Greetings, everyone. Mgunnels3 here, and welcome back to Ash's Kanto Journey My Version. Let's get this chapter started, shall we?
Chapter 4: Viridian Forest and the Samurai's Challenge
"Human Speech"
"Pokemon Speech"
We joined our two heroes as they ventured into the Viridian Forest. Ash was looking around for any new Pokemon to join the team, and Misty was showing nervousness, looking around as well.
"You, okay, Misty, you seem nervous?" Ash asked Misty as Misty jumped upon hearing this. "Is there something that I need to know?"
"The truth is I'm not great when it comes to bug types, not all of them, mostly the ones like Beedril, as I've had a bad experience growing up," Misty said to Ash, who sighed and nodded.
"Part of being a trainer would mean catching a bug type at some point, Misty, and what if one does want to join my team or yours as well? What are you going to do about it?" Ash asked Misty, who sighed as Ash had a point.
"If one does want to join the team, I won't say no as it's not fair, and I should figured that would be the case," Misty said as she noticed something was watching the group. "Huh? We know that you are watching us come on out," Misty said to whoever was out there as a Caterpie came out and was interested in Misty. "Ah, aren't you a cutie!" Misty said to the young Bug Pokemon, who had smiley eyes.
"Thank you. Given what I heard, I hope I am what you like. I do want a trainer of my own one day," the Caterpie told Misty it was a female one. Misty noticed and nodded as she petted the Caterpie's head and nuzzled her hand as her tail wagged. Ash chuckled, seeing this.
"I'll be happy to have you join the team, given that I do like your evolutionary line and find your final stage is cute," Misty said as Caterpie coed upon this. Misty pulled out a Pokeball and caught it, and sighed. "If only captures would be that easy," Misty said to Ash and Flare, who chuckled at this.
"Not all captures are going to be that easy, Misty, and given that Caterpie is known to be the easiest to capture, I guess she wanted to prove that she was an easy Pokemon," Ash said to Misty, who nodded and let out the Caterpie who was on her shoulder.
Both of them were walking through the Forest; looking around, Ash knew they had just started their Journey, but it felt much longer than what he had heard from Nurse Joy. "At some point, we will have to set up camp. Why don't we let out our Pokemon so they don't have to be in their balls constantly, Misty?" Ash suggested to Misty, who nodded.
"Good idea, Ash. It's been a while since I let out Squirtle and Buizel since we started the Journey, and I did agree to let both have some time to themselves in between battles," Misty said to Ash, who nodded. "That and we might have to take some breaks anyway, as I don't know what else is out there, and this forest is known for many bug Pokemon other than Caterpie," Misty said.
"That and maybe to have food as well; we Pokemon do need to eat at some point, you two," Flare said to Ash and Misty, who nodded as they knew they weren't the only ones important in the group.
Ash and Misty were setting up camp, which they were about what they thought was the halfway mark of the Forest as it was mid-afternoon anyway, so they could set up and rest for the rest of the day until morning. Ash and Misty let their Pokemon out of their Pokeballs. WellWell, Ash let out Spearow, and Misty let out Squirtle, Tempest, and Buizel from their balls.
"Alright, everyone, we're taking a break, and we'll try to get food ready, so you all can eat, as we are going to be here in the forest for a while," Ash said to the Pokemon, who nodded as some were either resting or helping as Buizel was curious about Ash and who he was as Squirtle and Flare were getting to know each other.
"So, Misty, who's the boy? I've been on the team for only a week, and I see we have someone traveling with us?" Buizel asked Misty, not knowing she could understand Buizel, which Misty noticed.
"Ash is traveling with us; he owns the Charmander and Spearow over there and is someone we helped on day one of our Journey. You can ask Squirtle or Flare about it?" Misty told Buizel, who turned its head, wondering what had happened during that first day since Misty started.
"By the way, Buizel, they can understand us, so you don't have to be a bit harsh on asking them about stuff," Flare said to Buizel, who was surprised by this and turned to Misty, wondering if what she heard was true as Misty pointed to a device on her ear to prove that it's true as Buizel smiled nodded in understanding.
Misty knew she would ask Buizel what she wanted in return for giving her a chance as a trainer later on, maybe after everyone settled and ate. Ash tried to finish the food, though he struggled to make dinner. Thankfully, Pokemon food was already premade for them as Ash and Misty ate it. Surprisingly, Ash did a decent job on the dinner, but it was edible enough to eat.
"I must say, Ash, you did a lot better than I could do for cooking, as I rarely cooked food other than maybe sandwiches; it must be something you learned from your mom?" Misty asked Ash, who sighed.
"I appreciate that compliment. Misty and I tried to do what we could, but unless we plan on eating out constantly, we will have to make do with what we can food-wise; we have enough until we reach Pewter City. That's if we don't get lost, that is?" Ash said to Misty, who nodded. "Speaking of Pewter City, I take you to know the gym leader there? I mean, it sounds like you know a few, given your family's history as a gym leader; uh, no offense, Misty?" Ash asked Misty, who nodded.
"I know a few gym leaders here in Kanto and a friend in Johto. She's in a similar situation regarding sisters, but I can give a few things about Brock," Misty told Ash. "He just inherited the gym from his father, who went on his own to become a trainer but ultimately failed to make a difference and never returned; the worst part is that Flint, Brock's father, left behind a wife and seven kids including Brock," Misty said to Ash who felt terrible for Brock as did most of the Pokemon who heard this.
"That's rough. It seems a lot of trainers, even gym leaders who are like you and me, Misty who is held up by what others expect of them, but I guess that Brock had no choice given that his family means a lot to him," Ash said to Misty, who sighed.
"He wanted to go on his own from the last time I talked to him before I came to Pallet Town to start my Journey. He wants to be a breeder but can't cause he leaves his mother and siblings alone. While he looks tough, he's a nice guy who wants to give his challengers a good battle minus being a rock-type specialist," Misty said to Ash, who looked at Flare and Spearow. "I know what you are thinking, Ash, and I think that you should be able to do well depending on your team's moves, but you need to have faith, and if need be, I can allow you to use some of mine if you want?"
"Is that even legal?" Ash asked Misty, who nodded.
"As long as the one asked to agree to it, they can use their traveling companions' Pokemon if they return them to their trainers. It is not against the rules, but you might want to get more Pokemon as soon as the rules will make it harder for you, Ash?" Misty explained to Ash, who was curious about what she meant. "You'll see when I start my gym battle when we get there, but let's just say you're going to need a few additional Pokemon, that's all," Misty said to Ash.
"Well, then, tomorrow we can find more Pokemon and train up a bit," Ash said to Misty, who nodded in agreement, making the Pokemon happy. "Well, we better hit the hay soon enough; tomorrow, we got more to explore and find as we still have a few days left in this forest," Ash said to Misty as the others were already getting tired anyway.
Ash and Misty slept in a different spot of the tent that Ash made as his mother did help pack something that would help him out on his Journey for this type of thing as the night continued to fall.
"I wonder what type of Pokemon I should capture. Yes, while Flare knows Dig and a few non-fire type moves, we need to figure out a strategy and some battle style just in case," Ash thought while he was still awake as he couldn't sleep. Ash was about to sleep, only to notice someone watching him outside the tent. It didn't look like a Pokemon he'd seen recently and looked more canine. Ash was about to get up, only for it to go away. Ash walked out of the tent entrance, only to see their Pokemon sleeping. Ash sighed.
"You noticed it as well, Ash," Flare said to Ash, who was up and nodded. "I had a feeling that someone has been following us; since we helped the Spearow/Pidgey Flock, it seems someone is interested in you?" Flare said to Ash, who nodded.
"Keep an eye out the next time we feel like someone is following us cause it might be someone who might want to join the team. We should head to bed and try to figure it out later," Ash suggested, his starter, who nodded as Ash went back to sleep. This time, he managed to sleep.
The next day comes, and as Ash and Misty are getting things put down with the camp and all that, Misty notices something is up with Ash. "You okay, Ash? You seem distant?" Misty asked Ash, who nodded.
"Not distrait, more like aware someone was spying on me last night," Ash said to Misty, who was surprised by this.
"You sure, Ash? Cause I didn't notice anything or felt some pressure during our sleep last night?" Misty asked Ash, who sighed.
"It looked canine-like and something that I haven't seen in the wild at all, and according to Flare, it's been following us since we started our Journey before the whole thing with the flocks," Ash said to Misty, who nodded. "Well, we should get going, and we can try to find out who is following us later or during so," Ash said as everyone nodded.
Ash and Misty returned their Pokemon to their balls except Flare, of course, per Ash's agreement with her. As both take off, Ash looks up the moveset for Spearow, and Misty notices. "Why didn't you ask him when you were together yesterday?" Misty asked Ash, who shrugged.
"I guess I should've asked, and I noticed that he knows Steel Wing, which will come in handy for Brock, but we do need more captures," Ash said as he noticed that someone was standing in the two's ways near the Forest, a man who looks like a Samurai or a shogun.
"Tell me which one of you two are from Pallet Town," the boy said as Ash nodded. "Well, then, I challenge you to a battle, and what about you, missy?" he said to Misty, who shook her head.
"Now, just because I'm not from there doesn't mean that I shouldn't be a part of this type of battle, and I have more experience than Ash here," Misty said, feeling singled out cause Ash is from Pallet Town.
"Oh, don't worry, young lady. I'll challenge both of you as I can see what you two novices are capable of," the boy said as Misty was about to say something, only for Ash to stop her. "My name is Samurai, and I have been challenging trainers who come by here from Pallet Town lately for years, and right now, I found another one in the past few days," Samurai said
"Not worth it, Misty, and I accept your challenge, so how many Pokemon," Ash said to Samurai.
"Two Pokemon for both of you, so you ready to fight, or are you going to hide behind your male friend here, Misty," Samurai said as he was interested in battling Misty first, given her outburst earlier towards him.
"Fine by me," Misty said as she got into position for a trainer battle. Ash was watching this battle alongside Flare, who was watching how this trainer battles and finds flaws.
"Scizor, come on out," Samurai sent out his first Pokemon, which Misty looked up and saw was an evolution of the Pokemon Scyther.
"Since you are using a Pokemon from outside this region, I shall too; Buizel, come on out," Misty sent out her Pokemon, who was ready to fight this battle as Samurai was impressed. "Alright, Aqua Jet, let's Buizel," Misty commanded her Pokemon.
"Aerial Ace and Metal Claw, let go, Scizor," Samurai commanded his Pokemon as the two Pokemon clashed. Even though Scizor had more experience, Buizel kept up blow for blow in terms of speed from those attacks.
"Now Water Pulse Buizel," Misty commanded her, who blasted the Steel/Bug type mid-air before it could strike Buizel, sending it to the ground. Buizel growled at the Mantis Pokemon, and Scizor growled back.
"Not bad, lady, you are showing why you have more experience between the two of you. Are you sure that you are different from other trainers I've faced in the past," Samurai said to Misty, who smirked. "Now Swift and Hyper Beam," Samurai commanded his Pokemon, who fired the two attacks at Buizel.
"Ice Beam and Water Pulse now, Buizel," Misty commanded her, who fired the two attacks. It hit both Pokemon, sending them back and knocking them out. Everyone was surprised that both of them were out already as they returned their Pokemon to their Pokeballs.
"Well, I'll forfeit the battle, Misty, given that you are more capable of a battler than I am, and there's more to you than meets the eye. For your friend here," Samurai said to Misty, who glared at him.
"Look, you are going to quit the battle just cause you don't feel like battling Misty like that," Ash said as Flare stopped Ash, showing that it was not worth the hassle. Ash sighed as Misty walked over to Ash. As he was about to start his battle, someone was also watching Ash from afar, but there was a different Pokemon from last night who was watching the fight earlier as Ash was ready to fight.
"Pinsir, come on out," Samurai sent out his first of two Pokemon. Ash felt upset that he was up against a Pokemon that wasn't from the other regions, but sighed and pulled out his Pokeball.
"I'll save my starter for the last Spearow. Come on out," Ash sent out his first Pokemon, who was ready to fight and was aware of how Pinsir was. "Ready whenever you are, Samurai," Ash said to Samurai, who was somewhat unimpressed that Ash has a regular Pokemon but let it be.
"Time to show why you are the novice and I'm the best. Use Rock Tomb, Pinsir," Samurai commanded his Pokemon, who tossed the rocks at Spearow.
"Double team and then Steel Wing," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who charged at the Pokemon, who was hit hard and sent back.
"Counter now," Samurai commanded his Pokemon, who slammed its pincers into Spearow hard, only for him to survive, which Samurai was impressed with now. "Humph, I guess you aren't as weak as I thought you would be, just your trainer, now Gillitine," Samurai commanded his Pokemon, who charged in at Spearow pincers, ready to end this.
"Ash, now," Flare said to Ash, who nodded and waited for it to get closer.
"Aerial Ace now before it strikes," Ash commanded as the attack slammed into the Pokemon hard, sending it to the ground and knocking it out as Spearow puffed his chest out.
"Don't call my trainer weak 'cause you will get it," Spearow said to Samurai, who returned his Pokemon, unhappy that a mere Spearow beat it.
"Ugh, you got lucky, but that won't get to my next Pokemon. Ariados, come on out," Samurai sent out his next Pokemon, which Ash got his wish that he would be up against a Pokemon like that, though Misty was almost about to hide because of the looks of the Pokemon.
"Spearow, you going to be okay fighting this Pokemon?" Ash asked Spearow, who shook his head as he was still tired from the previous battle. Ash nodded, returned him to his ball, and turned to Flare. "You ready, girl?" Ash asked his starter, who nodded and ran out to the battlefield. "Now, Dragons Dance," Ash commanded her, who used the move.
"Sludge Bomb now, Ariados, and then use Psychic," Samurai commanded his Pokemon, who used its two moves towards Flare.
"Dig to dodge it," Ash commanded her, who jumped into the ground, barely dodging the two attacks. "Now, Dragon Claw," Ash commanded her, who jumped out of the ground underneath the Spider Pokemon and slammed her claw right into Ariados hard.
"Spider Web, stop her before she can get back in the ground," Samurai commanded his Pokemon, who used its attack.
"End this with Flame Burst now, Charmander," Ash commanded Flare, who blasted a fire attack at Ariados. Although that wasn't Flame Burst, it was Flamethrower. Ash was surprised that it was that now, instead of the move she initially knew, Flare noticed as well, as it hit Ariados hard. "Now, Dragon Claw," Ash commanded Flare, who slammed her claw right into Ariados, knocking it out.
Ash celebrated as Flare puffed her chest. Ash chuckled at this as Samurai sighed, knowing when he was beaten and returning his Pokemon to its ball. "Alright, you beat me fair and square; while you aren't a novice, you are still in the beginner stages of a trainer, a young man. That much I will give you," Samurai said to Ash as he sighed and nodded. "Also, someone has been watching this battle since the beginning right over there," Samurai pointed to the tree. Ash nodded and walked over to where Samurai pointed.
Ash arrived to see a Beedril. He watched the entire thing and was interested in Ash more than Misty. "Woah, a Beedril, I'm surprised you aren't going away or wanting to attack me?" Ash said to the Bee Pokemon, who shook its head.
"No, I have been interested in you since I saw your interaction with that boy there, and you showed me that you are worth my time; I have no intent of causing harm to you any way I want a trainer of my own," Beedril said to Ash who nodded.
"I can understand you, so no worries and anything you want before I catch you in return for you joining my team," Ash asked the Bee Pokemon. Surprised by hearing that Ash could understand him, he nodded.
"Good battles, friends, and just let me do what I want. I may be known for being dangerous, but I'm actually nice and would rather be friends than cause harm, and I know a lot of the forest areas, so that you can get my help with other things. As for what I meant by letting me do what I want, I'm more laid back and love to relax, but you will only see it outside of battle, and I like to play pranks as well, so no worries, it's harmless," Beedril said to Ash.
"You have a name, or you go by Beedril, or you want a nickname if you want one, that is?" Ash said to the Pokemon, who nodded.
"Yeah, it's Venom. I never understood why my parents called me that. I guess it's the cause of my pranks, but I'm fine with being called that name," Venom said to Ash, who nodded as he pulled out a Pokeball.
"Welcome to the team, and if I'm not up to your standards, let me know, and I will let you go, no questions asked," Ash said to Venom, who nodded as Ash tapped him, and he was caught instantly.
Ash, Misty, and Samurai were on the road area outside the Forest. "If you follow this path, you'll arrive at Pewter City within two days from now; I wish you two the best of luck on your journey," Samurai said to Ash and Misty.
"What about you? What will you do now, as there won't be more trainers from Pallet Town?" Ash said to Samurai, who shrugged and pulled out a case with badges.
"I do plan on going to the league at some point, but it won't be for another year as the league is going on right now, and as you can see, I have almost all of them on me, just waiting on Viridian City to re-open its gym," Samurai said to Ash and Misty who nodded. "Hopefully, by that point, you'll be past the point of beginner and be in a better position as a trainer, maybe close to Misty here. Then again, I wouldn't put it past a gym leader, let alone someone related to Red," Samurai said to Ash and Misty, who were surprised by hearing this.
"How?" Ash and Misty said to Samurai, who shook his head.
"I heard stories that a gym leader and a relative of the Katchem family were coming this way, and the way you two were battling showed that. Don't worry; I won't pry nor question it, but I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors and your Journey," Samurai said, holding out two hands for both Ash and Misty, who accepted it and shook it.
Ash and Misty waved goodbyes and headed toward Pewter City, their first stop on their Journey as Pokemon trainers. Ash still had what he saw the night before on his mind and wondered who wanted to follow him since the day he started his Journey.
Little did the two know it, but two figures were watching Ash and Misty but were invisible and in the air as they saw how good Ash and Misty were in battle, but nice enough to care about their Pokemon.
With a few new friends on Ash and Misty's team and beating the Samurai, Ash and Misty's spirits are now high. What else is in store for our heroes as Pewter City awaits our heroes?
Stay tuned.
Done and done, man. This chapter was difficult to write but mainly cause of how things were going to be added in the chapter. You noticed that I changed things for both Ash and Misty. Well, that's part of the story's idea, as for the mysterious figures. One will be shown soon enough; the other two are part of my poll here and will be shown soon but will be used much later in the story, for fairness' sake. I'm still taking requests and will be closed until further notice. Please note that I don't care if they are helpful in battle, as long as it's from Kanto-Sinnoh. That's all, and I want to discuss it with you all. Please review as well. We'll head back to Unova for their next chapter and back here with the first gym battle. Wondering if it will be Misty's battle or both battles, depending on the chapter's length. See you next time.