Coauthor: Nitro Zeus

Viridian Forest

The group has been walking through Viridian Forest for about an hour, and to Ash's disappointment, he hasn't seen a pokemon he could add to his team. Serena was just as lucky.

Ash shook his canteen and sighed when there was no water inside. "I don't know about you guys, but I'm out of water."

"Sorry about that that." James stated. "All my stuff was on the Meowth balloon."

"Don't worry James." Serena stated. "We understand. Ash and I are just a little down because we haven't really encountered any pokemon for our teams." She took out her canteen and grabbed Ash's. "Why don't you two set up for a break while I go fill these?"

"Sounds like a plan to me." Ash stated.

With Serena

Serena back tacked to a stream they passed earlier before kneeling and filling their canteens.

"Cater! Caterpie!"

Serena heard what stounded like a scared pokemon. She set the canteens down, stood, and looked around. She soon spotted a small, scared bug stuck on a branch that was breaking. If she waited, Serena knew the branch would fall, and the little bug would be squished.

Serena wasn't as agile as Ash, but she couldn't abandon this pokemon. Serena managed to climb the tree and reached out her arm, gently, to the little bug. She managed to grab the little guy and place him on her shoulder before climbing down.

During the whole event, the little bug was too scared to even move, and was on the verge of tears. Once back on solid ground, Serena was panting, but she still held the bug in her arms. She was doing her best to comfort the little guy.

"It's alright Caterpie." Serena soon placed him on the ground and sat next to him. "You're perfectly safe now."

"C-Caterpie." The little bug stared at Serena before moving towards her and rubbing up against her side affectionately. "Caterpie!"

"Ah, it was no problem little guy." Serena assured which caused tears to come to Caterpie's eyes. "Oh no, you're not hurt, are you?"

Caterpie let the tears fall as he tackled into Serena's stomach. She wasn't prepared for that and fell causing a pokeball to roll along the ground. Caterpie snuggled into her stomach before noticing said pokeball.

Serena smiled. "Whoa, affectionate little guy, aren't you?"

Caterpie ran over to the pokeball and touched it with his head. A red light engulfed the bug type, and he was sucked inside. It immediately dinged showing that the little guy put up no resistance. Serena sat up and grabbed the pokeball in amazement. She couldn't believe that happened.

She let the bug pokemon out who happily lept onto her lap. "You really want to come with me?"

"Caterpie. Caterpie." Caterpie stated excitedly.

"This wasn't what I expected my first catch to be like." Serena smiled and pet the bug. "I'm not complaining. I'm sure you'll be a great partner little guy."

She pulled out her pokedex:

Caterpie, The Worm Pokemon. Its short feet are tipped with suction pads that enable it to tirelessly climb slopes and walls. When in danger, it will release a horrible stink for protection.

Type: Bug

Ability: Run Away

Sex: Male

Current Moves: Tackle, String Shot, Bug Bite, Electro Web

"Alright Caterpie, I've just got to finish getting water, then we can head back." Serena went back to the stream and picked up the canteens. "Once we're back with my friends, I'll introduce you to them."

With Ash & James

Pikachu was curled up nearby while Ash had Nidoran out and was throwing a ball for him. The poison pokemon really liked to play. James was fixing his attire for the time being by removing the jacket and rolling up the sleeves.

"Hey James, I've been meaning to ask, but is Growlie your only pokemon?" Ash inquired.

"No." James replied. "I actually have a Koffing as well."

"Huh, that's neat." Ash stated.

"Hey Ash, what made you help me back at the estate?" James asked.

"It's just how I've always been." Ash threw the ball for his pokemon. "When someone's in trouble, I feel the need to help them. Without Serena, I probably wouldn't have realized how bad you had it."

James nodded. "I know I didn't say it back there, but it meant a lot that you were willing to help me. Also, that you didn't abandon me. Thank you."

"No problem." Ash nodded.

"Ash! James!" Suddenly, they heard Serena excitedly shouting for them and saw her running towards them. "Guys, I caught a pokemon!"

She stopped near them with the biggest smile on her face.

Ash gave her a toothy grin and thumbs up. "That's awesome Serena!" He jumped to his feet. "What'd you catch?"

Have a look." Serena grabbed her new pokemon's pokeball. "Come on out and meet your new friends Caterpie!"

The little pokemon was released.

"Oh, what a great pokemon Serena." Ash complimented.

James nodded. "It's a good pokemon for a starting trainer."

"I'm glad you two like him." Serena knelt beside her pokemon and let him climb onto her arm before standing. "Caterpie, these are my traveling companions James and Ash."

Caterpie took one look at them before climbing down Serena and hiding behind her.

"Huh, what's up with Caterpie?" Ash asked.

"I think the little guy's shy." James voiced. "It may take him time to warm up to us."

Serena turned and crouched before her pokemon. "It's okay Caterpie. These two are good guys, but you can take as much time as you like getting used to them." She understood what being shy was like, so she smiled at her new pokemon. "There's no need to rush yourself."

Caterpie was all teary eyed again.

Down the Road

From there, they returned their pokemon, and the group set off for a few more hours. Eventually the sun was setting, and the group decided to set up camp. Fortunately, Ash's mother had packed an extra sleeping bag which he gave to James.

Considering how gracious Ash and Serena had been, James made them tea and found some fruit. It was times like this that they wished they had a cook. Someone who could fix a nice, hot meal. Serena did ask her mom to teach her once.

Then, Grace claimed she only wanted to know to impress Ash. Whether or not it was true, it was embarrassing. Almost all the pokemon weren't too fond of their food to. Pikachu was fine since Ash still had ketchup imbued pokefood, and Caterpie was simply happy to be eating something.

James took note of this and picked up a piece of the food before sniffing it. "Just as I thought."

"What's up James?" Ash asked.

"It's the food." James sighed. "Almost all of it is bland, and that won't do for our pokemon." He looked at it. "This also seems to be store bought which isn't exactly the best it could be."

"That may be, but we don't really have the skills to make our own." Serena stated.

"I can make pokefood, but I'm used to making it for poison types." James nodded. "Once we reach Pewter City, I could contact by grandparents."

"Your grandparents?" Ash and Serena stated a little fearful for the guy.

"Oh, not worry." James smiled. "My grandparents, and the times I would visit them, were the highlight of my childhood hands down. Nanny and Pop-Pop are some of the kindest people you could meet. They take care of injured pokemon and had recipes for all types."

"It's good to hear you at least had them to treat you well." Serena stated.

Ash nodded. "You really can make better pokemon food for everyone."

"Back with Jessie and Meowth, Jessie usually cooked for us, and I was the one to make our poison types food." James nodded. "Once I have recipes, I'm certain I can get it down."

"Well, thanks in advance James." Ash stated.

Serena nodded. "Yeah, I'm glad we won't have to give our pokemon bland food for much longer."

Once finished, Ash and Serena stepped away to change into their bed wear.

Morning…

The next morning, Serena woke up first, and stepped away to change.

Not to long after, her Caterpie started crying out, "Cater! Caterpie! Caterpie!"

Ash and James bolted awake to see a big bird pokemon chasing Caterpie around. Normally, Ash would scan the new pokemon with his pokedex, but his friend's Caterpie was in trouble.

"James, get Caterpie!" Ash shouted.

"I'm on it!" James declared.

He rushed in to secure the bug and rolled just under the diving pokemon managing to scope him up. This caught the Pidgeotto off guard.

"Pikachu, use thunder shock while she's distracted." Ash instructed.

Pikachu fired a bolt of electricity towards Pidgeotto nailing the bird pokemon in the back and causing heavy damage as she crashed into the ground.

"Pokeball, go!" Ash shouted.

He threw the pokeball and it hit the bird pokemon. She was sucked inside before it shook back and forth multiple times. After a few minutes, the ball stopped wiggling and dinged showing it was a successful capture.

"Alright!" Ash cheered as he ran and picked up his new pokeball. "I just caught a Pidgeotto!"

Ash held the pokeball out in one hand and flashing a V sign with the other. Pikachu struck his pose along with his trainer. With the battle over, Ash went to his bag and pulled out his pokedex before scanning the pokeball:

Pidgeotto, an evolved form of Pidgey. It is armed with sharp claws and dives from the sky to capture its prey. Unlike the gentler Pidgey, Pidgeotto can be dangerous. Approach with extreme caution.

Type: Normal/Flying

Ability: Keen Eye

Sex: Female

Current Moves: Tackle, Quick Attack, Gust, Wing Attack, Sand Attack, Agility

"Good job on the capture Ash." James stated as he approached with Caterpie in his arms.

Serena returned after having changed. "What's going on?"

Ash explained what just happened and Serena was immensely thankful. She then took Caterpie and showed her little bug a lot of love for the terror he had to experience. Ash then got ready to let his pokemon out, but not before making sure Serena knew.

Ash held out the pokeball and let his Pidgeotto out. The female bird was breathing heavily with electricity still going through her body since she had been paralyzed. Ash saw this and frowned. He got out his medical kit and sprayed her with a paralyze heal.

Pidgeotto was shocked. She had tried to eat his friend's pokemon, yet this human was healing her. Ash put the paralyze heal back in the kit and took out a super potion which he sprayed on her.

"There you go Pidgeotto." Ash smiled. "Do you feel better?"

Pidgeotto nodded. "Pidgeotto."

"Glad you're better." Ash smiled. "I'm Ash, and this is my partner Pikachu." He pointed to his friends. "That's James, Serena, and Serena's Caterpie." He took out a canister of Pokefood and held it for his new pokemon. "I know you were hungry but from now on just tell me."

Pidgeotto was shocked, but she accepted it. This kid was being nice even after she tried to eat one of his friend's pokemon.

Ash put the canister down and Pidgeotto dug in. "Now, I think I better get changed."

Once he returned, Pidgeotto apologized to Serena's Caterpie. From there, the group fed their other pokemon and had breakfast themselves. Sure enough, it wasn't long before they set off once more.

Later…

The group was walking along when a boy with a samurai sword lept of the brush putting a samurai sword mere inches from Ash's face. "HHHHIIIIIIIIYYYYYAAAAAHHHH!"

"Greetings, young man..." The boy began.

He was cut off by James tackling him to the ground which knocked the blade away.

Serena was immediately there to berate him. "Who are you, and why did you point that sword at Ash?"

James had him in a head lock. "You better not think of hurting either of them."

"I didn't… mean… to hurt… anyone." The boy was struggling. "I just… wanted to... battle."

"Then, why do you have a sword?" James asked.

"It's to make a good entrance." The boy declared.

"James, I appreciate the save, but I don't think this guy's a threat." Ash stated.

"Alright…" James let boy go, but immediately picked his blade up before chuckling it into the brush. "I don't like him having that blade, so he can collect it once we're done."

This annoyed the boy, but James sent a firm glare his way.

The boy merely cleared his throat. "As I was saying, are you trainers from Pallet Town?"

"The one who held you, James, is actually from around the Viridian area." Ash explained. "Serena and I, Ash, are from Pallet Town. I'm going to win the Indigo League, and she will conquer the Battle Chateau."

"Very well." The boy pointed his finger at Ash. "My name is Samurai, and I challenge you to a battle!"

"I accept!" Ash replied confidently. "How about a two-on-two battle?"

Samurai was a little nervous since he only has two pokemon, but he couldn't turn this down. He would not look like a coward to this kid especially after losing his blade. Plus, that Gary kid said Ash would be easy to beat, so maybe he could battle both trainers from Pallet.

"Fine by me." Samurai replied with confidence.

"Um Samurai, why does it matter if we're from Pallet Town or not?" Serena asked.

"I've already battled two trainers from Pallet." Samurai stated. "There Squirtle and Bulbasaur were amazing. When I was informed of the others, I knew I had to battle the Pallet Crew."

"Oh, so you've already met Michael and Gary." Serena replied.

"That was their names." Samurai nodded. "Fantastic trainers in their own right."

"Hm, we haven't talked to any of them since we left Pallet." Serena stated. "We should call them when we get to Pewter City."

"Yeah… Well, Michael anyway." Ash stated. 'Knowing Cross, he'll still be out there looking for strong pokémon and Gary will be…" Ash could just imagine what Gary would say. "Hey Ashy-Boy, I'm the greatest in the universe. I've already won a billion badges."

Serena laughed while Samurai and James sweat dropped. They didn't the guy which meant they couldn't get the joke.

Samurai decided to speak up. "Um, can we battle now?"

Ash threw his fist in the air. "Sure thing!"

They parted with Ash gripping Nidoran 's pokeball. He'd used Pikachu against Team Rocket and for his captures. The guy felt it was only right to give his other pokemon some spotlight. The trainers threw out Nidoran and a Metapod. Ash and Serena had their pokedexes out:

Metapod, the Cocoon Pokémon. Metapod's vulnerable body is surrounded by its hard shell, which protects it while it waits to evolve.

Ash vs Samurai (P. I)

"Ha, you chose a poison type to fight my freshly caught Metapod." Samurai now thought this would be even easier. "My Metapod will harden past the point of the small damage you can inflict."

"Wait, you caught it as a Metapod?" Serena asked.

"Yes, is that a problem?" Samurai asked annoyed.

Serena, Ash, Pikachu, and James sweat-dropped.

"No." Serena quickly waved it off. "I was just curious."

They knew wild Metapod only knew harden which meant they couldn't cause damage.

"Very well." Samurai nodded. "You can have the first attack Ash."

"Alright Nidoran , let's show this guy how strong you can be." Ash declared. "Charge in and attack that bug with peck!"

"P-Peck!?" Samurai panicked.

Nidoran charged the bug pokemon and hit it with his horn knocking the pokemon away.

"Nidoran was caught with the move peck already available to him." Ash declared.

"Metapod, use harden." Samurai declared.

"Nidoran get in close and use another peck!" Ash declared.

Nidoran charged in once more and hit the bug with his horn. When the bug hit the ground, it had swirls in its eyes.

Samurai was shocked. "How could this happen?"

"Good job Nidoran !"

Samurai returned his Metapod. "I'll admit that you're tougher than I thought, but this battle isn't over yet." Samurai's shock faded back into confidence. "I will win this battle yet."

"I'm ready when you are." Ash declared.

"Crush them Pinsir!" Samurai shouted as he threw his pokeball.

A Pinsir appeared with an intimidating glare; however, neither Ash nor Nidoran showed any signs of fear. Ash and Serena used there pokedex's:

Pinsir, The Stag Beetle Pokemon. If it fails to crush the victim in its pincers, it will swing it around and toss it hard.

Ash VS Samurai (P. II)

"Be careful Ash." James called out. "That pokemon's a strong one."

"Got it!" Ash exclaimed. "Nidoran let's start by lowing our opponent's defense with a leer!"

Nidoran leered at Pinsir who was emotionally unaffected, but his defense still dropped by one stage.

"Pinsir, finish this with one shot!" Samurai shouted. "Use Bulldoze!"

Before Nidoran or Ash could respond, Pinsir shook before charging at the poison point pokemon and smashing into him. Nidoran was knocked away and slammed into the ground.

"You're not finished, right Nidoran ?" Ash questioned. "Get up!"

"Nido." Nidoran slowly rose. "Nidoran!"

"That's the spirit!" Ash declared. "Now that Pinsir is weakened, charge him with Peck!"

Nidoran jumped at Pinsir and hit in in the chest.

"Pinsir use seismic toss!" Samurai declared.

The bug pokemon held his ground, took the damage, and wrapped his arms around Nidoran . Pinsir then jumped into the air before throwing Nidoran into the ground. The little pokemon now had swirls in his eyes.

"Nidoran return!" Ash looked at his pokeball with a smile. "You did well. Take a rest."

Pinsir landed and immediately fell to one knee as he'd been poisoned.

"Pinsir, what's wrong with you!?" Samurai questioned with concern.

"It was the last gift of my Nidoran ." Ash declared. "By coming into contact with my pokemon, you activated his poison point ability."

As if on cue, Pinsir took poison damage causing him to fall back with swirls in his eyes.

"Pinsir!" Samurai shouted as he ran over to his fallen stag beetle.

Serena and James ran on over to Ash.

"Congratulations Ash!" Serena cheered.

"Good job." James nodded. "Perhaps you have a shot at winning the Indigo League."

"I appreciate your words guys, but it was thanks to Nidoran I won." Ash replied.

Serena absolutely loved how high spirited her crush was.

"Alas, you were able to best me in battle Ash of Pallet Town." Samurai replied as he approached the celebrating group.

"That was an awesome battle Samurai." Ash stated.

"Thank you, but compared to you, I am a novice." Samurai replied.

"Don't put yourself down like that. Your Pinsir was strong." Ash smiled. "If poison point hadn't activated, you'd be battling my second pokemon." He held out his hand. "That is no lie."

"Thank you, Ash." Samurai shook the offered hand. "I shall remain here to train. Then, we should do battle again in the future." Samurai replied as they broke the handshake.

"Count on it." Ash gave him a confident smirk. "I'll keep training as well, and when our rematch arrives, I'll win again."

"Well, I should be off." Samurai bowed. "Best of luck on your travels."

Once Samurai was gone, the group continued through Viridian Forest.

Outside Pewter City, Night…

The trio exited the forest and now stood on a hill looking over a dimly lit city.

"Alright, we're almost at Pewter City." Ash happily declared. "Soon, it'll be time for my first gym battle."

"Before we head into the city, would it be alright to take a break." James was panting because a suit really wasn't the way to travel long distances unless you had a car. "I need to rest."

Ash would have gladly given the guy a spare set of his clothes, but they weren't the same size.

"Sure, that should be fine." Ash stated.

"Look, there are some rocks we can rest on over there." Serena voiced.

The group walked over to several large rocks, which were surprisingly smooth, and they took a seat.

"I can't wait to sleep in a nice, warm bed." James commented.

Ash's stomach growled. "I can't wait to eat something other than fruit and sandwiches."

"Hey Ash, do you think you're ready for your first gym battle?" Serena asked.

"Yeah." Ash stated. "Pikachu, Nidoran , and Pidgeotto can definitely win that badge."

"I would rethink your strategy to some extent Ash." James stated. "I heard Pewter's gym specializes in rock type pokemon. Even if you are set on those three pokemon, you should endeavor to teach them moves that are effective against that type."

"Well, type match ups aren't everything." Ash then remembered the battle with Butch and Cassidy. "Still, perhaps a little training wouldn't hurt." He nodded. "Yeah, tomorrow we'll prepare for Pewter's Gym."

"So, you're planning on challenging Brock, are you?" A new voice spoke.

A man appeared, behind Ash, practically out of nowhere. He was sat Indian style on a larger rock behind the group. Had he heard them the whole time? Well, he was silent and without looking up, is out of sight.

"Um, Y-yeah. Why?" Ash nervously asked.

He didn't know why, but this guy was giving him bad vibes. When Ash looked to Serena and James, they seemed to be thinking the same.

"No reason." The man replied. "I just know Brock's strong. I don't think you stand a chance.".

"How would you know?" Serena butted in.

How dare he put her Ash down like that.

"Just trust me. My name's Flint, by the way." The man replied as he jumped down from the rock. "Also, those are my rocks you're on."

"Your rocks?" James questioned.

"Yes." Flint nodded. "I run a rock selling service." The three trainers sweat dropped at that. "A man has to make a living somehow."

"Rrriiiggghhhtttt." Ash stretched. "Anyways, I don't care how strong Brock is. I came here for a boulder badge, and that's what I'm leaving with."

Serena smiled and blushed since she loved Ash's determination.

"If that is how you feel, I guess I could show you the way tomorrow." Flint offered. "For tonight, I can show you to the pokemon center."

Ash shrugged. "Alright, let's go."

He stood and Pikachu jumped on his shoulder. Serena moved behind Ash since she didn't trust this man, and it gave her an excuse to be closer to Ash. James didn't need any protection, so he'd be keeping an eye on his younger companions.

"By the way, that'll be five poke-dollars each for resting on my rocks." Flint explained while holding out his hand.

The trainers and Pikachu sweat dropped; however, they did hand the money over before setting off with their guide.

Martin: I could be all mysterious here, but I won't. Jessie and Meowth didn't really feel the power of Pikachu, nor did Butch and Cassidy as those two escaped on their own. That said, the Team Rocket storyline is by no means dropped. Trust me on that.

Elemental-Aura: Thanks for the worry and rest assured that I am taking breaks. As for Serena, the Battle Chateau seemed to fit considering I actually need some experience writing battles before making them look nice for things like contest or showcases. No problem on Butch and Cassidy's moto. As for Jessie and Meowth... Nitro and I are undecided at this time. We must discuss that.

Unfortunately for James, he's not getting a new attire until he gets to Pewter City... it's safer considering whose potentially that way. You make some great points on how James can be of further help to As hand Serena. As for Jessibelle, again that line about following him to the ends of the earth was in canon, but I do intend to use it much sooner than the anime did. I'll be sure to keep Rocket Shipping in mind and see where it goes.