Continued from: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/4052175

Maria sneered with a grin, eying the little Machop, <I'm sure there's more than a thing or two I could teach my little pet.>

Two long vines extended out from beneath Ivy's flower and shoo'd at Maria Devo.

<You've had your fun, Maria. You wouldn't want this one coming back with a bone to pick after she learns Thunder Punch, would you?>

Ivy gave Maria a big, toothy smile who looked back with an unwavering grin.

<Fine then,> Maria chuckled. <I see you've taken this one under your shade. Besides, I have my own things to do. We'll save our dance for later, Ivy.>

With a puff of darkness, Maria sank into the ground with an echoing laugh. The Machop stood back tentatively, afraid of what other surprises the Gengar may have planned. The Machop was broken out of it by Ivy's loud, raucous laugh.

<Bwahaha! Don't be so tense, little one. Maria didn't mean anything by it, she just likes to have her fun. Come with me, I can show you the other pokemon here, Miss...?>

Ivy paused as she awaited a response.

<Machop... just Machop.>

Ivy nodded politely, <Mira doesn't name all of her pokemon right away, and some she doesn't even name. It doesn't mean anything so don't worry. I have some friends to show you.>

The Venausaur began to slowly lumber away, her flower swaying and brushing loudly against itself as she walked. Machop, not wanting to be rude, began to follow her.

After walking in silence for a few moments, Machop quietly said, <You're the grass pokemon I battled earlier, right?>

Ivy's flower shook as her body shook with a quiet chuckle. <Yes, I am. Mira really must have seen something in you or she wouldn't have gone through all the trouble of catching you. Not many Machops can actually strike me.>

<Yes,> Machop said, groggily remembering the fight. <Even being close to me made me feel... drowsy, almost nauseated.>

<They're my poisons, dear!> Ivy proclaimed loudly. Machop looked up at her with a shocked glance. <None of them are life-threatening if that's what you have in mind. In my years, I've learned how to produce a lot of different poisons, make them stronger and more potent, but none too dangerous outside of weakening my opponents in battles.>

<You still battle at your age?> Machop asked, looking up at the wrinkled Venusaur.

<Still battle at my age? Why, I've only gotten stronger in my years! Sure, I can't move like a little thing like you, but that's not how I win fights. Powerful poisons and sharp leaves are how I win. Coarse, even back when I was an Ivysaur I couldn't move like you. You're real spry, ya know that?>

<Oh, thank you!> Machop said, blushing. So... what other pokemon are here?>

<Well, this Ranch is where Mira takes her best pokemon to be trained. I'm a member of the 'Kanto' team and I'm not really sure where you're going to fit into all of this since there are Machops in just about every region. But then, Mira hasn't had many Fighting types in the past...>

Ivy seemed to trail off as she mumbled to herself. Machop wasn't sure how to respond, but continued to follow her as they approached a tree where a handful of pokemon were resting. As they drew near, Machop could make out a few of them. An Alakazam had his back propped up against the tree, slowly fingering through a book. There was a furret curled up in a veritable circle on the grass with a Jolteon not too far away. Behind them, a large Arcanine was licking it's paw, half in the shade, and the other half basking in the sun.

<Everyone!> Ivy shouted, grabbing the attention of all four of the pokemon beneath the tree. <Let me introduce to you Mira's newest catch, Machop.>