Friendships of many tastes

It's no sacrifice to stay by your side
Till hell freezes clear to the core.
Whatever the price,
No matter how high,
Over your shoulder
When you turn around,
I'll be telling you ...
No love, Toto

A few days after meeting Casey, the group of friends found themselves crossing a forest to discover a rare sight. It was a tall tree in the middle of a clearing, covered with blue beetle-like Pokémon that were sipping its sap. Out of the bushes came a cloud of Butterfree that went to sip the sweet juice, the blue Bugs kindly giving their smaller friends room. Silver grinned.

"Heracross. These Pokémon are gentle, pacifistic creatures who just love sap and watching over smaller Pokémon. Thanks to their mandibles, they pierce the bark of trees so the other Bug Pokémon can feed after them."

Heracross were the size of an average adult and much bulkier, yet the way they were watching over the drinking Butterfree told they were gentler than humans. Then a trampling sound was heard. Misty nearly jumped at the sight.

"Pinsir!"

Ash frowned. He knew his friend hated Bug Pokémon and had been surprised when she showed no fear toward the Heracross. Pinsir were a different story. Especially these ones. The band of creatures snapped their scissor-like horns, scaring the Butterfree that ran away instantly. The Heracross were about to fight but a collective glare from the Pinsir was enough to send them running. Then the brown bugs started eating the sap. Ash was furious.

"Those ruthless thieves! Pikachu, let's show them this forest isn't theirs alone!"

"Pika!" (Right there!)

The yellow mouse unleashed a violent Thunderbolt on the brown bugs that turned instantly to him. Pikachu's cheeks sparked. The Thunderbolt had been a warning shot. If the Pinsir were looking for trouble, they'd find it. Ash frowned.

"Volt Tackle!"

Alright, time to show these buggers why he was called Fleeting Flash. As fast as lightning, he dashed past the creatures that looked at him in disbelief. What was that? Then they felt something hit them in the head and stomach and lightning course through them. They were on the ground the next second. Brock suddenly noticed something in the tree.

"Hey, it seems not all of the Heracross have fled!"

Indeed, one of the blue bugs had remained, and for a good reason. A Butterfree crept from his back, looked at the group and took flight. Misty grinned.

"I see. He wanted to protect his friend! He's courageous!"

The Pinsir had fled as soon as they'd regained consciousness. Once they were gone, the Heracross came down the tree and bowed to the group, uttering a thank you in his poké-language. Ash shook his head.

"Anytime. I don't know why those Pinsir attacked you to steal your sap, but you were courageous to stay behind to protect your friend."

Heracross blushed deeply and dismissed the praise with a wave of paw. Silver looked at the direction the Pinsir had taken.

"Still, this is a good question you asked here, Ash. Pinsir are usually aggressive, but they're not exactly bullies. I wonder what pushed them to invade the Heracross and Butterfree territory."

Heracross shrugged. He didn't know either. A flutter made them turn. It was the Butterfree the bug had protected earlier. The creature seemed surprisingly alert for its kind. Taking the way the Pinsir had taken, it flew to the forest. Silver grinned.

"Looks like we're about to know."

The group followed the purple butterfly, closely followed by Heracross. They reached a deep gorge that Butterfree seemed to consider the border between Heracross and Pinsir territories. There was a broken bridge, but the Pinsir didn't care for it. Instead, they crossed the gorge by jumping between the roots and branches of the trees that were growing nearby and between the walls. Misty growled.

"That's good for them, but how are we gonna cross it? It's not like we can fly or whatever!"

"Actually ..." Gary remarked. "We can fly. I have my telekinesis to lift you and Silver and Ash have their Aura Wings … Huh?"

Heracross had gone to a tall tree and started uprooting it. After one mighty push, the tree fell, making a makeshift bridge across the rift.

"Or we could that. Up yours."

They decided to take the tree. Heracross had taken the trouble to make it, so the least they could do was using his gift. Butterfree led them to a tall tree in the middle of the Pinsir territory. The trip had been surprisingly quiet, the brown bugs apparently scared enough of the group to leave them alone. When they reached it, Misty's eyes widened. A group of men in black was pumping the sap of the tree with machines, keeping the place with Fire, Flying and Rock Pokémon. Silver snarled.

"Those Rebels again!"

"They're stealing the sap of the tree!" Brock observed. "No wonder the Pinsir are forced to invade the Heracross! Those bastards are stealing their food!"

Gary frowned.

"There's a lot of them. I don't think a frontal assault would be good."

Ash nodded.

"You're right. I know we've faced worse odds before but I'll gladly take them by surprise. What's your plan?"

Gary turned to Butterfree.

"Say, do you know Sleep Powder?"

Butterfree eagerly agreed.

"Perfect. So, this is what we're gonna do …"

The Rebels raised a brow when a small Butterfree passed over them. Soon, the area was filled with a golden powder that sent men and Pokémon alike in a blissful sleep. As soon as the Bug was done, the group waited for the powder to fade to sneak among the crowd and disable the machines, stealing the sap-filled tanks while they were at it. They then proceeded to tie the Rebels and went to knock their Pokémon. Yes, Brock found it a dirty tactic. But Misty knew how bad the Rebels were. Poliwag dealt with the Fire Pokémon without an ounce of remorse. Unfortunately, some Pokémon had Early Bird as an ability. A Houndoom opened its eyes to see Pikachu knocking an Onix with Iron Tail. It was about to throw Flamethrower when Heracross struck it with Brick Break. But it was too late. One by one, the Pokémon started to wake up. An all-out fight started between Rebel Pokémon and the crew's teammates. While Butterfree was keeping the Rebels asleep with its powder, Charizard was incinerating a Skarmory to protect Zubat, who was busy using Poison Fang on a Magby. A Noctowl dived at Riyo who jumped aside and grinned when the bird crashed down. He cleaned his katana and turned to block an Iron Tail from a Steelix. Said Steelix was quickly taken down by Clefable's Drain Punch while its teammate, a Rhyhorn, was being blasted by the combined efforts of Poliwag and Blade the Oshawott. A Growlithe jumped at the two. In one swift move, Blade drew his Scalchop and blocked the Bite. The two jumped, ran at each other. Razor Shell overcame Flame Wheel. The otter still backed down when faced with a Magmortar … which fell instantly to Blastoise's Hydro Pump.

A little away, a Golem rolled at Heracross. The Bug Pokémon looked at it and, at the last second, lifted it away with his horn. Ash's eyes widened.

"That's Reversal!"

Heracross then charged energy in his fist and landed a deadly blow on the Rock Pokémon.

"And that was Focus Punch! Nice attacks!"

The Rebels' Pokémon were soon defeated. Slowly, the Pinsir emerged from the forest, worried.

"It's alright!" Ash invited them. "We've dealt with the Rocket Rebels. Your tree is yours again, and here is the sap they stole from it."

The Pinsir came, thanked the group and started to enjoy their meal. A little later, a group of Officer Jennies came to retrieve the criminals.

"Thank you for stopping these men. Their actions upset the balance in the forest but it's over, now. And I think someone wants to come with you."

Indeed, Heracross was shyly looking at the group, claws crossed before him and head a little down. He was especially looking at Ash and made a step toward him. Ash smiled kindly.

"Do you want to come?"

Heracross nodded and looked away. Ash came to him, a Pokéball in hand. Instead of throwing it, he held it to the Bug who touched it and let himself be swallowed by it. The ball didn't even bulge. Silver grinned.

"He's a little shy, but you got yourself a strong teammate here. Now, which Pokémon are you gonna return to the corral?"

"Snorlax. Heracross seems to be a good tank and Snorlax would rather spend his days sleeping and eating than with us on the road. He's tough, but also just as lazy."

They had to reach the next town to make the transfer. On the way, Officer Jenny warned them.

"The town's on the edge, these days. A herd of Stantler has started terrorizing the population, so people are more wary than usual. Be careful."

The group looked at one another. As long as they stuck together, they had nothing to fear. As they headed to the Pokémon Center, Brock noticed two eyes looking at them from a bush. Silver grinned.

"These things aren't eyes. They are Stantler horns. Given their size, I'd say they belong to a baby."

Indeed, a head emerged that looked a bit like a stag. Brock grinned.

"He's cute!"

The creature seemed nervous. Misty frowned.

"Be careful. Its herd may be nearby."

"Don't worry, he won't hurt me."

He went to the baby who instantly backed down. Brock grinned. Just as he thought. Taking some poké-snacks, he sat down and started whistling a very familiar tune. The creature's ears rose when he recognized Lugia's song. Where did that human learn it!? Brock held the snacks. Wary but deciding to put his trust in the song, the Stantler came and ate in the Breeder's hand. Brock caressed him with his other hand and winced when he saw the reddened ankle. The baby was obviously hurt.

"Come with us. I'll take you to a place where you can have this wound healed."

The Stantler shivered, but Brock's voice was comforting and his wound was starting to really ache. He let the human carry him to the Pokémon Center, eyes closed and seemingly resting. Nurse Joy smiled when she saw the duo but frowned at the sight of the wound.

"Give him to us. We'll take care of him immediately. Poor baby … I wonder why the herd hasn't reacted yet. He must belong to it."

So, while Ash returned Snorlax to make room for Heracross, Brock watched over the baby. Surprisingly, the Stanter herd didn't interfere. The baby was healed by nightfall, so the group decided to stay at the Center. It was during the morning that the mystery behind the herd was finally solved. A Trainer entered the Center in a hurry, a wounded Bellossom in tow, and ended up scaring the baby Stantler … who generated the illusion of a herd of his kind rushing at the poor man. Nurse Joy sighed.

"True, Stantlers can generate illusions with the spheres in their horns to defend themselves. I think that poor baby lost himself in the city and got wounded, and the herd attacking people was just him trying to defend himself."

"If that's so …" Brock suggested. "We should return him to his family. They must miss him."

"I don't think it's wise. Wild Pokémon that have come into contact with humans are usually shunned from their family, who can feel the humans on them and become scared. If you find that baby's herd, chances are they will turn him down."

Brock looked down.

"But, if that's so, he'll end up with no one to watch over him."

"He won't if you become his Trainer. Look at him, I think he likes you."

Indeed, the baby Stantler was always at the Breeder's side, never leaving him for more than a minute. The group hesitated. On one hand, they wanted to return the baby to his herd but, on the other hand, he seemed genuinely attached to Brock and chances were his herd might turn him down.

"We'll try the herd. If they want him, he stays. Otherwise, I keep him."

Nurse Joy turned to be right. They found the herd in the mountains, but they quickly stepped away from the young Stantler who looked saddened by the act. Brock came to him and caressed him.

"It's alright. They may not want you, but there's a place for you at our side. What do you think of it? Want us to be your new herd?"

"Stan!"

And so, the little creature joined Brock. Heracross took an instant liking to him, acting like an elder brother to the little stag who appreciated the gentle temperament of the blue bug. The Chikorita they met a few days later was otherwise more aggressive.

The group was quietly walking when they saw the small Grass Starter taking a nap in the grass. They tried to walk silently not to wake it up, but either the creature had keen ears or it was sleeping lightly because it was up and aware in a few seconds. Its leaf started spinning and its eyes looked fierce. Ash raised his hand.

"Hey, sorry for waking you up. We tried to be as silent as possible, but …"

A flurry of Razor Leaf hit the ground before him. Misty raised a brow.

"Somebody here wants a fight."

"Chiko!"

Ash was puzzled. On one hand, it was a low-level Starter. On the other hand, his Aura told him the critter had more power than its small size let believe.

"Alright, let's teach it a lesson. Charizard, go!"

Silver grinned.

"By the way, I think it's a girl."

The orange dragon appeared and smirked at the girl. Chikorita didn't finch.

"Charizard, use a weak Flamethrower. I don't want to hurt her too much."

The dragon nodded and breathed a soft stream of fire. Chikorita shrugged it off like a weak cold. Her Whip Vines extended and singed Charizard's belly. The dragon retaliated with a Dragon Tail that was dodged and followed by a dexterous maneuver. Chikorita grabbed the appendage with her vines, flung herself to the creature and delivered two Leaf Blades at point-blank, which made everyone jump and the dragon grin.

"What the … How comes she knows Leaf Blade!?"

In any case, Charizard smiled dangerously and took his hybrid form. In this form, he looked completely human but retained his tail, wing, horns and claws.

"Gutsy kid! I'm going to enjoy this fight …"

Chikorita watched in awe for a moment. How did this Pokémon transform? In tales, were-mons could only transform during a full moon, yet the big dragon had shape-shifted simply by willing it. She jumped in time to avoid a violent Flamethrower, swiftly followed by Dragon Claw. At the second swipe, she whipped a Leaf Blade on her own and drew a thin red line on the morpher's arm. Charizard took flight. She launched her vines to his leg, only for him to spin and send her crashing into the ground. He landed, waited for the dust to fade … And was taken in the stomach by a flurry of Razor Leaf. A Tackle sent him on his knees. Gary was dumbstruck.

"Charizard is second only to Pikachu in term of strength, and yet he's being owned by a Starter!"

Charizard laughed threateningly.

"This girl isn't any Starter. I think there's a reason we found her in the wild: she's simply too strong to make a good Starter, so she was released by Professor Elm. This is rather frequent with bred Pokémon. When they don't fit the criteria they were bred for, they're sent to the wild. It happens more often than you think. In fact, I think one of my brothers was released. I was just a baby at the time, but I remember perfectly the Flamethrowers he displayed. Unfortunately, a good Fire Starter must know at best Ember to be selected. Flamethrower was just too strong a move for him to be taken."

Ash couldn't believe it.

"You … You got to be kidding, right?"

"Hell no! Now, let's teach that brat a lesson!"

Blaze kicked in and the humanoid Pokémon glowed red. His next Flamrethrower could have been called Inferno for all it was worth. Chikorita dodged it, launched her vines, but Charizard wrapped them around his wrist and yanked the girl at her to deliver a fierce Dragon Claw. Only then did the girl faint. Ash sighed.

"Tough girl … Now, we have to find a Center so she can be healed."

There was one a mile away. The local Nurse Joy gladly healed both Charizard and Chikorita, hardly believing the wounds she was seeing were due to a scuffle between the two. Gary turned to Ash.

"So, catch her?"

"Nah, she's better in the wilds. She's got strength. She can easily survive on her own."

In the Hall of Origins, Arceus had watched the battle. Even he was impressed by Chikorita's strength. Ash may not want her, but the girl would make a perfect teammate, especially knowing who he'd have to face. An idea crossed his mind.

"Odin!"

The Articuno came and bowed before the god.

"What do you want, my lord?"

Arceus's eyes narrowed.

"Go to Johto, in the area Ash and your former master are located. I want you to spread a violent winter that will cover the area in snow."

"Out of season? Zapdos and Moltres are not going to like this."

"This is for a trial. I will empower you so you have to strength to spread the cold under your wings. As for what I want to do, let's say I want to test the strength of a certain Grass Starter and the resolve of a certain Chosen …"

Odin nodded and closed his eyes. The divine might of Arceus flowed inside him and empowered him to the point frost appeared around him by simply standing. Now in his Pokémon form, he flew out of the Hall and over Johto. Night had fallen, and a healed Chikorita had snuck out to return to her home in the wilds. Snow slowly fell and was accompanied by icy wind that chilled the creature. Snow at the beginning of autumn? What was going on? No matter, the girl was two years old. She had seen snow before and plowed through it. It would take more than a bunch of snowflakes to stop her. She didn't see the cerulean bird flying above her.

Ash awoke in the middle of the night, warned by a kind of supernatural instinct that something was wrong. He was right. Outside the Center, the area was filled with thick layers of snow. And Chikorita was nowhere to be found. He was quick to put two and two together and rush outside with only his jacket on his back. He didn't even bother waking Pikachu up. Not that he was against returning Chikorita to the wilds, but letting her go by such an out-of-season weather was just not right. Arceus smiled in the Hall of Origins. His plan was working just fine.

The storm still raging on, Ash had to rely on his Aura Vision to see anything. It also allowed him to track Chikorita. The girl had found haven in a big bush and nearly bit the boy when he came to her.

"Calm down! I don't want to hurt you! Here, I'm just here to take you somewhere safer."

Chikorita grudgingly let him hold her and was wide-eyed when she felt his Aura flow through him to warm her. Soon, they discovered a grotto they hid in. Ash fell in a meditative stance, replenishing his Aura while using it to warm him and his new friend. Chikorita could hardly believe it. The boy controlled Aura? Was he one of those fabled Ancients they talked about in stories and legends? She could feel his heart, warm, radiant. Sharing his Aura had unwillingly brought the two closer. It wasn't really what Arceus had in mind for a trial but it would do. As long as they teamed up …

Ash felt Chikorita tentatively reaching out to him. The creature wasn't Aura-sensitive, yet his Aura was connecting them, amplifying his empathic skills. He joined his heart to hers, connecting them on a deeper level than that of two minds.

'Who are you?'

'Just a boy.'

'Why did you come out in the snow? What do you have to gain?'

'Nothing. I wanted to return you to the wild tomorrow, but you ran away before that and then, this storm broke out. I couldn't leave you alone in the snow.'

'So you did it out of charity?'

'Out of care. You're tough.'

'Yeah, that's why I was abandoned.'

Bitterness. Resentment.

'Is that why you're so brash?'

'If I want to get stronger, I have to face tough opponents.'

'You're already very strong. I'm surprised no one tried to capture you yet.'

'Some came and tried. Beginners. I kicked their asses. You are different.'

'I have already crossed two regions. My teammates are strong. They can even stand up to low-level Legendaries.'

'For real!?'

'Yep. Like a Zapdos …'

Hesitation. Curiosity.

'Say … If I come with you, can I become as strong as that Charizard?'

'Blazefire? He' s the second strongest of my partners. And to answer your question, if that's what you want, I'll gladly train you the best I can.'

'… Promise?'

'Why not? You're sure you want to go with us? You look just fine in the wilds.'

'But there are bigger, meaner Pokémon out there. Some I have to run away from. With you, I'll be safe and have a chance to become stronger too. So, how about it?'

'I never capture Pokémon unless they want to join me. Welcome?'

'Hello!'

When Silver awoke that morning and saw the snow, he jumped outside in nothing but his boxers.

"Yahoo! There's snow, there's snow everywhere!"

Nurse Joy looked at him rolling and doing cartwheels. Gary raised a brow.

"You're sure he'll be fine?"

"Silver's powers are great enough that he can stand in a blizzard and not catch a cold." Brock explained. "However, this means his powers are weaker in hotter places."

"But why is there snow out there?" Misty asked. "It's barely the beginning of autumn!"

Just for fun, the silver-haired Ancient made a snowball with his Aura and threw it at Misty who yelped. A snowball fight instantly started among the group, until Pikachu raised an ear and asked.

"Pikapi? Pikapi?"

Only then did the group realize Ash was gone.

Ash's mind slowly emerged from the limbo his meditation had taken him to. Chikorita was warmly snuggling under his jacket while an Aura Shield was keeping the heat in a tight ball around them. The cave entrance was half-blocked by snow but a good Aura Sphere opened the path. From there, tracking his mentor's signature cold Aura, the boy was quick to reunite with them. The group had been looking for him for half an hour, guided by Silver's mystical senses. They were glad to see Ash fine.

"Ash, what the hell has gotten into you? Leaving at night by a snow storm just to find a wild Chikorita …"

"This storm was unnatural. Snow this early in autumn is most likely due to Legendary intervention. I know Chikorita is tough enough to withstand a blizzard, but not one like this. I had to make sure she was safe."

"Your kind heart will lose you." Gary sighed.

"Actually, it was my kind heart that saved you. Also, Chikorita has decided to join me."

The group looked at one another.

"I thought you wanted to release her."

"The decision to come is fully hers. After seeing how strong Charizard was, she asked me if she could become as strong by training with us. I promised I'd do my best."

Silver smiled.

"If it comes from her … Welcome in the crew, kiddo."

In the Hall of Origins, Arceus grinned. His plan had worked perfectly. With the cute but powerful little girl at his side, the young Chosen now had a powerful ally to fight off the Rocket Rebels. Sure, it hadn't really gone as planned. He expected more strife. But, in the end, he got the expected result with much less violence … and maybe even a stronger bond between Trainer and Starter.

I know, it's the last day of August. I haven't updated during the entire Holiday but I don't care. Those who read my profile know what I'm actually going through, and it's getting worse on my father's side because of his manipulative, stubborn and overprotective nature. So, no apology on this side. However, I do apologize for the shortness and lack of any really big fight (fights that deserve a battle theme). Sorry, I need to warm up a little. This said ...

I know, I skipped several episodes. Don't worry, I'll put them next chapter ... or maybe the one after, I have something in mind for the next (It will be called "Those who lived hiding"). So yes, I'm back for you guys. Cheers?

- Master Aura Sam: yeah, Ash's family is messed up. And you don't know all of it yet! For Starlight, I saw the chibi and rather weak mon that was Clefable and decided "Okay, let's take that nearly-useless cutie and turn it into an ass-kicking machine of doom." The Ancients are based on an original story I still hope of publishing one day. It's copyrighted material! Misty and Brock, I'm working for the spotlight. And yes, I like to tease Ash with Misty. And a bit with Gary too (Don't tell anyone!) Yuri? Not my favorite but if it's tease ... FYI, I'm a girl. A French girl. Forced mega-evolution? Recipe for disaster, dear. Also, you guessed right ...

- Duncan0Idaho: Silver was just being realistic, but yeah, he can be a bit of a jerk at times. "Nobody's perfect." As someone once said. Also, yes, by virtue of standing in the Council, Latias is a shape-shifter. Never bestiality! Yerk!

- kitsunelover300: actually, I think it's just a regular super-mode. That the Weather Trio can do it surprises me.

- Vaati Star: I wanted Ash to meet with Suicune and Casey. Sorry.

- Arget: why not? With the Orbs in play ...

- auraRilou: I always loved Espeon.

- CHAOS: please, learn punctuation. It's one of the things that irk me since it makes a story unreadable. Don't worry about my ego. My biggest fear is that this thing takes over like it did when I was young, resulting in me becoming a major ass. That apart, thanks for the kind review. I appreciate, but I like it even more when I hear people say my work helped them find inspiration. Peace out, man.

- Siggimondo: I think I already answered you in my present. Tell me if I'm wrong and if that chapter was still nice. Your comments always have a special value to me ...

- JediMasterDraco: Indeed, Suicune was one of the first Pokémon Ash met in Johto, in the first epidose. I thought it'd be nice to see the two interact. For the rest ... see with Celebi. Also, for the évolutions in Johto, you're right.

- Nightshadegirl: I don't know about it. Maybe I'll do if it becomes interesting in the storyline, and the Sinjoh ruins would be nice of a finish with the Rebels, but since I want it to also be the time where Ash gets baby Giratina ... I really don't know.

- AzureSkyTower: a heart attack, you say? Still alive out there?

- Birdy1210: water tournament still happening. Time to shine, Misty! And yes, Ash will catch Pokémon ouside his canon rooster.

- MidnightHunter563: yeah, things are gonna get problematic when Chiko will become human. Also, I do plan on having Ash collect all Starters in every region. Kinda like a collection. Hobby: own all Starters!

- thli1693: I personally thing Ash is too green to own a Legendary yet. In Hoenn, however ...

- TheGrunt22: "Great story" is enough for me. Thank you. But I do admit some criticism is always welcome. That's how we improve.

Phew, finally done with the reviews! Those things take ages to answer! Not that I don't like it, but I nearly got yelled at for not coming to cut and peel peers and plums ... Bother.

Anyway, see you soon! I'd really like to update my Yu-Gi-Oh story next, but if inspiration for this one comes first ... Well, miracles happen. ;-)

One last thing ...

To everyone, as long as you don't directly take materials from the story but try to adapt, improve or create over it instead, feel free to tap in my work as much as you want. As I said, I really like it when people say my work is a source of inspiration to them. It means I'm doing a good job as a writer. So, to every writer or would-be writer out there, read, dream, imagine, create. Never forget the difference between an homage and plagiarism. I once read a quote from Victor Hugo, a famous French author, and it really marked me. It said: "The goal of art is almost divine: to revive if it does History, to create if it does poetry." My work isn't poetry, but the act of creation is still, to me, the most beautiful of all acts. And now, some of you say my work imspires you to create too. Go for it. Imagination has no limits. Let it run, that's what makes the world change. I always pictured myself as a sower spreading the seeds of imagination. Pick them, make them grow. I don't care for the rest. Good luck.