A few days later…

The group found a small lake in Viridian Forest just a day away from the forest's exit and decided to go for a swim.

While Ash was in the changing tent changing into his swimsuit, the girls were outside of the tent changing into theirs.

"This'll be fun, right guys?" Ash asked the girls.

"Of course it will be. Being in water with all the Water-Pokemon is sure to be a blast!" Misty said.

"I agree. Maybe we can even find ourselves some new Pokemon pals while we're here," Iris suggested.

"That would be great! But…are you sure we should be going into this water? I mean, there's no telling if the water is even clean, right?" Dawn asked.

"Hey, it's not like going into this water will kill us, right? It'll be harmless to take a dip, right Iris?" Ash asked the wild child.

"It should be. I wouldn't want to add germaphobe to the list of annoyances I'll face with you guys, right Axew?" Iris asked as Axew nodded.

In a few minutes, everyone but Misty were in their swimsuits, ready to take a break from their trek through the forest.

"Alright! I've gotten changed and by now the girls should have changed as well. Let's go, Pikachu!" Ash cried out as he and his partner began to run out of the tent…only for Snivy to push him back with Vine Whip and Piplup with Bubblebeam.

"Hold on a second, Ash! We're not all ready yet!" Dawn cried out.

"Yeah! For some reason, Misty hasn't changed yet. And I can tell that she's the type to get angry if you see her naked. Just give us a few more minutes and we can swim," Iris warned.

"Actually, you won't have to worry about that, Ash. I can even get changed with you out here and you won't see anything," Misty said as she removed her outfit, her swimsuit being on underneath her clothes. "Tada! I'm ready!"

"Wait! You have your swimsuit underneath your clothes?" Dawn asked the red-head.

"Of course. I mean, I'm a Water-type Gym Leader and I'm bound to be in water a good amount of the time, so I figured it would be easier to have my swimsuit on at all times rather than waste time changing. Better than get seen naked by some perv while changing into it all the time," Misty explained as the other two girls and Ash blushed briefly.

"So, can Pikachu and I get out of the tent now? We really want to get to swimming!" Ash asked.

"Yes, you can, Ash!" Dawn answered.

"Perfect!" Ash said as he and Pikachu left their tent, only to start blushing in response to seeing how cute the girls looked in their swimwear.

"Is something the matter, Ash?" Iris asked the teen boy.

"Oh! I-It's nothing!" Ash lied.

"I doubt it's nothing, Ash. Your face is all red," Dawn pointed out.

"T-Then maybe I have a fever. But it's no big deal! I can still swim!" Ash lied once more.

"Oh, I get it! You think we look attractive, don't you?" Misty teased.

"N-No! It's not that! I-I just got distracted by a Pokemon!" Ash lied.

"I know you well enough, Ash, to know that that isn't the case. You blushed just like this the one time we shared a bath when there wasn't much water at my house during our sleepover," Dawn said with a mischievous grin.

"Don't mention that, please!" Ash blushed even more as Pikachu looked sympathetic and Snivy shook her head.

"Look, if it makes you feel any better, Ash, we won't judge you for finding us cute. It may even be seen as a bit flattering," Iris pointed out.

"Just don't do anything creepy or perverted and we'll be fine," Misty agreed.

"Well…Okay, fine. You three are cute. But don't get all big headed about it. It's not like it means anything. Now, let's just get to swimming," Ash admitted as he sent out his Pokemon and then jumped into the lake, with Pikachu jumping in with him.

"Okay then. Axew, you wanna jump in too?" Iris asked as Axew shook his head nervously, being scared of jumping in. "Oh, I see. Well, if you want I can just help you get into some shallow water until you feel braver," Iris suggested as she gave her partner a sympathetic look. Axew agreed to the idea and Iris placed Axew into the shallow end of the water where he could wade safely. Iris, meanwhile, joined Axew after jumping into the water.

"You know, having gotten used to the water over the years, I can dive into almost any pool of water gracefully," Misty claimed.

"Really? Let's see you do that," Ash challenged.

"Fine. I'll show you, Mr. Pokemon Master," And so, Misty dived gracefully into the water headfirst, popping up a few seconds later. "See? Graceful."

"Right…So, Dawn? You gonna join us or are you gonna sit on the sidelines?" Iris asked as Axew splashed her with some water.

"Um? Can I wait for a minute, please?" Dawn asked the wild girl.

"Seriously? You just wasted a few minutes changing into your swimsuit and you aren't going to jump in or even swim? Are you still worried about the water being hygienic?" Iris sighed in annoyance.

"K-Kinda. I know it's probably fine, but I don't want to take that risk yet," Dawn admitted.

"Are you kidding?! Why even bother changing then?!" Iris was annoyed.

"To be fair, Dawn has always been a bit worried about her health and being clean in the past. As annoying as it can be, I've done my best to be patient with her," Ash explained.

"Thanks a lot, Ash," Dawn grumbled, half accepting but half annoyed.

"If she doesn't wanna swim, she doesn't have to swim," Ash said.

"Uh huh. But she'll be missing out if she decides to stay on the sidelines," Misty said as she swam around the edges of the lake to get some exercise.

"I…guess I can give swimming in this lake a try. What do you make of it, Piplup?" Dawn asked her partner who was sitting next to her, longing to jump in and have fun. Piplup talked for a moment, leaving Dawn confused due to the language barrier.

"He's asking if you can please go swimming with him. He'd go in either way, but he doesn't want you missing out on this fun time," Iris translated as the others looked at her. "What? He really said that! I'm just trying to be helpful here."

Dawn laughed for a moment before deciding, albeit reluctantly, "O-Okay then. I'll go in. I need to get used to swimming like this anyway." And so, Dawn dipped a toe into the cool water. In a few seconds, she began to get used to the water and dipped the rest of her foot into it. Dawn, upon getting used to it, found the water cool and refreshing and eased the rest of her body in. Dawn swam in place for a few moments before her nervousness started to fade and she became relaxed. "This really is refreshing."

"See? The water won't bite," Ash reassured.

"Yeah! Once again, I turned out to be right," Iris gloated a bit.

"What's important is that Dawn took a big step towards getting used to swimming in lake water," Misty noted.

"Yep. Though, admittedly I still am a bit uncomfortable. But, for you guys and Piplup, I'll be willing to at least try," Dawn admitted as Piplup jumped in joyfully.

"Sounds good! Now, let's get to relaxing!" Ash cried out.

"Oh! Since I'm here, I send out…Buneary! Come on out and join us!" Dawn throws a Pokeball, Buneary materializes as she pops out and sees Pikachu, having hearts in her eyes as she does so. "Hey. Why are you looking at Pikachu. Are you…in love?" Dawn asked, looking a bit excited.

"Well, Pikachu, looks like you've got yourself an admirer! How does it feel?" Misty asks, as Pikachu looks awkward when Buneary nuzzles up next to him.

"Okay? So, this is happening. Well…I guess it's no big deal she feels this way about Pikachu. But maybe Buneary should calm down a bit. She does seem to be coming on a bit strong," Ash said as Pikachu nodded awkwardly.

And so, the group spent a good hour relaxing in the lake, spending the time swimming, resting, and, in Ash's case, taking some time to begin training his Pokemon to fight underwater in case it was necessary. Pikachu and Snivy did decently, though Metapod and Pidgeotto did poorly.

"This has been really fun, you guys. I'm really enjoying our swim," Dawn admitted.

"See? Kinda makes you feel silly for acting like you did earlier, right?" Iris asked half-teasingly.

"I guess…," Dawn said with a blush.

"By the way, I never did ask you three, but what exactly are you all after as Pokemon Trainers, anyway?" Iris asked as the others turned to her.

"Well…to be honest, I already said so earlier to these two…but I used to be the Gym Leader of the Cerulean City Gym. Being a Gym Leader was great! I got to meet and battle a variety of different Pokemon from across the Kanto region and sometimes from a different region entirely. Not only that, I had the best partners. Water-types are filled with so much potential and are as plentiful as the freeing water is," Misty began.

"Wow. Being a Gym Leader sounds awesome. I can't see why you'd give it up," Ash commented.

"Ash…," Dawn whispered loudly, not wanting her friend to be rude.

"So, what happened?" Iris asked.

"Well…as time went on, the job started to get a little stale and annoying. Battles were not as amazing on their own anymore. I still loved them and all my many Water-types, but I needed to find out the answer for myself as even I didn't know why. It was also in part for…reasons I don't feel comfortable fully disclosing. So, I decided to try looking for more Water-type Pokemon across Kanto and beyond. I hope to find myself on this journey and become an even better Gym Leader than I was before," Misty answered.

"Wow! Sounds amazing. But… are you even sure you can find yourself out here, Misty?" Iris asked.

"That's what I plan on finding out," Misty said.

"I guess next up is you, Dawn. What is your goal?" Iris asked.

"Well…," Dawn began.

"Just go ahead and tell her. I'm sure she'll understand," Ash reassured.

"Okay, Ash. You see...my mom back in her younger days was a Top Coordinator, having piled up victory after victory as one of the best Coordinators in Sinnoh and beyond. She eventually retired after a decade or so, having made enough in victory fees to do so and having wanted to start a family. At times, I wonder if my mom regrets leaving her passion behind, though," Dawn started to answer a bit somberly.

"Are you okay?" Misty asked.

"Uh...I'm fine! Anyways, my mom was my hero and I grew up loving Contests just like my mom did. For years, I've wanted to become a Coordinator and for me and my Pokemon to be admired and loved as successful Coordinators. I hope that one day I can match, or even surpass my mom as a Coordinator as well. It's my dream for those reasons," Dawn explained.

"Wow. That was kinda deep," Iris and Axew were surprised.

"I know, right? You know, I doubt your mother blames you or anything, Dawn," Misty reassured.

"I know…, but…nevermind. So, Ash, why don't you go and tell Iris your reasoning?" Dawn asked her best friend.

"Um, okay? It's simple for me. Ever since I was a kid, I've been in love with Pokemon. They always seemed cool and I have pretty much never had a reason to dislike any Pokemon at all. As I grew older, I watched countless battles on T.V., especially those of top Trainers like Cynthia and Wallace. I think I wanna be a master so that I can learn more about Pokemon and have fun and exciting battles with everyone I can! Though, honestly, I'm not entirely aware of my reasoning yet. I wish to also figure that out on my journey," Ash answered.

"Your reason sounds…fun, Ash," Iris noted.

"I have to agree," Misty said as she shook her head. "A bit childish and naive, though." Suddenly, Misty's stomach growled, causing the girl to blush in embarrassment.

"Well, I did see a tree filled with Oran berries a little bit down the path. Why don't you go get one?" Dawn asked.

"Um…," Misty was nervous for a moment.

"The berries should be fine to eat, Misty," Iris confirmed with Axew backing her up.

"Okay. I'll be back in a minute," Misty said as she got out of the lake.

"Anyways, it sounds cool that you three all have some goal in mind, even if you don't have all your answers yet," Iris said.

"Hey, I bet you have a goal as cool as ours are," Ash said.

"Yeah! Even if it isn't the grandest, it's still gotta be important to you," Dawn agreed.

"Yeah…right," Iris said awkwardly.

"Speaking of which, if you don't mind, what exactly is your goal, Iris?" Ash questioned.

"M-My goal…?" Iris nervously wondered what to say for a moment.

Suddenly, the group hears Misty scream from a bit away from the lake.

"Oh no! Misty could be in trouble!" Dawn said worriedly.

"Or she could have just seen another bug," Iris pointed out.

"Either way, we should still check on her!" Ash said as Pikachu agreed and Snivy opened her eyes from the sidelines. Ash, Dawn, Iris, Piplup, and Pikachu were quick to get out of the water while Snivy used her Vine Whip to grab Axew and put her back in Iris's hair. They ran in the direction they heard Misty scream from and upon returning to the path, saw her shivering in fear not that far away. "What's wrong now?"

"I think I see another bug! Gross!" Misty yelled.

At this, Iris and Axew comically fell as Iris shook her head upon getting back up. "Seriously? Could you maybe not freak us out unnecessarily next time that happens?" Iris asked, annoyed as Axew cried in agreement.

"Come on! Misty may have been a bit overdramatic…," Ash began.

"Hey!" Misty interrupted.

"But we should still treat her phobia with respect," Dawn finished. "Isn't that right, Ash?"

"Yes. You're right Dawn. Even if it can be seen as annoying, we shouldn't knock Misty for being scared," Ash agreed genuinely.

"Wow…thanks," Misty was kinda touched.

"I get that she has a phobia, but maybe she shouldn't freak out so much that she makes us think she's in danger," Iris said.

"I'd rather be in danger than be around more bugs!" Misty yelled.

"So, what was the Bug-type anyway? Was it a... COWterpie?" Ash joked, trying to lighten the mood. However, rather than laugh, everyone falls over at Ash's terrible joke.

"Ash? I know what you're trying to do, but please don't use that joke again. We agreed it was bad already," Dawn shook her head.

"Alright. I'm sorry," Ash apologized in annoyance.

"That's not funny! You know I hate bugs and I saw one right over there!" Misty yelled in annoyance.

"You mean right over here?" Iris asked as she and Axew walked over to the Pokemon in question…and saw that it was a small yellow worm-like Pokemon. "Yeah, Misty. That's so scary!" Iris sarcastically bit back as Axew spoke in agreement.

"What Pokemon is it?" Dawn wondered as she and Piplup walked up and saw it. It was…

"A Weedle!" Ash was happy to see yet another Pokemon he had yet to catch. He quickly got out his Pokedex from his bag and scanned the Pokemon.

Weedle. The stinger on this Pokémon's head guarantees that any attacker will get the point right where it hurts.

"I must say, for such a little guy, he looks like he could evolve into a dangerous Pokemon. It's got more than just a two inch stinger on top of its head, it's got a barbed one on its tail, too! Meaning that it has two sources of poison on its body!" Iris was amazed.

"Two stingers, huh? Now there's a challenge for us," Ash said.

"Why are you excited about a bug with two stingers? Make it go away!" Misty pleaded.

"Don't worry, Misty I'll catch him and we can all become friends very soon. I'm gonna catch it!" Ash cheers as he reaches for a Pokéball, but realizes his mistake before he makes it. "Oh yeah, I almost forgot! You have to weaken a Pokémon before you can capture it."

"You seriously were about to make that mistake again?" Dawn asked.

"Yeah! New Trainer or not, it sounds like such a kiddie mistake to forget a core basic like that," Iris shook her head as Snivy and Axew agreed.

"Yeah, yeah," Ash grumbled for a moment before returning to the matter at hand. "Let's go, Pikachu."

Everyone almost falls over in disbelief when they see Pikachu sleeping.

"So, Iris? What's the problem this time?" Dawn asked the young teen.

"You don't me to tell you that all the walking and swimming tired Pikachu out. He's just resting and will be fine in a little bit," Iris explained as Axew nodded.

"Well, at least I got Snivy, Metapod, and Pidgeotto to help me. This'll be a piece of cake!" Ash was getting a bit big-headed.

"Don't be too overconfident, Ash," Misty warned before she notices that the Weedle is right next to her and screams. "Don't just stand there, catch it!"

"Have no fear, Ash is here. Pidgeotto, I choose you!" Ash cries out as he sends out the bird. "Oh, Dawn, Misty, Iris, why don't you guys get your stuff? I'll stay here to catch Weedle," Ash suggested.

"Anything to get away from that disgusting Weedle!" Misty yelled as she ran off with Dawn and Iris not that far behind.

"Pidgeotto, Gust attack!" Ash called out as she created a mini whirlwind that blew back the Weedle. "That's the way to do it! So, Snivy, what do you make of our new friend so far?" Ash asked as Snivy shook her head at Ash's overconfidence. "W-What was that for?!" Ash demanded as Snivy said her name a few times. "Wait, what…?"

"She's saying not to be overconfident as you haven't caught them yet," Iris said as she and Dawn returned fully dressed.

"You know, Snivy has a point. Don't let your guard down yet," Dawn reminded.

"Fine. Pidgeotto, use Quick Attack!" Ash cried out as his Pokemon dashed at the bug. "By the way, where is Misty? Is she still changing?"

"No, she's maintaining a safe distance while Weedle is still here," Dawn answered.

"And…it's a wide berth," Iris noted as she saw Misty some distance behind them.

"This whole forest is crawling with slimy, disgusting Pokémon. I wish they'd all just bug off!" Misty pleaded in fear and frustration.

Suddenly, a young man leaps out of the bushes in a samurai helmet and points his katana at Misty. "HIIIIII-YAAAAA! Greetings, oh shrieking maiden. Are you by chance the Pokémon trainer who comes from Pallet?" The teen asked.

"No. That's not me!" Misty shook her head nervously.

"Alas, my search continues. I advise you to refrain from further shrieking while passing through this forest, unless your goal is to attract a horde of Beedrills," The man warned as he walked off.

"What a weird kid! I wonder why he'd be looking for a Pokémon trainer from…," Misty wondered as she gasped in realization. "That's Ash!"

Meanwhile, the Weedle charges with its front stinger pointed at Pidgeotto.

"Pidgeotto, watch out for its Poison Sting!" Ash calls out as Pidgeotto dodges in time. "Ha! Nice work! You're doing great, Pidgeotto! Now, use another Quick Attack!" Pidgeotto swoops in and knocks Weedle against a tree, stunning him.

"I'm surprised. Ash is doing better than I expected," Iris pointed out.

"Yep. He's always been practicing for when he could battle with his future Pokemon, looking for a way to improve his skills," Dawn confirmed.

"Yeah…," Iris said as she was feeling self-conscious thinking about Ash's apparent talent. "But he still is years away from my level. Right now, he's just a little kid that's begging for someone to help him."

At this, Ash yelled in annoyance, becoming distracted, "Hey! I can hear you! I can manage without your "help," okay?!" Ash returned his focus to Weedle as he gets out a Pokeball. "Okay, here we go. Weedle, I've got you now!"

"Greetings. Am I addressing the Pokémon trainer who comes from Pallet?" the man dressed like a Samurai asked as he approached Ash.

"I'm a Pokémon trainer from Pallet, but I'm a little busy. We can talk in a min-," Ash said, only to be interrupted.

"I have found you at last!" the Samurai yells out as he unsheathes his katana.

"Ash!" Misty and Dawn cry out in worry.

"Here, I'll help!" Iris said as she was about to approach the Samurai only for Snivy and Axew to try holding her back, with Snivy wanting to judge the situation before acting. Ash turns and sees the stranger point his katana at him.

"HIIIIII-YAAAAA!" The Samurai yells out.

"Uh…That sword doesn't scare me! There's no way you're stealing my Pokémon!" Ash yelled defiantly, trying not to be intimidated.

"I am no Pokémon thief. I'm not like those crooks from Team Rocket," The Samurai denied.

"Well then, you're also not going to hurt this rookie!" Iris yelled out as Ash looked annoyed.

I'm also not looking to do any harm!" the Samurai denied.

"Well, that's a relief," Dawn sighed as Axew and Snivy let go of Iris.

"You're not?" Iris asked as the Samurai shook his head.

"Who are you then?" Misty asked the man.

"I am Samurai. I am also shrewd, fearless, and completely invincible in combat. I have been searching the forest for you," the man explained.

"What do you want from me?" Ash wondered.

"Simple. A Pokémon match! Let us see who triumphs," Samurai answered.

"Of course," Iris said as Axew agreed.

"Okay then! We can do that! Just let me catch this Weedle over here and then we c-," Ash said before being interrupted.

"Uh, Ash. I hate to interrupt, but your Weedle is getting away!" Dawn gave the bad news.

"Oh no!" Ash yells as he turns and sees Weedle trying to escape. "I forgot about Weedle! I'll get it! Pokéball, go!" Ash says as he throws the Pokéball, but the Weedle escapes. "Pidgeotto, return!" Pidgeotto is recalled. "That Weedle only got away because you mixed me up. Same with you, Iris!"

"What did I do?!" Iris demanded as Axew looked a bit worried and Snivy tried to push Ash away from the others.

"Well, let's see, you interrupted me by insulting me even before this guy got here!" Ash accused.

"Don't blame your failure on me or this young lady! Your Pokémon handling is dimwitted and clumsy," the Samurai said.

"What do you know about Pokémon? I bet I can beat you in a Pokémon match blindfolded," Ash shot back.

"There is one way to find out," the Samurai challenged.

"Perfect! Now, bring it on!" Ash accepted the challenge…only for Pikachu to run in Ash's way. "What's the matter, Pikachu?" Ash asked as Snivy grabbed a mirror and showed Ash he was still in his swimwear. "Oh right! Just-let me change first, okay?"

"This guy is looking more like a rookie every minute," Samurai shook his head.

"Agreed," Misty said.

Soon, both combatants are ready to battle.

"If I remember correctly, battles do require for there to be a judge, right?" Dawn remembered.

"Usually, yes. These two could battle without one, but I don't trust Ash to not just make incorrect calls," Iris said.

"I heard that! Can you stop with the mean words and let us battle?!" Ash yelled.

"To be fair, Iris isn't wrong," Misty said as Ash gave a glare. "If it makes you all feel any better, I can try to act as a judge for this battle."

"I guess that solves the issue," Dawn said.

"This will be an all out three on three match! Each trainer will use three of their Pokémon and the battle will go on until either trainer has no Pokémon left. Samurai! Ash! Let the battle begin!" Misty ordered. "Am I doing this right?"

"Uh, I'd say you're doing splendidly," Dawn gave a thumbs up.

"I know which Pokemon to begin this battle with. Pidgeotto, do your stuff!" Ash cried out as he threw the Pokeball. However, as Pidgeotto emerged from the Pokéball, she was sprawled to the ground and panted out. "Uh oh."

"Ash, don't you know that you have to let your Pokémon rest once in a while?" Misty yelled.

"Well, I…," Ash began, only to be interrupted by Samurai.

"Only a novice goes into battle with a pooped out Pokémon! Your blunder will cost you dearly!" Samurai yelled out.

"To be fair, I did know that! It's just that I just got out of a battle with a Pokemon before now!" Ash pointed out.

"Ash has a point. Still, he's going to battle at a disadvantage since he has a tired Pokemon while Samurai has three well rested ones," Dawn shook her head.

"Correct you are, beautiful maiden! Pinsir, assume battle mode!" Samurai calls out as Pinsir materializes.

"Whoa! He's got a Pinsir!" Ash was in awe as he gets out Dexter.

Pinsir. This fearsome Pokémon uses its powerful claws to put the squeeze on its opponents.

"That Pinsir looks pretty tough," Ash said a bit intimidated.

"No kidding, that thing can lift things that are twice its own weight! Seeing that a Pinsir weighs 121.3 pounds, that means it can lift 242.6 pounds!" Dawn revealed as she read the Pokedex for more info.

"Geez! That sounds very tough!" Iris yelled out.

"It may be strong, but Pidgeotto can beat it! Pidgeotto, Sand Attack!" Ash yells out as Pidgeotto envelopes Pinsir in a cloud of sand. "Now, take to the sky Pidgeotto!"

"Looks like Ash is fighting smart, Iris," Dawn said as Pidgeotto got up high in the sky.

"Yeah. Taking to the sky to avoid Pinsir's attacks is a sound strategy. Still, Ash's Pidgeotto lacks moves to fight from afar. Ash will have to risk getting in close to win," Iris said.

"Pidgeotto, now use Gust!" Ash cried out as his Pokemon created a powerful windstorm that Pinsir tried to stand his ground, but was ultimately knocked down. "Perfect! Now, keep that Gust up Pidgeotto!"

"You can rely on one attack all you want, but chances are that won't work out for you. Pinisr, use Focus Blast!" Samurai cried out as Pinsir created and threw a blue orb at Pidgeotto.

"Dodge it quick!" Ash cried out in worry as his Pokemon dodged the attack. "Great job, Pidgeotto! Now, use Gust again!"

Before Pidgeotto could generate another windstorm, Samurai commanded, "That's child's play! Pinsir, use Seismic Toss!" And, much to the group's shock, Pinsir jumped up high and grabbed Pidgeotto.

"Oh no! Pidgeotto, use your Wing Attack on Pinsir!" Ash commanded. However, Pidgeotto was unable to get her wings ready for an attack as Pinsir spun in the air a few times. Eventually, Pinsir threw Pidgeotto onto the ground hard and knocked her out as Pinsir landed safely.

"Not surprised it's a one hit KO. What do you think, Dawn?" Iris asked Dawn.

"Well…, I guess if Pidgeotto got to rest before this battle then perhaps Ash could have won. He did have the type advantage after all," Dawn said.

"Unfortunately…Pidgeotto is unable to continue! Pinsir is the winner!" Misty gave the call.

Samurai laughs, before saying, "Your Pokémon is beaten!"

"Oh no. Pidgeotto, return!" Pidgeotto is recalled to her Pokeball.

"So, novice, are you ready to surrender? There's no shame in giving up to a superior opponent, you know," Samurai asked.

"No way, I'm just warming up. Metapod, I choose you, now!" Ash calls as Metapod materializes.

"Hmph. An easy opponent to beat. Pinsir, use your Focus Blast once more!" Samurai commanded.

"Metapod, use Tackle!" Ash called out. And Meapod Tackled into Pinsir, causing him some damage, but he still is able to get back up and prepares to pick up Metapod.

"Watch and weep as Pinsir crushes your Metapod in half!" Samurai says confidently.

"No! If Metapod doesn't do something soon…," Ash worries as he imagines Metapod being snapped in two.

"Ash, please call off Metapod. Not even a bug deserves this," Misty pleads.

"See? Even the judge agrees with me. Surrender now, and your Pokemon will go unharmed!" Samurai makes a proposition.

"Grr! I can't just give up. But Metapod could be seriously hurt! Wait…does Metapod know…I got it!" Ash realized something.

"This match is already won! Pick up Metapod and use Vise Grip!" Samurai gloats.

"Metapod, Harden, now!" Ash cries out as Metapod Hardens just as Pinsir picks it up. Pinsir tries to break apart Metapod…only for, right on cue, the pointy ends on Pinsir's claws to break.

"I can't believe It worked!" Iris was amazed.

"Well…Ash has always been a bit unpredictable. Plus, I've heard Metapod can use Harden to become tough as steel, so the move makes sense," Dawn said.

"Great! Now, Metapod, wrap this up with another Tackle!" Ash commands his Pokemon, hitting and knocking out Pinsir in one move.

"Pinsir is unable to continue due to injury and knockout! Metapod is the winner!" Misty makes the call.

"So, now who's the novice? I'm tougher than you initially gave me credit for, right?" Ash asked confidently.

"Pinsir, return! I'll admit, you aren't entirely bad at battling. But…I'll get you back from that lucky break!" Samurai said as Pinsir is recalled. "Pokéball, go!" A Metapod materializes.

"Another Metapod…," Ash noted.

"I guess we're going to see a mirror match. I wonder who will win," Dawn was curious and worried.

"So, this guy is a Bug-type Trainer then?" Iris said.

"Of course I am! Bugs have always been plentiful near my home town, so what better type to represent where I come from?" Samurai asks.

"Please never let me come near there," Misty pleads to herself. "Now, begin!"

"Metapod, Harden, like his!" Samurai commands.

"Metapod, use Tackle to attack Samurai's Metapod!" Ash cries out as Metapod does some damage. However, due to Harden, the damage is limited.

"Metapod, use your Harden again!" Samurai calls out.

"Metapod, attack with Tackle once more!" Ash calls once again, the damage being limited.

"Metapod, Harden once more!" Samurai yells.

"So…do you think Metapod knows any offensive moves yet?" Dawn asked.

"I guess not since he hasn't used any. I've heard that some Metapod can forget their other moves and be stuck with Harden," Iris noted. "Because of that, I have a feeling that we're gonna be here for a while."

Meanwhile, Team Rocket is wandering around the forest in a tank they made…

"I'm tired!" James complains.

"James, stop whining!" Jessie yells.

"But, Jessie, what's the point of dragging this tank around?" James asks.

"To protect us from Beedrills. Ever been stung by one? It hurts!" Jessie angrily answers.

"Hey, down there! Quit chattering! Get a move on!" Meowth yells from the top of the tank.

"What are you doing up there?!" Jessie demands to know.

"Why don't you come help us?" James agrees.

"Wish I could, but due to my height being only a foot and four inches, I'm riding lookout," Meowth excuses himself.

"Well, look out for this!" Jessie yells as she punches the top and knocks Meowth off the top.

Meowth screams and falls off. "Hey, wait a second! Come back! Meowth!" Meowth yells as he runs after the pair.

Meanwhile, the battle is still a standstill. Samurai still defends while Ash still attacks only for damage to be very little.

"Little more, Metapod!" Ash yells.

"Metapod, Harden at full power!" Samurai yells.

"We could be stuck in this forest for the rest of our lives. Boys can be so stubborn," Misty shakes her head in annoyance.

"Well..not all boys are stubborn," Dawn tries to defend.

"Just these boys," Iris snarked as both boys collapsed.

"You two are more hard headed than your Metapods! Since the battle hasn't changed for the last five minutes, I'll declare that the battle is a draw! Now, choose your third Pokemon and let's wrap this up!" Misty yells.

"But-," Ash tries to object.

"No buts! If you wanna be a great Trainer, you need to learn when to give up on a lost cause sometimes!" Misty yelled.

"Yeah! Stop being a stubborn little kid, Ash and let's move on!" Iris yelled.

"Hey! Why are you against me?! I was just having a fair battle when this guy brought out a Pokemon that can only defend!" Ash complained.

"I was just trying to wear your Pokemon down before sending out my third one! But…Novice, I'll return my Metapod if you return yours," Samurai made the deal.

"Agreed…," Ash begrudgingly decided. However, before he could do so, he hears something in the distance.

"Huh? Anyone else hear that?" Dawn asks. Right on cue, the sound Dawn hears, that being a buzzing sound, gets louder.

"Huh? What's that noise?" Misty wonders.

"I think I've heard this before. Axew and I know that this is…," Iris answered…only for a big swarm of Beedrill to start to become visible in the distance.

"It's a Beedrill swarm approaching us!" Misty cries out in fear!"