A bugging Samurai
Waking up as the sun rose, Ash and his Pokémon decided they would leave the pokemoncenter early in the morning so they could arrive in Pewter City before dawn. With Pikachu and Riolu on his shoulders Ash walked into the forest. He'd looked up what kind of Pokémon he'd be able to see while walking. He decided he would try to catch a Scyther or a Spearow. Both species were known for their battle spirit, which was exactly what Ash was looking for.
"Hey Riolu, do you think you can find a Scyther and lead it to me?" Ash asked his partner. Riolu nodded, and jumped of his shoulder before disappearing in the thick forest.
"Alright, let's find that Spearow. Won't we buddy?" Ash asked the yellow mouse on his shoulder.
"Pika-Pikachu!" The mouse answered. Chuckling, Ash walked further down the path. Suddenly they heard a loud shriek above them. Looking up, the saw what they were looking for. A single Spearow was flying rather lazily in the sky.
"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!" Ash said, as Pikachu jumped from his shoulder into the air while charging an attack. He released it with a shout of his own name. The powerful attack landed on an unaware bird.
Crying out in pain, the bird turned towards the beings that dared to attack it. It wasn't the most feared Pokémon of this forest without a reason. It would show them not to mess with it. While most of its species would've called out for help, this specimen thought that was a sign of weakness.
"Spearow!" It challenged the mouse that had hurt it. Ash grinned at the confidence the little bird showed, before ordering another attack.
"Alright Pikachu, use Thunder Wave and follow up with Electro Ball!" The Thunder Wave hit, leaving the opponent unable to move. Before it was hit with another powerful attack. Snapping out of its paralyzing status, the bird then used Aerial Ace trying to hit its opponent. Luckily, Ash was a Quick thinker.
"Pikachu, use Light Screen!" Just before the attack hit, a green force field surrounded Pikachu.
"Row!" The bird cried out as it hit the force field instead of Pikachu.
"Alright Pikachu, finish this with Quick Attack into Volt Tackle!" Ash called, knowing his battle was over. Pikachu surrounded himself with a white energy while speeding up. The white energy slowly turned into a yellow electrical aura of power before slamming into the already weakened bird.
"Row!" It cried out, before fainting. Ash quickly enlarged a pokeball before throwing it at the fainted bird. The ball struggled for a bit, before it dinged. Ash and Pikachu cheered at the successful capture.
"Well done Pikachu, well done." Ash congratulated the tired mouse. After he placed Pikachu on his shoulder, were he could rest, he took out his pokedex and pointed it at the pokeball in his hand.
"Spearow, the tiny bird Pokémon. It's very protective of its territory, it flaps its short wings busily to dart around at high speed.
Gender: Male
Ability: Keen Eye – Sniper (Hidden)
Moves: Growl – Leer – Peck – Fury Attack – Aerial Ace – Mirror Move – Agility – Thief – Drill Peck – Fly – Sky Attack (Egg Move)"
Ash was happy with the moves his new friend knew. He was ready to release the little bird from his pokeball to check his wounds, but he was interrupted by a loud bark.
"Ri-Riolu!" Looking at the direction the sound came from, he saw a green mantis like Pokémon in front of him. With Riolu at his heels.
'Ash! This was the one with the strongest aura I could find.' Riolu said.
'Thank you Riolu, would you like to battle it? Pikachu is a little bit tired from fighting a Spearow we caught, I'll introduce it to you later.' Ash responded to his loyal friend.
'Yes, I would love to battle!' Riolu thought to him, while standing in front of Ash. He barked to challenge the mantis Pokémon. Accepting the challenge from the Pokémon that chased it, the green mantis Pokémon cried out its name in response.
"Alright Riolu, let's start with Quick Attack." Riolu followed his trainers' orders, but the mantis Pokémon dodged the incoming attack and used Wing Attack.
"Detect followed up by Blaze Kick!" Ash ordered quickly, Riolu managed to dodge the incoming attack and kick the surprised mantis with a flaming foot.
"Scy-ther!" The mantis cried out. But there was more needed to bring it down. Crying its name out once again, it began to slash at Riolu furiously.
"Endure! And use a combination of Force Palm and Blaze Kick to send it into that boulder!" Ash commanded, thinking fast.
Riolu crossed his arms in front of him to block the incoming attacks. By opening his arms, Riolu pushed the green mantis back. The Scyther stumbled back in surprise, it didn't have a change to dodge the next attacks making it hit the boulder.
Ash grabbed an empty pokeball from his belt and threw it to the mantis that was struggling to stand up. The green mantis disappeared in a red beam of light, the pokeball that hit it was now moving and blinking until a familiar ding was heard.
"Alright! Well done Riolu!" Ash said, the yellow mouse on his shoulder jumped down to congratulate his tired friend.
"Alright, let's see what kind of moves it knows." Ash said opening his pokedex to scan the pokeball that now held their new friend.
"Scyther, the mantis Pokémon. It tears and shreds prey with its wickedly sharp scythes. It very rarely spreads its wings to fly.
Gender: Female
Ability: Swarm – Steadfast (Hidden)
Moves: Vacuum Wave – Quick Attack – Agility – Wing Attack – Fury Cutter – Slash – X-Scissor – Night Slash – Air Slash – Swords Dance – Double Team – Bug Buzz (Egg Move)"
Smirking Ash released his two new companions, both were bruised but awake and looking at Ash. Kneeling in front of them while grabbing two super potions ash spoke to them.
"Hey there, my name is Ash and these are Pikachu and Riolu." Ash said, both Pikachu and Riolu waved.
"I would like to heal your wounds, I would feel terrible if you stayed wounded like that." Ash continued. Both Pokémon nodded their heads and allowed Ash to heal their wounds. While doing that, Ash formed an aura-bond with both Pokémon.
After that, Ash released his other Pokémon to meet their new friends. Both Scyther and Spearow were a bit intimidated by the three legendary beasts at first, but got over it quickly and started to make friends. To Ash's surprise, Pidgeotto and Spearow became friends quickly having not too much rivalry while having air races with each other. Scyther was talking to Gyarados, the three beasts were lying in the sun and Pikachu and Riolu were playing a game of tag.
Ash smiled at the sight in front of him, while making his own lunch and filling bowls with Poké!Chow. While doing that, Ash realised he had a full team now, every new catch would be transported back to the lab. Realising their food was ready to be eaten, all the Pokémon ran toward their bowls and attacked it.
While eating his own lunch, Ash thought about the upcoming Gym Battle. He still needed to train a bit, the Viridian Forest was known for the huge amount of bug Pokémon that lived there. And a lot of bugs meant a lot of bug catchers. A lot of bug catcher meant a lot of battles. A lot of battles meant gaining experience. And that was just what Ash needed. Deciding to talk to his friends about the battle, Ash voiced his thoughts.
"Guys, in a few days we have an important battle. A Gym Battle to be precise. The Gym Leader is a guy named Brock. He specializes in rock type Pokémon. The Pokémon he uses are the following three; a Sandshrew, a Graveler and an Onix." Ash finished.
"The obvious choices are Riolu and Gyarados. But that leaves one spot open, since I'm not planning on using Suicune, Entei or Raikou." All of his Pokémon nodded while thinking about the problem.
'Ash, may I recommend on using Pidgeotto? Since the Pokémon he is using are also part ground type, and she knows a steel type move.' A calm feminine voice spoke in his mind. Surprised, Ash turned towards the speaker, which was no other than Scyther.
"That might work, how stupid of me, thanks Scyther." Ash told her.
'Aww, you make me blush. But that's why we're here isn't it? We are a team and we help each other.' Scyther answered him. Ash and the rest of his team nodded in agreement.
"You're right. So Pidgeotto, are you in?" Ash asked the bird.
'Of course! What kind of Pokémon would I be to say no? You can count on me Ash!' Pidgeotto answered him.
Ash stood up and looked at his team. They were all done eating, and goofing around. It was around noon, and Pewter City was another hour or two traveling. Ash decided to travel to Pewter first, Check in by a pokemoncenter, sign up for the league and train before he challenged the Gym the next day.
Ash nodded, satisfied with his plan, before he recalled his Pokémon. With Pikachu on his shoulder, and Riolu walking next to him while eating an apple he picked from a nearby tree.
Without a warning, a kid dressed in a samurai outfit that was a little bit too big for him, jumped out of nowhere. Ash, letting out a very manly scream, jumped back surprised.
"Young Padawan, I, the famous Samurai of Viridian Forest challenge you! " The kid – errr – 'famous Samurai of Viridian Forest' cried out.
"Star Wars much?" Ash mumbled.
"What?"
"Uhhmm, I said that I except you challenge!" Ash corrected quickly.
The Samurai Kid – as Ash decided to call him – smirked.
"Be prepared to lose, I, the famous Samurai of Viridian Forest, have already defeated two from the town called Pallet. Only one managed to beat me, and since then I've trained. " The Samurai Kid ended his speech, this kid really had a major ego problem that Ash would destroy completely – errm, deflate a little while having an honourable battle. Damn, he just met the kid and he made Ash want to punch him. He didn't like people with ego problems. They were annoying.
The Samurai Kid released a Butterfree, that obviously recently evolved. Smirking, Ash released his Spearow, who cried his name out eagerly.
"Aahhrg , it's that blasted Spearow, it's time for revenge! " Samurai Kid cried out. Wait, what?
"You know my Spearow?" Ash asked, voicing his thoughts.
"Yes! I would recognise that little monster everywhere, it always stole my food! And that scar on its beak is a dead giveaway. We'll have our revenge!" Ash was really beginning to be a little bit scared of the kid.
'Yes, the scar on my beak you gave me. And me stealing your food? Ha! Don't make me laugh. It was in my nest and defending it from little filthy thieves like you! Revenge it shall be indeed!' Ash heard Spearow in his head. Ash frowned, he knew he didn't like this kid.
"Are you done being pathetic and ready for battle?" Ash asked.
"Yes!"
"Very well, Spearow Agility, Aerial Ace, Drill Peck." Ash listed emotionally.
The butterfly Pokémon didn't have time to react before it was hit. It cried out its name. Ash needed to give the Pokémon credit for the fact it was still standing, or fluttering. Although it was on the verge of fainting.
"Ha! An attack like that from you pathetic little bird will do nothing to a Pokémon, I, the famous Samurai of Viridian Forest, trained!"
Did he really just say that? Okay, fine. Ash was done with playing mister nice guy.
"Butterfree, use Sleep Powder to put the enemy asleep! "
Really? Ash didn't know that Sleep Powder put the enemy asleep, he thought it was used to grow apples. He should thank the kid for the explanation later. Note sarcasm.
"Use Fly to dodge." Ash stated calmly.
Spearow easily avoided the attack and hit the butterfly Pokémon causing it to faint.
"Butterfree! We shall get our revenge, I, the -" "famous Samurai of Viridian Forest, yeah, yeah we get it. Stop with those pathetic speeches and battle." Ash said annoyed. The Samurai Kid fumed before recalling his fainted companion and grabbing another pokeball from his sleeve – yes sleeve – and releasing a Beedrill.
So the kid liked bugs eh? Figures.
Ash looked at Spearow, who was flying rather lazily in the air with a bored expression on his face. Pikachu was sleeping on his shoulder and Riolu was looking rather annoyed.
'Please, end this battle quickly, it's rather boring and takes too much of my valuable time.' Riolu stated while yawning.
"Beedrill show them real power with your Fury Attack!"
"Agility to doge, then Sky Attack. End this quickly." Ash told Spearow, who did as was told.
"Beedrill! You monster! It's time for my last Pokémon, this is your last chance. Don't lose this!" Samurai Kid told the new Pokémon he released after recalling his fallen Beedrill.
Ash didn't know if it was the fact that this Pokémon wasn't found in the Kanto region or the unusual colouration that surprised him.
"Trap-inch!" The green-greyish Pokémon called out, obviously annoyed by its trainers actions.
Ash narrowed his eyes, the way this particular Pokémon looked at its trainer – sly – was something he needed to look out for. Ash smirked, this battle could be interesting.
"Trapinch use Bite!" Samurai Kid called.
But instead of performing the move that was asked, Trapinch looked at its trainer and decided it was time to take a nap.
"You worthless piece of … aaarrgh… just listen to me! I'm your trainer!"
His Pokémon obviously didn't see it that way, it was still snoring on the ground, if it knew it was being yelled at, it obviously didn't show it.
"I am so done with you! We're over!" The kid made it sound like he was breaking up with his Pokémon, not creepy at all….
"And you!"
"Me?" Ash asked surprised, as the kid pointed at him accusingly.
"This is your entire fault!"
"How is it my fault that you're a pathetic talentless trainer?" Ash asked getting mad.
"Row!" Spearow called in agreement. Riolu was growling and Pikachu's cheeks were sparkling dangerously.
The boy obviously knew he shouldn't start a fight, and stepped back scowling.
"I will not forget this, I, the famous Samurai of Viridian Forest, hereby declare you, whoever you are, as my enemy! I leave now, I will leave without the pathetic Pokémon that took my honour!"
The kid ranted, he smashed Trapinch pokeball on the ground and disappeared in the woods.
Ash glared at the direction the boy ran off too, before kneeling in front of the now awake Trapinch.
"Hey Trapinch, I think you're a really great Pokémon. That kid didn't deserve to be your trainer, or a trainer at all. I recognise a good Pokémon when I see one, and you are a Pokémon like that. I want to ask you if you would like to join me, and become the strongest Flygon there is, so what do you say?" Ash asked.
The Pokémon in question appeared to be thinking for a while. It knew it was rare in these parts of the world. A bit of an experienced trainer would try to catch hi, without a single thought. Looking at the three Pokémon in front of him, he saw that they were strong and loved their trainer. With this trainer, he could get strong. With this trainer, he would become unbeatable.
As Trapinch nodded, Ash grinned and took out a pokeball. But before he tried to catch Trapinch with it, he warned the Pokémon.
"I've already a full team, which means that you'll be send back at professor Oaks lab. I'll switch you out as soon as I get the change, are you alright with that?"
When Trapinch nodded, het softly taped the pokeball on Trapinch head. The pokeball dinged immediately, signifying a capture without a struggling Pokémon. The pokeball lit up, and disappeared.
Ash couldn't wait to check out Trapinch move set, but he will have to wait.
As Ash stood up, he looked at the sky. The sun was setting, the battle had taken more time than Ash had previously thought. Oh well, he was close to Pewter anyways, a ten minute walk was nothing.
When Ash arrived in Pewter City's own pokemoncenter, he walked straight to the front desk. An older looking nurse Joy, with a few grey strands in her hair, looked up from her computer and smiled warmly at the newcomer.
"You're looking for a room I presume?" Asked the nurse with a soft and gentle voice.
Ash nodded and smiled back.
"Yes, and I would also have my Pokémon checked up please. They've had a few battles, but nothing serious. And the videophones are in the back I presume?" Asked Ash, while handing over his pokeballs minus the pokeballs that contained Scyther and Spearow. On their way to the pokemoncenter they'd decided that they would go back to the lab, while getting Trapinch back and leaving one spot open.
Ash wanted them to keep their training up, and learn Steel Wing, it was a powerful move that covered their disadvantage against rock types.
"Yes, they are in the back, they always are. And I will take good care of your Pokémon. Your Riolu and Pikachu don't like to be in their pokeballs I see, that will be alright. Is there anything else I can help you with?" Asked the nurse.
"Yes, I would like to sign up for the Pokémon League Tournament." Ash said.
"Alright, I need to have your Pokedex, and do you want a new picture on your Trainer Pass?" The nurse asked, as Ash handed her his pokedex.
After thinking for a while Ash nodded. Nurse Joy took out a digital camera, which was attached to the computer and took a picture. Obviously satisfied with her work, she began to create his Trainer Pass. It took a few minutes before Ash held his newly acquired Trainer pass in his hands. He just received his Pokémon back in perfect health, and walked to the Video Phone.
Ash decided to call professor Oak first, since that one would be the shortest.
"Ah Ash! It's good to see you've reached Pewter City! I must say my boy, what a catch! A Trapinch and a shiny one at that! Well done! And I'm guessing you want to switch him?" Professor Oak asked knowingly.
Damn, that old man knew him well, a little bit too well.
Smiling embarrassed, Ash nodded.
"Yeah, I would like to send over my Spearow and Scyther. That way they're not alone there and that will leave me with an open spot." Ash said. The professor nodded and held up a pokeball.
"I knew you would call me about this, so I already have Trapinch pokeball here. But before I can send him over, you need to place to pokeballs you want to send to me on the transfer machine." Doing as was told, Ash saw the pokeballs that contained his friend disappear and being replaced by a new one.
"Thanks professor! I'll speak to you soon! Good night!"
"Good night my boy, sleep well and take care."
"That, I will do." Ash promised the professor, before the screen went black.
The call to his mother was short, she was happy to see him and made a few comments on his underwear. But before they wished each other good night, his mother made him promise to call her when he reached the next city.
"So guys, what do you think?" Ash asked his companions when he walked towards his room, they'd just eaten some dinner downstairs. Or only ash actually, his friends were fed by the pink haired nurse after they were all checked up.
"Should we get to know Trapinch now, or wait until tomorrow?" Ash finished, he stopped walking and stood in front of door 13B. His room for the night.
'You can check his moves at least, but I think you should let him out now and form an aura-bond with him. He can meet the rest of our team tomorrow.' Pikachu answered him, yawning slightly.
'I'm tired, and a warm and cozy bed sounds good to me at the moment, so let's make this quick.'
Ash chuckled at the antics of the yellow mouse on his shoulder while opening the door.
"Of course, but first I need to take a shower. Then we'll get to meet Trapinch. After that, we'll go to bed." Ash decided. Both Pokémon nodded, and jumped on the top bunk and laid down.
After Ash showered, he took out Trapinch pokeball and pointed his pokedex at it. A mechanical voice filled the room, waking Riolu and Pikachu up.
"Trapinch, the Ant Pit Pokémon. Trapinch dig cone-shaped holes in desert areas. Its large and powerful jaws are capable of crushing stones.
Gender: Male
Ability: Hyper Cutter – Sheer Force (Hidden)
Moves: Superpower – Feint Attack – Bite – Sand Attack – Sand Tomb – Mud Slap – Bulldoze – Rock Slide – Dig – Earth Power (Egg Move)"
Ash was psyched, he knew his new friend could be powerful. But a move like Earth Power? Wow! But Ash couldn't help but wonder how a pathetic trainer as that Samurai Kid could get his hands on a Pokémon like this. He made a mental note to ask it to Trapinch.
"Trapinch, come on out buddy."
The green-greyish form of Trapinch materialised in a beam of white light.
"Trap-Inch!"
"Hey bud, you've got some powerful moves there. I don't think you to far from evolving." Ash praised his new friend. Trapinch looked proud and was happy he pleased his new trainer already in a way.
"Trap!"
Ash quickly formed an aura-bond with Trapinch.
"Hey bud, I can't help but wonder how your previous trainer managed to catch you, or why you didn't listen to him at all?" Ash wondered.
'He didn't catch me, his father bought me from a breeder. And after I saw how he treated his other Pokémon, I refused to listen. That, and he is a weak trainer. I knew I couldn't get strong with him. The reason I chose to come with you is because I know I will get stronger. My wish is to fly in the sky as a Flygon.' The boyish voice of Trapinch ended wistfully.
"I understand, and I promise you that your dream will be fulfilled. " Ash said.
"Take a good rest my friend, tomorrow we'll start training." Ash finished as he returned the ant pit Pokémon.
Ash stroked both sleeping forms of his friends and wished them good night before he let sleep take over.