I would like to apologize for how long it took to get this chapter posted. A lot of new games and dlc was coming out and I got distracted playing more on my Nintendo Switch. I can't promise this won't happen again as more new games are coming out more towards the end of the year and I plan on preordering a good amount of them. So please bare with me when I get distracted by playing video games

Chapter 6 Viridian Forest

After Blaze had been healed Nikki apologized to her starter. Once Flora's Pokemon were healed Nikki, Spike, Misty, and Flora made their way to Ash's Aunt Yellow's house. Nikki introduced Flora to Ash, Yellow, and Riley before visiting with her Uncle Riley. Flora was shocked to find out that Nikki, her uncle, and Ash could understand Pokemon. Misty explained what happened at the Battle Chateau to Ash. It seems that despite their different experiences Nikki and Ash came to the same conclusion. They needed to start taking journey more seriously. Which meant training, bonding, and catching Pokemon.

Before the young trainers left the cottage Riley gave Nikki a Water Stone as a congratulation for becoming a trainer. The group made their way back to the Pokemon Center to eat lunch quickly. Once lunch was ate the group then set off for their next destination Viridian Forest.

It was a short thirty-five-minute walk from the north of the city to the forest entrance. Ash, Pikachu, Nikki, Spike, Misty, and Flora all stood in the building that allows access to the forest.

"Well, here we are Viridian Forest." Ash announced. He was excited about what Pokemon he could add to his team. Nikki was also excited but Misty and Flora, on the other hand, weren't too excited.

"Um… Are you sure we need to go in there?" Misty asked.

"Yeah. We need to add Pokemon to our teams and we need to start training properly." Nikki says looking at Misty. "Isn't that what you told me yesterday to do anyway?"

"Well, yes. But…" Misty said moaning.

"See? And I bet there's some awesome bug Pokemon to catch in there." Ash cheered.

"B-b-bugs!" Misty exclaimed nervously.

"You aren't afraid of a little forest are you… Miiisty?" Nikki asked teasing Misty.

"N-no, it's not the forest itself, but…" Misty said stuttering.

"Well Misty, if you don't want to go into the forest then I guess this is where we part ways." Ash says smirking. Sure, they were on good terms, but Ash and Misty learned that they got on like cats and dogs.

"Come on guys! We're wasting day light!" Nikki said excitedly as she turned to the exit. Due to the morning's adventures, it was late afternoon, and it was clear that they would have to camp out. Spike, spoke up from beside Nikki's leg.

"I'm ready!" Spike shouted out. Flora was a little hesitant. She wasn't a fan of camping out. She was fine with all of the Pokemon, but what if it rains or something attacks in the night, what would they do? Nikki saw the look on Flora's face and gave her a reassuring smile.

"Flora, don't worry. When we became friends that means we look out for each other and protect each other. I have a tent big enough to share with you and Misty if she decides to come. Ash, Pikachu, me, Spike, and Blaze have your back." Nikki said with a sympathetic tone. She offered her hand towards her. This is her way of asking Flora to trust her. "We are in this together." Looking at the open gesture, Flora was sure she would be safe with Nikki and Ash no matter what happens. With that she gladly put her hand in Nikki's smiling at her.

"Alright, Nikki. Let's get going than." Flora says in a happy tone. With that the three trainers, Pikachu, and Spike started making their way into the forest.

"What do I do? What do I do? What do I do?" Misty says as she started to panic. She really didn't want to go into the creepy bug infested forest, but they still owed her a bike… Ash, Nikki, and Flora were almost out of sight. "Ggggrrrr! Wait for me!" Misty shouted as she ran after them.

The group had been walking through Viridian Forest for about an hour and a half. Ash hadn't seen a single Pokemon he could add to his team, much to his disappointment. Though he and Nikki also discovered why Misty was so hesitant about coming into the forest. It turns out she has a huge fear of bugs. With even the slightest movement, she lets out an ear-piercing scream.

"AAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGG!" Misty screamed as a leaf fell from a tree. A few Pidgey flew away from the loud noise. It could have been one of those big scary bug type Pokemon. Like a Caterpie. But it wasn't.

Nikki had long since let go of Flora's hand. Flora wasn't scared anymore, and she didn't feel a need to do it. Though the two ten-year-olds and eleven-year-old were getting tired of the loud noise.

"Hey, I think Misty just learned Hyper Voice." Nikki whispered which caused Ash, Pikachu, Spike to snicker and Flora to giggle.

"And it was super effective." Spike added with a snicker. That hit Ash and Nikki and they let out a loud laugh.

"What's so funny?" Misty asked as she stormed over to the group.

"Nothing." Ash, Nikki, and Flora say together with a sweat drop.

"Rriigghhtt." Misty says clearly not believing them but decided she would let it go. This time. "I for one think it's time to take a break." Misty suggests but the tone in her voice made it sound more like a demand. "My feet are killing me." With that Misty took her bag off and set it down on the ground before she sat down with it.

"Why don't we make a run for it?" Pikachu asked which caused Ash to lightly chuckle.

"Yeah, I think we should take a break too." Ash says. "If only to stop her screaming." Flora giggled and Nikki, Spike, and Pikachu just sighed but the four agreed. Pikachu jumped down from Ash's shoulder to the ground while Ash, Nikki, and Flora followed Misty's lead and sat down taking their bags off. After another scream Ash and Nikki realized something. While Misty was around, they wouldn't be able to catch any Pokemon in the forest. Ash then grabbed his water container and noticed that it was empty. That gave him an idea.

"Hey guys. I'm out of water. I saw a stream a little bit back so I'm going to go fill up." Ash explained as he stood up. He looked at Pikachu, Nikki, Spike, and Flora. Pikachu had found a nice branch to take a nap on. Flora was rubbing her feet while Nikki was looking in her bag at her berry supply.

"Spike and I will go with you, Ash. I need to find more berries for our Pokemon's food anyway." Nikki explains as she stood up grabbing her backpack.

"Ash, could you fill my container too? I'm out of water too." Flora says sheepishly as she pulled out her water container holding it out to him.

"Sure, Flora." Ash says smiling as he takes the purple container. "Can you keep an eye on Pikachu while we are gone?"

"Sure." Flora says returning the smile. "I think I will brush Eevee while you're gone." She says as she pulled out Eevee's pokeball and released the normal Pokemon. Nikki smiled as Flora pulled out a brush before she set off with Ash and Spike.

Ash, Nikki, and Spike were walking around the forest back tracking. Ash was sad that Pikachu didn't come with them so he couldn't battle anyone he came across but at least the small group was getting a breather from Misty. Until they entered the forest, she seemed alright but now she is just really annoying with all of the screaming.

They continued walking closing in on the stream. Nikki looked around for berry trees while Ash sat down and began to fill up the three containers.

"Help! Please help me!" Ash and Nikki heard a scared voice shout out. Ash stood up setting down all three containers on the ground before both he and Nikki looked around. "Help! It's going to eat me!" With that Ash and Nikki looked at the trail near the path they walked on seeing a little bug being chased by a Pidgey. Even though the bug was out running the Pidgey for now Ash and Nikki knew if they waited the little bug would be the bird's lunch.

Ash, being Ash, rushed into action and ran to the little bug. Nikki and Spike ran after him knowing that they would need to battle the Pidgey to get it to back off. Ash slid into a slide scoping the little bug up in his arms before the Pidgey could get the little bug in its beck. Nikki and Spike get in between Ash and the Pidgey. Spike got in a battle stance glaring at the Pidgey.

Nikki VS Pidgey

"Spike, use Thunder Bolt!" Nikki instructed. Spike quickly charged electric energy in his horn before launching a Thunder Bolt at the Pidgey hitting it. Pidgey cried out in pain before falling to the ground with swirls in its eyes. "Now's my chance!" Nikki says as she grabbed a pokeball from her belt. She threw the pokeball at the Pidgey. When it hit the Pidgey was engulfed in a red light before being sucked into the pokeball. The pokeball shook once, twice, three times before it stopped and dinged.

Nikki smiled and walked to the pokeball picking it up.

"Alright! I caught a Pidgey!" Nikki says cheering. Spike jumping up cheering with her at the thought of a new friend and someone else to help protect Nikki.

Nikki got down on her knees and pulled out a potion out of her backpack. She releases Pidgey. Pidgey is still a little groggy when Nikki released her. Nikki gently sprayed Pidgey's wounds as she slowly came around. Pidgey looked at the girl who caught her.

"Sorry we had to be rough with you, Pidgey. But we couldn't let you eat that bug Pokemon." Nikki said as she finished patching Pidgey up. "I hope that you can come to trust me as your new trainer and your friend." Nikki says with a friendly smile.

Pidgey took a moment looking the girl over. She seemed friendly enough and there was no malice in her eyes. Pidgey nods. "Okay."

"My name is Nikki, and this is Spike." Nikki says pointing at Spike as she pulled out her pokedex:

Pidgey, the Tiny Bird Pokemon. Pidgey has an extremely sharp sense of direction. It is capable of unerringly returning home to its nest, however far it may be removed from its familiar surroundings.

Type: Normal/Flying

Ability: Keen Eye

Hidden Ability: Big Pecks (Note: Hidden Ability is unlocked)

Sex: Female

Nature: Calm (Note: The nature can change when this Pokemon evolves)

Move(s): Tackle, Sand Attack, Gust, Quick Attack, Whirlwind, Steel Wing

Nikki smiled as she put her pokedex up. "I have a nickname for you if you want it. How do you like the nickname Plume?" Pidgey thought for a moment. It was a suitable nickname especially when she evolves. Pidgey made her feathers fluff out in happiness and nods.

"I like the name." Plume says happily. Nikki smiled and returned Plume putting her pokeball back on her belt. She turned looking at Ash and the little bug.

"Ash, are you two alright?" Nikki asked as she and Spike walked to them.

"Yeah, we are just fine. I have just been trying to get the little guy to calm down." Ash says rubbing the little bug's back. "Hey there." Ash said as he gently placed the bug on the ground sitting next to it. "I'm Ash. And this is Nikki and Spike."

"H-hi." The little bug said nervously. "Um… T-thank y-you…for…saving-g me." The little bug was so quiet, almost inaudible.

"No problem." Ash says.

"It was no trouble." Nikki says with a smile. They appreciated the thanks, but they didn't do it for that.

"After all, we couldn't just let you get eaten, could we?" This brought tears to the little bugs eyes.

"Hey, is everything okay?" Nikki asked as she got down beside Ash looking at the little bug.

"You're not hurt, are you?" Ash asked. The little bug continued to cry and tackled Ash in the stomach, but instead of hurting Ash, it barely hit him, and snuggled into his stomach. Nikki smiled as Ash used his hand to support the little bug. It didn't take long before the little bug stopped when its stomach growled loudly. "Guess you're hungry, huh, little guy?" Ash asked setting the little bug down before walking to his backpack. The little bug was nervous to answer. This boy and girl had saved him from being eaten, they weren't going to feed him too, were they? The little bug's question was answered when Ash pulled out a can of Pokemon food. He opened it and sprinkled a few pellets into his hand. He walked back to the little bug who was just staring at him. Nikki quickly pulled out a Pecha berry and squeezed it releasing its juice onto the pellets in Ash's hand.

"There it should taste better with the Pecha juice on it." Nikki said sweetly to the little bug. Ash and Nikki sat down, and Ash offered the hand with the food.

"Go ahead. Eat up." Ash says with a smile. The little bug hesitantly crawled up to Ash's hand and looked up at him one more time. "It's okay. We aren't going to bite." Ash and Nikki both gave the little guy a reassuring smile and the little bug slowly ate one of the Pecha juice-soaked pellets. It tasted sweet from the Pecha juice and the little bug was loving the flavor. The little bug hadn't eaten in days and even when he does it was only a couple of leaves at most. Once the first pellet was gone the little bug picked up speed and just started eating even faster. Feeling the bug eating so fast tickled Ash's hand causing him to start laughing.

"Hahahaha. Slow down little guy." Ash says while laughing. "It's not going anywhere." But the little bug didn't stop until all of the food was gone. Before he could say his thanks, Ash had lifted him up to eye level.

"Thank you…Ash…Nikki." The little bug said nervously.

"It was no problem." Ash said with his typical toothy grin.

"Yeah. We are happy to help." Nikki said with a smile.

"Hey, I know. Why don't you come with me?" At Ash's suggestion the little bug looked very shocked. Many trainers have passed through here, but they always passed him claiming he was too weak. But Ash, not only saved him and fed him, but also wants him to join his team. He would be crazy to pass this up.

In the past he did have a few friends, but they all evolved and left for the mating season. He was sure that they probably made it as it goes on for months. But first he needed to evolve and if there was anyone who could get him to do that it's Ash. But does he really want to be his trainer?

"A-are you sure? I-I mean…" The little bug says stuttering.

"Of course, I'm sure. With how fast you ate that food I bet you'll be a great partner. "Ash said cutting him off. "I would be crazy to not want to catch you." Again, this brought tears to the little bugs eyes, who snuggled again into Ash's chest. Ash just smiled gently. "I guess that's a yes." Ash says laughing a little as he brought out a spare pokeball and taped it against the sensor on his head. A red light engulfed the bug type, and he was sucked into the pokeball which immediately dinged showing the little guy out up no resistance. With that Ash pressed the button and released his new capture.

"H-hey, uh Ash?" The bug says.

"Yes buddy?" Ash asked with a friendly smile.

"How can you and Nikki understand me?" The bug asked.

"We don't know how. But we can understand all Pokemon." Ash answered honestly. This shocked the little bug. He had only heard of people understanding Pokemon from legend and he knows that Ash and Nikki saved him, but they couldn't really be…No. "You don't mind if I scan you, do you?"

"S-scan?" The bug asked scared.

"Don't worry, my pokedex won't hurt you." Ash says reassuring the little bug. "It only gives me some information on you."

"O-okay." The little bug says nervously. Ash smiled and pulled out his pokedex:

Caterpie, the Worm Pokemon. Caterpie has a voracious appetite. It can devour leaves bigger than its body right before your eyes. From its antenna, this Pokemon releases a terrifically strong odor. When in danger, it will release a horrible stink for protection.

Type: Bug

Ability: Shield Dust

Hidden Ability: Run Away (Note: Hidden Ability is unlocked)

Sex: Male

Nature: Quiet (Note: The nature can change when the Pokemon evolves)

Move(s): Tackle, String Shot, Bug Bite

"Alright Caterpie, I've just got to finish getting water and Nikki needs to get more berries and then we can head back, and I'll introduce you to our friends." Ash explained and Caterpie nodded in understanding.

"Ash, why don't we head back after you finish. I can look for more berries as we get farther in the forest. I have enough to last us tonight and tomorrow." Nikki says with a gently smile.

"If you're sure, Nikki. Caterpie, why don't you wait in your pokeball, and we'll surprise our friends."

"Okay, Ash." Caterpie said very happy. He has always been a little shy, due to his quiet nature but he has made friends with Ash, Nikki, and Spike. And Ash said that Caterpie will meet more friends. This was enough to make the little worm Pokemon very happy. With that, Ash returned Caterpie to his pokeball and placed it on his belt. Ash and Nikki walked back to the containers, Ash made sure all three were filled and picked up his stuff and he, Nikki, and Spike made their way back to the group, with two new friends in tow.

While Ash was off collecting water with Nikki collecting berries, Misty was sitting massaging her feet. Flora was sitting brushing Eevee's fur while Pikachu was snoozing. He was tired from the journey, even though he spent his time on Ash's shoulder, but he was resting his ears, which were throbbing in pain after Misty's screaming assault on them. After a while of silence Flora decides to speak before it got awkward.

"Hey, Misty." Flora said breaking the silence. This caused the orange haired girl to look at her. "How did you meet Ash and Nikki?" Misty sweat dropped remembering how she met them.

"Well, I fished them out of the river near the entrance of Viridian City. Pikachu and Spike were hurt. I had thought that Ash had hurt them. Then we heard screeching and saw a flock of Spearow. Ash and Nikki panicked and took off on my bike. I had to take shelter in a cave because it had started to rain after they left. Once it stopped, I went after them, but I didn't find them. Instead, I found the ruined remains of my bike. It looked like it had been fried. I grabbed my ruined bike and went straight to Viridian City." Misty said before going into what happened after she found Ash and Nikki.

"Wow, you three took on Team Rocket to save the Pokemon Center? That was very brave of all of you." Flora went back to brushing Eevee's fur and the silence resumed. After about a minute Misty stood up.

"Flora." Misty said causing the purple haired girl to look at her. "I'm going to go do some training." Flora smiled and nodded. As Misty started to walk into a clearing with a pokeball in hand. Flora got to thinking about how she lost in the second round of the Battle Chateau tournament. She should start to really start taking training more seriously.

"Hey, Misty!" Flora shouted as she stood up. This caused the orange haired girl to turn around. "Mind if I join you?" Misty smiled.

"I don't mind." Misty said. "Come on." With that Misty continued to walk to the clearing and Flora followed with Eevee shortly behind.

As Ash, Nikki, and Spike came back to the camp he saw the bags on the side off the road with Pikachu resting on a branch above them. A few meters away they saw Misty and Flora in some intense training. Misty had her Staryu out, who was trying to form a sphere of water and fire it at a rock. It was working on the move Water Pulse. Flora was throwing small rocks in the air while her Ivysaur and Eevee were using Razor Leaf and Swift using the small rocks as targets for their attacks to improve their accuracy. But there was an unknown yellow and black Pokemon with Flora. Nikki took out her pokedex pointing it at the Pokemon:

Elekid, the Electric Pokemon. Elekid stores electricity in its body. If it touches metal and accidentally discharges all its built-up electricity, this Pokemon begins swinging its arms in circles to recharge itself.

Nikki put her pokedex away as she looked at Elekid. It looked like it was trying to work on the move Thunder Punch. Ash and Nikki smiled, and they decided they needed to start training too.

Nikki released Blaze so she could introduce her to Plume.

"Hey, Pikachu." Ash called up to his yellow partner. The mouse Pokemon looked down at his trainer. "Come down. Nikki and I have two new friends to introduce you and Blaze too."

"Alright, alright." Pikachu said crankily. He was happy to make new friends, but not to be woken up. "Keep your hat on." Ash sighed. Pikachu swiftly ran down the tree after some stretches and jumped onto Ash's shoulder. Ash picked up the bags, since Pikachu was looked after by them, and carried them over to the training ground off the main path.

"Hey, guys." Ash shouted to the girls. "We're back." At the sound of his voice, both the trainers and the Pokemon turned to face them.

"Hey guys! We've just been training." Flora says with a smile.

"Great." Nikki said smiling. "I think we both will join ya." With that Ash set the bags down and they approached them.

"We also have two friends we want you to meet." Ash adds as he unclips Caterpie's pokeball and Nikki unclips Plume's pokeball. They enlarge the pokeballs. Both girls raised an eyebrow. Flora was excited to see what Pokemon that Ash and Nikki caught. It meant more friends to make Pokemon treats for. Misty was a little excited to see what Pokemon they caught. Maybe it was a water type from the pond or a flying type nearby or maybe even…

"Come on out and meet your new friends." Ash and Nikki said together as they pushed the button releasing their new Pokemon. "Caterpie." Ash said. "Plume." Nikki said. At the sound of their names the bug type and flying type appeared in front of them. Misty froze seeing the bug type. Why on earth would Ash want a b-b-bug?!

"Aww, he is so cute." Flora said beaming as she got on her knees to pick the little bug up.

"Caterpie, this is Flora." Ash introduced. "Flora, this is Caterpie."

"Flora, meet Plume. My new Pokemon." Nikki introduced with a smile.

"Hello." Plume said softly.

"H-hello." Caterpie stuttered. Ash and Nikki translated.

"Hello to you too, Caterpie, Plume." Flora said sending a warm smile, though she could tell both Pokemon were nervous. "I'm not going to bite."

"Don't worry, Flora. Caterpie is a little shy." Ash said reassuring her.

"What about me?" Pikachu asked a little ticked off that he hadn't been introduced yet.

"And me, Nikki?" Blaze asked a little upset she hadn't been introduced yet either.

"Sorry, Blaze." Nikki said apologizing. "Plume, this is my other Pokemon Blaze. Blaze, this is Plume." After she introduced them the two Pokemon started to get to know each other.

Sorry, buddy." "Ash said apologizing to Pikachu. "Caterpie, this is my other Pokemon Pikachu. Pikachu, this is Caterpie." As the two Pokemon got to know each other Misty was still frozen. Why did he catch that disgusting thing? It's slimy, creepy, and just plain horrible. What is wrong with him?! After the four Pokemon introduced themselves, Caterpie discovered that everyone so far is pretty friendly. The orange haired girl must be friendly too. With that he jumped on the floor and crawled over to Misty. As he appeared in front of the oldest trainers, the little bug was not expecting her reaction.

"AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!" Misty said screaming. "Get away! Get away! Get away!" As Misty lashed out, she 'accidentally' kicked the little bug away. Ash was able to catch his new Pokemon before he hit the ground.

"Come on, Misty. You aren't scared of an itty-bitty Caterpie, are you?" Ash asked teasing her as he placed Caterpie on his shoulder. He scratched under his chin and the little bug responded positively.

"JUST KEEP THAT DISGUSTING BUG AWAY FROM ME!" Misty screamed at Ash as she hid behind a tree.

"Ya know, you could at least be happy for him, Misty." Nikki said with disgust in her voice glaring at Misty. She didn't care how much Misty disliked bug type Pokemon she had no right be rude to their Pokemon.

"Nikki is right. I just caught my first Pokemon and all you're doing is screaming."

"I'm happy that you caught a Pokemon." Misty said peeking around the tree at him. "But why did you catch a bug of all things? I CAN'T STAND BUGS!"

"Reeeeeally?" Flora said rolling her eyes. "With all of your screaming we never would have guessed." Flora was being really sarcastic. Then Flora and Nikki saw the little bug was in tears. This caused Nikki's blood to boil.

"Don't listen to her, Caterpie." Nikki said as she gently rubbed the little bug's head.

"I personally think you are adorable." Flora says as she got to eye level with him and rubs his head.

Spike, Blaze, and Plume didn't like it that Misty was being horrible to Caterpie. They started talking to Caterpie trying to cheer him up. And though Caterpie enjoyed the affection and Nikki's Pokemon trying to cheer him up, he couldn't stop the tears. The things that Misty called him really stung.

"Lovely." Misty muttered as she rolled her eyes.

"Misty! What has Caterpie done to deserve this…this…abuse?!" Ash asked angrily.

"Yeah, Misty! Just because you're scared of bug types doesn't mean you get to treat any bug type we catch like this!" Nikki said angrily. She looked like she was ready to slap Misty into next week. Flora grabbed Nikki's wrist to keep her from trying to slap Misty.

After years of being the punching bag of Gary and being undermined by him for years, Ash knows the damage stuff like this can do. From the years that she got picked on for being different and thought of as weird, Nikki, too, knew the damage this kind of stuff can cause. Neither of them want anyone to go through it much less any of their own Pokemon. Misty was angry, how dare the two of them accuse her of Pokemon abuse. It's not her fault that she has a fear of bugs, after the treatment she got from her sisters why would she willingly inflict the same treatment on someone else? Why did he have to catch a bug of all things?

"Well?" Flora asked, clearly just as annoyed as Ash and Nikki and waiting for Misty's reply. Misty's anger began to fade. Maybe she was too hard on the little bug after all, he never actually did anything to her. Of course, she couldn't help her fear, but she could try to be a little nicer to it. Besides what's the worst that could happen? As they waited for Misty's response, the two ten-year-olds, eleven-year-old, and the eight Pokemon all grew more annoyed with Misty. Misty tried to say something, but nothing would come out.

"Come on guys." Ash says after getting tired of waiting. "We don't need an insensitive bug hater on the team." The words stung. Flora nods returning Elekid and Ivysaur before picking up Eevee. Nikki returned Blaze and Plume before picking up Spike being careful of his spikes. Flora picked up her bag and they got ready to leave.

"A-Ash…can you…put me back in…my ball…please?" Caterpie asked as he tried to stop the tears. Ash sighed. He knew it would be better if Caterpie stayed out so they could talk and make him feel better. But if Caterpie doesn't want to then there was nothing they can do.

"Okay, Caterpie." Ash said with a sad smile. "We'll check on you later." With that Ash returned his little bug before clipping the ball back on his belt. He went over and picked up his bag while Pikachu jumped onto his shoulder.

"Ready to go?" Ash asked looking at Nikki and Flora both smile and nodded. With that the group headed off.

"Hey, you can't just leave me in this bug infested forest! WHAT ABOUT MY BIKE?!" Misty shouted as she ran after them. Nikki rolled her eyes. Was she STILL going on about that stupid bike?

It has been about forty-five minutes since the group had had their heated debate and they parted way even though Misty was trailing behind them still following them.

"When is she going to stop following us like a lost puppy?" Nikki asked annoyed as she looked back to see that the orange haired girl was still following them.

"I don't know." Flora said just as annoyed as Nikki.

"And I don't really care! After all she's only a bully!" Ash said raising his voice a little so Misty could hear him. What Ash said stung. Misty had been bullied her whole life by her sisters and it feels horrible. Maybe she…No, she had been too hard on Caterpie, and she needs to make things right. These kids may owe her a bike, but she could try to be nicer to them.

"Wait up!" Misty shouted as she picked up the speed to catch up to the group.

"Just keep walking." Ash mumbled and everyone just ignored Misty.

"Wait! Please!" Misty begged one more time.

"…Yes?" Ash asked with a sigh and turned to face her.

"I want to apologize." Misty said not in her aggressive tone like before, but a genuine one. "I still have my fear, but you were right. I was too hard on Caterpie, so…I'm sorry." Ash let the words sink in and was quiet for a minute.

"I'm not the only one who deserves the apology." Ash said sharply. She may sound genuine but there was only one way to know for sure. Ash pulled out Caterpie's pokeball. "If you are truly sorry then you can apologize to Caterpie's face." Ash said as he pushed the button and released Caterpie, who had since calmed down. He looked at Ash to see what he needed. But when he saw Misty, he turned around with tears in his eyes. Ash kneeled down and picked up the little bug. Nikki got down beside Ash and started rubbing Caterpie's head.

"Caterpie, it's okay." Nikki said encouraging the little bug. "Just hear Misty out. Ash and I think it will help." Caterpie looked up at Ash and Nikki. These two kids saved him, fed him and Ash took him in. He could definitely trust them and if they think this will help then it's got to be worth a try. Caterpie took a deep breath and turned to face Misty. Ash picked him up, so he was eye level with Misty.

Misty took a deep breath. She could do this. After all he never did anything to hurt her so she should be fine…right? Misty sighed heavily.

"Caterpie…I want to apologize. I'm sorry for those things I said. It's just that I have a fear of bugs, but I shouldn't have taken it out on you, so…I'm sorry." Misty said apologizing full hearted. Caterpie replayed Misty's words in his mind, and it did make him feel better. If she was big enough to apologizes to him then he could be big enough to forgive and forget. After a minute Caterpie faced Misty once more.

"Apologize accepted." Caterpie said nodding and Ash translated.

"Now I want you to seal it with a rub on his head." Ash said as Misty gave him a 'what do you mean' look. "Normally people make a deal with a handshake. And Caterpie doesn't have hands to do that with. So, you can seal it and put this away with a rub on the head."

Hearing Ash's explanation Misty's face darkened. It was one thing to apologize but another to actually touch the bug… No, she could do this. Misty's face turned from scared to determined. She slowly reached her hand out moving it towards the little bug. What seemed like forever but eventually Misty rubbed Caterpie's head back and forth. Caterpie gave a happy chirp as Misty rubbed his head. Ash, Nikki, and Flora smiled at the sight.

"See Misty? Isn't it better when we all get along?" Flora asked.

"Yeah." Misty said sighing happily as she finished rubbing Caterpie's head.

From there the group realized that it was getting late with the orange sky. They found a clearing and set up camp. After a little training session, they made themselves some sandwiches and fruit. It was times like this that they wished they had a cook in the group someone who could fix a hot meal. Nikki did ask Diana to teach her a few times but instantly regretted it when Diana claimed that Nikki only wanted to learn to impress Ash. Despite whether or not it was true it was embarrassing. The Pokemon however were enjoying their berry juice-soaked food, but they wanted flavors other than sweet. Other than Caterpie, he was just happy to eat anything that wasn't leaves.

"Hey guys." Nikki said turning to Pikachu, Spike, Plume, Ivysaur, Eevee, and Elekid who didn't seem incredibly happy eating the berry juice-soaked food. "What's wrong?" Caterpie and Blaze both quickly replied nothing and continued to eat. Caterpie didn't mind the sweet flavor and Blaze loved the spicy flavor of her food. Plus, Caterpie was too shy to really speak out. Pikachu and Spike sweat dropped. They knew Ash and Nikki wouldn't mind that they didn't like the sweet flavor all the time, but they didn't want to sound selfish either. Plume was still too shy to really speak out and she was simply happy that she wasn't going to starve tonight. Eevee looked at Ivysaur and Elekid before sighing. Guess she will have to speak up.

"The problem, Nicole, is that not all of us like our food being sweet flavored." Eevee said being sassy. Nikki sweat dropped. Only her mama called her Nicole and only when she was being told off.

"I'm sorry, guys." Nikki said apologizing. "Sweet flavored berries are the only things I have besides the Tamato juice for Blaze's food. But I promise I will look for other berries while we are in this forest and when we get to Pewter City, I will get my mama's homemade Pokemon food recipes." Nikki explained with a friendly smile. Hearing this and seeing Nikki's friendly smile, Eevee smiled back.

"Very well. I will be holding you to that promise." Eevee said. She may have seen Nikki's actions and seen how kind and caring she is, but she isn't bonded with Nikki like she has with Flora.

With that done everyone went back to eating. Once they finished the four trainers all stepped away to change into their night wear and set up the tents that Ash and Nikki brought. Once the tents were set up Nikki sweat dropped looking at hers. For once she was glad her mama went overboard on the size of her tent. There was enough room for the three girls to get comfortable without being squished. The girls laid their sleeping bags in Nikki's tent while Ash laid his in his tent. It didn't take long for the four trainers to fall asleep. The Pokemon however stayed awake.

Caterpie was sitting on a tree stump looking up at the moon. Pikachu and Spike jumped up to join him.

"Hey, Caterpie." Pikachu said. "Why are you still up?"

"Yeah, I thought after everything that happened today that you would be the first one asleep." Spike says as he sat beside Caterpie.

"I just can't sleep." Caterpie answered as he was still staring at the moon. "There is a lot on my mind."

"Like what?" Pikachu asked looking at Caterpie.

"I have always been shy. And its only gotten worse since my friends evolved and left to start their own families. I realized that I couldn't evolve on my own and then I met Ash and Nikki." Caterpie explained never once taking his eyes off the moon.

"Yeah, Ash is a good kid." Pikachu says as he now stared at the moon. "Before I met him, I didn't trust any humans. Been hurt by too many of them. But…Ash was willing to sacrifice himself to protect me. Hours after we met and before that I was horrible to him. Shocking him, laughing at him and yet he only cared if I was safe."

"Nikki is something special too." Spike says with a warm smile as he looks at them moon too. "She acts all tough, but she is very caring and loving. I was bred to be her service Pokemon because of her disability. I was even taught four TM moves so I would be able to protect her. She was willing to sacrifice herself for us too. If that lightning bolt hadn't come. But I knew after that that I could trust both Nikki and Ash."

"Wow." Caterpie said shocked. "I knew that the both of them were special. When they met me, I was being chased by Plume about to be her lunch. Ash slid to me grabbing me taking me to safety while Nikki battled Plume and caught her. They didn't hesitate in saving me." The three Pokemon fell silent again and just stared up at the moon. "Ya know I never really considered being a trainer's Pokemon. I have only ever wanted to evolve. But after my friends left, I realized that it wasn't likely to happen." Caterpie says a little sadly.

"Don't worry, Caterpie. Ash will help you to evolve. I know he will." Pikachu said reassuring the little bug.

"And then you can find a girlfriend and fly off together." Blaze said interrupting as she jumped up onto the stump. Caterpie blushed at her comment.

"Maybe, maybe not." Pikachu said seeing Caterpie's blush.

"Speaking of girlfriends and stuff…" Caterpie trailed off saying as he turned to look at Ash and Nikki's tents. "Are they?"

"No, they aren't together." Spike says looking at Caterpie.

"But it's not because of a lack of trying on Nikki's end." Blaze added.

"Hehehe, yeah. Ash is…kind of dense." Pikachu said laughing nervously as he scratched behind his ear. With that however the four Pokemon bided each other a good night. Both Spike and Blaze went into Nikki's tent. Spike curled up against Nikki's side while Blaze curled up against Nikki's sleeping bag covered feet and kept her tail outside of the tent to keep from burning down the tent. Caterpie and Pikachu went into Ash's tent. Caterpie crawled into Ash's sleeping bag and fell asleep against him. Pikachu laid down on Ash's chest and slept in a ball shape. Everyone slept through the night.

The next morning Nikki was the first one to wake up. She did some stretches before leaving the tent to change into clean clothes with Spike and Blaze following her. Ash was the next to wake up from having sunlight coming in from the open flap of his tent. Both of his Pokemon woke up with him. Ash started doing some stretches before Pikachu jumped on his shoulder. He went to his bag to fish out some clean clothes. Caterpie went on a crawl to stretch his suction pad when…

"HHHHEEEELLLLPPPPP! AAASSSSHHHH!" Caterpie cried out in terror. Ash and Pikachu turned and saw a big bird Pokemon chasing Caterpie around trying to eat him. Normally Ash would have tried to scan the new Pokemon with his pokedex but right now Caterpie was in trouble.

"Caterpie return!" Ash yelled as he help up Caterpie's pokeball. The red light engulfed Caterpie and returned him to the safety of his pokeball. It may not have been the best plan, but it worked. The bird, Pidgeotto, did not look amused that her breakfast had been taken from her. She turned to face Ash and Pikachu and got into a battle stance.

"A tough one." Ash said with a smirk. "Pikachu, you up for a battle?"

"You know it!" Pikachu cheered with a smirk as he jumped off of Ash's shoulder and got into a battle stance. Last time he refused to battle a Pidgey it almost resulted in all four of their deaths. He isn't going to make the same mistake twice.

Ash VS Pidgeotto

Pidgeotto took off straight into the air now that her opponent was on the field. She circled around Pikachu, like a predator watching her prey.

"Pikachu, use Thunder Shock." Ash instructed. He has the type advantage. Pikachu smirked getting ready and fired a bolt of electricity towards Pidgeotto, but the flying type dodged easily. Pidgeotto shot straight down entering a dive bomb.

"Pikachu, try another Thunder Shock." Ash shouted to Pikachu. He knew the closer that Pidgeotto got the likelier the attack is to hit. Pikachu stood his ground and aimed another bolt of electricity at Pidgeotto. The electricity came flying at her however instead of dodging Pidgeotto slammed her wing into the ground flinging a heap of sand at Pikachu, nullifying the electricity.

"Pikachu, dodge it with Quick Attack!" Ash yelled to Pikachu panicking a little. Pikachu quickly followed Ash's instruction and quickly ran away from the Sand Attack. Pidgeotto smirked seeing this. She would show that mouse what a true Quick Attack looked like. Pidgeotto took off like a bullet flying alongside Pikachu. Ash was trying to think. What could he do? A Thunder Shock would do a lot of damage, but it keeps missing and Pikachu couldn't keep running away forever. That's when an idea hit him.

"Pikachu, jump on Pidgeotto's back!" Ash shouted at Pikachu. Pikachu grinned and before the bird Pokemon could react Pikachu leaped up off the ground and latched onto Pidgeotto's back. Ash grinned, now his plan would work.

"Use Thunder Shock!" Ash shouted. "FULL POWER!" Pikachu grinned. This was going to be fun. With a loud battle cry Pikachu released a full power electric attack directly on Pidgeotto. Pidgeotto cried out in pain before she crash landed on the ground. Pikachu jumped off. He was a little winded but not injured. Now Ash had Pidgeotto right where he wanted her.

"Pokeball go!" Ash shouted as he threw a spare pokeball. It soared through the air and hit the bird Pokemon. She was sucked into the device. The pokeball shock back and forth multiple times.

'Come on. Come on.' Ash thought desperately. After a few minutes the pokeball stopped wiggling and dinged showing it was a successful capture.

"Alright!" Ash cheered as he ran and picked up his newly caught Pokemon. "I just caught a Pidgeotto!" Ash says as he struck a pose holding the pokeball out in one hand and flashing a V sign with the other. Pikachu jumped up mimicking his V sign.

"Another one went down for the count," Pikachu said joking as he struck his own pose alongside Ash.

With the battle now over Ash went to his bag and pulled out his pokedex and scanned the pokeball:

Pidgeotto, the Bird Pokemon. The evolved form of Pidgey. Pidgeotto claims a large area as its own territory. This Pokemon flies around, patrolling its living space. If its territory is violated, it shows no mercy in thoroughly punishing the foe with its sharp claws.

Type: Normal/Flying

Ability: Keen Eye

Hidden Ability: Big Pecks (Note: Hidden Ability is locked)

Sex: Female

Nature: Lonely (Note: The nature can change when this Pokemon evolves)

Move(s): Tackle, Quick Attack, Gust, Wing Attack, Sand Attack, Agility, Steel wing

"Ash, that was a great battle!" Nikki said excitedly as she and Flora walked over to him.

"Yeah, Ash. That wasn't half bad for just waking up." Misty said as she walked with Nikki and Flora. She had also changed out of her pajamas.

"Aw come on guys you're embarrassing me." Ash said blushing as he laughed nervously scratching the back of his head. With that Ash got ready to introduce Pidgeotto to everyone.

Ash held out the pokeball and took a deep breath before pushing the button and releasing Pidgeotto. The female bird Pokemon was breathing heavily with electricity still running through her body. She was paralyzed. Ash saw this and frowned. Sure, it had happened during the battle but that didn't make him feel better. Ash got his medical kit and approach his new Pokemon. Silently he brought out the paralyze heal and sprayed her with it.

Pidgeotto was shocked that he was helping her. She tried to eat his Pokemon and now he was healing her. Ash put the paralyze heal back in the kit and took out a super potion spraying her with it.

Pidgeotto didn't understand why he was doing this. What had she done to deserve this nice treatment?

"There that should do it, Pidgeotto." Ash said with a friendly smile. "Are you feeling better now?"

"Yes…Thank you." Pidgeotto said rather shyly.

"You're welcome." Ash said still giving her that friendly smile. "I'm Ash and this is my partner, Pikachu."

"Hey ya." Pikachu chimed in from Ash's shoulder.

"Hi." Pidgeotto said with a smile of her own. Then her stomach growled loud. "Sorry."

"Don't worry about it." Ash said smiling.

"But…I was going to eat your Caterpie and…" Pidgeotto said hastily.

"And you were hungry. It is only natural that you would look for food. But from now on I'm your trainer. So, if you're hungry just tell me." Ash said cutting her off. He pulled out a bowl from his bag and filled it with Pokemon food. Nikki came to Ash with an Oran berry in her hand. She squeezed the berry above the bowl of Pokemon food letting the juice fall in and soak into the food. Pidgeotto was shocked at this but accepted it. This kid was really kind even after she tried to eat one of his Pokemon. He healed her and is feeding her without being asking or complaining.

"Enjoy. Nikki just added Oran berry juice to the food to give it flavor. If you don't like sweet Nikki said she would look for other berries for other flavors." Ash tells her and Pidgeotto dug in happily. "I think I better get changed." Ash released Caterpie and Pidgeotto apologized for trying to eat him. Ash poured two more bowls of food for Caterpie and Pikachu. Nikki added Oran berry juice to both bowls and all of Ash's Pokemon dug in. With all of them eating Ash grabbed his traveling clothes and stepped away to change.

When Ash came back, he noticed the girls also feed their Pokemon as well as themselves. Ash decided to snack on some fruit to save on time while on the journey. Nikki looks at everyone.

"Hey. I'm going to look for more berries. Can you guys keep an eye on my Pokemon while they are eating?" Nikki asked as she put her backpack on and got up.

"Yeah, Nikki. But are you not going to take Spike with you?" Ash asked as he looked at her.

"I don't want to keep him from eating. Besides, I'm not going very far. If I get in trouble, you all will be able to hear." Nikki said with a smile.

"I can go with you, Nikki. That way you aren't alone." Flora offered with a friendly smile. Nikki smiled and nods.

"I would like that, Flora. And that way we can bring back twice as many berries." Nikki says as Flora got up putting her backpack on. They both walked off into the forest.

They found Chesto berries, Pecha berries, Rawst berries, Aspear berries, Oran berries, and Cheri berries. Nikki smiled seeing the six different types of berries.

"Good, we found the five different tastes and more Oran berries. Let's start picking them." Flora nodded and started picking the Rawst berries and Aspear berries. Nikki was about to start picking berries when she heard someone crying. She frowned hearing this and looked in the bushes to see a small Pichu crying. Nikki kneeled down beside the Pichu and gently rubbed her back. Pichu gasped and turned to see Nikki.

"Please don't kill me!" Pichu cried in fear trying to back away from Nikki. Nikki frowned seeing this. Why did this Pichu think she was going to try to kill her? She gently picked the Pichu up and held her close.

"Hey, shh it's okay. No one is going to hurt you little one. Why would you think someone is going to kill you?"

"B…because…" Pichu's eyes welled up with more tears before they fell from her eyes. "A man and a woman killed my parents! If my mom hadn't hid me, they would have killed me too!" She said crying harder. Nikki frowned and hugged Pichu close to her chest.

"Shh shh, there there. I'm so sorry that happened. Why don't you come with me and be a part of my team? I can't promise that I will be as good as a parent, but I will take care of you the best that I can." Nikki says as she looked at Pichu. Pichu looked up at Nikki. She was too young to be on her own and being alone didn't seem like a good idea. Maybe going with this girl wouldn't be so bad. And she wouldn't be alone.

"You promise I won't be alone if I go with you?" Pichu asked. Nikki smiled and nods.

"I promise. I have other Pokemon and friends with their own Pokemon. But I will never leave you alone if that is what you want. You can be outside with me and ride on my shoulder, on my head, or in the hood on my jacket." Nikki says giving Pichu a friendly smile. Pichu smiled and cuddled into Nikki's chest.

"I want to go with you." Pichu says as she nuzzles Nikki's chest. "If I decide to call you mama, will you be okay with that?" She asked looking up at Nikki. Nikki smiled sweetly at the young mon and nods.

"I would be honored if you decided to do that. I have a name for you if you want it." Nikki says as she pulled out a Luxury ball from the box of pokeballs. "Do you like the name Storm?" Pichu smiles and nods.

"I love it. Thank you for the name." Nikki smiled and touched Storm with the Luxury ball. She was sucked into the ball and dinged as soon as Storm was inside showing she put up no struggle. Nikki quickly released Storm and put her Luxury ball on her belt.

"I'm going to scan you with my pokedex okay? I promise it isn't going to hurt. It will just give me information about you." Nikki said as she pulled out her pokedex:

Pichu, the Tiny Mouse Pokemon. When Pichu plays with others, it may short out electricity with another Pichu, creating a shower of sparks. In that event, this Pokemon will begin crying, startled by the flash of the sparks.

Type: Electric

Ability: Static

Hidden Ability: Lightning Rod (Note: Hidden Ability is unlocked)

Sex: Female

Nature: Docile (Note: The nature can change when this Pokemon evolves)

Move(s): Thunder Punch, Thunder Shock, Tail Whip, Play Nice

Nikki put her pokedex up and looked at Storm.

"Let's introduce you to Flora. Then we will finish picking berries before heading back to the rest of our group and Pokemon." Storm smiled and nods as she jumped onto Nikki's shoulder. Nikki turned seeing Flora just finish picking the Rawst and Aspear berries. "Flora, I have someone I want you to meet." She says as she walked to Flora. Flora turned to Nikki and saw Storm on her shoulder.

"Aaaawwwww! Nikki! Where did you find that adorable little Pichu?" Flora asked excitedly as she walked over to Nikki.

"I found her in the bushes when I was about to start picking berries." Nikki frowned as she looked at Flora. "Apparently a man and a woman killed her parents, and she was all alone. So now she is my new Pokemon. Her name is Storm."

"Well, it's very nice to meet you, Storm." Flora said with a friendly smile. "You are a very cute Pichu."

"Thank you and it's nice to meet you too." Storm said with a slight blush. Nikki smiled and translated. Storm looked at Nikki. "Nikki, how are you able to understand me?"

"I don't really know why I'm able to understand Pokemon, Storm. I just can. One of our other friends can understand Pokemon too." Storm nods accepting that answer. "Let's finish picking the berries and then head back to the others to introduce Storm to everyone." Flora nods and went to the Oran berry tree and started picking the Oran berries. Nikki and Storm started picking the Chesto and Cheri berries. Once they got enough to last them about a week they headed back to the rest of the group. Once they got near the group, they saw that Ash and Misty were washing their Pokemon's food bowls. Nikki smiled and looked at Storm.

"Okay, you're about to meet our friends and all of the Pokemon. And don't worry I won't let them overwhelm you." Storm nods as she looked at the group. Nikki and Flora walked the Ash and Misty. "Hey guys. We got the berries and I have a surprise for everyone!" Nikki says excitedly as she and Flora stop. Ash and Misty turned looking at Nikki and Flora.

"Huh? What kind of surprise, Nikki?" Ash asked looking at her.

"I caught a new Pokemon!" Nikki said with happiness in her voice. "I want you to meet Storm." She says as she points at Storm, who was still on Nikki's shoulder. "Don't be shy, Storm. My friends are really nice." Nikki tells her with an encouraging smile. Storm nods and moves out more on the edge of Nikki's shoulder and looked at Ash and Misty.

"I'm Storm. Mama's new Pokemon. N-nice to meet you." Storm says shyly. Ash smiled and took Storm's little paw gently between his thumb and pointer finger and gently shook her paw.

"It's nice to meet you, Storm." Ash said with a friendly smile. Storm looked at him.

"You're t-the friend mama s-said can understand Pokemon t-too r-right?" Storms asks nervously. Ash nods.

"Yes, I am. And I don't know why I can understand Pokemon. I just can."

"Did you find her while you guys were picking berries?" Misty asked as she got closer to Nikki and Storm. Nikki frowned and nodded.

"Yeah. She was all alone in a bush hiding and crying. Apparently, a man and a woman killed her parents. I offered to let her come with me and be a substitute parent for her." Ash frowned hearing what happened to Storm's parents. He couldn't believe that some people could be so cruel to Pokemon like that. But it warmed his heart to know Nikki cared about Pokemon as deeply as he does.

"Well at least with you she is in good hands, Nikki. Are you going to have Spike train her to be a service Pokemon?" Ash asked looking at her. Nikki nods looking at Ash.

"Yes, but maybe after we get out of this forest, and I've bonded with her more. She's still really nervous with anyone but me." Nikki said before looking at the group of Pokemon. "Hey guys! I have a new friend for you to meet! But be easy! She's still really nervous around anyone but me." The combined group of Pokemon slowly approached Nikki to get to meet their new friend. Spike walked straight to Nikki's side to meet the new friend. Nikki kneeled down so everyone could see Storm. "This is Storm. My new Pokemon. Please make her feel welcomed and safe."

Spike looked at Storm listening to Nikki's words. It was obvious to Spike that something had happened to Storm for Nikki to use those words. Spike made a silent vow to protect Storm and watch out for her like he does Nikki. Nikki introduce her Pokemon and her friend's Pokemon to Storm one by one.

"Let's get everything packed up and get going." Ash says as he started to roll up his sleeping bag. Everyone packed everything up before returning their Pokemon. Nikki left Spike and Storm out while Ash still left Pikachu out. Once everyone was packed up and the Pokemon were returned the group set of on their travels once again.

It had been a couple hours and while travelling the trainers just chatted. But stopped when they heard voices.

"Uuuggg, are you sure we are going the right way, Jessie?" A male voice whined. The four stopped. It couldn't be them again, not so soon.

"Of course, I know the way, James." A female voice aggressively snapped. "I…Just wanted to see the sights."

"Meeeeoooooowth. Just admit it, we are lost." A third voice chimed in.

"Hey! There's some people. Maybe they can give us directions." The male voice excitedly informed. The four sweat dropped and tried to hide. They didn't want to deal with these guys again.

"Thank Arcues we found you here." James said as he approached the four. "We were wondering if you kind people would happen to know…" James stopped when he saw just who the people were. "I mean…" James quickly corrected himself as Jessie and Meowth caught up. "Of course, we found you here." The trio then got ready for their motto.

"Prepare for trouble." Jessie said.

"Make it double." James said.

"To protect the world from devastation." Jessie added."

"To unite all people within our nation." James added.

"To denounce the evils of truth and love." Jessie said while striking a dramatic pose.

"To extend our reach to the stars above." James said while striking a dramatic pose.

"Jessie."

"James."

"Team Rocket blasting off at the speed of light." Jessie said while making one last pose.

"Surrender now or prepare to fight." James said while making one last pose.

"Meowth. That's right." Meowth chimed in at the end. The group sweat dropped. Did they do that every time?

"If you're lost the exit is that way." Flora said pointing in the direction of the exit.

"We're not lost!" Jessie snapped angrily. "We're here to take your Pokemon for interrupting our mission back at the Viridian Pokemon Center. Go Ekans!" Jessie says as she released Ekans.

"Go Koffing!" James said releasing Koffing. Misty and Flora both grabbed a pokeball ready to battle.

"Not this time, twerpettes!" Jessie yelled as she threw a net which caught Misty and Flora trapping them.

"Alright, Pikachu…" Ash started to say as he turned to his mouse Pokemon but was cut off.

"Spike, lets…" Nikki started to say as she turned to her poison pin Pokemon, but she was cut off as well.

"Not this time! Sludge Attack!" James said cutting them off. Koffing released blobs of sludge which hit Pikachu and Spike's eyes effectively blinding them.

'Okay, I can't use Pikachu. And Pidgeotto is still too tired. That means Caterpie is my only choice.' Ash thought as he gripped Caterpie's pokeball. Ash wasn't so naïve to think he can easily beat two Pokemon with Caterpie at once especially when they have the type advantage. He turned to Nikki, who looking like she was royally pissed at someone.

'Alright, I can't use Spike. And Storm is still too young to…' Nikki started to think when she felt Storm shaking on her shoulder. She looks at Storm. "Storm, what's wrong?"

"Those are the people who killed my parents!" Storm said in an angry tone. Hearing this Nikki glared at Jessie and James. They are going to pay for what they did to Storm's parents.

"Do you think you can battle if I send Plume or Blaze with you?" She asked Storm. She couldn't send Storm into battle on her own since she was still a baby Pokemon. But she would let her have a hand in avenging her parents.

"Yes. I want to help!" Storm said eagerly.

"Nikki, will you battle with me?" Ash asked her. "We can't let them take our Pokemon."

"Just try and stop me, Ash." Nikki said with a determined smirk. "Those two are the ones that killed Storm's parents." Nikki grabbed both Blaze and Plume's pokeballs. "Blaze, Plume, its time to battle!" Nikki yelled as she released her fire lizard and tiny bird.

"Caterpie, I choose you!" Ash yelled as he released his little bug. Storm jumped from Nikki's shoulder between Blaze and Plume sparking her cheek as she glared at Team Rocket. Team Rocket…burst into laughter at the sight of the bug type and small mouse Pokemon.

"Hahahaha! Do you really think that that little rat and bug can touch us?" Jessie asked laughing.

"A measly bug and mouse won't make a difference." James said laughing.

"They aren't even worth battling." Meowth chimed in.

Ash and Nikki VS Team Rocket

"We'll see about that." Ash retorted. No-one makes fun of his Pokemon.

"We will show you what this little mouse can do, murderers!" Nikki said angrily.

"Caterpie, use String Shot on Koffing." Caterpie ignored Team Rocket's comments and unleashed a String Shot at Koffing. The string wrapped around the poison gas Pokemon. "Now pull it into a tackle." Ash instructed.

"Storm, use Thunder Punch on Koffing when Caterpie pulls it close for the Tackle!" Nikki instructed. Storm smirked as she moved getting beside Caterpie. She charged electricity to her little paw waiting for Caterpie to pull Koffing in. Caterpie pulled Koffing towards him and Storm, then they both launched at the Pokemon, Caterpie with a Tackle and Storm with a Thunder Punch. The impact, due to the triple momentum, caused more damage to Koffing who went flying, crying in pain. The cry of pain caused Team Rocket's laughter to stop.

"Well, if you insist." Jessie growled with anger. "Ekans, go and get your dinner and dessert." The snake Pokemon leaped at the little bug and mouse.

"I don't think so! Blaze, Ember in the mouth!" Nikki yelled. Blaze took aim and unleased a barrage of fire balls into Ekans' mouth. The snake Pokemon halted to a stop and promptly began running around like a headless Torchic trying to put his mouth out.

"Ggggrrrr! Koffing, Tackle that measly bug and mouse!" James growled angrily. "Show them who's stronger!" Koffing flung itself with much more force. Ash and Nikki knew that Caterpie and Storm wouldn't win a battle of power this time. They looked at each other and nodded.

"Storm, get on Caterpie's back!" Nikki instructed. Storm quickly moved getting on Caterpie's back and held on tight.

"Jump, Caterpie!" Ash said panicking a little. It was the first thing that came to his mind. Caterpie jumped and was directly above Koffing as the poison type lost all of his momentum. That gave Ash and Nikki an idea.

"Now Caterpie, Tackle straight down." Ash instructed.

"Storm, use Thunder Punch with Caterpie's Tackle." Nikki instructs. Caterpie used all of his force and shot straight down while Storm charged electricity to her little paw both hitting Koffing to the ground causing more damage and staying on it. "Storm, use Thunder Punch again."

"Now use Bug Bite, Caterpie." Ash yells. Caterpie had two fangs form and he bit down hard on Koffing who cried out again in pain. Storm and Caterpie jumped off Koffing as Storm charged electricity to her paw again. She slammed her balled up fist into Koffing sending it flying into a tree beside Team Rocket causing more damage. Koffing cried out in pain once again.

"Ekans, Dig and get that stupid lizard." Jessie shouted. James could deal with the bug and mouse, and she would go after the lizard and bird. Ekans dived into the ground out of sight.

"Blaze, be careful!" Nikki warned her starter. "It could come out anywhere." As Caterpie and Storm continued their respective attacks and not letting up James had tears streaming down his face. He was getting beaten by a BUG and MOUSE! Blaze nervously looked around waiting for Ekans to appear. Suddenly, the snake Pokemon sprang up from under Blaze knocking the fire lizard on to the ground.

"Wrap it, Ekans." Jessie instructed. Ekans didn't waste a second and wrapped itself around Blaze. "Don't let go and use Poison Sting!" Ekans faced Blaze opening its mouth and unleashing a load of poisonous needles from its mouth directly at Blaze. Blaze cried out in pain.

Koffing fell on the ground and rolled in front of James with swirls in its eyes. Caterpie and Storm had knocked it out and still stood strong. Ash looked at Blaze who was still trapped.

"Caterpie, use String Shot on Ekans' mouth." Ash said smirking. Caterpie turned to Ekans who was completely ignoring the bug. Caterpie fired another String Shot and it completely covered Ekans mouth.

"Thanks, Ash. I think Blaze and Plume can finish this snake off." Nikki says with a smirk.

"No problem. Show that murderer what your Pokemon can do." Ash said giving her a reassuring smile. Nikki just smirks and nods.

"Blaze, get out of there with a Scratch attack." Nikki said still smirking. Blaze's claws extended and then lashed out. The pain from the Scratch as well as panicking from the String Shot caused Ekans to loosen it's grip allowing Blaze to escape. "Plume, send that snake back with a Quick Attack!" Plume let out a battle cry before shooting off like a bullet into Ekans sending it flying and landing in front of Jessie. Ekans had swirls in its eyes.

"Now you need to deal with me…owth!" Meowth declared as he extended his claws. "Have a taste of my Fury Swipes!" Meowth yelled as he lunged forward towards the four Pokemon with his claws ready to attack.

"String Shot!" Ash yelled. Caterpie unleashed one last String Shot and completely covered Meowth.

"Storm, get on Caterpie's back." Nikki instructed. Storm jumped on Caterpie's back once more.

"Now send him back with Tackle!" Ash yelled.

"Help send him back with Thunder Punch!" Nikki yelled. Caterpie zoomed forward as Storm charged electricity around her paw again. Caterpie and Storm hit the immobile Meowth directly in the stomach which sent him flying into the rest of Team Rocket causing them to fall to the ground.

During the battle Misty and Flora were able to wiggle out of the net. Now with all four trainers standing their ground and Caterpie, Storm, Blaze, and Plume were still ready to attack. Misty and Flora still gripping their own pokeballs. Team Rocket sweat dropped. They had no Pokemon, no weapons, and are exhausted from their previous encounter. There was only one suitable action left to take. RUN! With that they returned Koffing and Ekans before picking up Meowth and running away.

"TEAM ROCKET'S BLASTING OFF AGAIN!" They shouted as they ran off.

After watching Team Rocket run away everyone turned back to the Pokemon when Caterpie and Plume both glowed white. After a few seconds Caterpie and plume were gone and two new Pokemon stood in their place. Ash and Nikki took out their pokedexes and scanned their respective Pokemon:

Metapod, The Cocoon Pokemon. The evolved form of Caterpie. The shell covering this Pokemon's body is as hard as an iron slab. Metapod does not move very much. It stays still because it is preparing its soft innards for evolution inside the hard shell.

Type: Bug

Ability: Shed Skin

Hidden Ability: (Note: There is no Hidden Ability for this species)

Sex: Male

Nature: Quiet (Note: The nature can change when the Pokemon evolves)

Move(s): Tackle, String Shot, Bug Bite, Harden, *Iron Defense (* moves are currently locked)

Nikki's pokedex replayed the information Ash had gotten when he scanned Pidgeotto. The only difference was the nature which changed to Brave. Nikki smiled and hugged Plume. "I'm so proud of you, Plume! You evolved!" Nikki said excitedly.

"Great job, Cater…I mean Metapod." Ash said congratulating as he made his way over to Metapod. "You're one step closer to becoming a Butterfree." Ash said as he picked his newly evolved Pokemon up and hugged him. Metapod was silent. He spent months training by himself, but he was too shy to even try to battle. But he spends one day with Ash, and he saves his life and helps him evolve. He owes Ash so much.

"What's wrong, Metapod? Not up to talking?" Ash asked although Metapod had tears in his eyes. He owed Ash so much and he buried his head into Ash's chest. "Don't cry, Metapod. You were awesome. We all were."

"You two aren't bad." Misty said as she approached them. "If you remember to keep a cool head especially when your Pokemon are in danger you will make pretty good trainers."

With everything finally over they decided to continue their travels before they wasted the whole day. Ash and Nikki cleaned Pikachu and Spike's faces, Pikachu took his normal spot on Ash's shoulder. They sprayed a potion on Metapod, Storm and Plume while Ash checked on his Pidgeotto. All were battle ready. But Blaze was another story. An antidote was used to cure her poison she sustained from the multiple Poison Stings and Nikki used a couple potions. Blaze was still tired and needed rest. It would be a while before she could battle again. With that they set off.

After a while Ash's stomach rumbled again, like Nikki said, it was an alarm clock to meal times. They found a clearing and sat down for lunch. Nikki added the different berry juices to the plain Pokemon food for the Pokemon and it was just simple sandwiches for the trainers.

When they finished eating, they decided to do some training. Ash used his pokedex to learn that Pikachu could learn Iron Tail, and that would come in handy against a rock type gym, like Pewter City. Ash told Nikki about his plan and asked if he could have Spike's help since he knew Iron Tail. Nikki had already been planning on having Spike help her teach Storm and Blaze how to use Iron Tail but with Blaze not being able to train for a little while she agreed as long as they trained together. With that, they had Pidgeotto, Plume, and Spike teach Metapod, Pikachu, and Storm how to use their steel type energy (Which they could do since Pidgeotto, and Plume could use Steel Wing and Spike could use Iron Tail). Metapod used the information and quickly learned the move Iron Defense. Pikachu and Storm were having a harder time as their tails hadn't been trained very much, so before they could learn Iron Tail, they needed to strengthen their tails.

"HHHIIIIIIIIYYYYAAAAAAHHHHHHH!" A boy with a samurai sword yelled while leaping out of a bush and the sword was an inch from Nikki's face. "Greetings young maid…" The boy was cut off by Ash tackling him to the ground. Spike and Storm stood in front of Nikki glaring at the boy ready to defend Nikki from him.

"Who are you?!" Ash shouted. "And why are you pointing that sword at Nikki?! Don't even think about hurting her!" Nikki blushed as she felt a rush of affection for Ash. Ash was protecting her like a knight in shining armor.

"I'm…not a thief…I just wanted to…battle…" The boy struggled to say while he was struggling with Ash on top of him.

"Then what is the sword for?" Ash asked in a low tone.

"Uurrr… It's to make a good entrance." The boy said struggling.

"Ash, I think you can get off him. I don't think he is a threat." Nikki said interrupting. As much as she liked the fact that Ash was trying to protect her, it was a little far, if the boy really just wanted to battle.

"Fine…" Ash said. He gave the boy one last glare, though he was thinking along the same lines as Nikki. As he stood up, he 'accidentally' stood on the sword snapping it in two just to be safe.

The action annoyed the boy, but he knew if he complained that Ash was more physically able than himself. So, he would beat him in a battle and then complain.

"As I was saying are you trainers from Pallet Town?" The boy asked.

"Yes, I'm Ash Ketchum and I'm going to win the Indigo League. This is Nikki Lazario, she's going to be runner up to me in the Indigo League and she's going to conquer the Battle Chateau." Ash said introducing both himself and Nikki.

"Very well, my name is Samurai, and I challenge you to a battle." Samurai says as he points at Ash.

"I accept. How about a two on two battle?" Ash asked with confidence. Samurai was a little nervous as he only had two Pokemon, but he couldn't turn it down and look like a coward to this kid who put him down. Plus, that Gary kid said that it was Ash who he would easily beat. So maybe he could battle both trainers from Pallet.

"Fine by me." Samurai said with confidence.

"Um, Samurai, why does it matter if we're from Pallet Town or not?" Nikki asked as Storm climbed up Nikki's clothes taking her place on Nikki's shoulder. Nikki was trying to cut into the atmosphere between the two trainers.

"I've already battled two trainers from Pallet Town. Their Squirtle and Bulbasaur were amazing, and I was informed of the others. I knew I just had to battle the Pallet crew." Samurai explained.

"Oh, so you've already met Gary and Leaf." Nikki said.

"That was in deed their names. Fantastic trainers in their own right." Samurai says.

"Hey, we haven't talked to any of them since we left Pallet. We should call them when we get to Pewter." Nikki suggested as she turned to Ash.

"Yeah, well Leaf anyway. Gary will be like…" Ash said and before continuing put on his Gary face. "Hey Ashy-boy, I'm the greatest in the universe! I've already caught every Pokemon and won a billion badges." Ash continued in his best Gary voice.

"Yeah." Nikki said laughing. Pikachu knew the Gary kid wasn't nice, as shown in his lab encounter, but as far as the history between Pikachu's trainer and this Gary kid it clearly goes a lot deeper. Misty, Flora, and Samurai sweat dropped at this. They clearly didn't get the joke.

"Um, can we get the battle started?" Samurai asked as Nikki's laughter started to calm down.

"Sure thing." Ash said as he threw his fist into the air and took his place on a makeshift battlefield. Samurai went to the other end.

Ash gripped Metapod's pokeball. Pidgeotto and Pikachu both could battle, and it is a two on two, but Metapod has just as much right. And the more he battles the sooner he'll evolve.

Samurai was also gripping his own pokeball. Both trainers took their positions and threw their pokeballs. Two Metapods appeared ready to battle.

Ash VS Samurai (P.1)

"I'm sure I'll win, Ash." Metapod told his trainer. Since his latest victory and unlocking Iron Defense in training Metapod has had a confidence boost.

"Awesome, Metapod. Just make sure you do your best." Ash said giving a thumbs up.

"Ha, my Metapod was freshly caught this morning. He will harden past the point of damage." Samurai said arrogantly while laughing, convinced he had victory.

"Wait you caught it as a Metapod?" Nikki asked. She knew from reading her books about Pokemon that its better to catch a Caterpie and then evolve it into a Metapod because it would still know the moves it learned as a Caterpie.

"Yes, is that a problem?" Samurai asked annoyed. Nikki just smirked while Ash, his Metapod, Pikachu, Spike, Storm, Misty, and Flora sweat dropped.

"No, no reason." Nikki said still smirking. She guessed Samurai didn't know that if you caught a wild Metapod that it can't cause damage like Ash's could since it evolved from Caterpie still knowing its moves.

"Fine then. You can have the first move." Samurai arrogantly told Ash still convinced.

"Metapod, Harden." Ash said. He figured he could humor Samurai for a bit.

"Harden, Metapod." Samurai said.

"Max out your defenses Metapod. Use Iron Defense." Ash said. His Metapod seemed to turn silver than his normal body seemed shiny. Ash knew he had this battle in the bag so maxing out his defenses would help with the second Pokemon.

"I-Iron Defense?" Samurai asked panicking. He thought that Ash's Metapod was like his.

"Yeah, I raised my Metapod from a Caterpie, so he knows all types of moves." Ash said with a smirk. Samurai started to panic more.

"Okay, Ash my defense won't go any higher." Metapod told his trainer.

"Alright, Metapod. Use Tackle and go into Bug Bite." Ash instructed with a smirk. Metapod charged forward at the opposing Metapod slamming it into a nearby tree. Then while on top of it unleashed a powerful Bug Bite. Samurai fell to his knees at this with tears streaming down his face.

"How could this happen?" Samurai muttered to himself. After a little bit Samurai's Metapod had swirls in its eyes.

"Alright, Metapod. You won this battle. Get off of the other Metapod." Ash said and Metapod bounced over to the battlefield again. Samurai returned his Metapod.

"Hey, Ash. I have that weird feeling again." Metapod said before glowing bright white.

"Ash!" Nikki said excitedly as she got her pokedex out and got beside Ash.

"I know, Nikki. Metapod is evolving." Ash said as he pulled out his pokedex. The glowing stopped and in Metapod's place was a Butterfree.

"Congrats buddy! You're finally a Butterfree!" Pikachu shouted as the newly evolved Butterfree took to the air for the first time.

"Yeah! You did it Butterfree!" Spike says cheering as he got beside Nikki. Storm was peeking out from behind Nikki's neck and gave Butterfree a small smile and a thumbs up in congratulations.

"Congrats, Butterfree! I knew you could do it!" Nikki said with a bright smile.

"Yeah, Butterfree, congratulations! How do you feel about continuing this for your first battle as a Butterfree?" Ash asked as Butterfree stopped in front of him.

"Great! I owe all of this to you, Ash. And I promise I will stay by your side. Thank you." Butterfree said.

"You don't need to thank me, Butterfree. You did all of the hard work." Ash said giving Butterfree a thumbs up.

"Um… Is Ash and Nikki talking to Ash's Butterfree?" Samurai asked as he held his second pokeball.

"Yes. We don't know how but they can understand and talk to Pokemon." Flora said as Butterfree took his position on the battlefield. Samurai was speechless. He believed what Gary told him but now he now knows that he will have a harder fight on his hands. First, it's two against one and Butterfree has all of the stat boosts from the previous battle.

Ash and Nikki scanned the new Butterfree:

Butterfree, the Butterfly Pokemon. The final evolved form of Caterpie. Butterfree has a superior ability to search for delicious honey from flowers. It can even search out, extract, and carry honey from flowers that are blooming over six miles from its nest. In battle, it flaps its wings at high speeds to release highly toxic dust into the air.

Type: Bug/Flying

Ability: Compound Eyes

Hidden Ability: Tinted Lens (Note: Hidden Ability is unlocked)

Sex: Male

Nature: Haste (Note: The nature is unlikely to change as it's a fully evolved form)

Move(s): Tackle, String Shot, Bug Bite, Iron Defense, Stun Spore, Poison Powder, Sleep Powder, Confusion, Gust (Note: Harden was forgotten with Evolution)

"Hey, Butterfree, it's great that you're not shy anymore." Ash commented as he saw the nature had changed.

"Yeah, I actually feel a lot more energy. I guess evolution on top of the confidence boost from winning was enough to overcome it." Butterfree said happily.

"Yeah, and we will keep getting stronger together." Ash says throwing his fist into the air. Pikachu and Butterfree mimicked him. Nikki couldn't help but smile at the scene. To her Ash's determination is one of his best traits.

"If you're done, I have a battle to win." Samurai said arrogantly, despite his disadvantage he is still confident.

"Ready when you are." Ash declared as Butterfree returned to the battle position.

"Pinsir, crush them!" Samurai shouted as he threw his pokeball. A Pinsir appeared withed an intimidating glare. Though neither Ash nor Butterfree showed signs of fear. Ash and Nikki used their pokedexes:

Pinsir, the Stag Beetle Pokemon. Pinsir has a pair of massive horns. Protruding from the surface of these horns are thorns. These thorns are driven deeply into the foe's body when the pincer closes, making it tough for the foe to escape.

Ash VS Samurai (P. 2)

"Oh, great another bug Pokemon." Misty muttered sarcastically. Either everyone ignored her, or they didn't hear her.

"Hey, Butterfree, Despite your defense boosts, we still need to be careful of those horns." Ash shouted and Butterfree nodded.

"Pinsir, finish this with one shot, Vice Grip!" Samurai shouted. Before Butterfree or Ash could respond Pinsir grabbed Butterfree in his horns causing some damage despite the defense boosts. Ash was starting to panic a little until he notice how close Pinsir was.

"Butterfree, stop struggling and use Poison Powder." Ash calmly instructed. He figured by struggling it would cause more damage. Butterfree heard Ash's directions and stopped trying to break free. Samurai attempted to have Pinsir let go and dodge, but it was too close. As he let go Butterfree released a purple powder and covered Pinsir in it.

"Oh no!" Samurai cried as he saw his star battler poisoned.

"Knock it back with Gust!" Ash followed up with. Butterfree began flapping his wings unleashing a powerful gust blowing the stag beetle back into the ground. Causing it to cry out in pain.

"Pinsir, you're stronger than this! Fight back with Rock Tomb!" Samurai shouted. Pinsir stood up and plowed his horns into the ground flinging a giant rock at Butterfree. Once finished, Pinsir fell to one knee suffering from the poison. Butterfree was struck by the rock Pinsir flung at him and was knocked further into the sky. "Pinsir, repeat and use Rock Tomb!" Samurai said and Pinsir used Rock Tomb again.

"Butterfree, use Gust to stop it and use Confusion to return it back to sender." Ash said with a grin. Butterfree regained control of his flight and due to his higher altitude, he had more time to react. Butterfree started flapping his wings unleashing a powerful gust stopping the Rock Tomb just before it hit the butterfly Pokemon. Butterfree's eyes started to glow blue, and a light blue wave appeared around the Rock Tomb and hurled it back at Pinsir.

"Quick, Pinsir, dodge!" Samurai shouted in fear. But due to the poison damage Pinsir was in too much pain to move. The rock collided with Pinsir, and a cloud of dust appeared. Once it settled, the rock was smashed and Pinsir was weakly standing. "Alright, Pinsir, now try your…" Samurai started to cheer before trailing off when Pinsir once again took poison damage and fell backwards with swirls in his eyes.

"Pinsir, nooooo!" Samurai shouted as he ran over to his fallen stag beetle.

"Alright, Butterfree! You won your first battle after you evolved!" Ash shouted as his bug Pokemon flew down to him where Pikachu joined in with the celebrations. Nikki and Spike soon came over to join them.

"Congratulations, Ash. That was an awesome battle." Nikki said cheeringly with a smile.

"Thanks, Nikki. But it was all down to Butterfree that we won." Ash said with a thumbs up. Nikki loved it. The high spirits and he was giving all the credit to Butterfree. He was selfless and she loved that.

"You know, Butterfree is really cool. I wouldn't mind raising one myself." Nikki commented. Butterfree was really happy with that compliment.

"Well, first we should find a Caterpie for you to catch." Ash said with a toothy grin.

"Alas, you were able to best me in battle, Ash of Pallet Town." Samurai said as he approached the celebrating group.

"Thanks for the awesome battle, Samurai. It's thanks to your battle that Butterfree evolved." Ash said as he extended his hand.

"Thank you but compared to you I am but a novice." Samurai says.

"Don't put yourself down like that. Your Pinsir was really strong. If Butterfree didn't get all of those defense boosts I'm not sure that he would've survived that Rock Tomb." Ash said and with that both trainers shook hands.

"Thank you, Ash. I shall stay and train here. Then one day we should do battle again." Samurai said as they broke the handshake.

"Right, and I'll keep training and when this battle arrives, I'll win again." Ash said with a confident smirk.

"Well, I should be off. Best of luck on your travels." Samurai said bowing before he walked off.

Ash also returned Butterfree and thanked him for a great battle. The group then continued their journey through Viridian Forest.

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!