Ch.3: Viridian Forest and Pewter City
It was early in the morning when Ash, Leaf, Pikachu, Greninja and Misty woke up, and after a good breakfast, the gang made their way to Viridian Forest, with Misty following slowly behind the others.
"Ash, what Pokémon do you think we might encounter in Viridian Forest," Leaf asked.
"Bug–types, no doubt. And maybe some flying–types as well," answered Ash.
"So Bulbasaur will be in a disadvantage," said Leaf sadly.
"Don't worry, Leaf. I can help out if you want," said Ash with a smile.
"Thanks, Ash. That means a lot," said Leaf and smiled back.
Unlike Ash and Leaf, however, Misty still feared the fact that she would go through a forest full of bug–types. But she didn't have much of a choice when she saw Ash, Leaf, Greninja and Pikachu slowly disappearing out of sight. "Hey, wait for me."
"This looks like a good place to stop and rest a little," said Ash as he slipped his backpack off his back. It was early in the afternoon and they were somewhere within Viridian Forest.
"If that will make her shut up, then that's fine with me," said Greninja in annoyance, pointing at Misty. She was really getting on his nerves, but little did he knew, Leaf shared his thoughts about the orange–haired girl.
"Come on, Greninja. It won't be always like that, I hope," said Ash. "You guys set up a camp. I have to sort something out."
Ash went up to Misty with Yanmega's PokéBall in hand.
"Hey…," Ash greeted Misty.
"… Hey," Misty greeted back. "Why are we stopping? If we hurry we might get out of this forest in one day."
"I want to make sure Pikachu is properly trained for the Pewter Gym and me and Leaf just might capture another Pokémon," explained Ash.
"But…," Misty tried to respond, but Ash cut her off.
"If you want to go, then that's fine by us. But if you decide to stay, you must learn how to hang around bug–types," said Ash. "And if you leave, I won't make this offer again. So, what do you choose?"
"I want to stay," said Misty.
"Then you know what you must do, right," said Ash. "You have to conquer your fear of bug–types."
"I'll try," said Misty.
"Good. Let's start with some apologizing," said Ash and brought Yanmega out of her PokéBall.
As soon as Misty saw Yanmega she wanted to scream, but she held it back when she saw the look in Ash's eyes. He was right, she needed to fight her fear off.
"Yanmega, I think Misty has something to tell you," Ash told his bug/flying–type.
"And what could that be," asked Yanmega as she turned towards Misty.
Misty was clearly trying and failing to keep her cool. She was shaking and sweating as she got hit with Hydro Pump.
"Um, Yan–mega. I–I wo–ould li–ke to say s–s-sorry for call–ing you dis–gust–ing b–bug yester… yesterday," Misty stuttered.
Although it was hard to understand what she said, Ash and Yanmega knew that this was the best they could get. It was acceptable as it wasn't a sarcastic or forced apology. The two looked at each other before looking back at Misty.
"Apology accepted," said Ash for both of them. He then turned around and saw the cooking gear set up, and brought out his Houndoom. "Could you go and light up the fire, please?"
The fire/dark–type nodded and went up to the others, Yanmega following him. Ash turned back to Misty and smiled. At what he saw, a Caterpie was sitting on her right shoulder and Misty was so focused on Yanmega that she failed to notice it.
"Hi…," whispered Caterpie quietly. That was it, although unable to understand Pokémon, Misty turned to her right and saw the small bug–type on her shoulder and that was not a good sign for Caterpie.
"Get off! Get off! Get off," shouted Misty as she grabbed Caterpie and threw it away. Thanks to his fast reflexes, Ash was able to catch Caterpie before it could hit the ground.
"Are you OK, Caterpie," Ash asked the small bug–type. "Sorry about Misty. She's scared of bug–types."
"That's OK," whispered Caterpie. "I'm used to people ignoring me, so this is nothing new."
"I'm sorry, Caterpie. Nobody should live like that," said Ash. "What about the other Caterpie, surely they are nice to you."
"They moved away. There's a Pidgeotto that lives here and scared all mt friends away. I would've gone too, but I wasn't ready in time so they left without me," explained Caterpie.
"That sounds horrible. Hey, would you like to meet my other Pokémon," Ash offered. "We'll be your friends and won't abandon you."
"You're a trainer," asked Caterpie.
"Yeah, but I won't catch you if you don't want me to," replied Ash.
"Well, I haven't got anything here and I've always dreamed of evolving into a Butterfree, and after all this time alone, I figured I wouldn't be abe to do it alone, admitted Caterpie.
"If you want to join the family, that's OK, but I thought most wild Pokémon liked to be caught with a battle," said Ash.
"Yeah, but I saw you send out your Pokémon and I wouldn't stand a chance against them, but it would be nice if you don't let them eat me," said Caterpie.
"Don't worry, they're gonna eat you, 'cause you'll probably mess up their diet," said Ash jokingly, but sweat dropped when he saw Caterpie's expression. "Just kidding. They may seem scary, but they're all nice. I'll introduce you when you're ready."
Ash brought out an empty PokéBall and Caterpie tapped his head against it and was covered in red light. The PokéBall shook once, twice then thrice and let out a ding, signifying a capture.
Ash smiled and went back up to Leaf, Greninja, Pikachu and Misty. "Guys, I caught a Caterpie."
"You caught that bug," shouted Misty.
"That's great news," said Leaf with a smile. "You have another team member."
"Thanks, Leaf," Ash smiled back. "Caterpie is determined to become stronger, so I'm going to help him."
"Well, aren't you going to introduce us to the new guy," asked Greninja.
"Sure thing, Greninja," said Ash as he brought out Caterpie's PokéBall. "Caterpie, come on out." Caterpie popped out of the PokéBall and materialized in front of Ash and his friends.
"Thank you for capturing me," said Caterpie. "I promise I'll do my best."
"Glad to hear that, Caterpie, 'cause our training sessions are pretty intense," said Ash.
"Ash, did you understand what Caterpie said," asked Leaf in confusion.
"Oh yeah. I haven't told you guys yet. I'm an Aura Guardian in training and I can use aura to talk to Pokémon," said Ash, and saw the shocked faces of Leaf and Misty.
"Did you know about this," Misty asked Leaf.
"Nope," answered Leaf and she went up to her best friend. "Are there any other secrets you're hiding?"
"There's actually one more secret, but you'll have to wait until we reach Vermilion City," answered Ash.
"I can't believe my trainer is an Aura Guardian," said Caterpie. "Will we get to battle bad guys like Team Rocket?"
"I guess so, Caterpie," said Ash as he pulled out his PokéDex to scan Caterpie. "Now, let's learn more about you."
Caterpie, the 'Worm Pokémon'. It releases a stench from its red antenna to repel enemies. It grows by molting repeatedly. Its feet have suction cups designed to stick to any surface. It tenaciously climbs trees to forage. Type: Bug. Gender: Male. Ability: Shield Dust. Move(s): Bug Bite, Tackle, String Shot, Electroweb. Held item: None. Egg Move(s): None.
"That's a pretty good move set, Caterpie," said Ash. "Bug Bite is quite strong and Electroweb is nearly unheard of."
"Thanks, but I'm not that good with these two attacks," said Caterpie.
"Well, that just means we have to work on them with some training, so let's get to work," said Ash and Caterpie looked happy and determined.
For the next few hours all the Pokémon trained. Even Leaf had brought out her Bulbasaur to train. Greninja was practicing battling while slicing branches with Night Slash. Pikachu was practicing with his electricity and mastering Iron Tail. Yanmega and Glaceon were launching Air Slash and Frost Breath at the falling branches from Greninja's Night Slash. Houndoom was launching Dark Pulse at some boulders.
Ash and Leaf decided to have a training battle with Caterpie and Bulbasaur. Bulbasaur kept firing Leech Seed while Caterpie was countering with Bug Bite. It took them some time until Caterpie mastered Bug Bite and Electroweb, while Bulbasaur learnt Take Down. Caterpie couldn't believe how much he improved in just a couple of hours. Everyone realized that they had lost track of time when Greninja noticed the sun set while he was sitting on one of the highest tree's branch.
During the training, Misty set on a boulder and Houndoom scared the bug–types away with Flamethrower. Ash and Leaf finished making food and gave it to the Pokémon and made some food for themselves and Misty.
After they finished, Greninja and Glaceon washed the cooking supplies up with Water Shuriken and Water Pulse, and Ash and Leaf packed them up. Ash returned all his Pokémon to their PokéBalls, except Pikachu and Greninja, and Leaf decided to keep Bulbasaur outside of his PokéBall. Ash and Misty got their sleeping bags and tents, but it turned out Leaf had forgotten her tent so she decided to sleep in Ash's tent. They bid Misty goodnight and slept in Ash's tent with Greninja, Pikachu and Bulbasaur inside as well.
As morning came, Ash woke up early as usual, and so did Leaf. Greninja would always wake up at sunrise for some training, and Pikachu and Bulbasaur were the early morning type of guys. However, Misty was another story.
"It's 6 in the morning, you two," shouted Misty. "Why did you wake up this early?"
"I don't see what the big deal is," said Ash. "I always wake up early and so do my Pokémon."
"Same here," said Leaf.
Misty appeared to be frustrated, but got up nonetheless. Ash and his Pokémon did their morning stretches. After breakfast, Ash said they were gonna do some training.
As soon as he brought out Caterpie, a Pidgeotto, who was circling the forest for breakfast, spotted Caterpie and went down into a dive and stopped in front of Caterpie.
"Looks like breakfast is served," said Pidgeotto while looking at the bug–type.
"Ahhh," yelled Caterpie in fear. "Somebody help!"
Ash and Salamence who were nearby heard that and went up to Caterpie.
"What's wrong, Caterpie," asked Ash and they both saw Pidgeotto and put two and two together.
"You have ten seconds to back off, or my next meal will be a fried bird," threatened Salamence while glaring and Pidgeotto got a good look at the dragon/flying–type and started to sweat.
"Hey, look I just wanted to battle that Caterpie. There's no need for threats," said Pidgeotto nervously.
"In that case, as Caterpie's trainer, I accept your battle," said Ash and Caterpie paled. "I have faith in you, Caterpie. It's time to see the results of your training, so let's do this." Caterpie nodded in determination and glared at the bird, ready for battle. Pidgeotto thought they were crazy, but she couldn't back down now.
Pidgeotto charged in with Quick Attack, but Ash and Caterpie were ready.
"Caterpie, wait for her to get close and use Electroweb," said Ash. Pidgeotto neared Caterpie, but the bug–type launched an Electroweb before she could get to him. "Now use String Shot to pull her close and use Tackle." Caterpie fired his String Shot at Pidgeotto, who was still suffering from Electroweb, and pulled her close and hit her with a Tackle.
Pidgeotto wasn't finished as she sliced the web with Steel Wing and launched a Gust which struck Caterpie hard and scored a direct hit with Quick Attack. She went for Steel Wing, but Caterpie managed to avoid the attack at the last second.
"Good job, Caterpie," said Ash. "Use String Shot and follow it up with Electroweb." Pidgeotto tried to dodge, but because of her reduced speed, she got wrapped into String Shot and got electrocuted once more by Electroweb, which knocked her out. "Way to go, Caterpie! I knew you could do it!"
"Not bad, kid," said Salamence, impressed.
Caterpie smiled and cheered when he was enveloped in white light and began to change his form. When the light dispersed, in Caterpie's place now stood a Metapod.
"Thanks, guys," said Metapod with a smile. "Now I'm one step closer to finally being able to fly!"
Pidgeotto was still knocked out and Ash attended to her injuries with a Super Potion. They weren't anything serious, but she was still hurt from the electricity. Soon, she felt the pain from the injuries started to disappear.
"How could I lose to a Caterpie," asked Pidgeotto weakly. "This was so embarrassing!"
"Don't be so hard on yourself," said Ash kindly. "You're a strong Pokémon. I trained Caterpie to a good level and with strategy and determination, there's not an opponent you can't beat."
"Why are you even helping me after I tried to eat your Pokémon," asked Pidgeotto.
"I don't blame you. You just looking for breakfast," said Ash. "You didn't do it on some personal grudge or something. It was the way nature worked, but Caterpie is one to defy nature."
Ash brought out a can with food for flying–types and gave it to Pidgeotto. She took a small peck to it to taste it and couldn't believe how good it was.
"This has to be the best food I've ever eaten," said Pidgeotto as she soon finished it and wondered about something. "Aren't you going to try to catch me like every other trainer?"
"No if you don't want me to," said Ash. "I only catch Pokémon that want to be part of the team. If you want me to catch you, then here." Ash pulled out an empty PokéBall and placed it in front of her.
"So you're just letting me decide like that," asked Pidgeotto stunned.
Ash's only answer was a nod. Pidgeotto just stared at the PokéBall while thinking how strong Caterpie was. It took her a minute or two before finally making her decision. She pressed her beak on the circle of the PokéBall and was enveloped in red light and sucked in. The ball shook three times before a ding sound was heard, indicating the capture.
"All right, I got a Pidgeotto," said Ash as he picked up the PokéBall and brought Pidgeotto out.
"I forgot to ask you one thing, how can you understand Pokémon," asked Pidgeotto confused. The kid had a conversation with her and she hadn't noticed it until now.
"I'm an Aura Guardian in training and I can use my aura to understand Pokémon," said Ash and Pidgeotto looked surprised.
"We're going to be famous one day," said Metapod happily.
"I don't know if we'll be famous, but we'll see what'll happen on the road," said Ash and turned to Pidgeotto. "OK, Pidgeotto. Stay still for a second while I scan you." Ash brought out his PokéDex and scanned her.
Pidgeotto, the 'Bird Pokémon' and the evolved form of Pidgey. It renders its prey immobile using well-developed claws, then carries the prey more than 60 miles to its nest. Type: Normal/Flying. Gender: Female. Ability: Big Pecks (hidden; unlocked). Move(s): Steel Wing, Quick Attack, Gust, Tackle, Sand Attack. Held item: None. Egg move(s): Brave Bird (locked).
"Those are some pretty good moves and you've got your hidden ability," said Ash, impressed. "Your move set will need some improvement. Steel Wing is pretty rare for a Pidgeotto, but it'll be useful in the Pewter City Gym."
Pidgeotto nodded in understatement and couldn't wait for the training to begin.
"Now let's check out Metapod," said Ash and pointed the PokéDex at Metapod.
Metapod, the 'Cocoon Pokémon' and the evolved form of Caterpie. A steel-hard shell protects its tender body. It quietly endures hardships while awaiting evolution. Type: Bug. Gender: Male. Ability: Shed Skin. Move(s): Bug Bite, Tackle, Electroweb, String Shot. Held item: None. Egg Move(s): None. Learnt move(s): Iron Defense.
"Now that's impressive. Usually, most Metapod learn Harden when they evolve, but Iron Defense is just as good," said Ash. "With some more training, you'll evolve into a Butterfree in no time. Anyway, let's head back to camp."
The Pokémon nodded and Ash picked Metapod while Pidgeotto got on Salamence as her wings still hurt a little and Salamence followed Ash back to the camp.
"Guys, check this out," said Ash and everyone turned around and looked at them. "I caught a Pidgeotto and Caterpie evolved into Metapod after beating her in a battle."
"Sure, tell everyone I lost to a Caterpie," said Pidgeotto embarrassed.
"Don't feel bad," said Gliscor. "We knew Caterpie was a hard worker and with Ash's strategies, their victory was assured."
"Congratulations, Metapod," said Greninja. "One more evolution and you'll be a Butterfree."
"I can't wait," said Metapod cheerfully.
"OK, guys. It's 11AM, so let's do some training until lunch and then we'll hit the road," said Ash and everyone cheered.
After a few hours of training, the gang had their lunch, and Leaf even caught herself a Kakuna, who was also excited about evolving, and after a nice lunch the gang hit the road with Greninja, Pikachu and Metapod outside of their PokéBalls, until a smoke bomb landed near them ad they started to cough while a familiar chant was heard.
"Prepare for trouble."
"And make it double."
"To protect the world from devastation."
"To unite all people's within our nation."
"To denounce the evils' of truth and love."
"To extend our reach to the stars above."
"Jessie!"
"And James!"
"Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light."
"Surrender now or prepare to fight."
"Meowth, that's right."
"Not you jerks again," said Leaf. "Don't you know when to quit?"
"Do you really think you can stop us," asked Jessie as she and James released their Ekans and Koffing.
"If it's a battle you want, then it's a battle you'll get," said Ash as Metapod jumped from his arms and prepared for a battle.
"Ash, we can help out," said Leaf as she brought out her Kakuna.
"Thanks for the assistance, Leaf," said Ash, smiling at his friend. "Let's show them what we can do."
"Ekans, use Bite on Kakuna," said Jessie.
"Koffing, use Poison Gas on Metapod," said James.
"Metapod, dodge it," said Ash.
"Kakuna, use Harden," said Leaf.
Ekans charged with Bite at Kakuna, but the bug/poison–type protected himself with Harden, causing Ekans to bounce off. Meanwhile, Koffing unleashed its Poison Gas, but Metapod dodged it at the last second.
"Metapod, use Electroweb," said Ash.
"Kakuna, use String Shot," said Leaf.
Kakuna fired his String Shot and wrapped Ekans and Koffing together, who got electrocuted from Metapod's Electroweb.
"Get up, Koffing, and use Tackle on Metapod," said James.
"Ekans, you use Wrap on Kakuna," said Jessie.
"Metapod, protect Kakuna with Electroweb and then use String Shot on Koffing to send it back," said Ash.
Metapod got in front of Kakuna and struck Ekans with Elecroweb and wrapped Koffing with String Shot and threw at back at the villains.
"Thanks for the assist, Ash," said Leaf with a smile.
"No problem," Ash smiled back.
"Get up, Ekans and use Poison Sting on Metapod," said Jessie.
"Kakuna, protect Metapod," said Leaf.
"Koffing, use Tackle on Kakuna," said James.
Ekans fired its Poison Sting at Metapod, but Kakuna got in the way, protecting his partner, but failed to notice Koffing charging in with Tackle.
"Metapod, use Iron Defense and then Electroweb," said Ash.
Metapod jumped in front of Kakuna and Koffing bounced of his Iron Defense and got directly hit by Electroweb.
"Ash, let's finish this," said Leaf.
"You got it," said Ash.
"Kakuna, use String Shot on all five of them," said Leaf.
Kakuna fired his String Shot and not just Ekans and Koffing, but also Jessie, James and Meowth got wrapped.
"Hey, let us go," demanded James.
"If you insist. Metapod, use your best Electroweb," said Ash.
Metapod fired his Electroweb and Team Rocket got electrocuted and were sent blasting off in the sky.
"We're blasting off again," shouted Team Rocket.
"We did it," cheered Leaf.
"We make a great team," said Ash as he and Leaf high–fived.
During the small celebration, Metapod and Kakuna were enveloped in white light as the changes began. When the light dispersed, in Metapod and Kakuna's places now stood Butterfree and Beedrill.
"Awesome, you guys evolved," said Ash and he and Leaf hugged their respective Pokémon.
"Let's check them out," said Leaf and she and Ash brought out their PokéDexes and scanned Butterfree and Beedrill.
Butterfree, the 'Butterfly Pokémon' and the final evolved form of Caterpie. Close examination of its large eyes reveals that each eye is composed of a myriad of tiny eyes. When attacked by other Pokémon, it defends itself by scattering its poisonous scales and fluttering its wings. Type: Bug/Flying. Gender: Male. Ability: Compound Eyes. Move(s): String Shot, Silver Wind, Poison Powder, Psybeam, Sleep Powder, Gust, Electroweb. Held item: None. Egg move(s): None. Forgotten moves: Tackle, Bug Bite, Iron Defense.
Beedrill, the 'Poison Bee Pokémon' and the final evolved form of Weedle. It has three poisonous stingers on its forelegs and its tail. They are used to jab its enemy repeatedly. Type: Bug/Poison. Gender: Male. Ability: Swarm. Move(s): String Shot, Harden, Twineedle, Fury Attack, Pin Missile, Aerial Ace, Focus Energy. Held item: None. Egg move(s): None.
"These are some pretty good move sets," said Ash. "Buttrefree has learnt some pretty nasty tricks."
"And so has Beedrill," said Leaf. "We'll take on the Pewter Gym with no problems."
"I wouldn't be so sure," said Ash. "The Pewter Gym specializes in rock–types and they are strong against bug–types."
"You know, I heard that the Gym Leader's both Pokémon are rock/ground–types," said Misty.
"So that means water and grass–type attacks should do the trick," said Ash.
"In that case, I'll go with Bulbasaur," said Leaf and turned to Ash. "And you can use Greninja."
"Yeah, but it wouldn't be fair," said Ash. "Greninja has been with me for four years and he's my strongest Pokémon. I wanna give the others a chance to battle. I'll definitely use Pikachu, but I'm not sure who else."
"I see," said Leaf. "Anyway, shall we get going?"
"Yup," said Ash with a nod. "Let's go."
As they continued down the road for a couple of hours, Greninja heard a noise coming from the bushes next to Ash and it's a good thing he did as a crazy moron in a samurai outfit jumped out of the bushed and charged towards Ash and Leaf with a sword. Both of the jumped back in shock and Greninja formed his Night Slash and immediately parried the weirdo. Ash got back to his senses and stood his ground, with Leaf holding on to him from behind in fear.
"Alright, tell us you tried to kill us before Greninja slices you in half," glared Ash.
The kid paled and drew his sword back. "Forgive me, but is there any chance you're from Pallet Town?"
"Tehnically, I'm from Vaniville Town in Kalos, but I was born in Pallet," said Ash.
"I come from Pallet Town," said Leaf and the kid nodded.
"I see. I was testing you if you were a worthy trainer. I was travelling these woods and was beaten by a kid in a car with cheerleaders and said that I could easily beat a trainer who was from another region," said the kid.
"Guess that means he battles Gary," Leaf whispered to Ash who nodded.
"You know, since you both look like tough trainers, I'll battle both of you. I've got four Pokémon so how does a two on two sound," asked the kid.
"Sure. I was looking for a good battle," said Leaf.
"Me, too," said Ash.
"So who will be first," asked the kid.
"Ash, why don't you go first," Leaf asked Ash.
"That's fine by me," said Ash and faced the kid. "I'll battle you first. My name is Ash Ketchum and I accept your challenge."
"My name is Samurai and you're going down," said Samurai.
"Greninja, stand down," said Ash and Greninja drew his sword back and went up to Ash, who turned to Misty. "Can you be the referee of the battles?"
"Sure," said Misty and took her place at the middle of the battlefield. "This will be a 2–on–2 battle between Ash from Vaniville Town and Samurai. Substitutions are not allowed and the battle will be over when all 2 Pokémon on one side are unable to continue. Battle begin!"
"Pinsir, let's go," said Samurai as he brought out a stag beetle with two sharp horns.
"Butterfree, I choose you," said Ash as he brought out Butterfree.
"Pinsir, start with Double Hit," said Samurai.
"Butterfree, fly high and use Poison Powder," said Ash.
Pinsir charged with Double Hit, but Butterfree avoided the attack and landed his Poison Powder on Pinsir, poisoning it.
"Hang in there, Pinsir and use Focus Energy," said Samurai.
"Butterfree, use Electroweb," said Ash.
Pinsir pumped itself with Focus Energy and got hit by Electroweb, lowering its speed.
"Butterfree, wrap it with String Shot and then use Psybeam, followed by Silver Wind," said Ash.
Samurai couldn't believe how quick Ash's commands were. Pinsir got trapped in String Shot and took direct hits from Psybeam and Silver Wind, which were enough to knock it out.
"Pinsir is unable to battle. Butterfree is the winner," announced Misty. "Samurai, send out your second Pokémon."
"Pinsir, return," said Samurai as he returned his fallen bug–type and looked at the PokéBall. "You did your best." Samurai then brought out his final Pokémon, Metapod.
"Butterfree, take a rest," said Ash and returned the bug/flying–type, and brought out a second PokéBall and threw it. "Pidgeotto, I choose you."
"Metapod, let's start with Harden," said Samurai.
"Pidgeotto, use Quick Attack and then Sand Attack," said Ash.
Pidgeotto flew full speed and struck Metapod with Quick Attack and lowered its accuracy with Sand Attack all before Metapod could use Harden.
"Stay strong, Metapod," said Samurai.
"Pidgeotto, let's wrap this up with your best Steel Wing," said Ash.
Pidgeotto's wings glowed white and directly struck Metapod with Steel Wing, knocking it out.
"Metapod is unable to battle," announced Misty. "Pidgeotto is the winner, which means the victory goes to Ash from Vaniville Town!"
"Metapod, return," said Samurai as he returned Metapod to its PokéBall and made his way towards Ash. "Congratulations on the victory. You're pretty strong."
"Thanks! You're pretty good as well," said Ash.
"Thanks," said Samurai and turned to Leaf. "Are you ready for our battle?"
"I'm always ready," said Leaf. "Just so you know, Ash's been teaching me all I need to know, so get ready for a tough battle."
"This will be a 2–on–2 Pokémon between Leaf and Samurai. Substitutions are not allowed. The battle will be over when all 2 Pokémono one side are unable to continue," explained Misty. "Let the battle begin!"
"Paras, let's go," said Samurai as he brought out his bug/grass–type.
"Bulbasaur, I choose you," said Leaf as she brought out her starter.
"Paras, let's start with Fury Cutter," said Samurai.
"Bulbasuar, dodge it and use Tackle ad then use Poison Powder," said Leaf.
Paras charged with Fury Cutter, but Bulbasaur avoided the attack and landed his Tackle, and poisoned Paras with Poison Powder.
"Let's finish this with Venoshock," said Leaf.
Bulbasaur fired his Venoshock which struck Paras, knocking it out.
"Paras is unable to battle. Bulbasaur is the winner," announced Misty.
"Paras, return. You did your best," said Samurai as he returned Paras to its PokéBall and brought out his second Pokémon, Venonat.
"Bubasaur, return and take a rest," said Leaf as she returned her starter and chose her second Pokémon.
"Beedrill, I choose you," said Leaf as she brought out her bug/poison–type.
"Venonat, let's start with Tackle," said Samurai.
"Beedrill, dodge it and use Focus Energy," said Leaf.
Venonat charged with Tackle, but Beedrill dodged it and pumped himself with Focus Energy.
"Venonat, use Psybeam," said Samurai.
"Beedrill, counter it with Pin Missile and then use Aerial Ace," said Leaf.
Venonat fired its Psybeam, but Beedrill countered it with Pin Missile, forming a cloud of dust. Beedrill went through the cloud and struck Venonat directly with a super–effective Aerial Ace, knocking it out.
"Venonat is unable to battle. Beedrill is the winner, which means the victory goes to Leaf," announced Misty.
"Venonat, return," said Samurai as he returned his fallen Venonat to its PokéBall and went up to Leaf. "Thank you for the battle, Leaf. You too, Ash."
"Thank you as well, Samurai," said Ash as they shook hands, and the group continued walking to Pewter City for a couple of minutes.
Then an angry noise was heard and Samurai returned with an angry Beedrill horde right behind him. "Somebody help," screamed Samurai as he ran towards them. Misty paled and hid behind Leaf, and Ash brought out two of his PokéBalls and threw them.
"Yanmega, Glaceon, I choose you," said Ash as his two female Pokémon came out, ready for a battle. "Yanmega, use Ancient Power and Glaceon, use Swift."
Yanmega summoned several rocks and threw them at Beedrill and Glaceon spun her tail and fired several golden stars. The Beedrill were intimidated by the power of Yanmega and Glaceon and retreated.
"Thanks, Ash. I was trying to catch a Weedle, but I got too close to a nest of Beedrill and they swarmed me," said Samurai with a bow.
"Be more careful next time," said Ash and they bid each other goodbye.
"Misty, the Beedrill are gone so you can stop hiding," said Leaf with a sigh.
"I know, but Yanmega is still here," said Misty.
"We really need to work on your fear of bug–types," sighted Ash and looked at Greninja's annoyed expression. "And we better do it quickly before you completely piss Greninja off and trust me, you don't want to piss him off."
Even though Leaf and Misty hadn't seen Greninja in battle, they knew it would be best if they drop the subject and the group continued on their way to Pewter City.
After about 30 minutes the group was outside of the forest and reached the outskirts of Pewter City and they were slightly tired as it was nighttime when they arrived.
"I thought it would be bigger. I guess we're too used in Lumiose City," said Ash and Grenninja nodded, looking at the city.
"Lumiose City? Isn't it called the City of Love," asked Leaf.
"Yeah, Professor Sycamore's lab is there. It's the hugest city ever, at least that's how they called it. Serena and I wondered there pretty often," said Ash without stopping.
"Serena," asked Misty.
"I remember her. You once helped her at Professor Oak's Summer Camp," said Leaf. "You two were inseparable since then."
"Yeah, and she's actually my girlfriend," said Ash sheepishly.
"I knew you two would eventually get together," said Leaf, happy for her friend.
"It took us some time to realize how we felt for each other," said Ash. "Greninja and Serena's Delphox helped a little."
"Well, we had to do something. Your love for each other was, and still is obvious," said Greninja.
"Delphox," asked Leaf.
"Delphox is the Kalos fire–type starter. It's the final evolution of Fennekin," explained Ash when Leaf noticed a familiar stone that was on one of Ash's gloves.
"Hey Ash, isn't that a Key Stone," asked Leaf.
"Yup, I got it from Professor Sycamore for my 10th birthday," said Ash as he showed Leaf and Misty the Key Stone.
"I heard about them. They help you achieve Mega–Evolution with some of your Pokémon," said Misty.
"That's true. So far I've got two Pokémon with their respective Mega–Stones, Lucario and Salamence," said Ash. "Houndoom, Steelix and Gallade are the others."
"And also the three Kanto starters," added Leaf.
"Yeah, but there are a lot more. If I remember correctly, there are other pseudo–legendary other than Salamence, like Tyranitar and Garchomp," explained Ash.
"Tyranitar has a Mega–Evolution? The Pokémon which is capable of destroying mountains," asked Misty.
"The very same," said Ash. "Anyway, the Pokémon Center is not that far." On that note, he raced to the center with Greninja in tow ad Pikachu on his shoulder.
"Ash, wait up," Leaf called out.
Ash quickly raced to the Pokémon Center and after he went in, he went up to Nurse Joy.
"Nurse Joy, my Pokémon and I made it through Veridian Forest. We don't have many injuries that I know about, but could you please check on them," asked Ash politely and Nurse Joy smiled and nodded. Ash handed her Pikachu and his PokéBalls, and told Greninja to go with her.
Leaf and Misty caught up to him and entered the Pokémon Center.
"Stop running off like that," yelled Misty.
"Sorry, I just wanted to make sure my Pokémon are safe so I wanted to recover them as quickly as possible," said Ash.
"Now, that you've mentioned it, I have to heal up my Pokémon as well," said Leaf as she went up to Nurse Joy.
"I'll go make a call," said Ash as he went up to one of the videophones and called Professor Sycamore.
"Hello, professor," greeted Ash.
"Ash, what a surprise," said Sycamore. "How have you been?"
"Pretty good. We arrived in Pewter City and tomorrow I'll be challenging the gym," said Ash. "I also got two new Pokémon, Butterfree and Pidgeotto."
"That's marvelous," said Sycamore with a smile. "I take it you want to see Serena. She got worried when you didn't call last night."
"Yeah, sorry about that," apologized Ash. "We lost track of time with our training and we were in the middle of Veridian Forest and signal wasn't very good. We had a good night sleep, even with Leaf in our tent."
"Why was Leaf sleeping in your tent," asked Sycamore.
"She didn't have one, so I allowed her to sleep in mine. And besides, Greninja, Pikachu and her Bulbasaur slept in the tent, too," explained Ash.
"That's very nice of you, but wouldn't that make Serena jealous," asked Sycamore.
"Don't worry, I told Serena that Leaf is like a sister to me. Besides, what kind of a close friend would I be if I let her sleep outside," said Ash.
"That's an understatement," said Sycamore. "Anyway, I'll go get Serena for you."
"Thanks, professor," said Ash and Sycomore left the videophone, and about a minute later, Serena showed up.
"Hey, Serena," greeted Ash.
"Ash," said Serena with a smile. "I'm so glad to see you."
"It's good to see you, too," said Ash.
"Where were you last night? I was so worried," said Serena.
"We had to camp out in Veridian Forest," said Ash. "Leaf and I had to share my tent as she didn't have one. Good thing Misty has one on her own, cause then things would've been awkward."
"Wait, Leaf slept in your tent," asked Serena with a glare.
"Hey, don't get mad about it. Greninja, Pikachu and her Bulbasaur also slept inside. You know me, I couldn't have just let her sleep outside," explained Ash. "Besides, when you join us, you and I can share a tent."
"You really mean it," asked Serena with a blush.
"Of course I do. You're my girlfriend after all," said Ash with a smile.
"That's very nice of you," said Serena. "Oh, the professor told me you've got new Pokémon."
"Yeah, Butterfree and Pidgeotto," nodded Ash and looked at the time. "I have to go. Tomorrow is my Gym battle and I don't want to oversleep."
"Good luck, Ashy," said Serena with a wink. "I know you'll win."
"Thanks," said Ash when he thought of something. "You know, there might be a way for you guys to watch the battle."
"And what that might be," asked Serena curious.
"The Holo–Caster has an installed camera, right. I was thinking, what if I lend Leaf the Holo–Caster during the battle with the camera facing the battlefield? That way you can also watch the battle," said Ash.
"That could work," said Serena. "Well, I'll see tomorrow. Good night, Ashy."
"Sweet dreams, Serena," said Ash with a smile before ending the call.
After ending the call, Ash went up to Nurse Joy to retrieve his PokéBalls, along with Greninja and Pikachu, and asked for 3 rooms. Nurse Joy nodded and gave Ash, Leaf and Misty keys for their respective rooms. Ash's room was 18 and Leaf's was 20 so they were close, but Misty's room was 27, which was at the end of the hall. When they entered their rooms, Ash brought out all his Pokémon from Kalos, except for Steelix for obvious reasons and told them that he would be using them only against tough opponents, not that the Gym Leaders were easy. He promised Butterfree to use him in tomorrow's battle, so there was one spot open. After some more discussions, they decided to go to bed and Glaceon being Glaceon, she cuddled up next to her 'daddy', which he didn't mind at all.
To be continued…
And that's all for this chapter. Sorry it took so long, I had a lot of stuff to do for college for the last couple of weeks, but now I'm back. There's one thing I want to note about this chapter: Leaf will be challengingthe gyms as well. I hope you liked Samurai's battles with Ash and Leaf, and Team Rocket are being annoying as usual. The good thing is they won't appear again until Rock Tunnel. Next time will Ash and Leaf's battles against Brock. I'd also like to note that Ash won't be using Greninja in a Gym Battle anytime soon. Last, but not least, I hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving. I'll see you all I the next chapter. Have a nice day.
R&R