In the area around Pallet Town, the day finally arrived. A bright yellow sun shone down on the green forest in the height of summer, while the breeze coming from the sea carried the faint scent of salt. Flying-types chirped under a blue sky dotted with clouds.

Ash had been awake before the sun rose, going over his preparations yet another time. All the stolen clothes, food, and utensils had been packed. Then unpacked and then packed again so that he'd know that everything was there and the quickest way to pack it. He had gone over food gathering with Poison Lance and gone over how to guess at the weather from Flygirl. Finally, he had eaten a quick breakfast at dawn, while his caretakers sat around quietly.

Today's the day, Pocket Watch finally said as Ash was putting on his hiking backpack and rubbing at some dirt that was smudged on his cheeks. The lightly tanned human boy was dressed in a black t-shirt, denim jeans, and a blue short sleeved jacket. Canteens and pans gently clanked, hanging off of his large hiking backpack. The boy's black hair, though brushed and cared for, stuck out in occasional spikes around the sides of his face and the back of his head.

Yeah, Ash replied, amber eyes looking down and away from the hypno. It is.

I always knew you'd eventually have ta spread your wings and leave the nest, Flygirl said. And I knew you'd be leavin' soon, but still…..

Yeah, Ash replied, still fussing over his backpack.

Silence, awkward and heavy fell over the four of them.

It's time to go, Ash said, looking at the ground. I- I just want to say thank you. For looking after me so long. For keeping me safe.

Ash, thank you for letting us, Pocket Watch said, engulfing the boy in a hug.

Uff, Ash said, chin on Pocket Watch's shoulder, eyes closed.

We'd do it a hundred times over, Flygirl told him, joining in on the hug with her wings. These last years have been some of the best we've ever had.

Thanks, Ash said, tears leaking out of the corners of his closed eyes. I'm going to miss you all.

Pocket Watch let him go and Ash turned away, toward Pallet Town and the start of his journey.

This is goodbye my boy, Poison Lance spoke up. We have looked after you for all these years and gave all of the little that we could give you. I hope that you fare well on your journey and are successful in becoming the great pokémon trainer that you are meant to be. May you meet many new friends, both human and pokémon, and sample the wonders of the world. Remember to stay true to yourself and hold your head with pride.

Ash let loose a sob, whirled around, and then embraced the old weedle.

I'm really going to miss you all, the human said. And don't worry. You all gave me more than enough.

Poison Lance nuzzled the boy. You will always be in our thoughts. We send our hopes and goodwill with you. But now is the time for you to depart on your journey.

Yeah, Ash said, wiping at his eyes and standing up. I love you all. Send me a message if you move again, otherwise I'll stop by here when I can! Goodbye Dad! Goodbye Mom! Goodbye Father!

And with that the boy left.

"Crap, crap, crap, took too long," Ash muttered to himself a couple of hours later, rushing along the road towards Professor Oak's laboratory. He glanced at his watch. Fifteen minutes late. Ash had no idea how bad that would be.

He rushed up a small hill and saw that there was a crowd of people gathered below. There were shouts and cheers emanating from the crowd and among them he could see his classmates, holding up pokémon or pokéballs to show their family and friends.

Ash sighed, and then began making his way through the crowd.

"Excuse me. Pardon me. Sorry." The boy said, trying to squeeze through, gently nudging people out of the way as he tried to make it to the labs. "Running late. Excuse me."

"Ah! Aaron Autumns! My rival finally arrives!" Someone shouted. Ash turned, looking for Gary the obvious culprit, standing near the doors to the laboratory. "I thought you lost your nerve and decided to chicken out! Well-"

"Hi Gary! What pokémon did you get?" Ash asked, smiling as he hurried over to the other boy. Gary sighed, letting his face fall into his hand.

"Aaron, sometimes I don't think you get what rival means." Gary said, muffled by his palm.

"Yeah I do. It means we compete a lot and have fun!" Ash answered. "So, what pokémon did you get?"

"I got an eevee." Gary answered, looking up. "Leaf picked a bulbasaur just so you know."

"That's nice." Ash said. "How bad is being fifteen minutes late? Are there any pokémon left?"

"Gramps should still have a couple." Gary answered, before glancing back at his watch. "I'm going to head out now. Smell ya later!"

"Sure. I'll see you later too! We can have a pokémon battle then!" Ash said, waving as Gary left, and then heading into the lab.

"Sorry I'm late Professor!" Ash said as he entered the laboratory.

"Only fifteen minutes," the professor replied, standing next to a table with a pokéball on it and looking at his watch. "Normally this wouldn't be a big deal, Mr. Autumns, but there was a mistake when taking inventory and well, we've only got one pokémon left."

"That's okay," Ash said. "I'll take them!"

"Hmmm. Well this one is freshly caught, so it might be a bit difficult for a starting trainer." Oak said. "But, given what Gary has told me, I think this might be a good fit." He took the pokéball from the table and handed it to Ash.

Ash took it reverently. Inside the pokéball, lay his first pokémon, his first new friend. What would it be? A bulbasaur, green and strong? A charamander, bright and fiery? A squirtle, happy and bubbly? Maybe an eevee full of potential?

"Well, open it," Oak said, watching Ash with guarded amusement. "Go on, greet your new pokémon."

White light flashed and coalesced on the table. Before Ash stood a yellow, chubby pokémon, with red cheek pads, brown stripes on it's back, and a yellow tail that zig-zagged light a lightning bolt.

The first thing that Pikachu ever said to Ash was: Oh, great you're the idiot I have to deal with.

"Well it takes one to know one," Ash muttered back.

Wait what?

"I'm sorry Aaron, did you say something?" Professor Oak asked.

"I just said, what an adorable pokémon," the twelve-year-old boy lied to the professor. "Just look at him!"

I must have been imagining things, the pikachu said as Ash picked him up.

No, you weren't, Ash whispered into the yellow pokémon's ear.

Did you just speak properly? Pikachu looked sharply at Ash. No, Pikachu, your mind is just playing tricks on you…

"I imagine that he is rather cute," Professor Oak said. "But given that he was causing electrical outages in the lab by gnawing at some wires, I'm not inclined to see it."

That's right! I was eating some nice tasty electricity and then this old coot had to go ruin it for me!

"Well, at least he won't have to worry about people ruining his meals from here on out," Ash declared with a smile.

Again, you do this! It's almost like you can…. wait a minute…. There was some gossip about a person who could speak properly… I've been had!

Yellow light flared and then Ash was on his back, twitching from the shock. Pikachu stood on his chest, forepaws crossed, tapping one foot.

"Well, he's certainly got an electrifying personality!" Oak said with a grin. Electricity flared again and Oak was also twitching on his back.

"Yeah, I might've had that coming," Ash said, picking himself up and grabbing a glaring Pikachu. "Thanks for the pokémon, Professor Oak, but I should head out."

"Wait, before you go, there's more I need to give you." Professor Oak said, picking himself up and grabbing some items from around the lab. "First, some pokéballs to get you started. Second, your pokédex."

"My what?"

"Guess you haven't heard." Oak shrugged, handing Ash a bag full of pokéballs, and a sleek red, metallic object. "It's something I've been working on. It's a combination pokémon encyclopedia, scanner, and research repository. You can use it to look up known information on pokémon, scan pokémon for more data, and you can record observations and tests in it. Just make sure to sync it at a pokémon center to share what you've learned and to get the latest updates."

"Oh. Well, guess I won't need to carry around so many books then" Ash replied, accepting the items, and slotting them into some free space in his backpack.

"I've been giving them out to all the trainers this year and if it's successful I might be able to convince the league to give them out to all starting trainers." Professor Oak went on. "The pokédex also has a small teleporter, and is connected to the pokémon storage system, if you choose to use it. It's pre-set to use my ranch as the designated storage location. And before you say anything, yes, it is a League accredited location for short-term and long-term storage."

"Right, if you don't want to keep all your pokémon with you, then you can send them to a storage location where they can either be put in stasis or they go live somewhere safe," Ash said nodding. "Not sure if I'm going to use it."

His caretakers had mentioned something about the storage system once, having heard about it from wild pokémon. Opinions had been mixed as to whether or not it was a good thing. Poison Lance felt that it was a bad choice to offer trainers, who might neglect a large amount of pokémon, and that trainers should keep their pokémon on them at all times. Flygirl thought it would have been nice to have a place to keep parts of their team in reserve, so that their trainer could fill holes in the team quickly, be able to focus their resources on the pokémon who needed them most at the time, and that such an option would allow trainers to have a larger team.

Pocket Watch hadn't had an opinion on the storage system and had decided to play with Ash while his teammates argued.

"Well, you'll need to register with the pokédex and then the storage system first," Professor Oak told him, "so keep that in mind if you think you might need it in a hurry. Oh, and give me a call when you check into to your first pokémon center. I like to try and keep tabs on the trainers I give starters to."

I'm sure you humans find this nice and all, but you and I need to have a chat buddy, Pikachu piped up from Ash's arms. I'm sure you'll find it most en-light-ening.

"Well, thanks for the pokémon and the pokédex," Ash said hurriedly. "But I've got to go get some rubber gloves."

Ash actually headed out to an empty field outside of Pallet Town. He looked around to make sure there were no people and then put down the glaring Pikachu.

So, yes, I can speak properly, Ash said to the electric rodent.

A power you abuse to mock innocent pikachus! The yellow pokémon shouted, pointing in an accusatory manner.

Uh, I guess? Ash shrugged. I mean it is sort of fun to mess with pokémon by letting them know I can understand them….

You monster!

Like you've never messed with a human by insulting them while smiling at them! Ash accused, pointing right back at the pokemon.

Well maybe I have, Pikachu huffed, crossing his forepaws. But that's because most of them are too stupid to understand what I'm saying!

Oh, so you pick on stupid humans and you think you've got the moral high ground on me? At least I mock things that understand me!

You idiot! That's worse. You're just picking a fight! Meanwhile I get my revenge without needing to resort to emotional violence! And I get fawned over!

So, you trick people into giving you affection! Ash said. That's still not any better!

Well, maybe if you all weren't so stupid-

As to find you cute? Trust me, after ten seconds of listening to you I'll never make that mistake again, Ash said, rolling his eyes.

Hey! I am a very adorable pokémon. Look at this perfectly plump pikachu figure, these red round cheeks, and my very cute nose. Plus, you can't forget my amazing tail! Pikachu protested, twisting around to show off said tail.

All marred by an awful personality, Ash huffed.

Takes one to know one bub, Pikachu shot back. We both pretend to be innocent in front of your species! You get mad at me for insulting people in a way they can't understand, but I'm sure you insult people's pokémon in a way they can't understand! Why else would you keep the fact you can speak properly a secret?

Ash briefly froze up at that statement, taking a second before responding.

Actually, I don't let other humans know I can speak properly because I don't want to let them know how I learned to do so. Ash answered.

Well, how did you learn? Pikachu asked, crossing his forepaws again and tapping his foot.

I was, uh, raised by some pokémon, Ash replied. Well, I mean I was initially raised by my human folks, but-

Something happened to them, Pikachu grimaced. That- well- I'm sorry for your loss.

Thanks, Ash said, looking away and rubbing the back of his head. Anyway, that was a long time ago, and Poison Lance and Pocket Watch found me after that…. Actually, they found pokémon hunting me and then at least one of the people commanding them-

I think you left a few things out there, Pikachu interrupted. You were being hunted? Why?

I don't know! Ash exclaimed. I wish I did though. Poison Lance, Pocket Watch, and Flygirl were never sure if I was still being hunted. They kept moving me around. I've lived in Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, and Kanto.

So, you were constantly on the move with how many pokémon looking after you?

Three. Pocket Watch and Poison Lance contacted Flygirl to help. And we weren't constantly moving. In the beginning they told me that they kept relocating every couple weeks or months, but that stopped when they started sending me to school.

Wait, you were raised by wild pokémon and they made you go to school? Pikachu titled his head. I don't know much about humans, but I thought the only reason human children hated school and only went because their human parents made them. Shouldn't-

It turns out school's a great way to make sure a human child grows up knowing how to speak to other humans correctly, Ash cut Pikachu off. And I sorta get why other kids hated school, first grade was just bad, but it was different for me. I only went to kindergarten, first grade, and then fifth grade.

Why'd you skip the other grades?

Oh, some more people tried to kidnap me in Sinnoh-

Wait, huh? Your hunters found you? Pikachu asked. I thought you said that your caretakers didn't know if you were still being hunted.

We're pretty sure this was a different group, Ash answered. I set off some sort of device of theirs and they tried to grab me.

So, you have two groups of hunters? You are the unluckiest idiot I've ever met.

The second group isn't actually hunting me, Ash answered. And I'm not an idiot. They just stumbled across me.

Which is soooo much different, Pikachu said, rolling his eyes.

It is! Ash protested immediately. We're not sure how the first group found me, but Pocket Watch is a hypno, and he managed to get some information from one of the humans involved, and they had planned their attempt for a while. Anyway, after the kidnapping attempt, they sent me to first grade in a place where they could watch me easier and then we quit going to school.

Okay… I think I follow your tale of misfortune and woe-

Hey! It wasn't bad most of the time-

Your tale of suffering and misery so far, Pikachu continued, but why'd you come back to school if you were so worried about being found?

Well, they had me reading school books in the wilderness for several years with almost no human contact, Ash replied. It was starting to make me go crazy-

You mean go stupid, Pikachu said. Unless you being an idiot isn't a new development-

Go crazy and then I asked them if I could go back to school, Ash went on, rolling his eyes. They decided that since I was nearly old enough to become a pokémon trainer that I should go back so I could get registered and everything. And they picked here because they heard that the League had stepped up security here, so it should be safe from my hunters.

Okay. Quick question. Where are you from originally? Pikachu asked.

Here actually. Ash answered. I was living around here when the hunters first came after me.

So, your caretakers who kept you moving to different regions because they were scared of your hunters finding you, decided to take you back to where they first found you? I see where you get your idiocy from.

Hey! Ash protested. We're pretty sure that we've lost them by now. Besides, there's a lot of security here now too. And they thought it was appropriate that I started my trainer's journey from here, as this is where everything began for them. And it is where I would have probably stayed if my human folks were still around.

And they're just letting you go on this trainer's journey despite the fact that you're probably being hunted? Pikachu asked, raising one eyebrow.

I want, no need, to become strong enough to fight off my hunters on my own, Ash answered, clenching a fist. I don't want to keep hiding from them. I want to make friends and keep them.

Pikachu didn't say anything for a while. He and Ash just stood in silence for a minute before Pikachu spoke up again.

Well that was an interesting story, but what are we going to do now? I know, I'll go zap another pokémon for you and then I'll be on my way-

Wait, you don't want me to train you? Then why were you hanging around people if you didn't want to get caught? Ash asked.

This isn't the first time I've been caught, Pikachu informed the human boy. But all the other times I was caught was so the humans could dump me back into the forest. That's what they do when you're what they call a 'pest', and what I call a 'liberator of horded electricity'. You and that professor are the first ones who've wanted to train me.

Well if you let me train you, then I'll be responsible for keeping you fed! Ash said. And I can train you to become super-powerful- Ash stopped talking as Pikachu fell over laughing.

That's a good one, Pikachu said, wiping at the corner of his eye. Oh wait, you were serious. That's even better!

Well I could!

I doubt that, Pikachu said. He pointed at a nearby tree. You see that tree over there? That branch with the five leaves on the end?

Yeah. What about-

Yellow light flashed and there was a brief crackle. The five leaves fell down with a smoking hole in each of their centers.

Impressive, Ash commented.

Thank you, Pikachu said with a small bow. I've been working on speed and accuracy on my own, though my power is nothing to scoff at either. Someday I will become good enough to be known as the 'Lightning Zapper'.

…. Uh…. I don't think…

Shut up, the name's a work in progress, Pikachu huffed.

But what about other things? Ash asked. What about defense?

I zap the enemy! That's a good defense. Pikachu answered.

Okay, what if they're a big electric type? Ash asked. What are you going to do then?

I'll just zap them really hard. Pikachu answered.

Do you really think that will work? What about a ground-type?

I'll just zap it even harder!

Do you really think that will work?

Shut up, Pikachu huffed, crossing his forepaws again. Alright, fine so I haven't though everything through.

I can help with that, Ash said. And I can help you with your electrical attacks. I can read up on how electricity works. Can you read?

No, Pikachu growled. Never thought humans would write down anything about electricity given how protective they are about it when an innocent pokémon is just looking for a snack….

But they did and I can read it, Ash said. And that's not the only thing I can help with if you come with me! I can help medicine and food! I can help you learn defensive moves. Don't you want to figure out how to deal with ground-types?

Well, okay, you could prove useful, Pikachu admitted. He waited a moment, sighed, and then spoke again. Fine, I'll go with you. I don't have anything better to do anyway.

Ash let out a breath he didn't even realize he was holding. When he had been thinking about his journey there had been the implicit assumption that his first pokémon would automatically accept him. The idea that it wouldn't, that his first pokémon would reject him, it had struck an insecurity Ash didn't know he had.

Was he a defective human?

Ash looked up, shook his head to clear it, and then looked back at Pikachu.

Great! So, do you want to go back in your pokéball now-

Okay, correction, I'll go with you so long as you avoid using that infernal contraption, Pikachu answered, before hopping up onto Ash's shoulder.

I thought pokémon liked pokéballs?

I can't stand those things, Pikachu said, sticking his tongue out. I'll just ride you instead. Actually- Pikachu, scrambled onto the top of Ash's head. I think this is more appropriate. After all I'll be the brains of this operation.

Don't you have any respect for me?

No. Now onwards human steed!

You know, Ash sighed, as he started to walk. If I couldn't understand you, that would probably sound adorable.

Days later and in a different part of the Viridian forest, clouds covered the sky without a dark tint that would promise rain. A group of people were out in the forest, in a large clearing. While they were all dressed for forest travel, they all had done it in an unusual manner, with hats, and coats with high brimmed collars, almost as if they were trying to reduce the visibility of their faces.

They were sitting around a pile of pokéballs, busying themselves with various activities. Some of them were rummaging in packs, some of them were counting the pokéballs, and others were fiddling with some things that they were keeping out of sight.

A teenage girl, with orange-red hair in a short ponytail, wandered into the clearing.

"Scuse me," she said as they all turned to look at her. "Don't mind me, just passing on through."

No one in the group replied. They all kept staring at her.

"Wow. That's a bit creepy." The red-haired girl said, smiling uncertainly. "Can I ask what's going on here?"

"No." One man, with black hair, and black dead fish eyes. "Go away."

"Really? Because it looks like you've got a bunch of filled pokéballs and given how many you have, I doubt you're intending to train the pokémon in them." The girl said, smile turning from uncertain to sardonic.

"Which leads me to conclude that you're capturing pokémon in bulk for non-training purposes," she continued. "There are a few cases where that might be legal, but I doubt there's been any wild pokémon bothering Pallet Town, Viridian City, or Pewter City, so you're probably not relocators. And you're certainly not with the League…"

"Brat, this is none of your business," the man from earlier said. "Now get out of here before we make you."

"Sorry, but that won't be happening," the red head replied.

"Just who do you think you-"

"I'm someone with a direct line to a gym," the girl answered, holding up a pokégear. "If necessary, I can report in about you very quickly, while on the run even. Now would you care to explain what's going on here? Or would you rather release the pokémon you've illegally-"

Several things happened at once. A couple of the men who had been fiddling with things hidden from sight suddenly moved, revealing that the hidden objects were crossbows. Their companions either jumped out of the line of fire, or grabbed for pokéballs at their belts. And the girl jumped back for the trees.

"Ice Beam!" Blue jagged light shone from the forest, crossbows twanged, and there was chaos.

Elsewhere in the forest Ash and Pikachu were sitting on some tree roots.

Okay, so looks like you won't be learning Swift any time soon, Ash said, panting. And I don't know why you insist on having me do pushups or sit ups or jumping jacks while you're doing your training.

I've told you before, I shouldn't be the only one suffering, Pikachu replied. And why are you trying to have me learn Swift on top of all this speed training, the endurance training, and the control training?

Well, Ash said, trying to catch his breath, I just thought it would be useful for you to have a ranged attack that wasn't electric based. Since I'm going to need a training manual to figure out how to teach you to do Double Team, I thought we could try using Speed Burst and Swift to deal with troublesome opponents in the meantime.

I. Hate. Speed. Burst. So. Much. Pikachu panted. You're a sadist for coming up for it. And why did you give it a special name. It's just Agility and Quick Attack combined.

Yes, but we're using Quick Attack to dodge rather than as, you know, an attack, Ash replied. Besides, giving it a name means it's a bit harder for other trainers to figure out what's going on.

You could just give me directions while speaking properly. Pikachu pointed out.

Remember I can't do that in front of other humans, Ash replied. We don't want them thinking that I'm something other than an ordinary trainer and start digging.

Alright, you've got a point there idiot, Pikachu admitted. Moving on, what's the point of all the control exercises, like hitting a target behind a tree? I thought it was about power or efficiency or something, but neither of those are improving as fast as they should.

Attacking from behind cover, Ash answered, getting his breathing under control. And I thought you could maybe use it to re-direct incoming electrical attacks. But I was going to try and work on that later…

Hmmm…... that could maybe work, Pikachu replied. But-

Hi Ash! A familiar voice interrupted the two of them. Person and pokémon turned to look at the source. It was a caterpie that Ash recognized.

Hi Caterpie, Ash replied. What are you doing out here?

Not much. Was looking into some things, but I must've missed them. The bug type answered with a shrug. Of course, lacking shoulders, the shrug was more an upper body bob, but both Ash and Pikachu understood the body language well enough. What are you doing out here? I thought you were supposed to be in school during the day?

Well, it's summer, and I'm not going to school because I'm a trainer, Ash answered.

You're a trainer now? That's so cool! Caterpie replied, standing on the tip of his tail in excitement. That's why you're hanging out with that pikachu! How did you catch him!

You think this idiot could catch a pokémon as magnificent as me? Pikachu asked. No, the only reason he is blessed with my presence is because I am his starting pokémon. For you see, I saw this poor abandoned human, crying alone in the woods-

That's not how it- Ash began, but Pikachu talked over him.

-because he had been slothful and late to receive his starting pokémon from the professor of Pallet Town. Being a kind and generous soul-

Very debatable, Ash interjected.

-I took pity on the young fool and offered to accompany him on his journey, knowing that he would be doomed without me. A ray of light fell from the sky-

And this doesn't even have a passing resemblance to reality anymore, Ash sighed. He was eating electricity from some wires outside of Professor Oak's lab and got caught. Professor Oak then gave him to me as my starter.

Well, if you want to hear the drab and pedestrian version of the story then listen to the human, Pikachu sniffed, crossing his forepaws. My version is more epic.

Okay, Caterpie replied. Can I come with?

Well, we'll be leaving the forest eventually, but you could hang around with us until then if you want. Ash answered, rubbing the back of his head. But it's not really something you need to ask-

No, no, I meant as one of your pokémon, Caterpie corrected the human.

Uh….. Ash paused. I guess, but generally aren't you just supposed to challenge me? Leap out of the tall grass and fight whatever pokémon I send against you?

I can do that if you'd like! Caterpie looked around. Where's some tall grass? And should I shout something? I know! I'll shout 'Have at thee human! I challenge thee to a battle with mine service as thine reward for victory'.

Oh, oh, Ash said, excitedly. And I can say, 'I accept thine challenge Caterpie of the Viridian Forest. Have at thee!'

And I can say, Pikachu interjected, rolling his eyes, I'm too tired for a proper battle, so I'll just hit you with Thundershock now, like so- Yellow light flared and electricity buzzed. Caterpie was knocked on his back, singed and twitching.

Pikachu! Ash protested. You didn't let us do it right!

Just throw the darn pokéball and catch him, Pikachu replied. I'm tired and hungry and not in the mood for this.

Oh, fine, Ash said, taking a pokéball out of his backpack and gently tossing it at the prone bug type. The ball impacted, and Caterpie was transformed into red energy that was sucked into the sphere. It then fell to the ground shaking sideways and glowing with a red light. And then it was still. Ash picked up the ball and released Caterpie.

Ouch, Caterpie groaned. I know that would've happened eventually but-

Less buts and more food! Pikachu snapped.

Mmmmmh, they don't have leaves like this around here. Caterpie said, munching on some packaged spinach from Ash's pack. Where do they grow?

No idea, Ash replied, chewing on some jerky. Pikachu?

How would I know? Pikachu replied, chowing down on some acorns, various nuts, and some dried apple slices. You're the only one here who can read.

Alright, then none of us know where spinach comes from, Ash said. So, Caterpie, what moves do you know?

I can tackle things, Caterpie answered. And I know String Shot.

And…..? Ash asked.

Well, that's it, Caterpie said.

Oh, okay then, Ash said, leaning back against a tree. Well, String Shot can be pretty useful, but you're going to have some trouble with one on one battles for a while. Hey, didn't you mention evolving at some point? I think I remember you saying something…..

Yeah, I'd like to be a butterfree, but that means you have to be a metapod first, Caterpie replied. All you can do as a metapod is String Shot, Harden, and hope you become a butterfree soon. I really don't want to be a metapod….

Are you close to evolving? Ash asked.

Not exactly…. Caterpie trailed off. Look, I could evolve whenever I want, but I just don't want to be a metapod.

Can't blame you, Pikachu said, still munching on his food. Sounds boring as hell.

Okay, don't worry about it, Ash reassured the bug type. I was raised by a weedle, I won't pressure you to evolve if you don't want to.

Thanks Ash.

Anyway, why exactly where you up here to begin with? Ash asked. What were the things you were looking into?

Other caterpies, Caterpie answered. There's been a lot going missing in the northwestern part of the forest and there's no sign of any new predators.

Wait, caterpies are disappearing in the part of the forest we're heading for and you, a lone caterpie, are going to investigate? Ash asked. Won't whatever's making caterpies disappear get you too?

I guess, Caterpie did his whole-body shrug again. Didn't really think about that. I just wanted to know what was going on.

I get the urge, but you really need to plan ahead for that sort of thing. Ash looked up at the sky briefly and then back at caterpie. You got me curious now as well. When we get into the north-west woods let's start setting up an ambush.

Huh?

You can go out and be bait, just a lone caterpie, Ash explained. Meanwhile Pikachu and I will wait in a bush, with your pokéball at the ready. If something goes wrong then I'll just recall you.

And I'll zap whoever's stealing or eating caterpies, Pikachu added. It'll be fun.

"This was supposed to be so easy that a child could do it," a woman with long, shiny, straight cut, black hair ranted, wearing a Rocket uniform. "Go out and catch caterpies. It's not hard at all. Actual children do it all the time. But somehow you idiots couldn't even do that without getting five men killed!"

"We didn't see her pokémon hiding in the trees," the man with black hair and dead fish eyes replied.

"Why did you attack her in the first place Liam?" the woman asked. They were standing in a clearing, surrounded by tents and three other individuals. A man with brown hair was tending to a spot of black-blue frostbite on his upper arm, while another man with blond hair looked like he was taking a nap. A woman with short brown hair held a clipboard and was writing things down.

"She was going to call a gym and blow the whole operation wide open, Jio" the black-haired man, Liam, answered.

"Did she offer any proof that she had a direct line to a gym?" The woman, Jio, asked. "And don't use my name like that. I outrank you now and if you keep screwing up like this, I will always outrank you."

"No, but- "

"Did you try to talk her down?"

"No, but- "

"Did you see if there was anyone with her? No, you just attacked an unknown trainer in the woods, lost five men, and didn't even manage to kill her." Jio rubbed her forehead. "Hanna, how many caterpie did they manage to round up today?"

"Twenty-three," the woman with short brown hair, Hanna, answered. "We're still fifty-two under quota for the week."

"And with half of our original force," Jio moaned. "Because I thought you grunts could be trusted not to screw things up. Did anything go right?"

"We managed to get a crossbow bolt into her pokégear," the man with brown hair spoke up. "Broke it in two. I'm pretty sure that she won't be calling anyone with that."

"Well that's one thing Tadashi," Jio said. "But do you know if she had a second one? Or if there was anyone else with her?"

"No," the man with brown hair, Tadashi, replied. "But we did also manage to clip her with a crossbow bolt or two."

"That's also something," Jio sighed. "Ryder, do you have anything to add to this debacle?"

The blond man, Ryder evidently, opened one eye, belched, and then returned to his nap.

"Informative as always," Jio groaned. "My first assignment after my big promotion and you lot fuck it up. Just great. I thought I could trust you to catch some damn caterpies while I did paperwork. Turns out I was mistaken."

"I would have liked to see you do better, oh miss high and mighty prodigy," Liam shot back. "What would you have done? Read her mind for all those answers? You weren't psychic last time I checked."

"I would have done my best to get all the information before I made a decision," Jio responded. "And I wouldn't have made it obvious that I was catching pokémon in bulk. Were you trying to look suspicious? Why not just have a sign that read 'Team Rocket's here!'?"

"We weren't in uniform, that should've been enough." Liam protested.

"Ugh!" Jio clutched at her head. "I am surrounded by idiots! All of you are idiots! Except you, Hanna," she nodded at the other woman, "your performance has been exemplary as always."

"Thank you miss," Hanna replied. "What are your plans to deal with this situation?"

"We're going to have to scout these woods and find this girl and anyone who might be with her," Jio said after a couple of seconds, pinching her nose. "And then we'll kill them. Liam, Ryder, we'll use your zubats and cubones as scouts, have them try to kill or incapacitate anyone they find. Tadashi, Hanna, your pokémon are more powerful, you'll be support, keep them occupied until the rest of us can get there. Make sure to kill any water types you see before me and Tyranitar get there."

"Certainly miss," Hanna replied.

AN: I'd like to thank BlackCatSpecialist92G10 for beta reading.

Don't forget to review.

Minor edits as of 6/8/2020

:AN