Chapter 3 The Road to Viridian City
After Ash, Nikki, Pikachu, and Spike set off on Route 1 other than a gentle breeze, it was a very peacefully day. They have spotted several Rattata packs and a couple small flocks of Pidgey's flying around looking for food. The two new trainers just left them alone. They wanted to cover as much ground as they could before night fall. As they walked the four of them were left to their own thoughts.
Nikki: 'This is it. I'm finally a trainer. I can't wait til we get to the town with the first badge.' She gave a quick glance to Ash, who was walking beside her. 'I wonder why Ash asked to travel together. Does he maybe like me, like I like him?' She glanced at Ash quickly, seeing that he was lost in his own thoughts. She blushed as she looked forward. 'Don't be silly, Leaf or someone probably mentioned travelling in a group and that's why he asked.' Nikki sighs sadly. 'I guess it doesn't matter as long as we travel together, just the two of us…. Maybe he will develop his own feelings.' A broad smile graced Nikki's lips as she entered an 'Ashy – Anticy' about how he might confess to her.
Spike: 'I think I can trust this Ash boy and his Pokemon to help protect Nikki. Though I still need to get to know them before I trust them completely.' Spike took a quick glance of Ash. 'Though I cannot believe how dense this boy is when it comes to Nikki's feelings. And she is trying to get him to notice. Though when he does notice he better not break her heart. Or he will get a Peck to the butt.'
Pikachu: 'I really misjudged this boy. He apologized after I shocked him. The trainers from the past would have yelled at me, if not done more cruel things. And even after that when the other boy and the old man wanted me to go back into the pokeball he defended me and is letting me stay out of it. Even told me to let him know when I get tired. He really is a good kid.' Pikachu took a quick glance at Nikki. 'This Nikki girl isn't bad either. Though her feelings are very obvious, I mean really, I've seen Vulpix with lighter red coloring.' Pikachu looked at Ash again. 'Well at least watching them…interact should be some good entertainment. Though Ash has been true to his word, maybe staying with him won't be so bad.'
Ash: 'This is great, I'm finally here on my journey. I'm going to become the very best like no one ever was. With Pikachu as my partner nothing can stand in our way, and we'll win the Indigo League.' Ash began to fantasize about holding the Indigo cup with Pikachu by his side and the entire crowd was chanting his name. He took a quick glance at Nikki. 'I wonder why Mom was so insistent that I travel with her. I can handle myself. Maybe Nikki wanted to travel together. But why didn't she just ask me? I mean I know that she has always had a harder time asking me something without Leaf helping her than when she asks Leaf or Gary something…' Ash let out a sigh. 'I'm probably overthinking this… Is it lunchtime?'
Back at the lab after everyone had left, Professor Oak was sitting in his chair skimming through his emails. None of it was anything too important, junk mail, a couple new thesis from other regional professors and some fan mail. Just as he was coming to the end of his emails a mon walked out of a shadowed corner.
"I see you finally found a trainer for Pikachu." The man spoke as he entered the light, he was more recognizable. He has big spiky carmine red hair; A mixture of brown and yellow eyes; An indigo suit with orange lining around the sleeves, chest, stomach, and upper pant's area; There is also a dark belt around his waist, with a pair of dark brown boots with two light brown stripes, and finally he has on a black cape which is red underneath.
"Yes, Lance. I believe he is one of the most capable of my new pupils." Oak says showing no sign at all of being surprised.
Lance started to laugh. "I remember when you'd have a heart attack from my surprise visits."
"Yes, though the more you do it the less effective it is." Oak says with a small chuckle.
"Please tell me about the new group of trainers. I believe there are four of them this year, right?"
"Yes. Three of them are aiming for the Indigo League, Nikki Lazario, Ash Ketchum, and my grandson Gary. There is also Leaf Green, who wants to complete the pokedex." A simple nod from Lance told the Professor to continue. "To begin with, people see Gary as the most capable."
"And you don't agree." Lance guessed. Oak sighed nodding before continuing.
"While I do know he is capable, Gary as much as I hate to admit it doesn't hold the right attitude. He truly believes that all it takes is to catch a lot of Pokemon to become a strong trainer." Lance smirked.
"Yeah, but I remember another pupil of yours like that and look where he is now."
"That's true. Gary is so much like his father in so many ways. And if he changes that attitude of his, then he could go far." Oak said with a friendly smile. "Leaf I believe will complete the pokedex. She is very adventurous and energetic so there's nothing to worry about." Lance nodded and didn't say anything. He was an expert at Pokemon battles so he really couldn't say anything about Leaf or her goal.
"Then there is Nikki. And though she does have a dream I worry about her because of her disability. She is the other one that I believe is the most capable. She has the knowledge and the heart but because of her disability it makes it extremely difficult for her to interact socially with other human beings."
"Considering who her father was I don't think it will be a problem especially if she has his talent."
"Yes, she can understand Pokemon like her father once did. But only time will tell if she has the other ability that comes with understanding Pokemon."
"Tell me about Ash."
"I believe that he is the other most capable. He might not have the knowledge that Nikki does or Gary's attitude, but he does have the heart. And as his father has proven that is the most important thing."
"Well considering who his father is I don't doubt it especially if they share the same talent."
"He can understand Pokemon if that answers your question." Oak says with a smile which Lance did return. "But only time will tell."
"So how will you know?" Lance asked.
"You know Pikachu's history. Even after months of trying neither of us could get Pikachu to trust. I'll know when Pikachu opens up." Oak says as Lance nodded in agreement. Just then Lance's poke-gear rang.
Lance answered it listening as the person speaking explained the situation. Lance clenched his fist in anger as his eyes reflected his anger. After he ended the call Lance put the poke-gear away turning back to Oak.
"Sorry, Professor, I must go. There's an illegal gym operating outside of Cerulean City. The reports say the guy running it uses a whip to make his Pokemon go feral." Professor Oak nodded in understanding as Lance walked back into the shadowed corner before disappearing. How does he do that…?
"Ggggggrrrrrr!" Ash's stomach growled. The sound broke the four's thought train. Nikki smiled a little. She found most things Ash did to be extremely cute, like his Snorlax sized appetite, though there were some things he did that annoyed her. Pikachu sweat dropped, Ash's stomach growl was embarrassing, and why was Nikki smiling? Could this girl be any more obvious?
"Sorry guys. I guess it's time for lunch." Ash says sheepishly as he blushed a little and scratched the back of his head.
"It's alright, Ash. I'm actually starting to get a little tired too." Nikki says with a bright smile. "At least we have a way to tell time." Ash looked at her confused.
"What do you mean?" Ash asked as he tilted his head still looking confused.
"I mean your stomach has always done that three times every day at the same times every day." Nikki said with a giggle. "It's like you have your own personal alarm clock."
"Oh, huh I guess you're right." Ash says as he nervously laughed and scratched the back of his head again. Ash looked around and saw a big oak tree with a lot of shade. "That looks like a good place to take a break." Ash says as he pointed towards the tree. Nikki, Spike, and Pikachu looked at the tree.
"Sure, and we'll be able to have shade while we eat." Nikki looked at Spike. "What do you think, buddy?" Spike nods.
"It's okay with me." Spike says looking at Nikki with a smile.
"What about you, Pikachu?" Pikachu was taken by surprise, Ash really was trying.
"Yeah, it looks fine." Pikachu says with a nod. With that the four of them made their way over to the tree.
Once at the tree Ash and Nikki took their backpacks off and down by their sides. Nikki grabbed Blaze's pokeball and released her. The Lizard Pokemon walked over to Nikki and nuzzled her leg affectionately. Nikki smiled as she took out two bowls out of her bag placing them on the ground. She took out a can of Pokemon food, a bottle of Tamato Berry juice and a Pecha Berry. She poured the food into the two bowls. She poured some of the Tamato juice into one of the bowls and squeezed the Pecha Berry releasing its juice into the other bowl.
"Here you go, Blaze, Spike." Nikki pushed the bowl with the Tamato juice soaked food in front of Blaze and the Pecha juice soaked food in front of Spike. "The berry juices I used for your food should make it taste better than without."
"Thank you." Both Blaze and Spike said happily. They both sniffed the food. Blaze could smell the spiciness of the Tamato juice in her food and it made her mouth water. Being a fire type, she likes strong spices. Spike could smell the sweetness of the Pecha juice in his food. The food smelled so good with the berry juice in it. They both began to eat their food happily.
"Nikki, where did you learn that trick with the berry juice?" Ash asked as he took out a bowl for Pikachu.
"Oh, well you know my Mama is a breeder. She told me I could use berry juice to make plain Pokemon food taste better for the Pokemon. Though I only plan on doing it until we can get better food for them."
"Maybe you could do that for my Pokemon when I catch more." Nikki giggled and nods.
"Sure, Ash. But we are going to need to get more berries when we get to Viridian City."
"Yeah, We can go to the Pokemart when we get there." Ash looked at Pikachu who was laying down on a tree branch. "Hey, Pikachu. Are you not hungry?"
"Not really. I ate some of the wires at the old man's lab." He joked. Ash sweat dropped as he put the bowl back in his bag. He took a quick minute to check on his Pokemon egg before grabbing the lunch box Delia had prepared for him.
Nikki took another Pecha berry out of her bag and looked at Pikachu. "Hey, Pikachu. Catch." She says as she tossed the berry to the little electric type. Pikachu looked and caught the berry. He looked at Nikki confused. "Even if you did eat something at the lab it wouldn't hurt to eat something before we get going again." Nikki says with a smile. Pikachu was shocked by her kindness. By the sound of it she didn't have a lot of berries but she's giving one to him.
Pikachu sighed and started to eat the Pecha Berry. Ash opened his boxed lunch and began to eat at an incredible speed. Nikki took out a few rice balls.
"Only a few rice balls, Nikki?" Ash asked as he stopped eating to catch his breath. "Are you not that hungry?" Nikki looked at Ash, who had gone back to his speed eating, and blushed. He always puts others first.
"Ash, it's okay. I had a big breakfast." Nikki says shaking the blush away. After about a minute Ash stopped eating revealing that there wasn't even a crumb left. Nikki hadn't even finished one of her rice balls yet. But Ash wasn't going to rush them. They hadn't even stopped for very long so there was no need to rush.
"So, Nikki, why did you your dad have Spike bred for you as your service Pokemon? No offense to Spike I think he is awesome. But I thought you might pick a Pokemon that could ride on your shoulder that wouldn't get bigger like Pikachu." Nikki swallowed the bite she had taken before looking at Ash.
"Well, I thought about asking for a Pichu or a Pikachu at first. But I then met my father's Nidoqueen. My father always use to tell me that the Nidoqueen and Nidoking lines are protectors. And she became one of my favorites of his Pokemon. I told my father before he passed on that I wanted a Nidoran as my service Pokemon."
"Yeah, but you won't really be able to bring Spike into stores and other places when he evolves. It might not hurt to catch a Pokemon that's small and won't evolve without a stone." Nikki sighs and nods.
"Yeah, I know. Maybe I'll be able to catch a Pichu or Pikachu in Viridian Forest." She looked at Spike who was still eating. "I just don't want to make Spike feel like I'm replacing him. He was trained to be a service Pokemon and was taught four TM moves to be able to help me and protect me."
"Nikki, I know if you explain it to him, he won't feel like that. I'm sure he'll understand. And maybe he can teach whichever one you catch to be a service Pokemon like him." Nikki smiled a little at that idea.
"Yeah, he could probably teach them Thunder Bolt and Iron Tail." She says with a light blush. Ash really is the nicest boy she had ever met. It was no wonder why he is the one who holds her affection. "Thank you, Ash. Really." Nikki says gratefully.
"It's no problem! What are friends for?" Ash asked giving her a thumbs up.
"Heh, right friends," Nikki said nervously with a light blush.
The three Pokemon sweat dropped. For as kind as Ash was, he really was dense. But to his credit he was only ten, so it was to be expected. All three Pokemon thought it was funny that even though they hadn't known their trainers for very long, and even they knew how obvious it was about how Nikki felt about Ash.
"Hey! Why don't we make a promise to stay together always and always look out for each other!" Ash says as he stuck out his hand. "Pikachu, Blaze, and Spike, are you guys in too?"
"Count me in!" Blaze said enthusiastically as she ran over to Ash and placed her paw on his hand. Spike hesitated for a second before slowly walking over and placing one of his paws on Blaze's paw. Pikachu hesitated for just a little bit but still climbed down the tree and placed his paw on the others. Nikki felt tears starting to welling in her eyes as she saw how supportive everyone was.
"Yeah! Let's do it!" Nikki agreed as she placed her hand on all the others.
"Then it's settled!" Ash said as they broke off. Pikachu, Blaze, and Spike went back to eating. After a little while Nikki and the Pokemon had finished eating. Nikki started to clean her Pokemon's bowls while Ash decided that he should see if there's Pokemon to join his team.
Ash stood up taking his pokedex out trying to find out what Pokemon were living in the area. It said there are the typical Pokemon around, Magikarp, Pidgey, Rattata, and Spearow. Nothing too exotic.
Pidgey chirped as a group of four Pidgey's landed nearby. Ash and Nikki looked over at them.
"Aw cool! Pidgey! They would make awesome teammates!" The four Pidgey heard this and turned their heads. They really didn't care about the kid. If he tried anything then they would defend themselves, if not than they can just continue to search for some food. Ash jumped just in front of them.
"Go pokeball!" Ash shouted as he threw a pokeball. It struck one of the Pidgey while the other three flew off. The Pidgey was sucked inside the pokeball, and it fell to the ground.
"Alright, I caught a…" Ash started to cheer but stopped when the pokeball started to wiggle back and forth.
"Uhh…what's it doing now?"
Pokemon need to be battled and weakened before they can be captured. Unless the Pokemon doesn't put up any resistance. Ash's pokedex spoke up. The pokeball continued to wiggle until it burst open. The Pidgey flew out and while in the air flapped its wings creating a powerful wind directed at Ash. It was strong enough to blow the pokeball into Ash's face. The combination of the strong winds and the hard hit from the metal ball caused Ash to fall into the dirt while his pokedex landed next to him.
"Ash!" Nikki shouted in worry as she jumped to her feet and ran to him. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm alright. What was that?" Ash asked groggily.
A gust of wind is whipped up by wings and launched at the target to inflict damage. Trainers normally battle wild Pokemon with their own. Ash's pokedex spoke up again. As Ash picked himself up and dusted the dirt off, he heard Pikachu snickering.
"Ha Ha Pikachu. I'm sure that was just hilarious." Ash says sarcastically with a hint of anger in his voice. "Let's see you battle Pidgey."
"Not going to happen. This is too good to miss." Pikachu says as his snickering continued.
"Fine." Ash angrily turned to face Pidgey again. "Just you watch! I'll catch Pidgey by myself!" Ash than pulled out a blanket that Delia packed in Ash's backpack. He held the blanket with one corner in each hand and let it fall down. He began to sneak towards the Pidgey as the bird started to peck at the ground.
"Ash, I really don't think this is a good idea." Nikki called out to him very concerned. "Why don't I just battle it and you catch it once it's weak enough."
"Cause than it won't feel like I earned the right to catch it if you do that. Don't worry, Nikki. I will be fine." Ash reassured as he closed in on the Pidgey. Nikki sighed as she seriously doubted that, but she knew she couldn't stop it. So, she took the initiative and packed up the few things they had out because something told her that this isn't going to end very well. Ash continued to tip toe forward and Pidgey turned his attention to the boy with a blanket. Does this kid have mental problems or something? Pidgey turned his head in confusion.
"Hi there, Pidgey." Ash whispered very calmly as he stopped just right in front of Pidgey. "…Pidgey, you're mine!" Ash flung forward and pounced onto the tiny bird Pokemon covering it with the blanket, and with his body covering the Pokemon. Pidgey began to attack Ash through the blanket with his beak using Peck.
"Aarrgg!" Ash cried out in pain but refused to let go. Pidgey finished its assault which cause Ash to smile thinking he won the battle. Ash was about to let up when he was being lifted off the ground with the blanket. Pidgey was using another Gust attack. Flying through the air Ash and the blanket separated. Pidgey got up and flew away, all he had wanted was something to eat. Ash crashed into the ground while the blanket landed a bit away.
"Aarrgg!" Ash cried out in pain again. Nikki came running to him while Pikachu was rolling around on the branch in a laughing fit. If nothing else going with Ash was worth it just to watch this show.
"ASH!" Nikki cried out in fear. "Are you alright?" As she got close, she slide onto her knees and helped Ash sit up.
"Yeah. I'm alright." Ash said following with his normal toothy grin. "Though I do wish I could have caught Pidgey." Nikki rubbed Ash's back in comfort, which did cause her to blush. Normally Ash was the one to comfort her not the other way around. Did he like when she comforted him? She shook those thoughts away. Ash needed words of encouragement, like what he had given her in the past. Nikki took a deep breath to calm herself.
"There's no need to be sad, Ash. Pidgey may have gotten away today but that just means you'll get another chance again." Nikki says with a warm smile. Ash returned the smile and Nikki stood up with determination. "Don't give up until it's over. Okay?" Hearing the same words of encouragement he used to help Nikki before, lit a new fire within him. Nikki offered him her hand, which he took and jumped to his feet. Then Ash felt something weird come over him, he pulled Nikki into a hug.
"Thank you, Nikki." Ash whispered in her ear. Why is he hugging her? He didn't know, but Leaf has always hugged him when she said thank you and it just seemed like the right thing to do. But than again Nikki isn't Leaf. Leaf is practically his sister and Nikki has always been different. She acted different, talked different. Sometimes it felt like they were best friends and other times…it felt like she was something more… Meh probably just something in Ash's imagination. After all they are best friends, what else could they be?
Nikki jumped slightly when she felt Ash hug her and blushed heavily. When she heard the thank you, she practically melted into the hug.
The hug only lasted for a minute but to Nikki it felt like an eternity. Ash could have sworn he heard Nikki groan a little when he let go of her. When he did, he figured he should pack up as well. Nikki stayed still for a moment in the same place enjoying the warmth Ash had given her and the memory of what had happened. Ash had packed most of his things when he saw the blanket. He made his way over to it when he noticed a lump in the middle of the blanket.
'I guess there was another Pidgey.' Ash thought as he kneeled down and picked up the blanket. Another bird Pokemon hopped and glared at Ash, and it wasn't a Pidgey. Ash grabbed his pokedex:
Spearow, the Tiny Bird Pokemon. Spearow has a very loud cry that can be heard over half a mile away. If its high, keening cry is heard echoing all around, it is a sign that they are warning each other of danger. Unlike Pidgey, Spearow has a terrible attitude. It is very wild and will sometimes attack other Pokemon and people. As his pokedex spoke, Ash's face paled notably at the attacking people part.
"Um… Hey there, Spearow… Sorry about the blanket… I really didn't mean to interrupt what ever it is you were doing… It was a terrible accident…" Ash explained nervously and apologized. Pikachu had since stopped laughing and got ready to attack if needed. "Are we good?"
"Ash…you, okay?" Pikachu asked seriously. Spearow saw this and shrieked and launched into a Quick Attack. Ash barely had time to dodge it, but he wasn't Spearow's target. Spearow continued at Pikachu. Pikachu was able to dodge the attack but lost his balance falling from the branch. As Pikachu tried to get up Spearow unleashed a barrage of Fury Attacks. Nikki panicked a little before shaking her head to calm down and focus. She returned Blaze since she didn't have any long-ranged attack that she could use to help.
"Spike, use Ice Beam on Spearow's wings!" Ice energy began to form around the tip of Spike's horn as he got ready to fire the Ice Beam. But Spearow heard Nikki's command and as Spike fired the Ice Beam at Spearow's wings Spearow dodged it. Nikki growled a little. "Hold on, Pikachu! We'll keep Spearow off you!"
Spearow shrieked again and went after Spike launching another Fury Attack. Spike cried out in pain when the Fury Attack hit. "Spike! Use Thunder Bolt!" Spike glared at the Spearow before quickly launched a close ranged Thunder Bolt zapping it. The Spearow got blasted a bit away from Spike before he fell to the ground. Nikki ran to Spike and picked him up. "Oh, Spike! Are you okay?!"
Spike groaned a little but looked at Nikki and nods. "I'm alright. But it hurts to move a little."
The four heard another shriek and turned seeing that Spearow had gotten back in the air. It flew straight at Pikachu launching another Fury Attack.
"PPIIKKAA-CCHHUU!" Ash shouted as he charged at Spearow. Ashe rugby tackled the angry bird out of the way and covered Pikachu protectively with his body. Neither Ash nor Nikki could make out what Spearow was saying due to the anger.
"Pikachu… You, okay?" Ash asked. Pikachu stared at his trainer and his friend and her Pokemon. Ash had just tackled Spearow to save him, and Nikki and Spike worked together to protect him too. Maybe he could become his partner. After all, before those other trainers got Pikachu, he did dream of being a trainers Pokemon… Maybe that dream will come true.
"Yeah… Ash…" Pikachu says weakly as he saw Spearow charging at Ash. Pikachu wasn't going to let that happen. Pikachu launched himself into a Quick Attack and the two collided and were equally matched. Pikachu quickly recovered and launched a Thunder Shock at the Spearow. Ash was shock (no pun intended), Pikachu actually just protected him. Spearow quickly recovered and glared at the two kids and their Pokemon. Now the kid gloves were off.
Spearow let out an ear piercing screech. From the nearby grotto a giant flock of Spearow rose, all directed towards the four. Ash, Pikachu, Nikki, and Spike all gathered together and sweat dropped. There was no way they could take on an army. The original Spearow let out another screech and pointed his wing toward the four. With the commands given the army of Spearow's entered into a Quick Attack frenzy all aimed at the four. With fighting out of the options and apologizing already failing, they only saw one logical choice left…RUN!
Back in Pallet Town, Delia was enjoying a cup of tea with Diana and Rose when she had her sixth sense go off.
'So that's how long Ash can stay out of trouble.' Delia thought with an amused smile. Well at least she didn't have to wash his laundry anymore.
Ash, Pikachu, Nikki, and Spike all ran as fast as they could. Looking at the sky it looked like a storm was rolling in, great. Ash was brave and took a quick look back. What looked like 300 Spearow was chasing them and weren't giving up. Ash inwardly sighed, looking at Pikachu and Spike, it was clear that both Pokemon were getting tired, and Nikki wasn't doing too good either. Looking for a way out Ash looked around and spotted a cliff and could hear running water… Ash suddenly got a very bad idea.
"Guys…I've got an idea…." Ash says in between breaths.
"What is it?" Nikki asked confused.
"No time to explain. Do you trust me?" Nikki stared at Ash after he asked that question, after everything he's ever done for her, of course she trusts him.
"Yes…I trust you." Nikki says giving him a reassuring smile.
"And you, Pikachu? Spike?"
"If my trainer trusts you than I do too." Spike replied in a snipy tone.
"Yeah, Ash… Just get us out of here!" Pikachu snapped. With permission from all three Ash put his plan into action. He grabbed Spike thrusting him into one of Nikki's arms grabbing her free hand, and with his free hand swiped Pikachu up. With all three in hand Ash drew them toward the cliff. Looking down a river could be seen.
"Ash! Are you crazy?!" Nikki, Spike, and Pikachu shouted in unison.
"What choice do we have? Stay here and get attacked?" Nikki, Spike, and Pikachu looked at each other. They knew he was right. With that the three look back at Ash and nod. With time running out Ash took Pikachu and held him to his chest before fastening his jacket to keep him close. Nikki follows his idea and holds Spike to her chest and fastens her jacket holding him close. Ash then turned to Nikki and gave her a reassuring smile.
"Ready?" Ash asked being serious. Reluctantly Nikki nodded. With Nikki, Spike, and Pikachu ready to go Ash wrapped his arms around Nikki's waist and pulled her close. "Hold on tight!" Nikki wrapped her arms around his chest and braving a look back she saw the Spearow closing in on them. She remembered hearing Ash counting to down to three and then they jumped. As they fell the Spearow arrived at the edge of the cliff. Using their ability, Keen Eye, if these kids come up again than they will make them pay. The four fell into the river.
Further on down the river on solid ground was a girl fishing. Her name is Misty Waterflower. She has orange medium length hair tied in a side ponytail; With ocean blue eyes and pale white skin; Her outfit consisted of a pale yellow tank top that showed her lower torso; blue denim shorts with red suspenders; and a pair of yellow sneakers. Her day has been fairly uneventful. None of her Pokemon have had a good battle and she hasn't even had a bite. The Waterflower name is world famous. Misty is from Cerulean City though left on a journey because of 'family issues', and the twelve year old did plan to return once she turns sixteen and can take back the legacy her father left… Oh why can't something happen? She was so bored.
As they broke through the surface the four went back under the water. They were being forced down the river by the current, Ash could have sworn he saw a Gyarados swim past them. And though Pikachu and Spike were secure Ash and Nikki were feeling the exhaustion and slowly started to separate. When they were about an arm's length away Ash regained his senses and gripped Nikki's hand hard interlocking their fingers. He refused to lose anyone no matter what.
Ash suddenly felt a tug on his jacket. There were two tugs, but it didn't do anything against the current. The third tug was a lot harder. Ash, Pikachu, Nikki, and Spike were all pulled from the river. Flying through the air Ash couldn't hold on much longer and lost his grip on Nikki.
The two of them landed a meter apart in the dirt. It had been Misty who pulled them out of the water. Ash choked as he tried to breath.
"Aw its just some kids." Misty said groaning. Misty than saw Pikachu and Spike as they to attempted to catch their breath. "Oh, and Pokemon. Are you okay?" Misty asked as she ran up to them.
"Yeah, we're fine. Thanks." Ash says as he caught his breath and weakly smiled. He then felt a slap on the face. Ash looked at the orange haired girl that just hit him and was surprised. Why did she do that?
"Not you, your Pokemon. Look at what you did to them!" Misty said angrily.
"We didn't do this." Ash says with a snippy tone.
Nikki was angry. This girl had some nerve. Sure, it's okay to worry about Pikachu and Spike, but she can't just accuse someone of hurting their Pokemon without evidence. And there was absolutely no reason to hit Ash. "Now you listen here carrot top! We didn't hurt our Pokemon! And you have no right to hit Ash when you don't know the whole story!"
"Then how come you both let them get hurt like this?!" Misty yelled.
Nikki was about the hit the girl when Ash grabbed her arm. She looked at Ash and he shook his head. They didn't have time to deal with an ignorant girl that didn't know they whole story.
"It doesn't matter. What does matter is making sure Pikachu and Spike are safe." Ash says as he stood up cradling Pikachu in his arms. Nikki stood up and cradled Spike in her arms. "Do you know where we can take them?"
"Hmph! Well, you're in luck. Viridian City is just a few miles that way." Misty says with a snotty as she pointed in the right direction. "There's a Pokemon Center there. They will heal Pikachu and Nidoran."
"Great, thanks." Ash said as he bowed his head in gratitude.
"Hey, Ash, we can ride this!" Nikki called over as she pointed out a red bike. "We will make it in no time." Ash smiled and nodded. The bike would save them a lot of time. Nikki set Spike in the basket as Ash ran up to the bike setting Pikachu beside Spike.
"Hey! That's my bike! You can't just take it!" Misty shouted in anger as she stomped her foot in frustration. Unfortunately, everyone's attention was drawn to the sound of a loud screech. The flock of Spearow are coming.
"Why won't these guys just quit?!" Ash asked a rhetorical question. "We need to get going." Ash jumped onto the seat and Nikki jumped on behind him. She wrapped her arms around his torso mainly to keep her balance since there was only one seat, but also because she wanted to. Nikki didn't have a problem 'borrowing' this girl's bike, after all she hit Ash. The four rode off on their way at a decent speed.
"Get back here! You can't take my bike!"
"We'll bring it back!" Ash shouted as they picked up speed. "Some day!"
"How dare they! They took my bike! They aren't going to get away with this!" Misty clenched her fists in frustration as she felt a few rain drops. "I better get to shelter first. Looks like a big storm is coming." As she headed to a cave she had seen earlier that day she secretly hoped the two kids, Pikachu, and Nidoran would end up fine.
Riding along the muddy trail, Ash was peddling as hard and as fast as he could, he was wholly focused on making sure Pikachu and Spike are fine.
"Don't worry, Pikachu, Spike. We'll get to the Pokemon Center and there we'll heal you both and Blaze." Ash promised. Just then the light rain got harder, and a flash of lightning lit up the sky. "Oh, come on!" Ash shouted. This had to the worst possible start ever. The shock of lightning being present cause Nikki to jump and when she jumped it throw the whole balance of the bike off.
"Ash! I'm losing my balance!" Nikki cried as she began to slip.
"Hold on, Nikki! You can't fall!" Ash yelled as he turned around.
Unfortunately for them because Ash had turned around, he didn't see the drop off ahead of them. They rode straight off the ledge and tumbled onto the ground seven feet below. The bike landed hard. The impact caused all of the bike's passengers to fly off the bike and onto the muddy ground in pain. The bike had bounced again and landed a short distance away.
Ash was momentarily dazed, but he soon came to and saw Nikki and Pikachu on their backs while Spike was on his side. It was obvious that they were in pain.
"No, Nikki, Spike, Pikachu… This can't be happening." Ash says weakly.
The huge tumble the four took was all the Spearow needed to catch up to them. They hovered in the air behind them and screeched as thunder cracked behind them. Ash had now had enough and got a determined look on his face. He had promised Nikki's mother that he would look after her, and he promised to protect Pikachu. He failed in that and helping protect Nikki's service Pokemon but there was something he could still do to make sure they could get away.
"Nikki, listen to me," Ash says as he shakily stood up, Nikki following suit. "I want you to take Spike and Pikachu and run! Don't stop til you get to Viridian City! I'll hold off the Spearow!"
"Ash, are you crazy?! Those Spearow could kill you!"
"I don't care! You guys are really important to me and there's no way I'm going to let any of you get hurt because of me!" Ash says firmly before he turned to Pikachu. "Pikachu, I'm so sorry I failed you as your trainer. I swore to keep you safe from danger and I couldn't even keep that promise for one day. I still want you to do one last thing for me." He says as he took Pikachu's pokeball off of his belt. "Please just go in your pokeball. I know you're scared but if you get inside you pokeball and go with Nikki, I know that you three will be safe and that's good enough for me." Ash placed the pokeball by Pikachu's side. Ash turned around and slowly approached the flock of Spearow grimacing from the amount of pain he was in.
"Ash, no!" Ash heard Nikki yell behind him, but he ignored it.
Ash then stopped a short distance away from the Spearow and spread his arms out defiantly. There was no way he was letting them get any farther.
"Spearow! Do you know who I am?! I am Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town! And I am going to be a Pokemon Master. I can't be defeated by the likes of you!" He shouted. He turned his head back to Nikki, Spike, and Pikachu. "Go on. You guys need to get out of here! Hurry!" Seeing that they weren't moving he then shouted, "Go!" before turning back around to face the Spearow again.
"I'm going to capture and defeat every last one of you! Do you hear me?!" Ash yelled at the Spearow.
Pikachu raised his head off the ground and watched Ash with amazement. He had never had a trainer like Ash before. Ash was definitely the type of trainer he had been looking for. Ash had proven that he would risk his own life for him and that really touched Pikachu. It was then that Pikachu decided it would remain by Ash's side until the very end.
Spike raised his head off the ground and watched Ash with respect. This kid was willing to risk his own life for Spike's trainer, him and his own Pokemon. It proved to Spike that he could trust Ash with his trainer and was willing to have Ash help him protect her.
"Come and get me!" Ash shouted as lightning flashed.
The flock of Spearow gave a mighty shriek and dive bombed straight for Ash.
Nikki stood still as she watched helplessly. Ash had told her that as long as she, Spike, and Pikachu were safe he would be fine. But that wasn't fine for Nikki. Ash had always been there for her in the past helping her. There was no way on earth that she was going to abandon him like this! She wouldn't do it! She than got a determined look on her face. She was sick of being the damsel in distress.
"Ash!" Nikki screamed as she ran straight towards him as fast as she could.
The Spearow continued to charge, though Ash didn't care. He still stood defiantly with arms out. Nikki continued to run forward. She was determined to get her crush out of the way even if she put herself in danger. To her surprise she saw a small creature run past her. It was Pikachu!
"Pika pika pika pika!" Pikachu repeated as he ran to his trainer's side. Nikki's eyes widened as she realized what Pikachu was doing remembering Pikachu's Ability.
"Spike, use Thunder Bolt on Pikachu!" Spike groaned a little as he got to his feet charging a Thunder Bolt. Pikachu jumped from the ground on to Ash's shoulder. Ash was surprised as Pikachu leaped from his shoulder. Spike launched the Thunder Bolt as Pikachu leaped off ash's shoulder. "PIKACHU!" With the Spearow mere inches from him Pikachu launched a Thunder Shock.
Lightning Rod: This ability draws in all nearby electricity and boosts the power of the Pokemon. Ash's pokedex spoke.
A lightning bolt and Spike's Thunder Bolt struck Pikachu as the Thunder Shock was released. The lightning bolt and Thunder Bolt supercharged it and created an explosion of electricity. The Spearow were either defeated by the Thunder Shock or retreated. The blast caused Ash, Nikki, and Pikachu to be thrown back a few yards knocking the four out.
Ash groaned as he came to. His vision was blurred, he could barely make out the light blue background. Must be the sky. He blinked multiple times which helped his vision return. He slowly noticed that his head was on something soft, well, softer than the ground should be, The sky was completely clear it must have been a while if the storm has passed. Suddenly Nikki appeared towering over him from the top of his head. His head was resting on her knee.
"Uhh…Nik-ki?" Ash spoke slowly.
"Ash, you're awake." Nikki said excitedly. She had woken up about 45 minutes before hand and she spent that time trying to make Ash as comfortable as possible. She even had the medical kit her mother packed for her out. Her mother had taught her how to use the items in the kit, so she was able to patch him up. Why does Ash have to be so selfless? It was one of her favorite qualities about him, but she almost lost him…She can't let him do that again.
Ash sat up weakly and turned to face her. Ash was about to say something when Nikki did something…extremely surprising… She slapped his face. Two slaps in one day as well as being hunted by the Spearow, almost drowning, and taking a lightning bolt to the face. Today was just not Ash's day. Ash held the cheek that Nikki had slapped.
"OW!" Ash groaned in pain. "What was that…?" Ash started to ask but was cut off when Nikki tackled him into a bear hug. Her tight grip hurt him with his sore body, but he was too shocked to even feel it. Nikki started to break down and cried into his chest.
"You… Stupid, reckless, immature stupid, Idiot." Nikki cried as she weaking pounded her fist against his chest. "You would've died. If…Pikachu and Spike didn't." More tears rolled down her face onto Ash. Ash was upset, he just wanted to protect Pikachu, Nikki, and Spike. Was that so wrong?
"…sorry…" Ash muttered sadly. With that Nikki reluctantly let go and dried her eyes. Pikachu and Spike had woken up and weakly walked over to Ash and Nikki. Nikki smiled at Spike and picked him up cradling him close. Ash picked Pikachu up in his arms and cradled him like a baby. "Thank you, Pikachu, Spike… How are you both holding up?"
"Never… Better…" Pikachu panted as he relaxed in Ash's arms and then he licked a scratch on Ash's arm that he had gotten from the days events. Ash smiled that Pikachu had finally accepted him.
"I could… Use a nap…" Spike panted as he relaxed in Nikki's arms. He started to lick the few scratches Nikki had on her arm as she hadn't patched herself up having been more worried about Ash than herself.
"Ash…" Nikki says causing the raven-haired boy to look at her. "You can't do this again. You could've died with those Spearow attack, and you WOULD HAVE if Pikachu and Spike… My point is I know you like to protect everyone. But when we agreed to travel together, we said we would look out for each other. Not just you looking out for us. It's great that you care so much about us, Ash. That's just the kind of person you are. But don't forget that we care a lot for you, too. Me, Pikachu, Spike, and Blaze, we all do."
"Nikki… I…" Ash tried to say.
"No, Ash. Don't say your sorry because we both know if the situation comes up again, you'll do the same thing." Nikki scolds. Nikki put her hand on his and pulled it out. She turned it around and laid her hand on top of his. "You don't have to do this by yourself, Ash. Remember we are all here for you. We promised to be in this together until the end. Now I want you to make a promise. A promise that you won't try to sacrifice yourself again. No matter what trails come up we face them together." Ash looked in Nikki's eye and nodded.
"I promise, Nikki." Ash promised her. With that the two trainers stood up with Pikachu still in Ash's arms and Spike still in Nikki's arms. "We should get going to the Pokemon Center." Nikki nodded before they started their journey albeit at a slow pace.
"Hey, Ash…Look up." Pikachu says to his trainer pointing to they sky. Ash, Nikki, and Spike followed the mouse Pokemon's direction and looked up at the sky. A giant golden bird was flying across the sky. It was flying towards a rainbow. Both Ash and Nikki pulled out their pokedexes:
"Too far away to register." Both pokedexes spoke in unison. With that… They made their way on the road to Viridian City.
Thanks for reading. Please favorite, follow and review. And please if you have any questions feel free to ask them through PM, I will answer all of them. But don't think I will answer any that ask for big spoilers. I appreciate any and all support. Thank you and tune in when the next chapter is posted!