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Chapter 18 – Ecology Job, Many Trainers

"Hey, you two up?" A male voice called out to the just waking couple. Ash and Misty both shook their heads and rubbed at their eyes. The two sat up from their sleeping bag 'bed' before Ash responded.

"Yeah, we're up." Ash yawned as he stretched. Misty was also trying to wake herself up beside him. The sun hadn't even risen yet it was so early.

"Good, Team Leader Matheson wants everyone up and ready to go in fifteen." The male voice informed before they heard the guy's footsteps walking away.

"I know he said early." Misty started; only to yawn. "But I didn't think he meant before sunrise early."

"Well we better get ready; don't want to hold up the Team." Ash sighed as he reached for his pack. Misty nodded in agreement removing her baggy t-shirt and cotton short shorts. Ash stared at his almost naked girlfriend for a second, taking in her beautiful body. Misty noticed his look and flicked his nose.

"You can stare later, Ash. Get dressed before we're late." Misty grinned knowing her boyfriend loved seeing her in only her panties like this. Ash grinned as he rubbed the back of his head before beginning to change as well. The two were finished quickly and met up with the rest of the group to head out to where the Stantler herd they'd be culling was supposed to be. Stantler were most active at dusk and dawn, but the Normal Types were known to be less wary at sunrise.

"Alright, it looks like everyone is here." Arthur nodded as he looked over the group of fifteen Trainers. Misty and Ash quickly noticed that four of the Trainers, all in their twenties at least, had rifles on their person. The couple knew the purpose was for taking out the Stantler as painlessly as possible, but it was always odd to see a firearm used against Pokémon by the average Trainer. "Let's go over the plan one last time before we head out." Getting nods of agreement Arthur went over the groups hunting plan while also motioning everyone to take one of the small radios on the table so the Team could communicate during the Job.

The Trainers' Pokémon that knew sleep inducing, paralysis causing, or escape preventing moves would be sent into the herd and target the selected Stantler. All six Teams around Kitako Lake were instructed to try and take down only male Stantler to curb the breeding this year. Thankfully Stantler were fairly easy to differentiate when it came to gender. Depending on the time of year females would either have no antlers at all or small ones that easily distinguished them as females. Male Stantler briefly shed their antlers between mating seasons but always grew larger sets than the females. On Ash and Misty's Team there was a Ghost Specialist, they hadn't gotten his name yet, but his Haunter and two Gastly all knew Mean Look. Ash had Butterfree's Sleep Powder and Stun Spore, which the Bug Type had learned recently, as well as Pikachu's Thunder Wave. Misty was going to be running interference on the herd by using Water Type moves to corral the Stantler when they started running away. The interference was vital to making sure that the rifle holders had the time they needed to take down each of the Stantler their group was assigned to cull. The total number to be taken for this Job was ten males by each Team, so sixty Stantler would be culled to curb the breeding this year. This should give enough time for the local Teddiursa population to start evolving into Ursaring and become proper predators to the Stantler again. All in all half of the Trainers in Team Two were there to run interference and keep the herd corralled until the Job was complete.

"Does everyone understand their part and where they need to be?" Arthur questioned and got nods of agreement in reply. "Good, let's head out, the sun is starting to rise so this will be the best time." With that Team Two began to make their way through the forest surrounding Kitako Lake. They moved slowly and quietly so as to not spook the herd or disturb any sleeping wild Pokémon. After almost half an hour of walking through the trees the Team came across a large meadow filled with Stantler.

"No wonder the Ecology Department was concerned." Ash whispered to Misty. "If this is only one herd then the Lake's ecosystem was definitely in danger." Misty nodded in agreement looking at the large amount of Stantler.

"Alright, corralers get into position." Arthur instructed sending the various Trainers off to surround the meadow. Misty squeezed Ash's hand and gave him a smile as she moved away. Several minutes later Arthur checked in via radio with the corral group. The older man nodded as he checked in with each Trainer before turning to the riflemen to make sure they were ready. Once he was sure Arthur gave the signal to begin. Ash briefly noticed the Haunter and the two Gastly floating over the herd before they descended. He also saw the tall grass moving as another Trainer's Arbok slithered through, the Trainer in question was a teen girl a bit older than Misty and Ash thought he'd heard her called Ashlee. On the opposite side of the field a Venomoth and a Parasect slowly made their way towards the herd. These two were courtesy of a 'Bug Maniac' as they were sometimes called. The guy appeared to be in his late teens and Ash thought he was nice enough.

"Butterfree, the Stantler right there," Ash pointed to a male slightly away from the group. "Put it to sleep with Sleep Powder."

"Free." Butterfree replied as he flew upwards and made his way towards his target unseen.

"Pikachu, your target is that one right there," Ash informed as he pointed out a Stantler that was grazing several meters away from their current position. "Use Thunder Wave to paralyze it and if it tries to run use Double Team to box it in."

"Pika." Pikachu nodded as he leaped down and quietly made his way through the long grass. In less than twenty seconds the herd went crazy. The Haunter and Gastly had targeted three Stantler and used Mean Look. A blackish aura surrounded the Normal Types as they froze up and Ash heard the four shots from the rifles go off. The three Stantler dropped and a fourth that had been caught in the Arbok's Glare also fell. Butterfree had quickly covered his target in the green dust of Sleep Powder making the Big Horn Pokémon collapse to the ground asleep. The Venomoth across the field had covered a Stantler in Stun Spore while the Parasect had used Spore to put another one to sleep. A bright spark of electricity and the Stantler that Pikachu went after was collapsing with sparks appearing around its body.

The Stantler herd started charging towards the forest in multiple directions but was repelled by various attacks. Ash paid close attention to the spot that was suddenly deluged with water knocking multiple Stantler backwards and diverting the herd to run in another direction. Misty was pulling off her part of the Job very well it would seem. Another part of the forest suddenly erupted into a gale of powerful winds that sent some Stantler back while the herd moved away from the area. Two more gunshots rang out as Ash noticed another two Stantler caught by the Haunter and Gastly with Mean Look.

"Ah shit!" Ash heard exclaimed from one of the rifleman. "Boss the Defender is charging!" Ash turned to look and noticed a large male Stantler charging towards the group with rifles. The Stantler's head and horns glowing brightly with Psychic Aura; a move Ash recognized as Zen Headbutt.

"That's why I'm here." Arthur stated as he threw a Pokéball. "Ursaring, come out!" In a flash of white light a massive Ursaring appeared with a growl. The average Ursaring stood around five foot and eleven inches or one point eight meters tall when standing upright on its back legs. Arthur's Ursaring was easily ten feet or three meters tall in the same position. "There's no point in killing the Defender, it's a male that is passed its breeding years and only serves to protect the herd. Ursaring use Roar!" Every creature in the meadow and surrounding forest, Human and Pokémon alike, locked up from the incredibly loud roar that the massive Ursaring let loose. The Humans instantly slapped their hands over their ears from the volume even as goosebumps covered their entire bodies. The Stantler herd began emitting loud scream-like cries as they all bolted in the opposite direction of Arthur's Ursaring. The corral group let them pass and soon the meadow was empty of all the Stantler except the dead, sleeping or paralyzed. Pikachu and Butterfree suddenly crashed into Ash, both shaking in fear from the powerful Roar move. Ash spent the next few minutes holding his Pokémon and calming them down while the riflemen moved forward into the meadow to finish off the paralyzed and sleeping Stantler. Four more gunshots rang out in short order before Arthur called over the radio to have everyone gather in the meadow.

"You alright?" Misty asked and Ash gave her a nod as the two embraced.

"Just a bit startled." Ash reassured as he hugged his girlfriend.

"Ok people, we need to gut and clean these Stantler before we transport them back to camp. Leave the innards in the meadow and the local Spearow, Fearow, and Murkrow will make short work of them once they return." Arthur instructed as the group congregated together. Ash returned Butterfree to his Pokéball as did the rest of the team with their own Pokémon. The 'Bug Maniac' teen released a Scyther and the large Bug/Flying Type started helping gut the dead Stantler. Ash felt Misty shudder at the sight of the large Bug Pokémon and pulled her over to the edge of the meadow to help calm her down. Of all Bug Type Pokémon native to the Kanto Region, Scyther was by far the most feared. The species was naturally aggressive and the razor sharp sickles they possessed had taken many a Pokémon and Human life throughout recorded history. Those who wished to catch one needed to be prepared to counter the swift and often lethal attacks of the large Mantis Pokémon.

"You ok, Misty?" Ash asked and Misty breathed deeply before replying.

"Yeah…yeah, I'll be fine." Misty responded as she took steadying breaths. Ash pulled her into a hug and Misty wrapped her arms around him. Their Auras entwined and Ash poured his love, happiness, and acceptance into the mix. Misty sought out these feelings and basked in the comfort they brought to her through their Auras. Ash slowly felt the fear within Misty's Aura diminish as she stopped trembling and warm positive emotions began to take over his girlfriend's Aura. "Thank you, Ash." Misty murmured against his neck as they held each other.

"Anytime Misty, anytime." Ash replied as he hugged her. The two separated a minute later and walked back over to the group once they saw the Scyther returned to its Pokéball. Arthur took one look at the pair, including Misty's eyes nervously shifting towards the 'Bug Maniac', before he nodded to them in understanding.

"Alright Team; let's head back to camp with the meat." Arthur instructed as he released two more Pokémon. The flash of white light revealed a large Pangoro and an equally impressive Beartic. These two, along with Ursaring, each hefted a Stantler over each shoulder, easily transporting six of the ten.

"We'll get the other four, Boss." One of the riflemen stated as he and another rifleman released a Machoke each. The two Fighting Type Pokémon easily hefted two Stantler each and carried them back following behind Arthur and his three Bear Pokémon. The walk back to camp took another thirty minutes and once there the group set about preparations for the evening celebration. Arthur and the riflemen Trainers, which Ash and Misty learned were actually employees of the Kanto Region Ecology Department, did the actual butchering of the Stantler. Over the course of about five hours Teams One, Three, Four, Five, and Six arrived with their own culled Stantler. Seeing all the preparations being made Ash and Misty approached Arthur. The older man smiled at seeing them and the older woman he was talking with turned towards them.

"Ash, Misty you both did great work out there today!" Arthur praised and both teens smiled and thanked him for the praise. "What can I help you with?"

"We were wondering if there is anything we can do to help with the preparations now that the butchering is done." Misty asked and the older woman smiled.

"Of course, I'm sure my lovely Gwen could use an extra pair of hands." Arthur grinned and the woman, Gwen, smiled fondly at Arthur.

"Pleasure to meet you two, my name is Gwen; I'm Arthur's wife." Gwen introduced herself with a smile. "I could definitely use some help getting the fires going for the grills and if you two have any cooking skills I could definitely put you to work." The older woman grinned and Ash and Misty just felt comfort from the woman's presence.

"We both can do a bit." Ash nodded and Gwen made a pleased hum.

"Alright then let's get the grills going." Gwen stated as she led the couple towards the area where the cooking would take place. "Ash if you could start the fires I'll gather up the rest of the cooking helpers and we'll start prepping the meat and making a nice sauce to spread on the meat while it's cooking."

"Yes, ma'am." Ash replied and Gwen waved him off with a light laugh.

"Just Gwen is fine, young man." Gwen assured before she and Misty went to round up the helpers. Ash went and fetched his flint striker from the tent to start the fire. Aura had long since fallen out of common use and now days the Aura Users that remained didn't show it to people not 'in the know' unless they had to. The misuse of Aura could cause a lot of damage. With the rise of Pokémon Gangs and Organized Crime Teams it was decided long before even Ash's Great-Grandparents were born that the 'Ways of Aura' would only be taught to those who would not misuse it. So far this had worked over the generations and there hadn't been any 'evil' Aura Users in centuries; or at least none that had been able to cause enough trouble to be remembered. Many Families of Aura Users had plans in place to deal with one of their own going rogue. At least that was what Ash knew from his lessons with his parents and Professor Oak.

"There we go." Ash grinned as the fires beneath all the grills were growing and reaching a good temperature for cooking. Gwen and Misty had returned with almost twenty other Trainers and the large group quickly set about washing their hands before beginning to cook. There was much laughter and cheer in the air as the large group of Trainers gathered and began to enjoy the late afternoon.

"Behold the grilling technique that's been passed down in my family for generations!" A blonde teen exclaimed from a few grills away from where Ash and Misty were brushing some sauce onto the Stantler meat. The teen was holding a pair of tongs in each hand as he prepared to do something.

"Does it require you to have two pairs of tongs?" The girl cooking at the grill next to him asked. She was a cute teen around Misty and Ash's age with dark purple hair.

"I like to dual wield!" The blonde replied as he clicked the tongs together. The purplette cracked a grin at the blonde as she watched him flip multiple pieces of meat with his two pairs of tongs.

"How about a little music?" An older, early twenties, brunette woman asked as she held up a violin. She was met with cheers from the group and she smiled. Getting herself ready she rested the violin on her shoulder before beginning to play. A beautiful melody began to fill the area and brought a smile to the Trainers. A few minutes later and a male Trainer with dark, navy blue, hair walked over to the brunette woman with a flute in hand.

"Care for a duet?" He asked and got a smile from the violinist. The man grinned back before beginning to play. It was quickly apparent the man knew the song the woman was playing as he quickly synced up with her and now the music was even nicer. Smiles and laughter abounded as the afternoon gave way to evening. Many of the women started heading towards their own bathing accommodations, including Misty. Ash hadn't actually payed much attention but now that he was looking there were dozens of 'shower stalls' of all types set up around the camp. Once the women came back, Gwen actually emerging from one of the 'tiny house' wagons, the menfolk were ushered towards the showers as well.

"Dinner is going to be great!" Ash cheered as he looked at the various dishes that all of the Trainers were making with whatever ingredients they had on hand.

"You can say that again!" Misty smiled as she took in all the food. The laughter and cheer in the air only increased more as now four Trainers had brought out instruments and were playing for the group. A violin, flute, guitar, and an ocarina all working in harmony to make a wonderful melody for the group. Once dinner was actually served among the large group the music stopped for a bit and conversations took over.

"I heard Genkishi had stepped down as Lavender Town's Gym Leader." Ash said to the Ghost Specialist that had been on his and Misty's hunting team.

"Yep, the 'Illusion Master' finally retired." Nico, the teen's name as Ash and Misty learned, confirmed with a nod. "I hear he still helps out at the Gym from time to time. But he seems to mostly pacify the Ghost Types that make Pokémon Tower their home."

"He's pushing seventy by now isn't he?" Misty questioned and Nico took a second to think about it.

"I think so; he's at least as old as Lady Agatha of the Elite Four." Nico nodded to himself.

"So who is the new Gym Leader?" Ash questioned curiously.

"Her name is Noe 'Uhane, she's from the Alola Region. Rumor has it she took on Agatha when she first came to the Kanto Region, but lost soundly. That's how she met Genkishi and started learning under him. She's been Gym Leader for about eight or nine months now." Nico informed the two.

"Hmm, Alola huh?" Ash mused aloud. "That could be difficult. I'm not well versed on any Ghost Types from Kalos, Galar, Unova, or Alola."

"I'd recommend giving the Gym a try." Nico suggested. "Even if you lose you still get to meet Noe. She's a real cutie!" He grinned teasingly making Ash chuckle while Misty playfully rolled her eyes.

"Boys." Misty huffed without any actual negativity. Ash smiled before wrapping his arm around her waist and kissing her cheek. The two enjoyed more of their food for a second before another person near them spoke to them.

"If you're looking for a good Gym to challenge you should visit Azure Town's Flying Type Gym." The girl, a cute verdette with glasses, told the couple. "The Gym Leader, Jack, is way different compared to most Flying Type Specialists."

"How's so?" Misty asked her own curiosity peaked.

"Well you'd expect most Flying Type Gyms to be like the one in Violet City, right?" The verdette started. "But Jack runs his Gym differently. He uses non-Bird Flying Types to throw Trainers off their game."

"Non-Bird Flying Types? Like Zubat, Jumpluff, and Pokémon like that?" Ash questioned.

"Yeah, just like that!" The glasses-wearing girl nodded. "Jack is super chill too. He's also a Pokémon Breeder! He's super cool!" The verdette girl blushed.

"Breeder, huh? What kind of Pokémon does he raise?" Misty inquired knowing that Azure Town had the largest Breeders Association Facility in Kanto.

"He specializes in raising Combee and Mantine!" The girl smiled widely. "The Mantine become Ride Pokémon and the Combee make tasty honey! Jack's definitely one of the most awesome Gym Leaders in Kanto!"

"Hmm, Flying Types…" Ash trailed off thinking. A bit more chatting led Ash and Misty to find out that Jack was originally from Kalos which made Ash want to challenge him just to see what kind of Pokémon the man had. The music started up again shortly after Ash and Misty had finished eating. Nico asked the verdette girl, who they had learned was called Lumi, to dance and the teen girl blushed before accepting. Ash and Misty made their way over to Arthur and Gwen and chatted with them.

"So you're a Water Type Specialist, Misty?" Gwen asked for confirmation.

"Yeah, I love Water Types!" Misty smiled widely.

"How long to you plan to stay here at Kitako Lake?" Gwen inquired kindly.

"Maybe tomorrow and then leave the morning after?" Misty mused while looking at Ash.

"Works for me." Ash grinned getting a smile from Misty. The Water City Competition didn't start for another five days so they had time.

"Have you considered trying to catch one of the Bibarel around here?" Gwen questioned. "This is as far south as the species can be found after all."

"I wouldn't mind, they're so fluffy and huggable." Misty giggled and Gwen smiled at the teen.

"Well the ones on the west edge of the lake and the south edge usually hide from Trainers quickly." Gwen informed making Misty frown slightly. "But if you follow the stream that flows into the Lake from the northeast you'll find a large pond made by a Bibarel dam. Those haven't become very skittish around humans yet since most Trainers don't travel to the north of the Lake. You might even be challenged by one of them once you find the dam." The older woman smiled at the now beaming orangette.

"Well, we know what we're doing tomorrow." Ash smiled fondly at his girlfriend. Misty turned her warm and glowing smile towards him and once again Ash felt a warmth in his chest at seeing that smile.

"I'm so going to catch a Bibarel!" Misty exclaimed and Ash pulled her into a sideways hug, his arm around her waist. Arthur and Gwen smiled at the young couple, reminded of their own time dating. The music started back up and the song was apparently one that both Arthur and Gwen knew as they smiled at each other.

"I'd swim and sail on savage seas, with never a fear of drowning…" Arthur sang while looking at his wife. "And gladly ride the waves of life, if you would marry me." Gwen smiled softly at her husband as they held hands. "No scorching sun nor freezing cold, will stop me on my journey. If you will promise me your heart…and love."

"And love me for eternity…" Gwen picked up her soft voice lilting beautifully. "My dearest one, my darling dear…your mighty words astound me!" Arthur and Gwen stood up still smiling at each other. "But I've no need of mighty deeds…when I feel your arms around me!" Arthur wrapped his arms around his wife's waist a bright smile on his face.

"But I would bring you rings of gold; I'd even sing you poetry…" Arthur picked up the song. Only for Gwen to giggle out, 'Oh, would you?' "And I would keep you from all harm, if you would stay beside me!" The older couple was now slowly spinning around each other a bit away from where Ash and Misty were still sitting watching them.

"I have no use for rings of gold…I care not for your poetry." Gwen sang and Arthur made an 'Oh ho?' at his wife. "I only want your hand to hold."

"I only want you near me!" Arthur picked up again as the couple began to twirl together faster. The music and the song got faster from there and Ash and Misty couldn't keep up with the lyrics but had begun to clap along with the song. The majority of the Trainers dancing had stopped and started clapping along as well; while watching the married couple dance and sing with each other. When the song finished and the two stopped dancing everyone watching clapped and cheered happily while the couple embraced and kissed.

"I think that's what you call 'Relationship Goals'." Ash smiled at Misty.

"You'd be right." Misty gazed at him lovingly as they slowly leaned in and kissed each other. Their Auras entwined again and they tuned out the rest of the world for a minute or two as they became lost with each other. They didn't even notice when the music started back up until they separated.

"They're so cute." Gwen whispered to Arthur as the two held each other.

"They are indeed; reminds me of another young couple who found each other on their Pokémon Journey." Arthur chuckled as he briefly tightened his hug with her.

"Hmm, I suppose it does." Gwen smiled fondly. Something told the older couple that these two teens had something special and that it would last a lifetime. The celebration went long into the night and the navy-haired man helped ease everyone to sleep by playing a soft lullaby just a bit after midnight.

-End Chapter-

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Aww, so sweet! Isn't love a grand thing? So the Job is done and Ash has some ideas of the Gym Leaders he could face. Now Misty wants to catch herself a fluffy, cuddly, absolutely adorkable Beaver Pokémon! How will that turn out? Also I plan for something special to happen next chapter! It's something I've wanted to do since Chapter 3, but I won't do it very often since it wouldn't be special otherwise! I'm sure you'll all like it!

By the way, if you're curious, the song they sang is called 'For the Dancing and the Dreaming' and I don't own it! But I liked it in the second How to Train Your Dragon movie and thought it worked for an older married couple.

Ash's Current Pokémon

Pikachu – Static – Tail Whip, Thundershock, Growl, Quick Attack, Electro Ball, Thunder Wave, Volt Tackle, Double Team, Light Screen, Reflect

Riolu – Inner Focus – Foresight, Quick Attack, Blaze Kick, Bulk Up, Copycat, Force Palm, Detect, Double Team

Poliwag – Water Absorb – Watersport, Water Gun, Hypnosis, Bubble, Double Slap

Butterfree – Compound Eyes – Tackle, String Shot, Bug Bite, Harden, Gust, Confusion, Sleep Powder, Stun Spore

Pidgeotto – Keen Eye – Tackle, Sand Attack, Gust, Quick Attack, Whirlwind, Twister

Skiddo – Sap Sipper – Growth, Vine Whip, Tail Whip, Leech Seed, Razor Leaf, Synthesis, Take Down

Teddiursa – Pick Up – Covet, Lick, Fury Swipes, Feint Attack, Sweet Scent, Bulk Up

Phanpy – Pick Up – Tackle, Defense Curl, Rollout, Endure

Misty's Current Pokémon

Staryu – Natural Cure – Harden, Rapid Spin, Water Gun, Recover, Psywave, Swift, Bubblebeam, Camouflage

Starmie – Natural Cure - Rapid Spin, Water Gun, Recover, Psywave, Swift, Bubblebeam, Camouflage, Protect

Goldeen – Lightning Rod – Peck, Tail Whip, Watersport, Supersonic, Horn Attack, Flail, Water Pulse, Aqua Ring, Fury Attack

Poliwag – Water Absorb – Watersport, Water Gun, Hypnosis, Bubble, Double Slap, Icy Wind

Skiddo – Sap Sipper – Growth, Vine Whip, Tail Whip, Leech Seed, Razor Leaf, Synthesis, Take Down

Wooper – Water Absorb – Water Gun, Tail Whip, Mud Shot, Slam

*!*Important Read Below*!*

I'm still accepting Original Characters from my patrons for this story! Most would be one off trainers that Ash or Misty battle along their journey. But others could be Trainers that impart life lessons onto Ash, Misty, or his other travelling companions! Wouldn't you like your Original Character to teach Ash an important life lesson? Or just teach Ash how to loosen up and enjoy a party? So be sure to submit some characters! If you make them detailed enough I might be able to do a small mini arc with your character and Ash's group!

Some Original Characters could end up filling in some of the new Gym Leader spots that will be in the various Regions! I'll even help out with Badge design/name! You'd get to have your own Gym Leader with their own unique Badge!

I've posted a Character Template to fill out so that I have an easier time integrating the OC into this Alternate Universe of the Pokémon World. Ash will challenge four Gyms besides the eight canon Gyms with Steel Type, Ghost Type, Flying Type and Dragon Type being the four. All four now have OCs planned out thanks to some awesome patrons!

Until I get your reviews, later!