The Very Best

by God of Sun

What if Ash never overslept? With his brand new Pokémon partner, Squirtle, he is going to go on a journey to become the next Champion of the Kanto Region! However, his journey is not going to be even remotely easy. Ash will have to deal with powerful enemies, new friendships, and to learn how to become someone that is worthy of being called a Pokémon Master!

4. The Samurai Who Joined

Hi, this is chapter four of my first-ever Fan Fiction! Before continuing this journey, I must first answer the question that 'True Master' brought up regarding the starters. I will say that Ash will still encounter the other starters in this journey, but I will leave the idea of him catching them in mystery.

So here comes chapter four of 'The Very Best,' and I hope you like what I did at the end of this one!

Disclaimer: I do not, have not, or ever will own Pokémon. All rights go to their respective owners. I recommend watching/playing Pokémon in general.

The Very Best:

Chapter 4:

The Samurai Who Joined

Opening (If you want): Departure (From HunterxHunter, cover by Studio Yuraki) or Pokémon Theme song (by John Siegler and John Loeffler)

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This is one of the few times Misty did not know what to say.

The wind kept blowing across them as the breeze was serene. Misty was thinking so hard about this choice that she was now making. She only knew this kid for a mere day at best; he was still trying to perfect the whole Pokémon Trainer thing; he came from Pallet Town, and he wanted to become a Pokémon Champion. She had seen this exact same cardboard cutout multiple times. There was this other kid from Pallet; Misty thinks his name was Gary, who really showed off all the negative qualities of these guys. They were arrogant, selfish, and highly unbearable to be around truly. They didn't become Pokémon Trainers because of something noble or to do the right thing. They also felt like the victories along their journey were guaranteed because of who they would become, not because they earned it. Misty was sick of these people saying they would be great and doing bad things to achieve that greatness. And, when she saw Ash yesterday, she thought he would be the next model in the line.

But this boy was different.

This boy somehow managed to avoid every mistake that these people made. He still made mistakes, but it seemed to be from overconfidence rather than stupidity. Misty realized how harsh she was kind of being; this kid did beat Team Rocket members on his first day out. He had used his time well and knew that being Champion wasn't something anyone could earn, and he admitted that he was not perfect. He was someone who just wanted to do the right thing, like how he was the first one to stand up against Team Rocket. Not herself.

The boy's determination was something that she wished she had with her. It seemed rather endless and was not even trying to contain itself. Misty could feel something in Ash that actually brought her joy. Something that was flawed at its core but was willing to change and become something that could help everyone. In comparison, Misty's goal sounded rather selfish as compared to how Ash presented his. She wanted her goal to be as impactful and beautiful as Ash's just was. How did he manage to do it?

Misty knew that Ash would need help along this adventure. He would need someone there, physically, to help him with his struggles and the challenges that would knock him down. Being a Pokémon Trainer was one thing but being the Champion of a region was its own creature. Being a Pokémon Trainer was not easy as it came with risk and failure, which made it more rewarding when someone can move past the pain. Misty had been doing it well, as her sisters taught her, and now this kid needed someone to be there. No matter what the outcome was.

A role that... Misty would be happy to fill.

Ash didn't demand or manipulate her to join like a lot of the other ones did. Gary was the notable exception, as he didn't want to deal with her. He asked, knowing she had the right to say 'no,' He would be okay with that since he respected how other people felt and thought. She and Ash's hands clashed as Misty was surprised at his soft touch, giving a firm handshake. A handshake that had redefined the two's journey.

"If being a Pokémon Champion is what you want," Misty began as they looked at each other. "Then I will help you see your goal to the end!"

Ash and Squirtle smiled at Misty, their new friend. "And I will help you with your dream as well, Misty. Let us both become Champion material!"

"Squirtle!"

Misty suddenly brought Ash's hand closer and made the boy come to her. Both Ash and Squirtle were taken aback by this. "If you let me be the leader of our group, then I'll consider not leaving when we reach Cer-Celadon. Yeah, Celadon."

"WHAAT?!" Ash yelled out and started to complain childishly. "But I want to be the leader!" Misty just gave a small chuckle at how Ash was. Even with his powerful words and inspiration, he was still a ten-year-old.

"I'm just joking." Ash sent a frown at how Misty just was, feeling like this was going to be commonplace with her by his side. "You can be in charge."

"Well, since we will be equal, let's not make one of us better. We'll have no leaders in our group." Misty was pleasantly surprised at this as she kept listening. "Like that, no one will be above or below another. If we ever have to make a decision or agree on something, we'll leave it to a vote."

"I've never seen a leaderless group before." Even though her sisters were all grouped most times, there was apparent favoritism for Daisy over Violet and Lily. "I'll have to see how that works." The two smiled at her.

A bush nearby dragged their attention away.

"Caterpie?" The Pokémon asked in confusion.

From the plant came a Caterpie. Caterpie was a worm-like Pokémon that was mainly green with a tan underside. Just below his head were four tiny legs that were used for movement. On top of his head was a red, y-shaped antenna.

"Aww! You're cute." Ash complimented as he kneeled and waved to the Caterpie, who seemed rather happy about the kindness. Squirtle and Ash looked at each other, not noticing how Misty was starting to become. "We can bring a Pokémon from Viridian Forest on our journey. Do your stuff, Squirt."

"Squirtle!" The Water-type and Bug-type got into attack position, knowing what was happening. Misty was... unhappy about this.

"AAAAAAHHHHHHH!" All at once, Misty released an ear-piercing scream and climbed to a high branch on a faraway tree. Everyone immediately got distracted as some wild Pokémon ran away from there. Ash and the two Pokémon saw where Misty was now. She was holding onto the branch as if it were her last form of actual safety. "Kill it with fire!" She screamed out to Ash.

"What the?" Ash and Squirtle were so confused by the usually brash Misty now being the one who feels fear. Caterpie took this opportunity to run away. "It was just a Caterpie!"

"I wouldn't care, even if it was a Cutiefly! Bug Pokémon freak me out!" Misty noticed that Caterpie had disappeared and sounded excited with her following sentence. "Yes! Caterpie's is gone."

Ash gasped when he and Squirtle quickly turned, seeing that Caterpie really was gone. "Oh no! I was planning on capturing him." Ash sighed as he hit himself for this. He knew that Butterfree was not a fantastic Pokémon for battling, but he would've loved to have had a Pokémon for friendship.

"Squir." The Water-type was ready to comfort Ash, as he was also looking forward to a potential Butterfree. Ash smiled down at his Pokémon before turning his head to provide a stern frown at Misty. Misty had just come down when she saw the coast was clear.

"Would've been nice to tell me you feared bugs before you went into a forest full of Bug-types. I like bugs, so I have no problem being here." Ash's last part was said proudly, with no shame whatsoever.

Misty put her hands on her hips. "I don't want to be here, but this is the only way to Celadon City." Misty was proud that she didn't say the other city this time. "And, since we know what happened to my bikey, I have to follow your path. I wouldn't survive a night here."

Ash sighed as she knew that Misty was right about this. Especially the night part based on her reaction to Caterpie. "Can you at least explain why you hate bugs? Since we are kind of stuck together until Celadon City."

Misty looked somewhat scared as she began to explain. "I mean, look at them. Their weird, multiple feet. How they crawl everywhere. How big they become. Their face!" Misty let out a horrible gag as she controlled herself not to throw up at the thought. Ash and Squirtle looked uncomfortable as they glanced at one another. The details that Misty mentioned was taking a negative effect on her.

"Uh. Sorry, I asked." Ash apologized as Misty was able to return herself too normal. "If you aren't going to help me catch a Bug-type, then can you at least help Squirtle and Pidgey with something?"

"Does it have to do with bugs?"

Ash thought for a second. "Of course it does! I was hoping you could help me train Pidgey and Squirtle in the forest. I need to prepare myself for Brock in Pewter City."

Misty wasn't so scared anymore, hearing a sensible idea from the kid. "If that's all, then you got the right girl for the job. What is your goal after our training?"

"Squirtle!" Squirtle told her. He wanted to learn Water Gun, seeing how he had to use his surroundings just to beat Koffing when he could've known the move to make that fight more bearable. Although he wouldn't mind it, If the combat were fun, it was allowed to be extended to him.

"I was thinking until Squirtle learned Water Gun, which should be at level 13 if Dexter is telling me right. And for Pidgey, only levels 9-10. I hope I am not too hard on them since they seemed to agree with this idea."

Misty seemed rather fine with these standards. "If your Pokémon willingly agree with the idea, then I see no reason you shouldn't. I should warn you; we might not reach those levels in just a single day with how low the levels of the Pokémon here are."

"That works." Ash knew that it would take about to week from Viridian Forest to Pewter City. They didn't have to do it here for that length of time, but Ash wanted to raise his Pokémon in a place known to the entirety of Kanto. Ash took out Pidgey's Pokeball and tossed it. "Come out, Pidgey!"

Pidgey came out and looked around at the exciting setting, noticing all the details she couldn't see beforehand. Squirtle came up to her and talked in Pokémon language. "Squirtle. Squir squir ir quir irtle Squirtle."

Pidgey took all this as she and Squirtle looked to Ash, nodding their heads in agreement about this. "Pidgey!"

Misty was actually excited about the prospect of training a Squirtle and Pidgey, the former being a Pokémon she had always wanted. "I am your lovely teacher, Misty! And here is my lovely assist, Starmie!" She brought out a Pokeball and revealed a Pokémon she had not shown any of them.

Starmie was a purple, starfish-like Pokémon with a red core environed by a golden formation. It appears to have more than five appendages. It looked just like Staryu, its pre-evolution, with an extra Staryu on its back. "Star!" The Water-type saw the Squirtle and Pidgey, wondering if Misty brought them out to clear out the Pokémon. Ash and his Pokémon were amazed at how pretty Starmie was, taking out Dexter for this.

"Starmie, the mysterious Pokémon. Dex Number: 140. Pokémon typing: Water, Psychic. Starmie swims through water by spinning its star-shaped body as if it were a propeller on a ship. The core at the center of this Pokémon's body glows in seven colors. Starmie bears no gender, and this specific one is currently level 23. This Pokémon has the following moves: Water Gun, Swift, Psybeam, Confuse Ray."

"Level 23?" Ash asked in shock, Misty slowly nodding as she went down to hug her Starmie. The two Pokémon were surprised as Ash went past the surprise. "I can't even lie; that's impressive."

"Starmie was my first ever Pokémon. My sis-mother. My mother caught it for me when it was only level 4." She remembered getting her first Pokémon, training it up, and how it chose to evolve for her by finding a Water Stone. Although she got it from Lily, not her mother. "Alright, Starmie. We got these two Pokémon that want to get in shape and become stronger. Think me, and you can handle them?"

Ash just looked confused at Misty. The girl was definitely hiding something, something related to a sister, if the first three words were any indication. Squirtle also felt this too as Pidgey began to listen to Starmie, Squirtle also listening as well. "Starm. Star star mie armi armie Starmie." It then pointed to somewhere that caused everyone to look.

They saw two small and larval caterpillar-like Pokémon. The top part of their long body is bright scarlet red, while their segmented underbelly is cream-colored. They had ten stubby white legs. They have many spines all over their body, including a long red spine atop the head, a yellow spike on their forehead, and two yellow spines from the rear.

"They look familiar." Ash took out Dexter.

"Wurmple, the worm Pokémon. Dex Number: 287. Pokémon typing: Bug. It lives amidst tall grass and in forests. When attacked, it resists by pointing its venomous spikes at the foe. This specific Wurmple is a female and is currently at level 5. This Pokémon has the following moves: Tackle, String Shot, Poison Sting."

"I knew they looked familiar. Didn't expect to see Hoenn Pokémon this early in my adventure." Ash thought as he put away Dexter.

"Looks like Starmie wants you two to bring down those b-bugs," Misty told them as she began to fast-walk out of there. She hid behind a tree as she talked loud enough for Ash to hear. "You and Starmie take care of them. I'll be here, behind my lovely tree."

"You mean the lovely tree with the Spinarak?"

"AHHHH!" Misty got away from the tree so quickly that she accidentally tripped over herself. Everyone else bursted laughing as the girl tried to ensure every centimeter of her body was bug-free. The girl immediately glared at them and was getting all fussy. She should have known better since Spinaraks only appear at night. Everyone's laughter died down as the girl got up grumpily.

"HA, HA! Very funny!" Misty growled. She decided not to hide behind another tree and stay out. Marill and the other Pokémon could protect her if another Bug-type actually came by. "Shouldn't you have some Wurmples to take care of? The lesson that me and Starmie made?"

"Squirtle and Pidgey will get to it," Ash promised with a side smirk to Misty before looking down at his Pokémon. "Now you know how to escape from a tree. You should thank Misty for that lesson." Squirtle and Pdigey just ended up chuckling again as Starmie seemed very happy.

"Star star star." It laughed, making Misty feel slightly betrayed by her first Pokémon. The Starmie quickly calmed itself and guided them to the Wurmples again. "Starmie! Starm mie armie!"

"You two ready?" They nodded as Ash pointed to the two Wurmples. "Squirtle, Tackle the one on the left! Pidgey, same, but on the right!"

The pair went to the separate targets and attacked them hard. The Wurmples were pushed back as they saw who was now fighting against them. The one fighting Squirtle coated her antenna in poison for Poison Sting, just as the other female shot a long white string from her mouth at Pidgey. Pidgey saw this and expertly flew around the String Shot.

She used another Tackle as Wurmple was too distracted with her string. The second tackle was also Pidgey needed to bring down her opponent and see how she fainted on the ground. Pidgey turned to see Squirtle being able to dodge the Poison Sting and give a Tackle when Wurmple left her face wide open. The bug Pokémon had been quickly defeated, Squirtle and Pidgey were proud of this small victory.

"You did good," Ash kindly told them. Starmie was not as lenient.

"Starmie! Armie mie star! Starm arm!" Starmie was very honest with their words as Squirtle and Pidgey looked down at hearing how many flaws Starmie managed to point out.

"Don't be that harsh. It's only been a day." Ash went down to their level as he took a potion out of his bag. "Any of you need to be healed up. It's okay if you want to." Despite the tempting offer, Squirtle and Pidgey knew that these were in short supply out here. If they needed to use a potion, it would only be moments before they fainted. "If you get hurt badly, don't be shy."

"You guys need to keep on going." Misty reminded them as she walked up. "Starmie can help teach Squirtle Water Gun before level 13, as they know how the move works."

"Squirtle!" The Water-type wanted to take this offer as soon as he could. He needed another attacking besides Tackle.

"Looks like someone agrees with that." She went down and whispered something to Starmie. "Try not to dry out the newbie, okay?"

"Starmie! Starmie!" Everyone gave the two Water-type space as Squirtle watched what Starmie would do. Starmie used one of its appendages to shoot out a forceful jet of water at the tree. The water wasn't too strong, though Squirtle and Pidgey knew it could still do some damage. "Starm arm mie star starmi!" Squirtle nodded.

Squirtle copied what Starmie did and brought his head to open his mouth in a certain way. He gathered all his energy to his face. Instead of a jet of water coming out, a tiny spout of water came out that didn't go far and would only make the opponent wet. Squirtle kicked himself for not getting this on the first try. "You'll get it, Squirt. Just keep paying attention to how Starmie is doing it." Squirtle was glad that his trainer was ready to be supportive.

"Starmie, Starmie!" Starmie quickly got Squirtle paying attention again as he made him try and perform the action again.

Three whole hours went by before Ash knew to call it quits with the training for today. Squirtle had made his way to level 11 as Pidgey got herself up to level 10. Starmie was pleasantly surprised at how fast the Pokémon were able to grow in mere hours, happy to see that these two weren't going to waste their time. Pidgey got Gust and helped out her training against the wild Pokémon, also being told to fly and dodge the attacks that Starmie would send her while she was in the air.

Squirtle had also managed to learn Water Gun. It was hard for the young Pokémon as he kept messing it up, but Ash, along with everyone, was proud of how Squirtle could get it in only a day. Although the water he shot wasn't too strong, everyone was able to overlook this fact. The two Pokémon would fight Caterpie, Wurmple, and Weddle to help them become more potent. Ash was so proud of his two Pokémon as he was glad to have them with him now. The Pokémon were delighted to be here as well. Ash only treated them with kindness and respect.

Ash would always ask the two if they needed to get healed after each battle, even though they didn't have the healing items to waste. Misty and the Pokémon thought it was sweet at first before it became annoying, but they were glad that Ash was still caring enough to try. Misty had to give this boy credit; he knew these Pokémon were more than just objects. They were his friends, not just things to fight with.

They all sat in a clearing as the Pokémon were allowed to rest after all they had gone through. Starmie decided to return as it would offer the training for next time. Squirtle kept asking for a cookie, but Ash told him he needed to eat real food, something the Water-type begrudgingly did. The food Ash bought was suitable for Squirtle, but it was a speck to the glory of the cookie in the backpack. Ash and Misty didn't eat as the girl was making something for Pidgey, something the Flying-type had asked for. They all seem to be calm and happy now.

They were not noticing that someone was watching them.

Misty finished up and held it up to herself. "It's done." She had a small flower crown that she was able to make with the plants here, something that took her some time as she had little experience with this kind of stuff. Pidgey was ecstatic at seeing this when Misty gently placed the crown on top of her. This simple Pidgey felt like she was on top of the world.

"Pidgey!" She went up to rub her head near the girl that brought her joy, Misty, with a confident smirk as she took in the praise. Ash and Squirtle saw this.

"Did I miss the part where I gave you Pidgey?" Ash joked to Misty as he drank from a water bottle. "Although, the flower crown does look quite nice on Pidgey."

"You just jealous that I made something beautiful."

Ash stuck his tongue out as he drank his water, Squirtle sitting on his lap as Squirtle moved his tail rather lazily. Squirtle grabbed Ash's shirt and made him come down, whispering something to his ear. "Squirtle, squirt irtle irtle." This caused them both to chuckle as Squirtle tried to be funny, but Ash didn't understand him. He just giggled since that is what Squirtle did.

The girls looked at them with a twitch in their eyes. "And what exactly are you, numbskulls, plotting?"

"Pidgey?"

Ash and Squirtle looked away as they tried to contain their laughter. "Nothiiinnnggg."

"Weedle."

A small, insect-like Pokémon appearing as a brown caterpillar with large stingers on both her rear and head was simply crawling by. Across Weedle's underside were small, pink nubs, which she would move with. On her head, Weedle had two beady, black eyes above a large, pink nose. Everyone saw how the Bug-type was enjoying herself as she carried a leaf.

"Oh, a Weedle," Ash said simply as Misty looked squeamish and was ready to run away. Squirtle perked up as he jumped out of Ash's lap. "You want to capture that one?"

"Squirtle!"

Ash looked at the Weedle and then at Misty, who seemed to be hiding behind the flower Pidgey for protection. "Try to cover your eyes and ears as we catch this thing."

Misty pouted as she stuck her head out. "I know I can't stop you, but I am allowed to hate every second of that thing being with us."

Ash shrugged. Not the worst deal, especially from someone like Misty. Squirtle and Ash looked at each other and nodded, Squirtle looking at Weedle and sending out a Water Gun. Water came to Weedle and moved the poor Bug-type to the truck of a tree. She had to endure the stab attack at full force, falling to the ground as the attack she faced had ended.

Miraculously, Weedle did not faint from the single attack. Ash saw the chance to catch her.

"This is it." Ash got a Pokeball ready as Misty and Pidgey watched, Misty not liking what would happen if this ended up working. Ash and Squirtle looked excited at having another friend coming with them on this journey. Weedle saw the Pokeball coming, knowing it would take a miracle to get out of her situation.

An unknown voice suddenly spoke up from behind them

"Greetings, travelers." The voice questioned them, and everyone turned around. They saw a boy in a unique outfit. He looked about the same age as Misty and had a long bug catcher net on his back. His costume was similar to a Samurai's, even having the hat to complete his look. A katana was on the hip and in its Saya. One could see that he wore black shorts and a white tank top underneath his armor, with wooden sandals on his feet. "Are one of you, by chance, a Pokémon trainer from Pallet Town?"

Ash answered his question quickly as he returned to the battle, not wanting Weedle to escape accidentally. "Yeah, I'm a Pokémon trainer from Pallet. Although, kind of busy." Ash quickly told as his, along with Squirtle's, eyes were set back on the Weddle. Misty saw a smile grow on the boy's face as he paced a hand on the sword. The girl reacted quickly as he drew the katana that was with him.

"ASH!"

"HIIYYYAAAHHH!"

A slash from the katana was only mere inches away from Ash's face. Everyone's heart almost stopped for a second as they feared the worst for Ash, Squirtle, and Pidgey, looking instead angrily at the newcomer. Despite the sword near his flesh, Ash didn't get scared or run as he looked at the boy in a determined way. Misty was frightened and impressed; she definitely would've run if that was her. She was never going to admit it, though!

"That sword doesn't scare me!" Ash said bravely; the two Pokémon and Misty were ready to attack if necessary. "I have dealt with thieves like you!" The boy smiled as he brought his sword away.

"I am no Pokémon thieve." He spoke as he held out the sword, a smile that seemed kind. "If I truly want a Pokémon, I will get one through noble methods."

"Then who are you?" Misty inquired with a raised eyebrow.

"I am Samurai!" He introduced himself as he bent his katana, showing that it was fake. "I am true, fearless, and well-versed in combat! I have been searching the forest for you." Samurai told the two as he put the katana back in its Saya. Ash and everyone looked relieved as they saw Samurai's sword wasn't real, thus causing a small chuckle from the boy. "I hope you didn't think that this was a real sword. Although, I am impressed that you didn't attempt escape."

"I thought... that I had to go against an actual sword for a minute." Ash sheepishly admitted as everyone on his side also thought the same. He looked at Samurai with folded arms. "What do you want from me, a Pokémon Trainer from Pallet?"

"A Pokémon match!" Samurai responded, a Pokeball in his hand. "I have witnessed how the one with Bulbasaur and the other with Charmander defeated me. I'd hope that the next one would follow their example."

"Green and Gary?" Ash thought as he was glad that Green made it out and immediately upset at how far Gary most likely was. Squirtle also felt the same when he heard that.

"I wish to see your strength, as you seem capable as a Pokémon Trainer." Samurai then looked down as he seemed rather shy. "Or, if you really want to fight against another Trainer. If you are still trying to capture Weedle, then I-I'll wait."

"Squirtle?" The Pokémon said in confusion as he looked behind, eyes wide.

Ash acted just as Squirtle did. "Oh no! I forgot about Weedle!" Ash turned to see that the bug was about to hide inside the bushes. "Pokeball, go!" Ash threw the Pokeball still in his hand at the Weedle, hoping to catch it in time. However, Ash threw the Pokeball too late, and it not only lets the Weedle escape, but the Pokeball bounced off the plant instead. "No!" Ash facepalmed in mild anger, Squirtle watching his Trainer fail to catch the Pokémon.

Squirtle went to pick up the Pokeball and bring it to Ash, placing it gently in his hand. Ash was glad that his Pokémon was there to comfort him.

"Come up, Squirt." Ash kneeled so his starter could climb onto his shoulder and be with him. Ash gave an instead provoked look. "I hope you are happy because you made me lose the Weedle," Ash said sharply to Samurai.

Samurai looked a bit ashamed after hearing that. "I'm sorry." This was not the response Ash was expecting or anyone. Something seemed to click in the other boy's head. "I mean, I'm sorry that you can't handle your own failures. Your Pokémon handling is dimwitted and clumsy!" Samurai went back harshly. Everyone gave a weird look at Samurai.

"...This kid's weird." Misty decided in her mind.

Samurai brought himself together as he was face to face with Ash. "Well, do you accept this challenge of mine?"

"You bet!" Ash looked down at his Squirtle as he petted his head. "Mind sitting out for this one, Squirt? I can tell Pidgey wants to be the one in this fight."

"Squirtle." They saw how Pidgey was euphoric about being able to participate in her own match. She took the flower crown off as she was ready to take the Water-types spot. The girl flew so fast to Ash's side that she looked like a blur for a second.

"You can give him to me," Misty commented as she sat on a log. Ash came over and placed Squirtle on Misty's lap and ensured they could get a good look at the battle. Squirtle spotted the flower crown and put it on his head, bringing a soft smile as she saw Squirtle understood why Pidgey seemed to like this thing. When Pidgey saw this.

"PIDGEY! PID PIDG!" She yelled out to Squirtle, who placed down the crown as quickly with a special kind of awareness. Smart move.

"I have two Pokémon with me, and I will ensure that your Squirtle will come out to battle," Samurai informed as they were on separate sides. He offered Ash a kind smile. "Good luck, traveler." Unlike everything else, there was no seriousness in the sentence.

Ash and Pidgey readied themselves for this. "Ready when you are."

"Please don't have a massive bug on you." Misty tried to be hopeful about this battle as Squirtle was with her.

"It will only take one Pokémon to defeat you! Uh, I hope." Samurai announced as he threw his own Pokeball out. "Pinsir, assume battle mode!"

What came out was a Pokémon similar to a flat-stag beetle with long, pricked horns on his head. His whole body was a light brown, with three claws on each limb. The mouth had multiple sharp teeth arranged horizontally. Pinsir looked down at his opponent. "Pinsir!" It yelled out to Pidgey with a very raspy voice, making a threatening hand gesture with his own.

Misty nearly passed out after seeing him, Squirtle being able to stop the girl from falling.

"Woah! A Pinsir!" Ash said in amazement as he took out his Pokédex.

"Pinsir, the Stag Beetle Pokémon. Dex Number: 154. Pokémon typing: Bug. Their pincers are strong enough to shatter thick logs. Because they dislike cold, Pinsir burrows and sleeps under the ground on chilly nights. This specific Pinsir is male and currently at level 8. This Pokémonhas the following moves: Bind, Vise Grip, Bug Bite, Focus Energy." Dexter told as an image of Pinsir popped up on the screen.

"Your Pokémon looks strong," Ash told Samurai as he put his Pokédex away. A grin was starting to spread on his face. "But me and Pidgey aren't going to back down."

"Pidgey!" Ash's Pokémon said in agreement. Pidgey made a threatening face to comeback at Pinsir, but it only made the Bug-type more amused.

"We shall see. Pinsir, use Focus Energy!"

Pinsir closed his eyes and took a deep breath, letting himself become one with his energy. A red outline surrounded him as the Pinsir seemed much more potent than before. Ash knew he had to use this opportunity to attack; getting rid of Pinsir as quickly as possible was the main priority.

"Use your Gust attack!"

Pidgey flew a few feet off the ground and started to flap her wings as they began to make something. The gust Pidgey whipped up grew to be two sizes bigger than her and aimed it at Pinsir. Despite the Focus Energy boosting his attack, his defense was left intact as the wind was surprisingly strong from the bird. The attack was super effective, but Pinsir could handle it as it did not do tremendous damage.

"Use Bug Bite!"

"Pinsir!" Pinsir's teeth glowed white as he charged at the Pidgey. Pidgey knew the attack was decently strong, though not very effective, and flew up to the sky. Pinsir was left looking up as he glared at the Pidgey, Ash complimenting how surprisingly effective this idea was. Pinsir looked down as he seemed to squish down on his legs.

"You think I did not account for this?" Samurai asked, making everyone confused. "Jump as high as you can, Pinsir! Be careful on the way down." He added in a surprisingly caring way. This gained a head tilt from Squirtle; this kid seemed to have two personality traits at one time.

Pinsir jumped up high. He jumped high enough to reach the height of most adults, something that made Pidgey wide-eyed. "Pidgey!"

"Dodge it!" Ash told his Pokémon in concern, trying to hide his shock at how well-trained this Pinsir seemed to be.

Pidgey tried to move away as she had lost her main advantage in this fight. She moved swiftly to the side to avoid the main bulk of the attack as Pinsir was on her altitude level. He carried himself closer for the few moments he was this high and hit Pidgey with his long horn. The Flying-type was slightly hurt as it wasn't too hard of an attack, though the Focus Energy from earlier made it a critical hit. Pinsir landed on the ground securely.

Pinsir immediately went for round two as he jumped up and about to his horns to attack. "Tackle him in the air!" Pidgey's sudden movement of headbutting Pinsir was not what the Bug-type expected as he was knocked down. He tried to reach for Pidgey with his hand or horns. Pinsir's second landing wasn't as great as Pidgey looked down at her opponent as she started to flap her wings rapidly again.

"Pinsir, escape!" Samurai instructed his Pokémon as another Gust attack came out. Pinsir rolled out of the way as everyone could tell the wind was much stronger than before. Pinsir hissed at the Pidgey, taunting the Pokémon to come forth and attack. "You did good, buddy." Samurai proudly complimented him.

"This fight is getting watchable," Misty commented to Squirtle, who was focusing on every little detail since this was Ash's fight. He noticed that grass piece number three thousand fifty-one had just moved for a sixth time.

Ash seemed confident in Pidgey as he made the next move. "Pidgey, use Tackle!"

"Pidgey!" The Pokémon went in headfirst at Pinsir as the Bug-type merely watched. He did not dodge or try to block as he was waiting for the perfect moment to present itself. Once Pidgey was close enough, Pinsir closed his horns quickly to catch the bird mid-air. Everyone was surprised at the reaction time that Pinsir had as Pidgey struggled in the grip. She was caught at the tip of the horns as she saw a smirk on Pinsir.

"Vise Grip."

Pinsir tried to close his horns together hard. Pidgey was caught in the middle as two sides pushed down on her, causing her to scream out in pain. Everyone watched as they saw Pidgey take all the damage quite harshly. Samurai was satisfied after a couple of seconds, signaling his Pokémon to stop the attack. "Pinsir!" The Bug-type hissed as he moved his horns to slam Pidgey to the ground.

"PIDGEY!" Ash quickly ran over to his fallen Pokémon and picked Pidgey up in the gentlest way possible. "Are you okay, girl?" The trainer asked in a caring manner. Ash was ready to take a potion out to ensure his Pokémon was safe.

Pidgey was not going to let herself lose the first Trainer match. She got up with the energy she still had. "Pidgey!" She stood up and entered the battlefield again with a clearer head. Ash was about to complain about how hurt Pidgey might be, but she yelled at him as she wanted to finish this fight, the fair way. Ash knew that if Pidgey lost, she wanted to ensure she would not be rewarded with any kind of healing.

Ash knew to respect that desire.

Ash cleared himself before pointing at the Pinsir. A plan formed in his head. "Use a weak Sand Attack!" Pidgey hesitated but decided to comply. She flapped her wings to gather up a small cloud of sand no more giant than Pinsir himself. Misty and Squirtle questioned this seemingly useless move, while Samurai thought the same.

"What are you plotting?" He thought. He didn't need to tell Pinsir to step out of the way. Both got off guard at what happened next.

"Pidgey, use Gust on the Sand attack and blow it into Pinsir!"

Pidgey sent a strong wind that combined with the dust and hit the surprised Pinsir. Not only did Pinsir take good damage from the attack, but his eyes got blurry as his vision got blurry and watery. It hurt to have his eyes open as he had to keep them closed. Everyone was surprised at this sudden shift as Pinsir hissed out, Pidgey snickering at the pain the Pokémon was in.

"Pinsir!" Pinsir charged to the last place he remembered the Pidgey was and blindly charged in. Pidgey did not waste her energy by dodging the simple attack and gave a final Tackle to her opponent, even in the front, to show off. Pinsir was taken far and landed near Samurai.

"No!" Samurai called out as he looked down at Pinsir. Everyone saw how the Bug-type was not making any movement to stand up and continue fighting. Samurai was surprised to see the Pokémon he had for so long could no longer resist.

Pinsir lay on the ground. Fainted.

Misty was pleasantly surprised at how Ash defeated the Bug-type. "He beat Pinsir!" Misty was very excited about this. The massive bug had finally been defeated, and it could no longer hurt them. Using a weak move to distract Pinsir from the more decisive move as the two combined. It was simple and had wrinkles, but she was proud of Ash's thinking of something on the spot.

Squirtle gave a rather annoyed look at Misty. "Squirtle, squir!" He said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world. It was clear that he would win from the start, at least to him.

Ash and Pidgey smirked. "Now, who's the novice?" Ash asked Samurai in a prideful way, Pidgey getting a pat on the head for her success. Pidgey was happy that she could prove her worth to Ash Ketchum.

"Pinsir, return!" Samurai quickly put his defeated Pokémon back inside his Pokeball. "You are skilled, but the fight is not over." Samurai began as he took out a different Pokeball. "Pokeball, go!" Samurai called out as he threw in his next Pokémon, which looked quite strange.

On the battlefield was an insect-like Pokémon with an appearance similar to that of a green-colored chrysalis or cocoon. Although he was covered in the hard shell, the eyes were still clearly visible and appeared rather lax.

"Metapod." He simply said.

Everyone looked at the Pokémon, known not to do much in battle. Samurai himself seemed to know that his Metapod only knew one move but tried to be brave. He needs to pretend to be vital to these fools. "If this Metapod was caught here, then doesn't that it only ha-" Ash and Misty were cut off from their thoughts when they heard Samurai's command.

"Metapod, use Harden!" Metapod glowed green as the cocoon became stronger and shined. "I may have no moves on Metapod, but I will not call off the battle until both of my Pokémon faint!" The confidence was forced in his voice, him shaking at how the situation was turning out.

Ash gave him a genuine smile. "I appreciate your guts, Samurai. Let us see this battle to the end." Pidgey, along with the spectators, had to agree with this. They couldn't think of many people continuing the fight if their opponent could not fight back.

Squirtle whispered something to Misty as they saw this new battle happening. Misty answered as she sighed. "By Pokémon League rules, if the last Pokémon of a Trainer can't harm the other in any way, then the match is usually over by default. This rarely happens due to how many seemingly non-harming moves can attack others; noticed how I said rarely." She then pointed at the battle in front of them. "But it seems like these two forgot that rule and are, artificially, extending the fight."

"Squirt." The Pokémon nodded.

"This is a genuine battle, red girl," Samurai told her as he tried not to give in to the fear like all the other times. "We just want to see the outcome in full."

The first line caused a cross vein on Misty's head as she narrowed her eyes. "Why are boys the stubborn ones?"

Pidgey called out as they were ready to end this battle with Samurai, receiving the command. "Use Gu-"

A loud buzzing noise ended the two Pokémon fight. Everyone looked up.

"What's that in the distance?" Misty asked, as no one liked the look of things right now. She used her hand to block the sun. Samurai looked extremely scared when he saw what came.

Insect-like Pokémon with the appearance of a colossal wasp came to them in a massive group of about twenty members. Each of them possessed four limbs, with the front-most limbs having two large, lance-like stingers. A third stinger was located on the rear end. "BEEEEEEE!" They all screamed as they flew together.

Heading to where the group was.

Ash tried to be calm as he could, pulling out Dexter for this, wondering if this was the Beedrill that he was always warned about. "Beedrill, the poison bee Pokémon. Dex Number: 015. Evolved from Kakuna. Pokémon typing: Bug, Poison. Beedrill is extremely territorial. No one should ever approach its nest - this is for their safety. If angered, they will attack in a furious swarm. This specific Beedrill is female and currently at level 13. This Pokémon has the following moves: Poison Sting, Twineedle, Harden, Fury Cutter."

"Level 13?!" Misty asked in fear at the bugs coming. Her team could've handled one or two of these overgrown bees. Not twenty of them.

"A Beedrill swarm is here!" Samurai's voice was terrified. They all felt a shiver go down their spine. Samurai struggled to take the Pokeball out of his pocket and point it at Metapod. "Metapod! Return to-"

A Beedrill from the tree line flew quickly and picked up the Metapod from the field. The Beedrill honestly thought that the Pokémon was a lost Kakuna. "BEEDRI!" It yelled as Metapod was going further away.

"NO!" Samurai shouted as he saw his Metapod being taken away. The boy tried to shoot the red beams from the Pokeball to snipe out Metapod. The Beedrill expertly avoided all the attacks and flew off, too far for the Pokeball to now reach. Samurai was breathing heavily at what had just happened, Misty being the only other person to see as Ash tried to convince Squirtle to hide from this. "...No." He tried not to tear up right now. He wouldn't be Samurai if he showed weakness for a Pokémon, unlike how Ryan was.

"We need to get out!" Misty called out as she tried to Get Samurai's attention. "We can get Metapod after this swarm is gone! We need to focus on ourselves for now!"

Samurai managed to nod steadily as he was able to move. Ash had put Pidgey away, though Squirtle was not budging to hide on this one. Ash let out a slight growl as his Pokémon was too stubborn. He really was like Ash. "Keep up with us. Promise, Squirt?"

"Squirtle!" The two ran after Misty and Samurai as Squirtle was keeping up well with Ash. They reunited with the other two as Misty made a snarky remark about all this.

"How come the Pokémon that swarm their enemy keep coming after you, Ash?"

Ash just scoffed. "You must be under the impression that I want this to happen."

"I know a place we can be safe at!" Samurai called out as he kept going in the front.

The Beedrill followed closely behind as they stabbed their stingers in the air as a threat. The group did not slow down at the risk of being poisoned. The Antidote would not help as they only help Pokémon, and the Pecha berries were in the place that Samurai mentioned. They ran through a very jagged path to where they went. Beedrill was slowly approaching as the only one who was not losing energy was Ash since he did this only yesterday. Beedrill tried to swoop down at them. They couldn't keep this pace forever.

"How much longer?" Misty questioned, as she was not going to fall to these bugs. Her fear did have its perks, after all.

Samurai was panting as his stocky build wasn't helping him. "Just a little more..." They made a sharp turn and saw what Samurai guided them to. "There it is!"

A wooden cabin was in their way. It had a large opening around it as there seemed to be no windows on it, only a thick door that looked durable enough. A net on a stick was on the outside as it leaned against the unadorned walls. The cabin was nothing remarkable, but it's not like they had anything else at this precarious time.

"My cabin! I think we can make it!" Samurai yelled out to the other as he quickly ran through the door. The other three all went through the open door as fast as their legs could take them. When everyone was finally inside, Samurai slammed the door shut and blocked it off with a piece of sturdy wood. Everyone in the cabin moved away from the door as they heard the pack of Beedrill kept coming. In an instant, two large stingers made holes in the wooden door.

Everyone held their breath in as they saw what the Beedrill just did. The stingers were removed from the door, now seeing what was happening outside with the newly made holes. All the Beedrill were circling the small building in a very threatening way. All of the bug Pokémon were waiting patiently for any of the four to come out. It looked like the group was protected, for now.

Ash let out a deep sigh as he held Squirtle close to him. "That was too close." The Pokémon couldn't but agree, now understanding how much must've felt with those Spearow. Samurai removed his battle gear as he was no longer scared, removing the helmet last.

"I hope you are happy with what has just transpired!" Samurai rage was very apparent. "That Weedle you failed to capture had informed the others, and now Metapod has been taken by them!"

"I didn't exactly plan for all of this!" Ash retaliated as he knew his anger was justified, but it was his instinct to shout back in this scenario. "We will be able to find Metapod as soon as w-"

"NO! There is no 'we' in this scenario!" Samurai gestured to everyone in the room as he looked down at Ash. "I will not allow any of you to mess up again after what you have just cost me!"

Squirtle was slightly annoyed at how this boy was acting to his friend. "Squirtle! Squir squir!" He knew Ash was not the kind of person to do this intentionally.

"Samurai," Misty spoke up as she tried to sympathize with the boy. She could understand where this anger was coming from. "You need to think calmly. There is a clear sol-"

Samurai slapped away Misty's hand. Very hard. "I can't calm down! I need to! I need!" Samurai was breathing heavily as Misty took a step back.

Samurai took himself back and saw the situation he was in. Misty looked at him with slight fear as she stepped back after what he had just done to her. Ash seemed mad at what he did to Misty as he and Squirtle were ready to defend their companion. Samurai tried to breathe as he needed to remain calm. Samurai would not let his anger get to him. Only Ryan would make such a mistake.

Samurai took a deep breath as he took out a map and a pen to make some marks. He circled the area they were fighting in and noticed how the Beedrill came from the west. He remembered that the only nest that way was in the growth of six trees close together, seeing how it was the second biggest nest in the forest. If that is where his Metapod was, then he would have to pretend to be brave for this. Everyone watched as Samurai frowned at seeing what he would have to deal with.

"You can't take on all of those with just a Pinsir," Ash advised as he tried to be helpful to the boy. Samurai glared at Ash. "You need someone to help yo-"

"NO!" Samurai held Ash back by grabbing his arm. "I don't need any more foolish mistakes from you bunch!"

"Are you saying that I can't do it?"

"I don't have to say that, because I know you can't do it!" Ash responded by removing Samurai's arm by force.

One could see that a fight was going to happen between these two. Their anger was completing its form as they glared at one another and brought their faces closer. Samurai gritted his teeth at Ash, who responded with a glare even worse than the other boy. Misty knew what to do in this scenario as she stood back up, seeing how her sisters always did. Squirtle thought that his trainer was going to be attacked by Samurai. He hoped he wouldn't have to attack Samurai to protect Ash.

Suddenly, Misty got in between the pair as she grabbed their shirts, and pushed them away.

"That is enough!" The girl put an arm on each boy. "In case you two haven't noticed, we are stuck here until those Beedrill leave!" She motioned toward the outside, where the Pokémon were still waiting for the prey to crawl out. "So, if you want to fight so badly, then you two will take it outside! UNDERSTAND?!" Misty yelled at the two with all the anger she had built up. Both Ash and Samurai gave each other one last glare. Squirtle warned himself not to make this girl mad.

"Fine."

"Whatever." Both of them grumbled to themselves as they looked away from each other. Misty brought her hand to her head, trying to calm down inside. Ash groaned out as he thought about it. "This is going to be a long day in here."

"I will hate it as much as you." Samurai walked off to study the map again. Ash followed this example as he and Squirtle went the opposite way.

"...I'm glad that I don't have any brothers." Misty was somehow grateful that her sisters at least knew when to stop while the boys just kept attacking each other. She hoped that this scenario would not happen on the way to Pewter City with Ash, seeing the boy taking out a sleeping bag for the long night that she would have to endure. This was only her first day with Ash, and she was already having a bad start to it.

It could only go up from here. At least Misty was trying to be optimistic.

---

Night had come quickly for everyone.

Nothing hazardous happened between the two boys as they knew to keep their distance. Misty would quickly defuse any kind of argument, Squirtle always there to help out. The hours went by slowly and painfully, Samurai falling asleep first before the sun was completely gone. It took two whole hours before the Beedrill swarm got tired and let the people inside have this victory. Samurai knew that Beedrill wouldn't be active until late morning and that the nest would only be a two-mile trip. He knew to wake himself up as the sun only started to come out.

He did not reveal this to anyone when they were stuck together.

Ash was in his sleeping bag as Squirtle curled up to him, the boy having a soft smile as his Pokémon was close to him. Misty was also sleeping in another sleeping bag as she was very content right about now. A noise from some movement caused her to stir and groggily open her eyes. She could only see darkness around as her eyes had trouble adjusting. She then saw him.

Samurai was looking through the door hole the Beedrill kindly left for them, the moonlight coming through as he looked up at it. Misty turned to see that Ash wasn't awake; she began to crawl across the floor quietly. Ash had his eyes open after hearing the noise but tried to make no noise or movement as he saw Squirtle was still snoring. The Pokémon was a surprisingly heavy sleeper.

Misty went up to the boy that had hit her earlier. Still kind of mad at that, as his apology was not enough. He went up and tried to be as quiet as possible when the words came out. "Hey."

Samurai made a noise before wiping something off the eye that Misty could not see and looked at her. "Oh. Did I wake you up?" He spoke very lowly as well.

"Well, I am certainly not asleep anymore." She pointed as she had compassion in her eyes. "Are you okay, Samurai?"

"...Yeah." It was the only replay that he gave as his voice sounded a little broken. Misty couldn't help but feel pity for him.

"Don't lose hope on your Metapod." Misty reminded him as she sat down next to him. Her body had the moonlight shining down on it. "I know those Beedrill are definitely scary, but they didn't seem like they were trying to attack Metapod. It looked like they mistook it for themselves, and they wouldn't think about harming their own kind."

Ryan already knew about that fact, though it was reassuring to hear it from this girl. "I guess so." He seemed rather sad as he said it. "I never wanted something like this to happen to any of my Pokémon. A Pokémon strength is determined by how far the Trainer is willing to take it, so what do you think about a Trainer that lets this happen?"

Misty placed a gentle hand on Samurai. "You are too hard on yourself. I think that what happened was just beyond your level of control, and yet you still blame yourself for it." Samurai didn't think this way as he knew that Metapod was savable if he landed the red beam. "You aren't the only one who has had to deal with a dangerous swarm. Ash literally faced a swarm of Spearow only yesterday."

Samurai was not surprised that Ash would end up like that. "It seems like he knows how to piss off wild Pokémo. If that counts as a skill."

Misty chuckled at this, not noticing how the silent Ash had a deep frown. "Based on his current progress, that is a fair assumption. But I have seen how Ash fights, and he is willing to step up for everyone else. Can..." She signaled for Samurai to get his ear near her for this. "Can I tell you my own secret?"

"I'm all ears." Samurai tried to joke. Misty looked around to see that no one else was there to listen to this. She looked at Ash, who was able to do an excellent job at calming his body down and making minimal movement to replicate sleeping. He had experience from his home life. Misty nodded to herself as she went back and spoke in a regular but still quiet tone.

"I have these three other siblings with me, all girls, and they are so annoying most of the time. They are all older, prettier, smarter, and have brighter hair than I do. Everyone just seems to fall in love with them whenever they just happen to be standing there." Misty said as she tried to get stuff out of her system. "I left on my Pokémon journey to prove that I can be as great as they claim to be. That the runt they used to call me would be no more."

"Three siblings?" Samurai repeated as he could only imagine that, taking in all the other stuff. "I can't relate, but that doesn't sound great to be part of. I thought family was supposed to help each other, not knock them down."

Misty nodded as she heard that. "I know they love me, and I do the same for them. I just wish they would treat me as more than just second-rate." She looked at the boy with an expecting look. "Since I just told you my secret, how about giving me one of yours? My words always come with a price." Ryan wasn't sure what to say to her.

"Like what?"

"Your name would be nice." She quietly answered. "Calling you Samurai does not feel right."

The boy gave a warm smile as he said it. "The name's Ryan."

"Ryan," Misty repeated as she knew the name was standard, but she was not one to judge. "Well, Ryan, I want you to know that all of this is fixable. Metapod will be my top priority tomorrow. After all, my Water Pokémon will show those bugs that this girl has some determination with her."

Ryan smiled at how proud Misty was of herself. If only he could say the same thing. "The more I think about it, the more stupid I would've been to attempt stealing back Metapod on my own. Your help would be nice."

Misty smirked to herself as she closed her eyes. "It's only natural that you would see my talent." She looked at Ryan, and her tone was a bit more serious. "You and Ash should make up in the morning. I hope this night's sleep would have calmed the two of you."

Ryan looked at her before looking down at the floor with shame. "Looking back, I know I was too hard on Ash. I just... got so angry by all this."

"That's understandable. You are just a Trainer who cares about their Pokémon." The girl assured her Ryan was taken aback by how understanding she was. "Look, Ash didn't want that Weedle to escape, and he surely didn't want all of this to happen. Take it from me; I have only spent a day with Ash, but even I can tell he's not the kind to harm others, especially on purpose." The girl sounded like what she had just said was a complete fact. "Your anger is understandable, but not something you can hide behind."

Ryan heard this out and started to think about it. Based on how caring Ash seemed to be with his Pokémon and Misty, this whole thing was not what someone like him would do. He remembered how Ash genuinely did not know that Weedle would be like this when she escaped and that he did not want her to escape. He knew that this boy was at least more aware than that Green girl he had met before, even though she was very skilled with her Charmander. He wished that his anger wasn't something that made him insufferable to the kid that did make an honest mistake. Even if that mistake was life-threatening.

He remembered when he was just as unaware as Ash. They were both wrong in their way, and it would not be fair for only one to take the blame.

"Do you have anything else you want to talk about?" Misty questioned as she dragged Ryan back to reality.

Ryan did have other stuff to get off his chest but knew this girl he had just met today would not be best for it. In fact, probably no one would want to hear it being said. "Um. Nope. Nothing at all." He looked back at her. "I'll... think about what you said."

"You both need to apologize to one another truly. Don't let a single mistake define something." Ryan looked unsure after hearing that. Misty let out a sigh and started to walk to her sleeping bag. "It's okay if you don't want to. I think it would be the best choice, but I won't stop you if you don't want to make it up to him." Misty told the boy as she put the blanket over her body. "Just keep using your head, not your heart. Goodnight, Ryan." Was the last thing the girl said before she turned her head to the other side. Snoring came from her a few minutes later.

Ryan, no longer Samurai, was left alone as he looked at the bright sky through the door hole. He felt that Metapod would be okay and that he could be savable. But now, he may not have to do it alone after all. Misty could help him out, and Ash might still have the heart to forgive him and help him with his Pokémon. However, Ryan knew it might still be a solo thing after all this.

He returned to his sleeping bag as he had a lot to think about now. His choice of apologizing first to Ash would come in the morning, waiting for him to agree on this or for him to apologize. He knew not to keep his head up there and try to base it on some reality. He started to doze off as his tiredness started to take him over. Unfortunately for the pair who talked, they were unaware of something.

Ash listened to all of that conversation, his eyes looking at the cold ground and his Squirtle.

---

Ryan woke with muddled vision as his eyes saw the darkness around him. He sat himself up and noticed the light from the hole was a dark orange, meaning that the sun had just come out. He sat himself up as his decision would take time to execute as he saved Metapod. Apologizing to Ash would be later.

He saw Misty sleeping very peacefully and knew to leave the girl alone. He knew how the Beedrill worked, but this girl would scream if she got ten feet near one. He went to his bag that he had placed near Ash and Squirtle. That is when he saw that something was out of place.

Ash and Squirtle were gone.

He looked at his bag again and noticed that everything seemed to be in the wrong spot, almost like someone had forgotten to return it to normal. "He wouldn't." He looked around, even emptying the bag. One thing was unaccounted for—the map. Ryan had to stop himself from breathing heavily. "He would."

He went to Misty and quickly shook the girl up. Misty was distraught, a frown to show it off. "What?!"

"Misty! Ash and Squirtle went off on their own to save Metapod!" Ryan said urgently. "They could be in trouble!"

"Hmmm. That's nice." Misty tried to get to sleep by rolling over to the other side. She thought about these words again, causing her eyes to open completely. "He did what?"

"He went to save Metapod!" Ryan repeated for her. "We need to get out before som-"

A loud buzzing noise came from outside.

They opened up the door as their suspicions had been confirmed. A swarm of Beedrill, which seemed to have an extra ten members compared to yesterday, were chasing something through the forest. They saw that there appeared to be strong wind and water pushing back the bugs, showing that he also took Pidgey along for this. They saw the swarm approach and followed their prey's movements superbly. Every turn or unnatural movement was followed without question.

Misty tried to massage her forehead to keep any headaches from coming in. "Are you serious?"

"We must find him now!" Ryan ran out through the front door to get something that was behind the cabin, Misty quickly following behind. "This should help protect us from any of the bugs here." He told the girl as he took the thing out. In his hands was the same net she saw earlier but didn't realize it.

"Why didn't we use this yesterday?" Misty questioned as Ryan went under the net.

"Questions, never! Actions, now!" Was the only response he gave as he made a hole big enough for Misty to fit in.

"Uh. Right!" She went underneath the protective net and began to run from the cabin, going to where the Beedrills were flying towards. The pair ran as fast as they could to intercept the group of bug Pokémon. Misty was concerned for the boy's life. "Ash," She began to think as she ran with the other. "You better make it out of this."

---

Ash ran as quickly as possible, Holding Metapod tightly in his grip.

Squirtle and Pidgey turned around and launched Water Gun and Gust, respectively. The two attacks slowed down some of the Beedrill chasing them, but more would take their spot in capturing these four. Squirtle and Pidgey kept close to Ash as he held Metapod close to him. The green bug had rather droopy eyes as it didn't even want to be rescued, thinking that Ryan had left behind there.

"Don't worry, Metapod." Ash tried to soothe the Pokémon in his hands as the Beedrill were still hot on the trail. They made it to the same clearing Ash and Ryan had their match, the boy happy that their trip was halfway done. "We're almost back to Ryan. Every-"

A rock on the ground caused him to trip up and drop Metapod as he hit the dirt with his face. Squirtle and Pidgey saw this as the Water-type tried to help his Trainer. Pidgey knew to stay there and keep pushing back. Ash was mentally cursing himself for tripping on another rock in just two days as Squirtle was there to help him. He stood up and looked at Metapod on the ground, mostly unharmed.

"Metapod." Although the voice was still stoic, the Bug-type was indeed being snidely with the duo. Ash wasted no time in trying to stand up.

"ASH!" He gasped as he saw Misty and Ryan come up to him with the protective net to help them from the Beedrill. "What in the world were you thinking?"

"You idiot!" Samurai began to yell at Ash. "I told you not to interfere!" Squirtle was a bit upset at what Ash was called but knew there was some truth in that statement.

"I was-"

"Beedrill!"

Before Ash was going to speak, a noise was coming closer to all of them. Everyone turned their heads to see a lone Beedrill approaching them at an astonishing speed. Pidgey saw the one she forgot about and had to stop pushing back to get rid of this lone one. The Beedrill had every chance to attack the Squirtle or Ash Ketchum for causing all of this. Yet, he was not interested in the trainer in the open or even those underneath the net. He poured all of his focus on the defenseless Pokémon.

Seeing that it was all these people cared about.

"Metapod!" The Bug-type was scared the first time during all this.

"Oh no!" The two under the net screamed in fear as they saw the Beedrill approach Metapod. Ash tried to run towards the Metapod to get it out of the way, just as the bug got nearby. Squirtle and Pidgey tried to hold their Trainer back from making this situation worse by trying to push Beedrill back. He stuck out his prominent stinger and aimed it for the dead center. Metapod seemingly had no hope, closing his eyes in preparation.

"BEEDRILL!" The enemy yelled as he inserted his stinger.

Something was stabbed.

What was right in front of them made them look wide-eyed in horror. Squirtle, Pidgey, Ryan, Misty, and even Beedrill had their jaw dropped at what had just transpired. Misty and Squirtle tried to clear their vision, trying to think that what they saw was a mere illusion. Pidgey felt deep anger for what this Bug-type had just done. Metapod's once droopy eyes had now widened at what he saw. The Beedrill knew he had just messed up as he quickly removed the stinger and flew back from where he came—leavening a coughing boy in its dust.

"ASH!" Ryan yelled out in horror.

Ash had gotten stung by the Beedrill on the shoulder. A two-inch hole had torn through his jacket and shirt underneath as the area of injury started to swell up.

Ash, despite getting stabbed by a poisonous Pokémon, had the strength to grab Metapod and held him. Squirtle tried to hold back by the leg and told him that he needed to rest up, Pidgey pulling by the hair to stop Ash from hurting himself again. The boy ignored all this as Misty and Ryan got closer and let them inside the net. He struggled to walk for long as he kneeled to give Metapod to his Trainer.

"Why did you just do that?!" Ryan angrily demanded, actually scared and worried for his safety on the inside. Misty went up and made Ash look at her, his skin becoming paler.

Ash tried to give a weak smile. "Because," Ash slowly stood up as he didn't want to be on the ground to tell him this. He was going to say this with his body at its tallest. He ignored the growing pain in his body. "You said it was my fault that Metapod was taken, right? So that must mean that it is my responsibility to get it back, or am I wrong there?" The poison was starting to get more ground, yet Ash did not falter. "If I were to cause you so much trouble and not even try to help you fix it, do you know who I would be? What would I think of myself?" He asked all of them as he knew that this line would be the one he had to finish on. "I would be someone who isn't worthy of becoming Champion!" Ash proclaimed to every last person there.

This left everyone in pure wonder as they heard these proud words. How he managed to say through the pain was something else entirely. Ash had to fall as he placed Metapod on the ground in a gentle way. Squirtle and Pidgey were there to help him as Misty allowed him to sit down on her lap. He looked terrible as his skin was getting paler, Squirtle seeing that he was starting to burn up. Ryan looked at Ash was new, clearer eyes.

Ryan now knew that Misty was right about Ash. This boy was willing to risk his safety just so he could have his Metapod back, even though he was unfair to him. Speaking of the Pokémon, Metapod had his eyes shining in pure awe. He couldn't believe that this new Trainer was not only willing to take to hit that was meant for him but also declared that he would be Champion with these grievous injuries. The way that the boy said it made the Pokémon think that he would accomplish his goal.

And this Pokémon wanted to see his words become a reality.

Suddenly, a giant tear formed on Metapod, and a bright, white light was coming from it. Everyone instantly looked at the now glowing bug as the light kept growing. Ash's vision kept getting blurry as this process continued. Out of the giant tear came an utterly different Pokémon. From the chrysalis was an insect-like Pokémon appearing as a giant butterfly. He had a large purple body with light blue limbs and a nose with tiny fangs. His eyes were quite large in proportion to his head, both red. The large wings of the Pokémon had a black and white color to them.

"Butterfree! Free, free!" The Pokémon said happily as he flew up in the air. Ryan dropped the net in pure awe at what he saw, leaving everyone open. Butterfree came down to his Trainer as the two touched hands, A tear coming down Ryan's face.

"Is that you, bud?"

"Erfree!" he replied as he flew around with his new wings. Being stuck in that cocoon for so long was starting to get to him.

Misty was genuinely mesmerized by Butterfree as Ash was still on her lap, his eyes drippier as time passed. Even though she hated bugs passionately, she would admit that this one had some charm. "UGHH!" Ash grabbed his chest in pain as he curled up, trying to stop himself from being cold. Squirtle became very concerned as he went to him. Pidgey was close by as Misty held him close. Butterfree looked down at the person who saved him with genuine sorrow for Ash.

They heard the Beedrill swarm coming towards them as they couldn't move away, not with the condition Ash was in. "He needs some medicine now! We need to get him back to the cabin!" She yelled out to Ryan, who was paying all his attention to the Beedrill swarm.

Ryan felt scared as he saw what was coming to him. He was terrified that they couldn't escape and might lose out here. He lacked confidence in himself and the people he was around, worried that he would lose it all at this moment. He didn't want to think this way, but it was, unfortunately, his instinct to run from a problem that stopped him from being helpful. But after seeing what happened, he reconsidered everything.

He saw how this boy risked his life for his Pokémon and wondered why he would do this. He wouldn't be that way if he were in that scenario, for sure. He saw how the boy was the kind of person he wished to become. Being able to look down on anything with no fear, only determination, was something that not everyone could have. Then he realized something as his face hardened and his body became calmer.

If Ash could be brave against these Beedrill, why can't he be the same?

Ryan cleared himself with a sense of purpose. He dug around in his bag and pulled out three ripe berries of pink color to Misty. "Give these to him to cure the poison." He instructed in a way a leader would. "They can cure the poison from the Beedrill."

"Pecha berries!" Misty took them quickly as Squirtle insisted that he should hold one of them. Misty got into position to feed Ash by hand as she looked up to Ryan and Butterfree. "What about the Beedrill swarm?"

He let out a brilliant smile when he said it. "Leave it to me." He walked off with Butterfree by his side, looking up to face the Pokémon.

Misty knew what to do and opened Ash's mouth slightly as she split the berry into smaller bits. "Chew these up for me. They'll help you with the poison, I swear!" She took the tiny bit and allowed Squirtle to put it in Ash's mouth. The boy had the most difficulty chewing and swallowing it, but he could get through it. The berries were taking immediate effect as Ash could open his eyes slightly and feel some movement back in his legs. They popped another one in his mouth.

Ryan looked at the Beedrill coming to them and knew he was done running away. "You ready for this?"

"Butter!" He did not hesitate for the boy who risked his life for him. Stars were in Ryan's eyes as he looked at Butterfree.

"Alright..." Ryan looked upon the giant horde of Beedrill with determined eyes. "Butterfree, use your Sleep Powder!"

"Butterfree, free! Free, free!" The Pokémon started to release a glitter-like powder from his wings that quickly covered the area that the Beedrill were about to enter. The Beedrill entered and were confused as their body suddenly felt too weak to fly anymore. Most were struggling to keep themselves up as most began to falter. Pidgey knew she had to help and used her Gust to spread the glitter even more.

The Beedrill started to fall slowly as the powder was too much for them, landing on the ground in proper exhaustion. The amount of Pokémon in the group quickly dwindled as they all fell asleep on the hard ground. The threatening storm of Beedrill was taken out in just one minute with what Butterfree did.

"Butterfree!" He said excitingly as Pidgey was flying next to him.

"Pidgey." She couldn't help but agree as she flew back to Ash, Butterfree doing the same for his Trainer.

"You have done it, Butterfree!" Ryan was so proud as he hugged his Pokémon in a caring embrace. "You defeated all the Beedrills! I knew you could do it!" Ryan was so proud of the Pokémon that the simple Metapod had become. Butterfree seemed happy as he hugged his Trainer back.

Ash finished chewing the second berry as everyone was around him worryingly when he was able to make a noise. "Ugh." He managed to speak up as his vision slowly returned to him. Wrht heppened?" He asked with fatigue.

"SQUIRTLE!" Squirtle went to latch himself to Squirtle as Pidgey did the same. They were both so scared for Ash that they thought something terrible could have happened to him. Something that a berry couldn't cure. Ash had the strength to hug both of his Pokémon close to him.

"You idiot," Misty told him as she was glad Ash was making it okay as she placed the final berry in his mouth. "You can't keep doing this kind of stuff alone. At least let me get some of the action!" Her words were hard but had a caring undertone to them.

He finished the last berry and felt like his body had returned to normal. If sluggish and cold counted as normal. He remembered Metapod and the Beedrill that was going to harm them. "Metapod!" He managed to yell as he gently placed Squirtle and Pidgey aside. He tried his hardest to stand up. "The Beedrill swarm! I need to-"

"It's okay, Ash," Ryan told him as Ash looked up at the bug catcher. "Everything turned out well. For us, and for what Metapod became."

"Free!" He agreed as he landed near Ash. Ash still had difficulty seeing the Pokémon clearly and needed Dexter for this. He got the device out of his front pocket after some struggle.

"Butterfree, the butterfly Pokémon. Dex Number: 012. Evolved from Metapod. Pokémon typing: Bug, Flying. In battle, it flaps its wings at high speed, releasing highly toxic dust into the air. This specific Butterfree is a male and is currently at level 10. This Pokémon has the following moves: Sleep Powder, Tackle, Gust, Confusion."

"Metapod... evolved?" He managed to ask as his brain was thinking a lot. Just about everyone nodded at this, Ash giving a strained chuckle. "How come I couldn't see it?"

"Maybe don't run off like this again, alright?" Ryan suggested as Ash was forced to nod at this. He knew that his Pokémon and Misty would be mad if he tried to deny this idea.

Misty moved around and tried to make Ash comfortable. "Are you strong enough to stand up?" She questioned as the boy slowly stood up with very wobbly feet. Squirtle and Pidgey sweat dropped at seeing his legs become as strong as noodles.

Ash couldn't support his weight as he managed to land on the ground with both arms. "It's too hard. Guess I am going to have to wait until this sorts out."

"Pidgey." The Flying-type gently pecked at Ash until the boy patted her on the head.

"Thank you for me helping me out, Pidgey." He kindly told his Pokémon that he was proud of. He took out the Poke Ball that belonged to her. "You don't have to, but would you like to rest in here?"

"Pidgey." She spoke. Although she did not want to leave out Ash right now, the boy seemed to be doing well for the time being. She really could use a nap after having to spam Gust. She went in with no complaints.

Ryan offered his hand to him, which Ash took. "Alright. Pull yourself up, now." It was hard, but Ash could lean on Ryan for support. Squirtle helping him from the bottom, Misty at the top. "You think you can walk for us? We can carry you if we have to."

Ash moved his feeble legs and felt they could still walk with some human support. "W-We can make it back to the cabin." He declared.

"If you need it, don't be afraid to ask for breaks in between," Misty suggested as they began their stroll back to the cabin.

"Squirtle."

"I'll keep that in mind."

They went on in silence as they helped Ash with his delicate body. He tried his hardest to act like his legs were good enough for walking, though everyone saw through the lie. They went on their silent walk for minutes, not reaching the location for some time. Ryan looked at Ash and then at the ground they walked on, forcing himself to say the words at this moment.

"Ash," He said to get the boy's attention. "Um, thank you for what you did for Butterfree. I can't stress how... glad I am that you were willing to do that for me.

Ash gave a smile as he patted Ryan on the back. "You don't need to be like that for me. It was just my instinct to help those in need." Ryan was satisfied as he continued to look ahead with different thoughts. A frown came to Ash as he remembered the injury he had received was more than just poisonous. "Misty. Can you look at my shoulder?" He requested. Misty took it with no hesitation. "Tell me how bad it is."

Misty and Squirtle moved the tattered clothing to see the injury that was supposed to be fresh. They instead saw a closed wound that seemed like it was more so hours, possibly a day older than it was. "For being new, it looks pretty good. It's still a bad wound, but you seem like you could recover from it quickly."

"Squirtle." The Water-type was surprised by how fast Ash's injuries managed to heal. He thought that only Pokémon could heal that quickly.

"I've always been a fast healer." Ash tried to explain as he looked over at Misty. "Just a genetic thing, I guess."

"Does your fast healing affect your ruined jacket?" This caused Ash to have a new sense of awareness.

He tried to touch the area and saw the material was missing from where it was. Ash looked defeated as he yelled out to the sky in frustration, glad Delia was not here. He did not even want to consider that reaction. "You got to be kidding me!"

---

"I'm trying to tell you guys I'm fine." As he tried to tell them as the poison that Beedrill gave had finally left his system. Ryan had Ash's arm around his shoulder to support him, Butterfree hovering nearby to help them, and Squirtle on his shoulder. Misty was ahead as she was ready to defend them.

"Squirtle, squir irtle." His Pokémon forced him to comply as he was ready to do anything for his Trainer.

"You are still moving a bit too sluggish." Misty pointed out as they made their way back to the cabin. "The poison's effects are still present, though it no longer harms you."

Ash sighed as he looked down at his jacket, having it wrapped around his waist now. It had a decent hole on where he was hit and was probably no good anymore. He felt terrible about this as his mom bought him that jacket a year ago, and it lasted a solid two days out of Pallet Town. Guess he is going to have to hit the shops for a new one. "Look up. We are here."

Ash saw the cabin ahead and was relieved to have somewhere safe in this forest. They all went in as Ryan had to call Butterfree away and return him, Ash being able to stand against the wall. The boy was taking in some deep breaths as he felt relieved now. "Glad to see that you guys did this for me."

"Of course, we would." Misty simply responded.

"Squirtle!" Squirtle told his Trainer as the two smiled at one another.

Ryan came up and signaled for Ash to look at him. "You helped me out with Metapod. I knew that I had to do something for you in return." He looked down as he went silent for a minute. "Can... can I say something? If now isn't a bad time." He quickly added at the end.

"Trust me," Ash seemed to be sarcastic and genuine simultaneously. "I have never felt better."

Ryan sighed as he tried to prepare himself for what was to come. "I... I-I'm sorry." He began. "I knew that me being mad at you yesterday was not justified and that I should have been more rational. I thought that you would be annoying to me but seeing what you did for Butterfree made me see my errors. You are no novice, not to me." He looked down at Butterfree's Pokeball and back up at Ash, who was still listening with Squirtle near him. "Please. Forgive my past actions."

Everyone waited for what Ash had to say. The boy said nothing as he wanted to hear how Ryan would apologize. Squirtle couldn't read his face as Misty also returned with no results. It took a few seconds before Ash answered.

"Sure." That was the only response he gave. "I forgive you."

Ryan, plus everyone else, was not expecting a simple answer like that. "A-Are you sure?"

"I know that holding grudges will not help anyone," Ash explained as he picked up his Squirtle. "It's okay to be mad sometimes, but don't let that anger evolve into something you can't control. That's what my mom always told me." Misty heard these words and started to think about it.

Ryan wiped his brow after hearing that. "I'm glad that you aren't someone that takes every mistake as an insult." Ash nodded after hearing this.

"Squirtle."

Misty looked at Ash and deduced something. "You should be all good to go in a few hours. If you want, we can leave today whenever you are ready."

Ash pushed himself away from the wall and stood up without support. It was doable for the boy, though he tried to hide his discomfort. "I rather do that. Squirt and I are yearning to challenge Brock."

"I can show you which way out the forest is," Ryan suggested as he got their attention. "I should warn you. Pewter is about a week away from here, even with the quickest path I'll show you."

"That would be great." Misty accepted before frowning. "But, what about you? Are you just going to stay here in this forest?"

Ryan sighed as he looked away, pretending to pack up his sleeping bag. "I am scared of what the outside world holds. I am not brave or strong for anything like Gym Leaders or Pokémon League. I'll... keep being the Samurai everyone forgets after they leave." He said as he brought his head down. "It's probably for the better."

Everyone felt a little down after hearing that. This id was not the bold type, and his team couldn't back him up on that. It seemed unfair that he was just another person that people wouldn't care to give a second glance at if they even decided to glance at him. Ryan had potential that was knocked out of the sky, leading to him not even thinking it was real anymore.

A solution came to him. "Well... why don't we change that?"

Ryan was expecting some pity he would have to take, not this. "Hmm?"

"Why don't you join us on our adventure?" Ash asked more clearly as he looked at the boy with a smile. "If you want to become stronger and braver, then being stuck in this forest isn't doing the trick." He placed Squirtle on the ground to cross his arms. "No. That sounds like a task that requires the entire Kanto Region for it to happen."

"Y-You would take me i-in?" The joy that Ryan had was making his voice quiver a bit. Was this boy who proclaimed that he would be Champion asking him to come along? This has to be a pure dream.

Ash gave a proud smile at this. "I want to show this world that someone like me could make a difference, and you seem to be in the same boat. It would be best if you had some confidence to see what else Kanto has. I know you are too scared to be proud of yourself, but we have no such limits!" He explained as he gestured to Squirtle and Misty, the girl agreeing with this idea. Squirtle was already all for it. "You have been given a chance to walk down a path that can lead you to your dream. Will you take a step down it?"

Ryan felt overwhelmed by all this as he tried to keep himself together. His emotions were being released as the seemingly proud boy they met yesterday had revealed his true self. Misty wanted to see if Ryan would take this chance, not wanting to admit that she had come to see him as a good Trainer in this short time. Squirtle eagerly watched as he wanted to know if this would be another friend. Ryan couldn't help but let the water leak from his eyes. A tear went down his face as he replied with the following, a smile that no longer showed fear in it:

"I will see to where the path ends!"

Ash and Squirtle gave off an immense grin as Ryan came to hug them for what they had just given him. Ryan was very emotional as Ash saw how happy he had just made this kid. "Why are you crying? You don't need to tear up over someone you just met."

"It's more than that," Ryan responded as he wiped away the tears and looked at the two. Eternally grateful for this. "I would say thank you, but do you need to hear that from me?"

Squirtle smiled as he also let out a small tear. Their group of friends was already large for being so new. "Squirtle." It truly brought him joy.

Misty let the two have their moment before speaking up. "It looks like you are going to stick by us. Don't worry; you have an expert guiding you throughout all this." She pointed to herself with her thumb, smirking. "But before that, you two have got to do something for me."

"Um, sure?" Ryan and Ash were startled when Misty pointed a finger close to their face. The action was meant to be threatening as she sounded more serious.

"No arguing between you two!" She told as her voice wasn't going to allow anything else. "I am not going to be the babysitter of you gremlins. If something comes up between you, solve it or fight it out. Understand me?" Misty tried to be terrifying with these words. Based on the reactions, she quickly passed with flying colors.

"Yup."

"Got it." Both boys said out of fear for their lives. Misty dropped her fear-inducing presence as she smiled at them, happy to see that they knew better than to talk back. Ryan then had a revelation. "I got to go pack my stuff. We can leave in a few hours."

"You don't have to tell us." Ryan nodded and went to pack his stuff for his adventure, happy that he was given a chance that no other person thought of giving him. This left Ash and Misty alone as the shorter of the two spoke up.

"Misty," He began. "Can I ask you something outside?"

"Sure thing." They both went out as Squirtle followed them out of there. They left Ryan to his own devices as Misty thought Ash would ask about something Pokémon related or Ryan related. "Anything I can answer?"

Ash knew to keep it simple. "Are you related to the Sensational Sisters in Cerulean?"

Misty eyes grew to the size of plates as she took a step back after hearing that. How did this kid manage to figure out her secret so quickly? She knew she made a few mistakes when coming up with her lie, but she tried her hardest to cover it up. Ash looked blankly as he waited for the answer. Squirtle looked at Misty and was surprised at who she might be related to. It seems like those lies she tried to make caught up to her. Misty tried to get the words out as she accidentally blushed in embarrassment.

"W-Well... I-I." She wished that she could have lied out of this situation, but her behavior had already erased any idea of that. It was her instinct to smooth talk her way out of this. "I-I know about them. The-they a-are the z ceru-"

"I won't be mad," Ash promised her, as she knew that all these half-baked sentences wouldn't help her. Misty gave a reassuring look to her, practically telling her to tell the truth. No matter how brutal it might be. "I just want to know that we weren't imaging all this and that you have the guts to say it."

Misty gave one last sigh before closing her eyes. "Your right. I am the younger sister of the Cerulean City Gym Leaders." She admitted as she looked down at the ground, disappointed in herself. "I was scared to tell you this. People usually only think of me as the runt of the Sensational Sisters, not Misty, the upcoming Trainer."

Ash understood this as he gave another question. "Be honest. When would you tell me as we went along our journey?"

"Squirtle?" The Pokémon inquired as well.

"I was going to tell you before Cerulean." Misty was honest as she looked up at the boy. "I was probably going to say it a day before, but still before Cerulea City. I was just worried that you would see me as a different person if I was being honest."

Ash nodded. "I understand why you were trying to hide this, but I'm still upset that you were trying to hide this." Ash was not trying to be harsh, as he did see this girl's perspective. Misty seemed down as Ash placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "If we are going to be with each other, then we shouldn't keep stuff like this from the other. "

"I'm aware. Thank you for not being angry, I guess." She looked back at the cabin and saw Ryan looking around for everything. "Are you going to tell Ryan about this?"

"I won't," Ash promised as Squirtle jumped onto his shoulder. "He'll find out eventually, and I feel you should be honest with him. Let's not make the same mistake you tried to make with me."

"Squirtle."

She let out her breath calmly. "I'll... try my best to be honest."

Ash gave a smile as she looked at her. "You know, I'm glad you'll stick with us." He and Squirtle tried to make the girl happy, and Misty was grateful for that but tried to play it cool.

"You should be. Not everyone can get this kind of help from a teacher, who has so much skill and knowledge to divulge."

"Ash!" Ryan called out of the cabin as he made the boy look inside. "Can you help me with something?" They left Misty behind as Squirtle gave her a thumbs up, a last attempt to make the girl feel better. It did work as she placed herself against the outside wall.

Misty couldn't help but smile. Ash had not only begun his path to becoming a better trainer as a whole, but he had also found a new friend that seemed to want to follow Ash until the very end. She was most happy about leaving this forest behind as just another memory. She looked up at the clouds consistently above them and seemed content with all this. She would have to reveal who she was to Ryan, but that could be a tomorrow thing. She was feeling pretty good about herself as she crossed her arms. One thought was going through her mind.

"Maybe this won't be so bad after all."

END OF CHAPTER 4

---

So, are you happy that Samurai/Ryan is joining the group? I wish I could have made this episode much more different from Canon, but I'm at least satisfied with how it turned out!

For anyone wondering why the Pokédex numbers are off for the Pokémon, that is not by mistake. The Pokédex has every baby Pokémon, all the cross-generational evolution, like Blossem and Annihlape, and Pokémon such as Clodsire and Perserker, that evolved from regional variants. I know most people wouldn't consider that last part, since they count as their own Pokémon, but I did since regional variants will be a thing later in this fanfic, and I know someone will ask about that. This basically means that instead of Pikachu as number 25 it is now Pichu, as they come before Pikachu in this dex. It took a solid two hours to make this list of the Pokédex with this in mind.

I hope that explains that part, and that this dex only has the Pokémon from the first four regions. Another thing is that legendaries are not part of the dex for, what I hope, is obvious reasons. Remember to give me your opinions or thoughts with a review, and I will see you in the next chapter!

Edit 1/10/23: Man, this chapter was terrible when I was redoing it. I decided to give Ryan more personality and make his inclusion in the team more realistic and apparent. One of the things I messed up was not giving these characters a lot of interaction and making them feel unique, especially with Sakura and Ryan. I'm not sure if the former will stay in the redone version as she might get replaced with another person from canon; suggestions down below if you would? Give me your honest opinions on Sakura and if she should go or keep her and make her more unique. Ryan will remain part of the group and get more of a role this time. PM if reviews aren't your thing.

THANKS FOR READING!

-God of Sun

Ash's Team: Squirtle (M), Pidgey (F)

Misty's Team: Starmie (N/G), Marill (M), Goldeen(F)

Ryan's Team: Pinsir (M), Butterfree (M)