Episode 45: A Bug's Strife

Ash, Brock, and Brenda are stopped in front of a large forest. They stand in front of a signboard that has a large red X posted on it. Ash complains, "'Do not enter'…why not?"

Brenda shrugs. "I don't know, but they must have their reasons."

Brock is looking at his Pokéssistant. "Bad news guys, this path through the forest is the only way to get to Versal City. There is literally no other way." Ash moans.

Today our heroes find themselves in a predicament. For no apparent reason the road ahead of them is closed. With no other way to go, who knows what will happen?

Ash happens to notice a girl walking by. He runs over to her and asks, "Hey, excuse me, but do you know why we can't enter the forest? We really need to get through."

The girl looks to the sign and then back to Ash. "Oh yeah, that. You see, for some reason the Bug-Type Pokémon have been really rowdy in that forest for the past few days. Anyone that goes to deep into the woods has been chased out. Technically that signpost is unofficial. There's nothing to stop you from going through, especially since this the only path through the forest, but it's highly advised that you wait until whatever's going on in there dies down."

Ash asks with hope, "Wait, so you mean we can still go in there?"

The girl shrugs. "I'm not the boss of you, but I'd advise against it. However, we have no way to actually stop you if you're determined. In fact, a young girl with orange hair went against my warnings less than an hour ago."

Brock then steps and asks, "What's exactly wrong with the Bug Pokémon?"

"I wish I knew. They seem to be having some sort of battle for territory or something like that. They chase out whoever gets in their way."

Ash declares, "We're not scared of some old Bug-Type Pokémon, right Pikachu?"

Pikachu nods in agreement. "Chu."

The girl sighs. "Alright, but don't say I didn't warn you." She turns to leave.

Brenda asks, "Are we really going to go through there?"

Ash nods. "We have no other choice. We've got to."

Brenda says wearily, "Alright…if you say so…"

The three of them return to the entrance of the forest. Just as they're about to step in, they are interrupted by someone screaming, "Buuuuuuuuugs!" at the top of their lungs in terror.

Ash and Brock instantly look to each other in surprise. Knowing what the other is thinking, they both shake their heads and say, "No…it couldn't be…" Then someone comes running out of the forest. They both gasp. "It is!"

The person who just ran out looks up at them. With surprise she exclaims, "It's Ash and Brock!" The person is none other than Misty, wearing the same clothes as she wore when last seen in the Hoenn Region.

Ash exclaims, "Misty, what are you doing here!?"

Misty chuckles, "What, no 'Hi Misty, how are you doing? It's been so long!'?"

Ash laughs. "Yeah, I guess it has been. How are you, Misty?"

She grins. "I'm fine." She suddenly gets upset, "Or at least I was until I was chased out of the forest by some wretched Bug Pokémon."

Brock says, "We were just warned not to go into the forest for the same reason."

Misty nods. "Yeah, I was warned too. I ignored the warnings though because I needed get through. She never told me the Pokémon were…Bug Pokémon." She shivers at the thought.

Brock asks, "Why do you need to get through?"

"There's a place nearby known simply as the Rest Stop. You wouldn't guess by the name, but it's Tenno's premier luxury resort." She goes into a fantasy explaining it. "It's full on, five star service. They tend to your every need, they have a spa, and a salon, and anything else a girl could want. It's wonderful…"

Ash pulls her out of the fantasy by stating, "Who cares about any of that silly stuff?"

Misty looks at him crossly. "I see that some things never change. I'll have you know that I'm going there because they're hosting this year's prestigious Splash Cup, a tournament for the best of the best in Water-Type trainers."

"Best Water-Type trainers? Why are you going there?"

Even more cross, she puts her hands on her hips and says, "In case you've forgotten, I am the Cerulean Gym Leader, and therefore one of the best Water-Type trainers there are."

Ash shrugs. "If you say so."

"And why are you going through the forest?"

"Because I'm heading to Versal City to get my next Tenno League Gym Badge."

Misty nods. "I should have guessed." She looks towards Brenda. "And who's this?"

Ash introduces, "This is Brenda, she's been traveling with us here in Tenno. She's a Pokémon Coordinator." Brenda seems to shudder slightly at the mention of being a Pokémon Coordinator, apparently still upset about her last loss. Ash turns to Brenda and says, "And Brenda, this is Misty, she was the first person I met after I left on my journey."

Misty laughs. "Is your definition of 'meeting' someone frying their bicycle?"

Ash ignores her. "She traveled with Brock and I throughout Kanto and Johto."

Misty walks towards Brenda and pulls her to the side. She says, "So you're the one who replaced me, huh?"

Brenda shrugs. "I guess you could look at it like that."

Misty nods. "Tell me, does Ash still do that thing where he obsesses over gym badges and Pokémon battles over anything else?"

Ash shouts, "Hey!"

Brenda nods and giggles. "Only all the time."

Misty laughs too. "Oh, and how about that thing where he turns his hat backwards?"

Brenda burst out laughing. "He sure does, it makes him look so silly."

"I know, right?" The two laugh together.

Ash is about to stomp over to them and break up the conversation, when Brock puts a hand on his shoulders and says, "Don't worry about it, just let girls be girls."

Ash turns around and crosses his arms. He mutters grumpily, "It does not look silly. It's cool when I turn my hat around."

Brock nods. "Just keep telling yourself that, Ash."

Who's That Pokémon!?

This Pokémon flies around the sky in search of powerful opponents. It breathes fire of such great heat that it melts anything. However, it never turns its fiery breath on any opponent weaker than itself.

A little bit later, after Misty and Brenda have talked, everyone has regrouped at the edge of the forest. Misty asks with fear, "Do we really have to go back in there?"

Ash nods. "You bet we do. My next gym is on the other side."

Brock also points out, "And if you want to compete in your water tournament, you have no choice. Besides, we'll be with you this time."

Misty nods reluctantly. "Right…" She gulps. "Alright then, let's get this over with." So they step into the forest.

Once in, nothing goes wrong immediately. They walk along the forest path uninterrupted for some time. After a while of walking, Brenda asks, "So Misty, why is it that you're so afraid to be here?"

"There are Bug Pokémon abound, just waiting to leap out and attack."

"And what's wrong with Bug Pokémon?"

Misty shivers at thought. "Your question should be what isn't wrong with Bug Pokémon. They're creepy and crawly, disgusting and terrifying. Nothing I want to be near. Not ever."

Brenda tries to convince her, "Come on, they're not that bad." The moment she finishes saying this, she, Ash, and Brock stop in their tracks.

Misty doesn't notice. She keeps on walking, saying, "Oh yes they are. Just take a nice close look at one and…" she trails off as she walks right up to a Beedrill hovering in front of her. She then screams at the top of her lungs, "Buuuuuuuuug!" Her screaming causes a swarm of Beedrill to rise up from the surrounding bushes. They all fly towards the group.

They all make a break for it, Misty in the lead, the Beedrill in hot pursuit. Brenda asks, "Why are they chasing us!? We didn't do anything!"

Misty answers with a scream, "Because they're bugs!"

They keep on running through the forest, making some progress at getting away from the Beedrill, but then they run into a clearing with more bee Pokémon. These Pokémon appear similar to Vespiquen, but with a more masculine appearance. The dress-shaped abdomen has been replaced by a more traditional abdomen shape, but cut flat on the bottom, revealing a honeycomb pattern. There is a fierce stinger in the center of the honeycomb. In one of its hands, it carries a shield made of honeycomb, and in the other a lance similar to a stinger. There are three of them. One of them turns to see the group running towards them and commands with a buzzing, "Vessssspi, vesssssp!"

Misty shouts in terror, "More Bugs!" Everyone turns around and starts to run away, as these new Pokémon chase them as well.

After only seconds of running, they see the Beedrill in front of them now. Brock points to some bushes. "Quickly, hide in there!" Everyone leaps behind the bushes.

Misty panics. "Do you think they saw us hiding?"

Brock shakes his head. "I don't think so."

Ash asks, "What were those Pokémon?" He pulls out his Pokédex.

"Vespidron, the Hive Defender Pokémon and a Bug and Poison Combo-Type. When a Combee hive needs protection, the ruling Vespiquen will release a special pheromone, inducing Combee to Evolve in order to better protect the hive. Vespidron will sacrifice anything, even themselves, to protect their queen and hive. Evolves from male Combee by leveling up with a Vespiquen knowing the move Attack Pheromones in the party."

Brock takes a cautious peek up out of the bushes. He says, "Hey guys look at this."

Misty, cowering in fear, asks, "Are they gone?"

"No, but I don't think we need to worry about them for now."

Ash and Brenda look up. The group and Beedrill and Vespidron have encountered each other and seem to be arguing. There is a rapid exchange of buzzes from both sides. Ash observes, "They're fighting…but why?"

Misty peeks up. "I don't care, as long as their attention isn't on me."

The verbal fight suddenly escalates, becoming an all-out battle between the two sides. The Beedrill attack with Twineedles and Pin Missiles, while the Vespidron use their stinger-lances to attack with Poison Jabs and Fury Cutters. Both sides attack relentlessly. The sound of them fighting seems to attract even more Beedrill and Vespidron, causing the battle between the two species of bee Pokémon to grow larger and larger.

The fight causes panic among the native forest Pokémon. A Raticate and two Rattata flee from some bushes just before a stray Pin Missile hits it, Pidgey and Fearow fly from their roosts in panic, and a Metapod falls off of the branch it's attached to.

Brenda exclaims, "This is madness. What's going on here?"

Brock hypothesizes, "It looks the two hives of bee Pokémon are at war with each other. I don't know why, but I would guess it has something to do with territory.

Ash suggests, "Maybe that's why they're chasing any humans away. They don't want any interference in their battles."

Brock nods. "Makes sense."

Brenda then points out, "Look, the battle's dying down." Sure enough, things seem to be calming down, as both sides gather their fainted comrades and fly them off.

Misty peeks up. "That means we can leave now, right?"

Ash shakes his head. "No, we have to follow them and figure out what's going on."

Misty sighs. "I was afraid you were going to say that."

It's Charizard!

So they follow the group of Vespidron by sneaking their way behind them in the bushes, ducking for cover whenever a Vespidron looks back. They are lead up to the base of a giant tree. At the bottom of the tree is a throne made of honeycomb with a Vespiquen sitting on it. Two Vespidron guard her, and various Combee and Honbee fly frantically about.

Brock says, "That Vespiquen must be the hive's queen. They all obey her orders."

Misty says with loathing, "I'd admire the fact that she's a queen, if it weren't for the fact that she's an icky bug."

Brenda notices a noise behind them. "Someone's coming! Hide, quickly!" They all dive into some nearby bushes again.

Ash asks, "Who is it?"

He is answered momentarily when three people step out into the open. It's Team Rocket. Misty groans. "Not them again. I thought they were out of my life."

Ash states, "Out of your life, still in mine."

Brock shushes them. "Listen to what they have to say."

Team Rocket approaches the Vespiquen. Brenda questions, "Why aren't they attacking them like they did us?"

Meowth steps up to Vespiquen and announces, "Your royal queen bee highness, I bring news for you from the Beedrill hive. I humbly presented to them your peace treaty and offer to share the honey making resources of the forest equally, but they immediately rejected it declared that all your honey belonged to them, and they would continue to take it as they see fit."

The Vespiquen stands up and begins to buzz angrily. "Vesssssspi!"

Meowth nods. "I understand, your highness. Such cruel theft must be stopped at all costs. It's beginning to look like this is going to become all out honey warfare."

Vespiquen buzzes out some orders.

Meowth nods. "I understand completely. As your humble ambassador, I will tell the Beedrill themselves the mistake they have made." Jessie, James, and Meowth all bow and back out of the clearing.

Ash whispers, "What are they doing?"

Brock answers, "I don't know, but I suggest we follow them to find out." Everyone nods in agreement.

And so they follow Team Rocket to another clearing on the opposite side of the forest. This one is surrounded by trees with Kakuna hanging in the branches and Weedle crawling up the trunk. In the center of the clearing is a Beedrill that's almost double its normal size.

Misty shivers with fear. "This place is even worse than the last."

Ash and Brock both shush her as they watch Team Rocket approach the giant Beedrill. The three of them bow, just as they did before Vespiquen. Meowth states, "Oh great Queen Beedrill, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the Vespiquen hive has rejected your benevolent peace treaty. They claim that you are in their territory, and so they will continue to take your honey as long as you remain here. She said that there can be no peace."

The giant Beedrill buzzes angrily. "Bee!"

Meowth nods in agreement. "Yes, it is my advice to you as your official ambassador and advisor that you put a stop to this threat to your precious honey as soon as possible. In fact, I suggest a full mobilization of your drones as soon as possible. A full out attack on the Vespiquen hive. Crush all opposition, and then peace will return to this forest once more."

Queen Beedrill buzzes I agreement. It then buzzes out an order, and Beedrill from all around prepare to take flight.

Jessie, James, and Meowth all turn to each other and grin deviously for a split second, before turning back to Queen Beedrill and bowing. Meowth states, "Now my queen, we take our leave. Good luck to you in battle."

And then Team Rocket scurries away. Ash, Brock, Brenda, and Misty follow.

They are lead deeper into the forest. Team Rocket approaches two trees with large hollows. Each hollow is stuffed with jars of honey. The jars in one tree are labeled with Beedrill, and the jars in the other labeled with Vespiquen.

Jessie declares, "This plan was brilliant Meowth!"

James nods in agreement. "Not only do we get to take the honey from both hives to sell later, but we have no blame put on us whatsoever, so no threat of being stung!"

Meowth nods with false modesty. "It's not that big of a deal. Though, now that you mention it, it does sound pretty ingenious, doesn't it? And we're not even at the best part yet. Once all the Beedrill leave for the final battle I suggested, there will be no left to guard the rest of the honey. It's ours for the taking. And then once the two hives take each other out, the Vespiquen hive's honey will be all ours as well."

Jessie nods. "It can't get much better than that."

Wobbuffet appears and agrees with a, "Wobbuffet!"

She groans. "It can get worse though." And returns Wobbuffet.

That's when Ash, followed by Brock, Brenda, and Misty emerge from the bushes. He shouts, "All right Team Rocket, you've taken this far enough!"

Jessie laughs. "Prepare for trouble from the skies!"

James picks up, "From beyond the stars, a nasty surprise!"

"An evil as old as the galaxy!"

"Sent here to fulfill our destiny!"

Meowth leaps in, "Plus there's me!"

"To denounce the evils of truth and love!"

"To extend our reach to the stars above!"

"Jessie!"

"And James!"

"And Meowth are the names!"

"Anywhere there's peace in the universe!"

"Team Rocket will be there!"

They all at once declare, "To make everything worse!"

Wobbuffet appears once more. "Wobbuffet!"

As well as Mime Jr. "Mime mime!"

The three suddenly look to each other. James asks, "Jessie, why'd you do the start up for that motto? We haven't done it since the last time we were in Kanto while the Twerp was taking on the Battle Frontier."

Jessie shrugs. "I don't know, maybe it's the time of year, but I was feeling nostalgic."

Meowth points at Misty. "Speaking of feeling nostalgic, look, it's Twerpette Classic!"

Misty shouts, "What you three are doing is terrible! Give back the honey right now!"

Jessie pulls an eyelid down and sticks out her tongue. "Make me."

Misty pulls out a Pokéball, "Go, Staryu!"

Brenda pulls out her Pokédex. "Staryu, the Star Shape Pokémon and a Water and Light Combo-Type. Staryu can be found watching the sky at night with its red core blinking a brilliant light, possibly as a signal to extraterrestrial life. Evolves into Starmie with use of a Water Stone."

Misty orders, "Go Staryu, use Water Gun!" Staryu releases a blast of water from its top tip, spraying Team Rocket. It seems to cause minimal damage, but leaves them soaking wet.

James laughs. "You've lost your edge! You just got us a little wet!"

Misty grins confidently. "That's exactly what I wanted to happen. Do it Ash!"

Ash nods and steps forward. "Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!"

Pikachu leaps into the air. "Pikaaaaaaaa chuuuuuuuuuuu!"

Realizing what's about to happen, Jessie, James, and Meowth gulp collectively in fear. They are struck by the Thunderbolt, its power amplified by the conductive properties of water. They are sent flying into the air.

As they're flying, Meowth asks, "What went wrong? That plan was the bee's knees!"

Jessie and James groan. James complains, "You did not just say that."

Meowth nods. "I sure did. What are you going to do about it?"

James sighs. "Nothing I suppose, because…"

Then they all shout, "It looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!"

Back on the ground, Ash says, "Great idea Misty!"

Misty grins. "Oh, it was nothing."

Ash then declares, "Now we've got to hurry and warn Vespiquen that the Beedrill are preparing to attack. We have to stop this battle from happening."

They're back to their hiding spot near Vespiquen's throne. Ash whispers, "Alright, one of us will need to stay here and cause some sort of distraction to lure away the guards. Once they're gone, we can go and try to reason with Vespiquen."

Misty says, "If it means staying as far away from those bugs as possible, I'll handle the distraction."

Ash nods. "Alright, the rest of us will try to convince Vespiquen then."

Misty stands up and pulls out a Pokéball. She begins to throw and shouts, "Go Corso-!"

She is cut off by a Pokéball activating in her bag, releasing Psyduck out into the open. It looks around, but sees no one, as Misty and the others are hiding. It tilts its head in confusion. "Psy?"

Misty whispers the order, "Psyduck, get back here right now!"

But then the two Vespidron guarding the Vespiquen notice it. They both lunge towards it. Psyduck notices this and runs away shouting, "Psy-y-y-y-y-y-y-y-y-y-y-y-y!" The Vespidron chase it back in forth across the clearing. "Psy-y-y-y-y-y-y-y-y-y-y-y-y-y-y-y!"

Ash, Misty, and Brock all just stare at Psyduck silently and watch it go back and forth over and over again. Brock says, "Well…I guess that's one way to cause a distraction…"

Brenda says, "That's an odd Pokémon."

She pulls out her Pokédex again, "Psyduck, the Duck Pokémon and a Water-Type. This Pokémon is constantly plagued by headaches and confusion. For this reason, it is often believed to be dim-witted and weak. This perception changes when a Psyduck's full power is demonstrated at the height of its headaches. Evolves into Golduck at level 33."

Ash says, "Whatever, a distraction is a distraction, let's go." He, Brock, and Brenda leap out of the bush and run towards Vespiquen while the Vespidron are chasing Psyduck the other way. Vespiquen sees them and calls to its guards. Ash shouts, "Wait, Vespiquen, we're friends! We have to warn you of something!"

Vespiquen appears intrigued. Brenda explains, "Those people who you were talking to before, the ones who claimed to be ambassadors, they've tricked you! They're ones who are stealing your honey, not the Beedrill!"

Vespiquen appears surprised, but suspicious. It buzzes in question, "Vesssspi vessp?"

Ash nods. "We can prove it, you just have to come with us."

Vespiquen is just about to respond, when a loud buzzing drowns out all other noise. Everyone looks up to the sky. It's full of Beedrill diving down into the clearing. Vespiquen orders, "Vesssp!" and Vespidron start appearing out of the trees to defend their hive. A battle immediately ensues.

Ash shouts, "No, you have no reason to fight! They're not your enemies! They want peace as much as you do!"

Vespiquen ignores him. It looks up to see the Queen Beedrill hovering above the clearing. Vespiquen gets up from its throne and flies straight up towards the giant Beedrill, which dives down to attack Vespiquen in turn. The meet in midair and duke it out.

Ash shouts again, "Stop fighting!"

Brenda says, "Ash, I think we're beyond reason at this point. The Beedrill are attacking because they think Vespiquen is stealing their honey, and Vespiquen will fight to protect its hive. There's no settling this with words anymore."

They regroup with Misty, who looks terrified. She asks, "So…what do we do now?"

Ash says, "If only we had some way of proving that these two shouldn't be fighting."

Brock suddenly gets an idea. "Wait, there is!"

Brenda asks, "What is it?"

"The honey! Team Rocket left the stockpile of honey behind. If we show the Pokémon that their honey is safe, they might stop fighting!"

Ash grins. "Great idea. Now just to get their attention. I've got an idea." He looks to Pikachu. "Use your Thunderbolt Pikachu!" Pikachu nods. It leaps into the air and unleashes its attack. A few pairs of fighting bee Pokémon are hit by it, but they mostly ignore it, returning right to fighting.

Brock and Brenda nod in understanding. They both throw Pokéballs, releasing Frostcicle and Blissey, commanding them both to attack. Frostcicle attacks with Icy Wind and Blissey with Secret Power.

Misty sighs. "Great, now we're trying to get the bug Pokémon to chase us. She halfheartedly throws a Pokéball, sending out Staryu again. "Use Water Gun…" It adds its attack to the fray. Still, the bee Pokémon ignore the attacks, focusing more on each other.

Brenda says, "This isn't working. They're too caught up in fighting to notice us."

Ash points towards the edge of the clearing. "Not if Psyduck has anything to say about it!"

Psyduck is being lifted into the air by a Vespidron. It's squirming in panic and holding its head in pain, shouting, "Psy-y-y-y-y-y-y-y-y-y!" Then it happens. The Vespidron drops it due to its struggling, and Psyduck falls back to the ground, landing on its head. It gets up holding its head, and suddenly shouts, "Psyyyyyyyyduck!" It opens its eyes and they're glowing blue. Then all of the bee Pokémon glow blue too, and are trapped in place by Psyduck's Confusion.

Misty runs up to it and cheers, "Yeah, great job Psyduck!"

Psyduck's eyes stop glowing, and it suddenly shakes its head in confusion. It looks up to Misty and questions, "Psy?"

In horror, Misty slowly looks up to see that all of the Pokémon have been freed, and they're all looking angrily at her and Psyduck. She gulps in fear. She then runs off in a sprint, dragging Psyduck behind her. Ash, Brock, and Brenda chase after them. Then both sides of the bee Pokémon war chase after them, the two queens leading the charge.

Misty asks, "Why'd we have to make them mad!?"

Ash answers, "Because now we can lead them to the honey!" He points to the two trees with hollows ahead of them. Everyone comes to a stop. As the bee Pokémon draw nearer, Ash points at the honey and shouts, "Look your majesties, all of your stolen honey is here! There's no reason to fight, you've both been deceived!"

The Pokémon all stop in midair upon seeing what Ash is pointing to. Both Vespiquen and the Queen Beedrill cautiously approach the honey labeled with their face and observe it. They look to each other, both confused. Vespiquen asks, "Vesssp?"

Beedrill asks, "Bee?"

Ash says, "You see, the ones who call themselves Team Rocket were stealing from both of you the entire time and blaming it on the other. All your honey is here, you can take it all back and go back to sharing the forest like you used to."

Both queen bees stare at each other silently. After a few silent moments, Queen Beedrill finally extends its stinger. Vespiquen extends its hand they shake. The various bee Pokémon all cheer and rejoice.

Misty breathes a sigh of relief. "Good, no more bug Pokémon will chase me today…"

It's now sunset. Ash, Brock, Brenda, and Misty emerge from the boundaries of the forest and back onto the normal road. Misty comments, "I can't begin to express how glad I am to put that experience behind me." She looks over to Ash and Brock and asks, "So you guys are heading to Versal City next, right?

Ash answers, "Yeah, that's where my next gym battle is."

Misty nods. "If I'm correct, the Rest Stop is on the way to Versal City."

Brock looks at the map on his Pokéssistant. "It sure is."

Misty grins. "Then why don't we all travel together? It will be just like old times."

Ash teases, "Like I'd ever want to go back to those times."

Misty gets angry. "Ash Ketchum, I'll have you know-"

Ash interrupts, "Whoa, whoa, whoa, just calm down. I was only joking."

Misty scoffs. "Sure."

Brenda leans towards Brock and asks, "Was it always like this?"

Brock shakes his head. "No, it was normally much worse." They both laugh.

Ah, reunions with old friends can be some of the greatest experiences. And as we enter this time of remembrance and celebration of the past it's more important than ever for you to stay tuned.

To Be Continued…