Viridian Forest

Somewhere inside, currently 10:06 A.M

A teen was seen walking among the trees of the forest maze, irritation clearly expressed across his face. A yellow mouse was pacing close to him, happily squeaking while static build up around him. On the trees atop them a pig-monkey was swinging itself trying to make a little noise as possible.

The young boy held his hunting knife with a relaxed, yet safe position to slash at the overgrown bush that made his way harder to walk than necessary. His swings careful to avoid injuring any of his partners, Ash walked what he supposed was his way out of the damn forest. It had been about one week since he entered the annoyingly confusing forest and even with guiding himself using his map he had difficulties.

While Ash would grumblingly admit that Gary held better general knowledge, Ash's survival skills were top of his class. He had carefully honed skills to survive long periods of time in the wild, all he needed was experience, which he was going to get plenty due to his traveling options.

Normally there were three common ways that people used to hone their skills, train, acquire rare pokemon and battle. Those were the urbanists, the wanderers, and traders.

Urbanists were commonly referred to trainers who normally preferred to travel on the main roads, avoiding side-tracking and opting to train in cities or the outskirts of them, relying on the close-by Pokemon Center to quickly heal their pokemon. They gathered experience by constantly battling other urbanists or trainers who came from the wilds to the city. They were on the constant lookout for City Events and Tournaments that offered rare pokemon or items as prizes.

Wanderers, as their name would imply, constantly travel from place to place, gathering experience on the road by going deep on Routes and in some cases deep inside the wild lands. They were commonly called "explorers" and "insane" for their hardcore drive that made them go deep inside dangerous pokemon territory to capture rare pokemon. Their survival rate was lower than urbanists and their general number was low as such trainers were known for being "eccentric". Bruno of the Elite Four was this type of trainer and while he was known for his strength, Bruno himself would discourage the majority of trainers that wanted to follow his methods. Being an "explorer" required more than just wanting to adventure; it required hardcore dedication, untold amounts of willpower, skills, wits and the strength to survive in a hostile environment where the next threat to you and your pokemon's life could be around the corner.

Traders or Wonder Traders were trainers that would make constant use of Trading Machines to obtain all types of pokemon. Wonder Trading was akin to gambling; once you started you wouldn't stop. Trading pokemon for the chance to obtain a stronger or rarer pokemon made these trainers known as wild cards. Some Wonder traders could be packing absolute beats from foreign regions, weak-fodder from the same region or simply disobeying pokemon who they had not earned the respect off. These trainers would often risk their entire lives on a trade, expecting a powerhouse to simply obey them because they held the pokeball.

Of course there were variants of these types and none were disrespected among the trainer community. Different people had different types of training after all. Some preferred to travel safe and avoid risks, others risked their lives willingly and some put their chips on their luck. At the end of the day, what each person took as a path was their own choice.

Ash himself could not opt for anything other than being an explorer. Wandering the wild, meeting new pokemon and people, having amazing experiences on the road, and testing himself against others was what Ash loved. Earning money was also a priority and staying in cities meant he would have unnecessary spends, even if he challenged every trainers he saw. Tournaments would be fine.

Ash tried to look at his situation with other eyes. He was constantly battling Bug Catchers and earning money but even that prospect was soon darkened. Bug Catchers were beginner trainers, just like himself, and that meant that the battles made little money. If he wanted more he would need to face stronger and more experienced trainers. That also meant that he needed stronger pokemon on his team, which meant training, lots of it.

Ash had Pikachu training his Volt Tackle since he discovered that the mouse only knew the idea behind the powerful electric-type move, meaning little progress for now. Pikachu was also strengthening his tail with each day in preparation for his newest move.

Mankey had constantly been battling, earning experience little by little, improving since he entered the team. His spars with Pikachu trained the monkey to react fast and strike hard and although the mouse was still the winner of all their spars, the monkey was making the mouse work hard for his victories. The monkey was getting more aggressive and had managed to get quite a few pounds on muscle, meaning his body was starting to ready for evolution.

Ash looked up at the trees with high hopes of finding a new partner to add to his team. Unfortunately he had no such luck, and had to be content with the common Pidgey or the scarce Pidgeotto, all fine pokemon on their own, but not what Ash had in mind for now. Mankey had gone up a tall tree and Ash could hear the squeals of the monkey as well as the angry chirps of some of the feathery residents. A few of the birds flew, abandoning the tree as Mankey Karate-chopped any attempts of resistance.

Pikachu squeaked to call his attention and had Ash set camp for the day. They had been walking since early in the morning. Ash complied due to already seeing the signs of the end of the forest. The ground was a lot rockier and had a bit of an elevation, meaning he was approaching the stone city, Pewter.

Tent set with a growing proficiency, Ash had changed into spar clothing. Today he was going to improve on some of his team's moves to battle the Gym Leader of rock-types.

"Pikachu, Mankey to me," Ash called as he stretched, body sore from sleeping on the ground, even if with tent and sleeping bag. "As you know, we are approaching Pewter, meaning our battle is coming!" The mouse and monkey had excited looks as they listened to their trainer.

"We currently are on a winning streak but that doesn't mean we are invincible!" He reviewed some notes from a small notebook. "Mankey needs to work on getting a bit more muscle and packing a bit more of a punch. Power-up Punch was just a base for you to get accustomed to throwing punches. We need to get Cross Chop working okay?" the pig-monkey squealed and did a salute, tensing to get ready on working the move.

"Pikachu for now we will put Volt Tackle on hold, electric-moves will be quite ineffective against rocks. Remember all the work I had you do to strengthen you tail?" A nod was his answer. "Great, that is going to come handy now. You're learning Iron Tail!"

- (-o-) -

The rest of the day was mildly irritating for Ash. He spend the entire day helping Pikachu to get a feel for steel energy but they had only managed to get a light coating and not the full cover that would help Pikachu crack down Rock and Ground types. Of course Ash wasn't irritated with Pikachu. Ash was irritated with his inability to help his partner. It would be easier to just buy a TM but Ash wanted the mouse to get the move working on by himself. TMs would give them the knowledge but not the ability to fine tune the move as Ash wanted.

It was of little help if you could use Hyper Beam but fainted of tiredness mid-move. At least Mankey had an easier time learning Cross Chop. It was basically Karate Chop but with two hands and more focused energy. Although not perfected, the monkey had the move working at its basic at least. Ash had Mankey practicing it on some trees while he focused a bit more on Pikachu.

The mouse himself was annoyed at his little progress on his technic. The sheen of the steel energy would weakly cover his tail for a few seconds before dissipating. The day was gone by the time they realized.

"It is okay buddy. We will continue tomorrow." Ash encouraged the yellow mouse, "We still have plenty of time before hitting up the gym, so get relax." He petted the mouse, making the tension leave the rodent's body.

"Mankey get down here!" The monkey replied with a screech and the sound of a few hits echoed as a group of Pidgey fled from the angry pokemon. He dropped in front of Ash and gave another salute. "Stay still for a few seconds, I need to check you." Ash ran his hands down the furry body of his angry fighter.

He found some scratch marks and a few bruises, no doubt the work of a fight against birds, but the monkey was otherwise fine, raring to get another fight or some training. Ash ran his hand on the fur while he applied a potion to the areas, untangling some nocks and removing some debris from his fighter. He soon let the monkey run free for another session of training, giving some details for focusing on fights or looking for signs of the enemy's attack. Mankey squealed happily and got to punching the trunk of the tree he was at a few minutes ago.

Ash returned to Pikachu, seeing the mouse with deep frown, no doubt thinking on how to get his new move working.

"Hey buddy, thinking hard?" The mouse let out an annoyed sound and turned to Ash. "Let me help you." Ash made mention for the mouse to at his lap. He pulled out his Pokedex at got the screen to show both of them the video of a Raichu using the move. There was also a description that helped little to their cause. Considering their situation it was impressive Ash had Pikachu even tap into steel-typed energy, something the mouse had no prior experience with.

"Here, let's try another way then." Ash set down the red device and got to massage the body of his companion. "I want you to focus of the feeling of my hands. Don't worry about the type of energy, I want you to just focus on putting energy where I'm touching okay?" Pikachu shrugged but gave a nod to the odd idea. The mouse closed his eyes and focused where his trainer was currently petting him and oh it felt good.

The hands running down his back massaged him, making the mouse just melt under the touch. He tried focusing on the feeling, not wanting to let Ash down but the massage was just that good. Soon the rodent was letting out soft breathing noises. Ash raised an eye brown at that but just let his mon have the rest. Maybe he was just tired due to the days inside the frustrating forest.

Ash laid the mouse on his sleeping bag and got back to Mankey, the fighter eager to spar with Ash. The Fighting-type appreciated sparing with Ash; it made him remember that his trainer was a special one. Mankey had never seen other trainers get down and to duty together with their pokemon but maybe that was only because the ones Mankey had seen before were beginners. He was a tall-grasser before Ash after all.

His trainer moved with certainty, grappling with confidence. He would always try to get Mankey's back and immobilize the monkey, always avoiding front combat. Mankey found the technique surprisingly effective and tried to copy it, having a good time working around to try and break into the defenses of his trainer.

When their spar was done Ash was downright tired, propping himself against a tree and panting. He had won again today but Mankey was getting harder and harder to win against. He was growing stronger, heavier, and faster than what Ash was capable, but that only brought pride to Ash. Mankey had rested for only a few minutes before working on his Cross Chop again, the ape trying to work out why he had yet to win in a spar against his trainer.

Of course if Mankey used moves he would get a greater advantage against his trainer but he refused to disrespect the human who had faced him with such honor. If Mankey was going to beat Ash on combat, it was going to be with honor equal to his trainer.

Ash rested for a while and got working on dinner. Pikachu woke after smelling food getting ready and stretched lazily, letting tiny arcs of electricity of his body.

"Woke up huh, Sleeping Beauty?" Ash teased. Pikachu only responded by giving his trainer the evil eye. "Come get dinner, lazy-chu. Mankey will one up you in no time if you lazy around like that, sloth-chu!" Ash had to dodge the small arc of lightning his rodent threw his way.

Dinner went as usual, Pikachu eating his fill quietly while focusing into his tail, Mankey eating as messily as possible and Ash only observing their antics. From time to time Ash could see the slight glimmer of silver-colored steel-typed energy on his starter's tail.

Their food done, Ash went through a couple of strategies, explaining some plans to his team and some combinations on what to use against certain adversaries. Pikachu got everything with ease and Mankey looked like steam was going to come out of his head. Ash laughed, expecting such reaction from the ape. Mankey weren't known for complex planning when punching hard was all they needed. Of course such naïve thinking would not do in competition while facing other trainers.

Well, if necessary Ash was going to do all the hard thinking and just guarantee that all Mankey would need to do was punch hard. He was a trainer, that was his job after all.

The teen let his partners have a bit of free time while he checked his equipment. Ash did maintenance on his hunting knife, making sure the blade was clean and sharp. He checked his stun gun, unloading and cleaning it carefully with a rag and had Pikachu charge the battery to its maximum. Mankey gave the gun an angry stare, as if the object had offended it personally. Well…in a way it had.

The youth cleaned himself and his team, letting them have fun while he wrote down notes and ideas for training. He could catch glimpses of Pikachu focusing on using Iron Tail, but he let the mouse to his own musings. His ape friend went hang himself from a tree branch, swinging happily.

"Okay guys, getting to sleep now." That got their attention, the mons not even remembering when Ash had the small campfire going. "Yeah, I can do things without you. Mankey, can you stay for watch tonight?" The squeal and salute was good enough a response. He thanked the monkey, petting his head. Pikachu squeaked something to the monkey and dove for the sleeping bag. Mankey huffed and set to walk around the camp, lightly practicing switching between Power-up Punch and Cross chop.

- (-o-) -

Ash woke up startled by the shouts of his pokemon and a person. Ash quickly jumped up, grabbing both his blade and gun and rushed outside his tent to figure out what was going on. Out of his tent, the raven haired boy saw his team pinning down something brown.

Pikachu had his tail pinning down the hand of what Ash identified as a kid, wearing some old and bulky Kabuto armor from the Meiji era, if his memory was right, complete with Kabuto helmet and a freaking katana sheath hanging from his hip. The damn sword was stuck on the ground in front of him; Mankey sat atop the boy's back. The ape's right fist glowing brightly with energy and his breathing signaled his anger, a thick tick mark on his forehead.

Righteous anger was palpable on the tone of his team. The sword in front of Ash was bend and had a few cracks, no doubt work of Pikachu as his tail still held the glow of a working Iron Tail.

"Back off guys!" Ash called, pointing his gun towards the boy on the ground. Pikachu obeyed right away, jumping from his position and standing in front of Ash, cheeks sparking with power and aggression. Mankey stayed atop the boy for a few moments, angry breathing down the boy's neck. "Mankey! I got this, back off!"

The monkey slowly lowered his fist, jumping away from the kid's back and to Ash's side, fist still glowing with Fighting-type energy. He targeted the blade, hitting it no more than twice before the metalwork broke under the stress. The pig-monkey huffed, annoyed at the danger to his master's life but he conceded. Ash had this, the ape reassured himself and let the hand of his trainer atop his head calm his nerves.

The kid in armor stood on shaky legs, the meal caved in on his chest area. The horned helmet stayed on the ground, the set of metal clearly bigger than the kid. His face was of an angry red and he pointed at Ash, voice cracking.

"WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOUR POKEMON?! THEY NEARLY HUR-…." Ash interrupted the boy's shouts by pointing his gun to the boy. The kid recognized the danger immediately, eyes going wide as dinner plates.

"What is wrong with them? What is wrong with you, coming on someone's tent with a weapon drawn out like that? You're lucky they didn't smash you face in!'' Ash answered with clear anger on his voice. The kid stammered on whatever speech he had before stomping on the ground and pointing at Ash again.

"T-they broke my dear k-katana, and even broke my armor. Those were family heirlooms. B-besides, what trainer rejects an honorable challenge," The kid's hand went down to his pockets with the clear intent of getting a pokeball, only to be stopped by angry growls and a zap, as a crackling arc of lightning hit the ground next to him. He yelped and jumped in surprise, falling on his behind and letting a plastic box and bug net fall.

Ash let out a sigh and his stomach a growling sound. "Don't you dare move from there kid. Guys, keep watch on him!" Ash went toward his tent, lowering his arms. "He moves and you can let loose."

Minutes later Ash was in a presentable state, dressed up and with some energy bars on hand. The kid had gotten him in an unprepared. He usually stripped to only his underwear to sleep as even while in the cool wind of the forest, Kanto was still quite hot. The kid had changed from position, sitting in seiza as Mankey walked around the boy, letting out snorts periodically to scare the boy.

"Easy guys, let him breath." The mouse and monkey backed away, and the kid got up under the scrutinizing eyes of Ash. The teen gave his team the calorie bars and threw the kid a plastic wrapped seedcake. The kid fumbled to catch the item, while Ash ate his own.

"Now that you are behaving as a human being and I have clothes on, you can talk now!" The kid pocketed the item, and stood up. Dusting himself, he tried to fix the position of his armor for a while before giving up and clearing his throat.

"I-I am Samurai, an honorable warrior who seeks a worthy challenge. A few days ago I was defeated in honorable combat with a trainer from the town of Pallet and ever since have been seeking to fight another trainer from said town to clear my honor!" The speech would be impressive if it wasn't for the trembling and cracking of the kid's voice.

"I see. Well then," Ash finished his quick breakfast, and motioned to Mankey get ready. "Let's do this, how does two-on-two sounds?"

"Y-yes let us do a chivalrous battle." The boys brought a pokeball and threw it. "Go Pinsir, my warrior.'' From the light a pokemon came out. The beetle screeched and clicking its two head claws loudly.

Ash brought out his Pokedex to scan the pokemon before quickly pocketing the red electronic.

Pinsir, the stag beetle Pokemon. Pinsir is astoundingly strong. It can grip a foe weighing twice its weight in its horns and easily lift it. This Pokémon's movements turn sluggish in cold places. Its two long pincer horns are powerful. Once they grip an enemy, they won't release until the foe is torn. The electronic voice gave a quick review of the pokemon and Ash quickly made a plan for the fight.

Pinsir were slow and bulky, relying on overpowering their opponents with strong moves and brute force. They were one of the stronger bugs found in Kanto and Johto, fighting blow to blow against Heracross and being searched as equally as Scyther. Ash had just the plan to work around the bulky beetle.

"Mankey, give that overgrown beetle the beating of its life." The monkey agreed to Ash's order.

"Pinsir let us start with Vice Grip!" The Samurai kid gave the command and his pokemon followed, claws clicking and glowing.

"Mankey, evasive maneuvers. Work around to get to his back and use Power-up Punch!" The monkey moved with quick footwork, dodging the horned claws and getting around to the back of Pinsir. Mankey climbed the back of the insect and started pounding at the exoskeleton, his fist glowing with power.

The stag beetle started to flail around, annoyed at the Fighting-type but unable to get him off his back. All the while Mankey continued to pound his fist against the hard carapace of his adversary.

"What sort of dishonorable technique is that? Fight it upfront like a real warrior!" Samurai yelled, pointing his finger to his struggling bug and vicious monkey. Ash let a smile form on his lips as he petted Pikachu who was sitting on his shoulder.

Ash said nothing, which meant Mankey had free reign to continue his brute handling of his opponent. Pinsir was utterly annoyed at his passenger and to get rid of the annoyance started charging at a tree. The bug completely ignored his shouting trainer in favor of slamming his back against the thickest tree trunk he could find. His target selected, the stag beetle broke into a sprint towards it.

Ash observed the situation with sharp eyes. He knew that Mankey currently was dealing small damage to his opponent and would be forced to get off his vantage point, less he would get squashed against the tree. Ash saw the glow on Mankey's fist become stronger, the effect of Power-up Punch in action. "It is enough Mankey, get off!"

There was a loud crash as Pinsir collided against his selected tree, stunning the insect due to the hard impact. Mankey was no worse for wear, having jumped before the blow. The monkey got ready for the next command from his trainer, body tensed and ready to explode in action. Ash didn't disappoint, capitalizing on the stunned state of their opponent with his next order.

"Focus Energy and then Cross Chop! Finish him now!"

"No! Pinsir, my warrior, dodge that!"

Rushing in fury, Mankey crossed his arms in an x, his body tensing to accumulate more power before jumping into action. He slammed both his paws violently against the bug's torso, which let out a painful sounding noise and angered clicking from the stag beetle. The annoyed bug-type brought his fist down as retaliation but the monkey ducked under the blow, hitting the same area with a Karate Chop, followed by another Power-up Punch. The glowing paw shone and jabbed Pinsir's torso painfully, leaving some cracks on the bug that fell to his knees.

"Come on Pinsir, you can do this! Hit him back with Revenge." Samurai's voice sounded panicked and loud but his command was heard. The bug tried to stand but was forced down as Mankey nailed a final Power-up Punch, his fifth boost on strength running on his adrenaline, between Pinsir's eyes. The bug-type fell down, out for the count. Constant use of the Power-up Punch brought on the production of adrenaline, boosting the pokemon's attack with each hit. A good move for drawn-out battles which relied upon stamina.

Ash whistled for Mankey to back up, bidding the fighter a job well done before observing his opponent. Samurai was unbelieving his bulky bug was knocked out and was about to run his mouth off when Ash cleared his throat, silently wishing for the next battle.

Samurai recalled Pinsir, "I don't know what strategy was that by it won't work against my champion," He said priming another pokeball. "Go and show them how it is done, Metapod!"

Ash blinked.

"Metapod has been invincible so far! The only one who managed to beat him was my last opponent, the trainer from Pallet who goes by the name Gary." Samurai proudly boasted as his pokemon stood still waiting for its next orders. "Now face the terror of my mighty pokemon. Go on, choose who is going to face doom at the hands off-….''

"Shock Wave!"

"Ahh- Metapod use Harden!"

The green chrysalis shone as it hardened and then got hit by the wave of electricity, promptly paralyzing the bug. Pikachu looked to the bug and to Samurai, no snicker ready for such behavior.

"Pikachu use Iro-…No, never mind, don't prolong this. Thundershock to finish it!" The rodent couldn't agree more and let loose a bolt of electricity to finish this…battle.

One Thundershock later, Ash was packing his things, a kid complaining at the background all the while. Pikachu was atop his head, his patience wearing thin as the kid's voice cracked on and on about unfairness and cheating. Mankey was no doubt bothering the neighboring birds, bored at this kid. The fight against Pinsir had got his blood pumping for a challenge the bug could not provide.

When done with the packing, Ash simply whistled out loud, Mankey dropping to ground level soon. The young trainer let out a sigh as he strapped his backpack. Pikachu was annoyed as far as Ash could tell and at the first opportunity he would let out a shock against Samurai.

The kid had his face flushed a deep red, complains after complains shooting out of his mouth at an impressive rate. Ash let out another sigh.

"Pay up kid!"

"I will not! You used disgraceful tactics to bring down my pokemon and even set yours on me. Your lack of honor is an action that must be corrected by this truly, the Honored Samurai. Ah but my blade is broken-…Such a thing is of little importance. Now repent and fight properly without….''

Ash couldn't be bothered to argue with this kid. The pay up would be small anyways so he would let this one slide. At least he was close to the exit of this forest. I swear next time I'm forced to get close to this place I'm setting the whole damn forest on fire!

With these thoughts Ash simply started walking after recalling Mankey and petting Pikachu to ignore the shouts of Samurai. Ash swore he could her buzzing sounds on his ears due to this kid.

As he kept walking, the buzzing sound got louder and louder, as did Samurai's voice as he followed Ash, talking about the debt of a new katana and a new set of armor. Then it clicked on Ash's mind.

He immediately pulled his gun and knife into an under-over combo, his actions scaring Samurai and startling Pikachu who had zoned out to block the kid's annoying voice. Ash cursed under his breath as the buzzing got louder and louder. He forcefully picked Samurai by the arm and shoved the kid into the path towards Pewter. Calling out Mankey, Ash set out the same way while constantly looking at his surroundings.

Soon his worries were confirmed as a swarm of yellow and black, complete with a deafening buzz of winds, got out of the trees to grace the trainer with their presence. A swarm of Beedrill, the nest no doubt disturbed by the loud shouts of Samurai who was nowhere to be seen now, was rushing him.

Ash cursed loudly, his mother no doubt out be angry at the word, and broke into a sprint. Mankey followed close by, only attacking when one of the angry bees got too close and dodged the zapping Pikachu, who was bringing down the rushing Beedrill with short bursts of Thundershock. Ash himself shot his gun backwards to provide some distance between him and the bugs. His ground changed: the soft dirt before was now solid stone as Ash approached Pewter with the bugs on hot pursuit.

The trainer rushed towards the closest stone he could use as cover and immediately swapped magazines, Pikachu constantly zapping offending bugs while Mankey kept Ash's back safe. Ash got to take potshots at the bugs that retreated to the sky, farther from the reach of Pikachu's punishing and outside of Ash's current accuracy. He changed to another magazine as they all reached a stand still. Pikachu threatened loudly, lightning dancing across his fur and focusing on his cheeks. Mankey screeched loudly, presenting a clear challenge to the bugs.

Before long the bugs gave up attacking the group and backed off towards the forest. Ash let out a loud sigh before he started laughing. Pikachu looked at him as if he had gone crazy, but Mankey joined Ash in what was his version of laughter. The rodent gave up trying to be the serious one and joined with his own snickering.

Their laughing was interrupted when the lance-like stinger came into his field of view and a rushing bee was flying towards then. The sting glowed with power before few projectiles came flying their way, bent on hurting the trio. Pikachu let out an array of shocks, the majority of them brought down the barrage of Pin Missile the sole Beedrill was attacking them with. The ones not blocked by Pikachu were not close to either Ash or Mankey so the rodent trusted both to not get stung after his hard work.

Beedrill shrilled loudly; annoyed his attacks had been easily brought down. The bee came rushing in, stinger glowing with Bug-type energy. Twineedle no doubt, was what went through Ash's mind as he examined the bug. It was bigger than the majority of the other Beedril that pursued them and more aggressive, even for Beedril standarts. The bug was shrilling and rushing to attack even without the backup of its nest, an indication it a couple of things.

It was probably a male fighter that wanted to impress its nest or show dominance between its male peers to get mating privileges. Whatever the case maybe, this particular individual was a clear cut above anything Ash had fought at Viridian Forest. Pikachu met their opponent by rushing in himself, tail glimmering silver and body a white sheen of power. Quick Tail, a simple combo of Quick Attack's speed boost and Iron Tail to pack a punch, simple, yet effective!

Pikachu had more stability over Iron Tail, the move becoming surprisingly easier when the rodent focused not on complicated thoughts but on one simple desire, protecting his trainer. He rushed to meet the offending insect tail first, pairing the quick jab from Beedrill and smacking it across its face and sending it straight on the ground. The flight advantage being cut, Beedrill stood on its hind legs and faced off the yellow mouse. Stingers now dripping with poison, the bee again rushed Pikachu with uncanny fervor, aggression bleeding out together with the buzz of its wings.

"Pikachu, stop it with Thunder Wave. If it can't fly or move, it won't be a threat."

Its gallant rush was stopped, however by the thin lance of lightning the mouse threw at it on command of the human. The human held himself with confidence. A Mankey behind him, guarding his back and nulling any chance of a surprise attack at them. The human himself had his guard up, hands on the strange metal rod that shot lightning akin to the mouse it was facing. Fascinating, what a weird human… Its thoughts focused for a moment on the trainer who watched their struggle with gleam on his eyes, a ferocious smile carved on his lips.

"Finish it. Quick Tail and Lights Out!"

Look alive and watch it, big bug! The rodent who Beedrill lost eye contact, even with its compound eyes, was suddenly on its face, a snickering and smug expression on his face. Eat lightning!

-!-

The world blackened for Beedrill as a silver tail hit a one-two combo on its face. It tried to stop its fall by stabbing one of its stingers in the ground but the rodent had clung on and unleashed a punishing storm of lightning upon it, volts locking Beedrill's muscles in place.

Lights Out was another one of the combos Ash had worked with Pikachu. It was a simple use of Charge and a particular way of using Shock Wave while clinging to the target's body. Its purpose was to completely disrupt the opponent's nervous system, if not outright knocking it out. It was more of a finishing move than anything and it would only work on opponents which were slower than Pikachu and could be clung on without the possibility of being thrown or hurt.

Pikachu jumped away from the defeated, smoking form of Beedrill and climbed Ash's body towards his shoulder. The mouse rubbed his cheeks against Ash's, sharing some light static with the boy's hair and making him wince. Pikachu let out a satisfied noise and waved his strong, muscly tail to stir up some wind and let the slight smell of ozone his attacks had built up.

Ash thanked the mouse by digging around his pockets for a treat. He offered Pikachu an Oran Berry he found on his pocket and threw a seedcake to Mankey, the agile ape catching it with precision and saluting Ash, before shoving the whole thing inside his mouth. Pikachu eat his treat with gusto and the boy went to check on their defeated opponent.

Beedrill lay down, crumpled and defeated with a blackened body and smoke coming out of it. Ash pointed his Pokedex at it, his hands always ready to pull his gun out in case the bug got any fancy ideas or wasn't truly out for the count. The red Pokedex pinged to life, female monotonous voice giving an info brief.

Beedrill, the Poison Bee Pokemon. It has 3 poisonous stingers on its forelegs and its tail. They are used to jab its enemy repeatedly. Beedrill is extremely territorial. No one should ever approach its nest—this is for their own safety. If angered, they will attack in a furious swarm.

This Beedrill is Female and its ability is Sniper. It knows the moves: Fury Attack, Twineedle, Rage and Pin Missile. Warning! This Female is on a fertile period and is calculated to be a candidate to being a hive queen. Extreme caution is advertised while handling this pokemon.

Had Ash just dodged a big bullet and thrown himself under cannon fire? Beedril were known to mate between workers and soldiers but their eggs were mostly unfertile or gave birth to weak hatchlings. The queen of the colony was the exception, capable of laying fertile eggs abundantly and being stronger than your average Beedrill. Queens were known to mate only the strongest soldiers of a hive and were extremely aggressive. If another queen was born under the same hive it would have to either submit to the current queen or form another hive. Should the newer queen disrespect the matriarch while under its domain, consequences would be harsh.

Had this one being left the original hive to form her own? That would explain the excessive aggression and no retreating of this one. Ash didn't know and would have plenty of time to ponder while on Pewter. He threw a pokeball at Beedrill, the capture not taking long until the device clicked softly. Ash picked it up and clicked it on his belt, taking the chance to fix his straps and look out for any other trouble rearing its head.

When he found none, he went his way towards the city of stone.

- (-o-) -

"Ahhhhh…."

Ash let out a groan, the hot water running down his back felt heavenly. He managed to find the building of the center with no trouble. Giving his pokemon to Nurse Joy at the counter felt awkward as he talked with her informally, only to remember she was not the same one from Viridian. She laughed, saying it was not a problem and that people made that mistake often with the other Joys. Having a damn clan of look-alikes would lead to something like that for sure, but who was he to question one of the oldest families/clans of Kanto.

That was one of the many mysteries that trainers would often talk with one another, together with things like the Jenny clan, the G-man and the secret training of the Elite Four.

Letting out another moan, the boy felt some kinks pop as he relaxed under the stream of hot water. Pikachu and Mankey were enjoying themselves at the tub; both relaxed and in bliss as the steam covered the whole bathroom. Both of them were quickly checked by Joy who gave them the a-okay bill but Beedrill needed to spend a few hours under care. Pikachu had roughed her pretty good.

The bath took a few more minutes as Ash dried his partners and himself. Mankey became an angry looking ball of fluff. It would look cute if the monkey wasn't giving him the evil eye. Pikachu snickered, no doubt teasing the fighter on his looks. Mankey squinted one of his eyes and let a huff the mouse's way.

Ash took little time dressing up in casual clothing, simple jeans and loose fitting black tank-top. He opted to not use his hat and only put on sandals he brought packed deep under his bag. He left his room, partners hanging on his shoulders, and didn't bother to fix his mop of a hair, the wild black set down due to some water still clinging to it.

The cafeteria had some trainers who glanced his way, some offering courteous nods and others ignoring his presence soon after. He got his food and sat down quietly, and started eating right way. His partners followed right after, Pikachu also chugging down a bottle of ketchup together with his food. Ash raised his eye browns at the choice of his starter but did little else. Mankey ate as messily as ever, scattering bits and pieces of food on the table, their siting table on one of the corners of the mess hall.

Ash picked the spot with the eating habits of his pokemon in mind after all. He ate while scanning some details on his Pokedex and planning for his battle. He was going to rest a bit and check on their newest teammate, accessing what he would do to win his first gym.

Their food done, the group went to the counter, Ash hoping to get some news on their bug friend.

"I was about to call you Mr. Ketchum!'' The smile Joy gave him brought good news. "Your Beedrill is completely healed up. She didn't have any lasting damage and was just tired after your battle with her. New capture?" She asked while presenting the trail with his pokeball.

"Yeah, she is a bit of special case. Feisty one." He answered, picking the device and pocketing it. He wasn't wearing his gear and today was a relaxing day after the frustrating Viridian Forest.

"I am surprised your pokemon weren't poisoned. Many trainer who come from the forest rush here with their pokemon on their arms, complains about the bugs and their poison aplenty." Joy explained. "You would be surprised at the amount of trainers who forget to pack an extra antidote or two while venturing this path."

"I don't want my buddies hurt. The poison attacks are annoying for sure, but hey you can't get poisoned if you don't get hit right?"

"An interesting way of thinking for sure. Speedy pokemon surely succeed on dodging attacks." Joy commented.

"Well, they sure do but it is not a fireproof plan to just dodge and hope they stop attacking." Ash offered. When Joy said nothing and focused on him, he took it as cue to continue. "You could use their speed to rush and overwhelm their opponent, or train their accuracy together and have them reflect anything thrown at them. There are quite some possibilities such as picking up speed to make a frontal attack or getting to their back and…''

"If you want to impress her by nerding out, I think you're failing bad kiddo!" A trainer commented from behind Ash, snarky tone clear.

Ash just glanced backwards, Pikachu growling while static build around his fur. The trainer was tall man wearing pristine looking clothes, fancy neck chain and a weird looking earing. His belt held two pokeballs, and he looked more in place at a Contest hall than on the road. An urbanist for sure!

"Sorry for taking your time Nurse Joy, I'll go now; I have a few things to take care off." He slightly nodded to the woman who offered him an understanding smile. "Take care Joy!"

"You too Mr. Ketchum, good day. Welcome to the Pokemon Center, how may I help you?" Professionalism was set on her voice as he met the trainer.

The boy just went to his room and grabbed a hew items he felt he would need. He locked his room and went to the closest Pokemall he could find, luckily it was far.

Grabbing a basket and filling it with supplies which he spend on his days at the forest, the young trainer let his thoughts wander as he did his job. He knew he could get excited while talking about pokemon but was such rude attitude necessary from the other trainer. Was he really hitting on Nurse Joy? It felt like any conversation the boy had before so he pinned the idea down for another time.

"That will be 2400 dollars, please.'' The attendant said, giving him the plastic bags. He gave her the bills, wincing on the inside as he had to spend a bit more than what he planned. "Thank you and come back any time!"

- (-o-) -

Ash dropped everything he bought at his room and went to the training area provided by the Pokemon Center. It was a small, earth packed arena painted with white paint on the ground. Simple and not meant to be abused or stress tested. Besides, it wasn't like Ash was going to do anything crazy. Meeting a new team member and accessing her was the most he was doing for the day, a light spar at best. His body felt all kinds of numb and pain, his back the one who complained the most.

He stretched a bit and got his partners to do the same. They healed faster than he did and were raring to do something more…exciting.

"Today we are just meeting Beedrill, so don't get any crazy idea you two." Pikachu looked offended, Mankey not even bothering to hide his excitement at the chance of battle. This simple minded ape!

"I got you some training things so we have plenty of time to train, tomorrow." He reminded the troublemakers. "Just be friendly towards Beedrill. Don't get too close as she is on mating period and don't provoke her." He brought out the ball which contained the queen candidate. He took a deep breath and triggered the release bottom.

The poison bee materialized from the white release light. Her stingers down, the bee looked around curiously as her red compound eyes examined her new surroundings. When her gaze fixed on Ash and his partners her wings buzzed lightly and she made to raise her lances.

"Don't!" His serious gaze to her made the bee flinch. Her instincts demanded she pay respect to his presence but her pride as a fertile queen and her hormones were acting, she also demanded respect as a future hive leader. She gave him a low sound, but avoided hostile actions.

Pikachu as the starter and second-in-command, only under Ash as the leader, made his presence known again, chattering calling the attention of the bee. Sparks danced his fur as he did little to threaten her, only sitting up and licking the fur at his belly. Mankey was of the same made, standing down and avoiding showing her his paws.

"Let's us start this again Beedrill." His voice pleaded in a tone serious but not threatening. Beedrill cocked her head to the side, antennae shifting to get more details. Was he the alpha? Why waste time talking if he was stronger? His yellow follower bested her easily in combat and the furred one was no doubt above her level. With the rush of her hormones under control and outside of the influence of the Queen's hive mind, Beedrill could think straight, or whatever the equivalent of that was. Bug-types had a whole different mindset from the majority of pokemon, hence why they were so effective against Psychic-types. Their alien minds were simplistic, yet complicated all the same.

"I am Ash," the human presented himself. "These are Pikachu and Mankey. They are part of my team and family. We are traveling and training, our aim for now is to get stronger. I captured you yesterday, which means you are part of the team now." The human tried explaining but Beedrill was left more confused. How could his followers be family if they were born different? She left the Queen's hive and regained her whole mind to her own and apparently had joined another "group"? Beedrill could not feel another mind connected to hers, watching through her eyes. This human was weird. His funny words and explanations made no sense to her.

She wanted her own hive, not join another. Domination of weaker family was necessary to further progress and guarantee survival.

Hey, Bug buzz! Pikachu's voice reached her, the mouse still licking his own fur. Pay attention or leave. Ash only needs strength. You were lucky he helped you after you attacked us yesterday. Straighten up or leave the family.

Family? Hive disturbed_Queen's orders_eliminate disturbance trespassing Hive land_protect eggs_protect Queen¤_Own mind requires space§*#_Queen mind takes too much space!_Leave Hive_Own mind starts self-hive_Objetive:Become Queen_Battle against YellowFollower_defeat_Join Human_AshHive?

Yeah, that right Bug buzz! See monkey-boy Pikachu mentioned towards the fighter who was asking for head pats from Ash, the boy troubled on how to communicate with the Bug-type, was patting the monkey's head and just observing Pikachu speak to Beedrill. Ash defeated monkey-boy himself and is making him stronger. We are becoming stronger thanks to him. You wanted to become stronger to make your own hatchlings right? Ash can make you the strongest queen.

Strongest Queen?_Human_Ash make stronger Queen?_Submission problem!_Hive cannot accept twoLeaders…

Urgh! You are so irritating Bug buzz! Okay let' see...all right try this. You'll submit to him, and he will make you stronger. You can then later make your own club or whatever, but you will still be under him. He is the top of our, urgh , hive but you can be the Queen of yours. Got that in your dumb head?

Proposition has agreeable terms_Beedrill-Queen joinsHuman_AshHive_Human_AshGiven priority at top of Hive_Human_Ash becomeAlphaKing_Ash_Starting obedience of Own-Queen to HiveLeader_Members of hiveAlphaAsh /YellowFollower /Mankey/ Beedrill-Queen…

Weird bee! Hey Ash, problem solved!

"Okay? Welcome to the team Beedrill?" Ash was left really confused at the situation. The two pokemon had just started talking while he tried to gain the attention of the bug-type. Ten minutes and Pikachu had Beedrill calmed down. The bee nodded a few times to Pikachu and was suddenly respectful towards him.

- (-o-) -

The rest of the day passed quietly. Ash had Beedrill show him her abilities while Pikachu and Mankey spared. As lunch came he feed his team their meals, Mankey eating more than usual as his behavior grew more frantic. The ball of muscles and fur couldn't stay still the rest of the day.

After lunch Ash returned Mankey and Beedrill, letting Pikachu nap on his shoulders. The rodent wrapped himself on Ash's neck and lazed around.

Ash chuckled and went to his room. He let Mankey out and the monkey immediately started jumping around and running on the room. Ash soon got the energetic ape to do upside down push-ups, making him quiet down as he focused on the exercise.

Ash put his dirty laundry to wash on the center's machines and went to review battle plans for his fight tomorrow.

- (-o-) -

He woke up feeling renewed, a good night of sleep on a real bed doing wonders for him. The cities do have worth after all huh?

After a good breakfast and some banter with Nurse Joy, Ash directed himself towards the gym. His first gym.

Succ'ed me dry to finish this chapter today, so you better appreciate my efforts.

Read, Rate and review it please!

also, call me Dad of Boi, tell me if I should die and stop writing edgy shit, and give suggestions or I will give Ash a Harem.

Ps:I will give him one but that is a story for another day!