Continuing down the grassy plains and open fields of Route 1, albeit walking now, Ash was still in a jubilant mood. Three awesome Pokemon were at his side, or in their Pokeballs, and he witnessed what looked like a giant mythical bird Pokemon fly through the skies a few hours back. He would definitely have to ask the Professor about it when he reached Viridian City.

The sound of one of his Pokeballs opening of its own accord snapped Ash back to the present. Out popped Pikachu, who proceeded to stretch out its body and pop a few muscles that were stiff from the time it had been confined in the Pokeball.

"I didn't know they could do that..." Ash muttered to nobody in particular as he looked at his small mouse Pokemon. The sound of his voice immediately drew Pikachu's attention to Ash, and the cheeky little mouse had the gall to cross its arms and start patting one of its feet with a grumpy expression on its face.

"Um... Are you mad at me Pikachu?"

"Pika," said the mouse in a stiff voice as it nodded.

"Was it because I captured you," asked the slightly worried boy.

The annoyed Pikachu shook his head and pointed towards the Pokeball on Ash's belt.

"Oh," Ash said looking at the little device which he removed from his belt and held. "Do you not like hanging out in the Pokeball?"

At this, the Pikachu nodded, relieved that Ash picked up on its annoyance somewhat quickly.

"No worries then. Besides, i've been wanting to talk to you for a bit and could use the company," grinned Ash as he sat down and crossed his legs directly opposite Pikachu.

"Pika," The Pokemon questioned, clearly wondering what the boy wanted to talk about.

"First, thanks for saving me and Charmander Pikachu. I really don't know what would have happened if you didn't jump in when you did," Ash said with sincerity.

"Pika... Pikachu."

"Maybe it wasn't a big deal to you, but it meant a lot to me and I won't forget it," Ash replied. Getting to what he really wanted to talk about though, Ash became more serious. "I guess my main question is why you let yourself get caught?"

"Pikachu?"

Ash smirked at the questioning denial. "We both know you could have run away after knocking out that Doduo. The Professor told me you have been trying to get the other Pokemon at the ranch to battle, but you always fled whenever Professor Oak came near. Why didn't you run from me? If the Professor and his years of experience couldn't catch you, there was no way I could have."

Boy, this human was far smarter than Pikachu gave him credit for. The Pokemon dropped the questioning facade and stood up looking at Ash with sparks coming out of its cheeks and a burning desire in its eyes. "Pi Pikachu Pika Pi! PIKA PIKA PIKACHU!"

Ash thought for a few moments trying to process what the Pokemon was conveying. "I think I get it. You want to be stronger to and go on your own journey right?"

"PIKA," said the small Pikachu, still impressed with the boy's understanding. Did he speak Pokemon... Nah that would be crazy.

Ash found himself smiling again, thinking he had found a kindred spirit that wanted to push itself to the max in Pikachu. With him by his side, they could and would go far. "I can respect that Pikachu, in fact it really fires me up. I would be happy to have you come along with me on this journey... but I do have a few conditions."

"Pika?"

"We will train hard and I will do it right along side you for the most part. Can't exactly use Thundershock or any other elemental moves heh," and Pikachu chuckled along side him.

"Being good or even great will not be enough though. We will strive to be the very best! But at the same time, you can't just attack random Pokemon or teammates anytime you want. There will be plenty of time for training and getting stronger, but not all the time" Ash firmly said to the cowed Pokemon who nodded.

Speaking softly now, Ash wrapped up his speech with one final condition. "Most importantly, if we travel together, we do it as more than Pokemon and trainer. We do it as friends. Are you with me Pikachu," asked Ash as he held out his arms in a wide manner.

Pikachu didn't speak, but his eyes did glisten as he compared Ash's words and actions to those of his supposed family.

"Pikachu," Ash asked in concern.

Snapping out of it, Pikachu jumped into the boys arms and nuzzled his cheek with an affirmative, "Pi PIKACHU!"

Ash returned the affection and hugged Pikachu tight. "Welcome to the team pal."

After a while the two separated and Ash figured that he might as well bring out the rest of the team. Bulbasaur might be a little trouble, but then again he had only been exposed to Damien for around an hour at most. Hopefully, everything would be ok. With that, Ash grabbed the two other Pokeballs and let Charmander and Bulbasaur out.

Charmander came out of the device and stretched a bit, much like Pikachu did, before turning to Ash and smiling. Pikachu gave the fire type a little wave and smile, which the fire type returned.

Bulbasaur though came out of his Pokeball shaking and looking around in fear at the unfamiliar territory. It was especially scared of the human in his presence.

Seeing this and sighing, Ash turned to Pikachu and Charmander. "Hey guys. Why don't you two head off into the fields over there for a bit and get to know one another. Maybe do some light training if you feel up to it? I think I need to talk with Bulbasaur alone."

The two Pokemon saw the scared creature and nodded to Ash before moving away, leaving Ash and Bulbasaur together.

Keeping his distance from the Bulbasaur, who was still shaking and scared of the boy in front of him, Ash slowly got on the ground again and kept his hands in his lap before speaking in a calm slow manner. "Hey Bulbasaur... You don't have to be scared. I promise not to yell at you or hurt you. All I want to do is talk."

The Pokemon was a tad skeptical at this and did not change his attitude.

"How about this," proposed Ash. "I will stay here and keep my hand on my knees and you can stay there standing or sitting, whatever is more comfortable. Nothing else has to happen?"

Bulbasaur eyed Ash with suspicion, before slowly nodding and sitting down a good 15 feet away from the human. He stopped shaking, but his eyes were locked onto Ash.

Ash continued, glad to have Bulbasaur's attention now. "Listen, what happened yesterday with Damien... I can't tell you how sorry I am that you had to go through that. Nobody deserves to be treated like that."

Bulbasaur rolled its eyes. Tell me something I don't know, it thought.

"I get it. Hard to just believe words alone right? That is why I will make you this promise now to show I mean business. Bulbasaur, until you feel comfortable battling, you don't have to do it. You don't even have to train if you don't want to. In fact, even if you never feel up to battling, I will be ok with that too. I just want to be friends and for you to be happy Bulbasaur. Does that sound fair?"

Bulbasaur's eyes widened. The human was giving him an actual choice. Well, these were still only words, but Bulbasaur figured he could give Ash a chance. If Ash made him battle, he would know not to trust a human again, but if not... well time would tell. Bulbasaur slowly nodded to agree.

Excited that he got through to Bulbasaur, Ash jumped up with glee, which of course startled the poor thing again. "Oh um sorry about that... Just a bit excited that you will be joining the gang. Uh... Do you want to meet the others, or go back in the Pokeball?"

"Bulba," said the grass type, as it pointed a paw towards the Pokeball on Ash's belt.

"Had enough for one day huh. I understand. Return Bulbasaur," and the Pokemon was sucked back into the sphere. "I'm willing to wait as long as it takes. Take your time and get better Bulbasaur," Ash whispered looking at Bulbasaur's Pokeball.

Off in the distance, he could see Pikachu and Charmander chatting and showing off some moves to one another. It was about time to get some training in. Ash was a POKEMON trainer after all. He headed off towards the duo itching to get started.

END CHAPTER

Another one bites the dust. A bit of a filler chapter, but much needed progress happened. Ash was able to forge his bonds with Pikachu and started the healing process with Bulbasaur. Also, no Ash Ketchum with any self-respect fails to share emotional bonding moments with his Pokemon. Next chapter we will get to some actual training and Ash explaining his goals in the Kanto region to his team.

CaptainRecruit - Thanks for the review! Per the PM I sent you, the story will get longer with time. As for the chapters, I still like to upload as often as possible, which is why the chapters are somewhat short. If enough of you guys leave reviews asking for longer chapters with less frequent uploads, I can and will accommodate that.

Until next time, remember to review with your thoughts/critique :)