After the Dragonite consumed Ash's medicine and expelled a massive amount of "impurities," Giovanni immediately ordered his subordinates to begin collecting the waste. After all, this was biological material from a Sub-Legendary Pokémon; any research into its composition could lead to groundbreaking discoveries. Professor Oak and Bill were thinking exactly the same thing.
"Put on your hazmat suits and be careful! This stuff might be toxic!" Matori, clad in protective gear, glanced over at Brock, who seemed physically fine despite being covered in the sludge. "On second thought, it's probably not lethal. You two, find some strong men and take that guy down to the ocean to scrub him off."
"Yes, ma'am!"
Two burly Rocket guards in hazmat suits hoisted Brock up, one under each arm, and dragged him toward the shore. Seeing a literal shit-covered Brock being hauled away, the Joy and Jenny Matriarchs immediately issued a broadcast to their respective clans.
"Attention all personnel: stay as far away from the individual named Brock as humanly possible!"
Once the cleanup was finished, the Dragonite lived up to its reputation and used its ancient technique to shrink down to a normal size. However, normal was a relative term—even at its smallest, this Dragonite was significantly bulkier and taller than any standard specimen.
Ash approached the Dragonite and patted its side. "The medicine worked wonders. Now, you need proper rest and recuperation. As much as I'd love to take you on the road with me right now, your health comes first. You'll be heading back with the Joy Matriarch and Professor Oak for a full recovery cycle."
"Laaa~" The Dragonite nodded, clearly appreciating Ash's concern.
Bill, hearing the plan, immediately scurried over to Professor Oak. "Professor! I want to go with you! I promise I'll be the hardest worker you've ever had!"
"Well... you should probably ask for Ash's permission first," Oak chuckled.
"Ash! I'm begging you!!" Bill cried, looking like he was about to lunge for another hug.
Ash sidestepped him with practiced ease. "Fine, fine. You can help with the research, but only if Dragonite allows it. If you annoy him, you're on your own."
"Thank you! Ash, you're an angel!" Bill tried to hug him again, only to be met with a firm kick that sent him tumbling back.
"Beat it! I told you, I'm not into guys!"
Just then, Meowth walked up, looking uncharacteristically serious. "Boss, if the researchers can't talk to him, it's gonna be a mess. I should go along too. If someone accidentally pisses off the Dragonite because of a misunderstanding, none of 'em are gonna survive the retaliation."
Ash looked down at his long-time partner. "Are you sure, Meowth?"
"I'm sure. Plus, after seein' Pikachu fight like that, I've got a few ideas of my own I want to test out in the lab."
Ash knelt down and patted Meowth's head. "Alright. I trust you. But remember: no overworking. You rest when it's time to rest. No overtime, you hear me?"
"Got it, Boss! I'll take it easy."
With Meowth's role decided, Ash turned to Daisy. "Daisy, I know you're going to be helping Grandpa with the research anyway. I'm leaving Dragonite's Heavy Ball with you. He can act as your guardian while he's recovering."
Daisy blinked in surprise, then smiled warmly. "I understand. I'll look after him."
Ash took Daisy's hand and led her to the Dragonite. "Dragonite, while you're healing, Daisy will be looking after your ball. She's my fiancée, so her safety is in your hands. Take care of her for me."
"Laaa!" The Dragonite nodded. If this was Ash's future wife, it was more than happy to protect her.
"Don't worry, he won't give you any trouble," Ash told Daisy. "He just needs to heal. Meowth will be there to translate everything, so you won't have to worry about a language barrier."
After the final arrangements were made, Ash recalled the Dragonite into the Heavy Ball and handed it to Daisy.
"Well, Daisy, it's time for us to get back on the road."
"Go on then. And make sure you call me if anything interesting happens," She said with a wink.
"You bet."
And so, the groups split up. The Dragonite and Meowth headed back to the Oak Lab with the Professor and the Joy Matriarch. Ash's Beedrill was taken by Giovanni for its specialized medicated baths.
Finally, Daisy gave Ash one last, lingering hug before watching the trio depart. As Ash, Misty, and Giselle started walking, they made sure to maintain a very respectful ten-foot radius from Brock, who still smelled vaguely of ancient dragon toxins.
Professor Oak watched Ash's silhouette disappear into the distance before patting Daisy on the shoulder. "Ash really trusts you, doesn't he? How are you feeling about all this?"
"Grandpa, don't tease me," Daisy said, her eyes fixed on the horizon. "We're engaged; it's only natural. Now, let's get back to work. The sooner we heal Dragonite, the sooner he can go back to helping Ash. Meowth doesn't want to be away from him for too long either, right?"
"You said it! Let's move!"
Nearby, Matori watched Ash go with a faraway look in her eyes. The little boy she used to help care for had grown into a powerhouse.
"Matori," Giovanni's voice broke her reverie.
"Yes, Boss?"
"You'll be in charge of overseeing the care for Ash's Beedrill. You were there when he first caught it as a Weedle, so you know its temperament. Also... if you actually have feelings for him, you should probably confess soon. I've already given my blessing."
Matori turned bright red. "I don't! I mean... I just see him as a younger brother! Really!"
"Matori... Ash always says that 'Tsundere leads to loser status'..."
"..."
At that moment, Professor Oak walked over to Giovanni. "Sakaki... I hope you aren't planning to betray the trust Ash has in you. I've always suspected you had some ulterior motive for becoming his foster father."
Giovanni looked at Oak and smiled thinly. "Relax, Samuel. Ash is different. And besides, our business model has shifted quite a bit thanks to him."
"I hope so," Oak warned. "For you, Ash is a son. For me, he's my grandson. If I find out you're using him to further any of your old Team Rocket schemes, I won't hesitate to pull my old partners out of retirement for one last raid."
"Heh. We'll see. But instead of worrying about me, you should keep an eye on the organizations in other regions. They aren't as... civilized as we are."
"I'm well aware. That's why the League keeps one eye shut when it comes to you," Oak replied. "Just watch your step, Sakaki."
Giovanni just laughed as the Professor walked away. "Let's go, Matori. Let's see what the research lab can make of those impurities."
"Yes, sir!"
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