S.R: Hi all! Sorry about the delay. At first we were… distracted (Don't ask, cause we won't tell). But then Microsoft Office started acting up. That's all in the past now though so ignore it.

M.R: I hope you're ready for Safari Zone hi-jinx.

S.R: This is going to be fun.

PhoenixWyvern: Huh?

M.R: Who let you back in here?

PhoenixWyvern: The window was open.

S.R: Dammit! We said that we'd let you back in, when it was time for your appearance in the story!

PhoenixWyvern: I'll be quiet. I promise. I'll just sit here in the corner with my phone *Doesn't mention that he's texting his girlfriend to come join him*

M.R: I guess that works…. Eh, let's get on to the story.

ASH'S POV

"Alright, we've finally made it to Fuchsia!"

"Ash, we've been in Fuchsia for a while."

Cynthia commented, with a sigh.

"But, I meant Fuchsia as in the city itself and not just the surrounding area."

I replied, but before Cynthia could say anything else Brock chimed in.

"Will you two quit flirting already?"

Both of us had a slight blush at his words, but we shook it off quickly. Since it was still pretty early in the day we decided to spend the rest of the day at the Safari Zone. Though Brock and I wanted to spend more time in Fuchsia we had already decided that we'd only spend a day in town. The reason for that was mostly due to the fact I wanted to get some extreme training in before battling Blaine in Cinnabar. So after looking at the map we came up with the idea of spending a couple weeks in the Sea Foam Islands before moving on to Cinnabar.

"Welcome to the Safari Zone. Before we let you enter there are a few rules you need to know. We offer 2 hour, 6 hour, 12 hour and 24 hour entry passes. The two hour is $500 a person, 6 hour is $1,500 a person, 12 hour is $3,000 a person, and the 24 hour pass is $6,000 a person."

"can you combine passes? Like say I only want to spend 8 hours here, could I buy a 2 hour and a 6 hour pass?"

"Yes, you could do that. Is that what you're wanting to do young man?"

"Yes please."

"I'll be doing that as well sir."

"For now I think I'll do that too."

"alright then that's $2,000 per person so a total of $6,000 for all three of you."

I had saved up a bit of money from battling the traveling trainers we met, so I offered to pay for the group.

"Alright then. The next rule you need to know is that you can only legally catch a Pokemon here in the Safari Zone with a Safari ball. We provide them as part of the entry fee. But are you here to catch Pokemon or are you just here to study them?"

"I don't know about the boys, but I'll be here for a few days at the very least doing both of those while I help Professor Rowan of Sinnoh with his research."

"Alright. Normally when a trainer comes to study the Pokemon we only provide 15 Safari balls. When they come to catch Pokemon we provide 30. If you're going to be doing both I'll hand over 20 right now and if you need more you can come back and ask. How does that sound?"

"That sounds like a good deal to me sir."

"I should probably take the same deal. Maybe I can find something interesting to show professor Oak later."

"Okay then. And what about you?"

The Safari warden looked towards Brock while he was gathering the Safari balls for Cynthia and I. Brock hesitated for a moment before asking if he could get 10 Safari balls. He said he wasn't really planning on doing any catching but it wouldn't hurt to have them just in case. Nodding at Brock's words the warden passed over the balls. And gave us the final rule before sending us into the Safari Zone.

"The last rule is to have fun!"

Nodding our heads at his words we exited the building that was the only way to enter the Safari Zone. Noticing the mountains off in the distance Brook mentioned he wanted to head that way. Cynthia had decided that she wanted to search around the lakes, and I was more interested in searching the forests. Because of that we split up and agreed to meet up when it was time to leave.

Hours later

The forest didn't pan out quite as well as I'd hoped. I mean I did find a few interesting things to record for the professor to study. One thing I recorded and sent to him immediately was a video of a Paras evolving. Another was a battle between two Pinsir. But other than that I hadn't found anything that really caught my eye and made me want to catch it.

That is until I had to suddenly dodge a swiping blade. Hopping back and out of the range of my attacker I slowly moved my hands up to show I wasn't a threat. While I did that Pikachu hoped off of my shoulder and to the ground between me and the one that attacked us. Luckily nothing happened as I slowly turned to face the green body that attempted to attack me.

Pikachu and our attacker glared at each other, both growling as they communicated. Thanks to my aura bond with Pikachu I could understand him, and was able to partially listen to the conversation. Pikachu and I had wondered into the territory of this Pokemon's pack. It was left behind to guard the eggs while the rest of the pack went out to hunt for food.

"We mean no harm… We were just wondering around. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

I spoke calmly hoping that things could be resolved easily since battles were not allowed inside the Safari Zone. The green Pokemon slowly nodded it's head. Deciding to take a gamble I asked if I could use my Pokedex on it so I could find out what type of Pokemon it was.

"I studied Pokemon a lot, but there are so many different types it's hard to keep track. Do you mind if I use this device to scan you? It'll help jog my memory about what kind of Pokemon you are. Mostly because I feel awkward not being able to call you by a proper name."

The Pokemon nodded it's head even slower this time. It approved of the idea, but it didn't seem to be letting it's guard down. Hoping to get it to relax I showed the Pokedex to it slowly. I could see the curiosity in it's eyes.

"Scyther, the mantis Pokemon. It tears and shreds it's prey with it's wickedly sharp scythes. It will very rarely spread it's wings and fly."

"Oh, okay so this is what a Scyther looks like. I've gotta say you look pretty cool."

The Scyther puffed it's chest out a bit at the compliment. After that it seemed to relax a bit more with me. But that didn't last long as a massive Pinsir came along in the midst of a rampage. The Scyther began battling it in an attempt to protect the eggs, but it didn't seem to be much of a match.

"I know we aren't supposed to battle but I can't let that Pinsir destroy the eggs. Pikachu let's help out!"

With out bond I had Pikachu use and Agility powered Iron Tail on the Pinsir, but it tanked the attack like it was nothing and clamped it's horns around the Scyther. As it tightened the grip on the Scyther it cried out in pain.

"Pikachu make it loosen that grip with a Volt Tackle!"

As Pikachu attacked the Pinsir growled in pain, though it let go of the Scyther. But there was a surprise for all of us. As the Scyther attempted to get back into the battle another one came flying out of the tree's with a vicious slashing attack. Pinsir used an attack that made it's arm glow to block the new Scyther's attack. For a moment the Scyther backed off, and I thought the two Scyther would work together but they started talking with each other.

But that's not what happened as the one that was protecting the eggs backed off and stood protectively over them with the newcomer joined Pikachu in battling the Pinsir. Despite never having seen each other before the Scyther worked surprisingly well with Pikachu. Between the two of them the Pinsir wasn't able to win and eventually backed off.

The Scyther that was battling with us turned to the other one and gave a sad cry before walking off, without a response. Because of how it was treated I ran after it hoping I could at the very least make sure it wasn't injured by the Pinsir.

I caught up to it rather quickly, and with Pikachu's help I convinced it to let me take a look. While I made sure it was okay I spoke to it.

"That was awesome you know. Despite the other Scyther not being friendly you stood your ground against that Pinsir. I have no doubt you would have won even without Pikachu and I. You're pretty strong."

Scyther didn't do anything at all as I spoke. Once I was finished checking it over it stood and gave me a polite bow. As it turned to walk away I asked it the question that had been on my mind since I saw the look of loneliness in it's eyes while I treated it.

"Hey Scyther, why don't you join Pikachu and I on our journey? I'm aiming to be one of the best trainers in the world. I could use a strong Pokemon like you."

The Scyther stopped in it's tracks and turned around. With a questioning glance towards Pikachu, the two began talking Pikachu quickly winning the Scyther over. It walked right up to me and very carefully grabbed my hand. Understanding what it wanted I placed my hand on it's head and created an aura bond with it.

'Hi there Scyther. My name's Ash.'

'Hello Ash… Are you sure I'm strong enough to join you?'

'Of course you are. Any Pokemon can become strong after all. But why do you think you're weak?'

'I was kicked out of the pack for being weak and getting injured… I'm not allowed back in the territory but while I was looking for food I heard that cry of pain and knew I had to help.'

'And you say you aren't strong. You ignored the fact you wouldn't be welcome and helped defend the eggs. That makes you stronger than most in my book.'

'But what about the fact I was kicked out for being weak enough to get hurt?

'Everyone has an off day… I don't think it's possible to go your entire life without getting hurt anyway.'

'… Thanks for your kind words. I'd like to join you and Pikachu.'

With a grin on my face I pulled out one of the safari balls. Scyther nodded to me and I captured him with it. There was no shaking, the ball instantly settled down the moment it closed. With a happy sigh I let Scyther back out and got it's permission to use my Pokedex on it.

"Scyther, the mantis Pokemon. It tears and shreds it's prey with it's wickedly sharp scythes. It will very rarely spread it's wings and fly. This Scyther is male. It's ability is Technician. It knows the moves Vacuum Wave, Quick Attack, Pursuit, False Swipe, Agility, Wing Attack, Fury Cutter, Slash, and Double Team."

After studying his moves I realized that most of Scyther's attacks were boosted by his ability. But without testing him I wouldn't be sure how strong he actually was. As I thought about it I noticed the time. Running for the entrance to the Safari Zone I decided to test him out in the morning before we set out for the Sea Foam Islands.

I made it back to the entrance just in time. Leaving the Safari Zone with Brock and Cynthia I made my way to the Pokemon center for the night. As we walked Brock asked me a question.

"So what almost made you late Ash?"

"Well long story short, Pikachu and I helped defend some eggs from a rampaging Pinsir. After that I caught a pretty strong Scyther."

"Scyther's a pretty fast bug type Pokemon isn't it?"

Cynthia asked sounding somewhat interested. Nodding my head I played the Pokedex entry for her and then listed his moves and his ability.

"Oh, that's a decent set up he's got. The problem comes in with versatility. He won't be very good outside of certain match-ups."

"I'll be testing him in the morning. After that I'll create a routine for him and start planning out new moves he could possibly learn to help fix that."

"Probably a good idea. You've got to know what his strengths are so you don't make the wrong move when training."

"Exactly. Now what about you two? Did you catch anything?"

"Nope, but I did find a Pokemon I plan to catch while I'm here."

"I found a Kangaskhan, on my way back from the mountains."

"Oh, Kangaskhan are pretty tough. That's a great Pokemon Brock."

"Yeah, but I'm wondering what Pokemon Cynthia found but didn't catch yet."

"I didn't catch it because I wouldn't have been able to. The water at the lake was pretty clear so I saw a Dragonair at the bottom, but it never came up."

"Wow! That's a pretty lucky find."

Brock and I spoke in unison after hearing what Cynthia found.

Eventually we reached the Pokemon Center. Brock was pretty tired so after we got our room for the night he went to bed. Cynthia and I weren't tired yet so the two of us sat out in the lobby talking for a while.

"I'm planning on sleeping in tomorrow. Being on the road for these last few weeks has worn me out. I probably won't be up on time to see you and Brock off. Would you tell Brock I said see ya?"

"Sure. I mean it's not like we won't meet again sometime. Not to mention I have your number."

"Besides, I'll be there cheering you on at the Indigo League."

It wasn't until she realized what she said that Cynthia blushed. I was blushing as well, but neither one of us said anything. After a while we had enough of the awkwardness and decided to go to bed. As I walked to the room Brock and I were sharing I felt a tug on my hand. Turning around I saw Cynthia had grabbed my hand, but I was surprised when she stepped in close and kissed me on the cheek. Once more we both started blushing.

"I don't know why I did that..."

She mumbled, before running into her room. I just stood there for a moment dumbstruck. Pikachu had to get my attention and remind me of the fact I was going to bed in order to get me to move again.

The Next Day

My morning was the same as normal, even when taking Scyther into consideration. While I waited for Brock I held a quick training session. But it didn't last long before Brock was ready as well. I told him about Cynthia wanting to sleep in and her asking me to make sure I told him she said that she'll see us later. I didn't mention the fact she kissed my cheek again since I didn't feel like being teased.

"Oh, I almost forgot you have Gyarados but you don't have a traveling saddle for her yet right?"

"She's not with me right now but I could fix that. You're right on not having a saddle. Is it important?"

"Kind of. I mean you don't have to have one, but it makes traveling on a Pokemon's back a lot easier and much more comfortable."

"Are you suggesting we get a saddle for Gyarados since we'll have to ride her on her back, to and around the Sea Foam islands?"

"Yeah. Luckily for us I heard that the guy who owns the Ditto Mansion makes them from commissions. So we can pay him to make one for us."

"Well since the Ditto Mansion is on the way to the shore line I guess we can stop there."

ON HAND:

1. Pikachu (m) 2. Riolu (m) 3. Golbat (m) 4. Charmeleon (m) 5. Espeon (m) 6. Umbreon (f)

TRAINEE FIELD RESEARCHER SLOT ADDITIONS:

7. Ivysaur (f) 8. Scyther (m)

AT THE RANCH:

1. Pidgeot (f) 2. Gyarados (f) 3. Beedrill (m) 4. Nidorino (m) 5. Muk (m) 6. Wartortle (f) 7. Gengar (f) 8. Growlithe (f)