Author's Note:
Here it is, the third chapter of Hoenn and the introduction of a few new Pokémon. This is close to a filler chapter because nothing real plot related happens other than travelling and meeting new friends but it's a chance to get to know the new Hoenn crew. I will say, by the end of Hoenn, both Ash and Serena will have at least one Pokémon of every type. As last chapter was the first introduction to one of the rocket Pokemon, I'll say that each one has been decided regardless of their original trainer. Each will appear and go towards one of the main cast but don't think Serena will be getting all of James' Pokemon and vice versa. I hope you like each Pokémon they get this chapter; I've tried to make them stand out personality wise. Also, happy mother's day! May all mother's have a great day! Don't forget to vote in the poll and with that, let's begin.
Chapter three: Trouble within the Travelling Group
Serena smiled as she felt the warm Hoenn sun through the large forest trees. She was hanging back with May, as Ash excited explored, looking for Pokémon in the wild. While originally, they planned on stopping by Oldale town, looking at the map, they saw Petalburg could be reached quicker if they cut it out.
May also didn't seem to have an issue with the plan. She wasn't sure what to make of the new girl, she seemed nice enough, but she's hardly talked... to her, although she has been nice enough to Ash and even Pikachu. Serena knew she was fishing for a chance to travel with them before leaving Littleroot and knowing how daunting it can be to travel alone, she was happy to comply. Besides, Brock will join eventually so it'll be nice to have another girl with them.
"Hey Ash!" she called.
"Yeah," he smiled, turning back towards them.
"I forgot to show you, I made a new friend when shopping in Littleroot," she replied, pulling out the Pokéball, pressing the button in the middle, "come out and say hi, Cacnea."
In a flash of light, her newly caught grass type landed in front of her. He stood tall with a bright wide smile. Hopping around, he turned to face her and leaped forward, arms out. They wrapped around her with the spikes hitting her bare skin!
"Ow!" she cried out.
The cactus Pokémon quickly let go and landed back down on floor. His head hung low and his smile was replaced with a frown, "sorry, Serena. Again."
"I-it's okay, Cacnea," she tried to regain her composure, "I know you didn't mean to hurt anyone."
Leaning down, she carefully scratched the top of his head, careful not to poke herself on one of his spikes. He looked up with shimmering eyes, and a pure hopeful expression. Smiling, she glance back to see Ash putting his Pokedex away and walking towards them.
"Cool, a Cacnea," he beamed, "and a pretty affectionate one at that."
"Cacnea, this is my boyfriend Ash and his partner Pikachu," she explained, "and this is our new friend May. She just became a trainer today."
"Hi Ash, Pikachu," he mentally called out, waving towards them in a happy manner, "and May."
"Hehehe," she giggled, "sorry Cacnea but none one other's, other than me heard that. I'm the only psychic around here. But Ash is able to understand your native speech if you want to talk to him."
"Cac, Cacnea," he spoke up, turning to face Ash.
"Sure can," he smiled, squatting down, and scratching the top of his head. He looked around for a little bit before smiling, "this seems like a good place to set up camp, if it's alright with you guys."
"Fine with me," Serena smiled, "we need to have lunch anyway and I've wanted to start working on a performance between Murkrow and Cacnea."
"Wait, why are we setting up camp if it's just a lunch break?" May asked, "we still have time to make it to Petalburg before sundown."
"We do but there's no point in rushing it," Ash shrugged, "there's a gym in Petalburg so I would rather have a Hoenn Pokémon or two and not just rely on those I brought with me. Besides, stopping gives us time to train and prepare. You could even get to know your Torchic a little better."
May seemed to huff at that suggestion but she didn't argue. While Ash might've been oblivious to it, but it was clear as the Hoenn sky that she wasn't thrilled at the prospect of camping. Deciding she could speak about it later, they set off into their own tasks. Ash set up the campfire, using an electric spark from his starter to make the flame. He quickly set up the cooking utensils and began making the lunch, cheeseburgers.
While Serena took it upon herself to set up the tent they'd share. With Sylveon's help, it hardly took ten minutes but as she admired their work, the scent of lunch floating on the hot summer air, she noticed May stood off to the side with only her Torchic stood by her side... at least she let the fire type out.
With a sigh, she made her way over to the new trainer, "hey May. Do you need help setting up your tent?"
"Well, actually-"
"You do have a tent, right?" Serena asked.
"Yes!" she snapped, "my parents made sure I had everything beforehand. Tent, map ext."
"So, what's wrong?" she asked.
"It's just... I've never actually camped before. I thought I would've been able to skip from town to town and not actually have to," May admitted, "my dad would always take my brother camping and they loved it but."
"I get it, I prefer civilisation over camping any day," she replied, "but sometimes it can't be avoided. So why don't we get your tent set up."
Shadows flew over them, causing both girls to look up as a group of bug like Pokémon flew overhead with two pairs of wings, each. They had large blue eyes and black antennae with rounded tips. Their faces, underside, and four stubby limbs were grey, while the rest of their bodies were black. The main body of their wings became visible as they got further away, ascending. They were black with large, yellow markings, and smaller red and blue markings. The upper pair of wings were larger and had a line of yellow along the top edge, while each of the lower wings had a long, round-tipped extension on the bottom. As she marvelled at the beautiful bugs, slowly disappearing into the summer sky, Serena pulled out her Pokedex:
Beautifly, The butterfly Pokémon. One of the final evolved forms of Wurmple. Beautifly's favourite food is the sweet pollen of flowers. If you want to see this Pokémon, just leave a potted flower by an open window. Beautifly is sure to come looking for pollen.
"Wow, they sure were beautiful," she smiled, as she put her device away, "I'd love to catch a Beautifly."
"Same," May muttered, "for a Pokémon, that Beautifly is pretty cool."
She felt ashamed for using her powers to read May's thoughts, but she couldn't help it. Having received many different signals and stuff from her, she wanted to know exactly who she was dealing with. Maybe that's unfair because a single thought can show an entire person but what could she have meant by it?
"Anyway May, why don't we get your tent set up?" she smiled.
"Thanks Serena," she smiled.
Getting the tent out of her backpack, Serena began setting it up on a big enough to hold it. It appeared to be the same size as the one she shares with Ash, but it was red instead of blue. As the building came to an end, she couldn't help but notice that her and Sylveon ended up doing it on their own.
"Whose that Pokémon?" May asked, as they turned towards them.
In front of May was a small bug Pokémon which held some similarities to Caterpie. Its body was mainly red with a cream underside and face. It had large yellow eyes with dark pupils. It had one sharp yellow stinger on its head and two of them on its rear. It had a tall, erect, red spine behind its forehead and a similar, smaller spine behind that. It had small spikes running down the top portions of its body and five pairs of stubby white limbs. It was munching on a stray leaf, not really bothered by them moving closer to inspect it. She cast a glance at Ash, who had his Pokedex out.
"It's a Wurmple," Ash called out, as he put his device away.
"Wurmple?" Serena asked, "I'm pretty sure that was the Pokémon that evolves into Beautifly?"
"So that thing becomes a Beautifly?" May asked, "I want it."
"Then all you have to do is battle it and catch it," Ash shrugged, "it should be easy."
"I dunno, I've never battled before," she mumbled, "hey, I know! Ash why don't battle and catch Wurmple. Show me how it's done and then I could find my own and we'd have a matching pair."
"I guess I could," he mumbled, scratching the back of his head, "but since Serena wants one as well, maybe she should be the one to demonstrate."
"Sounds like a plan to me," she smiled, stepping forward and unclipping a Pokéball of her belt, "Murkrow, I choose you!"
In a flash of light, her dark flying type appeared and hovered in place, staring down at the bug Pokémon. Her wings glew white and beak followed suit, extending forward. She dived forward and smashed into the red Pokémon.
It went flying across the dirt as she looped back into the air. Looping around, she went in for a second dive.
A series of purple stingers shot up and hit her underbody. She cried out in pain, turning up and cancelling her attack entirely.
Wurmple pushed itself up and tried to shuffle away.
Her eyes glew and a night beam shot out in a zigzag pattern, with a red outline. It struck the ground behind the bug, sending them flying.
Murkrow dived once more with glowing wings. She struck the red bug head on and knocked her into the ground in front of Serena. Grabbing a Pokéball, she tossed it forwards and it struck Wurmple head on. Sucking it in with a red light, it landed on the ground and wiggled back and forth. After a few shakes, it stopped and dinged. Smiling at the sight, she walked over and picked it up. Letting her newly caught Pokémon out and scanned her with the Pokedex:
Wurmple, The Worm Pokémon. Using the spikes on its rear end, Wurmple peels the bark off trees and feeds on the sap that oozes out. This Pokémon's feet are tipped with suction pads that allow it to cling to glass without slipping
Type: Bug
Ability: Shield Dust
Hidden Ability: Run Away (Note: This hidden ability is currently locked)
Gender: Female
Nature: Relaxed (Note: This nature could change when/if this Pokémon evolves)
Move(s): Tackle, String Shot, Poison Sting, Bug Bite, Snore
"Nice to meet you, Wurmple, welcome to the team," she smiled, picking her up. The bug type smiled, curled up into a ball and fell straight asleep.
Smiling down at her new team member, she held out her device and recalled her to rest. She guessed the little one must've been tired after the battle with Murkrow and would need a rest. Turning towards her travelling companions, she noticed Ash was starting to dish up the burgers. Maybe once they've eaten, they can come up with a routine for Murkrow and Cacnea and maybe even Wurmple will want to join in.
Ash smiled as he sat down by the fireplace. After lunch, they spent the day training. Well he did and Serena spent it practising a showcase routine even if he didn't really pay attention, he wants to keep it mostly secret, so her actual showcases are that more special.
His honey-blonde girlfriend took the seat next to him and laid her head against his shoulder, wrapping around him. The orange flames bouncing off her skin in a mesmerising manner. Pikachu was lying down with Sylveon, the flames bouncing off their shining fur coats. Out in the dark, he saw Torchic running around like he was playing a game but sadly he was alone. His other Pokémon scattered around the campfire; his ground type jumped into his lap as he scratched him. While Granbull laid by his feet. Murkrow was roosting on a tree, barely visible in the night sky, as Hitmontop was busy punching another tree trunk. With her newest team member resting by her own feet.
May made her way out of the tent, dressed in orange jogging bottoms and orange, long sleeve top. Her pyjama's almost looked more like something you'd wear to workout in rather than sleep, but Ash didn't mind. It wasn't really any of his business. May took a seat on the log adjacent to them, using a stick to mindlessly poke the dying flames. He was about to speak up about how she should invite her starter over when-
A crash sounded to the side. Turning towards the source, they saw Murkrow lying flat on the ground, a face full of dirt. The branch she was roosting on, also on the ground, having landed on Hitmontop's head, who was pushing himself up, angrily.
"I guess you hit the tree a little too hard," she giggled, standing up to go and attend to her two Pokémon. He turned towards their new travelling companion.
"So, May," he smiled, as he watched Serena recall her two Johto Pokémon. Walking over to their tent, presumably to change into her nightwear, "what do you make of your first day as a trainer?"
"I dunno," she shrugged, "it's alright. Nothing out of the ordinary or-"
A Pokémon burst out of the flames in front of her, causing May to cry out in fear. Falling flat out on her back.
Bursting out laughing, as the floating Pokémon followed suit. Tears appeared in his eyes as he took in the Pokémon's appearance, it had a black robe body with two bones on its back. Its face resembled a skull and had a single red eye that floated between the eye sockets.
"Not funny," May gruffed. Pushing herself up, "that's the same Pokémon ruined my bike ride this morning."
"Don't be mean, May, he was just having fun," he calmed down.
"You mean you're not upset at the prank?" the wild Pokémon asked, "or the one where I cut a branch and made one of your Pokémon land on another?"
"That was you?" Ash asked, shaking his head, "well... that was in good fun so I'm fine with it. As long as you apologise."
"Fine," he rolled his single red eye, "wait, did you just understand me?"
"Yeah, but that isn't really important," Ash shrugged.
"Hey, I don't normally do this, but could I join you?" the Pokémon asked, "as your Pokémon, I mean. Nothing else."
"That's what I would've assumed you meant," Ash uttered, quirking an eyebrow up, "what did you think I would've thought you meant?"
"I just don't want any misunderstanding," the Pokémon replied, winking.
"He's very inappropriate," Pikachu pipped up, "I like it."
"Whatever," Ash shook his head, pulling out a Pokéball. Holding it out, "if you're sure you wanna join the team then."
The white-skull red-eyed Pokémon floated over and tapped the device. A red light engulfed him and was sucked inside. Closing up, it didn't even wiggle before dinging. Smiling, he pulled out his Pokedex and scanned the device in his hand:
Duskull, The Requiem Pokémon. Duskull wanders lost among the deep darkness of midnight. There is an oft-told admonishment given to misbehaving children that this Pokémon will spirit away bad children who earn scolding's from their mothers.
Type: Ghost
Ability: Levitate
Hidden Ability: Frisk (Note: This hidden ability is currently unlocked).
Gender: Male
Nature: Impish (Note: This nature could change when/if this Pokémon evolves)
Move(s): Astonish, Leer, Disable, Shadow Sneak, Confuse Ray, Will-o-Wisp
He put the device away and stood up. Lifting one foot up, he couldn't move his other foot and fell flat on his face. A red light flashed in front of his face as his newly caught Pokémon appeared in front of him. Laughing joyfully.
"That was also me," he admitted, "they say that comedy comes in hatrixs."
"Great..." Ash muttered, pushing himself up, "but you're a Duskull. That's cool."
"You had me touch your Pokéball and you didn't even know my name?" he gasped, "what sort of Pokémon do you think I am?"
"This is gonna be a fun, having other likeminded mon's around here," Pikachu added, receiving a feeler to the back of his head.
He caught sight of his girlfriend exiting their tent in her pyjama's. Sitting on the ground, he untied his shoelaces and silently recalled his team for the night, only leaving his starter out to cuddle with his respective girlfriend. Shaking his head, he entered their tent and began changing into his own nightwear. It only took him a couple of moments, but he was soon dressed in a black tank top and light blue striped shorts.
"Okay, I'm ready Serena," Ash called out to her.
She stepped inside and was in her traditional pink pyjama shorts and night hoodie. Walking over to them, she rolled a few Pokéballs into a pile containing her presumable team. She kneeled over him, as he laid on top of the quilt sleeping bag. Instead of the two sleeping bags being separate, one was laid on top of each other. He couldn't help but smile as she crawled over towards him.
"Hey," he smiled, placing hands on her cheeks, and pecking her lips, "today has been a crazy day. Hasn't it."
"Well you did face a fear in flying," she smiled, pecking his lips, "and we've started a new journey. Of course, it's been a crazy day."
"I can think of a thing or two to make it a little less crazy," he smirked, leaning in to kiss her once more.
"Mmmmhm," she hummed, slightly pulling away, "I like the way you think. But I'm too tired right now. Besides, didn't you get enough kisses on the flight?"
"When I have a girlfriend as pretty as you," he smiled, pecking her lips, "I can't think of a number that would ever be enough."
Her nervous giggle was adorable as she curled up on his lap. His arms wrapped around her as she snuggled into his embrace. With a light push, he was made to lie on his back as she adjusted into their typical cuddling position.
"Your real sweet, Ashy," she circled a finger around his chest, "but I think jet lag is starting to set in. I just want to rest and sleep."
"Sure," he smiled, rubbing his hand up and down her arm.
Placing a small kiss on her forehead. As they settled down, he closed his eyes and tried to enter a sleep. Serena's soft breathing was soothing, but her body heat radiated off onto him. The clothing rubbed against his skin, in a real uncomfortable manner. Why was Hoenn so hot, even at night?
"Urg, it's too hot," she pushed herself up. He pushed himself up with his elbows, he couldn't disagree with her.
"So, what should we do?" he asked. She pinched her lips together in a thoughtful expression.
"Well... I do have one idea," she replied, "raise your arms up."
Unsure where she was going, he decided to just follow through with her instructions. Lifting his arms up, he was shocked as her hands grabbed the bottom of his black tank top. She pulled it up and over his head, leaving him shirtless. He went to say something but was shushed as she placed a finger over his lips, and winked, causing his heart rate to race. Smirking at his presumably blushing cheeks, she unzipped her pyjama hoodie and slide it of her shoulders. He tried but not completely succeeded on focusing on her face and not the bra covered enchanting-
"STOP IT!" he mentally yelled at himself.
She scrunched his tank top up and slide her own head and arms in, rolling it down over her now covered body. Able to focus on her face and nothing else, he tried to swallow but his mouth was completely dry. He would've tried to say something but nothing comprehendible would've came out.
"Hehehe, what's the matter Ashy?" she giggled, "you've seen me in a bikini before. It's not really different."
"I-erm, s-should I get another shirt?" he stuttered.
"I don't think so," she whispered, leaning down, and rubbing her nose over his. Forcing him to lie down as she kissed him a couple times, "like you said, it's really hot. No need to get the extra layer on."
He closed his eyes and laid still, a little afraid to move as he felt her shuffle around into a comfortable position. With a hand placed over his heart, he bite his lower lip and hoped that she didn't noticed his increased heartbeat.
"Erm," a new voice spoke up, a cold sweat covered his forehead as he turned towards the source with his girlfriend following suit. May was stood at the tent entrance, "s-sorry for interrupting. I-I'll leave you be."
She quickly scuttered back out of the tent. He looked at Serena, and they it was easy to see she thought the same as him.
"I-I'll go and speak to her," he explained, leaning forward, and pressing his lips against her's.
He stood up and made his way out of the tent. Cool wind blew past, reminding him of his bare top. Ignoring it, despite the refreshing feeling, he set off towards the put-out campfire, where May was sat, mindlessly poking it. Taking a seat next to her.
"Hey," he greeted, "sorry about that. I can't imagine what you might've thought, walking in on that."
"No," she cast a quick glanced at him, but she quickly averted her head in the opposite direction. A tint of red entering her cheeks, "I get it. She's your girlfriend and clearly you make the most of that."
"Do you have something against Serena?" he asked.
"It's just..." she paused, "no. No, you'll think I'm stupid. I don't want to make it awkward or anything."
"I won't, May, you wouldn't believe half the things I did as a young trainer," he reassured, "we can't make this better, if we are going to be travelling together then we need to be able to speak to each other. It's what friends do."
"Promise you won't be mad?" she asked, "or just ditch me... or tell Serena."
"You want me to keep it from her?" he asked.
"It'll... make more sense when I tell you," she sighed, "and I will tell her... but when I'm ready."
"Alright... I guess that's alright," he sighed, "so what's the matter?"
"Okay, so," she took a deep breath, "I guess... after the training you help with, back at the lab. And how kind you were and how you invited me on the journey... I guess I became a little infatuated with you."
"You... did," he uttered, turning to stare into the charred remains of firewood, "but... you met Serena. A-and-"
"Look, I didn't do it on purpose," she cut him off, taking a deep breath, clearly calming herself once more, "a-and it started before she showed up. You were being so nice, with helping us a-and the only other person to be that nice before was Brendan..."
"So why not fall for him?" he asked.
"W-well... he did have a crush on me. Over the years we've known each other, he made it painfully obvious," she sighed, "b-but he's my best friend. I don't want to try something which might affect our friendship."
"So, falling for someone you just met... it's less put at risk," he replied, "I guess I can sort of understand that."
"I'll understand if you never want to see me again," she mumbled, "or travel together or-"
"I promised you, that wouldn't happen," he sighed, "and I don't think you did anything wrong. It's not like you could control those feelings... as long as you know I'm with Serena and nothing will ever change that-"
"Yeah, you made that perfectly clear when you was making out without a shirt," she replied, "it was like you was gonna takes her's off as well."
Ash felt his own cheeks burst into flames as the image of her changing in front of him appeared at the front of his mind. He really tried to force it out of his head and calm his nerves best he could. Taking a deep breath, he chanced a glance at her.
"My point is," Ash sighed, "as long as you know that those feelings you had aren't mutual and no matter how nice I am or what help I offer, you know that I'm not trying to hint at or imply anything in any way."
"Of course," she sighed, standing up, "I think I'm just going to go to bed. Goodnight Ash."
"Night," he called out. She disappeared into her sleeping quarters. Sighing, he relaxed in place before standing up. A black blur appeared in front of him with a spooky expression.
He fell on his behind and started breathing heavily. Part of him is going to regret having another ghost type. Shaking his head, he stood up and made his way back into the tent, where he saw Serena lying on her side, on top of the sleeping bags, proping her head up with an arm. Not wanting to disturb her incase she fell asleep, he carefully made his way onto the makeshift bed, lying on his back.
She rolled over and placed her head on his chest. A hand lowered down onto his chest. Part of him felt awkward and wanted to get another shirt on. As he tried to move away, her arm moved to the side and prevent him from moving, "don't even think about it."
"Erm, are you sure?" he asked.
"Definately," she purred, "and I think I'll be sending you out of the tent each night. Your skin is now cool and crisp, its really refreshing."
"Glad your enjoying yourself," he chuckled.
"Hmm, well I'm to tired to be embarrassed by your teasing. Maybe I'll be more with it in the morning," she groaned, snuggling in further, a yawn followed up as he cautiously wrapped an arm around her back, "nighty night, Ashy, love you."
"Love you too," he replied, a small but happy smile forming on his lips. He truly meant what he told May, he loves Serena and wouldn't trade their relationship for anything.
Serena smiled as she placed down the last of bowls of Pokémon. Her Cacnea looked up at her with a smile, which she returned. Standing up, she saw him sit neatly next to his chosen breakfast bowl. Both Ash's and May's Pokémon were making their ways over as well, as her boyfriend cooked breakfast over the campfire and their new travelling companion was setting out the fold up table.
Grabbing the Pokéballs off her belt, she released her Murkrow, Hitmontop and Wurmple. Her bird quickly soared over to the bowl of food left by her side, she still isn't the most sociable Pokémon around and is most comfortable there. While Hitmontop picked his up and walked off the blanket laid out for them.
She stood up and walked over to her boyfriend, she saw a pile of plates were next to him, two already have omelette's on them and he was sliding the third and final one onto the final plate. May was spreading out the different herbs and toppings out on the table. Grabbing the two plates that were already, she carried them over to the table and placed one in front of May, as she took a seat on the far side of the table. Keeping the other one for herself. Ash followed suit, with the final omelette, taking a seat next to Serena who was using a combination of white pepper, chieves and parsley to create her traditional Kalos inspired breakfast. It was one of the few meals that she kept over all her time since leaving the region.
"Alright, let's dig in," Ash declared, having not bothered to garnish his own omelette. Despite having the bigger appetite, he has far less refined tastes. Not that she minds, everyone can have their own preferences. Besides, he has made great progress in learning to cook.
"Hey Serena, it looks like you've got a visitor," May called out. She had added salt and pepper to her own omelette but not nearly as refined as her's. Turning towards her side, she saw her newly caught bug Pokémon carrying an empty bowl up to her, holding it high.
"Please ma'am, may I have some more?" her mental voice asked.
"You want more, Wurmple?" she asked.
"No, I asked for more so it would go to waste," she sarcastically replied.
Shrugging at the sarcastic nature, she reached into the backpack behind her and pulled out another can of Pokémon food. It was a plain flavour, which was what they only had on hand. Pouring it into the bowl, her newest team member began scarfing it down before she even finished... it was like she was feeding a Snorlax and not a small bug. She would've added berries on for flavour but obviously, the worm Pokémon wasn't too fussed.
"So Wurmple, tell me about yourself," she requested, turning back to her own meal. Using her ESP to communicate.
"Well I'm part dragon, I'm also legendary and able purify water by running on it," she explained, "and I don't like being asked stupid questions."
Serena sighed, returning to her own breakfast. She caught sight of the bug finishing off her breakfast, and yawning loudly, curling up into a ball for a nap. It might sound weird, but this almost feels like a brand-new experience, maybe because her and Ash befriend their captures beforehand.
"It's weird," May's voice brought her back to reality.
"What is, May?" Ash asked.
"It's just... you two seem to know what your Pokémon are saying, or thinking," she replied, "even last night with Duskull, Ash, it was like you was having a conversation with it."
Serena turned to look her boyfriend in the eye, silently asking if they should reveal their secrets. While one might think that May has a right to know, they only met her yesterday and they don't exactly want to scare her off or tell her only for her to go blabbing about to everyone they meet. Ash gave a small nod.
"Alright May, the truth is I can understand Pokémon," he sighed, "I don't know how but I've just always been able to."
"Oh," she replied, silently taking another bite of her omelette and swallowing it, "cool, I guess. What about you, Serena?"
"No, I can't speak Pokémon," she replied, her voice getting quieter with each word, "but if you spend enough time with Pokémon, the better you get at understanding them. So, it can feel like I can... sometimes, at least."
May nodded and resumed her meal, it seemed like that was the end of her questions. Breakfast quickly passed and they began clearing everything away, packing up ready for the road. As she finished placing the folded-up tent into the backpack, she looked over to see Ash chatting with his new ghost type, luckily it seems to be when speaking, the words said are running though the individual's mind.
"So Duskull, tell me about yourself," he encouraged, "I mean, according to the Pokedex, you're not exactly native to this part of Hoenn."
"Well, that's because I'm not," Duskull replied, "I lived in a big tower to the west. Then a storm hit, and it really knew how to blow a mon away... literally."
"Do you have to make jokes like that?" Ash sighed.
"Eh, it's funny. I would've thought a guy travelling with two ladies would appreciate it more," the ghost type shrugged, "but if you're having trouble with 'em, then I can always give ya some tips... then again, I guess you're the one that wants to give the tips, aye. Or the whole thing, I'm not one to judge."
"Stop it!" Ash cried out, his face bursting into flames.
Giggling at her boyfriend's reaction, she decided to leave them in peace. She knew all too well what embarrassment ghost types could cause and while he doesn't seem nearly as bad as her Gengar back in Pallet, its best she doesn't let his innuendo's causing too much mayhem. It seems all in good fun.
With everything packed up, she went out and found her team. Wurmple was still fast asleep so she silently recalled her to the Pokéball. Sylveon was spending time with Pikachu, so she left her knowing they'd probably like to walk together. Cacnea seemed to have made friends with both Phanpy and Granbull, as three happy-go-lucky Pokémon. She also quickly made her way over to recall both Murkrow and Hitmontop. Soon almost everyone was ready to go.
"Hey guys, look," May called out, "it's another Wurmple."
Turning around, she saw another Wurmple crawling across the ground. It looked around, clearly seeing the large group but unlike her's, this one narrowed its eyes and seemed ready for a battle. May stepped forward, grabbing the bug types attention.
"Alright May, this is your chance to catch your own," Ash smiled.
"Okay May, just like you saw yesterday," Serena called out, "you just need to battle and you're in luck because Torchic has a good advantage over Wurmple."
"But Ash didn't battle his Duskull," she replied.
"That's because Duskull asked to join," Ash replied, "so it doesn't work out that way."
"Alright," she sighed, pulling out her Pokéball and held it out, pressing the middle button, her starter appeared in a flash of light, "go Torchic!"
May's fire type landed on the ground. Scrapping his foot across the ground. Almost instantly, he charged forward with his beak glowing white and extending out. It was almost funny how energetic he was, it reminded Serena of her boyfriend's battling spirit.
He dived towards the wild bug type, who rolled to the side. Torchic smashed into the dirt as his beak returned to normal.
With Wurmple rolling back onto its legs, it shot a barrage of purple stingers out of its stinger. It struck the chick Pokémon in the side.
"What do we do?" she asked.
"You need to get Torchic to safety," Serena instructed, "either find him cover or use an attack to counter it."
"Erm, okay," she took a deep breath, "Torchic, get back up."
Struggling back to his feet, her starter continued to wince as the poison stings struck his back. He began running around in a circle, clearly panicking.
"What?!" May cried out, "but Pikachu didn't do that when he faced the three of us yesterday. He acted all quick and Ash hardly said anything to him."
"That's because he's already really experienced," Ash called out, "just like trainers have different experience levels, each Pokémon does as well."
Wurmple ended trying to hit a its poison stinger barrage and shot out a thick string out instead. It struck the ground and created a big pool. May's fire type struck to the ground, coming to a straight stop and face planting the string shot.
The worm Pokémon ended the attack and launched another set of poison stings towards him. May's eyes widened and looked towards her two friends.
"Have Torchic use ember!" Ash called out, "it should burn away the string and help create cover for him!"
"You heard him, Torchic!" May called out, "use Amber!"
May's fire starter deadpanned as he turned back towards her.
"Ember," Serena mutter, covering her eyes with her hand.
"Right," she mareepishly replied, turning back to the battle, "use Ember!"
Torchic groaned as he struggled from the stuck position. A flick of flames appeared as the flames appeared around him. A wildfire engulfed him from sight as it expanded out across the string pool. A small shadow could be seen within the flames, as her friend's starter stood tall.
He dived forward out of the flames, his beak extended and white. Smashing into the bug type, both went rolling across the ground.
The fire type struggled back to his feet as their opponent shot out another string shot. This one hit a branch and he launched up into the air.
"Torchic! What's wrong?!" May cried out.
"It looks like he's been poisoned," Ash called out, "it's a side effect off being hit with poison sting."
A shower of poison stingers flew down from the tree, covering the fire type. He rolled around on the ground, crying out in pain.
"What should I do?!" May asked.
Torchic cried out and ran around. He launched a spew of embers out around him.
"You need to end it quick before Torchic succumbs to the poison," Ash suggested, "get in close and go all-out attack."
May's fire starter must've heard, skidding to a stop, he aimed the embers upwards. They struck the branch that Wurmple was perched on.
Falling down to the ground, Torchic, panting heavily, charged forward. Making another dive, his beak extended out in another peck. Slamming into his opponent, he wrapped the glowing mouth around and grabbed the worm Pokémon. Spinning in the air, his back hit the tree truck as a series of fire balls shot out, taking the pure bug type with it.
Wurmple, burnt and scratched, rolled onto the once burning string pool. Barely moving as, it tried to stand back up.
"May! Use a Pokéball now!" Serena cried out.
Her new friend pulled out a Pokéball and tossed it across the makeshift field. Striking the downed bug, it was sucked inside with a red light. Landing on the ash covered ground, it weakly wiggled back and forth a few times before coming to a stop and dinging.
"I... I did it," May uttered, her out of it expression morphing into one of pure joy, "I did it! I caught a Wurmple!"
She charged out over the mostly destroyed grass patch, quickly picking up the device holding her first caught Pokémon. Her eyes seemed to shimmer at the sight as she continued to cheer for herself, rubbing the red and white device against her cheek.
Serena smiled, remembering the joy she felt after first capturing Weedle, all the way back in Viridian forest. It's almost fate that their new friend in Hoenn would catch a similar bug Pokémon as her first. Walking over to them, she offered a clap of support, "why don't you check it out with your Pokedex, May."
"Of course," she beamed, quickly pulling out her device. Using the encyclopaedia, she scanned her newly caught worm Pokémon:
Wurmple, The Worm Pokémon. Wurmple is targeted by Swellow as prey. This Pokémon will try to resist by pointing the spikes on its rear at the attacking predator. It will weaken the foe by leaking poison from the spikes.
Type: Bug
Ability: Shield Dust
Hidden Ability: Run Away (Note: This hidden ability is currently unlocked)
Gender: Female
Nature: Hasty (Note: This nature could change when/if this Pokémon evolves)
Move(s): Tackle, String Shot, Poison Sting,
"Congratulations, May," Ash added, as he approached to, carrying her nearly fainted Torchic, "but don't forget this little guy. He did all the hard stuff and could really use some help after the hard-fought battle."
"Yes! Yes," she cried out, putting the Pokedex back into her pocket and clipping Wurmple's Pokéball onto her belt. She walked over to him and took her fire starter into her arms. A purple mark over his beak could be seen as his eyes were barely open, "thank you for that, Torchic."
"Here May, give him these," Serena offered, pulling out some peacha berries and a potion bottle out of her bag, "the berries will help with his poison and the spray, while it'll sting, should help with restoring energy and helping to heal off the superficial damage."
"Superficial damage?" May asked, feeding her starter the pink berries like a mother feeding their child.
"Right," Ash stepped forward, "in battles, Pokémon get hurt. Cuts and bruises are superficial and heal pretty quickly. The potions are generalised medicine that help them recover faster. Berries and other medicines can help with more element conditions, whether poison, like now, burns, paralysis or some other status condition. We tend to carry berries for those conditions instead of the medicine because they taste better, and the Pokémon prefer it... mostly."
"How did you both come to know all this?" May asked.
"We travelled with another trainer called Brock," Serena explained, "he's actually got plans to meet back up with us in Hoenn. Once he's sorted out his family stuff back home. He's an amazing breeder and helped both myself and Ash out a lot when we first became trainers. He's also decided to start specialising in medicine for Pokémon. If you think we know a lot, wait until you meet him."
"So, what if we come across something that our medicine won't handle?" May asked.
"That's what Pokémon centres are for," Ash smiled, "it's easier to explain by showing but they are hospitals special for Pokémon. Most, if not all, towns and cities have one. Even placing them on routes if its far between two locations. They have medical professions on standby ready to help with whatever might be the issue."
"They sound useful," May added, having finished feeding her starter. It looked like Torchic was about to fall asleep, so she quickly sprayed him with the potion, which caused him to wince. Smiling down, as he settled into her arms with a gentle snooze, she returned the pure fire type.
"Oh, they are," she smiled, "it's actually where most trainers spend the nights when they don't want to camp out."
"Hey guys, we should probably get going," Ash suggested, "the clock is already ticking, and we could make it to Petalburg by nightfall."
"Well we're close enough to make it sooner than nightfall," Serena giggled, "but your right. No point in standing around here."
May took a deep breath and stretched her arms upwards, the sun felt great on her skin as she ran ahead. She knew this route well, having travelled it most days to visit the lab and she couldn't feel better. Sure, it was a shame Ash didn't return her feelings but that was just an infatuation and she only really just met him so she couldn't complain. Besides, now she has a Wurmple and on a path to get a Beautifly. While not a fan of most Pokémon, that one just looks so pretty. She may not be a full girly-girl, but she does like some things such as fashion and beauty and Beautifly is exactly the latter.
"Man, today is a great day," she sighed happily.
"Someone sounds happy," Serena smiled.
"Of course, I am," she replied, "I've caught a Wurmple and it's a beautiful day. What could make it better?"
"Heh, this reminds me of when we first caught our first Pokémon," Ash smiled, "doesn't it you, Serena?"
"Sure does," she smiled.
"What did you both end up catching?" May asked.
"My first Pokémon?" Ash smiled, "it was a Caterpie. He was such an energetic and hard worker. Evolved all the way up to Butterfree pretty quickly."
"You sound close," she commented, quietly. She already saw the close bond both of these trainers share with each of their Pokémon. While she knew her, dad got on with all of his Pokémon, she never quiet saw a bond like that. It's almost like the Pokémon are real beings and not just pets, like she once thought.
"We were," he sighed, "but he wanted to leave. He met a female Butterfree and went off with her to start a family."
"You let him go?" May asked, "just like that?"
"Of course, he's my friend and always will be. I knew I couldn't forgive myself if I kept him from the life he wanted," Ash explained, "and because of that, I know that at some point, we'll meet again. I don't know when, or where but we will meet. I'm sure of it."
"Wow," she uttered, her hand falling down to roller a Pokéball through her fingers, "what about you, Serena?"
"My first catch was a Weedle, Beedrill now," she smiled, "he is a little rough around the edges but really sweet once you get to know him."
"Beedrill?" she questioned, "aren't those dangerous? I've heard my dad warn a billion times about keeping clear of their territory. Well, that was back when we lived in Unova. While not common, they were definitely more common than they are in Hoenn."
"I'm not surprised, it's pretty hot here," Serena shrugged, "I can just imagine him being all brooding and irritated because of the heat and his fur."
"Man, this is making me want to catch another Pokémon right now!" Ash declared, enlarging a device in his hand, "come on out, Duskull!"
In a flash of light, his newly caught ghost type appeared in front of him. The ghost held a stern expression before the red eye floated from one socket to the other. A look of confusion replaced his expression as he turned around to face his trainer.
May too looked around, her lips pinching together as an eyebrow quirked upwards, "I don't think there are any other Pokémon around here. Unless you want to try and find your own Wurmple."
"Nah, nothing against Wurmple but having three within our group might be a little much," he replied, "and I just wanted to chat with Duskull. According to the Pokegear, the Petalburg gym is meant to be normal type. As a ghost type, he'd be at a unique position."
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"Ghost and normal type are complete opposites," Serena explained, "attacks of those types don't affect opponents of the opposite type. It's the only case between two types."
"It is?" she asked.
"Yeah, some types are immune to other types, like ground being immune to electric," Ash explained, "but electric isn't immune to ground."
"Pikapi," his electric type pipped up from Sylveon's back.
"Hahaha, sure bud," Ash laughed.
"What did he say?" May asked.
"He said that he begs to differ," the raven-haired boy smiled, "just because Pokémon are one type, they can learn moves of other types, so he has beaten ground types before. Just not using electricity."
"Cool," she shrugged, "but your gonna need a good plan if you want to beat the Petalburg gym."
"Oh yeah, you have some connection to the gym," Ash's eyes lit up, "Brendan mentioned it at the lab before getting his Mudkip."
"Hehehe, riiiiight," she uttered, stretching out the last word, "well... that's because the gym leader is actually my father."
"Father?" Serena questioned, but she ignored her.
"Cool, so I guess you're going to try and compete in the league and then take over the gym?" Ash guessed, "we have a friend we use to travel with, whose a gym leader. She specialises in water types and really worked hard to get that position."
"I don't think so," she shook her head, "that was always more of my little brother's thing. He loves the gym and everything to do with it."
"So, I guess you wouldn't know what Pokémon Ash might be facing?" Serena asked.
"I wouldn't want to know," Ash interjected, "I mean, what would be the fun in knowing the challenges beforehand. Or your dad might be able to guess what you'd know, May, and switch it up. So, by knowing and preparing, I'm walking straight into a trap."
"You might be overthinking it," May replied, "my father isn't exactly the smartest tool in the shed. He's blanked out at pretty simple stuff numerous times."
"Gym leaders are always planning the next challenge," Ash replied, "they have a duty to properly test those who face them. I wouldn't put it past anyone with that title to be planning four steps ahead."
"Whatever you say," she threw her arms behind her head, "so what's your thinking for the match anyway?"
"Depends on what battle format he decides upon," Ash replied, turning towards his ghost type, "but that's what I wanted to talk with you about. How do you feel about competing in the battle?"
The two entered a quick conversation about strategy and formats, not that she paid much attention to it. She turned towards Serena, hoping to continue the talk, only to realise that she had released her Wurmple and Cacnea. Sighing, she turned her attention up to the sky. What else could she do?
"Hey May," a voice drew her attention, as she refocused on the honey-blonde girl.
"Yeah," she replied.
"Why don't you let Torchic and Wurmple out?" Serena suggested, "I bet they'd love the weather, and you could spend some time with them."
"I guess," she mumbled, reaching for the two Pokéballs of her belt. Holding them out, she released the fire chick and bug, both of which seemed in much better health than before. Not waiting a moment, Torchic took off with a bright smile over his beak, running around without a care in the world. She reached down and picked up her first caught Pokémon, "so... hi."
"Wurmple."
"Right..." she sighed, trying to hide it under her breath. Taking a hard swallow, she looked back at the red bug, "so... I'm your trainer, May, and-"
"Wurm," her bug replied.
"You could've let me finish," she muttered, what is the deal with this bug anyway? What she really wants is a Beautifly, but apparently the only way for her to get one is by evolving this thing. Shaking her head, she turned back to Serena. She was cradling her own bug, who was sleeping soundly in her arms as the cactus Pokémon danced around her feet, "hey Serena."
"What's up, May?" she asked.
"How do I evolve Wurmple?" she asked.
"Pokémon evolution is complicated and has several different factors to consider," she replied, "the Pokedex didn't mention any special requirements but even the most basic of evolutions depend on the individual Pokémon, there experience, diet, overall health. There's no quick way to evolve them and even if there was, there is a danger in doing it too soon."
"Right," Ash added, "we once saw a Steelix that-"
"Steelix?" May asked.
"It's sort of like a Wurmple, but three-hundred times bigger," Ash explained, "and made out of metal... and not red... or a bug."
"So, nothing like Wurmple," she sighed.
"Well neither of them have arms," he attempted to justify, "but Steelix have a different evolution method. And this one was put through it way too soon; it went on a rampage and could've destroyed the city we were in at the time."
"Oh man," May muttered.
She turned her attention back towards the bug in her arms. Her newly caught Pokémon seemed to smile, probably, up at her. Sticking out a finger out, she tickled her newly caught Pokémon under the chin. She saw Ash do that during the same thing to his Pokémon, notably Pikachu and Phanpy. Her bug type seemed to coo at the show of affection. She crawled up her arms and across the shoulders, resting like Ash's electric type does, nuzzling her head against May's cheek.
"Hehehe, that tickles," she laughed.
They continued to play in affection as her first caught crawled all over her body. She couldn't help but laugh joyfully at the feeling, is this why trainers catch new Pokémon? She never knew that such enjoyment could be found from Pokémon.
"Hey May," Ash called out, "I know we're just on the outskirts of Petalburg, but this would be a great place for some last-minute training."
"Again?" she asked.
"We can still make it within like half an hour," Ash replied, "and we need to be ready for our gym battle. Duskull made a good point about only knowing ghost moves... or at least those attacks which actually are attacks. We're gonna try and learn Payback."
"Fine," she sighed, "guess I can spend some more time with Wurmple here."
"Well don't forget about Torchic, either, May," Serena called out, sitting in a circle with all her Pokémon. Except for Hitmontop, who appeared to be beating up on a nearby rock, "you don't want to make him feel left out."
"Right," she replied.
Seeing both of her travelling companions surrounded by their teams, she decided to take a seat. Her starter was currently sniffing some nearby flowers, turning towards her, the fire type ran over and leaped into her head. She held her two Pokémon in her lap, smiling at them.
Ash smiled as he saw his team of four surround him. Flopping onto the floor, he soon felt a heavy gut punch. Phanpy had tackled him. Laughing at the painful display of affection, he soft scratched him on the head, to which he cooed, with big flappy ears waving up and down.
"Hey there, bud," he smiled, sitting back up to see Pikachu, Duskull and Granbull creating a circle around him, "first thing, I want to officially introduce you to our new teammate. Duskull. Duskull, these are Granbull, Pikachu and Phanpy."
"Nice orgy but maybe it's looking a little like a sausage fest," Duskull shrugged, "maybe invite a little more slip 'n slide next time."
"Have I mentioned how much I like you?" Pikachu asked.
"I like you too," Duskull smiled, turning back, "so what's the deal with these two?"
"Phanpy is still young but he really packs a punch," Ash smiled, rolling his hand over the ground types head, "and Granbull is tough. She loves to battle and really playful. I'm sure you'll all get on."
"Cool," Duskull replied, "cool, cool, cool."
"So, guys, we have a normal type gym coming up soon," Ash explained, "next town actually."
"Dibs!" Granbull shot up.
"Actually, Granbull, I thought you'd be good as the heavy hitter," Ash replied, "Duskull will play the support role. I'm kinda hoping the leader agrees to a two on two."
"Aww, but that means I won't get a turn," Phanpy whined.
"Sorry bud," Ash apologised, "but the next closest gym is a rock type. So, you'd be great there and that's why I want to keep it two a-side."
"Okie-dokie," Phanpy cheered, "so I guess that means its training time?"
"Sure is, and first thing we need to do is teach Duskull payback," Ash replied, "he already has a way to manipulate dark type energy, but he hasn't got the tactic of how to take the hit then retaliate before the opponent escapes."
"Sounds to me like we need to practise to make perfect," Pikachu suggested.
"I'm about to get hit a lot, aren't I?" Duskull asked, a little apprehensive, "just so you know, BDSM isn't exactly my thing. You know what I'm say?"
"No, and I don't want to know what BDSM means," Ash shook his head, "okay, Phanpy will use rollout and try to hit you, Duskull. While you try to counter with Payback. Pikachu, keep an eye on them and give tips as appropriate."
"Gotcha," he smiled.
The three Pokémon nodded and moved over to an open space. Phanpy quickly curled up into a ball, rolling fast ahead of them. Duskull was a little more apprehensive, floating behind the electric type, who had to dive out of the way from the rolling ground type.
"What should we do?" Granbull asked.
"Well I was thinking of just doing general workout to work on strength," Ash suggested, "so let's start out with push ups for a warmup then we can go from there."
His fairy Pokémon nodded, enthusiastically, her tongue wagging out. Dropping down, she began quickly performing her workout. Smiling at her excitement, he unzipped his jacket and tossed it on top of his backpack, joining her in the physical workout.
Thanks for reading... Please Favourite, Follow and Review. Also, feel free to ask any questions through PM, I will answer them all, although don't expect too big of spoilers. Don't forget to vote in the polls. I really appreciate the support. Thank you and see ya next time...