Meeting Mew
It had been a week since the trip to the forest. A week since Ash had told his family about Gary knowing about his abilities. His Dad was visibly worried, but Ash had assured him Gary had promised not to tell anyone about it. Gary had never broken a promise before and Ash trusted him.
Flashback:
Ash, "Mom, Dad, big brother... I told Gary about what I can do."
Cypress frowned, "What? Is that wise?"
Delia looked worried, "Oh honey! I know that sometimes you want to share things with friends but.... Is this safe?"
Ash, "Mom, Dad don't worry, Gary promised not to tell anyone. I trust him."
Red looked at Ash sadly, "Baby bro.. It's not that we don't trust Gary. We are worried about his safety."
Ash became a little troubled, "What do you mean?"
Cypress, "What your brother means kiddo is that... There are many people out there that covet and want your abilities. And they will use any method they can to get to you. Even hurt Gary, if they realize he knew about it."
Ash's eyes widened, "Ahhhhh! I didn't think about that, I'll need to come up with a way to protect him."
Red, "Don't worry little bro. We'll figure this out... Hey, I kinda wanted to tell Green and the rest of the family about this."
Cypress, "Red!"
Red, "No, Dad hear me out. Okay! So, I'll be starting my journey in a few years soon. Aside from Green my scores in practical are among the highest. Both Green and I will start at the earliest around 10 years. Ash here is smart and I don't doubt he and Gary will start early as well. The three of us can't always be with Ash. But if we have trusted people who already know to watch out for him, won't it be easier?"
Lucario, -Master, young Red's idea has merit. You should consider trusting them at least. I know for a fact the Elder Oak has many trustworthy people.-
Cypress sighed, "Perhaps! We should have a family gathering and explain it to them."
Red smiled, "Thanks Dad ~ I don't like keeping things from Green, he is my best friend."
Delia giggled hearing that and started to plan the family dinner for two families. They had decided to have it a month from now to make sure everyone was there.
Flashback end!
Right now however! Ash was preparing for another play date with Gary. This time however Cypress wanted Lucario to go with him and Chansey. This left Arcanine to watch over Ash, the large Dog Pokemon didn't mind. If anything he considered Ash his cub and would not allow him to be hurt, the way his previous trainer was killed. He would always mourn his trainer's death, she didn't deserve what the goons did to her, he would do what he promised her, Topaz Jenny, to live and protect.
Arcanine nudged Ash's cheek, -Ready cub?-
Ash grinned, "Ready as always Arca! We just need to pick up the lunch basket and Gary."
They both went to the kitchen where they saw the lunch basket as well as Arcanine's strap bag with a note on it.
"Ash sweetie,
I need to rush to the store as new supplies just reached and they require my help. I have already prepared the strap-on bag for Arcanine to wear. It has the extra things you need like bottles, picnic mat and first aid. Have fun sweetheart and remember to always stay close to Arcanine.
Love Mom!"
Ash smiled as he helped in fixing the bag on Arcanine, before they went outside. It was a clear sunny day and they noticed some Pidgeys and Spearows flying over head looking at him with anticipation. As they headed to the Oak's residence they noticed Professor Oak talking with the mailman. The Professor noticed them after the Pichu mail delivery van had left.
Professor Oak, "Ah young Ash. Here to pick up Gary?"
Ash grinned, "Yes sir! Is he ready to go?"
Professor Oak smirked, "He has been ready since morning, let me get him."
Ash watched as the Professor went inside to call Gary. He heard footsteps that could only be Gary's run towards him. Gary had tackled Ash with a hug making Arcanine grab on to Ash's collar so they didn't fall down. Ash giggled while Arcanine huffed when Gary let him go embarrassed.
Gary, "Good morning Ash, Arcanine."
Arcanine huffed in amusement while Ash answered, "Good morning Gary! Ready to go?"
Gary held up his bag, "Yup and this time I'm bringing my own stuff to collect samples. As well as my own camera."
The two grinned and along with Arcanine walked to the forest. Half way through Arcanine took the lead and led them to a different part of the forest, than the one Lucario led them to. It was a vast open field, Arcanine took his spot on the highest ledge after giving the two a look that said, -I'm watching over you.-
Gary, "This place is different."
Ash nodded, "Yeah it is! Look over there Gary those are Coneflower. Tea made from it can help in fighting the flu. Oooh and these are Feverfew, tea made from these can fight against headaches, nausea and vomiting."
Gary blinked, "Seriously? How do you know that?"
Ash grinned, "I have my ways ~ Don't worry, I'll teach you everything that I know..... Is that Oddish eating a Starflower?"
Gary, "Where? Ah! I see it. Yeah, that's a Starflower alright. Isn't it good with salads?"
Ash smiled, "Yes it is, I think, I can see some strawberry and raspberry plants too. We can collect some samples to grow at home as well."
Gary, "What are we waiting for, let's go ~"
The two boys spent around two hours collecting what they needed before settling down near Arcanine going through their collection. They marveled at their collectibles before getting ready for lunch. Ash called Arcanine down while Gary set up some plates for the wild Pokemon that had started to follow them after they had decided they were not in any danger. Gary took some photos while snickering as he remembered how his grandpa reacted to the previous pictures. His gramps was still of the firm belief that wild Pokemon were dangerous though he amended that not all Pokemon were the same. Then Arcanine had growled at one of the Oddish that had joined them making the two boys startle.
Ash, "Arca? What's wrong buddy?"
Arcanine growled, -That is not an Oddish. Who are you?-
Then infront of their eyes the Oddish changed into a giggling peach coloured Pokemon. Ash looked at it with curiosity while Gary just gaped.
Mew, -He he he he! You are very suspicious aren't you?-
Arcanine growled, -Humph! I take my duties seriously, thank you.-
Gary was pointing at the new arrival, "You.... How? Why?.... Gramps is gonna blow his top.... Hold still Mew, lemme get a photo."
Gary pointed his camera at Mew, "Say cheese ~"
Ash, "Gary, why were you so surprised by this little guy?"
Gary, "Well Ash, our buddy Mew here is really rare like a Legendary level rare. Mew is a legendary Pokemon from whom all the other Pokemon were born, or so the Legend says."
Ash eyes twinkled, "That's amazing Mew. You must be a really good parent to be able to bring up so many Pokemon by yourself."
Mew blushed at the compliment before flying to Ash to snuggle with him. Arcanine was annoyed by the psychic cat but since he wasn't creating any trouble decided to tolerate him. Ash giggled as he started to scratch Mew's chin. After a bit of contemplation Gary joined him in giving Mew rubs and pats that made the psychic Pokemon purr in delight.
Arcanine, -Time for lunch cubs, you can play later.-
Ash, "Okay ~ Come on Gary, Mew, let's eat first we can play after."
Mew gave a cheer, -Yes, eat and play. Wait you understood? You understand! You understand!-
Arcanine sighed, -Only those who he knows well. It takes time to actually understand wild Pokemon... I suppose Legendaries are an exception. That is if you spend enough time together.-
Mew deflated, -Oh!-, before becoming active again determined to get Ash talking to him.
Ash and Gary sat down as they ate lunch joined by Arcanine, Mew, three Oddish, two Butterfree and a Pichu. Gary was honestly surprised to see a Pichu here in the wild but shrugged it off.
Gary, 'I didn't expect to see a Mew either.'
Gary looked at Ash and smiled, he always knew his friend was special and he wondered if he would want to go on a journey with him together one day. Ash smiled at Gary as they had lunch, it was a great day out.