Ash and Becky waved good bye to their friends as they left their home town.
Misty walked beside them, loving the feeling of the outdoors. The love
soon turned to dread as the forest came into view. "We have to go through
there again." She groaned. "And then through the Viridian Forest to."
"Unless you wanna ask Charizard to fly us straight to Pewter?" Ash answered, holding the dragon's Pokèball out towards her.
Misty paused, weighing the options. 'Travel through a bug infested forest, or get burnt to a crisp when Charizard gets angry at me.' "Alright, through the forest it is." She sighed.
Ash put his arm around her shoulders with a smile. "Don't worry, Pikachu and I will keep the bugs away."
As they passed through the forest to Viridian City, Becky met Ash's former Pidgeot. The bird presented all of his offspring, a few of which had managed to grow to the level of Pidgeotto, one in particular taking special interest in leading the group about, showing them the various training areas, becoming vocal on the girls' comments, specifically Misty.
Once they left the forest, Pidgeotto continued with them, occasionally flying ahead and scouting the area ahead and reported back which Pokèmon he'd seen. This was communicated to Ash by Pikachu, and through him, the group.
Becky bounded forward in excitement whenever a Pokèmon she hadn't caught was reported.
A few hours, and many Pokèballs from both girls, later, the sun set and the group decided to set up amp for the night. Only after quite a lot of coaxing, they got Pidgeotto to return to the forest with his family.
***
The next morning, Misty awoke fully rested. Her nightmares had seemed to take a break from its normal routine since her dream about her and Ash's future.
She spread her arms to stretch and was surprised when a weight landed on her left arm. She turned and saw Pidgeotto perched there. He began rubbing his head against hers. She laughed and pet the bird. She waved hello to Pikachu as the mouse approached and began talking to Pidgeotto.
"Pikachu Pika, pichu?"
"Geott, pigit pidgo."
"Pika! Pi pichu pika."
"Go, pidg pidgot." The bird answered, turning to look at Togepi, who was still asleep beside Misty's sleeping bag.
"Pika pi pikachu chu."
"Pidgeo. Pidget pidg o." Pidgeotto said and nuzzled Misty again.
"Pika!" Pikachu exclaimed and stepped back then turned and ran to his trainer and released Meganium.
"Meg." The grass type cried as she formed and prepared for battle. When she realized she wasn't called out for a battle, she turned back to Ash. "Megan?" She asked.
"Pikachu pika." Pikachu answered and moved back over to Misty, who was giggling as Pidgeotto's feathers tickled her face.
"Pikachupi pika pichu Pikapi." Pikachu told him angrily.
Meganium perked up and ran beside them. Meganium meganium mega." She said happily.
"Pikachu." The mouse said as he released a thundershock into the air. "Pikachupi pika Pikapi pi Pikapi pika Pikachupi." He told the two.
Ash stepped forward then. "Sounds like he has a crush on you, Misty."
"What?" Misty screamed and jumped up, causing Pidgeotto to have to take flight.
"Pika!"
"Pidgeot." Pidgeotto answered glaring at him
Pikachu caused sparks to jump from his cheeks as he returned the glare. Misty stomped her foot. "You two will not fight over me." She yelled, causing both Pokèmon to turn to her.
"Pidgeot." The bird answered angrily.
"Even if you did defeat Pikachu, I wouldn't leave Ash." She answered. When Pidgeotto continued to glare at them, Misty smiled up at Ash. She leaned up and kissed him softly. The kiss grew when Ash overcame his surprise and placed his hands on her back.
After a minute, Misty stepped back and smiled at Ash before turning to look at Pidgeotto. The bird had landed and now seemed to be crying. "You'll find someone who likes you eventually." Becky comforted the bird.
"Pidgo." He answered sadly.
"Why don't you continue with us for a day Pidgeotto?" Ash offered.
"You can even stay on my shoulder." Misty added.
Pidgeotto." He answered happily and tried to climb to her shoulder.
"Hang on." Misty laughed, gently pushing the bird down. We aren't ready to leave yet. We still have to eat breakfast."
"It's ready." Becky called.
Meganium and Pidgeotto talked quietly as the group ate.
"I think the Pokèmon will enjoy seeing Brock again." Ash said, watching Meganium and even Pikachu, who had put some ketchup on his meal, eat slowly. "Store bought food is getting bland to them."
He and the Pokèmon packed and cleaned up camp as the girls finished more slowly. The three set out, Pikachu on Ash's shoulder, Pidgeotto on Misty's while Togepi sat in her arms, and Becky's Magnemite floated beside her.
*****
They headed straight for 'PC Breeding', Brock and Suzy's Breeding Center upon entering Pewter.
"Hello, how. . . Oh Ash, Misty. What brings you here?" Suzy asked. "Brock's at the Pokèmon Center." She paused and looked at her watch. "And I need to go drag him away from Nurse Joy again." She sighed.
Ash, Misty, and Pikachu laughed. "We'll bring him back." Misty offered.
"That would be great. Whenever I get him, I have to close up shop and it takes about an hour to get back here." Suzy answered.
"Then when we get back, I'll have to teach you where to grab him. He can't resist when you pinch his ear." Misty replied.
"Thank you." She answered. "You have a Magnemite. Can I see it for a minute?" She asked Becky, guessing she was with Ash and Misty.
"Sure." Becky answered and directed the Pokèmon to her.
"We'll be back in a bit." Ash called as he and Misty exited the center.
******
"Hello Nurse Joy." Misty called. "Have you seen Brock?"
"Hello Misty, Ash. Yes he's right over there." She said, pointing to some chairs. There, sat Brock staring at the nurse.
Misty smiled at the surfacing memories and pulled out her mallet.
"Ow!" Brock cried as the mallet connected with his head. What, oh. Hello Misty." He said. "What are you doing here?"
"We came to get you." Ash said as he stepped up beside Misty, opposite her mallet.
"Do you need to be dragged away from Nurse Joy?" Misty joked.
"No. I just need to pick up the Pokèmon." He answered and stood up.
"No need. I already picked them up." Ash said and held out two Pokèballs.
"Thanks." Brock said, taking the Pokèballs. "Let's get back then."
*
"What brings you two here?" Brock asked as they walked down the street to their breeding center.
"We needed to train more and Becky wanted to try this league." Misty answered.
"Becky?" Brock asked.
"Yea, she traveled with us through Johto. She's at your breeding center with Suzy." Ash responded.
"So you found another traveling companion to keep you two out of trouble." Brock joked. Misty glared at him far a second and he shrunk back from her.
"We're here." Ash announced. They entered and greeted an empty room. "Where'd they go?" He asked.
"You don't think Team Rocket captured them, do you?" Misty asked.
"Naw. I don't know about Becky, but Suzy can take care of herself. Especially with the other Pokèmon here." Brock assured her.
Pikachu jumped off Ash's shoulder and ran to a doorway. "Pika." He cried and took off.
"Wait up Pikachu." Ash called as he and the others followed.
The mouse finally stopped in front of another door and stared in with wide eyes.
"Go ahead Pikachu." Brock told the Pokèmon as they arrived behind him. Pikachu wasted no time in running out of the humans' sight. Brock held Ash back when he tried to follow.
"Only Pokèmon are allowed in here." He told the younger boy. "It's a place for Pokèmon to relax. Maybe you two should release the rest of your Pokèmon and let them enjoy themselves while you stay here."
"All right. Everyone go." Ash called. Meganium, Quilava, Charizard, Noctowl, Phanphy, and Meowsty looked at him, awaiting his command. "Go. Have fun you guys." He told them and they all set out to explore, Meowsty only pausing until her mother joined her.
"Go Staryu, Starmie, Politoid, Totodile, Psyduck, and . . ." Misty paused as her Pokèmon formed before her. "What about Seaking, Brock?" She asked.
"There's a lake not to far from the door. I'm sure Politoid would take it there." He answered.
She nodded and handed her last Pokèball to the frog. "Take Seaking to the water, ok Politoid." He nodded and accepted the ball. "And take care of Togepi, ok?" She asked, carefully setting down the egg. "You listen to Uncle Politoid Togepi."
"If Pikachu led us here, then I think I know where the girls are." Brock said as Misty's Pokèmon took off towards the lake.
He led them through a maze of corridors prompting Ash to speak. "How do you keep from getting lost in here?"
Brock laughed. "For a while I had to have Crobat help me." He explained, lifting the Pokèball. "But I learned the layout before long."
"How come Crobat isn't in there?' Misty asked.
"That's where they go at night, but during the day, they prefer to stay with us. Especially this one." He said as he saw Vulpix bounding towards him. Brock kneeled down and caught the fox when she leapt for him. He stood back up when she began licking his face. "Alright Vulpix, I'm back." He laughed and stumbled down the hallway.
A few doors later revealed Suzy and Becky watching Magnemite. "Hey you two." Ash called.
Both jumped and turned around. "We didn't expect you back so soon. Did something happen?"
"Just this." Misty answered, holding up her mallet, causing both boys to step back in fear of her using them as an example.
"You'll have to let me borrow that someday." Suzy said, grinning at Brock's reaction to Misty simply holding it. Ash smiled and nodded while Brock cowered into a corner. Suzy smiled and convinced him to stand with a kiss as the three teens giggled.
Brock finally controlled his blush and turned to Becky. "You must be Becky." He said and extended his hand.
"Technically my dad is, but on slow days I battle sometimes." He answered. "We use the same Pokèmon, just different strategy."
"Then will you battle me?" She asked with a grin.
"Have Ash and Misty told you my strategy?"
"Not with Pokèmon." She said with a giggle.
Brock turned with a growl to Ash and Misty, and strode out. "Come on, we can battle on a field in here."
The five of them walked down even more halls until Ash caught sight of a trade machine. "Hey Brock, could you trade me your Geodude quickly?" He asked. "I would trade back right away, but my Pokedex doesn't have Geodude." Brock turned to him and smiled. "I would love to help fill that slot, but I don't have Geodude anymore." He said and led them into the room.
"What! What happened to Geodude?" Ash asked, worried for his friend.
Brock only continued grinning and held up a Pokèball. The Pokèmon inside escaped and slowly formed into a Graveler.
"How'd you get a Graveler?" Ash asked, confused be his friend's grin.
"Geodude evolved!" Misty exclaimed and threw her arms around Brock.
"Graveler." The Pokèmon answered and hugged Misty's legs.
Brock smiled as Misty stepped back after untangling her legs from Graveler's grasp. "Pineco evolved too I have Forretress, Onix, Graveler, Crobat, and I carry around Vulpix's Pokèball too, but she prefers to be loose, especially with all the Pokèmon we get around here. She's become a lot friendlier since she traveled with us."
"So. Do you want to battle first or trade?" Becky asked
"Since we're here we might as well trade." Ash answered.
"Ok. You still want Graveler?" Brock asked, returning the Pokèmon.
"Yea, And Forretress and Crobat, if you don't mind." Ash replied.
Brock nodded and they traded the bug and poison types with no problem, but when they traded Graveler and the rock exited the Pokèball, he seemed to struggle with something until Ash scanned him with his Pokedex. "What's wrong Graveler?" Ash asked once the dictionary was finished recording.
Graveler smiled and stopped struggling for a moment before he began to glow. "Golem." He answered.
"Somehow the trade triggered Graveler to evolve." Becky observed.
"Now my opponent is even stronger." Becky said, half angry and half pleased.
"Ready for that battle now?" Brock questioned with a smile.
"Sure." Becky answered with a smile. "I'll just have to try a little harder to defeat you." She grinned.
****
"I can't believe you defeated me with a fire Pokèmon." Brock groaned.
"Good job Flareon." Becky congratulated her fox.
"Vul." Vulpix cheered.
"Hey, you're supposed to be on my side." Brock muttered. "Well, you have defeated me. Here's your boulder badge."
"Thanks, tomorrow it's off to Vermillion City." Becky said, holding up the badge.
"You aren't heading to Cerulean?" Brock asked, surprised.
"Nope. I already have the badge from there." She explained, opening her bag and showing Brock the Cascade badge inside. "I battled Misty for it back in Goldenrod."
"And you probably battled harder to earn it too." Misty commented.
"Well then. We insist you stay the night here." Suzy said. "We have extra rooms for trainers and I'm sure we have lots we can talk about." She continued and grinned at Misty.
__________
Back on the road. The next chapter I think will summarize the rest of the journey through Kanto and possibly start the 'evil chapters' finally.
Disclaimer: See Author Profile
"Unless you wanna ask Charizard to fly us straight to Pewter?" Ash answered, holding the dragon's Pokèball out towards her.
Misty paused, weighing the options. 'Travel through a bug infested forest, or get burnt to a crisp when Charizard gets angry at me.' "Alright, through the forest it is." She sighed.
Ash put his arm around her shoulders with a smile. "Don't worry, Pikachu and I will keep the bugs away."
As they passed through the forest to Viridian City, Becky met Ash's former Pidgeot. The bird presented all of his offspring, a few of which had managed to grow to the level of Pidgeotto, one in particular taking special interest in leading the group about, showing them the various training areas, becoming vocal on the girls' comments, specifically Misty.
Once they left the forest, Pidgeotto continued with them, occasionally flying ahead and scouting the area ahead and reported back which Pokèmon he'd seen. This was communicated to Ash by Pikachu, and through him, the group.
Becky bounded forward in excitement whenever a Pokèmon she hadn't caught was reported.
A few hours, and many Pokèballs from both girls, later, the sun set and the group decided to set up amp for the night. Only after quite a lot of coaxing, they got Pidgeotto to return to the forest with his family.
***
The next morning, Misty awoke fully rested. Her nightmares had seemed to take a break from its normal routine since her dream about her and Ash's future.
She spread her arms to stretch and was surprised when a weight landed on her left arm. She turned and saw Pidgeotto perched there. He began rubbing his head against hers. She laughed and pet the bird. She waved hello to Pikachu as the mouse approached and began talking to Pidgeotto.
"Pikachu Pika, pichu?"
"Geott, pigit pidgo."
"Pika! Pi pichu pika."
"Go, pidg pidgot." The bird answered, turning to look at Togepi, who was still asleep beside Misty's sleeping bag.
"Pika pi pikachu chu."
"Pidgeo. Pidget pidg o." Pidgeotto said and nuzzled Misty again.
"Pika!" Pikachu exclaimed and stepped back then turned and ran to his trainer and released Meganium.
"Meg." The grass type cried as she formed and prepared for battle. When she realized she wasn't called out for a battle, she turned back to Ash. "Megan?" She asked.
"Pikachu pika." Pikachu answered and moved back over to Misty, who was giggling as Pidgeotto's feathers tickled her face.
"Pikachupi pika pichu Pikapi." Pikachu told him angrily.
Meganium perked up and ran beside them. Meganium meganium mega." She said happily.
"Pikachu." The mouse said as he released a thundershock into the air. "Pikachupi pika Pikapi pi Pikapi pika Pikachupi." He told the two.
Ash stepped forward then. "Sounds like he has a crush on you, Misty."
"What?" Misty screamed and jumped up, causing Pidgeotto to have to take flight.
"Pika!"
"Pidgeot." Pidgeotto answered glaring at him
Pikachu caused sparks to jump from his cheeks as he returned the glare. Misty stomped her foot. "You two will not fight over me." She yelled, causing both Pokèmon to turn to her.
"Pidgeot." The bird answered angrily.
"Even if you did defeat Pikachu, I wouldn't leave Ash." She answered. When Pidgeotto continued to glare at them, Misty smiled up at Ash. She leaned up and kissed him softly. The kiss grew when Ash overcame his surprise and placed his hands on her back.
After a minute, Misty stepped back and smiled at Ash before turning to look at Pidgeotto. The bird had landed and now seemed to be crying. "You'll find someone who likes you eventually." Becky comforted the bird.
"Pidgo." He answered sadly.
"Why don't you continue with us for a day Pidgeotto?" Ash offered.
"You can even stay on my shoulder." Misty added.
Pidgeotto." He answered happily and tried to climb to her shoulder.
"Hang on." Misty laughed, gently pushing the bird down. We aren't ready to leave yet. We still have to eat breakfast."
"It's ready." Becky called.
Meganium and Pidgeotto talked quietly as the group ate.
"I think the Pokèmon will enjoy seeing Brock again." Ash said, watching Meganium and even Pikachu, who had put some ketchup on his meal, eat slowly. "Store bought food is getting bland to them."
He and the Pokèmon packed and cleaned up camp as the girls finished more slowly. The three set out, Pikachu on Ash's shoulder, Pidgeotto on Misty's while Togepi sat in her arms, and Becky's Magnemite floated beside her.
*****
They headed straight for 'PC Breeding', Brock and Suzy's Breeding Center upon entering Pewter.
"Hello, how. . . Oh Ash, Misty. What brings you here?" Suzy asked. "Brock's at the Pokèmon Center." She paused and looked at her watch. "And I need to go drag him away from Nurse Joy again." She sighed.
Ash, Misty, and Pikachu laughed. "We'll bring him back." Misty offered.
"That would be great. Whenever I get him, I have to close up shop and it takes about an hour to get back here." Suzy answered.
"Then when we get back, I'll have to teach you where to grab him. He can't resist when you pinch his ear." Misty replied.
"Thank you." She answered. "You have a Magnemite. Can I see it for a minute?" She asked Becky, guessing she was with Ash and Misty.
"Sure." Becky answered and directed the Pokèmon to her.
"We'll be back in a bit." Ash called as he and Misty exited the center.
******
"Hello Nurse Joy." Misty called. "Have you seen Brock?"
"Hello Misty, Ash. Yes he's right over there." She said, pointing to some chairs. There, sat Brock staring at the nurse.
Misty smiled at the surfacing memories and pulled out her mallet.
"Ow!" Brock cried as the mallet connected with his head. What, oh. Hello Misty." He said. "What are you doing here?"
"We came to get you." Ash said as he stepped up beside Misty, opposite her mallet.
"Do you need to be dragged away from Nurse Joy?" Misty joked.
"No. I just need to pick up the Pokèmon." He answered and stood up.
"No need. I already picked them up." Ash said and held out two Pokèballs.
"Thanks." Brock said, taking the Pokèballs. "Let's get back then."
*
"What brings you two here?" Brock asked as they walked down the street to their breeding center.
"We needed to train more and Becky wanted to try this league." Misty answered.
"Becky?" Brock asked.
"Yea, she traveled with us through Johto. She's at your breeding center with Suzy." Ash responded.
"So you found another traveling companion to keep you two out of trouble." Brock joked. Misty glared at him far a second and he shrunk back from her.
"We're here." Ash announced. They entered and greeted an empty room. "Where'd they go?" He asked.
"You don't think Team Rocket captured them, do you?" Misty asked.
"Naw. I don't know about Becky, but Suzy can take care of herself. Especially with the other Pokèmon here." Brock assured her.
Pikachu jumped off Ash's shoulder and ran to a doorway. "Pika." He cried and took off.
"Wait up Pikachu." Ash called as he and the others followed.
The mouse finally stopped in front of another door and stared in with wide eyes.
"Go ahead Pikachu." Brock told the Pokèmon as they arrived behind him. Pikachu wasted no time in running out of the humans' sight. Brock held Ash back when he tried to follow.
"Only Pokèmon are allowed in here." He told the younger boy. "It's a place for Pokèmon to relax. Maybe you two should release the rest of your Pokèmon and let them enjoy themselves while you stay here."
"All right. Everyone go." Ash called. Meganium, Quilava, Charizard, Noctowl, Phanphy, and Meowsty looked at him, awaiting his command. "Go. Have fun you guys." He told them and they all set out to explore, Meowsty only pausing until her mother joined her.
"Go Staryu, Starmie, Politoid, Totodile, Psyduck, and . . ." Misty paused as her Pokèmon formed before her. "What about Seaking, Brock?" She asked.
"There's a lake not to far from the door. I'm sure Politoid would take it there." He answered.
She nodded and handed her last Pokèball to the frog. "Take Seaking to the water, ok Politoid." He nodded and accepted the ball. "And take care of Togepi, ok?" She asked, carefully setting down the egg. "You listen to Uncle Politoid Togepi."
"If Pikachu led us here, then I think I know where the girls are." Brock said as Misty's Pokèmon took off towards the lake.
He led them through a maze of corridors prompting Ash to speak. "How do you keep from getting lost in here?"
Brock laughed. "For a while I had to have Crobat help me." He explained, lifting the Pokèball. "But I learned the layout before long."
"How come Crobat isn't in there?' Misty asked.
"That's where they go at night, but during the day, they prefer to stay with us. Especially this one." He said as he saw Vulpix bounding towards him. Brock kneeled down and caught the fox when she leapt for him. He stood back up when she began licking his face. "Alright Vulpix, I'm back." He laughed and stumbled down the hallway.
A few doors later revealed Suzy and Becky watching Magnemite. "Hey you two." Ash called.
Both jumped and turned around. "We didn't expect you back so soon. Did something happen?"
"Just this." Misty answered, holding up her mallet, causing both boys to step back in fear of her using them as an example.
"You'll have to let me borrow that someday." Suzy said, grinning at Brock's reaction to Misty simply holding it. Ash smiled and nodded while Brock cowered into a corner. Suzy smiled and convinced him to stand with a kiss as the three teens giggled.
Brock finally controlled his blush and turned to Becky. "You must be Becky." He said and extended his hand.
"Technically my dad is, but on slow days I battle sometimes." He answered. "We use the same Pokèmon, just different strategy."
"Then will you battle me?" She asked with a grin.
"Have Ash and Misty told you my strategy?"
"Not with Pokèmon." She said with a giggle.
Brock turned with a growl to Ash and Misty, and strode out. "Come on, we can battle on a field in here."
The five of them walked down even more halls until Ash caught sight of a trade machine. "Hey Brock, could you trade me your Geodude quickly?" He asked. "I would trade back right away, but my Pokedex doesn't have Geodude." Brock turned to him and smiled. "I would love to help fill that slot, but I don't have Geodude anymore." He said and led them into the room.
"What! What happened to Geodude?" Ash asked, worried for his friend.
Brock only continued grinning and held up a Pokèball. The Pokèmon inside escaped and slowly formed into a Graveler.
"How'd you get a Graveler?" Ash asked, confused be his friend's grin.
"Geodude evolved!" Misty exclaimed and threw her arms around Brock.
"Graveler." The Pokèmon answered and hugged Misty's legs.
Brock smiled as Misty stepped back after untangling her legs from Graveler's grasp. "Pineco evolved too I have Forretress, Onix, Graveler, Crobat, and I carry around Vulpix's Pokèball too, but she prefers to be loose, especially with all the Pokèmon we get around here. She's become a lot friendlier since she traveled with us."
"So. Do you want to battle first or trade?" Becky asked
"Since we're here we might as well trade." Ash answered.
"Ok. You still want Graveler?" Brock asked, returning the Pokèmon.
"Yea, And Forretress and Crobat, if you don't mind." Ash replied.
Brock nodded and they traded the bug and poison types with no problem, but when they traded Graveler and the rock exited the Pokèball, he seemed to struggle with something until Ash scanned him with his Pokedex. "What's wrong Graveler?" Ash asked once the dictionary was finished recording.
Graveler smiled and stopped struggling for a moment before he began to glow. "Golem." He answered.
"Somehow the trade triggered Graveler to evolve." Becky observed.
"Now my opponent is even stronger." Becky said, half angry and half pleased.
"Ready for that battle now?" Brock questioned with a smile.
"Sure." Becky answered with a smile. "I'll just have to try a little harder to defeat you." She grinned.
****
"I can't believe you defeated me with a fire Pokèmon." Brock groaned.
"Good job Flareon." Becky congratulated her fox.
"Vul." Vulpix cheered.
"Hey, you're supposed to be on my side." Brock muttered. "Well, you have defeated me. Here's your boulder badge."
"Thanks, tomorrow it's off to Vermillion City." Becky said, holding up the badge.
"You aren't heading to Cerulean?" Brock asked, surprised.
"Nope. I already have the badge from there." She explained, opening her bag and showing Brock the Cascade badge inside. "I battled Misty for it back in Goldenrod."
"And you probably battled harder to earn it too." Misty commented.
"Well then. We insist you stay the night here." Suzy said. "We have extra rooms for trainers and I'm sure we have lots we can talk about." She continued and grinned at Misty.
__________
Back on the road. The next chapter I think will summarize the rest of the journey through Kanto and possibly start the 'evil chapters' finally.
Disclaimer: See Author Profile