Another chapter? Already?!

Yeah. I write chapters in advance and I'm uploading this earlier than expected because I'm going on vacation. So, I won't be able to write or upload another chapter. So, enjoy this new one! Hopefully, I'll be back with more chapters to make up for being away!

And Happy New Year!


Episode 6: Samurai! Pidgeotto Returns!

The day was finally over and all of them are sitting by a campfire.

Ash was able to get the wood, Misty was able to help set up the dry wood and rocks, and Serena used Fennekin's Ember to start the fire. It was a comfortable night, and the three were enjoying the peaceful night sky. Beedrill was hugging a tree in its sleep, away from the rest of the group, but not in any malicious way. The tree it chose was just the comfiest one for it to sleep in.

For Beedrill, it was quite awkward to meet the Pokémon you poisoned and badly bruised; however, the two were eager to accept him after they understood his story and even apologized for having his food taken away. Beedrill just cried and hugged the two Pokémon, much to the amusement of everyone around. Misty still didn't like bugs, but she was able to tolerate a crying and sappy Beedrill and a resting Metapod.

Serena was ecstatic that Metapod evolved and is only one stage away from reaching its full potential.

However, she kept looking away from Ash, always nervous around him and kept blushing profusely whenever he spoke to her. She just hid her face behind her hair throughout most of the day, much to Ash's worry. Misty nearly teased her about it but held off from doing so. It's been a rough day for them all, so it's best to just let it go.

Yawn. "I think I'm going to bed, guys!" Misty gets up, stretching. "I'll see you guys in the morning!" She heads off to her tent, leaving Ash and Serena alone. Ash glances at Serena, who glances back then looks away with a huge blush on her face.

"Are… you okay, Serena?" he asks gently, making her wince, which makes him frown. Did he do something wrong?

"Y-yeah, I am, Ash… w-why?" she stutters, unable to look at her crush.

He sighs, looking at the sky, "I guess, I'm just worried, is all." She blinks in confusion, then looks down. Was she worrying him? Did she do something wrong? More thoughts came to her mind, all the more negative. She promised herself she wouldn't doubt herself, but when it comes to Ash… she still feels insecure about a lot of stuff.

Not noticing her internal dilemma, he then whispers for the two of them to hear, "I'm just happy you're okay, 'Rena… If you had gotten hurt, I would never have forgiven myself… I should have been there for you." She gets up and places her finger against his lips.

"Ash," she stops him from speaking further, "you have nothing to be sorry about. I got jealous and rushed myself into danger… I appreciate you being there and saving me," she blushes, "I… I just want to say thank you for being my hero back there… I'm sorry for worrying you, I just wanted to show you I'm capable of being just as amazing as you, but I guess I can't."

The boy shakes his head, disagreeing with her, "No. You can't, because you're not me, Serena. You're not Ash Ketchum, you're Serena Paschall, and you're amazing the way you are. You're going to be amazing in whatever you decide to do! We're going to make it to the top and be the very best, like one ever was!"

She stares at her crush and gives him a determined nod, "Mm!" She sits back down, with a smile on her face, "We can be the greatest duo ever! You as a Pokémon Master and me… Well…" she trails off, unsure of what she wants to do.

Ash knows of her uncertainty and smiles, "Why not try being a trainer like me? Or you can try Pokémon Contests! There's one in Pewter City that we can watch! If you like that, we can help you get started to become a Pokémon Coordinator!" He encourages her and she thinks about it. She began remembering that Shauna was a Perfomer in Kalos, and how she encouraged Serena to look into that or being a coordinator.

Even now, the idea of one was alluring to her and she realized, maybe that would be a great place to start! Let Ash do the battling, and her the style!

"I think that would be a great idea," she smiles, nodding, her eyes sparkling at the idea of being a Pokémon Coordinator. She's seen a few of them and she always enjoyed watching them. To participate was something she'd never consider, but she can watch one in person and go from there!

"I think it's time go to bed myself," Serena yawns out, "I definitely want to do more searching around before we get out of this forest. Then afterwards we can go ahead and get to Pewter City for your first ever badge and we can watch a Contest in person!" she cheers, making Ash nod with a proud look on his face.

As she walks to her tent, Ash opting to stay out for just a little longer, she looks back at him and calls his name gently, "Ash?"

"Hm?" he turns his head slightly to glance at her.

"Thank you. For everything… And… you're amazing, Ash… You really are. You make me so happy, I'm just happy to be here with you and our Pokémon, make friends, and travel around with you. You being here means the world to me. Good night, Ash." She walks into the tent she shares with Misty.

Ash stares at in shock, before smiling at what she said and chuckles, "C'mon Serena, at least let me say it back to you…" he jokes to himself. His gaze stays at where she last stood, "You're amazing yourself, Serena… don't forget that." He then bids his Pokémon a good night and heads off to his tent.

Froakie, Pikachu, and Metapod just watch their trainer head in and they all glance at one another, before nodding.

Those two are so in love. One's just oblivious and the other is too shy to even say anything.

Eevee and Fennekin watch their trainer go to bed, before they sneak out from the tent to talk to the boys. Fennekin quips a small bark, and the others just come to say hello.

"Vui!" Eevee stares at the sky, admiring its beauty.

"Meta…" Metapod glances up at the starry sky and tears up, making the others look at him in worry. Pikachu pats his back, to which Metapod twitches in appreciation.

"Chu?" Pikachu asks what's up to Metapod, to which Metapod lets out a small, indistinguishable noise. He almost sounds conflicted, as if not sure if they'll laugh at him for saying it, but he decides to answer.

"Meta… pod… mmm pod…" It states to the listening group that it wants to fly, to have wings and spread them, to forever feel free from the confines of the ground and feel like it can be a protector; a true warrior and fight for his trainer, his friends, and one day his own mate. Fennekin and Eevee both look at him with admiration as he essentially sounded romantic, for a bug-type.

Froakie and Pikachu nod, with Froakie explaining to Metapod that as long as they all stay with Ash, he'll get to evolve just as quick as he evolved into a Metapod. Metapod agrees, letting out the same noise, but this time with a higher pitch to it.

"Pika! Pikapi chu-pika!" Pikachu cheers, stating they all will grow with their new trainers, grow as a team, and they'll all be strong together! Eevee nods emphatically, Froakie giving him a thumbs up, and Fennekin nods slowly, still unsure of itself.

Froakie pats her head, telling her that the loss to Beedrill shouldn't affect her, because it's just a steppingstone to being great. No person, or Pokémon, will always win every fight, but it's to the individual to learn and improve themselves from their losses, not let that be a crutch. Fennekin takes what Froakie says and yips happily, thanking Froakie for the encouragement, much to the frog's embarrassment.

Beedrill overhears them, with his sensitive hearing, and makes a small buzzing noise in return, agreeing with them. He didn't have the best start with the group, attacking his new trainer, and hurting his companions, but he's willing to grow strong with them and protect them like how his trainer's mate protected her.

As they all talk, all voicing their own thoughts and opinions, they all feel someone watching them.

Even Beedrill, no longer staying on his tree, flies slowly to them, looking around in case they were to get ambushed.

To their shock, it's Pidgeotto!

"Geotto…" Pidgeotto greets them, a wave from her wings. Pikachu and Froakie greet her with a smile, happy to see the Pokémon that helped fight with them return. They saw something special in her and was hoping they'd meet again.

Beedrill looks away in shame, thinking Pidgeotto was here to hurt him because of his previous transgressions. Luckily for him, Pidgeotto just pecks him gently on the head, letting him know she is here on friendly terms. He just tears up and both Fennekin and Eevee pat his stingers.

"Geo-tto!" She chirps, letting them know that she has been following them for a while now, and was impressed with the boy fighting so bravely. She stated she admired that in a future trainer. Froakie's eyes gleam, is she…?

Pidgeotto bows to them, telling them that she would like to join the boy's team… on the condition she is beaten by him. For Pidgeotto, loyalty and bravery aren't just what she wants in a trainer, she wants to see that her potential expand with a trainer such as the boy sleeping in the tent.

Pikachu and Froakie both agree with that statement.

Fennekin then asks how her trainer met Ash anyway, making Froakie grin, since he was aware of their history. So, he began to explain it all, from the moment they first met at Professor Oak's Summer Camp in Kanto, then how they reunited in Kalos with Sycamore's Summer Camp, and he even included how Ash met him and later Pikachu.

Froakie still held to the promise to not let them know about Mew's appearance.

He even admitted that Ash isn't his first trainer, that he was always looking for the right trainer that would care and love for him, in return make him stronger. He saw that Ash, even as an 8-year-old, was more than capable of raising Froakie. Pikachu nodded and explained that Ash was able to help him, even at a time when all he would do is just eat Professor Oak's cables for nutrition, and how he was wary of humans, until Ash came along to show him that not all humans are bad.

Eevee boasted that she was chosen by Ash to be Serena's first Pokémon, explaining that she chosen because Ash knew Serena would have been happy with a cute thing like her. She winks, but she then explains that Ash was always nice to her and would play with her, even do chores for Professor Oak in hopes of getting Eevee.

Fennekin, Metapod, Pidgeotto, and Beedrill were amazed with the boys' history, making Pidgeotto nod in approval. She wants to be under his care, but she still wants him to defeat her in battle. It's the only way. Even if he loses somehow, as long as he shows the care and potential to grow, she'll still come along. It's a win-win.

Beedrill tears up at the story and thinks his trainer and her mate are perfect, much to everyone else's amusement. Metapod hums in happiness, knowing that they all have become close friends because of their trainers.

They all agreed to head off to bed, with Pidgeotto flying up to one of the trees and makes a quick nest for herself to sleep in.

It would be the morning and Ash would be the first one to wake up, coming out of his tent with a huge stretch. He yawns, feeling all the kinks go away from his stretch, "Man, I slept great!" He turns to see the Pokémon all sleeping near each other and even sees Beedrill sleeping on another tree that was closer to them. He smiles at the scene, 'It looks like they've all become great friends.'

He then sees something in his peripheral vision, so when he looks up the tree Beedrill is sleeping against, he sees an awaking Pidgeotto, who chirps at him. His eyes widen and he smiles, "Oh, it's you, Pidgeotto! How are you?"

She flaps her wings and lands on the ground, staring at Ash, before stretching her wings in an offensive stance. Ash smirks, he knows what she wants, and with a quick nod, he gently wakes up Pikachu, "Chuu?" He yawns, but when he sees Pidgeotto, he too gains a quick smirk and gets up, immediately energized.

"Alright, let's go! I choose you, Pikachu!" he calls out, not loud enough to wake up the girls, but still loud enough to issue a command.

"Pika!"

They get to a more spacious clearing and Pidgeotto stares at her opponent, before taking off in the air. She's going to go all out! "Pidgeooo!" She caws, flying around, waiting for an opportunity to strike.

"Pikachu! Use Thunderbolt!"

Pikachu then charges his Thunderbolt, before releasing it at the flying-type, but because he couldn't control its direction, Pidgeotto just flies around it. In response, Pidgeotto swoops down, using Wing Attack to hit Pikachu. The attack lands, making Pikachu wince.

"She's a speedy one," Ash comments, more excited to catch her.

"Hold your ground, Pikachu, wait to strike!"

Pikachu gets on all legs, staring around as Pidgeotto flies around. She lands on a tree branch, but then quickly flies to a tree stump a meter away. She flies around to make sure Pikachu becomes dazed and confused, but Pikachu keeps watch.

Once she gets off the stump, she charges for a Peck!

Ash commands Pikachu to sidestep, which he does without hesitation.

Ash notices that it's a pattern she's doing. First the tree branch, then the stump, and then she swoops in for an attack! She has done it again in quick succession, but with a Wing Attack instead. She flies up, ready to do it all again, so she lands on the tree branch.

She then flies to the stump, right on time.

"Pikachu, Thunderbolt towards the stump!"

"Chuuuu!"

The electric attack hits Pidgeotto, who winces from the super-effective move, but flies away from the attack. She charges in directly with another Peck, but Ash was faster.

"Dodge with Quick Attack, then use another Thunderbolt!"

Pikachu dodges it with Quick Attack, then as she misses her mark, Pikachu then uses Thunderbolt again to weaken Pidgeotto. Pidgeotto winces even more from the attack and, to her shock, no pun intended, she's paralyzed! She struggles to move against the static electricity flowing around her.

This is it! Ash throws a Pokéball to Pidgeotto and to his amazement, it falls to the ground while it does the 3 wiggles, before a ding noise escapes, alerting Ash of his successful catch. He grins, rushing over to the Pokéball and exclaims, "Alright! We caught Pidgeotto!" He poses, with Pikachu giving him a victory sign.

"Hnng, what's with all the racket, Ash?" He turns to see the person complaining and he just smirks, putting the Pokéball to the whiner's face.

"Look, Misty," he boasts, "another successful catch!"

Serena walks out of the tent, already dressed, "Huh? You caught another Pokémon, Ash? Congrats!" she says sweetly, happy for her best friend. Ash rubs his nose sheepishly, accepting her cheers. Misty rolls her eyes, but nods in acceptance.

"Well, good, is it another bug?" she shivers. Luckily for her sanity, and theirs, Ash shakes his head.

"Nope! It's an awesome Pokémon! Come on out, Pidgeotto!" He calls out, sending out Pidgeotto. She weakly looks around, the paralysis still kicking her around. Ash notices and feeds her a Cheri Berry he had in his bag. She quickly pecks at it, cawing in relief as the cure is effective. She spreads her wings gracefully and flies onto Ash's head, making him laugh.

Serena clasps her hands, starry eyed, "Oh wow! She looks strong, Ash!"

Ash grins, "Yeah, she was able to help me fight Beedrill! She's quite the hero in her own right!" The flying type just pecks her trainer affectionately on his forehead, appreciating the compliments. Ash and Serena smile at Pidgeotto, whereas Misty sighs in relief. No bugs.

After cleaning their campsite, they all agreed to do continue trekking through Viridian Forest. Serena recalls all her Pokémon, with Ash doing the same minus Froakie and Pikachu, who just jump on each side of his shoulder.

"Hey, Ash, I never did ask you this, but why do you let Froakie and Pikachu stay out of their Pokéballs?" Misty asks, with Ash shrugging at her question.

"They just like being outside, I have no problems with it." He simply says, making Misty nod at the answer. It's sufficient.

Serena smiles and nods, "I'd do the same, but Eevee and Fennekin are happy being in their Pokéballs, Eevee prefers my backpack, but she likes to sleep in her ball without any interruptions." Misty thinks about her Pokémon, since she's primarily a water type specialist, they require to be near water, with Starmie being the exception. However, even Starmie needs water around to utilize its full power.

As they walked around, Serena saw the same Weedle that evaded her before and she sticks her tongue out petulantly at it, making it fume. She shrugs, she has a better Pokémon, and cuter one too, than that measly Weedle! Her pettiness to it won't backfire at all!

The trio kept walking through the forest without a care in the world aside from the little 'reunion' with Weedle. However, Misty was being creeped out as she felt someone was watching them, she tried to get Ash's attention, but he kept dismissing her worries as probably due to her phobia. Her eye twitches at the comment but figures he may be right about that.

Then Serena felt a chill as she too felt like someone was watching them, making Ash consider maybe the two of them were right. He glances at Froakie, who understands, and immediately jumps off Ash's shoulders to the trees. When Ash glances at Pikachu, the electric type stands guard on top of Ash's head, surveying the area.

His cheeks spark menacingly in case someone decides to attack.

Serena then shivers as she glances around and sees something shine, "G-guys… I-I think we're being followed," she whispers, trying not to alert the stalker. A dark figure moves around, rustling the bushes, making the two girls jump and squeak in surprise. Ash tenses, looking around.

Froakie throws a Water Pulse at the bush, but nothing reacts!

Pikachu uses his ears to pinpoint the location, but he can't hear anything move! The girls freaking out is making it hard for him to know where the attacker may be! "Pika!" it cries out, trying to keep the girls from being hysterical.

"Just get us out of here, Ash!" Misty hides behind Ash, her hands on his shoulders as she slouches to hide behind his physique. Serena's eyes twitch at the action but doesn't do anything as she hears someone scream!

"Ahhhh!" A guy jumps down from a tree! He has a sword, and he swipes his sword down!

The tip of the sword not even an inch away from Serena's nose, as she pales at the weapon. She begins to breathe heavily as the guy smirks at her, as if ready to attack!

"Greetings! My name is – oof!"

The would-be assailant doesn't finish his sentence as he's immediately on the floor, Ash pinning him down, and pummeling the guy's face! Serena shakes her head rapidly to calm herself down, wiping away any would be tears that were threatening to escape. Misty runs to her, trying to comfort her, while Ash keeps hitting the boy.

Pikachu and Froakie just watch, shaking their heads at the idiot that tried to hurt Serena. Hopefully Ash doesn't kill him, but with the way it's going, they may need to do something.

"I'm sorry! I was trying to make a cool entrance!" the guy wails, trying to fight Ash off, but Ash has his knees against the boy's chest, preventing him from moving too much. The boy is primarily using his arms to block Ash's punches, but Ash in anger doesn't relent. The poor kid tries to kick Ash, but his legs are too stubby to reach Ash. All the raven-haired boy saw was red.

"Don't."

Punch.

"You."

Punch."

"Hurt."

Punch.

"Her!"

Ash growls out, the boy looking ready to cry in mercy, but Serena grabs his wrists before he dealt another blow, "Ash… stop… it's fine…" She has never seen him this angry before… She pulls him up and hugs his side, "You can stop now… Thank you…"

Panting heavily, Ash glares stares at the boy in front of him, causing him to flinch. Ash looks at Serena, his anger fading as he just wraps an arm around her waist, "I'm sorry, I just didn't want to see you hurt…" Serena smiles at him, nodding at his protectiveness of her. He was always her protector… Although, she worries that his anger will one day get the best of him.

The boy gets up slowly, shaking in, bruises and a black eye forming, his lips are bleeding as he stutters, "M-my n-n-name is S-Samurai… an-and I -I was w-wanting to challenge you." He explains roughly, unable to fully talk coherently with a swollen lip.

Misty doesn't relent, as she feels upset that someone was willing to use a sword and point it at her friends' face! She stomps over, a finger pointing at his face, making his eyes widen, "And you think that stalking us, evading our Pokémon's attacks, and attacking my friends is the way to do it?!"

Samurai looks down from the scolding, but tries to save face, "Hmph! I-I c-co-could t-tell you're all n-novices!" He tries to look like the beatings from Ash didn't affect him, much to everyone else's chagrin. Ash shakes his head, not impressed with the boy, and begins walking away coldly.

The girls follow suit and Samurai stares in shock, "W-wait! I-I w-want to ba-battle!" He weakly runs to them, but Ash glares again, freezing the boy in place. Serena looks at Ash, concerned and holds his wrist gently, not wanting her crush to beat up the kid. He may have been stupid, but he didn't need to be put into a coma.

"Listen, Samurai, I'm not going to play that little game of yours," he spits out, "you attempted to hurt Serena trying to show off! What would have happened if you didn't stop in time? You could have hurt her or worse! I don't care if you want to battle, just buzz off!"

Before anyone can respond, they hear lots of buzzing noises as a swarm of wild Beedrill, with the Weedle Serena peeved off on top of the leader of the swarm. The Weedle looks at her smugly and makes a gurgling noise to the head Beedrill, making them all ready up to attack.

"Today isn't our day," Ash mutters as he just runs over to grab the boy he beat up, "You're lucky I don't throw you to the Beedrill as a meat shield," he lifts him over his shoulder, and runs off with Serena and Misty.

Froakie attempts to use Bubble to slow the swarm down, but they all keep evading the attacks. Pikachu lands a hit using Thunderbolt, but it only angers the Beedrill more and they give chase. Luckily, they were able to find a cabin in the forest, where Ash throws the boy into the house roughly, forcing the girls in, his Pokémon jump through, and he slams the door shut.

"Ugh!" He jumps way as the Beedrill try to stab through the door with their stingers, nearly stabbing him in the process.

Misty helps him by placing a table that's in the cabin and presses it firmly against the door. He thanks the redhead as he plops down on the floor, upset. Serena trembles, that damn Weedle was really out to get her…

What a great day.