After saving the Pokémon Center from its recent Team Rocket attack, Ash and Pikachu were now joined by Misty, who was offered to tag along with them as they entered Viridian Forest.
As he looked around, Ash saw multiple plants and Pokémon roaming around.
"Oh man I bet we can catch a ton of Pokémon in this forest, Pikachu." Ash said in awe.
"Cha," Pikachu agreed, looking totally excited.
While the two of them were so excited, it was short lived as a glass shattering scream echoed from behind them. The two cringed and quickly covered their ears. "Ugh! What gives?!" Ash turned his head around to see his temporary companion backed up against a tree with a scared facial expression. "What is it? What's wrong?"
"O-Over there! There's a big ugly bug and its about to get us!" Misty points in fear.
Jumping back alarmed, Ash was expecting a big strong Pokémon but all he saw was a small green worm-like Pokemon.
"Uh where is it? Did you scare it off?" Ash asks.
"Are you blind or something? You're literally looking at it!" Misty screamed, pointing. "Keep it away!"
"Pikachu," he said in confusion.
"Wait, you mean you were scared of the Caterpie?" Ash asked, scratching his head in confusion.
"Yes! Now make that disgusting thing go away!" she said, causing the Caterpie to tear up.
"Oh great, it heard you and now you've hurt its feelings." Ash scolds.
"I don't care, get rid of it!" Misty said, turning away from it.
Ash glared at her before shaking his head and then turned to Caterpie, kneeling down. "It's okay, little guy," he said. "I don't think you're disgusting."
Caterpie looked up at Ash, who was smiling down at him. "I think you're a really cool and cute Pokémon," he said.
Smiling, a small blush appeared on Caterpie's face. Ash held his arm out and allowed Caterpie to climb up his shoulder. "See? This little guy is totally harmless." Ash holds Caterpie out to Misty.
However, that just terrified Misty even more. "Keep that thing away from me!" Misty wailed out, waving her hands in front of her. "Bugs are by far one of the 3 most disgusting things in the world!"she cried.
"Well, what are the other disgusting things?" Ash asks.
"Carrots, bell peppers, and bugs! Everybody has something they don't like, and I don't like bugs!" Misty said, listing her 3 worst things in the world.
"Well I like carrots, peppers, and bugs. The only thing I don't like right now is your attitude." Ash said.
"Pika." Pikachu agrees, not liking her behavior either.
"Look, I've had this fear of bugs for years, and I do not need to deal with it now, so do whatever you want with it, and leave me out of it!" Misty said with a huff.
"Do whatever I want, huh?" Ash repeated her last words and an idea came to mind as the little worm looked at him with curiosity. "Say Caterpie, how'd you like to come along with me?" He offered, making Misty flinch.
Caterpie looked surprised by the offer, saying 'Really?'
"Wha?" Misty paused, not liking this.
"Hey, you said and I quote, 'Do whatever you want with it, but leave me out.' End quote. I want to catch some more Pokémon while we're in the forest, and Caterpie and I seem to be hitting it off just fine. So what do you say, Caterpie?" Ash explained his reasoning as he petted the worm on his shoulder.
Smiling, Caterpie nuzzles Ash, giving him his answer.
"That sounds like a yes to me." Ash said, taking out a Poké Ball. He tapped the sphere onto Caterpie's head, sending it into the capsule and closing it tightly. The ball wiggled a couple of times before automatically locking.
Ash smiled at the ball, happy to capture his 2nd Pokémon."Well that's that, problem solved."
"How is that solving a problem? Now that problem is stuck with us." Misty whimpers.
"Look Misty, I don't really know what your problem is with bugs, could you at least keep it to yourself?" Ash asked, not wanting to hear her complaining. "At least until we're out of the forest?"
"Easier said than done. This forest is full of bugs." Misty gestures.
"How were you planning to get through this if you hadn't met me?" Ash asks, curiously.
She said, "I would have used my bike to speed my way through these crazy woods."
"Without a helmet?" Ash asked, already seeing some of the major problems with that statement. "What if you hit someone or a Pokémon?"
"That's a risk I was willing to take." Misty said.
That just made Ash and Pikachu give her disapproving looks as they shook their heads. "You've got serious issues.."
"Can we please just keep moving?" Misty suggests.
"Fine, but sooner or later we need to figure out a way for you to handle this." Ash said.
And so the next couple of minutes of walking through the forest were filled with silence. Ash was in front with Pikachu beside him, while Misty was close behind, being wary of her surroundings.
As they reached a small opening in the path, Ash noticed a figure carrying a large butterfly net searching nearby. "Hmm..there's gotta be one around here somewhere?" It was a young boy wearing a hat in a t-shirt, going through some bushes.
"Hey you looking for something?" Ash calls out getting his attention.
"Oh, newcomers?" The boy turned to face them. "Sorry, don't mind me. I'm trying to look for some Caterpie."
"Caterpie? I just caught myself one." Ash said, surprising him.
"Really?! Where'd you find it?" The Bug Catcher asked, eagerly.
"It dropped down from a tree about 20 minutes that way. But I already caught it." Ash said.
"Aw man," the boy groans. "Lucky. And I was close to finishing my collection for the day."
"You collect bugs?" Ash asked.
"Oh yeah I've got one of almost every bug in this forest." He said proudly.
Misty cringed hearing that, "Well we don't wanna see them." She quickly said.
"Yeah she has a thing about bugs. If you hurry up you might be able to find another one." Ash said.
"Not so fast. If you were good enough to catch a bug in this forest then I want to see how good you are." Reaching into his net he pulls out a Pokeball. "With a battle!"
"A battle?" Ash said, surprised at first before smiling. He was just challenged to his first official trainer battle. How could he not accept it? "Alright, challenge accepted!" He said with a grin.
"When two trainers meet they must battle." Misty smirks knowing that rule.
"Misty, can you be our ref?" Ash asks.
"Sure, I never did the referee part before, but I guess I could give it a shot." Misty nods.
"2 Pokémon each sound good?" The bug catcher suggests.
"Works for me." Ash said, agreeing to the terms.
"The name's Anthony, by the way." The boy said, greeting himself.
"Well Anthony, I'm Ash. And I hope you're ready to lose." Ash said, turning his hat around to show he was serious.
"Not a chance," Anthony said as the two stood apart from each other, ready to get started.
"Alright Pikachu, I choose you!" Ash said as Pikachu ran out to battle.
"Kakuna let's go!" Anthony said, calling out a yellow cocoon like Pokémon.
"What's that?" Ash quickly pulled his PokéDex out.
"Kakuna, the Cocoon Pokémon. Kakuna remains virtually immobile, although when threatened, it can stick out its stinger and poison its enemies."
"He really is catching all the bugs in this forest." Ash said, surprised and impressed.
"You ready?" Anthony asked.
"Let's do this." Ash said as they looked at Misty, giving her the message.
"Begin!" Misty declares.
"Pikachu, use Quick Attack!" Ash said as Pikachu made the first move charging in quickly.
"Kakuna Harden!" Anthony said as Kakuna glowed, increasing its defense and taking the attack.
Pikachu rammed into Kakuna, but bounced off, sending him backwards. "Use Thunder Shock!" Pikachu growled, shaking off the attack and fired a blast of electricity from his body.
"Kuna!" Kakuna cringed in pain.
"Hang tough Kakuna! Use Poison Sting!" From its stinger Kakuna fired a barrage of poison needles.
"Dodge those stingers and charge in!" Pikachu charged in, avoiding the needles in the process.
"Stop it with a String Shot!" Anthony said. Kakuna spits out a thread of silk from its mouth, wrapping Pikachu around with it.
"Cha!" Pikachu squeals, falling to the ground after losing his balance.
"Now Kakuna, use Poison Sting!" With Pikachu unable to escape, Kakuna fired the needles pelting Pikachu.
"Pikachu!" Ash exclaimed, seeing the mouse cry out in pain.
"Pika." Since the needles ripped holes in the String Shot Pikachu bit down to free himself.
"Had enough, yet?" Anthony taunts.
"Not a chance. Pikachu and I are far from finished." Ash said as Pikachu broke free.
"Kakuna, use Poison Sting again!"
"Dodge with Quick Attack!" Jumping over them, Pikachu charges in and rams into Kakuna.
"Use Harden, again!" Kakuna glowed once more, boosting its defense.
"Now switch to Thunder Shock!" Stopping his first attack Pikachu lands in front of Kakuna and zaps it from super close range. Even with a higher defense that move still hurts.
"Hang tough, Kakuna!" Anthony said.
"Keep going, Pikachu! Use Slam!" Ash said Wrapping his tail around Kakuna, Pikachu swings Kakuna up before slamming it to the ground.
"Kaku!" Kakuna cried out before falling over with swirly eyes.
"Kakuna is unable to battle! Pikachu wins!" Misty declares.
"Yeah! We won our first battle, Pikachu!" Ash cheers.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu jumped for joy.
Returning Kakuna back to its ball, Anothy looks at it. "You did well. Get some rest." He said before looking at Ash. "Clever trick Ash you really had me fooled with that one."
"Even the toughest of Pokémon with a big defense can't stay unbeatable forever." Ash nods. "That's why I had to go in and end it fast."
"Good strategy, too bad it won't work on this Pokemon. Let's go Paras!" Throwing a ball into the air, Anthony calls out an orange cicada Pokemon with mushrooms growing out of it.
Ash brought his PokéDex out once again.
"Paras, the Mushroom Pokémon. Paras drains nutrients from tree roots at the command of the mushrooms. The mushrooms are also popular among collectors and have medicinal uses, usually involving extending lifespans."
"That thing sounds like a walking pharmacy," Ash said, impressed.
"It's not just a live-saver I'll have you know," Anthony says. "It's also a life-sucker! Use Absorb!" Paras holds out its arms and fires two red beams that strike Pikachu.
"Pika!" Pikachu exclaimed in pain, feeling his energy being forcibly extracted from him by the energy beam and into Paras's mushroom.
"Pikachu, use Quick Attack to get out of there!" Ash said as Pikachu escaped the attack and ran up a tree branch to dodge.
"Try to shoot Pikachu out of the tree!" Anthony said as Paras fired Absorb into the trees up above, making Pikachu leap off of the branch he was hanging on and onto another.
"Pikachu, Thunder Shock!" Firing a jolt of electricity Pikachu zapped Paras but all it did was cringe slightly.
"Not good enough Ash." Anthony smirks.
"What?" Ash asked in confusion. That had to have done some kind of serious damage, but no, Paras was standing strong.
"The best thing about bug types is they can be so many other things as well. And since Paras is part grass-type your electric attacks only do half as much damage." Anthony said.
"Wow, for a guy that collects bugs all day, he's got you concerned pretty good," Misty commented on the sidelines.
"I'm not cornered yet. If long range won't work I'll just get in close! Divebomb Quick Attack!" Ash said as Pikachu jumps off the tree branch and dives down ramming into Paras headfirst.
"Slash!" Paras countered by raising its claw, scratching Pikachu hard across the face.
"Cha!" Flying backwards Pikachu landed in Ash's arms.
"Pikachu." Ash said as the mouse Pokemon groans softly.
"Pikachu is unable to battle, Paras wins!" Misty declares.
"Excellent work, Paras." Anthony grinned as the mushroom crab cried its name out, with lifted eyes. "Pika Pikachu." Pikachu apologizes.
"Hey don't worry about it. They just surprised us." Ash said, walking over to Misty. "Mind letting him lay down nearby?"
"Sure." Misty said, taking him.
Once he placed Pikachu down, Ash walked back to his spot and pulled out his second Poké Ball. "Alright, Caterpie! I Choose You!" He threw out his recently captured worm Pokémon.
"Ooh, so you really did catch one?" Anthony grins.
"This is going to be your first battle, Caterpie. Are you ready?" Ash asked. Caterpie looked at his opponent, staring at him intensely, making him feel a little nervous. "Hey, don't be nervous. I know you'll do just fine, buddy," Ash said, trying to coach him by easing his nerves. "Just do your best for me, okay?" he asked, petting Caterpie's head.
Hearing his words of encouragement, Caterpie shook off his doubt and turned his head toward Paras with a leveling glare.
"A clash of bug types. Now you're speaking my language Ash." Anthony said as Paras glares back.
"Caterpie, Tackle!" Caterpie rushes towards Paras, aiming to strike it down.
"Paras, Slash!" Anthony's Paras charged in as well, raising its claw, ready to bring it down like it did with Pikachu.
"String Shot now!" Firing String Shot at a tree branch Caterpie swings out of the way dodging Slash and rams into Paras from the side.
"Follow it up with Bug Bite!" Ash ordered as Caterpie latched itself onto Paras's back and with its mouth glowing green, chomped down onto one of its mushrooms with them, making Paras exclaim in pain.
"Clever use of String Shot." Anthony said.
"Not only can it slow you down, but it can also make your own Pokemon move faster." Ash said.
"Not if your Pokémon can barely move, use Stun Spore!" Anthony yelled. From its mushroom's Paras released a yellow powder into the air that when it hit Caterpie the little bug cringed in pain feeling the effects of it. Now Caterpie was paralyzed!
"Caterpie!" Ash gasps.
"Now Paras Slash one more time!" Swinging its claws, Paras slashes Caterpie while it was unable to move.
Caterpie fell to his side in pain. "Caterpie, don't give up! Try to move!" Cringing, Caterpie slowly got up despite the effect of Stun Spore.
"Even if you can move your speed has gone down quite a bit. Paras Slash!"
"Caterpie, String Shot quick!" Ash yells.
Firing the silly thread, Caterpie ties up Paras' back legs making it fall to the ground. "If that's the case, then we'll just outrank you in speed then!" Ash said.
"Oh yeah? Paras, get that silk off of you!" Anthony said.
"Caterpie, Bug Bite!" While Paras was trying to cut itself free Caterpie charged in and attacked Paras.
"Slash attack!" Paras scratched Caterpie off of his face.
"String Shot!" While flying off, Caterpie reeled its head upwards and spat out another thread of silk into the face Paras.
"Paras!" Paras screams unable to see and its claws couldn't reach.
"Now Tackle, one more time!" Ash said. Caterpie charged through the pain and clashed into Paras, sending it flying into the nearby tree. Smacking into it, Paras falls to the ground groaning with swirly eyes.
"Paras is unable to battle! Caterpie wins!" Misty declares.
"Yes! We won!" Ash exclaimed out loud, with his fists pumped high.
"PiPikachu!" Pikachu shouts, cheering alongside his trainer.
Cheering, Caterpie couldn't believe it. He had won the battle.
"Paras return." Anthony said, calling him back. "Well Ash, you've made me more inspired than ever to catch a Caterpie now that I've seen yours in action."
"You're welcome, and thanks for the battle. You were great," Ash said.
"Hey uh Anthony, I don't suppose you know the best way out of this forest?" Misty asks.
"Just keeping down that path. You should be out by tomorrow, but I would recommend resting your Pokemon. It could be dangerous to travel through the forest with tired Pokemon." Anthony warns.
"Duly noted." Ash nodded.
"Well, see you guys, and good luck." Anthony turned his way around and headed into the woods, with Ash and Misty waving him goodbye.
Taking Anthony's advice, the two of them set up camp in a small clearing as the sun was setting.
"You think Anthony will find that Caterpie he was looking for?" Misty asks.
"It's a big forest, who knows what you'll run into." Ash said as he started to make the firewood.
"Well hopefully by tomorrow we'll be close to getting out of here." Misty said, unrolling her sleeping bag.
"Hey Misty, just out of curiosity what do you plan on doing when we get out of this forest?" Ash asks.
"Huh?" Misty turned to him, surprised by the out of nowhere question.
"I'm just asking if you were originally traveling before you and I met?" Ash explains.
"Yeah, I was traveling. When you found me I was fishing hoping I could catch a Water Pokemon or two." Misty said.
Ash stopped rubbing the sticks together once he heard this. "You like to collect Water Pokémon?"
"Of course, Water Pokémon are my all-time favorites. Someday I plan to be the best Water Pokémon Expert in the world." Misty declares.
"Wow, that's some dream." Ash said, impressed.
"Thanks. I've got a decent team so far, but I need to find more." Misty said.
"Well I wish you luck and hope you do find some amazing Water types." Ash said.
"Thanks, but what about you?" Misty asked. "Why are you traveling?"
"Because I want to be the world's greatest Pokémon Trainer ever, a Pokémon Master." Ash declared with a proud smile plastered on his face.
"Wow and I thought my dream was big." Misty said equally impressed.
"But in order to get closer to that goal, I have to enter the Pokémon League," Ash said as he finally managed to ignite a fire by rubbing the sticks together. "Yes! I've got the fire going!"
"Perfect timing too; I'm starting to get hungry," Misty said.
"Sure. Hey, Pikachu, could you go into my bag and grab some of those ramen packs for us?" Ash asked the mouse.
"Pika." Rummaging through his bag, Pikachu takes out two packets of ramen for them to eat.
"Which flavor are you in the mood for?" Ash asked Misty.
"Do you have any chicken flavor?" Misty asks.
Pikachu went back into the bag once more, pulling out the flavor pack. "Here you go." Ash said, handing it to her. As Misty opened up the ramen packet, Ash grabbed some pots and some water from his bag.
Boiling the water over the fire, he poured the water into some bowls and the two of them sat down to eat while the Pokemon chowed down on Pokemon food.
"So you said you want to be a Pokémon Master. Just what is that?" Misty asked, going back to their earlier conversation.
"I'm not really sure. Right now it involves me becoming as strong as I can and to do that I need to travel the region and catch as many Pokémon as I can. And the best way to do that is to compete in Gym Battles." Ash said.
"Well, it's not going to be easy," Misty warned. "Gym Leaders aren't like your average run-of-the-mill trainers like that guy Anthony earlier. They're stronger and have many tricks up their sleeves."
"Well then we'll just have to step it up, right guys?" Ash asks, looking at his team.
"Pikachu!"
"Spear!"
"Cater!" All of Ash's Pokémon each cried.
"That's what I like to hear. And tomorrow when we're all rested up we'll make sure we're ready for whatever this forest can throw at us." Ash said. Each of his Pokémon nodded with determination as they continued eating.
"Well Ash, you're definitely motivated. I'll give you that." Misty said.
"Thanks, my mom and dad always said I'm really that optimistic," Ash laughs.
"Here's to hoping we can accomplish our crazy big dreams someday," Misty said, raising her water canteen.
"Here, here." Ash raises his to clink with hers as they both take a swig.
After eating, the two of them got into their sleeping bags to rest up after a long day.
It didn't take long for everyone to fall asleep... Well, almost everyone. A lonely Caterpie was still up, looking up at the starry night and the moon.
"Pika Pika?" Turning around, Caterpie saw Pikachu coming to join him. Caterpie chirped to him, saying he couldn't sleep and was waiting for something. "Chu?" Pikachu was curious for what exactly.
"Caterpie!" Caterpie exclaimed, seeing something moving in the air. Pikachu looked upwards and they both saw a flock of purple butterfly Pokémon with big red eyes and silver wings soaring across the starry sky, releasing sparkly dust to fall to the ground.
"Pika!" Pikachu exclaimed in awe.
"Pie." Looking at them in awe, Caterpie said hopeful to be up in the sky someday.
"Chuchu." Pikachu pats its back, saying he knows he could be there one day. Smiling Caterpie leaned against his new friend, hoping that day would be soon.
-Next Morning-
"Pikachu, use Slam!" Ash's voice yelled out. We saw Pikachu raise his tail to grab onto a nearby rock, and then throw it down to the ground, causing the rock to break.
Nearby, Spearow was flying through the trees doing a series of aerial tricks and maneuvers. Caterpie was inching itself all around a tree to increase its speed.
"That's it Caterpie! Now Spearow, use Peck!" Flying in, Spearow dove towards Caterpie forcing it to dodge.
"String Shot, and Spearow, dodge to avoid them!"
As Caterpie fired the silky thread, Spearow leaned to the side dodging the attack.
With a cry, Spearow moved in to tackle Caterpie, but the worm quickly spun around the tree branch to avoid the swoop.
"Spearow, get creative. Don't just fly straight in." Ash suggests.
Shaking his head, Spearow made a U-turn back towards Caterpie. Caterpie fired some more silk from its mouth. Doing an aerial 360, Spearow dodged the attack and rammed into Caterpie as it dropped down, knocking it out of the tree.
"Nice one Spearow. You okay there Caterpie?" Ash asks.
Popping his head out of the grass, Caterpie shook off the damage and nodded saying he was still good to go.
"Okay let's try this again but with Pikachu." Ash said.
As Spearow landed on a branch to rest he looked out at his team. He had never trained so hard when he was part of the flock. He was clearly still adjusting. While Spearow was resting, he happened to notice a worm on the ground.
Feeling his stomach growling, Spearow's eyes sharpened, as he wanted an early breakfast. Just as he swooped down to grab it, another speedy shadow swooped down a second before him and grabbed the worm.
"Spear?" Turning around Spearow saw a medium-sized bird Pokémon with brown and cream colored feathers, a crest of pinkish-red feathers on its head and back, and plumage of its tail with alternating red and yellow feathers with ragged tips landing on the tree above him.
As the bird ate the worm it had a smile on its face. "Geo."
A tick mark appeared on the side of Spearow's face, as it screeched angrily at the other bird for stealing its food, but the larger Pokemon just waved him off nonchalantly saying 'Finders keepers, shorty'.
Enraged, Spearow snapped, wanting to give it a piece of his mind but the other bird wasn't interested.
Looking around for something else the bird's eyes locked onto a familiar green worm Pokémon.
"Pidgeoo!" It screeched, everyone's attention. The bird then flew right towards Caterpie.
"Cha?!" Before anyone could react the bird swooped in and grabbed Caterpie with its claws.
"Caterpie!" Ash gasps.
"Pikachu!!" Pikachu angrily yelled as it began to spark up to electrocute the bird.
"Pikachu, no!" Ash stopped him. "You'll hurt Caterpie!"
"Ash, if you don't do something to stop it your Caterpie is gonna be breakfast!" Misty gestured.
"I know that!" Ash said with anger as he turned to Spearow. "Spearow, you gotta save Caterpie!"
Spreading his wings, Spearow took off into the air after the worm thief. As Caterpie struggled to break free from the bird's grasp, he noticed Spearow approaching. "Cater!" he cried, getting the bird's attention as it turned to see Spearow coming. Turning to face him, the Pokémon began flapping its wings, stirring up a strong whirlwind to push Spearow back.
Using the aerial training from earlier, Spearow flew to the side using the wind to give him a boost.
"Spearow, Pursuit attack!" Ash yelled out.
As darkness surrounded Spearow he flew in and struck the bird making it cringe in pain and let go of Caterpie.
"Cata!!" Caterpie screamed as it fell towards the ground, crying for help.
"Spear!" Gasping, Spearow dives down after him.
"Spearow needs to fly quicker!" Misty gasps but Ash runs out.
"Misty help me catch Caterpie!" Ash said.
"Wait, what?!" Misty exclaimed at what he just said.
"You said it yourself, Spearow might not catch him in time so we need to be there just in case!" Ash said.
"Whoa. Whoa. Listen Ash I--"
"For crying out loud Misty just suck it up for 1 minute so my Pokemon doesn't become a pancake on the road or you can find your own way out of this forest!" Ash interrupts.
Misty flinched at Ash's tone of voice along with the threat he'd just gave her. She didn't like bugs at all, but she most certainly didn't want to end up all alone in the forest, or in this case let a Pokémon die.
As Caterpie plummeted to the ground, Spearow tried to catch him but he was falling too fast.
"Come on Pikachu! Be ready!" Ash panics.
"Pika Pika!" Pikachu said, taking Ash's hat off his head and holding it like a net to catch Caterpie.
"Staryu, Water Gun!" Taking out a Poké Ball, Misty threw it and her water type appeared.
Firing a stream of water straight up at Caterpie it slowed down his fall allowing Spearow to fly in and grab him.
"He got him!" Ash said relieved as did Pikachu, who slumped onto his head with a sigh and smiled. "Misty, you saved Caterpie!"
"Spearow saved him. I just gave him some more time." Misty said.
"But still, thank you." Ash said. "Maybe you aren't so bad after all."
Hearing this Misty couldn't help but smile. "Thanks Ash." Misty said before noticing the bird turning around. "Uh, I think it's coming back for seconds!"
The bird was homing back to earth to try and get its meal back, but Spearow blocked its path. "Spearow!" He squawked.
"What the heck is that thing?" Ash asks, taking out his PokéDex.
"Pidgeotto, the Bird Pokemon and the evolved form of Pidgey. Very protective of its sprawling territorial area, this Pokémon will fiercely peck at any intruder."
"I think we've gotten a first glance at how fierce it really is." Misty comments looking up to the birds squabbling.
"Well too bad. You're not getting Caterpie again!" Ash said determinedly.
"Spearow.." Spearow glared as it got into a stance, ready to battle the Pidgeotto. Making the first move, Pidgeotto's wings glowed as it flew in.
"Look out for the Wing Attack!" Misty gasps.
"Spearow, use Aerial Ace!" Ash said as Spearow was surrounded by a white outline as he flew towards Pidgeotto, colliding in the middle before ending up on opposite sides.
"Now use Peck Attack!" Diving in Spearow's beak gleaned.
Flapping her wings, Pidgeotto released Whirlwind, sending Spearow flying back.
"Pidgeotto!" Pidgeotto flew in with Quick Attack, knocking into Spearow with a massive tackle.
"Spearow, Fury Attack!" Before Pidgeotto could pull back, Spearow jabs her in the gut before dealing multiple strikes. Pidgeotto began to fall down, but at the last second, pulled back up, not yet out of the fight.
'We need to find a way around those wind attacks.' Ash thought.
Pidgeotto's wings glowed and with one huge flap, released blades of air as they struck Spearow, dead center.
"Spearow, hang in there! Remember your training!" Ash reminded.
Hearing this, Spearow pulls up before he could hit the ground.
"Now Mirror Move!" Spearow replays Pidgeotto's Air Slash move in his mind before he glowed and copied the attack, sending his own blades of air towards Pidgeotto
Using Wing Attack, Pidgeotto deflects the attack but leaves itself open. "Now Spearow! Pursuit!" Surrounded by darkness, Spearow rams into Pidgeotto dead center.
"Smart move teaching Spearow Mirror Move, Ash," Misty comments.
"Oh yeah. Nothing can throw someone off like using their own attack against them." Ash grins.
Shaking off the attack, Pidgeotto glared and smacked Spearow with Wing-Attack. Reeling back from the blow, Spearow growled and moved in with Aerial Ace. Using Quick Attack, Pidgeotto tries to counter and the two flying types flew around the clearing ramming into each other again and again.
"Man, they're evenly matched," Misty watched in awe.
"Not for long," Ash said, preparing to end this fight. "Spearow, use Aerial Ace while using Peck at the same time!" With a gleaming beak, Spearow flies in and thanks to the extra damage nails Pidgeotto making it scream in pain.
They watched Pidgeotto fall towards the ground, making Ash move in and throw a Pokéball at Pidgeotto, trapping the bird inside. The ball wiggled a couple of times before clicking.
"Spear." Spearow smiles proudly feeling like a real winner.
"Good work Spearow. You saved Caterpie and won the battle. You really shined back there." Ash said.
Caterpie nuzzled its head against Spearow, chirped with lifted eyes, thanking it, making Spearow look embarrassed, but nodding.
"Spearow isn't the only one you should be thanking Caterpie. Misty helped too." Ash gestured.
Caterpie looked at Misty and his facial expressions changed from happy to timid, remembering how she called him disgusting yesterday.
"Go on, say thank you." Ash gestured.
Crawling up right in front of Misty, there was an awkward stare off between the two of them.
"Pie." Caterpie slowly nods his head in thanks.
"Y-you're welcome." Misty replied. "And..um I'm sorry I said all of those things about you yesterday, Caterpie."
"Pie." Caterpie nods his head accepting her apology.
"Is this good enough for you, Ash?" Misty asked.
"Well normally I would like it if you at least patted him on the head but can you at least promise to be a little nicer to him at least. I'm not saying you have to like bugs but at least learn to tolerate the ones on my team?" Ash requests.
"As much as some freak me out..I guess I could try," Misty admits.
"Thank you." Ash smiles happily for some progress.
"So what are you gonna do about that Pidgeotto?" Misty points out.
"I'm gonna need to give this one a lecture about not trying to eat its new teammates," Ash said.
"Spearow," Spearow flew up to Ash, saying he'll help Ash if needed to.
"Thanks for the offer, little guy." Ash smiled as he pets his chin.
Opening the Poké Ball, Pidgeotto looked around before noticing Caterpie. Flinching Caterpie scrambled behind Misty for safety.
"I-it's OK, Caterpie," Misty said, trying to calm its nerves.
"Take it easy, Pidgeotto. You must be starving for a meal if you think you can eat another Pokemon but you won't be eating any of mine." Ash scolds.
The avian backed down from his stare and now had a look of regret as it apologized, "Pidgeo.."
Peeking his head out, Caterpie was happy to know he wasn't going to be eaten.
"You and Spearow had one heck of a battle. I could use someone like you on my team." Ash said. That made Pidgeotto look up with surprise saying, 'Really'? "And don't worry I make sure my Pokemon have food to eat. Assuming you say yes of course."
Pidgeotto looked to Spearow and remembers their battle earlier, "Pidgeo?" She asked.
Surprised at first, Spearow grins with a nod. "What did she say?" Misty asked.
"I guess Pidgeotto wanted to know if she and Spearow would have a rematch if she agreed to it." Ash guessed.
"Sounds like Pidgeotto likes to battle just as much as you." Misty said.
Which just happens to be Ash's kind of Pokémon to be around. "Yes she does. And I'm happy to have that on my team." Ash said confirming Pidgeotto as his 4th Pokemon.
However this sweet moment was ruined when a small black ball dropped down near them.
"Huh? What is--" Before Misty could finish the ball exploded making a cloud of smoke.
"Well, well. Look what we've found." A familiar female voice said.
"The very same twerps that embarrassed us back in Viridian City." Along with a familiar male voice said through the smoke.
"Wait, a minute isn't that..?" began Ash before they heard a familiar motto.
"To protect the world from devastation!"
"To unite all peoples within our nation!"
"To denounce the evils of truth and love!"
"To extend our reach to the stars above!"
"Jessie!"
"James!"
"Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light!"
"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"
"Me-owth, that's right!"
"You three again?!" Ash glares.
"What are you doing here? I thought we were done with you!" Misty asks.
"Yuh can't keep someone like us down dat easily!" Meowth said.
"After what you did to us you twerps are gonna pay!" James snaps.
"With your Pokemon!" Jessie declares.
"We'd like to see you try!" Ash said as Misty stood by his side.
"We'd be glad to kick your sorry butts again!" She declared.
"Don't think so. Last time we underestimated you. This time we're going to take every single one of your Pokémon." Jessie declares.
"Oh really? All of us against you?" Ash asked as Pikachu, Spearow, Caterpie, and Pidgeotto all stood at the ready.
"Don't act all high and mighty twerp. We've been watching you since this morning. You've been making those Pokemon of yours run around and battle all morning. Add in that last battle, they don't have any fight left in them." James smirks.
"Yeah, wit' no Pokémon tuh battle wit', yuh might as well give up and save us de trouble," Meowth grinned.
"I get it, you sat around all day waiting for them to tire themselves out because you know you can't win fair and square." Misty mocks.
"That's not true, it's called strategic thinking!" Jessie yelled.
"No, it's called taking the cowardly way out of things," Ash scoffs.
"Shut up! We're gonna win and then we're gonna take all your Pokémon!" James snaps. He and Jessie threw out their Koffing and Ekans.
"Like I said earlier, we'd like to see you try!" Ash said. "Go, everyone!" He said as all of his Pokémon charged.
"Koffing, Sludge now!" James said as Koffing spit sludge hitting Spearow in the face.
"Ekans, Poison Sting!" Ekans fired poisonous darts from its mouth, pelting Pidgeotto. Cringing, both of Ash's flying types were indeed still tired from their battle.
"Looks like we got two bird brains in the bag already. Or should we say cages." Meowth grins.
"Pikachu, Thunder Shock!" Ash yelled. Pikachu leapt up and fired electric blasts at Ekans and Koffing, knocking them away from the birds.
"Ash, return Spearow and Pidgeotto to their Poké Balls balls. They need to rest." Misty suggests.
"Right." It was no use having them out, only to get destroyed so quickly. Ash quickly grabbed both of their Poké Balls and returned Spearow and Pidgeotto. "Don't worry guys, leave this to Pikachu and Caterpie."
"What is that thing next to Pikachu?" James sweat drops.
"It's a bug. A measly little bug." Meowth said.
All 3 Team Rocket began laughing and mocking both Ash and Caterpie. "Let's get the bug spray!" Jessie cried.
"How could someone possibly win with a little shrimp like that?!" James said,holding gut.
Sick of everyone mocking his choice of Pokemon, Ash was gonna shut them up once and for all.
"Like this! Caterpie String Shot!" Ash snaps.
Firing the silky thread Caterpie ties up Koffing. "Now throw him into Ekans!" He ordered.
Pulling with all his might, Caterpie flung the tied up Koffing into Ekans like a wrecking ball.
"Huh?" Team Rocket stopped laughing once they saw their Pokémon knocked away to their side. "Beaten by a bug?"
"Still think my Pokemon are weak? Pikachu, Thunder Shock!" Ash said as Pikachu zapped both Poison types making them scream in pain.
"H-hey yuh two, get it togethuh!" Meowth yelled, only to see his teammates were knocked unconscious, making him sweatdrop and groan. "I guess it's up tuh me tuh fix tings, like usual." he said before glaring at his opponents with his claws extended. "Alrightcha two, let's see yuh tangle wit' Me-owth, now!"
Seconds later, Caterpie ties him up with String Shot and Pikachu zaps him turning Meowth into a charred Cat Mummy.
Team Rocket had lost once again. "Some Pokémon you are!" Jessie snarls, as they return their Pokémon, picks up Meowth, and runs off.
"You may have won this time, but we'll be back!" shouted James from afar.
"Way to go guys. Excellent teamwork." Ash smiles proudly at them.
"PiPikachu." Pikachu smiled, patting Caterpie's back.
"Pie." Caterpie blushes embarrassed by this.
"Now you really proved me wrong for a second time," Misty said to Caterpie. "You really are a good Pokémon."
"Misty, did you just compliment a bug?" Ash smirks amused.
"Don't get cocky. I'm just glad he got rid of Team Rocket." Misty said, looking away.
"Well, I'm sure you wouldn't have any problem petting Caterpie now that he's good in your books?" Ash said, holding him out to her.
Pausing Misty wasn't sure. As much as she didn't want to, she did kinda owe Caterpie one.
"Uh..." Slowly reaching out Misty patted Caterpie twice on the head. "Good job."
Caterpie's eyes lifted, smiling happily that he and Misty were now friends. He suddenly freezes up and his whole body was engulfed in light.
"What in the?" Misty gasps.
"No way...is Caterpie?" Ash gasped as Caterpie's body grew in size and turned into a green cocoon-like Pokemon.
"Metapod."
Ash pulled his PokéDex out.
"Metapod, the Cocoon Pokémon. The evolved form of Caterpie. Metapod generally remains motionless, rebuilding its cells for evolution. Amongst all of the discovered Pokémon so far, this species has the fastest rate of evolution."
"Caterpie-I mean Metapod. Amazing. All those battles and training gave you the power to evolve." Ash smiles, picking up Metapod.
"Metapod." The cocoon said in a monotone-like voice.
"The PokéDex said you evolve at a pretty fast rate. I wonder what that means you'll become next?" Ash asks curiously.
Pikachu giggled to himself, knew the answer to that, but wanted to keep it a surprise for Ash.
"So, now that they're out of the way. Wanna keep going? Still got a lot of forest to cover?" Misty asks.
"Yeah, I think we've done enough battles for right now." Ash agrees. Having collected their Pokémon, Ash and Misty continued trekking deeper into the woods.
A lot of crazy events happened in their first couple of days of traveling companions, but Ash and Misty learned to agree and disagree in the end. It was still gonna be awhile until the two were going to reach the exit of the Viridian Forest, but something told them things were going to get even more hectic the minute they stayed in there.
I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. Sorry it took so long, it needed a revision.
Now couple of things I need to address before I take my leave.
Me and my original Beta Reader have decided to go our separate ways, so I REALLY could use a new Beta Reader if anyone out there is interested. If you are, please contact me. With the first 3 chapters done, I really hope it wouldn't be much trouble.
Also once again to Zeaka TEP, we are not going to stop writing anytime soon. OK?
I unbanned because I was going to talk it out with you to give you a chance, but the second I did, you just went back to what you did originally so forget it. I'm not acknowledging you anymore and don't care what you say.
I am not going anywhere anytime soon, buddy. I will keep writing until I decide to retire.
With that out of the way, see you guys next time.