Chapter 4 Route 1 Adventures

Ash and Alice leave Soltree Town and start walking along Route 1. Ash turns to Alice. "So, Alice, I heard from Rodney that you just became a Gym Leader, which means we're going to be facing each other one day. But can you introduce your Pokémon to me?"

Alice looks a bit hesitant. "My Pokémon? They're not that special..."

Ash is confused by her reluctance. "If you don't want to, I'm not going to force you to show me..."

Alice quickly reassures him. "No, it's not like that. I'm willing to show you." She takes out three Pokéballs. "Come on out, my friends."

After throwing the Pokéballs, three Pokémon appear, all of them Ice Type. The first one has a body resembling a snowball with icy blue spikes and black eyes, giving it a spooky yet charming appearance. The second Pokémon looks like a small, husky-like creature with a sleek black and white coat, sharp blue eyes, and a bushy tail. The third has delicate, crystalline wings that shimmer in various shades of blue and white. It has a gentle and elegant look, with antennae and a sleek body.

"These are my friends: Snower, Husky, and Crys," Alice introduces. "Snower is a Snowlow, it's Ice and Ghost Type. Husky is a Huskpup, which is Ice Type. And Crystiwing is Ice and Bug Type, and I named it Crys."

Ash smiles. "It's nice to meet you all."

Pikachu runs over to play with them. As Ash watches them happily playing together, a frown crosses his face as he remembers the past Alice looks at Ash with concern. "Ash, are you thinking about the past again?"

Ash sighs. "I know, Alice. After all that happened, I don't know who I should trust... Their betrayal hurts a lot since they were my travel companions... but now..." He closes his eyes, trying not to shed a tear.

Alice gently responds, "I understand." Ash, forgetting to keep his eyes closed, looks at her with confusion. "Since I was being bullied, I also had a hard time trusting people as well..."

Just then, they hear a strange noise and look around until they realize it's Ash's stomach growling. Both Ash and Alice giggle a little. "I guess it's lunchtime for both of us," Ash says.

Alice smiles. "Yeah, we should have lunch now."

As they take out their cooking supplies, they stare at each other and say in unison, "Are you going to cook for us?"

They both flinch, having said the same thing at the same time, and start to blush a little. After calming down, Ash decides to speak first.

"Why don't we cook together?" Ash suggests.

Alice nods. "I think that's the best solution. So let's discuss how we should work together."

While Ash and Alice are chatting about their lunch, Pikachu is playing with Herovor and Purrlit. Suddenly, a bird Pokémon with white feathers, black stripes, and a blue head flies towards the ground. He seems to be looking around, catching Pikachu and the others' attention.

Pikachu tilts his head. "What is that?"

Herovor responds, "I don't know, but it looks like a Flying type. After all, it is a bird."

Purrlit adds, "Come on, that's obvious. But we know a lot of bird Pokémon. If only we knew the name..."

As the bird Pokémon turns around, he notices Pikachu with two Pokémon he has never seen before.

The bird Pokémon gasps. "Pikachu? Is that really you?"

Pikachu and the others widen their eyes. The bird knows their names, and his voice is very familiar.

Herovor exclaims, "Hey, I remember that voice. It's Staraptor!"

Purrlit echoes, "Staraptor, is that really you?"

The bird Pokémon, recognizing their voices, responds, "Torterra? Infernape? Is that you two?"

Both Pokémon share a hug with the bird Pokémon, and Pikachu joins in, not wanting to be left out. Salatad, feeling the warmth, also joins the group hug.

The bird Pokémon speaks with a mix of surprise and relief. "I can't believe that you are just like me... changing into a new Pokémon."

Herovor nods. "Yeah, but thankfully Gliscor and Pikachu here escaped. By the way, Ash is nearby as well."

The bird Pokémon's eyes widen. "Ash is here too? What if he doesn't recognize me..."

Pikachu reassures him, "Don't worry, Staraptor, I'm sure he'll remember you."

While the Pokémon are talking, Ash and Alice finish cooking and start plating the meals on the table. Alice smiles. "Looks like we're going to have a great meal."

Ash nods. "Yeah, I'm glad it worked out so well."

They hear Pikachu and the other Pokémon's cries and turn around to see them bringing a Pokémon towards them. Ash greets them. "There you are, guys. But who is that Pokémon?"

Alice notices the Pokémon and realizes the others are confused too. "The bird Pokémon is called Budcheep. It's a common Flying Type Pokémon in this region."

The bird Pokémon flies towards Ash, who freezes momentarily. He stares at the Pokémon, recognition dawning on his face. "I now remember you... you were my Staraptor..." Ash says, his voice filled with emotion.

Budcheep nods and hugs Ash. Ash smiles and hugs back. "I'm so glad that I found you as well, Staraptor... or should I call you Budcheep now?" Ash asks.

Alice chimes in, "Staraptor is a Pokémon from the Sinnoh Region, right? I heard that it has an aggressive temperament and will bravely attack enemies far bigger than itself."

Ash nods. "Yeah... I first captured him because Pikachu was stolen by thieves known as Team Rocket. I captured him in Sinnoh to get Pikachu back. So, I suppose you want to rejoin my team?"

Budcheep nods eagerly. "Of course, I have been searching for you." Ash is delighted as he takes out a Pokéball and throws it at the bird Pokémon, successfully capturing it.

"Speaking of which, the Professor did give me a new Pokédex. Let's see what it says about everyone," Ash says, taking out the device. He scans the four Pokémon, and their data appears on the Pokédex.

Alice looks impressed. "So it means you have four of the region's Pokémon."

Ash nods. "Of course. Now I need to study each of them to know how to train them properly."

Herovor: The Herbivore Pokemon. Grass Type. Herovor mostly lives in the forest it was born in, which it is very protective of. As they grow, leaves sprout on their shells.

Ash reads the entry and then asks, "And I see that it can use Leaf Darts... What is that move?"

Alice explains, "Leaf Darts is a move that shoots out three darts made of leaves at the target. It is sure to strike first as well."

Ash nods appreciatively. "Awesome. Next is Purrlit."

Purrlit: The Kitten Pokémon. Fire Type. Purrlit are very playful Pokémon and are easily distracted by the smallest things. One can tell how happy a Purrlit is by the size of the flame on its tail.

Ash chuckles. "Purrlit is playful... just like Chimchar. And what is the move Flare Up?"

Alice smiles. "This move is quite useful. It changes Normal Type moves into Fire Type moves."

Ash grins. "Then it might be good for your gym." Alice feels a bit annoyed. "You said that because I specialize in Ice Type, right?"

Ash waves his arm defensively. "Calm down, Alice, I didn't mean any offense." Alice giggles at Ash's easy panic. "Next is Salatad."

Salatad: The Salamander Pokémon. Water Type. Salatad are born in small bodies of water and live there until they evolve. Their powerful tails make them excellent swimmers for escaping predators.

Alice adds, "And Salatad knows the move Aqua Slam, which can also lower the speed of the opponent."

Ash nods. "Good. Now the final one is Budcheep."

Budcheep: The Budgie Pokémon. Normal and Flying Type. While Budcheep are usually rather quiet, they'll start loudly chattering should they sense any danger. They are commonly kept as both pets and natural alarm systems.

Ash smiles warmly. "I see. You guys sure have great moves to learn. I promise that after lunch we are going to train you just like old times."

The Pokémon cheer at the mention of training. After their reincarnation, they have become weak and are eager to regain their former strength.

Alice smiles. "But first, we should have our lunch..." They turn around to the table, ready to eat, but they see a Pokémon munching on the bread. The Pokémon is brown with a cute face.

Ash is intrigued. "Wow, what is that Pokémon?"

Alice smiles. "That's a Hamstar, a very cute and gentle Pokémon."

Hamstar: The Hamster Pokémon. Normal Type. This Pokémon is a favored pet because of its soft fur and gentle nature. It has been said that touching the star on the back of a Hamstar will bring you good luck.

Ash smiles at the Hamstar and rubs its fur, causing it to squeal happily. "Don't worry, you can eat with us."

Alice watches as Ash takes care of the wild Pokémon, feeling amazed at his kindness and personality. After giving Pokéfood to the other Pokémon, Alice and Ash sit together and enjoy their lunch. Alice takes a bite of her sandwich and smiles, "Wow, Ash, these sandwiches taste so great."

Ash smiles, relieved, "Thanks, I was afraid the eggs might be burnt and the meat might be raw. I'm glad you like it," he says, tasting the pie, "And your apple pie is also delicious."

Alice beams, "Thanks, I learned a lot back in school... So, Ash, I wanted to know, how often did you cook on your journey?"

Ash sighs, "Well... almost never. Since I was so focused on training Pokémon, I left the cooking to my friends. I only learned how to cook last week when my mom decided to teach me."

Alice looks impressed, "From a beginner like you, I'm really lucky to eat your delicious food," she says, taking another bite of her sandwich.

Ash grins, "Thanks. I'm glad you like it," he says, taking a bite of the apple pie with his fork.

After lunch is done, Ash decides to train his Pokémon, and Alice decides to watch them. As Alice is walking around, she comes across a Pokémon. The Pokémon sees Alice and suddenly gets frightened, using a Shock on her and causing her to fall.

Alice winces in pain, "Ow..."

Ash quickly rushes to her, "Alice, are you alright?"

Alice tries to reassure him, "I am fine..."

Ash sees some blood on her knee, "No, you are injured. Let me help you. Purrlit, can you fight that Pokémon for me?"

Purrlit nods and faces the Pokémon. Ash takes out the emergency box and applies medicine to Alice's wound.

Ash asks, "But what is that Pokémon?"

Alice, wincing as the cotton stick with medicine touches the wound, responds, "That is an Elecritter."

Ash also tells Pikachu to open the Pokédex to scan the Pokémon.

Elecritter: The Frisky Pokémon. Electric Type. Elecritter are very agile Pokémon. They store static electricity in their fur as they run, which is released when irritated or frightened.

Ash remarks, "No wonder, it must have been frightened that you came so close..."

They see Purrlit defeat the Pokémon with an Ember attack. Ash then takes out a Pokéball and captures the Pokémon.

Ash smiles, "Now I have a new member."

Alice chuckles, "You really do want to catch them all, don't you, Ash?"

Ash nods. "Of course, I want to give them a home where they can be safe," he says, frowning slightly, "And I really don't want the same incident to happen again."

Alice nods in understanding. Ash finishes putting the bandage on her knee.

Alice smiles gratefully, "Wow, Ash. It doesn't hurt anymore. I'm sure you could be a great doctor in the future."

Ash shakes his head modestly. "Well, it's actually just basic emergency care. Like I said, after the betrayal, I wanted to be the one who helps, not the one being helped. So I asked my mom and my servants to teach me everything."

Alice beams, "You did a really good job. I'm really lucky to have you traveling with me."

Ash smiles back, "Me too."

After that, they continue on their journey, eager to reach the next town before sunset.

Here are the first three Pokemon at Ash's party. Ash captures three new Pokemon and he will be catch all of them. I hope you like this chapter and in the next chapter, we will be going into the new town.

New Pokemon Captured or Evolved in this chapter: Budcheep (Staraptor), Hamstar, Elecritter

Route 1 Encounters:

Land: Hamstar:40% (LV:2~4), Budcheep:40% (LV:2~4), Elecritter:20% (LV:2~4)