Chapter 2: Viridian Forest
At the Pokémon Center, as Meowzie was being looked at Ash was looking at himself in the mirror.
Tilting his hat downwards, he tried to cover his scars with his hat but it just made him look some kind of rapper reject.
"I wonder if I could find some sunglasses or something so people won't think I'm some kind of bad guy you see in comic books." He groans.
"I think you're overreacting a little. You're no bad guy." Misty said.
"Still I don't exactly look..well normal." Ash said.
"True but do you really want to hide your face for the rest of your life?" Misty asks.
"Well, no I don't." Ash shook his head.
"Then stop worrying. Even if you do look different, you're still a human, like me." Misty said.
"I guess you're right." Ash sighs tilting his hat back up.
"Anywho, let's just focus on what's our plan on when we get into the forest." Misty said.
"Well according to the map, if we follow the path we should make it to Pewter City on the other side." Ash said.
"So you're going for a badge there?" Misty asks interested.
"Hopefully, but I'm gonna just focus on making it through the forest first." Ash said.
Frowning Misty could see Ash was still very shaken up.
If he kept on acting like this throughout the whole adventure, he'd never move on.
"Excuse me. Ash, Misty." Nurse Joy calls out.
Walking to the counter they saw Meowzie on a stretcher all healthy and groomed.
"Nya." Meowzie smiles.
"Hey Meowth, how you feel now?" Ash asks smiling.
"Nya." She leapt onto the counter as Ash pets her, making her purr.
"She's all better. All she needed was a decent meal and a little grooming." Nurse Joy said.
"So what's going to happen to her now?" Misty asked.
"Well she doesn't have a trainer so she can't exactly stay here, unless she learns to defend herself I don't know how well she'll do back on the streets." Nurse Joy frowns.
Meowzie started shaking her head, saying she dosen't want to go back there.
"Well maybe if this little lady had someone who could help show her the ropes. Someone who can make her less pet and more Pokemon." Misty hints looking to Ash.
Ash caught on to what she was saying. Turning to Meowzie, he asks, "Well Meowth? Do you want to come with me?"
"Nya. Nya." She nods her head happily.
"Alright, but first you're going to need a new name." Ash said as he began brainstorming some potential ones.
Meowzie wasn't very tough. If anything she gave off a bit of a regal, noble sort of vibe.
"Hmm...Bastet."
"Nya?" Meowzie asked.
"Yeah that can be your name. Bastet." Ash said.
"Bastet? The cat goddess?" Misty recalls.
Ash nodded. "Because I can tell you used to live in a life of luxury like her. In fact, with a little training, you could be very strong like that cat herself."
"Nya." Meowzie smiles liking that name.
"Bastet it is." Ash said taking out a Pokeball.
Tapping it against her head, Bastet went into the ball and it clicked instantly.
"Thank you, and I wish you both the best of luck." Nurse Joy said with a smile.
Exiting the Pokémon Center, the two entered the Viridian Forest.
"Okay I can do this." Ash said taking a deep breath.
Just one step at a time Ash, one step at a time.
He was about to take his first step when Misty let out a loud scream startling him.
"What?! What is it?!" Ash asks looking around frantically.
"Look over there!" Misty cried out, as she hid behind him.
Looking over, Ash saw a green caterpillar like Pokémon looking to them.
"Oh yeah I think that's a Caterpie." Ash said.
"I don't care what it is. It's a bug, bugs are disgusting and I don't like them! Do something!" Misty begged.
"OK OK calm down." Ash said as he walks up to the little bug. "Hey there little guy, lost on your way?" Tilting its head Caterpie allowed Ash to help him onto a tall branch. "There you go. Run along little one." Ash waved it off as Caterpie climbed up and disappeared into the tree. "All gone Misty."
"Oh thank goodness." Misty sighs relieved.
"What was that back there? It barely even acknowledge us until you screamed." Ash asks.
"Sorry, but bugs are one of the 3 most disgusting things in the world," Misty groaned.
"Well what are the other 3?" Ash asks as Misty listed then off.
"Carrots, Peppers, and Bugs! Everyone has something they don't like. And I don't like bugs!" She said with a mental image beating each of those things. Ending with a mallet to the bug image.
Ash not liking that list had this to say, "Oh yeah? Well, I like carrots, peppers and bugs. What I don't like is how you can say that. Just because they look like that doesn't mean they're bad. Pokémon have feelings too you know." Ash stated.
"Look this is something that has bothered me for my entire life. This isn't something new." Misty said.
With a groan, Ash figured there was no way he could change her mind. "Fine, have it your way."
Since Viridian Forest is full of bugs this was gonna be a long walk.
They walked for awhile until they see the sun was beginning to go down, so they decided to set up camp.
"So Ash why don't you try training with your new Pokemon tomorrow." Misty suggests.
"That's a good idea. And who knows, I might find a new Pokémon to catch too." Ash said.
"Yes." Misty smiles softly.
She was slowly getting him back into the trainer groove.
Looking over, Ash saw Talon perched up on a tree branch resting, Mystic was snoozing in the pond nearby and Bastet was taking a catnap near Ash's feet.
'Talon might be tough but Bastet probably has never been in a battle before and Mystic might have trouble at least at the start.' Ash thought.
While he was back in the hospital, Prof. Oak offered Ash some advice regarding his PokéDex.
He remembered him saying how the PokéDex has a list of moves for each Pokémon of what they could learn and how they could learn them.
Taking it out, Ash pointed it at the three of them.
Spearow known moves: Peck, Leer and Fury Attack.
Able to learn: Double Team, Steel Wing and Quick Attack.
Next he looks to Bastet
Meowth known moves: Scratch, Feint and Fake Out.
Able to learn: Iron Tail, Slash, Night Slash and Double Team.
Finally Mystic:
Magikarp known moves: Splash and Tackle
Able to learn: Bounce.
"Hmm not bad. I can work with this." Ash said softly.
Finishing up dinner, Ash and Misty got into their sleeping bags as the campfire slowly died out. "Night Misty."
"Night Ash." Misty said.
As Ash closed his eyes the flapping of wings in the distance made him uneasy for a few minutes before he fell asleep.
The next day...
The very next morning, as everyone was still asleep, Ash was the first to rise up with a yawn.
Looking around he noticed Talon and Bastet sleeping next to him causing him to smile.
"Alright team rise and shine." Ash said walking them up.
The two yawned and stretched greeting Ash with a good morning in their language.
First he started by having Mystic swim multiple laps in the river.
Before leaning attacks, it's best to get her swimming speed up to bat.
"Alright Bastet let's see how strong you are. Use Scratch on that tree!" Ash points.
Bastet's claws glowed as she leaps up but the scratch barely grazed it.
"Okay so I guess we need to work on your power." Ash realized.
She frowned, seeing she was weak. "Hey we all don't get strong right off the bat. That's why we got keep trying." Ash said reassuring her to not quit.
"Nya." Nodding Bastet continued her scratch attacks on the tree hoping to get stronger.
With Talon, he had his wings tied to some rocks as he growled, ad he moved forward with the rocks slowly following him.
"Come on Talon, we gotta have those wings of yours have some muscle in them to use big attacks!"
"Spear!" Talon said flying as hard as he could while avoiding branches.
Nearby, Misty was watching on the sidelines, impressed by Ash's hard work.
'Now he's acting like a trainer.' Misty thought happy for him.That's when she suddenly heard the sound of hissing.
Pausing, Misty slowly turns her head and in the grass she saw a hint of purple slithering through the tall grass.
With a yelp, she jumped onto the table. "A-A-A-Ash!!"
Turning around, Ash saw Misty sprint behind him for safety.
"What is it another bug?" Ash asks.
"E-even worse!" She squeaked. Worse than a bug?
Emerging from the grass was a purple snake Pokemon.
"Ekans." It hisses.
"That is definitely not a bug." Ash said taking out his Pokedex.
"Ekans, the Snake Pokémon. Poison Type. Ekans curls itself up in a spiral while it rests. Assuming this position allows it to quickly respond to a threat from any direction with a glare from its upraised head."
"A Poison Type. Now that's a Pokemon that can be a great help down the line." Ash said.
Seeing this Misty realized maybe if Ash got some battle experience in him it could help him.
Looking to his Pokémon, Ash chose the right one for the job.
"Talon, you're up." Ash said untying the rocks from his wings.
With a caw, Talon lands right in front of Ekans. Hissing, Ekans found her early breakfast.
"Spear!" Talon glares.
Making the first move Ekans lunged at Talon for a Wrap attack.
"Dodge it and then use Quick Attack!" Talon spreads his wings out and a white line flew out behind him as he avoided Ekans constrict attack before nailing her right in the head.
"Good now use go in for Fury Attack!" Ash said.
Jabbing Ekans multiple times with his sharp beak Ekans screams in pain.
"Ekans!" Opening its mouth, Ekans fires poisonous needles out like a machine gun.
"Look out Talon! It's Poison Sting!" Ash gasps as Talon flew around.
Luckily thanks to Ash's rock training he wing strength was much stronger allowing him to flap his wings and dodge.
"Now let's try using Steel Wing!" Turning his wings to metal, Talon dives in and slashes Ekans.
Growling, Ekans's fangs glowed. Waiting for Spearow to strike again, she sucked and bites onto his wings, surprising him.
"Spear!" Talon screams as Ekans wraps around him and squeezes tight.
"Talon!" Ash gasped. 'Oh man, think Ash think!' He thought seeing his starter getting squeezed by the viper. That's when it hit him. "Talon, Leer!"
As Ekans had Talon faced in front of her mouth, Talon's eyes glowed red, glaring harshly at her. "E-Ekans.." She blinked, dropping her defenses.
"Now Peck!" With a glowing beak Talon jabs Ekans from close range.
Ekans cried out in pain, it then tried to slither away. "Oh no you don't, don't lose it Talon!" Ash said.
Diving down Talon grabs Ekans with his sharp talons and lifts it up into the air preventing its escape.
"Ekans!" Ekans wiggled, trying to get free.
"Now Talon finish it!" Spinning Ekans around and around Talon let go sending the snake crashing to the ground.
"Pokéball, Go!" Ash quickly took his chance and threw one of his Pokéballs at the downed rattlesnake, watching it convert into energy. He watched it struggle a few times then heard the click of it being captured.
"I got it! I won!" Ash cheers.
"Spear." Talon perched himself onto Ash's shoulder as Ash scratched under his chin.
"You were great Talon, good job." He smiled, making the bird smile with pride.
"So you gonna this one a nickname too?" Misty asks.
"Yeah that's gonna be my thing." Ash chuckles.
Opening the Pokéball, Ash released his newly caught Ekans. "Ekans? Ekans?" The rattlesnake hissed looking around before noticing her new trainer.
"Ekans, you put up a really good fight." Ash said complimenting her.
"Ekans." She hisses flattered.
"You were very sneaky and very powerful." Ash said considering a name. "How about...Naga?"
Ekans tilts her head, asking why that name?
"Because you're clever and you have tons of potential. Like the name's meaning." Ash explains.
The new Naga let out a pleased hiss at the name. Ash lets her climb up his arm, gently coiling around it. "Naga it is," he smiles, petting her.
Soon Ash called back all his Pokemon.
"So Misty you ready to keep going?" Ash asks.
"Yeah, I think we're almost out of here anyway." Misty said, relieved she wouldn't have to stay in this forest any longer.
"Well maybe we don't have to leave immediately. I think I would like to do maybe one more training session before my gym battle." Ash said getting her attention.
"R-really? Couldn't you do it once we get to Pewter City?" Misty tried to protest.
"Just one more Misty and I promise if any bugs show up I will make sure they don't get anywhere near you." Ash assures.
With a groan, Misty gave in. "You better hold onto that promise."
"Come on. We can keep walking for an hour and then have lunch." Ash offers.
Collecting their belongings, the duo headed deeper into Viridian Forest.
Making their way to the path, they saw a wide clearing downhill.
"What do you think?" Ash asked Misty.
"I think this could be a good place to stop." She said with a nod.
As they sat down to eat Ash noticed something's shadow flying above them.
Landing right near them was a raptor like Pokémon with brown feathers and multicolor plumage.
Ash gasped, "Woah a Pidgeotto." Quickly he took his PokéDex out.
"Pidgeotto, the Bird Pokémon. The evolved form of Pidgey. Normal and Flying Type. It is armed with sharp claws and dives from the sky to capture its prey. Unlike the more gentle Pidgey, Pidgeotto can be dangerous. Approach with extreme caution."
"I don't if Talon has enough energy after that fight with Naga to keep up with that thing." Misty said.
She was right, so as of right now that only leaves only one option. Ash brought out Bastet's Pokéball. The female Meowth cried out in front of Pidgeotto and it's wings spread out, to warn it.
"Don't let it scare you girl, you're at the top of the food chain." Ash said.
"Nya." Bastet gulps nervously before taking a stance.
"Think about when your owner left you to fend for yourself. Use that drive." Ash said.
Once hearing that, Meowzie remembered the rich lady leave her to be cold and hungry. She hissed in anger and glares ar Pidgeotto, making it look in surprise.. "Woah, that's a complete flip of what she normally is." Misty said.
"Yeah I'll admit this actually worked better than I thought it would." Ash said equally impressed.
"Pidgeo!!" Pidgeotto flapped its wings, letting out a Whirlwind, tempting to blow Bastet away.
Extending her claws, Bastet stabs them into the ground to keep her balance.
"Now Scratch!" When the wind stopped Bastet's claws glowed and she leapt at Pidgeotto.
Pidgeotto quickly leapt into the air, avoiding the strike. "Pidgeo!" Flapping its wings, Pidgeotto unleashed a gust of strong winds, which struck Bastet this time.
"You need to get her up high so it's easier for her." Misty suggests.
Taking her advice, Ash looked amongst the trees and sees Pidgeotto was near some branches. "Bastet, climb up those branches!"
Scaling the tree, Bastet ran along a branch before slashing Pidgeotto.
Cringing, Pidgeotto swooped under the branch. Meowzie looks over to see Pidgeotto flying through the leaves.
"Stand your ground. Wait for it to come to you!" Ash calls out.
"Nya.." Bastet stayed where she was, waiting for the right moment before noticing a rustling in the leaves.
Pidgeotto flew back out of it, with glowing wings. "Wing Attack! Jump!" Ash said.
Jumping up Bastet grabs onto an upper branch narrowly dodging the attack.
Turning around, Pidgeotto came right back for a Tackle.
"Slash!" Ash said.
Swinging upwards, Bastet did a flip over Pidgeotto before landing on its back. "Nya!" Swinging her claws, Bastet slashes Pidegotto making it scream in pain.
"Quick and agile. Not bad," Misty said impressed once more.
"Who knew a former house pet had such potential." Ash said agreeing with her.
Back with Pidgeotto, it began trying to shake Bastet off of her by spinning in the air. "Nya.." The kitty cringed, trying her absolute best to not let go.
"Geo!" Flying upwards Pidgeotto drops into a steep dive making Bastet lose her grip and fly off.
"Nyaaaa!" Bastet was panicking as she was falling.
"Use you tail quick!" Ash yells.
Reaching out Bastet used her tail to grab onto a branch making her dangle upside down.
Bastet groaned with relief. This battling stuff was going to take some getting used to..
Turning around Pidgeotto flew in with another Wing Attack.
"Bastet Iron Tail!" Letting go, Bastet's tail turns to metal as she slams it down on Pidgeotto's head.
"Pidgeo!!" Pidgeotto fell to the floor. From the pressure of Iron Tail plus being slammed harshly, it was down for the count.
"Go Pokeball!" Throwing the ball it hit Pidgeotto sucking it in.
As Bastet lands across everyone held their breath as the ball shook 3 times before clicking.
"Alright!" Ash cheered.
"Nya." Bastet smiles happily at her first win.
"Good girl." Ash smiles picking her up. Bastet felt very pleased. Maybe she can take a liking to this battle stuff.
"2 Flying types. I gotta say you're filling up your team fast." Misty said.
"Yeah I am." Looking at Pidgeotto's Pokeball, Ash paused in thought.
Misty noticed it. "Ash, you OK?"
"Yeah it's just I remember my mom always saying how much she wished she had a flying type of her own. And since I already have Talon maybe she would like this one." Ash said.
Misty was surprised. "Really? You want to give your mom one of your Pokémon?"
"I do. She helped me to get back on my feet after my accident and this could be my way of saying thank you." Ash smiles.
"Aww, well that's sweet of you to do." Misty smiled, touched.
"I'll have to give it to her by Prof. Oak when we get to a Pokémon Center." Ash said pocketing the ball.
Needless to say when they sat down for lunch, Ash, Bastet and Talon were especially hungry from their battles.
It was battle, training and catching ever since they've arrived in the forest. They really deserved a break.
"So Misty if you don't mind me asking what were you doing before you ran into Talon and Mystic?" Ash asks.
"Hm? Oh I was just fishing for some Pokémon out near the riverbank." Misty said.
"I guess I was lucky that you were there. So are you trying to be a Pokemon trainer too?" Ash asks.
"Hmm something like that." Misty said.
"Are you going to go for the Pokémon League?" Ash asks, but Misty shook her head.
"Nah, I'm not collecting badges. What I'm doing is something I want to really achieve than a champion of the league." She said.
"Well that works out for me. That means we don't have to fight each other." Ash chuckles.
Misty couldn't help but giggled. "Maybe."
"Well hopefully when we get to Pewter City you can tell me more about what you plan on doing." Ash said.
"We'll see. But in the meantime, let's just focus on getting out of the forest first." Misty said.
"Fair enough." Ash said taking big bite of his sandwich.
About an hour of resting, they packed up their belongings before heading back on the trail.
'I wonder how far the other Pallet trainers got while I was in the hospital?' Ash thought.
He even thought of one particular one..one he wasn't very keen with.
Gary Oak. Grandson to Prof. Oak and his rival for years.
Those 2 have been at each other's throats for quite some time.
You see like Ash, Gary too wants to become a Pokémon Master.
But unlike Ash, Gary had let his rep get the better of him more often than nought.
Because he was Oak's grandson, he believed he should be treated like a prince.
He had his own entourage of cheerleaders, his own fan club and even his own car to boot!
And needless to say Ash got tired of that real fast.
Then one big thing happened and well.. let's just say that one thing is the reason why Ash and Gary aren't friends anymore.
'I'll catch up to you sooner or later Gary. Count on it.' Ash thought giving himself another read to keep going.
Walking in the forest was becoming very annoying. The walking was great, but Misty's screaming was something else. Ash peered over his shoulder along with Talon to look at Misty. He saw her hanging on a tree branch.
"What's wrong now?" He asked.
"I think I see another bug! Gross!" She screamed hugging the branch tighter.
Ash sighs, "This is getting ridiculous. It's probably just your imagination."
"I can feel it in my bones. They're watching me. Scurrying around." Misty said in fear.
Ash gave her a deadpan look. "Don't gimme that look, you! It's over there!" She pointed.
There on the ground crawling was a yellow caterpillar Pokemon with a horn on its head, staring at them with curiosity. Ash smiled at the at. "A Weedle!" He pulled out his PokéDex and read the stats.
"Weedle, the Hairy Bug Pokémon. Bug and Poison Type. The stinger on this Pokémon's head guarantees that any attacker will get the point right where it hurts."
"A stinger. Huh...Now there's a challenge." He said reading the rest of what the PokéDex said.
"You actually want to catch it?" Misty asks.
"Misty just because you don't like bugs doesn't I do too." Ash said reaching for his belt.
"But..but.." Misty tried to refute, looking over. But to their surprise, Weedle wasn't there anymore.
"Aw man where'd it go?" Ash asks looking around.
Across from him Weedle was climbing up a tree trying to escape.
"Wait!" Ash wanted to catch it, but it disappeared into the leaves. "Aw man." He whined.
"Some Pokémon are just not fighters." Misty said.
"Something tells me you're happy it ran away," Ash looked to her.
"Partly yes." Misty admits not wanting to lie.
With a light growl, Ash turned back to the road. "Well, come on. Let's just.." He was cut off by the sound of a loud crash off in the distance, making them both jump. "Wha-what was that?!"
"Probably best we don't look into it. Could be something bad." Misty warns.
Ash was about to retort when he heard a weak cry in the air. "Something's hurt." Ash gasps ignoring the warning and ran ahead.
"Ash?! Wait! Who's hurt?!" Misty said, running off behind him.
As she struggled to catch up she didn't notice something in the grass.
Leaping out Misty looks in horror to see a figure point a sword at her making her shriek.
Jumping out of the trees was a young man in a samurai costume with a net hooked to his back.
"Greetings oh shrieking maiden. Are you by chance the Pokémon trainer that comes from Pallet Town?" He asks her.
"N-no, that's not me." She quickly shook her head, frantically.
"I see.." Sounding dejected, the boy puts the sword away. "My apologies; although I was please ask that you refrain from any future screaming, otherwise you wish to attract a swarm of Beedrill." He finished before walking in the other direction.
As she watched the boy leave until he was off in the distance, Misty dropped to her knees. "What a weird kid. I wonder why he would be looking for a Pokémon trainer from... Ah! That's Ash!" She gasped, before realizing he was walking in the same direction Ash was.
Up ahead, Ash was looking for the source of the crying.
"Where are you? If you can hear me say something!" Ash calls out.
"Bee." A voice groans.
Looking around Ash noticed a Beedrill trapped under a ton of heavy branches.
"A Beedrill." He gasped and saw it was struggling to get out of them. "Hang on!" Running over, Ash quickly began picking up the branches one by one.
"Bee?" Beedrill said looking at him.
"Don't sting me. I almost got you out." Ash said.
The yellow bee watched him, and noticed his eye and scars. How could a human, especially this young have that a face like this? I hope none of my people didn't do that to him, she thought.
Grabbing the last branch, Ash cringed trying to lift this super heavy one.
Seeing him struggle, Beedrill tried to lift her back in order to help. Growling Ash pushed the branch up allowing Beedrill to flap its wings and fly out.
"Bee!!" Beedrill gleefully cheered, having been successfully released. Flying in front of him, she nods, thanking him.
"No problem." Ash said stretching. "Anything brusied?"
Looking at itself Beedrill flew around appearing to be fine.
"Well just to make sure, I got something that'll help." Ash said going through his bag of supplies his mom packed for him. He pulls out a Potion. "This may sting a little."
Spraying it, Beedrill flinches in pain for a few seconds before easing into it.
"There you go all better." Ash smiles.
Looking at Ash with wonder, Beedrill lifted its stinger to him.
Pausing, Ash thought it was going to sting him, but to his surprise she was holding out to shake.
"Oh uh you're welcome." Ash said shaking it.
With that, Beedrill flew away, leaving Ash alone.
"Well glad that worked out." Ash smiles.
However as he turned to leave he found himself staring down a katana inches from his face.
"What the?!" Gasping, he sees the samurai boy that Misty encountered earlier.
"Greetings, are you the Pokémon Trainer that comes from Pallet Town?" He asked him.
"Yeah that's me." Ash said slowly lifting his face up startling the Samurai.
"Oh my." He blinked. "My friend, a-are you well?"
"No I'm not alright! You're pointing a sword at me!" Ash panics.
The samraui regained his composure. "Oh, please forgive. This sword isn't for attacking, it was meant to test my opponent's reflexes."
"R-reflexes?! You could've cut off my nose! Stab me in the other eye why don't you?!"
"I have come to challenge you to a battle. Just like all trainers of Pallet who came before you." Samurai declares.
That surprised Ash. "Y-you faced all of them?"
"Yes and the most recent one told me of you. He said the 4th trainer was the weakest of them group." He said.
"Gary." Ash growls knowing full well who he meant.
"But I think his information was a little off. Scars like that say otherwise." Samurai ponders.
Ash looked in interest once he said that. 'Interest?' He thought, but he'll keep that thought in mind for later. "Well Samurai, if you want to see if what Gary said was right about me, then I accept your challenge."
Finally catching up with them Misty saw Samurai and Ash facing off.
"Hey put that sword down! Ash doesn't need any more scars!" Misty calls out.
Ash turned to see her. "Oh there you are Misty. You're just in time."
"Yeah I had the unfortunate pleasure of running into this guy before you." Misty said.
"Well good news that he wasn't going to attack me. Just wanted a battle." Ash said.
"So the Screaming Girl is your companion? Well prepare yourself for my Pokemon are as fierce as my blade." Samurai said switching his sword for a Pokeball.
"Works for me" Ash said bringing out his own Pokéball, ready for his first trainer battle.
They agreed on a 2-on-2 match. No swap outs, no time limit.
"Pinsir! Assume Battle Mode!" Samurai throws out brown beetle looking Pokémon with spiky horns on its head.
"Woah, a Pinsir.." Ash mutters. Those are very rare to come across; plus he'd have to be careful with those horns of its. "Naga, I Choose You!" He throws out the snake Pokémon.
"Be wary Pinsir. We can't let Ekans slip past our defense." Samurai warns.
Pinsir clicked in acknowledgement. The battle was now underway.
"Use Poison Sting!" Ash said as Naga released a stream of poisonous needles out her mouth.
"Deflect it!" Using his sharp horns Pinsir charged in using them to reply the needles.
"Now use Bind!" Pinsir moved its horns to grab onto Naga.
"Quick dive underground!" Ash said as Naga jumped up and dove into the ground.
"Cowering in hiding won't save you from us." Samurai said.
"Who said we were hiding?" Ash asks as Naga leaped out behind Pinsir and rammed into it.
"Impressive." Samurai growled. "Use Seismic Toss!" Grabbing the snake by the neck, Pinsir jumped up high and throws Naga down to the earth.
"Naga!" Ash gasps as Naga slowly shook it off.
"Fighting type moves don't hurt Poison types as much as other Pokemon." Misty smiles.
But that dosen't mean it did some damage. "Alright, time to stay on the defensive. Use Screech!" Ash said
"Ekans!!" Hissing loudly, Naga made Pinsir held its head in pain.
"That won't stop us! Use Brick Break!" With a glowing fist Pinsir attempts to punch Ekans.
"Lunge and Poison Sting!" Shooting forward Ekans avoids the punch and nails Pinsir from close range with poison needles.
"Pinsir regain your balance and use Focus Energy!" Samurai said. Pinsir stood where he was as red energy glowed within it, making his next move, sure to be a critical hit. "Now use Bug-Bite!"
Horns glowing green, Pinsir charged at Naga. "Naga, use Poison Tail and counter it!" Ash said as Naga's tail turned purple and landed a blow to the horns of Pinsir.
"Your Ekans is strong, but that attack takes its whole body! Pinsir and I still have free hands." Samurai said as Pinsir attempts to grab Naga.
"Naga Bite!" Biting down on Pinsir's arm Pinsir screams in pain allowing Naga to nail it with Poison Tail.
"Arms means nothing if you can move freely with just the right kind of mindset." Ash grins as Pinsir hits the ground hard with swirly eyes.
"Ekans," Naga curled up next to Ash with a pleased look on her face.
"Battling a trainer is much different than a wild Pokemon huh Ash?" Misty asks.
"Very." Ash nods.
"Impressive," Samurai praised, recalling his Pinsir and took out a second Pokeball. "But do not count your victory yet! Go, Metapod!"
In a burst of light, Samurai released a green cocoon Pokémon onto the field, standing on its end.
"A Metapod?" Ash said surprised.
"Great another bug." Misty cringed.
"Do not underestimate my Metapod!" Samurai warned. "Commence with the battle and you will see how mistaken you are to judge."
"Let's go Naga." Ash said as Naga hisses.
As they kicked off round 2 none of them knew about a situation going on in another part of the forest.
At a large tree filled with yellow cocoon like Pokemon, 3 shadowy figures were gazing upon it.
"Look at all those Kakuna. Just ripe for the picking." A female voice said.
"And not a moment too soon. We arrived just hours before they're supposed to hatch." A male voice said.
The female voice lightly laughed, "Unfortunately for them, it will a little to late to try and do anything."
"Well then what are we waiting for? Let's get grabbing." A small figure with a Brooklyn accent said.
Unfortunately, the man stopped him before moving. "Just a minute you. Don't you know anything about Bug Pokémon?" He whispered in a scornful tone.
"What's there to know? They're slimy, prickly and come in all shapes and sizes." The little figure said.
"And they come in swarms of all sizes." The female said pointing to a giant hive at the top of the tree. "If we act irrationally, they'll spot and alert their kind."
"So you mean there are more nearby?" The little figure asks looking around.
"Well the forest IS home to bug Pokémon, do the math." The man said sarcastically.
"Great so how are we supposed to get past them?" The woman asks.
"With precision, timing and skill." He grins.
Stepping out of the bushes, the male figure slowly tiptoed towards the tree. Moving his head, he told his colleges to follow his lead.
As the three shadows got closer they reached into their bags and pulled out what appeared to be a strange device.
"This Extendo Grabber outta do the trick by getting our prey, one at a time." The little figure said as the Extendo Grabber moved upwards towards a Kakuna to slowly grab one.
"Easy, easy, easy." The other two said annoying him.
"Do you chatterbox's mind? I'm working here," he hissed. However in his frustration the figured ended up swinging the device knocking a Kakuna off its branch.
All 3 yelped in silence as the Kankuna's eyes shifted, alerting the other Kakuna, who in response turn to the figures.
"Uh oh." They gulped in fear as a loud buzzing noise echoed from the trees.
Back with Ash and Samurai's battle...
"Naga, use Bite!" Ash yells. Naga leapt at Metapod with glowing fangs.
"Metapod, Harden!" Samurai yells as Metapod glowed bright green, making its body stuff. Once Naga sank her teeth into it, she cried out in pain.
"Naga!" Ash gasps as Naga held her mouth in pain.
"Nothing can pierce my Metapod's shell." Samurai smiles.
"Naga, return!" Ash recalled Naga back to her ball.
"You're proving to be a more entertaining challenge than you were believed to be. But unless you win this next battle my opinion shall not sway easy." Samurai declares.
Ash brings his next Pokéball out. "Ask and you shall receive. Go Talon!" He said throwing out his Spearow. Doing a loop, he lands in front of the cocoon.
"A Flying type." Samurai growls seeing his other Pokemon had the advantage too.
"Use Fury Attack!" Ash said starting the battle.
"Harden!" Gleaming bright Metapod increased its defense before taking the multiple peck attacks.
"Now String Shot!" Metapod releases a shot of silk from its mouth as Talon tried to avoid getting struck.
"Talon, use Whirlwind!" Ash said.
Flapping his wings Talon created a powerful blast of wind blowing away the String Shot.
"Now Peck!" Flying in, Talon successfully pecks the cocoon harshly.
"Metapod Tackle!" Bouncing off the ground, Metapod rebounds ramming into Talon.
The Spearow growled, getting back up. "Use Agility!" Talon flew up and disappeared before reappearing all around Metapod.
"String Shot! Slow it down!"
Ash grinned. "Grab it!" As Metapod shot at Talon, he opened his beak and grabbed onto the string tightly, lifting up Metapod in the process.
"What in the?!" Samurai gasps.
"Hop you don't mind hitching a ride!" Ash said as Spearow flew in wild directions sending Metapod flying everywhere trying to hang on.
"Metapod! Release him this instant!" Samurai yells.
"Oh we'll let you go alright! Now Talon!" Coming to a sudden stop Metapod flew past Talon causing String Shot to snap sending it falling to the ground.
When the dust cleared, we see Metapod encased in the ground with swirly eyes.
"Yes! We won!" Ash cheers as Talon landed on his shoulder. "Good job Talon you rock!"
"Spear." Talon puffed his chest in pride.
"Metapod return." Samurai said calling him back. "I admit defeat. You are truly worthy of being a trainer from Pallet."
"Thanks Samurai, you were good to." Ash said. Now he knows why he faced all of those trainers back home.
"I should have known by your scars that you would be a dangerous opponent." Samurai said.
"I'm not dangerous." Ash said. "I'm just learning how to be a good trainer, that's all."
"Looks like I'm 0 for 4 now." Samurai said.
"Word of advice less sword swinging more Pokemon training." Misty said.
"I second that." Ash agrees.
'Perhaps they may be correct.' Samurai thought to himself before suddenly a sound came ringing in his ears.
"Hey you hear something?" Misty asks.
"Oh no we need to move!" Samurai panics.
"What? What's wrong?" Ash asked.
"Beedrill!" Samurai declares as the noise got louder.
Their eyes were filled with horror as a swarm of Beedrill appear in the sky, flying right towards them.
"Ash can I scream now?" Misty gulps.
"Yes." Ash whimpers wanting to scream himself.
"THIS WAY!" They saw Samurai run in the opposite direction.
"Wait for us!!" Ash and Misty screamed as they ran after him. One of the Beedrill came flying in, about to attack them.
"Spear!" Talon turned around and attacked Beedrill with a Quick Attack mixed with Peck, sending it backwards.
"How did this happen?!" Misty asks.
"Beedrill never swarm unless startled or something happened!" Samurai said.
"We'll figure that out later! Keep running!" Ash screamed, not wanting to be mauled a second time in his life.
They took many short cuts following Samurai. Turning to a corner, they hid in a bush as the swarm that was chasing them, passed by.
The trio sighed with relief, thinking they were home free. Unfortunately, only to see what was in front if them, changed their minds.
It was a large tree, with many Kakuna all around it. Misty almost shrieked if it wasn't for Ash, quickly covering her mouth.
"We're in the heart of the forest." Samurai gasped.
"Please, please tell me you know a way out of this." Ash begs.
"Move very slowly. We cannot wake them up." Samurai whispers.
Getting up, the group slowly gotten up and began trying to sneak past them, silently hoping they won't get caught. Talon was on Ash's head, staying safe just in case.
"When I find the reason these Beedrill are like this they are gonna get it." Misty whispers.
Little did they know on the other edge of the forest one of the 3 figures sneezed.
"Ugh on top of all these bruises now I'm sneezing?" The woman said.
"Zip it, we don't need anymore problems thanks to your bubbling." The little figure growls.
"Oh I'm sorry are the one who made all those annoying bugs go crazy or me?" She hisses.
"You." The figure blames.
"Will you both shut up?" The male figure said in annoyance. "None of you are helping right now."
"Well I am not going back in there again." The woman said.
"Let's just focus on getting out of here," the man said.
Nodding the three of them headed out leaving their entire mess behind.
Back with Ash and the other's..
"Where are you taking us?" Ash asked as they were walking in another part of the forest.
"It's too dangerous to be out here in the open. I'm taking you all to my cabin." Samurai said
As they made their escape none of them noticed one Beedrill was watching with a curious look. The same one Ash had saved.
Finding a log cabin hidden in the trees, Samurai let's Ash and Misty in to rest. "Man that was close." Ash sighed.
"This forest is terrifying." Misty said dropping to sit down.
Samurai took off his helmet and armor, revealing his black colored hair. "It seems someone else was in the forest, prior to you both, and intentionally or unintentionally disturbed the hive."
"How long until they calm down?" Ash asks.
"Normally they take flight during the day," Samurai said.
"And no way can we leave when it's dark. So I guess that means we're spending the night." Misty said.
"You don't mind, do you Samurai?" Ash asks him.
Samurai shook his head. "None at all my friend. For you to give me an excellent battle, it'd be my pleasure."
Pulling out sleeping bags, Ash and Misty laid on the floor.
"I cannot catch a break can I?" Ash sighs.
"Well I wouldn't count this one as your fault. This was someone else being the idiot. We just were in the wrong place at the wrong time." Misty said.
"Well hopefully, we'll be done and gone by tomorrow." Ash said
"Don't want to stick around to train anymore?" Misty asks.
"I think after that battle me and team are good for now." Ash said.
Plus, they could train again once they arrive in Pewter City.
"Hey Misty thanks for sticking with me. I know you're not a fan of this place." Ash said.
"It's the least I can do to make sure you stay safe," Misty said. "That's sort of the reason why I wanted to go with you."
"You're a real pal Misty." Ash smiles.
After a tiresome day, everyone turned in for the night.
Early the next morning Ash and Misty woke up to see the coast was clear.
"Ready to move?" Ash asked as Misty nods.
"Be sure to have Talon on you at all times." Misty said. Nodding Ash turns to Samurai who had a large bug net.
"Just in case we run into more." He said.
"Right. Let's move." Ash said as they leave the cabin grounds and move into the forest.
As they slowly made their way to the path they look in horror to see some Kakuna were sleeping in a big tree near the trail.
'Crap..now what?' Ash gulped in his mind.
Samurai gestures to them to follow him. He points to a linear path that goes around the tree.
Slowly they tried to follow when a soft buzzing noise echoed from the narrow escape.
"Oh no." Samurai said as from the trees the Beedrill emerged. "It was a trap!"
The whole swarm surrounded them, making their exit, futile.
"No way Talon can take them on all at once," Ash gulped.
As the Beedrill were about to swarm in, one Beedrill flew in front of them stopping them midair.
"Bee! Beedrill!" It said.
"Where'd that one come from?" Misty said shocked. "Is it their leader?"
"No...it's the Princess Beedrill." Samurai gasps.
"P-Princess?" Ash gasped.
"How can you tell?" Misty asks.
"Look at how clear its wings are and how its stingers gleam. That's proof of its higher rank over the others." Samurai points.
"Wow good eye," Ash said impressed.
The Princess Beedrill buzzed angrily to her kind, saying not to harm these humans. She points to Ash, saying how the other day, he saved her life.
Hearing this the swarm paused realizing that they couldn't have been the same humans who attacked their tree.
Beedrill turned to the other Beedrill and ask that they would spare these humans.
Slowly the swarm looked at each other before flying away towards the tree to guard the Kakuna.
Buzzing softly, the princess sees she was successful. Turning to the group, she tells them it was OK now.
"This is your chance guys. You now have a clear path out of this forest." Samurai said taking his net down.
"Thank you!" Misty said relieved as she bowed to the princess.
"Bee." Beedrill said as a blush appeared on her face.
"Thank you very much, your highness." Ash bowed. "If I hadn't rescued you, I didn't knew if we'd ever get out of here."
Buzzing, Beedrill was happy to repay the debt.
Now with a clear path, Ash, Misty and Samurai walked past the entire swarm onto where the exit was located.
"Thanks for the help Samurai." Ash said.
"You're really gonna stay here?" Misty aks.
"Yes I must continue my training so that I can battle even stronger trainers." Samurai nods.
"Well maybe if I ever come back, we could have a rematch?" Ash offered.
"I would be happy to accept." Samurai smiles.
"Let's hope that one day won't be for a long time," Misty said silently.
As they were about to leave the Princess Beedrill appeared in front of them scaring Misty.
"Aaah!!" She exclaimed falling on her butt.
"What are you doing here? The hive is back there." Ash points but Beedrill just flew around him.
"W-what is she doing to Ash?" Misty asks.
As Samurai watched Beedrill's movements, it hits him. "I see, so that's it."
"What's it?" Ash asks.
"The Princess is wishing to challenge you to a battle." Samurai said.
"She is?" Ash sakd surprised.
"Beedrill are a hive. If one singles you out it's to test whether you are worthy of capturing them or not." Samurai said.
Ash looks to the Beedrill princess in question. She readies her stingers, wanting action.
"Alright Beedrill you're on." Ash said ready for the challenge.
Beedrill took to the skies, ready to face her opponent.
"You ready Talon?" Ash asks.
"Spear!" Flying off his shoulder Talon faced Beedrill.
Glowing brightly, Beedrill made copies of herself with Double Team. Then all of them flew towards Talon.
"Use Quick Attack!" Ash said.
Flying in at an incredible speed Talon dodges all the copies before flying through one making it disappear.
"Bee!" Cringing, Beedrill punches Talon in the face with one of its stingers.
"Look out for the Twineedle attack!" Samurai warns.
"Talon, Ariel maneuvers!" Ash said. Talon glared flew down, avoiding another strike again and again. He flew down with Beedrill flying after him, shooting Poison Sting out her main stinger.
Flying up, Talon manages to avoid being pelted and blew a gust of wind at Beedrill, striking her.
"Now Peck!" With a glowing beak Talon dives in and nails Beedrill in the chest.
Beedrill hits the ground, but wasn't out yet.
"Spear!" Diving down for another attack Talon closed in.
Countering Beedrill used Fury Attack matching Talon move for move as the quick strikes mimicked a DBZ fight.
"She's formidable." Samurai said.
"So are we. Talon switch to Leer!" Ash said as Talon flew back and glared at Beedrill lowering its defense.
"Now use Steel Wing!" Talon quickly flew in with glowing wings, and tackled Beedrill.
"A very powerful combination." Samurai said remembering when Ash used that against him.
"Bee!!" Beedrill fired Poison Sting once more, this time striking Talon as he cried out in pain.
Groaning in pain, a purple line appeared on Talon's face.
"He's poisoned," Misty gasped.
"Ash you need to end this battle fast or your Spearow is gonna lose." Samurai informs.
"I know," Ash said trying to focus. He needed to end this as quick as possible. Beedrill was coming in to use Twinneedle.
"Talon block it with Steel Wing!" Turning his wings to metal, Talon blocks the attack just before impact.
"Talon block it with Steel Wing!" Turning his wings to metal, Talon blocks the attack just before impact.
Both Pokémon, try to gain the upper hand. Seeing she was right in front of her, Talon tried pecking her in the face with his beak.
Cringing in pain Beedrill pushed back and flew up into the air.
"Now Quick Attack!" Using this opening Talon shot up and rammed into Beedrill at max speed.
"Bee!!" Beedrill cried out as she was falling to the ground.
"Dive and Fury Attack!" Diving down Talon nails Beedrill just before she hit the ground making her collapse to the ground with swirly eyes.
"Pokéball, Go!" Throwing a ball from his belt, it turned the Beedrill into energy and sucked it inside.
The ball wiggled a couple of times before clicking
"You were worthy of catching that Beedrill after all." Samurai smiles.
"Well this is gonna take some getting used to." Misty cringed now that Ash had his own Bug type.
"A former princess who's a spirited free fighter." Ash smiled looking at the ball of his new caught Pokémon. He had just given her a new life outside of the forest..life.."Hey that's a great name!"
"What is?" Misty asks.
"A name for my new Beedrill. I'll call her, Videl." Ash said.
"A very strong name. It suits her." Samurai nods in approval.
Ash already has a full team. Well almost since 1 is supposed to be for his mother.
Looking up at the forest he sees some Beedrill looking at them.
"I promise I'll take care of her." Ash vows as he and Misty turned to leave.
As they did, the Beedrill all turned, leaving to go back to their hive.
It wasn't long before they finally reached the end of the forest.
"This path will lead you straight to Pewter City." Samurai said about to see them off.
"Thanks for the help Samurai." Misty said. "And sorry we couldn't find the one's responsible for the mess with the Beedrill."
"I'll be sure to keep my eyes open for any suspicious characters from now one." Samurai said.
"So will we." Ash nods. "Good lucking facing other Pallet Town trainers."
"And I wish you luck in getting your first Gym Badge." Samurai nods.
After finally leaving the Viridian forest thanks to the help of Misty and Samurai Ash is slowly becoming the Pokémon trainer he always wished to be. Only time will tell if he's good enough to become a master.
To Be Continued...
Party Data:
Ash: Spearow (Talon), Magikarp (Mystic), Meowth (Bastet), Ekans (Naga), Pidgeotto (for mom) and Beedrill (Videl)
Misty: Soon to be revealed
I hope you all enjoyed the 2nd chapter and I appreciate all of the feedback from the first chapter except from you xalmasyz.
You're basically telling me, "This is bad, write this instead!"
I'm giving you a big fat no.
Look this was not an easy decision but I stand by it. If you don't like it don't read and if you think you can do better why don't you take your story idea and do it yourself. Then I'll crap all over that and see how you like it.
Don't even bother trying to respond, since you don't have the PM feature open for me to talk to you, so consider yourself blocked anyway.
But enough negativity. I'll see you all in the next chapter.
