “Nurse Joy said the generator was clogged up with ooze, any estimate on the size of the local Grimer population?”

Officer Jenny winced, this time pinching the bridge of her nose in pain.

“I wish I could give you some reassurance. The Grimer population has been getting worrisome lately. There’s been some tentative plans to start cleaning up the area but no real progress yet.” She admitted.

“Wait a sec.” I held my hands up. “Grimer? Those are pokemon, right? Why are lots of them being around a problem?”

“Grimer: The Sludge Pokemon. They are born in areas with high concentrations of pollution and will drive out other pokemon and people from what they see as their territory.” Ash had his pokedex out.

Well… that’s just great.

“All the pollution here gave rise to a high Grimer count, maybe a few Muk too.” I grimaced, casting around the streets for anything moving.

“The ooze Nurse Joy talked about was probably the first stage to the Grimer attempting to run out the people and pokemon in this area. They’re smart enough to know we like our electricity.”

“That’s a worrisome theory. For our sake I hope you’re wrong.” Officer Jenny frowned at Weiss. “Regardless, that doesn’t change what needs to be done now. You kids get to the Power Plant and see if there’s anything that can be done there. I’ll head to the Pokemon Center and prepare to defend it. Stay together and don’t go into the sewers.”

“Right.”

“Chaa….chaa.” We all turned towards the bushes in disbelief. Another rustle and then Pikachu stumbled free of the branches, panting for air and still sparking at the cheeks.

“Pikachu, what are you doing here?” Ash gasped and dropped to his knees. “Buddy, you’re sick, you should’ve stayed with Nurse Joy!”

“Chuu chuu! Pika Pikachu, pikapi!” He shook his head hard enough to twist his ears.

“Afraid? What?” Ash blinked, uncomprehending. “Why would you be afraid of us not coming back for you?”

“Pikachu was worried we’d leave him behind?” Misty held a hand over her mouth.

“Pikachu, buddy.” Ash leaned down until Pikachu met his eyes. “That’d never happen. But if it makes you feel better you can come to the Power Plant with us. Just promise you’ll take it easy, ok?”

“Pikapi!” Pikachu was so overjoyed and relieved that he launched himself forward to give Ash a 10,000 watt hug.

Mentally patting myself on the back for having the good sense to not stand too close, I swept the area with a glance to make sure nothing else was sneaking up on us.

Pikachu kept up gamely and didn’t complain. Nurse Joy still had Ash’s rubber gloves so he had to walk instead of ride. It didn’t take long for us to reach the Power Plant though. Soon it was looming directly overhead.

“Eck, it’s even uglier up close.” I muttered under my breath. Frankly the whole city is ugly. It’s no wonder no one wants to live here.

“Jeez, this place gives me the creeps.” Misty complained as we walked inside. “Everything looks abandoned.”

“Mm, too clean.” Weiss shook her head. “Not enough dust, all the windows and furniture are intact.”

“Where do you think the people are?” Ash walked up to the front desk and looked down as if someone might be crouched under it.

“This map shows the main control room!” Misty pointed to the poster on the wall. “Sounds like a good place to start?”

We started down the hallway. It branched off a few times but we ignored the other rooms and facilities. The only light came from the overhead lights occasionally flickering and Pikachu’s cheek pouches. Weiss brought out Mein and its gem began to glow, illuminating the hallway before us.

“This is just like those horror movies.” Misty whined to herself, reaching out to grab my hand with both of hers.

“I’m sure it’s not that bad.” Ash forced a laugh. “Do you want me to break out the mask again?” He smirked impishly.

“Don’t you dare, Ash Ketchum!” Her grip tightened, forcing me to wince. She eased off quickly though.

“You should take this more seriously!” She scolded after she’d calmed down a little and we’d continued. “Everyone has been treating this as serious since we got here. You could stand to be a…aaahh…” She stiffened, pale skin growing paler under the sparse lighting.

“Misty?” While Ash expressed concern I turned my head so fast I almost got whiplash. Nothing in the direction she was staring.

Behind her? My hand unclipped Misdreavus’s ball from my belt.

The hairs on my arms were prickly. I brushed the pokeball and felt a static shock.

“I heard something.” She whimpered, moving closer to me.

“There’s nothing there, Misty.” I could hear Ash rolling his eyes.

“All right, whoever’s out there, show yourselves.” Weiss stared down the empty hall. “And if you’re a ghost or a monster, then you can stay where you are.”

Misty and Ash were nodding their heads in agreement.

I looked over my shoulder and saw a shape hovering behind Ash.

I reacted without thought. I dropped Misty’s hand and called out Misdreavus even as I lunged forward to pull Ash behind me.

In a flash Misdreavus was floating between us and… a floating metal sphere with a pair of magnets attached to it and a single large eye.

…

What? I’ve seen some weird pokemon, but this takes the cake.

“It’s… just a Magnemite.” Weiss stated from behind Ash, although I thought I could hear a tremor in her voice.

“And that’s a relief?” Misty asked incredulously. “What if it was this thing that caused the power outage?”

“It’s not a relief, and Magnemite wouldn’t do that.” Weiss was either trying to assure herself or Misty. “They like electricity, feed off it. Turning the power off wouldn’t do them any favors.”

“So what’s it doing here then?” I asked. Now that it was clear the other pokemon wasn’t going to attack us, Misdreavus relaxed as Magnemite flew past her and down to Pikachu.

Pikachu’s cheeks sparked. Magnemite’s faceplate turned red.

“What’s it want with Pikachu?” Ash asked as Magnemite was flying in a slow circle around Pikachu.

“It’s blushing like it’s in love or something.” I commented offhandedly.

“I don’t get it. Magnemite’s an inorganic pokemon, so why is it attracted to Pikachu? They don’t even experience attraction the same way an organic pokemon does.” Misty scratched her head.

“It must be the electricity.” Weiss coughed awkwardly. “Pikachu’s sick so he keeps sparking, that must be affecting his magnetic field. And a magnetic field is what inorganic electric types look for in potential mates.”

We all glanced at our little Romeo.

“He’s just following Pikachu around like a streaker or something.” Ash crossed his arms.

“Ash, you mean a stalker.” Misty corrected brusquely.

“What’s a streaker?” Everyone turned to stare at me. “What?”

“Chaa…chaa…” Pikachu didn’t seem too fond of the attention. He backed away from Magnemite and leaned up against Ash’s pant leg.

“Hey, cut it out!” Ash took his hat off and used it to fend off Magnemite. “Pikachu doesn’t want to mate with you so stop it!”

A little ruder than I would have done it but Magnemite didn’t seem to take offense. Suit rejected, it backed off into the shadows without a fuss.

Or it might’ve just been trying to get away from the Grimer.

“Ugh! What’s that smell?” Everyone but Weiss clenched their noses shut. The background odor of smog and oil had now been joined by something only a little better than Gloom’s stench. A smell that was somehow slimy and stung every nose hair at the same time.

A sound that can only be described as schlorp came from above.

Vents.

“Mein, freeze the vents!” In an instant the vent grates were frozen shut. “This way, to the main control room!”

We quickly returned Misdreavus and Mein before running.

We just passed another grate before the first Grimer dropped through. One was followed by two, then three, four, five. And then a larger pile of purple slime.

“Grimer’s grandpa?” Misty gagged.

“That’s a Muk!” Weiss shouted back.

“Muk: The evolved form of grimer. Use extreme caution around this pokemon as its slimy form contains poison strong enough to kill a human adult.”

“Put your dex away and run!” I clapped my hand on his shoulder and shoved him ahead of me. We could hear them following us, the chills-inducing schlock of their steps.

I was trying to remember alternate exits when we rounded a corner and ran straight into two workers.

“What are you kids doing here?” One of them reached out to steady Ash.

“No time! Muk incoming!” I shoved Ash and Misty forward again.

“This way! The main control room!” One of the workers took off to lead us there. Every inch of my being cringed at the idea of trapping myself in a room with one exit but I couldn’t leave the others to fend for themselves. I followed everyone in and we slammed the door closed behind us.

“What the heck happened here?” Ash turned, demanding. “This blackout is a disaster and there’s a lot of sick pokemon at the Pokemon Center! We need to get the power back on!”

“If we could, we would!” One of the workers snapped. “Those Grimer have clogged up the seawater intake valve! The water can’t get in, which means we can’t boil it to turn the turbines, which means no power!”

“Then we fight them off.” Declared Weiss.

I steeled my nerves. The Grimer outside were quiet. Too quiet. Nervously, I eyed the vents.

The door shuddered in place.

SCHLOP! SCHLOP!

Weiss and I rushed to reinforce it.

“They’re ramming the door!” I gasped. The lock broke and disengaged on one strong hit and we started moving forward every time they slammed into the door. Ash and Misty did their best to support us.

“Beat the Muk and we should—!” SCHLOP! “Scare the Grimer off!” SCHLOP!

SCHLOP!

We fell forward, half crushed under the door as it finally broke free of its hinges. We fought to get back on our feet as the wave of Grimer rushed in. The Muk oozed in through the door at the rear.

“Alright Pikachu, give’em a Thunderbolt!” Ash called. Pikachu answered.

One Grimer fell, two, three, but there were plenty still between Pikachu and Muk. I could hear more of them in the hall behind them too.

I brought up Misdreavus’s pokeball.

The vent was above us and the clang it gave as the covering fell out had my heart juddering in place. For a terrible moment I expected Grimer to fall on us from above. I was already mentally writing my will when I realized it was Magnemite.

“The Magnemite and Magneton!” The workers cheered behind us.

“MaaagneMITE!” “MaaaagneTON!”

I had to shield my eyes. Electricity arced through the air, making every hair on my body stand on end.

“Our little stalker brought some friends!” Ash laughed beside me. I risked peeking to see the Mageneton herding the Grimer away. I was happy enough with just that but then the lights flickered on.

“The intake valve must be clear!” One of the workers ran to the monitors, checking everything. “Power’s returning! The whole city should have power again in five minutes!”

“Uh, guys? The Magneton didn’t chase away all of them!” Misty warned us.

Muk was still holding his ground.

“Pikachu, you ready to finish this?” Ash was breathing shallowly.

“Pii…kaa…CHUU!” A Thunderbolt with everything Pikachu could put into it slammed directly into Muk. Muk flinched, held in place by the shock, but it didn’t fall like the grimer did.

“That’s some tough sludge.” Ash huffed.

Luckily for us, Magnemite was here to help.

It was enough, barely. Muk fainted under their combined assault just as Pikachu’s power ran out. Ash didn’t waste any time before throwing an empty pokeball. We all watched Muk be pulled inside and waited.

The pokeball rocked back and forth, release button flashing. None of us dared breathe until we heard it click.

“It worked.” He was stunned for a moment. “Yeah! It worked!”

“Great catch, Ash.” I congratulated him.

Muk was caught, the Grimer had run off, and power was soon restored to the city. The workers gave us a lift back to the Pokemon Center where Nurse Joy, Officer Jenny and Brock met us. From scattered bits of sludge and some burn marks I could tell they’d had a battle of their own. But the pokemon in the ICU were all safe and recovering from their terrible ordeal.

“We can’t thank you trainers enough for the assistance you gave us today.” Officer Jenny saluted us.

“Well you can start by cleaning up your ocean a little.” Misty put her hands on her hips. “Something needs to be done or those Grimer will just come back and start trouble all over again.”

“I think with this latest incident we’ll finally be able to start some clean-up projects around here.” She smirked. “Might even be able to bring this town back to life!”

“There is something you could do for us if you don’t mind.” Ash raised his hand.

“Yes?” Nurse Joy looked at him curiously.

Ash pulled out Muk’s pokeball. “Can you let me use your transporter to send this to Professor Oak, please?”

I’m glad to put Gringey city behind us. Now we’re in the mountain range we need to cross to reach the Fuchsia gym. It’ll probably be a few days before we get there.