This is where the POV's start to change in the fic, and then we enter in Spike!

Team Warriors: Leader Grasshopper

Chapter 3: Kip-Napped!

(025's POV)

''Hey 025, what will you bring back from your mission?''

I sighed, not even replying to her question. A few weeks have passed by, and those times were Grasshopper's first words. Well her first word was "Pikachu" but other then that she's been quite the chatterbox, and also giving me frequent headaches.

''025!''

I began to feel a tug at my tail. I looked behind me and saw little Grasshopper staring at me.

'' 025'', she whined.

I was getting irritated from her constant whining so I gave in,'' What?''

''When do I get to go on a mission with you? You're rarely around anymore.''

I do admit feeling guilty about leaving Grasshopper along while I was away. To be honest, I have not been taking the other two teammates Abbie and Shuppet on any of the missions neither. I've been going alone. It's been hard trying to keep up the pace. I had a terrible cold the past week after getting wet from the rain, cause of one of Grasshopper's late night potty breaks. I know that I haven't been myself lately. After missions, all I wanted to do was sleep. I try to make it up to her by bringing a souvenir from one of my missions, but it doesn't seem to work anymore, since she loses interest in the object after a few minutes.

I often have second thoughts about bringing her with me on missions. For one, I don't want to lose her, or see her get injured in a battle. But on the other hand, I know that I'm preventing her from having contact with other pokemon who aren't me, also I've been preventing her from having any experience in the battlefield and level ups. I still think she's too young, but also at the back of my head I knew she was old enough.

I turned over to her and sighed,'' Grasshopper, I know and understand that this may be unfair for you... but I promise one day soon that I'll take you on a mission with me.''

''Really?''

'' I promise.''

'' Thanks. I can't wait!''

'' Me neither'', I said, bluntly before sighing,'' You stay here. I gotta go rescue Nidorino... yet again.''

I began to walk out the door, leaving Grasshopper alone again. I had a feeling that it was going to be a long day...

(Grasshopper's POV)

I could never understand 025. I still think he needs a long vacation away from these missions, since he's always been spending time sleeping. It's been boring here. I stood outside and watched 025 walk down the pathway to one of the dungeons, before I sat on the grass.

I often wondered why he's been sad lately. Other then sleeping, I'd often find him crying when he thinks I'm asleep. He'd stand outside or look out a window and start crying. It's like he misses someone, but I dunno who it was. I would sometimes think that it's my fault for his sadness, since it's clear that at times he doesn't want me around. I hope that I wasn't the problem... since... I love him.

There was only one thing to do now... absolutely nothing. I looked around the empty house and knocked down some things trying to entertain myself. nothing seemed to work. I agreed with myself that a nap would be the best thing to do. sighing, I crawled myself into my nest and closed my eyes, but some feeling inside of me kept thinking that something was watching me...

(No POV)

When Grasshopper awoke she was still alone in the house. No signs of 025's arrival, and the sun was setting down for the day far in the horizon. She walked outside to see if she could get a glimpse of him in the far distance. She saw nothing. All she saw was the barren pathway; sandy and bare. She frowned and began to worry. What was keeping him up?

She sighed and went back into the house feeling discouraged. Unexpectedly her head fin began to twitch; she wasn't alone. Grasshopper began to feel uncomfortable alone in the house, as she started to feel the presence of someone staring directly at her.

She cautiously walked back to her nest to at least hide under the covers until 025 comes back, but little that she knew she stumbled into a trap. When she hopped back into her cozy nest, a small brown box was placed over her body. She struggled to move around to escape its darkness.

'' Let me out!'', she shouted.

''Oh, I don't think so'', was the sound of an unfamiliar voice.

It was Shellie the Sneasel, but she wasn't lone this plan. From the shadows appeared, Shadow a Sableye, and then a fire type pokemon jumped into the house through an open window. it was a Quilava. He was known as the team leader with the name Jam.

'' So, did you get the one you wanted?'', Jam asked.

'' Yes sir'', Shellie answered.

'' So what do you want to do with her?''

'' We can think of that later. Let's scurry on out of here before that tubby Pikachu show's up.''

When they lifted the box, Jam grabbed ahold of Grasshopper's wrist tightly, and walked outside leading his small tam away from Warriors territory.

''Let me go you... you... dummy head!'', Grasshopper said.

'' Wow'', Jam chuckled, unenthusiastically,'' And what are you gonna do about it, brat? Blind me to death from your cuteness?''

Shellie chuckled, as Shadow sighed.

'' No. I was wondering what kind of pokemon are you? The only kind of pokemon I have seen is Pikachu, Kecleon, Lombre, Whiscash...''

''Shut up!", Jam snapped.

'' Then let me go!''

The ongoing ruckus was grabbing the attention of a nearby pokemon, who curiously took a peek at the noisemaker at a safe distance. With his yellow eyes, he spotted Grasshopper struggling to free herself from the grasp of Jam.

(Spike's POV)

Yeesh, even I couldn't get any peace and quiet when I'm trying to eat. I wanted to know who was that annoying noisemaker so I could give them a piece of my mind, or at least shut them up. I went into a bush and saw a Quilava, Sneasel, and a sableye, but also this small green pokemon that looked like a Mudkip with fins on it's back. Something didn't seem right...

I've heard about this threesome team before. They called themselves Team Terror or something like that... and all they did was cause trouble for others. I should know, my first day in the wild and then... Bam! I needed rescuing after a flamethrower attack from their leader. Humiliating.

I had a feeling that the little child wasn't theirs, and I didn't want that little guy to suffer like I did. I had to do something... even if it meant fighting them myself. I opened my mouth and drew in a breath of fresh air, before popping out of the bushes.

'' Hey Team Stupid! Take a taste of my bullet seed!'', I shouted.

I drew in another breath and began hitting my intended target, while using my attack bullet seed at Jam. He let go of his grasp at the little child while it came up to me.

'' Gah stop it!'', I heard Jam scream,'' Who's attacking?"

'' It appears to be a Turtwig sir'', Shellie said, bluntly.

I huffed and said,'' Thank you captain obvious.''

'' So we meet again! Give us back our kid you jerk, or we'll kick your grass!''

'' Oh I'm so scared'', I blurted, sarcastically.

'' Those guys took me away from my home...'', was the tiny female voice of the little water type pokemon I saved.

'' Don't worry, I won't let em get ya'', I said.

I was starting to be unsure of myself, cause I knew that Jam was a fire type pokemon. I could never defeat one. I had to do something at at least keep the child safe. I quickly picked her up and let her sit on the shell on my back.

'' Grab on tightly'', I said.

She grabbed onto the sides of my head and then I started to run as fast as I could. I knew that those crooks were chasing us; I could hear their footsteps behind us. Even I was not fast enough when I could hear their footsteps getting closer. The environment began to change in front of my eyes with each step I took, the lush forest I was running through instantly changed into a dull and rocky wasteland, with cliffs at every corner. I dragged my feet against the ground, brining up a ball of dust from behind. When I stopped running I saw that we were standing at the edge of a cliff.

'' Oh no'', I whispered.

'' What are we gonna do now?'', the little one asked.

'' I... Let me think... Er, you know any attacks?''

'' Attacks?''

'' Oh boy...''

A baby pokemon that doesn't know any attacks? We're doomed, since I know that I could not take on three opponents at once. I placed myself in front of the kid and brace myself for the battle. It wasn't long before their leader and I were making eye contact.

'' How dare you steal our kid'', Jam said, he was growling at me.

'' Your kid?! This nice little lady tells me that you kidnapped her!'', I said, while stomping my foot on the ground.

'' How about we have a battle, you verses me; the prize that little Finkip behind you?''

'' Finkip?", I questioned myself,''... You're sick, in the bad way.''

'' Yeah!'', the little Finkip agreed with me.

It wasn't long before I saw the flames spout out from Jam's body, and I cringed. He began to stir the dirt with his forepaw, brining up a ball of dust into the air. I stood my ground, squinting my eyes at him... then I opened my mouth. I wasn't going to give him the upper hand; I was going to attack first. I drew in another deep breath and while Jam was charging towards me I aimed my head at him, shooting out a bullet seed attack his way.

I hit my target and it slowed him down. I ran to the side taking the little Finkip with me and hoping that he would fall off the edge of the cliff. The little Finkip ran ahead of me, but she had to stop when shellie blocked her view and chance to escape.

'' And where do you think you're going?'', Shellie said, to us.

I watched the little Finkip crouch down in fear, her eyes focused on Shellie. She was frozen in fear to even run away. my eyes widened and by bobbing my head my razor leaf attack was released. I was hit from behind by Jam using his Quick attack. I was thrown in mid-air from the impact and accidently bumped into Shellie knocking her to the ground.

''Ouch'', I blurted.

The Finkip looked at me, before she looked at Jam and frowned, but she also growled out loudly. Something was going to happen and I didn't even know what it was.

'' What? You wanna fight?'', Jam asked.

''Yes... since you won't leave me and my new friend alone!'', she shouted.

'' Then bring it!''

He darted towards her with a quick attack, but she moved out of the way. The next attack he did scored a direct hit. The little Finkip was dragged a yard away from us... and when she got up she was struggling.

''You can do it!'', I shouted.

I think my praise was encouraging to her, while Jam was distracted and jeering at her; she aimed directly at him and hurled some mud from the ground into his face, blinding his sight.

'' You little... brat!'', he shouted.

He had a hard time trying to restore his vision, while trying to get the mud off of his face. that was enough for her to attack him again. She prepared herself by stiffening her body and planting her feet firmly on the ground. She drew in a breath and let out a weak stream of water from her mouth. That wasn't good enough.

'' For goodness sake child, take in a deep breath!'', I said.

She looked at me and nodded, while taking in a deep breath through her mouth, as her chest inflated with the air she took in. Just then Jam got the mud off of his eyes and charged his body towards her. things didn't seem good, until I saw that Jam was in mid-air about to attack. as if on cue the little child aimed her head at him and a strong blast of waster sprayed out from her mouth hitting Jam. He was shot away from her and then hitting a tree in the process.

'' Woo-hoo!'', I shouted.

Her little lungs couldn't hold the spray of water anymore, so she stopped and gasped for air. I marched right up to her and praised her. I haven't ever seen a baby pokemon attack like that before, it was just unbelievable!

'' That was stupendous!'', I cried.

I looked up and saw Jam, soaked with water and looking over at us fearfully accompanied by Shellie and Shadow. He glared at us, eyes widened, and his jaw trembling at his words that he said to us.

'' S-Someday you will regret this Team Warriors, and we shall get our revenge. Maybe not today, or tomorrow, but someday, when you least s-suspect it.''

I rolled my eyes and blew a raspberry at them. Jam recalled his team and they retreated away from us, possibly back to their base. I chuckled and looked for the little Finkip. she wasn't next to me. Where'd she go?

I gasped while darting my head around the world around me to at least catch a glimpse of her,'' Hey kid!''

I saw her looking at the edge of a cliff, like she was looking for someone.

''Hey'', I said.

''Hey?''

''In my life I have never seen such power from a little guy like you.''

'' Uh... Thanks?''

'' By the way, my name's Spike. Spike the Turtwig.''

'' My name is Grasshopper... the Finkip.''

'' Grasshopper... Nice to meet ya!''

'' Nice to see ya!''

'' So... why are those guys after ya?''

'' I dunno. I was at base waiting for 025.''

'' 025?''

''My friend.''

'' Another Finkip or something?''

''No. He's a Pikachu.''

''Ah... and this base thing?''

''I'm part of a team. Team Warriors.''

'' You seem awfully young to go on missions.''

'' 025 says the same thing. He goes off on missions and I just stay home. It's boring.''

'' Not to me... uh... say..''

I hated asking questions to her; I felt so nosey. The thought of her alone back at base brought a chill down my spine. those bad guys may be after her again and next time she may not be so lucky. Ever since I've been released from my pokeball to the wild I have had no place to stay, and I've been hearing about these teams ever since I was rescued by one. I did decide to join one but there were so many to choose from, but I think I have made my choice with this young... warrior. I wanted to join her team.

'' What?'', She glared at me with her large sparkling brown eyes.

'' I er... was wondering if I could... join your team please?''

I instantly saw her face lit up at my question.

'' Yeah!'', She blurted,'' Oh yes yes yes!''

'' Okay! I guess it's time for me to follow the leader.''

''Leader?''

''Uh yeah. You accepted me into the team so... aren't you the leader?''

'' That makes sense, I guess.''

I followed her away from the cliffs. She looked around and paused at the surroundings, trying to figure out which path to take. it was clear that this must've been her first time away from her base.

'' Do you know where we are going?''

'' Uh... not really...''

'' Oh boy... We're lost..''

Meanwhile...

(025's POV)

I dunno how to explain the exhaustion that took over my body after that mission. My feet and legs ached with pain, my ears echoed with the yelling from Nidorina that I could still hear, my head throbbed from an oncoming headache that pulsed from my eye to the back of my head, and also my appearance... scruffy and dirt ridden like a worn out pokedoll.

All I wanted to do was go inside and take a nice hot bath then rest with Grasshopper at my side. I managed to get a gift for her; a gold ribbon that sparkled when light shone over it. I found it on the ground and thinking that she may enjoy it. My eyes popped open when I saw that the front door was left wide open.

''Grasshopper, you are in so much trouble'', I muttered.

I entered the base to see items knocked over to the floor; I had a feeling that there was something missing.

''Grasshopper?'''

I looked around the base, under tables, the nest, the couch, any place where she could fit into. I didn't see her. Then I began searching in the most absurd places... In a book, under a bookshelf, on the table, in a cereal box... still no sign of her.

I froze when I saw and unusual brown box that i haven't seen before tossed aside, then I realized...

''No.''

A chill went down my spine from fear, and an unusual rush of adrenaline began to course through my body like a Magikarp swimming through the ocean to avoid becoming prey. I darted outside, ignoring and forgetting the exhaustion that took over my body. I had to search for her, no matter where she was. I knew that this was no accident... something went wrong... very wrong. I began to call out her name, while my voice trembled.

''Grasshopper?''

''Grasshopper!''

'' Where are you?''

What if something bad happened to her? It's every caretakers worst fear, their beloved one gone missing and you don't even know where they may be. I wasn't going to give up hope... never. I darted back to base and sniffed the ground for anything unusual, and I picked up a familiar odor.

''Ugh. I should've known... Shellie'', I growled.

I followed the scent that was on the ground, and I hoped that I would find my little baby in time...

Meanwhile...

(Spike's POV)

We continued walking, and I was trying to show her the way we came. Grasshopper didn't seem too interested in going back so soon. She seemed to enjoy the sights and scents of the great outdoors, which weren't so great to me. She was too busy sniffing flowers and discovering lost items along the way. I didn't want to spoil her fun just yet...

I saw her run to a nearby tree pawing at it, while trying to reach for some Peacha berries that were growing above her head.

''Want some help?'', I asked

'' Yeah. Peacha berries are my favorite!''

I shrugged. I couldn't let the little one go hungry. I shook my head while my razor leaves scattered; knocking some berries off of the tree to the ground. Happily, she nibbled a berry, before she started to gorge them all into her mouth. i couldn't help but snicker, she reminded me of a Pachirisu stuffing their cheeks with food to store for the winter.

'' What's so funny?'', I could comprehend with her stuffed face.

''Oh nothing'', I said, while stifling a laugh.

I watched while she chewed all the berries that were in her mouth then finishing them off with one large gulp.

'' So.. whatcha wanna do now?'', i asked.

'' Hmm... I guess that I'll go back to the base now. I'm a little sleepy'', she said while yawning.

I nodded and followed her while walking up a pathway... past the bush that I was previously hiding in to spy on her and that other team. It must've been a sign that we were getting close. We froze in position, when we saw a lone Pikachu in front of us, he didn't seem so good in appearance. I jumped in front of Grasshopper to protect her.

'' What are you doing?'', the Pikachu asked.

''Are you looking for trouble?'', I asked.

''025!'', Grasshopper shouted, happily.

''Oh so this is 025?'', I said, before chuckling sheepishly.

She raced to the Pikachu's arms and they both hugged each other in a fond embrace.

''Oh Grasshopper! I was so worried about you!'', 025 sighed.

'' You won't believe what happened!'', I said.

'' You kidnapper!''

''What?"

'' 025, Spike didn't kidnap me, he helped me from them'', was the female voice of Grasshopper.

I glared at the two while 025 placed Grasshopper on the ground to speak.

'' Three pokemon took me away.''

I had to step in to say something,'' Yeah. it was a Quilava, a Sneasel, and a Sableye. I've met them before. They call themselves Team Terror, but they're nothing but bad news.''

''So that's where Shellie went, after I kicked her out...'', I heard 025 mutter.

''What?", Grasshopper asked.

'' I'll tell you when you're older.''

A blank stare appeared on my face. it's better to tell her now instead of putting it aside. Something was wrong with this guy. 025 went up to me an bowed down.

'' I'm sorry for accusing you spike. I'm very grateful that you saved my young one.''

'' Apology accepted.''

'' I let him join our team 025. Could he stay with us please?'', Grasshopper asked.

(025's POV)

I looked down into Grasshopper's deep brown eyes, as they widened and glimmered. I then looked over at Spike, who was awaiting my reply. More company was something that I was not prepared for, but it was something we needed. The only friend area's that we had were the energetic forest, the darkness ridge, and those two unown areas, with no unown in them. He had to stay with us... for Grasshopper's sake. He protected her and possibly has to fight them since he had a thin layer of dirt on various area's of his body.

'' Yes he can stay'', I sighed.

Grasshopper and Spike both leapt up from the ground and shouted,''Yay!''

I hated to ruin the celebration so soon, but I had to lead them back to the base. I did inform them both and they followed.

''So anyway Grasshopper'', Spike spoke,''You were amazing in battle.''

''What?!", I shouted.

Grasshopper battling?! How absurd. I've never seen her use even one attack.

''Yeah some water sprayed from my mouth and it hit that fire flame guy!'', Grasshopper said.

''Jam the Quilava.''

'' Yeah, but before I did that, I threw mud on his face! That was one of the best parts.''

''Oh yeah.''

I was speechless... Grasshopper fought in a battle and succeeded? I put my hand towards my head... I really needed to see this. It wasn't long before we were at out Mudkip-head shaped base. I paused while turning to Spike and Grasshopper.

'' So... Could I see those attacks before we go inside?'', I asked.

I stood beside Spike, while Grasshopper was standing in front of us.

''How's this?'', She asked.

She began to growl that it chilled my spine... okay Growl. An attack that lowers attack, and I think mine's just decreased.

'' Oh, show him your mud slap!'', Spike said.

I saw Grasshopper pawing at the ground, her tail faced towards us, then the world around me fades as Grasshopper flung mud into my eyes.

''Gah!'', I shouted.

I tried to brush off the moist dirt from my face but more was flung at my face, that it stung my eyes.

'' Try the water gun!'', Spike shouted.

''What? No!'', I blurted.

I was suddenly hit with a strong force that I was thrown at the front window of the base. I was soaked to the bone with water, but at last the mud from my eyes washed away and I regained my eyesight.

''Oh, I know another attack!'', Grasshopper said, while hopping up and down.

She went to the ground and started to charge towards me. I gasped and got up to my feet to try and escape the attack, but I was knocked down to the ground with her body... used as a weapon.

''Gah!'', I blurted again.

Spike was laughing at our predicament, while Grasshopper got off of my back and wagged her tail fin in happiness.

''Hey Spike... Wanna be the next for target practice?'', I joked.

''I'll pass'', he replied, while still laughing.

I had to laugh too... even though I was the target for the day.

After nightfall, it was time for us to go to sleep. I wasn't sure about allowing Spike to sleep with us in the nest, but where else would he sleep? Grasshopper was first in the next before Spike walked in, they both curled their bodies towards themselves. I saw Grasshopper nudge closely over to Spike. I smiled at the two before joining them in the nest, then folded my arms over my head and laid down next to them.

From what I saw tonight, I felt that it was time for Grasshopper to lead the team... I decided that tomorrow would be the day. She found a partner, like I with Finkip. I knew that with her leadership that this would be the start of a new Era for Team Warriors and that we'd be there to support her, every step of the way...

To Be Continued...