Hello once again everybody and how are you? This is the official second chapter of my first story and I hope you enjoy it. Here's my shoutout to all of the people who commented.

Sailor Taichichi Vegeta: Thanks again for reviewing, I wasn't sure if my reason for Meowth being on his own was convincing enough, but I'm glad you liked it. As for Pikachu, I got a plan. I just hope it comes together.

I don't own Pokemon

Chapter 2: You Learn Something New Everyday

"That's not fuckin' possible" yelled an exasperated Meowth.

"All evidence to the contrary." replied a young boy the smirk evident on his face.

"There is no way in hell you can survive something like that" the Meowth yelled.

"Look Meowth, just deal with it, I won just like I always do. Think of it this way, you lasted longer than you usually do" the boy said, smirk still plastered on his face.

Meowth just sighed and says "You're a dick, ya know that right?"

The kid's smirk just grew wider and he released the hold he had placed him in. To anyone looking at them they would have seen a Meowth's face planted straight in the ground with his arm bent behind him. The boy had used Meowth's own claws as his weapon. He had positioned them so that they pointed directly into Meowth's ribs forcing him to retract his claws, which were his only mode of effective attack against the boy.

"Ya know I remember not a few years ago when you could barley form a coherent sentence. What happened to that innocent little boy that always called me sir and never shoved my own claws in my back?" Meowth asks, yelling the last part.

"You took me on one of your "missions", that's what happened." The boy responded, recalling the time when they had been on the way back from the first job the kid had ever been on. They ended passing a brothel and Meowth decided to "celebrate" the occasion, Meowth proceeded to leave him outside the brothel for almost five hours before he came back out. The boy's innocence had been long gone after everything he had heard. He hadn't been able to look at Meowth the same way since.

"Yeah and I'm startin' to regret ever tellin' ya about me being a mercenary" Meowth says with a frustrated look on his face.

"I didn't force you to tell me about your old life, you willingly told me about all your jobs and how to do them."

"Whatever lets jus go home. I'm getting hungry" Meowth grumbled.

The two began to walk back towards the small rock formation they called home. It wasn't really the greatest place in the world, but it wasn't made for comfort. It had been formed through the small waterfall that served as a shower to all the indigenous Pokémon there. It had overhangs that kept the weather away and had small indents in its walls that didn't quite reach the criteria of a cave. There was one cave however that was the home to the rock Pokémon that lived in the small sanctuary.

"Home sweet home" Meowth says as he ran towards the largest of the indents along the side of cliff. "Do you think we could get some of the rock Pokémon to extend this inwards a little? It gets really cold during the winter and they refuse to share."

"If you ask nicely I'm sure they would oblige and are you still angry about that? That cave is their home and they were here before either of us. They have every right to deny you access into their cave." The boy says.

"There ya go again with the big words and actin' like you super smart. You wouldn't have known what two plus two was without me and don't you forget it" Meowth says pointing a finger at the boy.

"I know Meowth and I will be forever grateful to you for that" the boys says, gratitude evident in his voice.

"I know you are twerp" Meowth says with a cheesy grin on his face.

"Whatever furball" the kid says the same grin adorned on his faec as well.

"Speakin' of jobs though" Meowth began.

"That conversation ended a while ago" the kid interrupted.

"The point is, that there are somethings I want to do with this place if it's really goin' ta be my home, and to get these things we're goin' ta need cold hard cash" Meowth says with a devious smirk on his face.

The boy's face lit up at the idea of going on another job with Meowth. While it is true that the last one had ended on a...loud note, he enjoyed the actual job he had preformed. They had been hired to simply break into someone's house and steal a wedding ring. Probably belonged to a divorced husband who wanted his ring back or something. Things like that weren't uncommon. Meowth had always taught him that things like compassion and trust were far and few in-between.

"What did you have in mind? Are we switching regions or staying in Hoenn for this? the boy asks

"Well, I would say that the best high paying' jobs are in Saffron City in Kanto, but that's where the King lives as well so the guards will be experienced and well trained. In the case we get captured they also will expect more fer a bribe as well. Hoenn is safer but has jobs that pay less. Johto has even less paying jobs and there are a lot of soldiers there as backup fer the forces at the front line so that's out of the question. hmmmmm, damn, this is a harder decision than I had originally thought." Meowth says, scratching his thoughtfully.

"I say we go to Kanto. We should get the money you need as fast as possible and get out of there. From what you told me, it's not the place we want to stay for too long." the boys says

"How about we do some high payin' jobs in Kanto ta get, I don't know two-thirds of the way there, and then come back here and split up doing smaller jobs but still gaining money as long as we do some decent payin' jobs."

The plan brought an uneasy look to the kid's face. "Are you sure splitting up would be a good idea? I mean would anyone even take me seriously? I'm somewhere around fourteen right? So I'm not sure that anyone would even hire me." He says

"Ya got a point. So how about I accept the jobs and you go out and do them while I do another one at the same time."

"Meowth, I really don't like the idea of splitting up. I'm not comfortable going around on my own. Everything is too unfamiliar too me out there." The boy says, a nervous look on his face.

Meowth sighs, "Alright, how about we scope out the area for a week before we accept jobs when we get back to Hoenn. That way you know ya way around. Besides you can handle yaself jus' fine. C'mon twerp, you had been on your own for years before I got here.

The boy sighed, knowing that the Meowth just didn't get that he didn't want to be without his friend, but he relented. "Alright, that sounds fine. When should we leave for Saffron?"

"I'd say in a couple a days. I need to get some equipment fer the two of us before we go." Meowth replies.

"Alright" the boy replies, still unhappy with the situation, but kept it hidden. "I'm going to hang out with Grovyle and Torchic for a little. I'll be back with some food." he said as he was walking away towards the river he knew Grovyle trained at. Torchic usually trained with him, hoping to evolve like her friend. Torchic was probably exhausted from training with him by now. She never really had been able to keep up with Grovyle, but did her best none the less.

He could here the cries of Grovyle as he rained blow after blow on a tree. He was trying to get used to the new blades that came with his new evolutionary state. He figured the best way to do that would be to use his Leaf Blade on the tree he always practiced on. Its brake had fallen away long ago, due to all the punches, kicks, and moves he had used on it.

The boy walked into the clearing and saw his old friend mercilessly attacking his tree. What drew his attention was Torchic, as predicted, sitting on the ground with some cuts and bruises. The boy figured that they had sparred recently. Grovyle also had a few cuts and bruises, but nothing close to Torchic.

"Hey Torchic, how was training?" he asks

"Torchic Tor Tor chic Tor" Torchic said with a disappointed look on her face.

The boy had never understood what his Pokemon friends say, but he had managed to get the gist of what they were saying through their body language. The disappointment on Torchic's spoke volumes though.

"Got ass kicked again huh? Did he take it easy on you at least?"

"Tor Tor chic"

"I didn't think he would. Don't worry, when you evolve you'll be able to kick his ass all the way to Sinnoh" the boy says with a grin. Torchic couldn't help but grin in return, think of being able to beat her friend/rival.

The boy stood from his crouched position beside his friend and calls out to Grovyle "Hey Grovyle, I need to bring some food back for me and Meowth. You want to go hunting with me?"

Grovyle paused in his training and turned towards his friend. "Grovyle Gro vyle Gro"

"Sounds good" I hear the has been a large swarm of Taillow that have been getting too comfortable in our hunting grounds. You want grab so of them?"

Grovyle nodded and retracted his blades bad to their original green form rather than the glowing, deadly sharp weapons he uses them as. Before they and a chance to leave though, Torchic jumped up at the opportunity to be with her friends, surprising both of them. It seemed that not moments ago she looked ready to pass out from exhaustion.

The boy grinned "Alright, looks like we're getting the pack back together" referring to their groups of friends consisting of the three of them and their friend a Poochyena. Poochyena had been busy recently though, having little time for his friends and it had been the same with the boy.

"I doubt Poochyena is free today though, which is kind of a bummer, but maybe he'll be free later." the boy says, not really believing his own words. he knew that Poochyena was going to take over as the Alpha of his pack sometime. That meant that his father, the current Alpha would be training him non stop till he was ready. He could deb challenged at any time for the right of bring the Alpha and the beginning was when it was really bad. It's when you first earn the title of Alpha that the other Mightyena believe they can take the title for themselves.

"Let's head downriver. The Taillow have roosted in that area where the currents are at their strongest" that was true, but it wasn't saying much because the currents were not all that strong.

Grovyle nodded in response and Torchic began to prance in the intended direction. Grovyle just sighed after he saw the happy go lucky bird skip away while the boy just chuckled at the site and began to follow.

As they approached the area where the Taillow were supposedly staying for the time, they came to a small clearing that led to the edge of the river. The boy looked around the area with his ears tuned in for any Taillow calls or anything to hint their position. As he surveyed downriver though, he saw what appeared to be an old rotting boat.

He began to run towards the boat that had appeared to have washed into the small area a very long time ago and called out "Hey is anybody over there? Are you lost? Do you need help?" after pausing a little ways from the boat with his companions.

He was answered with silence except for a soft breeze. "Hello?" he called out again. Again he was answered in silence. He took the silence as the go ahead to enter the area, but he kept his guard as did Torchic and Grovyle. He carefully walked towards the boat, wanting to know if there was anything important or of value inside. All he saw was a small pile of grey robes that looked like they had been through hell and back. They were torn up everywhere and had some areas that looked like they had been burned. It was strange though because the boat looked like it hadn't moved for years. It didn't look like anyone or anything had been using the boat for a purpose so that pegged the question. How did this boat get here?

He cautiously entered the boat. Looking around again for any signs of a trap and picked up the tattered rags and examined them closely for any sign of the previous owner. He couldn't blame the person for leaving these. They were of almost no use, except maybe he could give this to Meowth for a little more blanket. It was much too small for him so why not?

"Do you guys know who brought this thing up here?" he asks his companions

"Gro gro vyle gro vyle" responded Grovyle.

The boy looked at him surprised, "So this is where you found me huh? I always thought you guys found me in the woods or something. Not on a boat by the shore."

A small piece of parchment caught his eye. He pulled out the crinkled piece of paper and noticed some writing scrawled over it. While almost impossible to read he could make out a majority of it and it read: Ash, I am your mother Delia Ketchum and I am dead. You should know that first. I know that the professor will keep you safe from harm with his grandson. Don't throw your name around though. You have deadly enemies that you made upon your birth, but know that I will always love you. -Your mother, Delia Ketchum

The boy read it again. Then a third time, and a fourth, then fifth, and a sixth before looking up again. He turned back to his friends again "Are you sure you found me here? Are you absolutely positive?". They nodded in response, noticing the serious demeanor he held on his face.

He rand a hand through his hair and mutters "Fuck". Was that his name? Ash. He had never known his name, nor had he bothered to make one up for himself. It just didn't seem right to do so. He had always been referred to as "you" or "kid" and in Meowth's case "twerp". Having a name had never seemed necessary.

But now he had one, Ash and a mother who is apparently dead. But how did she die? Who killed her? Who is the professor? Should he be happy that he has a name and a mother? Or should he be furious that his mother had abandoned him and gotten him lost in the woods, barley seeing a human till he was maybe twelve or so. He punched the bottom of the boat, startling his friends and putting a decent dent in the rotted wood. He wasn't even sure why he was mad. Was he mad at his mom? Or that she was dead and he should figure out how she died? He only knew one thing. He was Ash Ketchum and he had to find this "professor"

-TWO WEEKS AND THREE DAYS LATER-

"Alright twerp, slow it down. We don't need attract unnecessary attention to ourselves." Meowth chastised the energetic kid who was running up ahead of him towards the gate that lead into Saffron City.

"Sorry Meowth, but it's my first time in a city. Sure I've been in a few towns but from what you've told me they're nothing like a city." Ash said energetically

"Well you're right about that. The city is one of the few places where I feel in my element. I mean I got no problem with the wild but in a city there is so much to steal. Not to mention all the brothels" he says, muttering the last part.

Ash looked at him with a horrified look on his face. "Please tell me you aren't taking me to one of those god awful places again. I don't now how you can stand them. They smell weird, like alcohol and...body odor."

Meowth chuckled a little before taking the opportunity to tease the boy "Well twerp, when a man and a woman or in my case a Meowth and a Meowth love each other very much. They go into a bedroom and do dirty things to each other and nine months later a baby/egg pops and BOOM, you're a parent." Meowth says, a cheeky grin on his face.

"Shut up Meowth, I know how sex works I lived with Pokemon for a good portion of my life to know how mating works".

"Matin' huh?" Meowth replies knowing that the boy didn't really believe in love and all that crap. Which was kind of his fault. But all he saw having sex as was a way to continue his legacy. That's what the Mightyena had told him anyway.

"Yeah mating. Why are you giving me that weird look."

You know normal people just call in havin' sex, makin' love, fuckin', doin' it, banging, gettin' it on, gettin' laid, going at it, shagin', and even tapin' that. Hell all boys your age brag about getting' some even though it's complete bullshit. But then again, you're not just a normal boy now are you." Meowth says with a grin still stuck on his face.

"I fucking hate you Meowth"

"And I luv ya too buddy" Meowth says in a cheeky voice before he bursts into laughter. He knew Ash hated talking about hunts like that. Although he was a wild kid, he has the emotions of a regular teenage boy still.

After passing throughout the gate and getting suspicious looks from the guards there, they were let in. the guards didn't like anyone except those ho bribed them. But they didn't have a reason to force them to leave. Besides, it was just a kid and a Meowth. What could possibly go wrong?

As the duo walked through the city the saw people all about. Some were selling things or trying to get people to check out their wares. Others were milling about, shopping and whatnot. As they walked though there was a sudden commotion behind and they saw a small boy run past them with guards hot on his tale. But before the guards could catch him he jumped onto a crate filled with Corphish and jumped onto a higher stack after it and leaping to a window sill and catching the edge of it. Before he made is escape he turned to the guards and stick his tongue out at them before grabbing an apple out of his pants pocket and taking bit of it. He chuckled at the guards attempts to reach, but before he knew it a rock made clean contact with his head and he fell to the ground. He was immediately swarmed by guards and brought away in cuffs.

"Let that be a lesson to you kid. As much as you want to, NEVER stick around to watch the aftermath of your deeds whether your deed was good or bad it's always best just to move on."

Ash just nodded. He knew the consequences of the life he had chosen, and what would happen if he got caught. But he would be lying if he said that he didn't want to help the kid out. It isn't easy seeing one of your own "kind" get caught and dragged away. The boy was a fellow thief and it's always good for thieves to stick together. You can steal more stuff that way.

But they couldn't start trouble on the first day, they planned to be here at least a month. Doing maybe five jobs a week depending on how complicated they were. "Let's just find a tavern or something Meowth. I don't want to see this."

"Alright kid, if my memory serves me correctly there should be a tavern a few blocks ahead of here. Remember to walk at a slow pace and eavesdrop on any conversation you can. Any information is useful, even some woman cheating on her husband can be used for blackmail." Ash just nodded and began to slow his pace and listen to the conversations around him, isolating all sound except for the conversation he wanted to hear.

He heard few things of interest. Mostly girls talking about hot boys at school or a wife complaining about something. A few drunks here and there and some men complaining about their lost poker games. Some guards were talking about he latest new from the front lines. Guards were always worth listening in o. It was incredible how easy information was to come by from listening to these idiots blab about all things they weren't supposed to say. "Did you hear?" one says "What" replies another", "News from the frontline is that the people in Hoenn are still holding out in that fortress of theirs". "I didn't think they would have lasted another week but all these years they have managed to get by is getting really annoying" the third grunted. "Yeah but they can't do anything to us as long as we got her locked up nice and tight" a fourth said.

That was all he had managed to pick besides a laugh that came from them shortly after he was out of eavesdropping range. Nothing that important really, but they always discussed what the hear when they are alone. It was a way of see in what could be used as what. But by the time he started to listen in on other conversations they were at the tavern entrance. The sign read "The Obsidian Onix".

"I remember this place" Meowth says with a reminiscent look on his face "It was hear that they had that beautiful Delcatty that was always beside the tavern keeper's wife. Oh what I wouldn't do to see her again"

"Please stop. I don't want you to go into detail about your attraction to other Pokemon." Ash says, an annoyed look on his face that they were already back on this subject.

"Whateva you say twerp" Meowth says before he goes in with Ash in tow. Their entrance attracted minimal attention, only that of the barkeeper and his wife seemed to look at them for more than a moment. Travelers were pretty common in Saffron City. "Hello Sir, I'd like a room with two beds please" Meowth says while putting three silver pieces on the counter after sitting himself on a stool. "We're stayin' for about a month, maybe a bit more but this should cover us for the night."

The bar keeper looked surprised for a minute that there was a talking Meowth in his tavern, but brushed it aside before giving them a key to their room and taking the coins. "Dearest could please escort them to their room?" the barkeeper asks his wife. "But of course" his wife says with a small curtsy "This way please" she says as she began to walk up a flight of stairs. She led the to the fifth room on the left and said "You may come down at anytime for some food and our world famous ale". "Oh I plan to" Meowth says with a grin and she then left them to make themselves comfortable.

As soon as they had put their packs down they turned to each other "Whadya hear?" Meowth asks almost immediately

"The only thing worth talking about was the guards talking about the news from the front line. Other than that it was only drunks mumbling nonsense and woman talking or shopping." Ash answers

"Did you see or hear anythin' that they were buyin' that could be used as blackmail or at least anythin' to steal?"

"Not really. It was mostly food and cloth they were buying."

"What about the report from the front line?"

They were talking about the people holding out in Hoenn. They said that they were still holding out even though they should've surrendered a while ago and something about a girl in prison. That last one mean anything to you?"

Meowth just shook his head. "I think I know who they're talkin' about, but I don't like to make assumptions. That has screwed me over more than once. Alright, we still need more information about what is going on before we take any jobs. I'll scout around for info and potential jobs at the bar downstairs and go to a few others around town. You walk around and continue to eavesdrop and we'll meet back here and discuss anythin' we got that could be used. Got it?"

I get you Meowth, I'll see you in a few hours." Ash says while leaving. Ash began to walk around the streets looking for large crowds he could mine in and not look suspicious. He figured that the marketplace would do well as a good start, after almost an hour of going around from place to place he found nothing of real interest. Another update on the Sinnoh front and something about the King's son almost losing to one of the guards there. They had talked about the kid in light tones and in joking manner so it stands to reason that they don't fear the Prince as much as they do the King if at all. So moved through the streets again listening to people as he went with more success than his previous spot. He gained more knowledge on the news in Saffron from the woman and drunken men gossiping, or yelling in the drunks case, about politics and rumors going around. Nothing particularly interesting. He hated this part, but it was one of the most important. If you rushed in blind then you were bound to fail. This way he gained knowledge of the city and of where to go. he memorized the routes he took, which is one of the most important things to remember.

"Corner the little fucker" he heard a voice say from the alleyway a but away. This was what he wanted, some action and maybe some blackmail material. If he was lucky he could loot someone after they attackers left. He silently walked to the edge of the alleyway and saw a group of guards surrounding their target, which he had yet to see due to a guard blocking his line of site, but their victim appeared to be surrounded. He finally did catch a glimpse of their target and was surprised to see a Pikachu in the middle of the guards circle. He could plainly see the cuts it had on it sides and the food in its mouth, which was most likely stolen. He could also see the dent and cuts on the guards as well. This Pikachu looked like it was giving them a run for their money.

He continued to watch as the Pikachu fight one of the guards as he swung his sword at him which he countered with iron tail and seemed to be better at swordplay than the guard. They were probably fresh out of training or still in training to be this bad. The Pikachu swept the legs off the first just after his counter before giving him quick blow to the head to either kill or knock the guard unconscious and attempt a thunderbolt at the next one who stopped in his charge to dodge the attack. The third of the four came running from behind, sword raised but was deflected with iron tail. The guard took advantage though punched the Pikachu in its stomach pushing it further down the alley. The Pikachu recovered quickly though and launched a thunderbolt at the guard who wasn't fast enough to dodge and took 100,000 volts to the chest, killing him almost immediately. the last two came at the same time and swung their swords at the Pikachu. One aiming for the neck, hoping for a decapitation while the other swung his swords in a downward arc as if to split the Pikachu in half. Not a bad strategy, if they were facing a person, the Pikachu was too small for that to be effective. The Pikachu rolled to the side and ran up the sword of the guard who attempted to cut him in half while his sword was still on the ground from his failed attack and swung his iron tail upwards slicing the guards face from the neck and up and he fell backwards bleeding out.

The Pikachu however was still in the air from his attack and the other guard took advantage and swung his sword and cut the Pikachu across its stomach and pushing it back to the ground where it stayed, struggling to get back up. It was not easy too watch. Ash had been raised by Pokemon, they are his family and even though he didn't know this Pikachu he still felt like he should help him. He could respect the Pikachu's valor in his fight that he was destined to lose. Besides, he saw a bit of himself in the Pikachu. He was aware of the hardships of being alone and in trouble. A Pokemon had been there for him so he should return the favor. Time was running out though and he had to make a decision quickly as the guard raised his sword for the killing blow. He made up his mind and quickly ran behind the guard as the sword reached its peak height and slapped the guard on both his temples and he fell to the ground unconscious.

The Pikachu looked up at its savior before passing into the bliss of unconsciousness. Ash quickly took some of the undershirt the guard had and rapped it around the gash, tying it very tight to put pressure to the wound before taking the Pikachu into his cloak, hiding it from sight and began to speed walk through the town to get back to the tavern as fast as possible without attracting attention.

When he entered the tavern the barkeeper looked uo at him and nodded which he returned before going to his room and entering it and closing the door and sliding the chain over the door. He immediately sprang into action and placed the Pikachu on his bed and ran to Meowth's pack and grabbed the small medical kit they had. He ran back over to the still unconscious Pikachu before listening for any breathing. He heard it and although it was shallow it was there. He began to take out all the berries from the pack and grinded them into a small paste using the butt of his knife and the small plate that was meant to be an ashtray and quickly undue the makeshift bandage and spread the paste along the wound. Most of the bleed ing had stopped except for the right edge where the blade had punctured deepest. He put pressure on that area till the bleeding stopped and spread the remaining paste over the area and took out an actual bandage from the kit and wrapped it around the Pikachu.e would have to clean the wound as well, but for the moment he just wanted to stabilize his patient.

"Come on you bastard, I didn't risk my neck just for you to die on me." Ash mutters.

"Hey twerp you in here already?" He heard Meowth's voice from behind the door.

"Yeah Meowth, but you should know that we have a visitor on my bed." Ash says. Meowth slowly came into the room with his claws unsheathed looking around the room.

"Arceus twerp I thought you meant we were in trouble and you needed help" Meowth says as he Sheathed his claws. "Wherdya get this one?" he asks

"He was stuck up in an alley surrounded by guards and I helped him out."

"Kid that was really stupid! You better have killed all those guards or else we got ta leave now."

"Relax Meowth this Pikachu took out all but one, which I took care of whiteout him seeing me"

Meowth sighed "Why did ya help this Pikachu out?"

Ash just looked at the Pikachu "I really don't know. He just needed help and I felt obligated to be the one to help him out."

"You took a big risk here. You better hope this doesn't come back to bite us in the ass or I'll flay the thing myself."

"It won't, I promise. And you know I don't break my promises, ever."

Meowth sighed again "What are you gonna do with him? Keep him as a pet or somethin'? 'Cause I won't let him stick around if he's just gonna be dead weight"

"He can help us with recon and if necessary backup. He took down three guards while injured. That's not an easy feat." Ash says trying to convince Meowth to let the Pikachu live. Meowth always needed a reason that would benefit him or both of them to do something potentially risky and this was very risky. The Pikachu was obviously an enemy of the guards so it wouldn't help to have him around without a reason to keep him.

"Fine kid I'll talk to him in the mornin'. Even if he wakes up before us he doesn't have the strength to try anythin', but it looks like you're sleepin' on the floor tonight."

Ash just nodded accepting the consequences of his actions. "Okay Meowth and thanks. You won't regret this I promise"

-NEXT DAY-

The Pikachu woke up suddenly in an unfamiliar surrounding and jumped up in alert, but winced and fell back down, feeling the affects of his injury. "Woah easy there twerp" said a voice with a strange accent. He looked over to see a Meowth sitting on the bed next to his. "You had quite a little battle, at least that's what the kid told me" the Meowth said. "Pika pika, pikachu pika?". "You're at the tavern we're staying at. For whatever reason my partner decided you were worth savin' and brought you back here and patched up ya wounds. I cleaned all of them this mornin' too but he did most of the work". The Pikachu blinked, not knowing any real kindness from humans. "Pikapi pika pika chu pika". "A stupid one that's what. But this one is a bit different from the rest. He wants you around for some reason. In fact I wanted to kill ya last night because I figured you would bring trouble. But he defended you and said you could be a good addition to the team. Even now he's gettin' food and water for ya downstairs. You should probably be crawlin' at his knees thankin' him". As if on cue the door opened to reveal his savior with a small tray in his hands and on it was a tankard of water with was appeared to be Tauros steak and an apple.

"Here you go little guy. I got some Tauros steak, some water and an apple for you." the kid said as he put the tray down and poured some water into the supposed to be ashtray and set it out in front of the Pikachu. "Well? Eat up if you want to get better." the kid says. The Pikachu looked suspiciously at the steak before sniffing it a little, but moments after taking giant bites out of it only stopping to drink the water.

The boy just smiled at the sight while the Meowth chuckled and the sight of the Pikachu hork down a steak that was half his size. "Easy buddy, easy. You'll get sick if you at too fast. Trust me I know from experience." the boy says

The Pikachu stopped its eating and looked at the boy curiously before cautiously walking over to him sniffing the boy that sat on the base of the bed, completely opposite from where he was. Sensing no threat the Pikachu walked over to the boy who sat cross-legged in front of him staring right back at him. The Pikachu jumped up and landed in the boy's lap and raised his head again to sniff the boy once more before jumping to his right shoulder and rubbed his cheek against the boy's causing lighter to erupt from the buy who began to scratch the Pikachu behind the ears earning a soft coo from the Pikachu.

"Alright that's enough touchy feely crap fer now" Meowth said, although he enjoyed his friend gaining another friend he needed to ask the immediate question to the Pikachu before things could get any deeper. It wasn't good to get attached to things that wouldn't stay. "My partner here thinks you would be a good addition to the team if you would accept. The only question is, are you going to stay with us? And before you say anything we are thieves that steal for money or whatever we need and can't afford. The key word was need in that sentence. We don't steal anythin' unnecessary"

The Pikachu brought a hand to its chin for a moment before nodding. What else would he do? Go back to the streets scrounging for food or stay with his new friends that would take care of him if he needed it. Pikachu was no stranger to stealing as well. He had been doing that his entire life, it was all he could do with no family to look after him.

"Alright well I'll be the first to say welcome to the team. Second you're going to be stuck in here for a while because of that injury and you are not allowed to leave unless we allow you to. Break that rule and you're out. I have yet to find a reason to trust you so do what I say and we'll get there"

Pikachu nodded in response so Meowth left the room to go back downstairs to get his own food. "Don't mind him." the boy says "He doesn't trust new comers all that much. Give him time and he'll warm up to you". Pikachu nodded in understanding. he wouldn't immediately trust a stranger either. But let's start to get to know each other better eh? I'll start my name is Ash, Ash Ketchum.

Chapter 2 is now done. I hoped you all enjoyed it and this added up to over 6,500 words. It was totally worth it though. Can you guess what Pikachu said the second time? It was "What kind of a human helps out street Pokemon? I hope I can continue to right chapters this long because I always enjoy reading stories that are long and detailed. I think I did a little bad on the fight. It would have been better from Pikachu's perspective, but I had to make it from Ash's. The next chapter should be up sometime next week if not before. Support, criticism, suggestions, and anything else are always accepted. Thanks for reading and till next time.

-novaking2832