Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing the groups journey continue, with them heading through Diglett's Cave where they see some new Pokémon but also run into some trouble. So, without further ado.
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The next day, the group had left Viridian City and began travelling down Route 2, where they eventually reached a fork in the road. With one road leading to Viridian Forest and the other leading to Diglett's Cave, with the four Trainers heading down the one towards Diglett's Cave.
"We're so close, we just need to get through this cave and then we'll be at Vermilion City, where we'll be getting our first Gym Badge!" Elaine said in excitement, psyched that she, Naruto and Leaf will be getting their first Badge soon.
"Pika-Pika!" Pikachu shared his Trainer's excitement at getting to battle at a Gym, even better that it'll be other Electric-types he can show his strength too.
"She's certainly excited, isn't she." Misty stated in amusement, having encountered other Trainers who're excited about challenging the Gym Leaders and winning Badges, but Elaine seemed even more excited.
"Yeah, Elaine never was one to be able to hold her excitement. Whenever she's focused and excited about something, it's impossible to get her to calm down." Said Naruto while smiling at his adopted sister, finding how excitable she is adorable.
"Which also usually leads her to getting in trouble or breaking an alarm clock and sleeping in." Leaf said while smirking at Elaine, making Elaine stick her tongue out at the other brunette.
"Though I'm more interested to see what Pokémon we'll encounter in Diglett's Cave, I mean other than Diglett and potentially Dugtrio." Added Leaf, curious of what other Pokémon they'll see in the cave, with Naruto and Elaine nodding in agreement, also curious of what Pokémon will be in the cave.
"I've actually been in Diglett's Cave before, I went through it to get to Viridian City." Misty revealed, getting the trios attention.
"Really? Why didn't you go through Pewter City and Viridian Forest?" Questioned Elaine, given that seemed like the obvious route to go since she's from Cerulean City.
"How did you even get your bike through the tunnel?" Naruto asked, doubting a cave had the best ground to ride a bike on.
"I, uh…I'm just not that good with Bug-type Pokémon, so I try to avoid going through routes or locations that they live in, if I can. And I just had to push my bike through, I was just lucky the cave wasn't that long." Replied Misty, having a fear of Bug-type Pokémon, unless they're cute and pretty to look at.
"Anyway, I did see some Pokémon when I was going through, aside from the Diglett and occasional Dugtrio, I saw some Zubat, which isn't that surprising since they're always found in caves. But I even saw a Bronzor and a Makuhita, which were definitely a surprise to see in Kanto." Misty said, much to the shock of Naruto, Leaf, Elaine and Pikachu.
"Wow, I didn't think there'd be a Hoenn and Sinnoh native Pokémon in the cave." Said Leaf, given how rare Hoenn and Sinnoh Pokémon were in Kanto.
"Yeah, but that just makes it even more exciting if they're in there!" Elaine stated while smiling eagerly, now wanting to explore all of Diglett's Cave to see the Pokémon inside.
"Definitely. If there's a Makuhita and a Bronzor inside, who knows what other Pokémon we'll run into." Said Naruto, also eager to get to Diglett's Cave and explore it, with Leaf nodding in agreement hoping they'll see other Pokémon from different Regions inside.
It wasn't long before the group reached the mouth of the cave before heading down inside, with Naruto, Elaine and Leaf being amazed at just how big it was, along with the maze of tunnels they saw.
"Woah, this place definitely bigger than I imagined." Leaf stated as they walked down one of the tunnels, seeing all the branching paths, getting nods from the others since it was really big.
"Yeah, but it's not surprising, giving all the Diglett and Dugtrio that live here, they're probably digging new tunnels all the time, while old ones collapse." Said Naruto, knowing the Diglett and Dugtrio would make new tunnels all the time.
"Well, hopefully we'll still be able to make it out without any trouble. Do you still remember the way you came through Misty?" Elaine asked while looking at the orangette, only to see an unsure look on her face as she looked at the various tunnels.
"I…don't really recognize any of these tunnels. I didn't think that new ones would have been made this quickly since I last came through, but I'm not sure if the way I went hasn't collapsed from a cave in." Replied Misty, seeing that the tunnels already changed from when she first come through, much to the others concern as they looked at all the tunnels.
Now seeing that with new tunnels constantly being made and old ones being sealed off from cave ins, then it'll never be the same from when someone first enters. Being completely different on the next visit, meaning the way to the exit will constantly be changing as well.
"Well, let's just-" Naruto said, thinking it'd be best if they searched for the exit at the other end, then see about catching some Pokémon so they'll at least be close to the exit.
Before he was cutoff when they felt the ground start shaking, making their eyes widen before they saw the tunnel they were in was starting to collapse behind them. Not needing to say anything, the four instantly took off running down the tunnel as fast as they could. Only to feel the tunnel collapsing faster than they could run, forcing them to jump down a different tunnel to avoid getting crushed.
Resulting in them getting separated as Naruto and Misty jumped down one tunnel while Elaine, Leaf and Pikachu jumped down another tunnel. Managing to escape just as the tunnel collapsed behind them.
"Are…are you alright Misty?" Naruto asked while coughing from the dust created by the collapse.
"Y-yeah, I'm…I'm fine." Replied Misty while waving the dust away as they got up, only to be worried when they didn't see Elaine, Leaf or Pikachu.
"Elaine?! Leaf?!" Naruto shouted in worry for his adoptive sister and friend, hoping that they didn't get trapped.
"We're…we're here! We're all here and safe!" Elaine yelled through the rocks, much to the twos relief.
"We might be able to get through if we can move these rocks!" Leaf said, thinking they could get back together by getting through the rocks.
"No! That's too dangerous, we don't if it'll cause another cave in! Just keep moving through the tunnels to the exit, we'll be able to meet up there!" Said Naruto, not wanting to risk another cave in or either of them getting hurt.
"Okay! Good luck you two, hopefully we'll be able to get out of here soon!" Elaine replied, with Naruto and Misty nodding in agreement.
"Hopefully! Good luck and stay safe, there's no telling how old some of these tunnels are!" Misty shouted, knowing they should still be careful in case they have any more cave ins.
"The same goes for you both, we'll meet you at the exit!" Said Leaf, before Naruto and Misty could just barely make out the sound of their footsteps, with the two soon beginning to start walking as well to get to the exit
With Misty looking at Naruto, seeing his expression and the way he seemed to be moving at a slightly faster pace than her. The orangette being able to tell just how worried he was about Elaine and Leaf, wanting to make sure nothing happened to them.
"They'll be alright, don't worry." Misty said smiling at him reassuringly, being able to tell that Elaine and Leaf will be able to get out of the tunnel safely.
"I know, Elaine and Leaf are a lot stronger than they look. I just…I don't want anything to happen to them, especially if I'm unable to do something to try and help them." Replied Naruto, unable to help but worry about his adopted sister and friend, with Misty nodding in understanding at his concern.
"Does…does that have to do with why you…don't like Team Rocket? Did something happen to you three involving them?" Misty asked hesitantly, but also curious to find out, with the whiskered blonde stopping for a moment and looked at her before sighing.
"…Nothing happened to us directly, but it did involve me. My parents, my birth parents, were killed by Team Rocket. My dad was one of Professor Oak's students, along with Elaine's mom, and my adopted mom, and he had been researching Pokémon, research that Team Rocket wanted. They tried forcing him to hand it over, but when he refused, a fight broke out between my parents and Team Rocket, and…they died. I was just a baby at the time and was taken in by Delia as her son and Elaine's brother." Naruto revealed, much to Misty's shock and sadness that happened.
"Oh…I'm so sorry that happened. I can see why you don't like Team Rocket." Misty said, which Naruto waved off.
"Thanks, but I've accepted what happened, knowing there's nothing I would have even been able to do, and I'm happy to be Delia's son and Elaine's brother. But any mention of Team Rocket just puts me in a bad mood, since they're still criminals that steal Pokémon, and I hadn't been expecting to hear about them so soon into the start of our journey." Replied Naruto, making the orangette smile slightly, seeing how mature he was in being able to accept what's happened and keep moving on.
"Well I'm sure Elaine and Leaf are happy to have you looking out for them." Misty stated, seeing why he's so worried and protective of both brunettes, with Naruto nodding at her words.
"Yeah, I'd do anything to make sure they're safe, along with any of my friends and the people I care about." Naruto said, refusing to lose anyone he cares about.
"Though what about you Misty? You're from Cerulean City, right? What about your family?" Naruto asked, having heard she's from Cerulean City after they left the Pokémon Center, curious to learn more about her.
"That's right, I'm sure we'll be going there since there's also a Gym. As for my family, I have three older sisters, Daisy, Violet, and Lily, though we're not…as close as you and Elaine are." Misty said, making the Uzumaki frown at her words.
"How close are you three then?" Questioned Naruto, only for Misty to sigh and shake her head.
"We aren't really close. They always saw me as just their runt little sister, who wasn't as pretty or talented as them. They're actually the main reason I left home and began travelling to become a Water-type Pokémon Master and show them I can be talented as well, even more so than them." Explained Misty, with Naruto's frown deepening at hearing how Misty's sisters treated her.
"They shouldn't treat you like that, you're their sister, they should be helping you and encouraging you to be great. Are they even Trainers?" Naruto asked, with Misty nodding in response.
"Yeah they're Trainers and I'm sure they can be really good ones, but…they just don't put in the effort to really train themselves or their Pokémon. Preferring to focus on their looks and performing water ballet." Misty replied, given what she's heard about them, they're focusing more on their water shows than actually acting as Gym Leaders.
"Then I don't think they have anything to say since, from what I've seen, you're already a pretty great Trainer, Misty. I'm sure you're doing your best to train and raise your Pokémon." Stated Naruto, making the orangette smile at him in thanks.
"Thanks Naruto, and yeah, I train all my Pokémon and want them to be their very best. And…despite how they may treat me and how they act, they're still my sisters and I care about them. I just wish they'd take things more seriously." Said Misty while letting out a sigh, before looking at Naruto when he put a hand on her shoulder and smiled at her.
"That just means I have even more of a reason to knock some sense into them when we go to Cerulean City. Making sure they start treating you better and caring about as their little sister, while also seeing if we can get them to start acting more like Trainers." Naruto said, refusing to do nothing while Misty's sisters act like that, causing Misty to smile and giggle lightly.
"You know…Elaine and Leaf said you'd do that when I told them about my sisters." Said Misty, seeing the other girls weren't kidding when they said Naruto would knock some sense into her sisters.
"And they're right. I'm not going to let anybody mess with my friends, even their own family." Replied Naruto, making Misty's smile widen.
"Alright, though I'll tell you the same thing I told them, my sisters can be pretty stubborn." Misty said, only for the whiskered blonde to smirk at her.
"They don't know what stubborn is until they meet me." Naruto stated confidently.
'I'm sure.' Thought Misty, starting to see that Naruto can be a rather stubborn person, refusing to give up on something when he sets his mind to it.
"And for the record, I don't let anybody mess with my friends either. Just letting you know in case someone tries messing with you, Elaine or Leaf." Said Misty, making Naruto smile and nod.
"I'll feel sorry for anyone that gets in your way." Naruto replied as they continued down the tunnel, hoping to reach the exit soon.
"And for the record, I think you're pretty Misty." Added Naruto, believing Misty was pretty no matter what her sisters would say, not seeing the orangette blush at his words before quickly forcing it down.
*With Elaine, Leaf, and Pikachu*
Meanwhile Elaine, Leaf and Pikachu were going down another tunnel, hoping to reach the exit soon to wait for Naruto and Misty to arrive. Both girls being confident that Naruto and Misty will be fine, given how they knew Naruto wouldn't let a cave in stop him and will keep Misty safe.
Though that left Elaine and Leaf to glance at each other occasionally, both of them also knowing this is one of the rare few times it's just them. The two already knowing what the other was thinking and that it's something they need to talk about.
"So…you like Naruto." Elaine stated, with the other brunette simply nodding in response.
"Yes, I do. There isn't anything not to like about him, he's kind, caring, brave, plus he likes my quirks and even my scams, which he's also helped me with a few times. I can't really imagine being able to like any other guy the way I like Naruto. And I'm sure you can say the same." Said Leaf while looking at Elaine, only to see her flinch slightly and look away in shame.
"I wish I could." Elaine muttered, much to Leaf's surprise.
"Why?! You've known Naruto longer than I have; you've probably even liked him longer than I have!" Leaf said, not expecting Elain to wish she could like another guy.
"Because he's my adopted brother! He's my brother and I love him more than a sister should!" Said Elaine, feeling ashamed she's in love with Naruto even though they're adopted siblings.
"I wish I could just love him as a sister, but I can't. Like you said, he's all of that and so much more, he's always been there for me. Helping me whenever I needed it, comforting me when I'm sad, but also letting me make mistakes so I can solve them and learn from them. And he's always supported me through everything and fully believing in me, that I can become a Pokémon Master. He's my best friend and…how couldn't I fall for him?" Elaine asked rhetorically, with Leaf looking at her with wide eyes seeing that she really did love Naruto before she hugged Elaine, surprising her slightly.
"It's alright Elaine, you have nothing to be ashamed about loving Naruto. I'm sure anyone in your position would have ended up falling for him, regardless of if he's their adopted brother or not, I know I would have." Said Leaf, knowing if Naruto had been her brother she'd likely still fall for him.
"But…he's my adopted brother." Said Elaine, which was really what's been holding her back to simply teasing and clinging to Naruto, rather than trying to tell him how she felt.
"So what? Like you said, he's your adopted brother, you aren't actually related, so there's no harm done. If you're worried about how Naruto would react, remember how he looked at you when we were trying on clothes, that's definitely not a brother looking at his sister. That's a boy seeing a beautiful girl in front of him." Leaf said, making Elaine blush at remembering how Naruto looked at her, feeling pride she could get a reaction like that from him.
"But my mom-" Elaine said, not sure how her mother would react.
"Will still love and support you both, no matter what. You know how overprotective she is, I doubt you and Naruto being together will stop that. Elaine, if you truly love and care about Naruto then don't stop pursuing, don't give up until you can be with him." Said Leaf while smiling at her friend.
"Pi-Pi-Pika, Pikachu." Pikachu nodded in agreement with Leaf, supporting his Trainers choices and decisions if she wanted to be with Naruto.
With Elaine being surprised at Leaf's support of her wanting to be with Naruto, even Pikachu was supporting her in pursuing her adopted brother.
"Why would you say that? You want to be with Naruto too, why would you encourage me to keep pursuing him?" Elaine asked in confusion, only for Leaf to smile and pull her into a hug.
"Even if we both like the same guy Elaine, we're still friends. And sure we may butt heads in getting his attention and one-upping each other, but that doesn't mean I want to lose you if it means getting Naruto. You're both my closest friends and I'm not going to lose either of you because of some petty jealousy." Leaf replied, much to Elaine's surprise before she soon smiled and returned the hug.
"You're one our closest friends too, Leaf. And you'd never have to worry about losing me, as we'd be friends no matter what. You also definitely don't have to worry about losing Naruto, the only way he'd leave you alone is if you asked him, and probably not even then." Said Elaine, making the other brunette giggle and nod in agreement, knowing Naruto would never abandon his friends.
"So then, no more butting heads or one-upping each other. Both of us like him and no matter who gets Naruto first, we'll still be friends and support each other." Elaine said, smiling at Leaf as they separated, only to see Leaf smirk at her.
"I don't know Elaine, I did say I couldn't see myself liking another guy, I didn't say anything about another girl. Maybe I really want you and Naruto." Said Leaf slyly while leaning in close to Elaine, who's entire face turned bright red while leaning back.
"Ehehehehe, y-you're joking…right?" Elaine asked with a nervous smile, with the other brunette merely smilingly slyly at her until she suddenly pulled back and laughed.
"Hahahahahahaha, you…you should see your face! I…I'm sorry, I just couldn't resist!" Leaf said unable to help herself, while Elaine's blush vanished while gave her friend a mock glare until Leaf calmed down and smiled at her.
"But yeah, no more butting heads and we support each other in pursuing Naruto. We both love and care about him, so there's no reason we should fight each other over him." Added Leaf, making Elaine smile and nod in agreement.
"By the way, you know why I like Naruto, but when did you start liking him?" Questioned Elaine, wondering when Leaf first started liking Naruto, with the brunette smiling as she recalled when she first started liking Naruto.
*Flashback*
'I…I think I lost them! Oh man, that was close!' Thought seven-year-old Leaf as she panted while running through forest, only to look behind her and see she wasn't being chased anymore.
The reason she'd been running was due to having pulled another one of her usual scams, with this one being her selling fake Evolution Stones. Having managed to collect a bunch of rocks from the forest and paint them to resemble different Evolution Stones. With Leaf then selling them to any Trainers passing through Pallet Town.
With things going well as she was able to convince Trainers they were real, even if they were being sold by a kid, and collect a good amount of money. Until a Trainer showed up, who actually had a Pokémon that could evolve with an Evolution Stone and tried using it then and there. Knowing she'd be caught, Leaf had quickly grabbed the money she made and snuck away, the brunette immediately running after the Trainers started chasing after her.
'Note to self; next scam should just target regular people and not Trainers. And get Naruto's help in case we need to run again.' Leaf thought, not wanting to get chased by a group of angry Trainers and their Pokémon again, though couldn't help but snicker to herself.
"Still can't believe they all fell for these things." Stated Leaf, pulling out one of the fake Leaf Stones she made, before throwing it into the forest as she turned around to make her away back to Pallet Town.
"Pidgey!"
Freezing at the sudden cry, Leaf slowly turned around only for her eyes to widen when she saw a Pokémon standing on a rock.
It was a small, plump-bodied avian Pokémon. It is primarily brown with a cream-colored face, underside, and flight feathers. On top of its head is a short crest of three tufts. The center crest feathers are brown and the outer two tufts are cream-colored. Just under its crest are its narrow eyes which have white sclera and pupil along with its black irises. Angular black marking extend from behind its eyes and continue down its cheeks. It has a short, stubby beak and feet with two toes in front and one in back. Both its beak and feet are a grayish-pink. It has a short, brown tail made of three feathers.
Leaf shook as she recognized it as a Pidgey, which was currently glaring at her with a bump on its head.
"N-ni-ni-nice b-b-bi-bi-birdy." Leaf stuttered as she slowly backed away, jumping when the Pidgey angrily flapped its wings at her.
One thing not many people knew about Leaf, was that she was deathly afraid of birds and bird-type Pokémon after an incident with a Dodrio. Having accidently run into it during her latest scam at the time, resulting in it chasing after Leaf and pecking at her. Which made the girl afraid of going anywhere near bird-type Pokémon.
"G-g-go-go-go-go a-aw-aw-away!" Screamed Leaf before pulling out another fake Evolution Stone and threw it at the Pidgey, which the Tiny Bird Pokémon dodged, squawking angrily at Leaf.
The girls then looked up only for her fear to increase dramatically at seeing an entire flock of Pidgey were now glaring at her. Leaf shook at the sight, unable to think or move at the sight of so many Pidgey, all of them looking very mad at her for attacking one of them. Before cried out in fear when they all began rapidly flapping their wings, unleashing a combined Gust attack against her.
Though before she could be hit, Leaf was suddenly pushed out of the way of the attack, the brunette looked only for her eyes to widen in shock and horror. Seeing that Naruto had pushed her out of the way and get slammed into a tree by the Gust.
"N-Naruto!" Leaf said in fear and worry that he took an attack meant for her, with the Uzumaki grunting in pain but managed to stand up before pulling out a handful of acorns which he threw at the Pidgey, momentarily distracting the flock at the resemblance to their prey Seedot.
"Come on!" Said Naruto, grabbing Leaf's hand and running away from the Pidgey before they could notice the trick.
"Wh-what're you even doing here?!" Leaf asked, not expecting him to suddenly show up.
"I saw you being chased by those Trainers and that you ran into the forest. I was able to trick them into going in the opposite direction, saying that's the way you went. Then I came in here after you to make you were alright, I'm sorry I didn't get here sooner before those Pidgey attacked you." Naruto replied, much to Leaf's surprise that he got the Trainers off her back.
"You…you really did that?" Said Leaf, with Naruto merely smiling at her.
"Of course I did! We're friends and I'm always gonna look after you Leaf!" Said Naruto, making the brunette look away with a light blush on her face, though smiled at Naruto's words.
*End Flashback*
"That's when I knew I liked Naruto as more than just a friend and wanted to do the same for him, to always look after him like he did for me." Leaf said as she finished telling Elaine when she first started liking Naruto, with the brunette smiling at hearing what her adopted brother did.
"Yeah, the definitely sounds like something Naruto would do." Stated Elaine, knowing Naruto wouldn't hesitate to put himself between his loved ones and a group of angry Pokémon.
"Is that also when you started getting over your ornithophobia?" Elaine asked, given how while Leaf was still scared of birds, it wasn't as bas it used to be.
"Yeah. I didn't want something like that to happen again, so I started working on getting over my fear." Replied Leaf, being able to at least be able to look at and be near bird-type Pokémon, like Elaine's Spearow, with it still triggering in extreme cases.
"Well, I'm glad everything at least worked out in the end. Now come on, let's get to the exit and hope that both Naruto and Misty show up soon." Said Elaine, with Leaf nodding in agreement as they continued on their way down the tunnels.
*With Naruto and Misty*
"Another dead end!" Misty said in annoyance as she and Naruto ended up at another dead end, having already come across three other ones in their search for the exit.
"I don't even know if this is another dead end or we're just going in circles at this point, cause everything looks the same down here!" Said Naruto, also annoyed that they still haven't found their through the tunnel.
"Ugh! At this point it'd be faster just to dig straight up." Misty said as at least then they'd know which way they were going and be outside in a few moments, only for the whiskered blonde to shake his head.
"No, there's no telling if there's another tunnel above us with how far down we could be, or this may end up collapsing on top of us. And even if we did dig our way out, we'd still be lost and have no way of knowing where we were." Naruto said, making Misty sigh in annoyance, knowing he was right.
"I know, I just wanna get out of this tunnel. Maybe we could try leaving a trail, so we can see where we've already been before and go different direction." Suggested Misty since it may be able to work, with Naruto nodding in agreement.
"That could work, eventually we should find a path to the exit, as long as the tunnels don't change too quickly." Replied Naruto, the orangette nodded in agreement before they turned to head down the tunnel with their new strategy in mind.
Only to be forced to stop when the ground began shaking, making their eyes widen that another tunnel could be collapsing. Before to their growing fear, the tunnel was collapsing in front of them, leaving them no chance to try running down another. Acting quickly, Naruto grabbed Misty and pulled her close against him before pressing them against the tunnel wall to shield her.
Luckily the shaking soon stopped, only for Naruto and Misty to see that their only exit had been completely closed off, leaving them trapped with no way to escape.
"Are you alright Misty?" Naruto asked, looking at the orangette who nodded shakily.
"Y-yeah, I'm fine. But what're we going to do? We're trapped and now we have a limited amount of air." Said Misty, trying to remain calm despite internally freaking out, knowing they couldn't risk using up the air they now had left.
"Right now we need to move those rocks, at least enough to where we can get some more air through here, then we'll think of something." Replied Naruto, knowing they had to move the rocks or they'll suffocate, something Misty agreed with before they both went over to the rocks.
'Looks like all that time in the water is going to pay off.' Thought Misty, relieved that she's able to hold her breath for extended periods of time from all her swimming.
Naruto and Misty quickly and carefully started removing the rocks, knowing they needed to be careful in moving them as one wrong move could cause them all to collapse on top of them. Along with being unable to have their Pokémon help due to the limited air and food they had, so they couldn't risk it. Plus none of their Pokémon were really strong enough to make a difference at the moment.
'Note to self; get a Psychic-type Pokémon or teach my Pokémon a lot of Psychic moves if they can learn them.' Thought Naruto, knowing it'd be easier if any of his Pokémon knew Psychic-type moves.
'If I survive this, I'm making sure Staryu and Starmie learn plenty of Psychic moves.' Misty thought, mentally cursing herself for not having Staryu and Starmie learn any Psychic-type moves, swearing to rectify that if they get out of here.
"So, you seem pretty good at controlling your breathing." Misty stated while looking at Naruto, noticing how he seemed able to take small, measured breaths of air, making her curious and wanting a distraction from their current predicament.
"Yeah, I used pull pranks when I was younger, some of which could get really messy or create a really bad smell. I learned how to control my breathing whenever a prank went wrong, Elaine and Leaf can do the same since they'd sometimes help me. I'm guessing you're good at holding your breath from swimming." Naruto replied, with the orangette nodding in response.
"That's right. I used to go swimming all the time growing up, even more so when I developed an interest in Water-type Pokémon and wanted to learn more about them." Said Misty, making Naruto smile.
"Maybe you can show me how good you are in the water once we get out of here." Said Naruto, refusing to believe they won't be able to get out of this, while Misty smiled and nodded at his words.
"As long as you tell me about some of these pranks you pulled." Misty replied, interested in hearing more about them.
"Definitely." Said Naruto as they continued moving rocks.
The two continued moving the rocks, before they soon started coughing as the air level kept dropping even with their minimal breathing. Before Misty remembered something as she reached into her bag, pulling out a handheld rebreather.
"I…I just remembered I packed this for…for searching for Water-type…Pokémon underwater. But I only…have the one." Misty said while looking at Naruto apologetically, having not thought to pack more rebreathers since she'd been planning to travel alone.
"It's…it's fine, we can…we can switch between who uses it, you go…first." Replied Naruto, with the orangette nodding before putting the rebreather in her mouth, relieved when she was able to breathe more deeply before she began moving the rocks more quickly.
With this continuing for a few moments, as Naruto and Misty both switch between who uses the rebreather, managing to start clearing the rocks away more quickly. But could see they still weren't any closer to getting through them all and their remaining air was now getting dangerously low. Combined with their physical exhaustion from having to move the rocks, it was making it difficult for them to keep moving and stay conscious. While the rations they had were also getting low as well from needing to keep their strength up.
"I…I think…th-that's n-nearly…a…all of them…we…we should be able to…to try pushing the rest…away." Misty said, feeling lightheaded from lack of oxygen, while seeing they've gotten rid of the bulk of the rocks and could push them without worry of getting crushed, before turning to Naruto.
"N-Na-Naruto…y-you h-ha-have…have to m-move…them y-your…yourself, I…I can't-" Said Misty, doubting she'll be able to last long enough to help move the rocks before her eyes widened when the rebreather was suddenly shoved into her mouth.
"You…you need…this…more…" Naruto muttered, refusing to let Misty pass out and die from lack of air, preferring if she at least made out of here.
The orangette screaming at him through the rebreather, not wanting him to actually sacrifice himself for her. Only for her eyes to widen in shock, fear, and panic when Naruto collapsed to the ground unconscious.
'No, no, no, no, no, no!' Thought Misty before quickly turning to the rocks and began pushing against them as hard as she could, now desperate to get them out of the way before Naruto died.
'Come on, come on, come on! Move you damn rocks!' Misty thought grunting as she rammed her shoulder against the rocks, but they wouldn't budge despite her efforts.
Looking at Naruto's unconscious body, the orangette began panicking that she wouldn't be able to get them out in time. Not sure what she was supposed to do, or how she'd be able to face Elaine or Leaf if she failed to save the Uzumaki.
"Aron, Aron, Aron, Aron."
Tensing at hearing the sudden call, Misty looked around, before her eyes widened when she spotted some rocks shifting before falling away, revealing a Pokémon stepping through the small opening.
It was a quadrupedal Pokémon with four stubby legs and a large round head. Its body is black with plates of gray armor covering its head, back, and legs. Throughout its body are small openings in the armor. There are six openings on its head, with the largest two being openings for its pale blue eyes and one opening on either side of the spike on its back. A single, blunt spike protrudes from its back.
'An Aron!' Thought Misty in disbelief while watching the Aron jump to the ground and began eating the rocks before her eyes widened that there was now an opening through the rocks.
An opening that was letting air in!
Taking out the rebreather, Misty took several deep breaths before quickly crouching down in front of the Aron.
"Aron! Please I need your help, my friend he's not breathing and I need to get through these rocks so I can save him! Please, can you help me push past them!" Misty said quickly and pleadingly, with Aron looking at her.
"Aron?" Aron tilted its head before looking at Naruto, the unconscious human surprising Aron before it looked at the rocks it came through after it got separated from its pack.
Being able to put together what happened, Aron looked back at Misty and nodded its head.
"Aron!" Aron ran across the sealed chamber with its body tensing before flashing white and shining, before it then charged towards the rocks and slammed its head into them, making Misty smile in relief as they finally began moving.
"Thank you Aron!" Misty said as she began pushing the against the rocks, now finally able to feel them shifting and moving, with Aron helping by using Headbutt against the rocks.
"Aron, Aron, Aron, Aron, Aron!" Aron ran to the very back of the chamber before running as fast as it could at the rocks and used Take Down, succeeding in smashing right through the rocks and breaking through into the rest of the tunnel.
"Yes!" Cheered Misty at finally being free, before she quickly grabbed Naruto and lifted him up, pulling the Uzumaki out of the chamber and into the open tunnel
Laying him down, Misty's relief vanished and was replaced by fear when she saw Naruto still wasn't moving, only being relieved to see he still had a pulse.
'I'm not letting you die!' Misty thought as she began performing chest compressions before pressing her mouth against his to breathe air into his lungs.
Repeating this a few times, the orangette starting feeling her worry and panic growing that he wasn't waking up.
"Come on, come on, come on, please wake up!" Said Misty pleadingly before pressing her mouth against his and blowing as much air as she could into his mouth, feeling relief and joy as she felt Naruto start moving under her.
Quickly pulling back, Misty smiled as Naruto gasped and coughed, happy to see he was alright and still alive.
"Did…did we get out?" Naruto asked, his voice sounding raspy, with Misty nodding in response.
"Yeah, yeah we got out, thanks to Aron over there." Misty replied while smiling at Aron, with the whiskered blonde being surprised.
"Woah, an Aron, didn't think we'd see one of them here. But thanks Aron, you really saved us back there." Said Naruto, smiling at Aron, with the Iron Armor Pokémon eye-smiling at them.
"Aron!" Aron raised its leg at the humans, glad it was able to help them.
Looking back at Misty, Naruto flinched when she suddenly slapped him across the face.
"What the hell were you thinking?! Forcing me to take the rebreather, nearly getting yourself killed! If it wasn't for Aron showing up, you could have died!" Misty shouted, angry at Naruto for doing that, not sure what she would have done if he really died.
"But you'd at least still have a chance to live. And if it was between you and me escaping, I'd make sure you escaped even if it killed me." Naruto stated, not caring if he died, preferring that than seeing someone he cares about dying.
"And what about Elaine and Leaf?! What was I supposed to tell them if I was able to get out?!" Demanded Misty, with the Uzumaki flinching slightly, knowing how much that would have hurt them.
"They'd know I'd do the same thing for them as well, if it meant protecting someone I care about, then it'd be worth it." Said Naruto, making Misty's glare falter.
"You…" Said Misty, only to have nothing to say before simply throwing her arms around Naruto and hugged him tightly, making Naruto wince slightly since his chest still hurt, but returned the hug.
"Thank you, but I swear if you think of doing something that reckless again, I will beat some self-preservation into that thick skull of yours." Misty said, unable to deny she's also thankful that Naruto would go that far for her, despite them having just met.
"As long as you're safe, that's all the thanks I need." Replied Naruto, smiling at Misty before they both stood up and dusted themselves off.
"Aron! Ron, Aron, Ar!" Aron walked up to Naruto and Misty, tugging at the Uzumaki's pants leg getting their attention.
Only for the two to see Aron pointing down the tunnel before it began walking, making the two look at each other.
"I guess Aron wants us to follow." Naruto said, with Misty nodding in agreement.
"Well, better than getting lost or trapped again." Said Misty, figuring Aron would know its way through the tunnels before they began following the Pokémon, hopefully to the exit.
*With Elaine and Leaf*
Meanwhile, Elaine and Leaf had kept walking down the tunnels, eating some of their rations as they did so, with both girls having felt the shaking from the collapsing tunnel. The two being relieved when no tunnel was collapsing near them, though both still worried about Naruto and Misty.
"Do you think Naruto and Misty felt the shaking? Could they have been near a collapsing tunnel?" Elaine asked, worried for her adopted brother and their friend.
"I'm sure their fine, it'll take a lot more than a collapsing tunnel to keep Naruto down. And Misty seems pretty tough too. And if they were near a collapsed tunnel, then I'm sure they would have gotten away from it." Replied Leaf, with the other brunette nodding.
"Yeah, I'm still worried though." Elaine stated, with Leaf nodding as she put a hand on her shoulder.
"I am too, but it won't do us any good worrying. What will is finding the exit and getting out of here to meet up with them." Leaf said as they continued on their way.
Only for them to stop when they spotted two Pokémon up ahead of them.
The first is a bipedal Pokémon with a bulky build. Most of its body is yellow, but it has a black marking on its chest that extends around its neck. Its round hands resemble black boxing gloves, but its feet are yellow with two visible toes. On its cheeks are red, ring-shaped markings, and it has slit-like eyes. On top of its head is a knot, which causes it to resemble a punching bag.
And the second is a flat, circular, blue-green Pokémon. Six dark blue spheres bulge from its rim. It has two round, yellow eyes and a large nose-like sphere surrounded by four small circles in its center. A crest resembling an herb or branch is on its back.
"Woah! A Makuhita!" Elaine whispered, so they didn't startle the Pokémon.
"And a Bronzor!" Said Leaf, not believing their luck in actually encountering these two Pokémon before they quickly pulled out their Pokédexes and scanned them.
"Makuhita, the Guts Pokémon. Makuhita never gives up, always getting back on its feet, no matter how many times it's knocked over. Each time rising to its feet builds up energy in its body."
"Bronzor, the Bronze Pokémon. Ancient people believed that the pattern on Bronzor's back contained a mysterious power."
"Oh man, I can't believe we're lucky enough to encounter these two. Which one do want to try catching Leaf?" Elaine asked while looking at her friend.
"I'm going for Bronzor, since I already have Mankey for a Fighting-type." Replied Leaf, eager to catch the Steel/Psychic-type Pokémon, while pulling out Sandshrew's Pokéball.
"Sweet! Then I can catch Makuhita!" Elaine said while pulling out Spearow's Pokéball.
"Let's go Sandshrew!" Leaf said, throwing the Pokéball and releasing Sandshrew.
"You're up Spearow!" Said Elaine, releasing Spearow as well.
"Shrew!"
"Spearow!"
With this getting the attention of Makuhita and Bronzor, the two Pokémon spotting Elaine, Leaf and their Pokémon, realizing what was happening.
"Bronzor!" Bronzor began spinning at a fast speed and three light blue rings surround its body, before launching itself at Sandshrew.
"Sandshrew use Defense Curl!" Said Leaf, with Sandshrew curling up into a ball just as Bronzor crashed into him.
"Now use Rapid Spin!" Leaf said.
"Sandshrew!" Sandshrew began spinning at high speeds, with the two Pokémon grinding against each other with their attacks before being sent flying away from each other, before Bronzor caught itself and Sandshrew landed on his feet.
"Okay Spearow, use Gust on Makuhita!" Elaine said, with Spearow flapping her wings rapidly unleashing a powerful gust of wind on Makuhita throwing it back.
"Maku!" Makuhita hit the ground before getting back up and flexed its arms with its muscles getting bigger, with its hands then glowing orange, which it clapped together releasing a shockwave.
The shockwave making Spearow flinch and lose her balance in the air, with Makuhita then charging the Tiny Bird Pokémon.
"Maku-hita-hita-hita-hita!" Makuhita managed to get in close before rapidly hitting Spearow with alternating hand strikes.
"Get out of there Spearow and use Leer, followed by Peck!" Said Elaine, with Spearow managing to fly away from Makuhita before glaring at the Fighting-type, make it shiver as its defense went down.
"Spearow!" Spearow then dived towards Makuhita and began pecking at it repeatedly, knocking Makuhita back before giving a final peck to its head.
Meanwhile, Bronzor's eyes glowed purple and it released dark purple beams from its body at Sandshrew.
"Dodge it quickly Sandshrew, then get in close to use Fury Cutter!" Leaf said, with Sandshrew being able to jump out of the way and avoided the Confuse Ray before rushing Bronzor.
"Sandshrew! Sand-shrew-shrew-shrew-shrew-Sandshrew!" Sandshrew managed to get in close before it began slicing at Bronzor with his claws, each successful hit making the attack stronger before the final hit sent Bronzor crashing into the cave wall.
"Bronzor!" Bronzor's body tensed before it began spinning rapidly, creating a ring of energy around it which it then launched at Sandshrew, with the attack slamming into the Ground-type and making him cry out as he was knocked back through the tunnel.
"Sandshrew! Are you alright?!" Leaf asked, seeing how powerful that attack was and the damage it did.
"Sand…Sandshrew!" Sandshrew managed to get back up and nod at his Trainer, still able to keep battling.
"Bron!" Bronzor's eyes then suddenly glowed blue before a blue outline surrounded Sandshrew and lifted him up.
"That must be Confusion!" Said Leaf before seeing Bronzor was slamming Sandshrew into the tunnels walls.
"Sandshrew use Defense Curl then use Rapid Spin!" Leaf said, getting an idea for how to win.
"S-Sa-Sandshrew!" Sandshrew managed to curl into a ball, increasing his defense before he started spinning rapidly, with Bronzor struggling to maintain control with Confusion only for Sandshrew to succeed in breaking free.
"Alright! Now bounce around the tunnel and slam into Bronzor!" Leaf said, with Sandshrew doing so as he began bouncing across the tunnel's walls before slamming into the Bronze Pokémon, not giving Bronzor any time to retaliate.
"Spearow, now use Pursuit!" Said Elaine, with Spearow charging right towards Makuhita, who was able to dive out of the way in time.
"Hita!" Makuhita then swung its arm at the ground throwing sand at Spearow, making her cry out as the sand got in her eyes.
Makuhita then charged Spearow thrusting its palm forward, releasing a light blue shockwave at Spearow.
"Dodge it Spearow and then use Gust again!" Elaine said, with Spearow managing to fly out of the way of the attack before flapping her wings rapidly.
"Spearow!" Spearow flapped her wings at Makuhita, creating a powerful gust of wind that threw Makuhita back against the tunnel wall.
"Now use Peck!" Said Elaine, Spearow diving straight towards Makuhita and began pecking it repeatedly, giving a final peck that knocked it back and sent it skidding across the ground.
"Okay Sandshrew, finish it with Fury Cutter!" Said Leaf after Sandshrew had slammed into Bronzor several times, with Sandshrew uncurling and pulling his claws back.
"Sand-shrew!" Sandshrew slashed his claws across Bronzor's body, making Bronzor cry out as it was sent crashing into the tunnel wall.
"Now's my chance! Go Pokéball!" Elaine and Leaf said at the same time, each throwing a Pokéball at Makuhita and Bronzor respectively.
The two balls bouncing off the Pokémon before opening up and sucking them in, Elaine and Leaf watched them shake for a few moments. Waiting to see if they'll be successful captures or if they'll keep battling. Before they both smiled when they both went still pinged.
"Alright! We caught a Makuhita!" Elaine cheered while picking up her newly caught Pokéball.
"Spearow!" Spearow flew in the air, happy at having won the battle with her Trainer and helping catch a new Pokémon.
"Pika!" Pikachu, also cheered at the successful battle and having a new teammate.
"Way to go Sandshrew! We got ourselves a Bronzor!" Said Leaf, smiling happily at catching such a Pokémon.
"Shrew!" Sandshrew smiled along with his Trainer, proud to have won his first battle and get a new teammate.
With Elaine and Leaf then releasing their new Pokémon, before scanning them to check their stats.
Makuhita:
Gender: Male
Ability: Thick Fat
Moveset: Force Palm, Sand Attack, Arm Thrust, Focus Energy, Fake Out
Bronzor:
Gender: Genderless
Ability: Heatproof
Moveset: Gyro Ball, Confusion, Tackle, Confuse Ray, Payback
"You're a strong one aren't Makuhita. We're happy to have you joining us." Elaine said while smiling at Makuhita.
"Makuhita!" Makuhita held out his fist to his new Trainer in respect.
"The same for you Bronzor, you've got some awesome moves." Said Leaf, pleased at how strong Bronzor is.
"Bronz." Bronzor moved its body in what looked like a nod.
"By the way, do you two happen to know where the exit is, or be able to help us find it?" Questioned Elaine, wondering if they'd be able to help them find the exit.
"Maku!" Makuhita nodded and pointed down a tunnel, with Bronzor floating down it.
"Guess we'll be getting out sooner than expected." Leaf stated, with Elaine nodding in agreement as they returned Spearow and Sandshrew before following Makuhita and Bronzor.
*With Naruto and Misty*
Naruto and Misty continued following Aron, now wondering if it was leading them to the exit or somewhere else. Only to be surprised and amazed when they soon arrived in a large underground spring.
"Okay, not an exit, but just as good." Naruto stated, with Misty nodding in agreement.
"Very good." Added Misty before they rushed over to the water and eagerly began drinking the fresh water, sighing in relief at getting something to drink before they also refilled their water bottles.
"Thanks Aron, that's twice you've saved us now." Said Naruto, smiling at the Iron Armor Pokémon who was drinking the water alongside them.
"Aron." Aron eye-smiled at the whiskered blonde, figuring that they'd like getting some fresh water since the exit was still a long ways away from their current location, even more so with the constantly shifting of the tunnels.
"Make that three times, since fresh water means fish to catch and that means food as well as water to drink." Misty said, opening her bag and pulling out her fishing rod, putting it together to catch them some fish to eat.
"Great, I'm starving." Said Naruto while taking out his own fishing rod, eager to catch some food.
It didn't take long before Naruto and Misty managed to catch several fish before they got a fire going to cook them over. Neither of the two hesitating to dig in once they were finished cooking, relieved to have actual food and get rid of their exhaustion and tiredness.
"Aaaah, I never thought fish could taste so good." Misty stated after they'd eaten their fill, with the Uzumaki nodding in agreement before his eyes drifted to Aron who was eating rocks with a thoughtful expression.
Something Misty noticed as she looked between Naruto and Aron before it clicked for her what he was thinking.
"Are you going to catch Aron?" Misty asked, with Naruto nodding in response.
"I want to, since Aron would definitely be a great addition, especially with how it saved us back there. It'd be a good Pokémon to have in emergencies, like that." Naruto replied before getting up and going over to Aron.
"Aron?" Aron stopped eating and looked up at the human, tilting its head curious while Naruto smiled at the Pokémon.
"Hey Aron, you've really helped us out a lot and we couldn't thank you enough. Though I'm wondering if you'd consider letting me catch you and joining my team. I know you'd make an amazing addition and be able to help us even more." Said Naruto while pulling out a Pokéball, surprising Aron that he wanted to catch it.
"Aron…" Aron looked at the Pokéball for a moment, before walking past Naruto until it was a good distance away from him.
"Aron!" Aron looked at Naruto with narrowed eyes, making the whiskered blonde smirk as he stood up.
"You wanna battle rather than just be caught? Alright then, let's battle. Come on out Totodile!" Naruto said, taking Totodile's Pokéball before releasing his Starter.
"Totodile!" Totodile jumped and kicked his legs before seeing Aron, turning serious at seeing they were going to battling.
"Totodile use Leer and then use Bite!" Said Naruto, with Totodile glaring at Aron who shivered as its defense went down.
"Toto!" Totodile then charged at Aron, jumping into the air before diving down towards it with his mouth wide open to bite down.
"Ar!" Aron though tensed as its body flashed white and shined, increasing its defense, just as Totodile bit down on it, only to flinch at biting down on the metal armor.
Aron then rushed towards the cave wall, flipping around and slamming Totodile into the wall, forcing the Big Jaw Pokémon to let go.
"Aron!" Aron's body was then surrounded by a white outline before large rocks shot up around Totodile, trapping him, with the Steel/Rock-type charging towards Totodile head first.
"Get out of there Totodile then use Water Gun!" Said Naruto, with Totodile jumping out from the rocks just as Aron smashed through one of them.
"Totodile!" Totodile unleashed a blast of water at Aron, slamming into the Iron Armor Pokémon and throwing it against the wall.
"Alright! Now use Leer again and then Headbutt!" Naruto said, making the Water-type glare at Aron and lower its defense again, with Totodile then charging at Aron who charged as well.
The two Pokémon slamming their heads against each other, making them both flinch as they went skidding away from each other.
"Ar!" Aron narrowed its eyes before its body flashed white and glowed, increasing its defense, before leaping into the air as its leg glowed bright white, slashing it across Totodile and knocking him back.
"Toto!" Totodile went skidding away from Aron, grunting at the hit but stayed standing.
"Okay, use Bite again Totodile!" Said Naruto, making Totodile charge Aron again, jumping up and biting down at the Steel/Rock-types back.
"Aron!" Aron didn't react to the Bite before charging towards a wall to slam Totodile into again.
"Release and use Leer Totodile!" Naruto said quickly at the last second, making Totodile let go of Aron and glare at it, lowering its defense just as it slammed itself into the wall.
"Now use Water Gun!" Said Naruto, with Totodile opening his mouth wide open to attack.
"Toto-dile!" Totodile released a large blast of water that slammed into Aron, knocking it back into the wall.
"Now use Leer while keep using Water Gun!" Naruto said, the Big Jaw Pokémon nodding as he glared at Aron, further lowering its defense.
"Okay, now rush towards Aron and use Headbutt!" Said Naruto.
"Dile!" Totodile stopped firing water and charged at Aron, smashing his head into the Iron Armor Pokémon, knocking it across the cave.
"A-Aron." Aron struggled to get back up, refusing to back down now.
"Here's my chance! Go Pokéball!" Naruto said, throwing a Pokéball at Aron, the ball bouncing of its head before sucking Aron inside.
Watching the ball shake a few times, the whiskered blonde soon grinned happily when it stopped and gave off a ping sound.
"Yeah! We caught an Aron, Totodile!" Naruto cheered as he picked up the Pokéball.
"Totodile!" Totodile grinned and danced around happily at having won the battle and gotten a new teammate.
"Now come on out Aron!" Said Naruto, releasing Aron, who looked at its new Trainer.
"Aron!" Aron eye-smiled at Naruto, not minding getting caught by the Trainer and seeing it'll be able to grow much stronger with him, while Naruto scanned Aron to checks its stats.
"Aron, the Iron Armor Pokémon. Aron has an impressive defense power and eats iron ore in order to build up the metal in its body."
Aron:
Gender: Male
Ability: Rock Head
Moveset: Headbutt, Harden, Metal Claw, Rock Tomb, Take Down
"Nice moves, I knew you'd make a great addition Aron." Naruto said while smiling at Aron.
"Congratulations Naruto, you've definitely gotten a strong Pokémon." Said Misty, happy for her friend to have gotten a Pokémon like Aron, knowing he'll be really strong with the right training, even more so once he evolves.
"Woop?"
Though before Naruto could reply, everyone's attention turned to the sudden sound, only to see a Pokémon emerging from the water.
It was a mostly blue, amphibious Pokémon that resembles an upright, armless axolotl. Its head is large compared to its body, and it has small, round, black eyes. It has purple, branching gills on either side of its head. It stands on two small, round feet, and it has a large, thick tail. On its belly are dark blue curved markings.
"It's a Wooper!" Misty said in excitement at finding a Wooper down here.
"Wooper huh?" Said Naruto before scanning Wooper.
"Wooper, the Water Fish Pokémon. Though they prefer to live in cold water, these appealing Pokémon forage for food on land. They are kept warm by a layer of insulating body fluid."
"Wooper is a Water/Ground-type, right." Naruto said while looking at Misty, who nodded in excitement.
"That's right! Which makes it one of the best Water-type Pokémon since Electric-type moves don't affect it! And I have to catch it!" Said Misty, knowing it'd be great to have a Wooper with its immunity to Electric-type attacks, the main weakness of Water-type Pokémon.
"Let's go Poliwag!" Misty said, releasing Poliwag to battle Wooper.
"Poli!" Poliwag landed on the ground across from Wooper, narrowing her eyes at her opponent.
"Wooper?" Wooper tilted its head in slight confusion, before narrowing its eyes.
"Use Bubble Poliwag!" Said Misty, with Poliwag shooting multiple clear bubbles at Wooper, who didn't bother dodging as its cheeks puffed out.
"Woo-per!" Wooper then released a blast of water that blew past the bubbles towards Poliwag.
"Poliwag quick, use Water Gun to throw yourself into the air!" Misty said.
"Wag!" Poliwag fired a blast of water at the ground, launching herself into the air and avoiding Wooper's attack.
"Now use Body Slam followed by Double Slap!" Said Misty, with Poliwag throwing herself at Wooper before slamming into the Water Fish Pokémon.
"Poli-Poli-Poli-Poli-Poli-Poliwag!" Poliwag then slapped Wooper in the face with her tail multiple times
"Wooper!" Wooper took the chance to release a blast of brown mud at Poliwag, throwing her back against the cave wall and blinding her.
With Wooper then releasing a thick cloud of white mist around itself, furthering hindering Poliwag's vision.
"Oh no." Misty muttered, now unable to see where Wooper could be hiding, while Poliwag was still unable to see.
"Poliwag spin around and fire Bubble all around you!" Said Misty getting an idea, while Poliwag began spinning and unleashing dozens of clear bubbles all around her.
"Now launch yourself into the air with Water Gun again!" Misty said.
"Poliwag!" Poliwag did so and fired a blast of water at the ground, propelling herself into the air.
"Okay…now use Body Slam where the popping bubbles are!" Said Misty after hearing some of the bubbles popping, knowing that's where Wooper was hiding.
"Poli!" Poliwag nodded before throwing herself into the air, succeeding in hitting Wooper as the Water/Ground-type cried out and was thrown out of the mist.
"W-Woop…" Wooper stood up from the hit before opening its mouth and releasing a large blue bubble that its fired towards Poliwag, the bubble popping in her face.
"Poli-Poli…wag…" Poliwag blinked a few times before she started feeling drowsy, making Misty's eyes widened that Wooper used Yawn.
"Wooper!" Wooper then fired another stream of brown mud at Poliwag.
"Quick Poliwag, use Water Gun!" Misty said, knowing she had to act fast before Poliwag fell asleep.
"P-Poliwag!" Poliwag fired a blast of water that collided against Wooper's stream of mud.
"Now quickly flip over it and use Double Slap!" Said Misty, with Poliwag managing to quickly flip over the attacks towards Wooper, slapping it in the face repeatedly with her tail.
"Poli-wag-wag-wag-wag-wag-Poliwag!" Poliwag gave a final slap that sent Wooper skidding back and falling down.
"Okay, here we go! Go Pokéball!" Misty said throwing a Pokéball at Wooper, watching as it bounced off its head and sucked it inside.
Waiting a few moments as the Pokéball shook, Misty smiled brightly once it stopped and let out a ping.
"Woohoo! I caught a Wooper! Way to go Poliwag!" Misty said happily at her new Pokémon, only to notice that Poliwag had now fallen asleep from Yawn, making the orangette smile at her before returning Poliwag.
"You did a great job, get some rest. And come on out Wooper!" Said Misty while letting Wooper out of its Pokéball.
"Woop?" Wooper looked up at its new Trainer before Misty picked it up and hugged it.
"Aaaah, aren't you just the cutest thing!" Misty cooed, making Wooper smile at the affection before Misty looked at Naruto.
"Hey Naruto, could you check Wooper's stats for me?" Questioned Misty, while making a mental note to get a Pokédex herself, so she didn't have to keep asking for Naruto, Elaine or Leaf to check her Pokémon's stats for her.
"Sure." Naruto replied while pulling out his Pokédex and checking Wooper's stats.
Wooper:
Gender: Female
Ability: Unaware
Moveset: Water Gun, Mist, Tail Whip, Mud-Slap, Yawn
"Wow, not only a cute girl but a really strong one." Misty said while smiling at Wooper, happy to have gotten such a great Pokémon.
"Wooper." Wooper smiled at her new Trainer, happy that she likes her.
"Yeah, she's a strong one alright. Maybe she can also help us get out of here, like Aron." Said Naruto, making the orangette nod in agreement as she set Wooper down.
"Wooper, do you think you could help us get to the exit?" Misty asked, with Wooper tilting her head before Aron walked up.
"Aron, Aron, Ar, Ar, Aron, on, Aron." Aron motioned to Naruto and Misty before pointing to the tunnels as he explained things to Wooper.
"Woop? Wooper!" Wooper jumped up and nodded her head, knowing where they wanted to go and quickly motioned them to follow her.
"Looks like we'll be getting out of here." Stated Naruto, smiling at the chance to get out of the tunnel while returning Totodile.
"Definitely, let's go." Misty said also relieved they'll be getting out soon before she and Naruto followed after Aron and Wooper.
*Timeskip-Four Days*
"There it is!" Misty said, smiling in relief and happiness as she and Naruto followed Aron and Wooper to the exit being able to see daylight just ahead of them.
"Finally! I didn't think we'd ever get out of here!" Said Naruto, also happy they could actually see daylight again after fours days in the tunnels, even better that they'd reunite with Elaine and Leaf soon.
With the Trainers and their Pokémon soon arriving at the mouth of the exit, panting at having run all the way here, not wanting to take any chances of any tunnels suddenly collapsing or changing.
"We made it, we finally made it." Said Misty as she panted, relieved they could finally leave.
"Yeah, now we just need to-" Naruto said before he was suddenly glomped by two blurs.
"Naruto, you're here!" Elaine said, smiling joyfully that her adopted brother was here.
"We're so happy you're safe!" Said Leaf, also happy her friend/crush as safe and got here the same time as them.
"Elaine, Leaf! I'm really happy to see you two again!" Said Naruto smiling as he hugged his adoptive sister and friend, relieved they made it here as well.
"Glad to see you two made it out in one piece." Misty said while smiling at the brunettes, though couldn't help but feel some annoyance at how tightly they were holding Naruto, only to blink in confusion at this.
'Huh? That was…weird. Why am I annoyed? I'm happy that we're all back together again, safe and alive…but do they have to hug Naruto so tightly?' Thought Misty while feeling her eye twitch in annoyance before she smiled when Elaine and Leaf hugged her as well.
"We're happy to see you too Misty. Happy that all of us made it out of there." Elaine said, with Leaf nodding in agreement.
"And it looks like you both got some new friends as well." Stated Leaf while seeing Aron and Wooper.
"Yeah, we did, Aron is mine and Wooper is Misty's. But I see we aren't the only ones with some new additions either." Naruto said while looking at Makuhita and Bronzor.
"Yep! Bronzor is my newest Pokémon while Makuhita is Elaine's!" Leaf said with a smirk, with Elaine nodding in agreement.
"That's not all, we also got some training done as well! Pikachu's managed to learn Double Team, Dratini learned Agility and unlocked Mist, and Spearow learned Twister! While Bulbasaur learned Leech Seed and unlocked Curse, Mankey learned Assurance and unlocked Meditate, while Sandshrew's gotten much stronger and started learning Rollout!" Elaine said proudly of her Pokémon's training, making Naruto and Misty smile.
"That's really great, Misty and I got our own training done. Deino managed to learn Shock Wave, Nidoran learned Poison Jab and is starting to unlock Confusion, and Totodile learned Scald and unlocked Mud Sport. And Misty also trained with Poliwag and she's unlocked Mud-Shot." Said Naruto, making the brunettes smile.
"Then it looks like getting stuck down here wasn't so bad, getting some new Pokémon and some training done. But now let's get out of here and on to Vermilion City!" Leaf said, with Naruto, Elaine and Misty nodding in agreement while they returned their Pokémon to their Pokéballs.
With that done, the group exited Diglett's Cave, much to their relief at being back outside before making their way down Route 11 and towards Vermilion City.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see the group enter Diglett's Cave and just how big it is, before they make their way through only to get separated in a cave-in, with Naruto and Misty getting separated from Elaine, Leaf, and Pikachu. Leading to them growing closer and learning more about each other, with the same happening to Elaine and Leaf, with Leaf encouraging Elaine to pursue her feelings for Naruto even if he is her adoptive brother, as well as seeing when Leaf started liking Naruto. Then we go back to Naruto and Misty who try to find their way out only to get trapped in another cave-in, forcing them to dig their way out and conserve their limited air, with them nearly getting out only for Naruto to sacrifice himself so Misty could live. Luckily they're saved by the arrival of an Aron who helps open a way out, with Misty reviving Naruto with CPR though is angry at how reckless he was being. Back with Elain and Leaf we see them encounter a Makuhita and a Bronzor with both girls catching them, adding two new Pokémon to their teams who help guide them to the exit. With Naruto and Misty meanwhile were lead by Aron to an underground spring, giving them a chance to rest and recover, leading to Naruto catching Aron and Misty catching a Wooper who lead them out as well. Finally we see the group reunite at the exit, happy they're all safe and learning of the training they managed to get done before continuing on their way to Vermilion City. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out