Chapter 3 - Adventures in the Viridian Forest
Brock sporting a very obvious black eye and a dreamy look plastered across his face, Misty looking quite content and relaxed with Azurill in her arms, and Ash with his stomach filled decided to see Gary and Professor Oak.
"Pi'ka pika pii Kaa!" cried Pikachu, with a jolt of excitement. Misty could tell it just challenged Ash to something; whenever it did Pikachu's eyes burned with the intensity of a thousand flames and its cheeks sparked like clouds during a thunderstorm.
"You know you're going to lose Pikachu! Ash Ketchum is a track star! Why, I even outraced a Rapidash once!" blurted Ash, running his big mouth faster than he actually could run. Oh Ash, when will you learn Misty thought adoringly.
"Pi-i, pi-i, chuuu, Pi!" counted Pikachu. Off they flew, Ash starting off with a good lead, and then Pikachu streaking past him. Ash dug his heels and pushed off his toes and extended his stride as much as he could. Try as he might, he just couldn't catch up to the little lightning bolt.
Pikachu touched a tree marking the entrance to the Viridian Forest, and started a victory dance. Ash came huffing and puffing, ending up crawling on his knees to the tree.
"You *wheeze* just g-got *hacking cough* lucky," breathed Ash. Pikachu got a bit angry at this, it sparked up its cheeks and threatened Ash.
"J-just kidding!" stammered Ash. Misty and Brock caught up with them, and when Brock found out what happened, he turned into a regular hyena. He started to choke from all the laughing and Misty doubled over laughing as well, dropping Azurill in the process, who bounced on its tail. Ash recovered after a few minutes, got up, and wouldn't talk to the others. Brock, Misty, Pikachu, and Azurill trailed Ash, laughter still erupting from their mouths.
By the time they reached about half way through the forest and everyone had completely calmed down, Misty decided they were going to take a break. Azurill was bawling at the top of her lungs, its tail bobbing up and down.
"Aw, what's wrong Azurill?" Misty whispered to her Pokémon as she sat down on a tree stump. She stroked Azurill's forehead and ears, attempting to calm it. "Brock, do you bring any of Azurill's food? I didn't think to," Misty finished, shame creeping up on her.
"No sorry Misty, but this part of Viridian Forest has a lot of berries and apples, I'll go see if I can find any. Ash, why don't you stay here and try to help Misty calm Azurill down until I find some food for it, and Pikachu, you come with me," Brock directed. Pikachu bounded up to Brock's head and they headed into the thickness of the bushes and trees. Ash watched them leave, and got onto his knees next to Azurill.
"Oh, I have an idea!" cried Ash.
"Well well well, miracles do happen after all," muttered Misty.
"Miracles do happen after all," mocked Ash as he turned around and strode over to a tree on the other side. Ash heard rustling up above. He looked up, and was quite disturbed by what he saw. He saw groups of teenagers dressed like Pokémon Indians, painted with Pokémon tattoos. One of them lassoed Ash and pulled him up. All of the others roared with excitement and started running across trees, jumping from branch to branch like Politoads into the distance. Misty screamed for Ash, and sprinted after the mysterious boys. Oh no, what now? thought Misty.