Chapter 2: The Scared Krow

Ash can't face Brock. Not with Cerberus at least.

Cerberus is a strong Pokémon, there is no doubt about that. But he is also a fire type. And Brock's team for rookies is a Geodude and an Onix. Who resist him and their attacks are super effective against him. But he has a plan.

In route 2, at the other side of Viridian Forest, there is an entrance to Diglett Cave, that connects with Vermilion City, where there is another gym leader. That by itself should be hard.

Lt. Surge is infamous for being a ruthless Gym Leader. He specializes in electric types, and even if they hit hard, Cerberus should be able to handle whatever they throw at him.

But now, he must solve another problem... which is-

"Do you smell the exit?" Ash asked Cerberus who gave him a dry look. Ash sighed "I know that your scent of smell doesn't work like that, but do you smell anyone at the other side?"

Cerberus sniffed the air and shook his head "Hound."

Ash sighed. They had been in the forest for two days already, and night was coming. Again.

Defeated, he decided to mount camp, when he heard "Krow, Krow!" He looked up to a tree where there was a Murkrow smiling at him and waving a wing.

Cerberus growled, if this little pest is just like the annoying Spearows of before, he will not doubt to burnt it.

In the other hand, Ash was between excited and terrified. Excited because, it is a Murkrow! He loves them! In the other hand...

He pointed the Pokédex at the bird "Murkrow, The Darkness Pokémon. Feared and loathed by many, it is believed to bring misfortune to anyone who meets one at night. It is said, that if chased it will lure the pursuer into the mountains trails where it will get lost." Ash looked at the now... embarrassed Murkrow, beak open and sweating nervously, the Pokédex continued "This Murkrow is male and knows the moves, Peck, Wing Attack, Assurance, Brave Bird and Drill Peck and has the ability Super Luck."

(A/N: Cerberus has Early Bird)

Ash sighed "It would be awesome to capture you, but we are going to die now or something like that..." He lamented. Just like the Pokédex said, it is common knowledge that Murkrows bring bad luck during night, besides being Pokémons that enjoy stealing shiny objects and even attacking in packs. But this Murkrow...

"Krow!" He rushed to Ash and waved his wings in front of him "Krow, Krow!" He exclaimed and pointed at himself and nodded "Mur-Krow!"

Cerberus narrowed his eyes and growled "Dour..."

The Murkrow flinched and shook his head. It seems Cerberus doesn't trust the bird neither. "Krow!" He flew away, and returned with berries "Mur-Krow!" He offered them to Cerberus and Ash started to understand.

"Are you... trying to impress us?" He asked and the Murkrow stopped and sweated.

"Mur-Krow?"

'Is it working?' was what Ash suppose he said.

Ash looked at the dark sky. He hasn't seen any Honchkrow or more Murkrows. They usually move in flocks. If this one is alone, in middle of the Viridian Forest, looking for approval...

"They... kicked you out?" Ash asked and the Murkrow gulped "Your flock, I mean."

Murkrow looked down "Krow..."

Cerberus softened his glare. He walked to the bird and rubbed his head with his snout to comfort him. Ash went to his level "You don't like being alone I see." He smiled and petted the bird head. "You are welcome to join our pack." He smiled and Cerberus nodded.

"Hound!" He barked in agreement.

Murkrow looked at them and he started to cry in joy "Murkrow!"

After he was captured, Ash let him out of the Pokéball "So, want a nickname? Just like one of Cerberus?"

Murkrow nodded excitedly and Ash hummed "What about... Roc? It is a from a story I once heard."

Murkrow hummed and nodded "Krow!"

As Cerberus went to sleep and so did Roc. Cerberus laid next to Ash and Roc was on his shoulder. Ash was about to sleep when a nightmare woke him up.

What a surprise...

When Cerberus woke up, Ash was already packing "Hey buddy, ready to leave?" Cerberus raised a brow and let out a cry that Ash traduced to;

'Did you sleep?'

Ash chuckled "Don't mind that. Roc went to look the exit of this place." And just in time, Roc arrived, landed on Ash's shoulder and saluted with his wing.

"Muuur-Krow!" He said and Ash nodded.

"Great job! Show the way." And so, they followed the bird. But during the way, they were attacked, not by a Pokémon, but by a-

Cerberus pinned the kid to the ground and growled on his face "G-Get of me!"

Ash looked at the situation and that the kid was holding a wooden sword while wearing a... samurai helmet.

"Cerberus, let him go."

"Houndour!" Cerberus barked on his face as he walked back to Ash. The kid stood up and panted.

"Where you... trying to hit me with that?" Ash pointed at the wooden sword in his hand and the Samurai Kid stood up.

"I was about to challenge you to a duel!"

"By hitting me."

"Go Metapod!" Samurai Kid ignored him, as he sent a Metapod, that after looking at the angry Houndour (Fire Pokémon) and the now hungry Murkrow (Flying Pokémon) and let out a weak "Metapod..."

Ash gave the kid a dry look "Really? Did you see my team?"

"Metapod! Use Harden!" The Samurai Kid ignored him again and Ash sighed.

"Roc, Peck the bug."

Roc let out a shriek and dove into the scared Metapod, pecking him and knocking him out. "An impressive move, but can you beat my next Pokémon?" The Samurai Kid asked and Ash sighed.

"Let's finish this already."

The Samurai Kid sent out his Pokémon and it was-

"Pinsir!" The gigantic bug screamed and Roc gulped. Even Ash was impressed.

"How did YOU catch that?"

The Samurai Kid scoffed "It just shows the difference in our abilities. Do you surr-"

"Cerberus, use Ember."

"Houndour!"

Cerberus threw some flames from his mouth and the Pinsir fell just as they hit.

After that was done, they can finally leave this forest. Ash received some money and both Roc and Cerberus some experience. Now, directly too Diglett Cave and then to Vermilion City!

"You suck." Ash commented dryly after Roc knocked the Starmie and Cerberus bit the Psyduck of the girl, Misty.

Misty growled "No I don't! You... You just got lucky!"

Ash shrugged "Sure. Well let's go!" He said as his Pokémon followed. And finally, they left.

To Vermilion City now.

Next Chapter: First Badge of Many