MASTER QUEST 5

"BATTLE CONTINUE," said the Rotom Cam.

Gary had been expecting a lot of Pokémon to come out from that Pokeball but none of them were Metang. A Metang was a little too much. Overkill but the Rotom Cam did not object to the choice so he knew that the Metang was legal. Maybe it was on a lower level.

"Metang use Soul Crush," said Forrester.

"Use what," said Gary as the Metang glowed pink in colour. Archie was lifted off the ground and pulled towards Metang with such speeds he looked like a blur. Then he was crushed under Metang's weight.

"Use Earthquake," said Forrester.

"Flame Wheel, Archie," said Gary and it worked. While the flame heel formed over Archie and kept him safe from the Earthquake it also had the additional effect of hitting the Metang sitting over them.

Forrester's Metang got of them and looked like it took a solid hit from that fire type attack.

"Metang use Rain Dance," said Forrester and his Psychic type complied. A rain formed over them and Gary went for his Poke ball to let out Tank instead of Archie.

"Now thunder," said Forrester.

The blast of electricity went into the rain clouds and came raining down onto Archie just as quickly. Gary used a page from Ash's book and said,

"Archie use Iron Tail into the Ground," his fire type complied and the attack dissipated off into the ground.

Archie looked fine after that but slight lingering effects of the move could be seen. Paralysis might be set up and he had to move before that happened. Also the rain would slowly bring Archie down like a Toxic or a burn status so he had to move.

"Use Flame Wheel," said Gary and Archie was off. Archie rolled on himself as fire shrouded him and went after the Iron Claw Pokémon. The Metal type was much faster then he had expected dodging the blow only for Archie to bounce back using a curvy rock and hitting the Iron Claw Pokemon with a super effective move.

It did not do as much damage as it should due to the rain killing some of the attack of the but the move hurt the Metang for sure as did the additional momentum.

"Now Will-O-Wisp," said Gary and the purple flames formed in Growlithe let it out at the Iron Claw Pokémon.

"Crush it and then use Zen Headbutt," said Forrester and Metang caught the move in it's claws and crushed it to the ground. He then joined both his hands in front of him into a single large battering ram before shrouding himself in swirling pink energy and rushing at Archie.

Gary just followed his gut and said

"Use Flame Wheel and skid under Metang," and Archie complied going under the Zen Headbutt and stopping under the body of the Steel type.

"Use Fire Blast," said Gary and Archie yowled his confirmation.

He absorbed all the fire from Flame Wheel and used it to add power to the Fire Blast. The move was super effective and hit the Metang head on. It did not have the general structure that the move usually did but the close range didn't let the attack peter out and the fact that he was under the Metang saved it from the rain.

The blow was devastating and threw the poor Metal Type a long distance away. He recovered from the blow and Archie stood back though he winced from the rain and his injuries from that Soul Crush and a little from that Thunder.

"Now let's finish this, Archie use Flame Wheel," said Gary and Growlithe complied forming the attack over himself. If they hit with this move it was game over.

"Metang use Rock Rocket," said Forrester and Metang complied. His eyes glowed pink again and a he took off with a takedown. All the broken rock pieces around the field joined into a large ball in front of the Metang and Archie collided with that.

Archie tried to overwhelm the attack but he just lacked the bulk and power to pull that off. For now, atleast and he was crushed under the blow of that combo move.

The rain was starting to clear and Archie whimpered limping as he stood back up ready to battle. He looked to weak to even perform an ember attack, much less battle but his determination shone through pushing him back to his feet.

"Finish it off with Hyper Beam," said Forrester.

Gary called Archie back before that horrifying move could strike his fire type. Both the trainers and the cam knew what that meant. He had called off Archie for the rest of the battle. It was not a fair tactic anymore to call your Pokémon back before a finishing blow and if you did it, then it meant that Pokémon was out for the rest of the battle.

He went to his last Pokémon and his starter Tank as the Rain Dance finally petered out.

"Tank you are the least one in, let's win this for the rest of them," said Gary as he let out the Tiny Turtle Pokémon.

"BATTLE CONTINUE," said the Rotom Cam.

"Alright Tank, use Yawn," said Gary and his starter complied sending out the bubble of normal type energy at the Steel Type.

"Use Metal Claw to slash them away and then follow it up with Dangerous Slash," said Forrester.

The Metang used Metal Claw to slash the Yawn apart before his eyes glowed purple. A purple power formed in between in his claws before being fired at Squirtle and then the glow in his eyes expanded out.

The Psycho Cut got faster, longer, and darker.

"Tank, use Gyro Ball," said Gary.

His starter complied spinning but before he could get into the move, he was struck head on with the attack throwing Squirtle half way across the field. Gary was not sure what the hell that move was but he really hoped Tank was not hit with it again. That hurt a lot.

"Tank use dig," said Gary and Tank complied digging under the ground.

"Metang use Meteor Mash on the ground," said Forrester and Metang complied. His hands again joined as a single large battering ram and smashing himself into the ground after glowing like a giant silver meteor.

The smash threw Tank into the air and he was caught with a Psychic. Metang was revealed fine with his eyes glowing a purple colour.

"Now use Expanding Force," said Forrester and the blast of psychic energy that struck Squritle threw him across the field into the psychic barriers around the battle field.

"Hold him with Metal Claw," said Forrester and before Squirtle could collapse to the ground the Iron Claw Pokémon was on him smashing him to the Psychic walls and holding him there. Squirtle was squirming with the Iron Claw Pokémon's hold trying to get out.

"Use Ice Beam," said Gary and Squirtle complied forming the Ice Type Move in his mouth to fire at the Steel Type.

"Bite the move of Metang and then use Flash Canon," said Forrester.

The move wasn't the actual bite but the Iron Claw Pokémon just bit the Ice Type move and stopped it in it's tracks. Then Metang looked up as a small sphere of silver Steel Type Energy was created. It got bigger as time went on.

Squirtle continued squirming and shot a water pulse at Metang but the move did nothing as the Flash Canon continued to build.

Before he could be hit with that savage move and be badly hurt and knocked out Gary pulled out his Pokeball with the water droplet on it to call back his starter but before he could do it Tank stopped him.

"Squir, Squirtle, Squi, Squi, Tle Squirtle," said Squirtle shaking his head at the Pokeball before glaring at the Steel Type. He was not sure what Tank was planning and he got an answer as his starter glowed blue in colour.

The Steel type move struck Squirtle but proved useless as it was pushed back by the energy of evolution.

That was right Tank had gotten his spark for evolving into his next stage Wartortle.

"Not again," groaned some of the children in the stands.

"That's the third spontaneous evolution in the gym this week," complained another one from the crowd.

Metang was thrown off Tank as he got bulkier, darker, larger and grew ears and a fluffy tail. His Tank was now a Wartortle.

"Great Job, Tank," said Gary.

"War," said his starter grinning.

"Alright now use…," said Gary but his Pokedex interrupted him.

"Actually sir, Tank here has managed to learn a new move with his Skull Bash turning into Aqua Jet, maybe you would like to try it," said Pokedex.

"Alright, you heard the man, Tank use Aqua Jet," said Gary grinning and his starter complied covering himself with water and rushing the Iron Claw Pokémon.

"Metang meet it head on with Meteor Mash," said the Gym Leader and his Pokémon complied.

Both middle stage evolutions meet in the middle of the battle field. It looked like Tank had the upper hand for a few moments before the attacks exploded pushing both the Pokémon back.

"Tank use Aura Sphere," said Gary and Tank complied forming the move in between his hands and throwing the move at the Metang striking it in it's face.

The Steel Type roared in pain before shaking himself as Tank descended to the floor.

"Use Dangerous Slash," said Forrester and his Metang complied forming the move.

"Use Aqua Jet to dodge the move," said Gary and Tank complied.

He was heavier yet faster too and formed the attack around himself before dodging the horrifying psycho cut with barely a hair's width before Gary gave his next command the same time as Forrester.

"Metang use Flash Cannon," said Forrester.

"Tank use Gyro Ball while within the Aqua Jet," said Gary.

Tank complied spinning with the Steel Type move and the Aqua Jet got a metallic white shine to it as he sped towards the Metang.

The Flash Canon fired and Wartortle cut through the move before hitting the Metang head on blasting the Metang and onto his back foot. He looked banged up and Gary called for a finishing move.

"Tank use Water Pulse," said Gary and his starter looked at him for a moment before complying. He was probably wondering why not go for dig but that would give Forrester time to come up with something. He did not want to give him that time and that was why he wasn't going with Aura Sphere since it charged up longer.

Tank formed the move and threw the move at Metang hitting the Iron Claw Pokémon head on.

It roared in pain again and Gary got his opportunity to finish the match.

"Now wrap it up with Aura Sphere," said Gary.

The move of blue fighting type energy was formed in front of Tank and was fired. It struck the Steel Type head on knocking him to the ground and out of the battle.

"Metang is unable to battle, Wartortle takes the win, giving the win to Gary Oak the challenger," said the Rotom Cam and Gary cheered hugging his newly evolved water type.

They had done it. They won the battle against Forrester and they would keep winning until they were the strongest there ever was.

LINE BREAK

Misty looked at Ash as he tried to get the fire going.

If she had any doubts about the fact that Ash was not a good choice as a travelling companion they had been erased today.

The first thing was that he had not captured the horrifying bug type native of Sinnoh Skorupi. That thing had just jumped out of the bushes and attacked them out of nowhere and it had known a bunch of good and strong moves Cross Poison, X-Scissor, Bug Buzz, Toxic, Sludge Bomb, Venoshock, Nightslash, Dark Pulse and Poison Jab.

Thor had defeated that thing with a well-placed Fire Punch after a back and forth. Ash's hand had gone to his poke ball but he had stopped before throwing it at the Scorpion Pokémon. He looked at her for a moment before pulling out a few berries and placing them near the poison type and walking off with Thor looking like he been hit over the head with a stick.

She knew why he did it. He had not wanted to put a strain on their new friendship so early. He could capture other Pokémon or work with his own and make them stronger like he did when they stopped for lunch.

She had trained with him as food was being cooked. This was another advantage of having Ash Ketchum as her travelling companion. He was a very capable cook and had made some delicious noodles for them that afternoon that they ate while their Pokémon trained.

At first, they had been by their side and Misty had tried to teach Feebas Dragon Breathe but the Dexter as Ash called him pointed out that it was difficult to do that without evolving so she had worked on Iron Tail something Thor was happy to help with.

They had gotten the move up and running and few more practice session would have her ready to use in battle. Ash had Rocky work on Close Combat, a move that needed little practice other than him being faster. He had used Punk's shell for practice.

Ash had helped her with teaching Arcteoz Icicile Spear as Rocky worked on Bone Rush after close combat. Both made some progress with their respective moves.

Ruby and Marshtomp trained together both trying to learn the move recover and rest respectively. Both were similar moves of sorts and Misty had set them to work and giving them help when needed.

Ash had also stepped in when Thor had trouble learning Focus Punch. The both practiced punching together and she wasn't entirely how useful it was for Ash to punch tree barks while Thor worked on rocks but hey each his own.

The Focus Blast for Riolu had come along well and it was almost done and he had been working on counter. It was interesting watching Ash Ketchum train. Misty was not as involved with her Pokémon training as Ash was. She gave her Pokémon instructions and checked up on them periodically.

Ash Ketchum though ran around with his Pokémon. He took training together quiet literally since he was beside his Pokémon all the time looking over their form talking to them and Dexter trying to understand what was going wrong.

It was a heat warming and hilarious to see all three of his Pokémon surround him and stare at Dexter in rapt attention as the device explained in his monotone why it was important Ash thought his Pokémon moves that could help boost their power during a match.

They had continued moving after lunch for most of the evening with nothing much exciting happening except for Ash having used Dexter to scan her Pokémon and tell her Arcteoz could learn Fissure.

They had made camp for the night and Ash was making grilled cheese. The Pokémon were all out having the time of their lives interacting with each other. Rocky (Misty was pretty sure Ash named him so because of that movie about training a Breloom named Rocky up for a title fight against a world champion Passimian by the name Apollo) was engaged in a tug of war with Marshtomp while Punk was chasing Thor around for pranking him with an electric shock.

Grace was enjoying her time with Lenny in the pool while Ruby was in her usual stoic silent state. Her starter was the most introverted of all her Pokémon and she/he Misty wasn't sure didn't say much or anything at all.

He was rarely involved in any of the quarrels Punk got into or did not help her like Arcetoz did. He wasn't even a moody brat like Marshtomp was.

Dear God, she sounds like her mother.

She looked over towards her companion who was flipping the grilled cheese. He looked good with his hair falling all over his face, his face scrunched up in concentration working on the food. His birthmarks under his eye had moved closer and reduced in size due to his concentrating on what he was doing.

He looked over to her suddenly as if he had felt her gaze on him. Misty's cheeks heated up instantly but she did not look away and Ash just smiled at her in obliviousness. Misty smiled back trying to get her blush under control.

Off dodged a bullet there, said her mind and Misty growled at it to shut up.

Ash continued to work and Misty looked over the Pokémon to see Thor missing. She rose from her seat looking around unable to find the electric type anywhere. She turned to Ash about to tell him when she saw the Thunderclap Pokémon sneaking up on his trainer.

He shocked Ash making him jump and yelp a very girly yelp. The clearing was silent for a few moments before the whole lot of them burst out laughing. Ash blushed red in embarrassment before he got a sinister smile on his face.

"I'd like to see how much you would laugh when there is not food for you," he said looking at her. Misty shut up immediately and growled at him.

"Food is a no-go area Ketchum," said Misty glaring at the boy making him smirk.

"It's true then," said Ash confusing Misty.

"Huh," she asked not understanding what he was saying.

"It's the best way to the heart is the stomach," said Ash with a smirk making Misty laugh.

"Asshole," said Misty making Ash gasp in mock outrage.

He covered Rocky's ear confusing the poor pup who was looking up at Ash with an unsure expression but the boy was looking at her with a scandalized expression.

"Misty there are children here," said Ash trying his best to control his smile.

Misty had no such problem laughing at him not realizing her heart was fluttering slightly.

LINE BREAK

"This calls for a celebration," said Kai as he and his Pokémon ate their fill in the canteen of the Pokémon centre in Pewter City.

All his Pokémon cheered and went down on their food. Vigoroth was still silent but he was eating slightly.

Kai had the Pokémon mostly stay out the ball. He talked to the Wild Monkey and tried his best to make it understand he was his friend and would help him with whatever he wanted. The Vigoroth did not say or react much but it was okay with this arrangement.

They had managed to defeat Forrester. Bruce had come clutch in his fight against Galarian Meowth while Rose had crushed his Ferroseed and defeated his Excadrill after Bruce tenderised the Steel/Ground type. Gizmo had no need to battle and it had surprised Kai how he had beaten the Steel Type Gym Leader but given the fact that Ferroseed had a four-time weakness to Rose's fire type moves all it took was a well-placed Flamethrower to knock out the Thorn Seed Pokémon

The Galarian Meowth had been a tough opponent and it had not been easy but Bruce had pulled through. After landing a Brick Break on the Ferroseed, Kai had called Bruce back and sent out Rose. The Ferroseed had proved tough even with all the advantages they had.

It had set up Stealth Rock and then used the move spikes to as method to block their fire type moves. One top of which that beast had known Toxic, Thunder Wave and Leech Seed. He was sure Rose was done for when the Gym Leader had hit him with Thunder Wave and followed it with Leech Seed but Rose had pulled through with burning down the vines of the seed when they were wrapped around her.

She had despite the paralysis knocked the Steel Type out using the spikes as stepping stones and landing a super effective Flame Thrower to finish the Pokémon off.

It had been an instinctive decision to switch Rose out for Bruce (when Forrester had sent out Excadrill) and he had forgotten about the Stealth Rock and Bruce had taken a very bad blow but he had shrugged it off and fought on pushing the Excadrill to it's last leg.

Dig had been difficult to deal with and that had cost them the match but Rose had pulled through using attract. It seemed that was not something Forrester had expected. The move had struck and Rose had slowly wilted the Excadrill down to nothing using her fire type moves.

He had been overjoyed with the work his Pokémon had put in and Nurse Joy had given the all clear for his Pokémon this evening allowing him to enjoy his time with them.

He had to plan his next move. Their time spent in Pewter City had been very productive. His Pokémon had trained up, they had won him a gym badge and it seemed Vigoroth was making progress towards him.

The next gym was against the Sensational Sisters and their water types of Cerulean City. His team did not have the best time against water types and the three of them were known to be the seventh strongest gym leaders in Kanto.

He had to plan properly. While his gym battle had gone along fine, he had seen how difficult a gym battle could be. He was pretty sure he would have been crushed if it was Meting and not Excadrill he had faced.

Gym Leaders came up with all sorts of tricks and combinations to test them and their team and barging in there with only an electric type and no plan would prove useless. He had to think, make notes, and see what he could do to make himself better and prepare for the battle.

But for now, he had won a battle and he would party with his Pokémon.

LINE BREAK

Ash walked ahead of Misty with Rocky on his side. Misty had her starter Ruby out beside her. The Starymie had already blasted down a Venonant with a Power Gem.

Ash had hoped to catch one of the more rare and strong bug types in the forest like a Heracross or Yanma. Even that Skorupi showed itself to be very good and Ash would not have minded him on the team but his friendship with Misty was new. He did not want to put a strain on it so early.

The way she had screamed and basically jumped onto his shoulders when she saw the Caterpie very close to her sleeping bag was proof of that.

When they had gone for some more distance maybe then, Misty would be fine with him catching a bug type. She did not have to like the Pokémon but she would like Ash enough to be fine with it.

No part of his mind talked about the fact that he was going on like Misty and he would go onto travel the whole Kanto region together.

The forest was getting tighter and the path smaller. Dexter had kept them on track not letting them deviate and get lost and they had kept a good pace. They trained when they stopped and Ash was happy to know how well his team was coming along and how well Misty and Ash were getting along too.

His travelling companion was smart, supportive, funny, cute, great at battles, wait cute, where the heck did that come from.

Instinctively he turned back to Misty who was clutching onto his favourite blue jacket very tightly. He wore a blue coloured jacket with white highlights around the neck, over the zip and at the base of the jacket.

He had his favourite shirt a limited-edition Karen signed pure black T-shirt. It was a good look if Ash said so himself.

Misty was clutching onto that jacket like it was her lifeline. Her eyes were closed and her face was scrunched up in concentration. A little bit of her orange red hair fell over her face and Ash pushed it off her face.

That act seemed to make her open her eyes to investigate his own. Ash remembered this one time when Gary and Daisy had still been his friends when they had spent an evening at the beach near Pallet Town under the watchful eye of Cerise one of Professor Oak's student.

During the evening with the sun setting when the sea was settled at a peaceful place it was of a beautiful and reflective sea green that had entranced him much like Misty's eyes were now. He could not look away.

Rocky was off to the side watching the chaos with barely restrained glee. Oh, his human already found a mate, and a good one at that.

"If the two of you were planning to have coitus, I would have to suggest that two of you wait until we find some protection," said Dexter.

Those words were enough to break the two of them out of their trance. They threw themselves to the other side of the path both blushing and breathing heavily.

"What the hell Dexter?" screeched Misty as they collected themselves.

"It is one of my functions. I am to keep Ash Ketchum safe and focused. A dalliance with a fair maiden is not what he needs on his quest to help me gather knowledge and data," said the Pokedex with Ash and Misty glaring at it in embarrassment and rage.

They called the weird machine several names and the machine gave back as much as it got. Riolu shook his head at the scene, not understanding what the problem with his friend and the fair maiden getting together.

He asked his companion for an answer and all he got was a shrug from the Starfish.

-X-

They had been walking for almost one hour after… that.

Misty no longer clung to his jacket like her life depended on it but she kept close. The two of them were embarrassed with what the Pokedex had said and they had not talked for some time. The sun was getting higher, not that it helped with how thick and high the trees were, but it meant they would have to stop for having lunch soon. Maybe some of the awkwardness would be gone then.

They had encountered a few Rattata and Pidgeotto. Ash had wanted to catch the strong Normal and Flying type but it had flown away instead of staying and battling when Thor challenged the bird.

The Thunderclap Pokémon had been inconsolable after that blatant rejection and so Ash allowed his electric type to stay out of his Poke ball.

He was trying to think up conversation topics for him and Misty to use when he heard the sound.

"Do you hear that?" asked Ash.

"Hear what?" asked Misty looking around uneasily. Was it some sort of bug.

Rocky from his left immediately perked up from his place as his ears extended out to hear what his friend did. Thor was up to trying to listen if this was some sort of threat to his friends.

Ash heard the small whimpering voice again and he turned towards it. He turned towards it at the same time as Rocky and when the whimpering was much clearer he was off towards it.

He rushed through the tree line not paying attention to Misty's screams for Ash to wait.

"Human, you are heading the wrong way," said the voice of Dexter but Ash did not pay it any mind. He stopped once to listen to the whimper again and then was off to his left.

"You continue down this path, and we will get lost and enter the territory marked for the Bug Catchers gang," said Dexter.

Ash knew who the bug catchers were but that did not matter. Whoever this was, they were in danger and in pain and Ash had to help them.

The pitter patter of feet behind him told him Misty was following along with Rocky and Thor.

"You are a fool, this is not our goal," screamed Dexter as the whimpering got louder.

Ash followed it and tracked it down to a pile of large logs of wood in the middle of nowhere. Under this pile of wood was purple snake Pokémon called Ekans.

It's yellow eyes stared at them in fear and worry while her mouth let out those poor whimpering sounds. Her tail moved around agitatedly trying to get out but she had no success. Ash moved closer to the snake who hissed when he got closer. It was scared but ready to fight should the need arise.

"I am here to help," said Ash lifting his hands up. "Don't poison the help."

He moved towards the poor snake slowly and carefully making no large sounds. It stared at him with fear and apprehension but nonetheless let him get closer. When Ash was almost upon the Snake Pokémon it hissed with his mouth catching fire. Fire Fang but Ash paid it no mind.

"I am here to help and I will help whether you like it or not your stubborn reptile," said Ash giving the snake a smile.

The snake stared at the boy still with fear but also with a little trust. He pushed the first log off the snake and went on to do the same for the rest of them. Throughout the time he kept murmuring words of safety and courage to the snake.

The snake took his words with grace and a blush. When he pushed the last of them off it got out from under the logs and rubbed against Ash's leg making the boy smile. It crawled over him and managed to drape itself around his arm making him laugh in delight.

He turned back to Misty Rocky and Thor who were watching him.

"You see there, those are my friends. The blue one is Rocky, the yellow one is Thor and that is Misty," said Ash pointing to her.

Misty shook her head.

This boy was confusing as they came. He had risked his life to save that more Pokémon. One wrong move or sound and it would have bitten him and yet he had done that for the Poison type.

Selflessness that was what it was and she was fascinated by the boy much like the snake that had made Ash's neck her home.

Thor and Rocky had walked over and were chatting with the snake animatedly after Ash placed it down. While Ash was looking around where they were.

"This is great and all but I am sad to inform you, flesh bag that we are utterly and completely lost," said Dexter brining her back to the moment and away from admiring Ash's rather nice ass.

"Well, I guess that is as good as a time to have lunch," said Ash settling down and pulling out utensils and other items.

LINE BREAK

Ash looked at the Ekans he had helped as it slithered around the small camp they had set up in happiness.

Lunch had been a simple affair where Misty had some difficulty in deciding if she wanted to ring his head for getting them lost or compliment him for helping the Poison type.

They did not know where they were and kept moving in the general direction of Pewter City. Dexter was no help insulting Ash for his stupidity and constantly moaning how there was no internet signal in the forest now.

They had not met much problems as they travelled through Viridian Forest other then the occasional Flying or Bug Type.

No Bug Catchers had tried attack and terrorize them yet and Ash hoped that it would stay that way.

They did run into a Pikachu Ash tried to catch but the mouse had paralyzed him with a thunder wave before snickering and running off.

Oddish, Bellsprout and Poocheyna were common occurrences through out the day.

Ash spent some of the evening training with his Pokémon.

Rocky had worked on Focus Blast and it seemed like his starter would master that move by the time they reached Pewter City. Bone Rush though would take much longer.

It took him quiet some time to conjure the construct and it was very unstable but it was getting better. He was pretty sure they were done with Counter and Assurance was similar but not the same. They had to work on the move but not as much as the other ones.

Poison Jab was not priority for now. They were not working on the move for the time being but they would circle back to the move when they had won the Gym Badge.

Thor was working double time trying to master Agility and Double Team. Ash had been running and working with his electric type as it trained it's body for both moves that required a certain amount of speed and calmness.

Both Meditating and Sprinting they did together. While after the initial warm up Rocky went over for his practice Thor kept at the same.

He also worked on Electroweb to master the move before the Gym Battle.

Throughout the training the Ekans had spent her time watching them work. It seemed like the Snake Pokémon was interested in training.

She had paid very close attention as Ash worked himself and his Pokémon. She had done the same when Misty trained with Ruby and Punk.

After some time of the Poison type watching Ash had invited it to train too. The snake Pokémon's eyes had lit up.

After Dexter had scanned and told Ash Ekans moveset (an unfair ability in Ash's opinion) Ash had helped Ekans learn Giga Drain. It was not an easy move to learn but she had all the basics down by the end of the session.

As Ash had worked with his team, he had realized a few things about them. While Thor worked in a direct way taking the words 'Practice makes Perfect' to heart Rocky preferred to go about his training a little smarter.

Ekans it seemed went at training with a single minded focus and determination. While Thor functioned like a blunt instrument and Rocky like a skilled instrument Ekans was sharp instrument.

Ash had a lot of fun working with the Snake Pokémon too. He was fast learner and hard worker, a dangerous combination. He worked well within the dynamic of the team.

He had found out his favourite food (other than the Rattata, Poliwag, Tympole and the occasional Magikarp) is the Marco Cosmo Special Sweet and Spicey Pomegranate curry.

It was an instant make dish that Ash had picked up at the mart and Ekans had loved it.

He also found that Ekans liked to be scratched over her scales, especially under her jaw. He also found out that Ekans had taken some initiative from watching some trainers who pass through the jungle and tried to teach himself Iron Tail.

Something Ash had been happy to help with when they stopped for dinner. They had done good progress and Ekans would master her move soon.

He turned towards the snake Pokémon who was now rolling around in the sand in front of the fire they had set up for the night. Ash was tempted to catch Ekans. By the looks of it the Snake Pokemon was eager to train and Arbok's were quiet the Pokémon too.

She was also quiet a good battler as indicated by the mock spar against Misty's Sealeo.

His hand travelled to his Poke ball as he watched Ekans enjoy the heat. He smiled to himself at the sight and some part of him did not agree with throwing the ball at the Poison type.

It was what a lot of trainers did but that was not going to be something Ash was going to do. It did not feel right. To catch a Pokémon like that and that to without her consent did not feel right. So, he stopped.

Rocky moved to his side and took a seat beside him and watched Ekans too. Rocky rubbed his knees as Ash looked to his starter before turning back to the Snake Pokémon. Rocky turned to Ash and nodded his head as if to say he was doing fine and asking the Snake Pokémon was the right thing to do.

Ash walked over to Ekans after taking a deep breath and calming himself.

Ekans turned to Ash as she watched him approach. Misty who was eating her dinner turned to them and watched with a curious expression.

"Hey Ekans," called Ash and the Snake Pokémon moved towards him as he crouched to her level. Her yellow eyes stared at Ash with curiosity.

"I noticed you seemed interested in our training," said Ash and Ekans nodded before circling him swiftly as if she was doing a sprint.

Ash laughed at the eager look on her face when she stopped in front of him. He rubbed his hand over the scales under the Poison types jaw making it purr in pleasure.

"You know I am going on a journey around the world to become a Pokémon Master. Rocky, Thor and Lenny are accompanying me," said Ash and Ekans nodded indicating she understood.

Ash took another deep breath before speaking.

"I wanted to ask if you wanted to join us, as you see, becoming a Pokémon Master means I must battle as many Pokémon trainers as I can and to train to become the best trainer in the whole world. We will be getting stronger together and I could use a strong, determined, and capable Pokémon like you to help me achieve your and my dream of growing strong. What say you, will you join us?" asked Ash extending his open hand out.

Rocky and Thor were immediately by his side encouraging the Poison type to join while Misty waited with baited breath.

Ekans stood completely still considering what Ash had said. She moved towards his hand once before turning and looking into the forest. She almost crawled into it but turned back towards the tree line again.

After what felt like hours but was barely two minutes the Snake Pokémon grew determined as she moved towards Ash. Both the boy and his team including Lenny grew excited at that but it was short lived as Ekans closed his hand with her head.

"Ekans…Ek…Ekans…ans…Ekans," said the snake Pokémon making some gestures towards the forest with her tail and eyes.

Ash nodded as if he understood what the snake Pokémon had said.

"Previous engagements," guessed Ash and the snake nodded.

"I understand, I wish you the best of luck," said Ash and Ekans nodded.

He stood back to full height and then the snake Pokémon crawled over his legs onto his shoulders hugging him around his neck. Ash rubbed it under the jaw making the snake purr in pleasure.

He smiled to himself. It would be fine. He would find someone else for the team. He would be happy to part with this strong determined Ekans as a friend then have him sad as his partner.

Ash made a vow as he played with the Ekans then. Never to catch a Pokémon without it's consent.

A Gible observed all this silently from behind a tree. His eyes were glimmering with hope and adoration. His decision was almost made.

LINE BREAK

Sleep had come easily to Ash after his talk with Ekans. The Snake Pokemon might not have accepted his offer but he had let her be. She had slithered away into the forest after their dinner.

He and Misty had set up camp after that.

"You know lot of people won't do what you did?" said Misty as they settled for the night. Rocky joined him in his sleeping bag cuddling into his side.

"What exactly did I do?" asked Ash.

"You know giving them a choice," said Misty.

"Who? The Pokémon," said Ash.

"Yes, trainers tend to just catch the Pokémon they find on the road and force them to train and battle not knowing or caring if the Pokémon likes to do so," said Misty.

Ash scratched his head in embarrassment as he felt Misty's eyes on him. She had turned towards him and was watching him.

"I guess they are just more than just tools you can use to battle. They are living breathing creatures with lives and choices of their own. You cannot uproot them of their life and expect them to just listen to your commands. That sounds no better than slavery. When you catch a Mon they become your partners, your friends, your family. It just seems wrong to not even ask them, I guess," said Ash his cheeks gaining a blush as he turned and watched Misty's deep sea green eyes.

Holy shit, he could get lost in those eyes.

"Like I said you are not like most people. It is not often you see such bond between trainer and Pokémon even for a Rookie," said Misty.

"Who you calling Rookie, you started barely a few months before me," said Ash indignantly making Misty laugh.

He could listen to her laugh for hours.

He had just stayed awake after that conversation playing through multiple things, he had heard over the years. About Pokémon trainers.

How they could be cruel to their Pokémon? How they could be bad and inexperienced with training Pokémon? How choiceless Pokémon could be at times? That was not even considering all the crimes people use the Pokémon to commit.

Team Rocket and Team Plasma were common and popular examples of such cases. Team Rocket being the largest crime syndicate in the whole world have a firm hold in four regions like Kanto, Johto, Galar and the Orange Islands.

Their presence was also noted in Kalos and Alola on certain occasions.

They had tried to get a foothold in Unova a few years ago but they were driven out by Team Plasma successfully.

Team Plasma was another threat that kept Unova on its toes. They were a dangerous foe and their Boss Ghetis unlike Team Rocket's boss was known to the world. The only problem was no one could prove anything about the man.

This was not the only problems in the world. There were Pokémon hunters and poachers like the Iron Masked Marauder or Hunter J that keep putting different species of Pokémon in danger. Pokémon Hunter J had recently stolen all the Beautifly near their usual mating spot. There was severe danger of ecosystem loss along with the population of the bug type taking a huge hit due to her crime.

The Iron Masked Marauder was last known to have caused the death of multiple rangers in the Ilex Forest in his quest to find Celebei.

That was not even considering all the other kinds of small-time criminals causing problems. The world was a dangerous and bleak place, the chittering and other noises from the forest not letting Ash's mind rest and sending it to darker places.

"Riolu," said Rocky looking at Ash questioningly placing his palm on his shoulder.

"It's nothing Rocky, don't worry," said Ash waving the fighting type off. He lied his head full of dark thoughts.

He had the advantage of experiencing Professor Oak's ranch and summer camp but not all trainers had such advantages. That Charmander Ash had wanted to start with came to mind. He had a great starter, do not get him wrong and he loved and would want no one other then Rocky, but whoever had gotten the Charmander did he know how to train it, to take care of him.

Joshua was not a smart guy and could be very callous and Derek was just a plain jerk with no redeeming qualities whatsoever.

He worried for the Pokémon they might run into and try to catch.

He felt Rocky wiggle in the sleeping bag and Ash looked down as he reached for his waist band and for his Pokeballs. Ash watched transfixed as Rocky released both Thor and Lenny before talking to them.

"Riolu…Rio…lu…Riolu…Riolu,"

"Karp…Karp…Magikarp,"

"Zera…Zera…Zeraora, Zeraora, Ora,"

His Pokémon moved towards him. While Lenny moved into his sleeping bag, Rocky and Thor slept on either side of him pulling themselves into him. Ash felt infinitely better just with the presence of his team.

The world might not be the best place in the world but he would face it head on as long as he had a great team like this.

"Did I tell you guys about the time I jumped onto a Rhydon when I was young?" said Ash.

Rocky gave him an incredulous look. Ash shrugged as Thor and Lenny looked at him to hear the story intently.

"I was eight and Gary had challenged me to a long jump competition…," Ash continued with his story as he took another vow.

How ever bad things would get he would always aspire to be an ideal trainer, helping everyone he meets on his way should they need his help. People and Pokémon alike. He would follow all the virtues of being a trainer and never deviate from them.

LINE BREAK

The morning had started uneventful for Misty.

For once she was up before Ash had left for his morning jog.

She woke to a wonderful sight with Lenny asleep over Ash's chest while Rocky was snuggled into his side. Thor was asleep latched onto his leg.

She gave the scene and the boy a fond smile before heading into the forest looking for a pond to find some water.

Her thoughts were scattered here and there as she came upon a pond after a few moments. She walked around to its edge and filled her canteen and Ash's with water. The pond was beautiful with crystal clear surface of water covered with lotus pads and lotuses. She could make out a few Poliwags in the pond and was tempted to catch one when she heard a scream.

Ash's scream.

She rushed back to the camp she had left and came upon an awake Ash and team being held at sword point by a Samurai wannabe.

His armour looked clean and well maintained but Misty could say with assurance it was not a set. It looked more like the boy (who was about Ash's age) had put together the collection from multiple garage sales and was trying his best to make them look their best.

"Greeting Cretin. What is your purpose in this part of the forest?" asked the boy.

Ash looked nervous, unsure, and gulped. He looked around uncertainly before answering.

"I was passing through the forest to head too Pewter City along with my companion Misty," said Ash.

The sword was yet to move from his neck and Misty watched with baited breathe.

"I don't see any companion but there is an empty sleeping bag so she must have gone of to find water from the pond nearby," mused the Samurai as he pulled his sword back and placed it on his own shoulder.

Ash and his team breathed out a sigh of relief.

It was short lived.

"The path to Pewter is the main road not this out of the way stretch. So tell me Cretin, where is it you hail from and why are you here?" said the Samurai again bringing his sword to his neck.

"Well, I hail, I mean Pallet Town is my…," Ash didn't get to finish his sentence.

The Samurai screamed, "PALLET TOWN,"

"I was beaten by three trainers from Pallet Town in the last week. I have been humiliated by your comrades," he pulled the sword back and then pulled out a Pokeball into Ash's face.

"I WILL HAVE MY RETRIBUTION BY CRUSHING YOU LIKE THE CRETIN YOU ARE," said the boy.

"Wait, you want to have a battle," said Ash looking at the boy.

"Aye and once, you are beaten I shall have salvaged by pride and honour. Come cretin, I shall feast on your fears as I crush your dreams with my might team," said the Samurai.

"Uh, sure, how does three on three sound," said Ash.

"It will be a curb stomping worthy of the Mighty Samurai's before me," said the Samurai as Ash just asked Lenny into the field.

Misty still in the cover watched the battle unfold.

"Metapod, lets regain our honour," said the Samurai and Misty almost screamed as the bug type Pokémon took the field.

The two of them looked down the other for a long time a time in which Misty fell asleep again. Lenny just flopped around while Metapod stood there like a small sentinel.

Finally, Ash made a command.

"Lenny tackle," said Ash and the Magikarp flopped towards the Metapod and struck him.

Immediately the fish Pokémon flopped back with a grunt of pain while the Metapod stood strong.

The Samurai let his head and cackled.

"Fool, my Metapod is a master defence specialist. Nothing can get through his armour no less a flopping useless Fish,"

That was the wrong thing to say as Ash's eye were set ablaze.

"You will pay for that," said Ash before turning to Lenny and saying.

"Batter the stupid bug into the tree using flail," said Ash and the fish was off immediately with his voice screaming for vengeance.

"KARP," said the water type as it hit the stupid bug into a tree.

"Again," said Ash and this continued with a few more flails making it look like Lenny was using the Metapod like a ball to play against a wall.

The Samurai for his part watched what was happening with wide eyes and an open mouth barely able to comprehend what was happening. Hell, even Misty was having difficulty understanding what she was seeing.

It took him ten flails to come back to his senses and give the battered bug type a command.

"Metapod use harden," said Samurai.

Ash smiled at that. It was not one of his nice and kind smiles. It was a sinister one that meant someone was about to be beaten badly.

"Flail the Metapod into the boulder Lenny," said Ash and his Magikarp complied smashing the Cocoon Pokémon into a large boulder that cracked upon impact.

"Now hop with your tail and use tackle," said Ash as the poor bug type that looked ready to faint crawled away very slowly.

Lenny smacked his tail into the ground and almost flew ten feet into the air before descending onto the Bug Type with great speed smashing him to pulp against the ground.

"Ha take that you stupid wannabe," said Ash as the Samurai looked at his knocked out bug with an unreadable expression on his face. Lenny moved to Ash and he got down on his knee and hugged his Pokémon making it well Misty was not entirely sure what that sound Lenny made was but it was a happy one.

"I lost to a Magikarp," the Samurai mumbled falling to his knees before rising with fire in his eyes. "you…YOU INSULT ME CRETIN FROM PALLET TOWN WITH YOUR VILE WAYS. I SHALL HAVE MY REVENGE. GO BEEDRILL WIN THIS FOR US,"

The Beedrill appeared out of it is Poke ball and flew around the place. It flew in a circle at high speeds before stopping in front of the Samurai poking with his needles in an aggressive manner.

Thor snorted from beside Ash at the display making Beedrill's eyes bulge out as it chittered angrily at the electric type.

"Would you like to take this battle?" Ash asked Thor and Thor moved forward.

"Return Lenny," said Ash and Lenny was happy to do so.

"Beedrill use Twineedle," said Samurai.

"Bee," said the Bug type as it flew at Zeraora who looked ready for it.

However, fast the Poison Bee Pokémon was the Thunderclap Pokémon was always faster weaving and dodging out of the way with precise ducks, sidesteps, jumps and on occasions flips.

"Okay Thor duck and roll under the Beedrill and use Fire Punch," said Ash.

Thor nodded his head and grunted his affirmative as he sidestepped a thrust of the Beedrill. He ducked and rolled under the bug for the next one before getting to his feet behind the Poison Bee Pokémon. As he rose up his hands caught fire before he punched the bug at it's middle smashing it into a tree.

A nasty burn was visible on the back of the Beedill as it rose back to it's feet with rage.

"Super effective moves are dishonourable," intoned the Samurai in a lecturing tone.

"Fuck you, too," said Ash before going for his next move.

"Thor Thunder," said Ash and the Thunderclap Pokémon nodded jumping into the air and spinning in air before launching the devastating move at the bug type.

"Counter it with Venoshock," said Samurai slightly nervous.

The Beedrill formed the purple ball of poison energy and shot it at the Thunder heading towards him. The attack tears through the poison type move smashing into the Poison Bee Pokémon electrocuting him. The Beedrill falls to the floor struggling to get up using it's stingers.

"Alright Thor finish the match off using Iron Tail," said Ash and Thor jumped towards the bug type. His tail glowed metallic silver as he descended onto the bug smashing it into the floor.

A small crater appeared where the bug was smashed into the ground knocking it out as Thor landed back not having taken a single hit in the process.

"GAH, YOU INSULT ME WITH YOUR VILE MOVES AND TACTICS. YOU HUMILIATE ME WITH THIS LOSES. I WILL HAVE MY REVENGE WITH THIS BATTLE, PINSIR LET'S CRUSH THIS CRETIN," Screamed the Samurai.

"Rocky," said Ash and the fighting type jumped up to battle.

"Hah, A FIGHTING TYPE. YOU WILL REGRET YOUR DECISION CRETIN," said the Samurai.

"I thought type matchups were a dishonourable," said Ash coyly making Misty giggle.

"AH, YOU INFURIATING PEST FROM PALLET. I SHALL CRUSH YOU AND FEAST ON YOUR DREAMS. PINSIR USE VISE GRIP,"

The Pinsir bowed down it's head and ran at Riolu clicking his pincers together menacingly. Ash calm as a cucumber asked Rocky to kick out Pinsir's legs.

Rocky did as asked moving out of the way of the move before kicking the bug at it's knee. The large Stag Bettle staggered and crashed into the ground.

"Follow it up with Blaze Kick," said Ash and the Rocky nodded. The bug type came back to his feet only to fell Rocky's kick connect with his sides.

He was sent flying into a tree with a burn on his side.

It chittered in pain and anger. The species were known for their aggressiveness after all.

"Pinsir don't give up use Brick Break," said Samurai and with surprising speed for the large bug it came at Rocky and almost hit him over the head only for Ash to command Rocky to escape with Extreme Speed before asking him to land Iron Tail.

Rocky blurred away from the fighting type move before appearing from the Bug Type's left using the added momentum for scoring a dangerous hit with Iron Tail.

Unluckily, the plan did not work because the bug type showed good reflexes blocking the move with the Brick Break. They were locked in a stalemate with Rocky in a very odd position.

"Hah, my Pinsir is as sharp as my Katana, there is nothing that is getting through to him. Now Pinsir use Bug Bite," said Samurai.

A green energy construct shaped like a mouth with two pincers on either side was formed in front of the Pinsir's mouth. The construct struck Rocky head on throwing him back. The move was close range and strong but Rocky stopped his momentum by sticking his claws into the ground using Metal Claw.

"Rio…Riolu," said Rocky annoyed and Ash nodded.

"That's my thinking to bud, this battle has gone long enough," said Ash tightening the fingerless gloved around his hands.

"Hah, you will regret ever meeting me Pest. Pinsir use Rock Tomb," said the Samurai.

The rocks formed over Rocky's head but in a moment of pure inspiration Ash uttered the following command.

"Rocky climb up the rocks," said Ash and Rocky smirked rushing over the rocks. He climbed over one rock before jumping over to the next and then crawling over the next and then jumping over the next.

Rocky emerged out of the move unhurt still smirking while Misty watched in awe.

"Now High Jump Kick," said Ash and Riolu descended from the air his leg glowing white in colour. The move crashed into the Stag Bettle's face knocking him back. A small explosion sounded out as Rocky jumped back from the bug type.

There was a small cloud of smoke that covered the standing Pinsir atleast until it cleared when the bug fell face first to the floor separating the cloud.

Rocky was rubbing his knee since it was a little tender but he was fine.

The Samurai fell to his knees looking at his Pinsir with disbelief. He bowed his head down in frustration as he recalled the bug.

"Me the Samurai had been defeated by another lowly cretin from Pallet Town. Have I lost my edge?" said the Samurai in a low voice barely audible to Ash or Misty.

Ash looked unsure as the boy seemed in capable of any sort of mental facilities. No one was this dramatic after a loss.

Ash moved forwards towards the kid as if to help him but the Samurai bolted upright suddenly knocking Ash onto his ass.

"Know this insufferable trainer from Pallet Town," "Hey" "This is not over. I will double my training, not triple it, no quadruple it. You will live the rest of your life with my shadow over you. I will become your greatest fear and will eat all your dreams until you are nothing but an empty hopeless husk. I will dedicate my soul, my very being to this task. I SHALL RETURN FOR MY VENGENANCE," screamed the Samurai as he ran off after collecting his Pinsir.

Ash screamed at him "Dude, you didn't pay me and he left."

He shook his head before turning to his team.

"Well that was a good work out who wants breakfast?" said Ash.

LINE BREAK

The Bug Catchers were some of the most annoying people Ash had ever met.

They were not a threat to him or his team mostly because Bug Type were not the strongest typing out there.

When it came to natural talent with battle there were some typing that were just very good. The Steel and Ground types were unnaturally good at defence and both Dragon and Fairy were some of the best types out there. Ice was a seriously unbalanced type and Ghost and Dark were similar. Poison did not have the greatest time before the fairy type was discovered. Normal types did not have much offensive capabilities while the Fighting Types and Fire types were very capable offensive Pokémon.

The Bug Type got the shit end of the deal when it came to well everything.

Ash was not the type to put much stock into the typing's and statistics but even he had to admit the bug type was probably one of the worst types around.

These Bug Catchers came at them with at least four bugs in their team. Their Pokémon were not that well trained and they always ran away before paying them.

As if things could not get worst, they were now digging pot holes for them to fall into so that they could steal their stuff.

Ash was at his wit's end with these fools and he really hoped they found the main road soon. This was getting irritating and exhausting.

Misty looked horrified having to come to face with so many bugs but did her part crushing them with her Pokémon.

They had been walking for the better part of three days through the forest and were yet to find the main road. It was starting to get on their nerves and Misty had snapped at Ash a few times throughout this trek.

He did his best to remain composed and find the route out but the fools in the forest were not helping things.

Ash was interrupted from his thoughts by groans and moans

"Oh, come on more of them," said Misty and Rocky nodded his head sagely with her statement.

They walked quietly to avoid them until Ash started to pick up snippets of their conversation.

"I hoped to catch that twerp and the red head,"

"What is this blue thing?"

"Whatever it is, it's not a bug,"

"Huh apparently it's from the Sinnoh region,"

"Gib, Gible,"

Those words stopped Ash in his tracks and he ran towards them forgetting about Misty.

He bust into the scene to find Gible struggling being stuck to a tree by a rope while five bug catchers made a circle around him.

A FEW MINUTES LATER.

"Cowards, come back here and pay us," screamed Misty and her Marshtomp as Ash helped Gible down from the tree.

"Hey there buddy," said Ash holding the little dragon type in his arms.

He sat down on the floor with the Land Shark in his lap running a hand over it's fin making him purr.

"Did you follow us?" asked Ash and Gible shook his head that dopey expression still on his face due to Ash's ministrations.

"Did you follow Ash?" asked Misty and Gible nodded.

Ash looked down at the land shark in shock making the cute blue Pokemon to give him his perchant wide eye stare.

"Hey Gible, would like to join me?" asked Ash and Gible shook his head in an agreement.

Ash whooped in joy hugging the Sinnoh native to his chest with the largest smile ever on his face.