Welcome back everyone! It's been a while since Master Quest: Adventures ended and I hope everyone is looking forward to the rest of Ash's adventure through the Johto region. With where we last left off, some adversity occurred in Goldenrod City where the Radio Tower was destroyed.

Ch 1: On The Road Again

"Mr. Giovanni, any thoughts regarding Team Rocket's message? They appeared pretty insistent in their statements," a reporter asked.

Ash leaned back on the Pokémon Center's couch, Pikachu curled up on his lap as Brock reached for the remote. Turning the volume up the group of four watched the news conference as the sound of footsteps alerted them to new visitors to the building. Thinking back to the last few days, Ash wondered if it could have been possible that Giovanni was involved in anything that might have led to these events. Even if he helped Kanto out as often as he did surely there was a chance he might have created an enemy or two.

"My only thought is the worry I have for the region of Johto and more specifically the citizens of Goldenrod City," Giovanni stated as he adjusted his tie. The words pulled Ash from his own thoughts and instead looked out the window. Construction workers could be seen, a few Pokémon alongside them as they made their way in the direction of the destroyed tower.

"To think that such a group of miscreants would endanger an entire city as they did is despicable," Giovanni admitted. His hands were clasped together, body shaking slightly as Lance nodded in agreement to that. A roar of questions began once more, though both men ignored them as Giovanni sighed out. "If they could hold a city hostage what else might they have planned."

"The League will not allow anything else of that nature to occur. It is with that in mind that I've personally been in contact with each of the Gym Leaders of Kanto and Johto to keep a watchful eye on their cities," Lance admitted as he leaned forward in his seat. His eyes were peering into the camera, Ash feeling a shiver run down his neck from the intensity. The Champion appeared upset from the situation, eyebrows furrowed as if he was sending a message to those watching. "To anyone thinking of trying anything be warned. We will not sit idly by."

"Now, Giovanni, what have you say in regard to their accusations of your personal self? Even your involvement in Celadon all those years ago," a reporter asked. Out of the corner of his eye Ash could see Dawn looking on in confusion. Though for himself, Brock and Janine they wanted to hear his answer. Scratching Pikachu behind his ear, Ash leaned forward intently as they waited for Giovanni to speak.

The Elite Four member rose from his seat, grabbing the microphone placed in front of him as he walked down the stage slowly. His head drooped, eyes stuck on the floor as his feet came to a rest. Leaning backwards slightly, he stared up at the ceiling before speaking.

"In a way, everything they said was true. I had an involvement with it all. From informing the League of Team Rocket's hideout to even my relations with Madame Boss, or as I knew her, my mother." He paused, placing a hand within his pocket before turning towards the cameras with a look of disgust. "For years I've spent countless nights staying awake, my mind questioning how I could have planned things better to avoid the destruction. To avoid all the unnecessary loss of life. And because of that I've spent the years since that incident doing all I could to help this region.

"And to those who worry I might have worked with my mother to possibly allow her to escape it's not true. She perished on that day and I have no doubts about that. I pray that these revelations don't create any distrust in myself, but I can't blame anyone who might want to distance themselves from me. Though to help rebuild my trust with the public I will be taking an indefinite hiatus from the League. It won't be long but just enough time to continue my humanitarian efforts. My lack of involvement has caused a snag in our plans to build low income housing on the outskirts of Cerulean City, I plan to head there soon and make sure progress occurs."

Giovanni made his way back to his seat, sitting down as he rested his head within his hands. Lance sighed softly at that as he leaned into his microphone. The man began to speak though Ash heard little of it, an annoyed grunt coming from Janine as those gathered looked at her.

"He's lying," she finally muttered out. Ash tilted his head in confusion at that, wondering if she had seen something they missed. Crossing her arms over her chest the girl turned towards Ash. "He's lying about believing his mother is dead."

"What makes you say that?" Ash asked as Brock turned the volume of the television down. For a moment Ash wanted to look back at the screen, to hear whatever Lance had said about Giovanni but he figured it was best to listen to what Janine had to say. "He looked pretty sincere about it."

"That's the issue. For someone who lost his mother that day he seemed pretty fine with it."

"He could have just come to terms with it all," Dawn added in, Piplup chirping from atop her head. Janine shook her head at that, as she stood up. Stretching lightly, Janine turned to face the group.

"Even if he did come to terms with his mother's passing, wouldn't he have shown a little emotion? It felt like an act, that he still thinks his mother is out there somewhere, but he doesn't want to scare the public," the Fuchsia City native explained. Ash found himself nodding in agreement, the thought making sense. How else would anyone have known about the connection between the leader of Team Rocket and Giovanni? It could have only been a few people besides Madame Boss and they would have been a part of the League.

"Even if that's the case, maybe he doesn't want her to know that he believes she's alive," Brock responded. A small timer went off beside them, Dawn silencing her Pokétch. "Perhaps the League is working on finding her current location. If she knew that then they might miss out on capturing her."

"Something just seems off," Janine replied. Ash stood up at that, tossing his backpack over his shoulder as Pikachu now sat atop his head. Brock followed his lead, standing up as well. The two boys looked over at Janine, the Fuchsia City native now standing there with her hands behind her back. Her eyes trailed off to another part of the Pokémon Center, Ash wondering just what she was thinking about at the moment. With a sigh her body relaxed, shoulders rolling forward as her arms swung from behind her body to rest at her sides. "Maybe I'm just being a little paranoid after everything that just happened."

"Sometimes it's better to be safe than sorry, or at least I'm always told that," Dawn joked as she stood up. Piplup hopped up next to her, the girl swinging an arm around Janine's shoulders as she smiled softly. "Besides, the League will handle whatever issue is out there right now. We would probably only get in the way if we worried too much."

Her Pokétch began to beep once more, the girl sheepishly silencing it again as her eyes darted up towards a nearby clock. Ash followed her gaze as he noted the time. Piplup chirped sadly at that, Pikachu jumping towards him as he patted the Water-Type on the back. A hug was returned by Piplup, a few tears beginning to form in his eyes. The hug was brought to an end as Dawn bent over to pick Piplup up, the girl smiling softly as silence fell over the group.

"It's that time isn't it?" Janine asked, Dawn merely nodding in agreement to it.

"Then I guess it's time we should head out too," Brock stated as he adjusted his backpack. Ash appeared to agree with that sentiment as he took the first few steps towards the exit. A few trainers passed by him on their way to see Nurse Joy, their eyes lingering on him as he swore they mentioned something about his battle with Whitney. "With the Gym here closed for a bit while Whitney helps fix up the city, it doesn't make sense to stick around."

"Still stinks I can't have a rematch until later though. Pikachu and the others were ready for a rematch and this time it would have went differently," Ash answered as the group exited the Pokémon Center. Pausing on the street corner Ash looked at the current state of the city. Gone was the Radio Tower that was once proudly erected over the city. Sunshine now flooded into the area, Ash shielding his eyes for a moment before pulling his hat down.

"I'm just disappointed I won't be able to see you win a Gym Badge," Dawn added in as they began to walk down the street. A few cars passed by slowly, traffic not moving as smoothly as officers guided it away from the construction area. A news van was set up just down the road from where the tower once stood, Ash listening slightly as they talked about the events that transpired there. He had been unable to see it, but apparently an explosion had taken place in the basement. Though he definitely felt the aftereffects of it as the entire building had been rocked.

"At least I got a signature from Angelica though! Zoey is going to be so jealous," Dawn continued on as she pulled the signed photo out of her bag. The item rested within her fingers, the girl smiling happily as Ash rolled his eyes at it. Janine likewise appeared uninterested in it though Brock stared at the photo a moment before diverting his gaze.

"There's really no way for you to delay heading back, huh?" Janine asked as Dawn placed the photo away. The group of four turned down a street, the sight of the station now entering their view.

"I wish," Dawn cried out exuberantly. Piplup chirped in agreement to the claim as one of his flippers slapped against Dawn's head. "Unfortunately my mom's expecting me to be back to help her plan for the Twinleaf Festival. If it wasn't so important to her I'd stick around a bit longer, at least until you had your rematch, Ash."

"Hey I'm sure we'll meet again some day. Besides, if the trainers are as strong in Sinnoh as you've been saying, I want to face them right now," Ash stated with a laugh. The group's pace began to slow down slightly, the stairs leading up to the platform now before them as a few people skirted around their small group.

Dawn was the first to climb the steps, her boots clanking down against the stairs as Janine and then Ash followed by Brock made their way up them. No words were spoken during the climb, the only noise being that of the Magnet Train approaching the station. Within moments it came to a grinding stop, the large locomotive now resting comfortably as its doors opened. A few passengers got off while many more boarded the transport. Dawn paused a moment however.

"Guess this is goodbye for now," she stated while brushing her hair behind her ear. The girl smiled weakly at the thought of leaving her new friends so soon. Ash however kept up a strong act, Janine likewise following his lead as Brock stood off to the side.

"Next time we meet I want to hear all about your Contests. Don't doubt yourself," Janine stated as she pulled Dawn forward, the two girls sharing a brief hug. A nearby employee made a call for everyone boarding to get on the train soon, a hissing noise echoing through the platform as a couple doors were shut. Janine released Dawn from their embrace before taking a step back. Dawn nodded at her words before turning towards Ash.

"You know, we may have got off on the wrong foot about Contests but maybe someday I'll have a chance to see you compete in one. You'll be a Top Coordinator in no time," Ash stated with a chuckle. Pikachu reached forward from the top of his head, tapping his paw against Piplup's flipper. Ash lifted his hand up slightly above his head, palm facing Dawn as the girl just stared at it for a moment.

"Sure thing. It'll be my way of paying you back for letting me watch a Gym Battle. I'll be listening for the results of the Silver Conference so you better win, Ash," Dawn stated as she planted her own hand against Ash's. A small echo occurred from the contact, the two friends laughing as they placed their hands down by their sides. Ash took a step back now, the boy standing even with Janine as Brock moved forward with a small bag. Dawn stared at it in confusion as the Doctor in training smiled.

"You'll need to know how to make Pokémon food that's both tasty and nutritious. And believe me, that store brand stuff might be cheap but it won't be the best for your Pokémon. Here's a few cans of my special recipe, I even wrote down how to make it so you can practice," Brock stated. Dawn grabbed a hold of the bag, the contents rocking slightly as she held them by her side. The girl opened her mouth to thank him before running towards the train.

Within seconds of entering the vehicle, the doors closed shut behind her. It didn't seem to bother Dawn however, Ash watching as the girl stood there waving as a hissing noise came from the Magnet Train. Ash and the others stood there despite the noise as their arms waved back to their slowly departing friend. Within seconds the train picked up speed as it soared off into the distance and out of sight.

With Dawn now out of sight Ash turned away from the tracks and made his way down the stairs once more. Pikachu leapt from his shoulder and dashed down the stairs first, his paws touching down on the concrete sidewalk as a few tourists rushed past him. Ash was right behind him as he jumped down the last few steps, his feet slamming down against the ground as Janine and Brock followed in a more controlled manner. The latter pulled out his Holocaster as Ash threw his hands behind his head.

"So where to next? Where's the closest Gym from here?" Ash asked as the group made their way towards the northern exit of the city.

"Best bet is to head for Ecruteak City. According to this there's a Gym there and it might help you with your project," Brock stated as he turned the device towards Ash and Janine. The latter eyed is sarcastically as her eyes moved from the Holocaster to Ash, the boy whistling softly as he tried to scroll down the page.

"Don't even say you're trying to get out of your project. Remember what Agatha said?" Janine asked softly. The girl looked defeated from Ash's attitude, the boy waving it off in a joking manner as they waited to cross the street. With the cars stopped, Ash hopped off the sidewalk and made his way across the street backwards, his eyes remaining on Janine.

"Yeah, yeah, I know," he joked. The back of his heel hit the edge of the new sidewalk, the boy stumbling for a moment as Janine reached out and grabbed his waving hand. Brock sighed at that, Ash thanking Janine before facing forward now. Off to their left was the Goldenrod Gym, a sign present out front stating that there would be no battles for the foreseeable future. "I know I have to finish this project, but I just don't have the desire to do it right now. Besides, I have until the end of summer to complete it so why can't we have just a single town to just relax."

"That doesn't sound like the Ash I know. You sure you're alright?" Brock joked as they passed through the northern gates. Travelers passed by them as Ash swore one of them looked like that Joey boy he saw face off against Falkner.

"He probably hit his head during the hostage situation. The Ash I know doesn't understand what relaxation is," Janine added in, the girl growing quiet as Ash playfully grabbed her by the hand. A smile rested on his face as he dragged her along, Brock giving chase as they ran down the side of a paved road.

"I know how to relax, I just prefer to keep moving! That way you're always doing something and never wasting time!" he called out with a laugh. He let go of his girlfriend's hand, breaking into a jog now as both Janine and Brock managed to keep pace with him easily. Pikachu scurried ahead as the paved road gave way to dirt and gravel.

The cars that had been frequent were now scarce, one passing by every so often as they bounced along the rocky roads. Gone were the buildings as trees towered over them now, the only sense of the large city behind them being the few lamp posts that lined the sides of the road.

Day quickly passed into night as the group continued onward, various conversations that ranged from Ash talking about his time in the radio tower to Brock mentioning his offer in Unova were shared as they eventually stopped for the night. Finding a grassy field Ash began to set up the tents for the night while Brock got to work on dinner.

"So what's the plan for Ecruteak?" Janine asked as she helped get one of the tents set up. Pikachu leapt from Ash's shoulder and towards a nearby bush. Ash raised an eyebrow at the action but shrugged it off once a couple of Rattata scurried out from it. They approached Brock slowly as the boy poured some food into a bowl for them.

The Normal-Types ate happily as the group's Pokémon made their way over to join them. Ash laughed at the sight of it as Hoothoot accidentally scared the Rattata by trying to sit on one of their tails only for Croconaw to lift Hoothoot up and carry him away.

"I think I'll use Pikachu and Hoothoot for certain at the Gym. Hoothoot definitely needs another chance, he's been frustrated since the match with Whitney," Ash admitted as they finished setting the tents up. Brock returned to cooking his stew as Ash sat down on the grassy ground. Janine followed his lead, the duo looking over at their Pokémon. "He might not be the brightest but he's got the heart of a fighter."

"So he's you?" Janine joked as she lightly punched at his shoulder. Ash pretended to be hurt by the comment but couldn't help but laugh.

The Pallet Town native was about to respond but a rustling from the bushes caught his attention once more. Pikachu likewise perked up at noise once more as a strange creature emerged from the bushes. A large, blue beetle stood before Pikachu now, its claws cupped together as it sniffed at the air. A long pronged horn emerged from its forehead while spikes were present on its arms and thighs.

"What's that thing?" Ash asked. Pulling out his pokedex he scanned the creature as it walked straight past Pikachu.

"Heracross, the Single Horn Pokémon and a Bug and Fighting-Type. Heracross are known for their powerful horns used to scoop up and throw their opponents. Usually docile, they tend to compete for food and their favorite is tree sap," the pokedex explained as Ash closed it and placed it back in his pocket.

Watching the Heracross, Ash was unsure of what the creature was doing as it marched past him and Janine pausing only to look at him before sniffing at the air again. Its attention turned towards Brock, a pair of wings emerging as Heracross took flight and headed straight for Brock's pot of stew.

"Looks like Heracross likes the smell of the stew," Brock stated as the creature picked up speed. Flying straight for the pot of stew, Heracross lowered its horn and took aim at the giant pot.

"Croc!" Croconaw grunted as he stepped between Heracross and its desired target. His feet slammed into the ground, arms raised as he was ready to stop Heracross from ruining the meal. Unfortunately Heracross was not to be stopped, its horn ramming straight into Croconaw and knocking him onto the ground.

"Heracross just pushed Croconaw over like he was a plaything," Janine stated as she stood up. Ash likewise jumped to his feet as he watched Croconaw glare at the Single Horn Pokémon from the ground. Heracross was now at the stew, sticking its head into the pot and eating the substance.

Croconaw stood back up, marching over to the Bug and Fighting-Type and pulling it out of the pot. Ash was now beside his Pokémon as the Water-Type stared down Heracross. Heracross dusted itself off before looking at Croconaw in confusion. Tilting its head, Heracross tried to step around Croconaw only to be pushed back against.

"Hera!" Heracross grunted, its arms waving wildly as the creature tried to get past Croconaw. Unfortunately the Water-Type would not budge, his arms pushing back against the outer exoskeleton of Heracross. The Single Horn Pokémon appeared to grow annoyed by its continued attempts to eat being thwarted. With a single grunt it lowered its horn down towards the ground as Ash tried to warn Croconaw.

It was too late however, the horn now planted in the earth beneath Croconaw's feet. Crying out, Heracross swung upwards as chunks of dirt flew upwards. Croconaw was likewise tossed backwards as his body slammed against the pot of stew. The pot tumbled over, the contents spilling out over the ground as Heracross moved forward once more.

"Croconaw are you ok?" Ash asked in concern. Pikachu scurried forward, cheeks sparking as he got between Heracross and the now spilled stew. The Bug and Fighting-Type sniffed at the air now, Ash reaching towards his belt as he tried to grab a pokeball.

"Don't tell me you're planning to catch that thing," Brock stated as Heracross's wings were spread once more. Ash nodded at the remark, his fingers now grasping the capture device. However, before he could toss it Heracross took off into the night sky.

"If only I was a little faster," Ash moaned out as he placed the pokeball back onto his belt. Kicking at a rock on the ground, Ash turned towards Croconaw as the Water-Type continued to clean himself off. A look of disdain sat on his face as Ash understood his frustration; Heracross had beaten him easily.

"That thing was pretty strong. It would have been a nice addition to your team," Janine added as she picked up the pot. "Unfortunately it would have eaten all our food."

"It pretty much did," Brock muttered as he looked at the stew that now rested on the ground. "I could make another batch, but then we would really be pushing it. I only bought exactly enough supplies to last us the trip from Goldenrod City to Ecruteak City."

Ash's stomach growled at that and yet he ignored it, his eyes instead looking off towards the woods. He wanted to chase after that Heracross but he knew better, especially with how late in the day it already was. Instead he took a few steps towards the forest that rested before him only to turn around.

"Guess we'll just be hungry tonight," Ash muttered, his words causing a shocked reaction from the others. He knew it was unlike him but all he could think about was catching that Heracross. Yawning, he made his way back towards the tents as he went inside it.

The night appeared to pass by for Ash, the boy falling asleep rather easily despite his hunger. The morning came quickly to Ash, the boy waking up and bounding out of his tent. Looking back inside the tent, he noted that Brock was still sleeping as he quietly zipped the tent shut. Looking around outside he noted that his team were already awake as they had begun training.

"You're up early," Janine playfully teased as Ash looked around for her. "Up here!"

Hearing that, Ash looked up at the trees to see the girl sitting on a tree branch. Following her lead, he climbed up next to her as a group of Ledyba flew past them. The sunlight expanded outwards as Ash watched Janine's Venomoth land atop her shoulder.

"Still thinking about that Heracross?" she asked. Ash nodded at the question, his hands resting against the branch they sat upon. Venomoth clicked her fangs softly, Janine petting her behind the top of her head.

"A little. Honestly I just wish I had a shot to try and capture it. Even if I failed then I could have said I at least tried," Ash admitted. Janine chuckled at his words, her head shaking slightly as Venomoth flew off into the trees. Casting a glance down below, Ash watched as Croconaw enveloped his body in an Aqua Jet before launching himself straight at Pikachu.

Reaching into her pocket, Janine pulled out her Pokégear. A smirk rested on her face as Ash leaned closer towards her and her device. A small map was present on the screen, a few markings flashing as Janine zoomed in on them.

"According to Venomoth and Crobat these three spots were where a few Heracross were spotted. If we hurry we might be able to run into it," Janine stated as she leapt down from the tree branch. Ash smirked at that news though took his time climbing down from the tree. Once his feet were planted back on the ground he turned towards his Pokémon. He called out for the group, only Hoothoot turning to look at him as Pikachu and Croconaw continued their training. They were too busy at the moment, Ash not wanting to interrupt their training. The lack of Celebi made Ash assume that the baby was sleeping still, Hoothoot still looking at Ash as it hopped on one leg. Without bothering them, he took off in the direction Janine had marked on her Pokégear.

"Hooo!" Hoothoot cried out, hopping towards Ash and Janine. The former slowed down, smirking at the Normal and Flying-Type as he lowered his shoulder. Hoothoot took the cue, leaping up onto Ash's shoulder.

"You want a chance to train too, huh?"

"Hoo!"

"See, he's just you as a Pokémon," Janine laughed out as she looked at her Pokégear. Pointing in a different direction, the duo leapt through a bush. Stumbling through the other side they came across a small stream, rocks lining either side as a group of Butterfree fluttered overhead. Down by the stream were a collection of Pokémon ranging from Rattata to Growlithe to even a Hypno as Janine continued to stare at her Pokégear.

Hoothoot leapt from Ash's shoulder and made his way towards the stream. None of the Pokémon were afraid of the Owl Pokémon, instead making room as he pecked at the stream. Water splashed up against his face as Ash turned towards the woods. Annoyed that the first location appeared to have been a bust, Ash kicked a rock off towards the woods.

A thud echoed outwards as Ash watched smoke rise up from behind the bushes. Quickly that smoke grew in thickness as the various Pokémon around them scattered about. The action caught Janine's attention, the girl walking slowly towards Ash. Caution was present on her face as the nearby bush started to rustle about.

"What did you do this time?" Janine asked, the smoke now disappearing as Ash just chuckled weakly.

"All I did was kick a rock, I swear!" Ash defensively stated. He waved his arms slightly at that, Janine holding back a laugh at his panicked nature. However, the rustling of the bush increased as a small creature leapt straight for Ash. Janine pushed the Pallet Town native to the ground, the duo rolling off to the side as the tiny, green pinecone bounced off the ground. Its body was smoking slightly, a glare directed in Ash's direction.

Not wasting time, he pulled out his pokedex and scanned the creature. "Pineco, the Bagworm Pokémon and a Bug-Type. Its outer shell is known to be made thicker by Pineco gluing tree bark to their bodies. The glue itself is made from a fluid they spit out. Usually calm, it'll self-destruct at the slightest provocation."

Shutting the pokedex, Ash watched as the Pineco glared at him. The tip of its body glowed white for a second, the energy dispersing as a shower of pins were launched straight for the young boy. He whistled for Hoothoot though the Owl Pokémon didn't respond. Instead he was forced to roll to the side, Janine already standing next to him as she offered him a hand.

"Between Fearow and now this Pineco I think it's safe to say you easily upset wild Pokémon," she joked. Ash frowned at that, dusting himself off as the Pineco began to spin rapidly, a silver glow surrounding its body.

"It wasn't on purpose," he replied before calling for Hoothoot. Looking at his partner, Hoothoot was too preoccupied with his reflection in the water. With a sigh Ash jumped over the approaching Pineco as he barely avoided the spinning sensation. That was when he heard a whistling noise come from Janine.

Within seconds Venomoth flew down from the trees, her antenna already glowing a mix of blue and purple. Pointing forward Janine called for the Psybeam as it struck Pineco and sent the Bug-Type into the air.

"How'd you do that?" Ash asked, Janine rubbing the back of her head.

"I may have had a bit of training with Maestro while you were off with Surge. I wanted to use it at the tournament back on Pummelo but never had a chance," Janine admitted. Pineco quickly recovered from the blast, spinning its entire body in the air as a liquid shot from its body. Sticking to a tree, Pineco used the now hardened substance to swing down towards Venomoth as it rammed its body into the Bug and Poison-Type before swinging back up towards the trees. Janine smirked at that, the Pineco narrowing its gaze towards Ash as he moved closer to Janine.

"Don't worry, Venomoth and I will clean up your mess," Janine stated as she swung an arm out. Venomoth took off back into the air as Janine called for a Bug Buzz attack, the Poison Moth Pokémon chittering her teeth together. The noise caused Ash to cover his ears, Hoothoot appearing to be the only one unaffected by it as Pineco's glue was ripped to shreds. The Bagworm Pokémon crashed against a nearby tree, its body rolling down the bark until it was planted on the dirt.

"Veno," Venomoth cried out before circling around her fellow Bug-Type. Pineco glared at the creature, Ash worried for a second as it started to spin. Shards flew from its body, Ash and Janine immediately recognizing it as Stealth Rock as Venomoth struggled to fly around the now floating stones. Forced to land, Venomoth took a rest within a nearby tree as Janine looked over the situation.

"Honestly it's a smart one," she praised as Ash scratched his head. He didn't quite pick up on what Janine meant but the girl snapped her fingers as Venomoth took off from the branch. The Poison Moth Pokémon spun around the Stealth Rock and got in close as she released a Sleep Powder. Pineco however began to spin, using the wind force to blow the Sleep Powder back up at Venomoth as the Poison and Bug-Type was caught in her own spores.

"Hoothoot we might need some help now!" Ash called out only for Janine to grab his shoulder. The boy looked over to his girlfriend, a look of deep interest on her face as she recalled the now sleeping Venomoth. Her face broke out into a smile as Ash started to realize just how she planned to solve this. "Don't tell me you plan to catch this thing. It isn't even a Poison-Type."

"Doesn't matter, its perfect for a ninja in training like me," Janine stated as she reached for a pokeball. Ash followed her gaze as he noted the glue that hung from the trees along with the Stealth Rocks; Pineco had created one giant trap that had severely hindered Venomoth's ability to dodge. Enlarging a pokeball, Janine kept her eyes on Pineco's movements as the Bug-Type started to glow with energy.

"Pine pine! Pineco!" it shouted in annoyance, spinning straight for them as Ash tried to budge Janine from her spot. Heat started to flow off of Pineco, its body glowing brighter as Janine could be heard muttering something. Ash didn't quite hear it, the hissing of Pineco's body making it difficult to hear as the creature was nearly upon them now. With one final shout the energy expanded from Pineco's body, Janine tossing her pokeball at that exact moment.

The capture device struck against the barrier of energy, pushing against it for a moment before managing to break through. Pineco had no where to go at that point, its body exhausted from releasing the pent up energy. The pokeball managed to strike its sturdy body and turn the creature into red energy, absorbed into the pokeball as it landed at the epicenter of the explosion.

Ash and Janine both dove to the ground as they felt the heat of the Self-Destruct against the back of their necks. From their position they watched the pokeball rock back and forth, Hoothoot now hopping over to them as the capture device came to a stop. A light "ding" echoed softly from the device as Janine walked over to it.

"Alright! I just caught a Pineco!"

"See, isn't it great to say it?" Ash prodded her as she nervously laughed. He had a feeling she hadn't meant to shout the phrase and it had just occurred in the heat of the moment. However, he wasn't going to pass up the chance to give her a hard time for using it.

"Though you did it wrong, you got to extend the arm fully while grasping the pokeball. Make it look like a triumphant pose."

"Does it really matter?" Janine asked, as she stared down at the pokeball. It was steaming slightly, the girl shrinking the capture device and placing it with her others. Ash folded his arms at that, looking away as she walked closer towards him. "Are you really upset because I did your little celebration wrong?"

"Of course not," he replied while staring at the forest. His eyes were scanning for any sign of Heracross being nearby but there was no telltale of its presence. Instead a familiar scent filled his nostrils as Hoothoot cried out happily. "It's just we came out here for Heracross and instead you caught yourself a new Pokémon and I got nothing."

"There's more places to search around here," Janine stated as she too started to smell Brock's cooking. That was when an idea popped into her head. Gripping at one of her pokeballs she tossed it up into the air as Golbat emerged in a flash of blue light. The Poison and Flying-Type flew circles around Janine until it rested on the underside of a tree branch. It hid itself from the increasing sunlight, Janine looking apologetic towards the Bat Pokémon.

"Think you can whip up a big gust of wind?"

"What's the plan?" Ash asked as Golbat took off from its perch. Flying slightly above them, the Poison and Flying-Type flapped its wings aggressively, Ash holding onto his hat as Hoothoot was knocked forward slightly.

"If we can't find Heracross, then we'll make it find us," Janine confidently stated, one hand resting on her hip. Ash was confused by the statement until it hit him. The smell of Brock's cooking had become stronger, the scent making it feel as if he was right there with them cooking. "That thing loved the smell of Brock's cooking so maybe we can lure it here with it."

"If that doesn't work we might be returning to our campsite with the food all eaten," Ash joked. Golbat came to a stop, panting slightly as it hung upside down once more. Janine thanked her partner for its work, returning it to its pokeball as the duo began to wait.

Time seemed to drag by for Ash, the boy pacing back and forth while Janine played around with the pokeball that housed her latest capture. She didn't dare open it, instead feeling the heat that emerged from it interesting. Ash watched steam emerge from it and wondered if Pineco was still letting off smoke from that last Self-Destruct. Stopping, he felt Hoothoot hop into his leg.

"Sorry, Hoothoot, didn't mean to stop like that," Ash laughed as a rustling could be heard. All eyes in the vicinity immediately turned towards the bush as a large blue horn poked itself out of the bush. Janine jumped off of the ground and walked towards Ash as the Heracross fully emerged from the bush.

"What did I say?" Janine confidently asked. Ash however shook his head, pointing at the creature's horn with one hand while pulling out his pokedex with the other.

"It isn't the same one. Look at the horn," Ash admitted as he handed his pokedex over to Janine. Staring at the creature, Ash noted that the horn was shaped more like a heart while the one from last night was nothing like that. Janine sighed at that, the Heracross in front of them looking confused as she waddled over towards the stream. "We managed to get one but not the one..."

His voice trailed off at the end, Hoothoot likewise perking up as a familiar noise filled the area. For a moment Janine looked at him like he was crazy until the scrapping of claws became louder. A slight murmur was thrown in every now and then, the big, blue beetle now walking out into the open as he cupped his claws together. His eyes were half open, a bit of saliva on his mouth as he sniffed at the air.

There was no mistaking it, that Heracross was the one he had been searching for. Planting a foot down into the dirt, Ash pointed forward as Hoothoot leapt in front of him. Heracross looked at them in confusion for a moment until he remembered Ash from the night before. A small smile crossed his tired face, only for it to vanish as he covered his ears from Hoothoot's Echoed Voice attack.

The soundwaves rocked Heracross's body, the Single Horn Pokémon being rocked awake by it as he shook his head back and forth. Slamming his horn into the ground, he launched chunks of dirt and rocks at Hoothoot as the Owl Pokémon rolled away from the incoming projectiles.

The other Heracross in the area huffed in annoyance, spreading her wings as she took off into the sky. Ash watched her leave, glad that the Heracross he was after still remained. And despite the attack it didn't look to be angered at all, instead merely sniffing the air.

"Here's our chance, Hoothoot, Peck!"

"Hoooo!" Hoothoot cried out happily. Hopping towards Heracross his beak glowed white, growing slightly in size as he prepared to stab his opponent. Heracross was unconcerned however, catching the Peck attack within his claws.

"Hera?" Heracross asked, tilting his head as Hoothoot struggled from within the Bug and Fighting-Type's clutches. His body squirmed as he tried to break his Peck free, frustration present on his face as his body began to glow white.

Blinking, Ash stared at Hoothoot as he slapped his wings. The white light died down around him, instead being expelled from Hoothoot's wings as it slammed against Heracross. The impact of the attack forced Heracross into releasing his grip on Hoothoot and allowing the Flying and Normal-Type to slam his beak into the outer shell of Heracross.

"I guess all that training paid off, Hoothoot just used Air Slash to free himself," Janine pointed out. Ash smirked at that, flashing a thumbs up at Hoothoot as the Owl Pokémon looked at him with confusion.

"Way to go, Hoothoot! Now let's focus on things with Heracross and then we'll continue training with the others," Ash stated. Hoothoot jumped excitedly, unaware of Heracross now behind him. The creature looked slightly annoyed from the two attacks, one of his arms now glowing a bright white as it swung down upon Hoothoot.

"Quick Reflect!"

Hoothoot waved his arms, the barrier appearing between them only for it to shatter upon impact. Shards of the barrier struck the ground, disappearing on impact as Heracross continued his attack. His arm smashed down upon Hoothoot's head as the Owl Pokémon cried out in pain. However, it wasn't just pain as Hoothoot released an Echoed Voice upon Heracross from point blank. The noise caused Heracross to stumble backwards, a look of annoyance on his face as his horn began to glow light blue.

Tears were present in his eyes, the Bug and Fighting-Type rubbing his stomach before vanishing. By the time Ash had found Heracross he was already striking Hoothoot with an Aerial Ace. The impact sent Hoothoot airborne as Heracross just sat on the ground.

Hoothoot fell towards the ground, his body glowing with energy as he prepared another Air Slash. Ash knew he was waiting for the command but seeing Heracross he couldn't bring himself to call for it. Instead he caught the falling Hoothoot in his arms, the white energy surrounding his body dispersing on its own as Ash placed his partner on the ground. With a slight sigh he adjusted his hat and walked towards Heracross, the Single Horn Pokémon looking a bit apprehensive at the approaching boy. His horn glowed white this time, Heracross lowering it towards Ash as the boy understood the message.

"It's alright, we're done fighting," Ash stated, hands raised before as Hoothoot hopped next to his side. Heracross ended his own attack, the horn returning to its natural shade of blue. Heracross sat there, hands still on his stomach as Ash got down on one knee to look at him.

"Sorry about all that, I didn't even think about how you might have felt," the boy admitted as he went from kneeling into a sitting position. Now opposite Heracross he looked at the Bug and Fighting-Type, the markings on his body showing the effects the fight had on him. "All I could think about was having a chance to catch you, sort of like how all you think about is eating.

"You know, I really love to eat too."

"Hera?"

"It's telling the truth on that one," Janine joked. Ash laughed out at the comment, Heracross tilting his head at the banter. Ash knew he didn't fully understand what Janine meant, though he hoped he would be able to show him. Reaching towards his belt, he grabbed ahold of an empty pokeball and placed it upon the ground. The object rolled along the dirt and grass, coming to a stop before Heracross as the creature stared at it.

"You're an incredible Pokémon, Heracross and I would love it if you'd come along with Hoothoot and the others. Together we'll be able to face strong opponents and grow. And of course you'll be able to have more of Brock's amazing cooking!" Ash stated with a laugh. Janine shook her head at the last part, though Ash knew it was the truth. While Janine had joked that Hoothoot was just like him, the same was true about this Heracross. It was a creature with untold potential though misunderstood.

Heracross looked at the pokeball before staring up at Ash and Hoothoot. The latter waved a wing at Heracross, the creature slightly thrown off by the action. Wanting to calm him, Ash grabbed ahold of Hoothoot and placed the energetic Owl Pokémon within his lap. The action seemed to appease Heracross as he returned to looking at the pokeball. After a moment the Bug and Fighting-Type picked up the capture device and sniffed it, a small smile on his face.

The smile quickly became infectious as both Ash and Hoothoot smiled in return as Heracross tossed the pokeball into the air. Spreading his wings the Single Horn Pokémon flew straight at the capture device and poked it with his horn as he was sucked up into the device. Hoothoot leapt from Ash's lap and attempted to fly up to the pokeball but only managed a couple feet off the ground. Instead Ash waited for it as he caught it in his hands, the device having already succeeded in capturing Heracross.

Extending his arm forward Ash happily exclaimed the capture of Heracross. "Alright! I just caught a Heracross!"

"So what do you think Brock will say?" Janine teased as she stared at the pokeball. Ash pressed the button in the center of the device, letting Heracross back out as Hoothoot happily approached him. Unlike before Heracross didn't appear afraid of the Normal and Flying-Type, instead lifting Hoothoot up and placing him atop his head.

Ash smiled at the two getting along so quickly, a bit of laughter escaping from his lips as he turned towards Janine. "Knowing Brock he'll worry about our supplies and then overbuy stuff when we reach Ecruteak City.

"But right now that doesn't matter, because with Pikachu, Croconaw, Hoothoot and now Heracross, we're going to win the Silver Conference!"

And that's the end of the first chapter of Loss. Sorry that it took a while getting it out but I just didn't have much time the past few months to really do much when it came to the stories. Though, now I've uploaded three times in three days (and for those who haven't read it, I recommend to check out Master Quest: Journeys as it'll have some little side adventures that don't fit into the main entries). But let's talk about this story, Ash and Janine both managed to capture new additions to their teams in the form of the hungry Heracross and the pissed Pineco so it'll be interesting to see how the two Bug-Types will adjust to their new setting. And of course, how will Brock handle the gluttonous Heracross being a part of their traveling group. I like to think it'll be interesting.

Thank you to everyone who read the chapter and supports this story. Please leave a review letting me know what you enjoyed and how I can improve the story.