Chapter 3
It's been one day since Ash and Misty left Viridian City and started their journey to Pewter City. But to get there they have to go through Viridian forest… and that forest is filed with Bug type Pokémon… and Misty hates Bug types.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" screamed Misty after seeing another Bug type.
Ash sighed for what must be a hundredth time since they entered the forest yesterday. He turned around to see what it is now, and saw a Caterpie standing in front of Misty and looking at her.
After a few more seconds of looking at her, Caterpie gave a small smile and started moving toward Misty.
"AAAAAAAAAAAH, get away from me, I hate Bug types, I hate them, I hate them!" Yelled Misty and run away from Caterpie.
Seeing Misty yell like that and run away from it, Caterpie's eyes watered with tears and turned around to leave, but before he could Ash approached it.
"Hey, don't feel so bad about what she said, it's nothing personal, she is just afraid of Bug-Type Pokémon," said Ash to Caterpie and gave it a little pat on the head.
Small Bug-type Pokémon looked at Ash, and after a few seconds gave a small smile and leaned in Ash's touch. "Caterpie Pie Cater", said Caterpie.
"You don't have to thank me Caterpie, I just said the truth," said Ash with a smile before he asked.
"Hey, would you like to come with me on my journey?" Asked Ash. "You can help me to reach my dream of becoming Pokémon master and I can help you get stronger. What do you say?"
Hearing Ash's question, Caterpie gave a happy cry and nodded his head in acceptance.
Ash smiled and then pulled one of his empty poke balls, before he lightly taped Caterpie on the head making it get absorbed in poke ball. After one shake, it dinged as a sign that Caterpie was caught.
Ash got up and walked toward Misty. "Are you going to scream the whole time we go through this forest?" Ash asked, a little annoyed by how Misty behaves.
"I can't help it, I'm afraid of bug types," Misty scoffed! "Did you really have to capture that Caterpie?"
"Yes, I did. Now let's go," said Ash.
XXX
For the next two days Ash and Misty walked through the forest and made several stops so that Ash can train his new Pokémon's, much to Misty annoyance because she wanted to get out of this forest as soon as possible.
Right now they were having a lunch break, when Lucario caught sight of some Pokemon. He stood up and showed it to Ash.
"Oh, a Pidgeotto. Let's capture it," said Ash and called out his Charmander.
"Charmander, use Flamethrower on that Pidgeotto," said Ash.
Charmander quickly used Flamethrower, but just as it was about to hit, Pidgeotto saw it coming and moved away.
Pidgeotto got in the sky and started flapping its wings and sent a Sand Attack at Charmander, and then quickly went at him with Quick Attack.
"Charmander, use Smokescreen to hide yourself and then use Flamethrower," yelled Ash.
Charmander used Smokescreen, which caught Pidgeotto of guard and made it stop. It was about to use Gust to clear all that smoke, when a powerful Flamethrower went through the smoke and before Pidgeotto could react, it was hit and sent to the ground.
Ash quickly got one empty Poke ball, and threw it at Pidgeotto, who didn't even put up any fight and was quickly caught.
Ash took Pidgeotto's poke ball and released it so that he can treat all injuries that Pidgeotto has, and introduce himself and to it.
After treating its injuries an introducing himself, Ash and Misty resumed their traveling towards Pewter City.
XXX
It took them another two days to get to Pewter City, and during those two day's a lot of things happened.
Ash kept training his Pokemon, but this time even harder than before and there were some results from all that training.
Ash's Caterpie evolved into Metopod during one training, and then few hours ago, evolved into Butterfree, during his battle with this guy who calls himself Samurai. He already knew String Shot and Tackle as Caterpie and during training, and upon evolving he even learned some new moves like Sleep Powder, Whirlwind, Stun Spore and Gust.
Pidgeotto started her training as well. Ash had her train to increase her speed and endurance, and also learn new moves. Pidgeotto already new Gust, Sand Attack, Quick Attack, Whirlwind and Wing Attack, which was already quite a lot for a wild Pokemon who never had a trainer before, and during training she learned Steel Wing, and Air Slash. Now, with knowing all those moves, she only need's to perfect them all and bring them to the next level.
As for Charmander; Lucario and Alakazam continued to train her to increase her strength and stamina, but she has also started to learn some attacks. Since she was very young Pokemon, she only knew Smokescreen and Flamethrower, and now is learning Iron Tail, from Lucario, who already knows it.
Charmander, Pidgeotto and Butterfree are also learning Telepathy so they would be able to speak with anybody and not just Ash.
Now, Ash and Misty are going to a Pokemon center so that Ash can have his Pokemon checked before his gym battle.
"So, which Pokemon are you going to use in this gym match?" Asked Misty.
"Well, the gym leader is a guy named Brock and I heard he uses Rock type Pokemon, so I was thinking of using Butterfree, Pidgeotto and Charmander," replied Ash.
"But, Bug and Flying-Types won't be very effective against Rock-Type Pokemon, Fire-Type as well," said Misty confused with Ash's choice.
"I know, that's why I had Charmander learn Iron Tail and Pidgeotto Steel Wing. I know Charmander didn't perfect it yet, but I have no other choice," sighed Ash. "And with some luck, Butterfree might be able to put Brock's Pokemon to sleep with Sleep Powder."
"Why don't you use Lucario or Alakazam they are more powerful," asked Misty?
"Lucario, Alakazam and Pikachu are very overpowered from all the training we had in all these years, if I used them I could win every battle but that wouldn't be fair to my opponents, and also, my new Pokemon wouldn't be able to advance and become more powerful if I don't use them in battles where they have small chances to win," replied Ash.
"Oh, I see," Misty understood.
After about ten minutes, Ash and Misty got to the Pokemon center. Ash left all his Pokemon with Nurse Joy to be checked while he and Misty went to have lunch before his gym battle. They also rented two rooms since they will spend night here before continuing on their journey tomorrow morning.
XXX
When Ash and Misty finished their lunch, Ash went back to Nurse Joy and took his Pokemon from her before they both left Pokemon center and went to the gym.
Ten minutes later, they arrived in front of a building, made out of stone. Ash went to the front door and with a small push opened them, before they both entered inside.
The inside of a gym was pitch black and they could barely see anything, but because of his Aura, Ash could sense someone sitting on a chair on the other side of the gym.
"I'm Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town and I challenge you to a gym battle," shouted Ash!
"I accept your challenge!" someone replied from in front of him, and then suddenly the light came on and lit the entire gym, showing simple rocky field.
Ash came forward and stood on a challenger spot, while Misty wished him good luck before she went to stand on the side.
When the judge came out of the other room he said. "This will be a two-on-two gym battle between Ash Ketchum and Pewter City gym leader Brock. Only the challenger can make substitutions."
Once the judge finished, Brock stood up from his chair and chose his first Pokemon. "Geodude come on out," yelled Brock!
"So, a Geodude," commented Ash. "Ok, then I chose you, Charmander!" Ash called his Charmander, who came out of her Poke ball and stood in front of Geodude.
"Charmander, Fire-Type won't be much effective against Rock-Type, you do know that," questioned Brock.
"We will see about that," said Ash.
"The challenger has the first move," said the judge. "BEGIN!"
"Charmander start this off with Flamethrower," said Ash.
"Dodge it Geodude and then use Rock Throw," said Brock.
Charmander took deep breath and then blew a large Flamethrower straight at Geodude. Geodude managed to dodge it and then showed his hands into the ground and when he pulled them out he launched several large rocks at Charmander.
"Charmander dodge them and use Smokescreen," yelled Ash!
Charmander managed to dodge most of the rocks, but several did hit her and put some scratches on her. Once rocks stopped falling on her, Charmander used Smokescreen and sent it at Geodude to block his sight.
"Great job Charmander, now use Iron Tail," said Ash.
Charmander went close to Geodude and after noticing that he can't see her, the flame on the end of her tail glowed white and Charmander slammed it right on Geodude's head sending him across the field where he collided with a wall and fell unconscious.
"Geodude, nooo!" yelled Brock after seeing his Geodude being defeated.
"Geodude is unable to battle, the winner is Charmander!" the Judge announced.
Brock sighed and then recalled his Geodude. "That was a good battle Ash, but let's see how you do against my strongest Pokémon, come out Onix," shouted Brock, and released his strongest Pokemon!
"So, your strongest Pokémon is Onix," said Ash and thought for a few moments about how to continue with this match, before he decided few moments later. "Charmander return," said Ash and recalled his Pokemon. "Pidgeotto, come to battle!" Ash yelled and his Pidgeotto appeared in front of Onix.
"Now it's a Flying-Type. Are you using Pokemon who have disadvantage against mine for some specific reason or is it that you just like to battle like this?" Asked Brock.
"Well, believe it or not but of all Pokemon that I have, only one would have a Type advantage against Rock types, but I don't want to use it in gym battles anymore," said Ash.
"And which Pokemon is that and why won't you use it in gym battles," Brock asked, very interested in knowing?
"It's my Lucario, and I don't want to use it because he is very powerful, and I want to use my new Pokemon so that they can became more powerful and gain experience. Lucario, Pikachu and Alakazam are my most powerful Pokemon and have been with me for years, so I won't use them in anymore gym battles because with them I can beat anybody," explained Ash.
"I see," said Brock.
"Well, let's get back to battle. Onix start with Rock Throw!" said Brock.
"Quickly Pidgeotto, dodge it!" yelled Ash.
Onix's tail started glowing and he whipped it towards Pidgeotto, who was still in the air. Hearing her trainer, Pidgeotto quickly dodged Onix's attack.
"Onix, keep with the Rock Throw and try to catch it and then use Bind!" yelled Brock.
"Pidgeotto, keep dodging it and then use Steel Wing combined with Quick Attack," said Ash.
Pidgeotto dodged Onix's attack few more times before she dived down at a fast speed towards Onix with both of her wings glowing white and quickly hit Onix with all her might.
Onix, after being hit by a very powerful and very effective attack, couldn't stand anymore and fell on the ground unconscious.
"Onix is unable to battle, the winner is Pidgeotto, and the match goes to the challenger Ash Ketchum."
"Great job, Pidgeotto," said Ash with a smile before he returned Pidgeotto to her Poke ball.
Brock looked at Onix for a few moments, before he sighed and recalled it. "You tried your best Onix, our opponent was just too strong."
Brock went closer to Ash and presented him the Boulder Badge.
"That was a great battle, Ash, congratulation's, you have earned this badge," said Brock.
"Thanks' a lot, Brock," said Ash and took the Boulder Badge from Brock.
"Congratulations, Ash, you really are great Pokemon trainer," Congratulated Misty followed by Lucario and Pikachu who both gave high five to Ash.
"Well, let's go back to the Pokemon center, we could use some rest," said Ash.
He and Misty started going towards the exit when Ash turned around. "Hey Brock, are you coming? You should check your Pokemon as well." Ash asked.
"Yea, you are right, Ash. Let's go," responded Brock.
XXX
It's been five days since Ash had his gym battle with Brock and won his second badge. Right now, Ash and Misty are walking toward Ash's next gym battle. Walking next to them is, of course, Ash's Lucario and Pikachu who, for a change, is walking, instead of riding on Ash's shoulder.
But, there is someone else walking with them, and that someone is Brock.
During their walk to the Pokemon center Ash and Misty had a talk with Brock. Brock told them about his dream to become the world's best Pokemon Breeder, but he can't leave Pewter City because his parents are not there and he has to take care of his siblings and be a gym leader.
After they got to the Pokemon center, Ash and Brock had their Pokemon checked, and when Brock was about to go back home, Ash told him that if he ever decided to go on a journey, that he can join him and Misty. Brock thanked him and then he left.
The next morning, Ash and Misty got up early and decided to have breakfast, before they continue on their journey. Right after they finished and were about to leave the Pokemon center, they heard someone calling them. Ash and Misty turned around and saw Brock running towards them.
It turns out that Brock's father just appeared out of nowhere and decided to take care of his family and gym, like he was supposed to, so now Brock is free to go on a journey with them.
To get to his next gym battle in Cerulean City, Ash and his friends had to go through Mt. Moon. When they got there, the group run into some guy, running away from a bunch of Zubat, led by a Golbat, chasing after him. When Ash saw this, he used his Pidgeotto to chase away all of Zubat, and then he battled Golbat, who he was able to capture after his Pidgeotto defeated him.
When all was over, the guy he saved thanked him and said that his name is Seymour, and that he is a scientist who is exploring Mt. Moon. He told them that those Zubat and that Golbat attacked him because someone has installed lights inside the cave in Mt. Moon and that those lights are irritating all Pokemon and even harming some of them.
Ash and the others decided to see what's going on in that cave and who has installed those lights there.
Inside, they discovered that it was Jessie, James and Meowth who put those lights there. They revealed that they were able to escape from prison, and are here to take the Moon stone, which is located somewhere in this cave, and capture the Clefairy that live here and are guarding it.
After a small battle, where Pikachu only used Thunderbolt, which caused an explosion and sent Team Rocket flying, the group took all the lights down and let all Pokemon live in peace.
When it was all over, a Clefairy shoved up and led the group to show them the Moon Stone. There, they saw a whole bunch of Clefairy dancing around it, and several of them even evolved into Clefable, after they touched the stone.
After that, they all said goodbye to Seymour and continued their journey, but not before Brock showed to Ash and Misty that he was able to catch a Zubat.
All that happened on Mt. Moon, was two days after they left Pewter City. For the next three days nothing much happened. The group continued to travel towards Cerulean City and Ash made quite a few stops to train his Pokemon.
When Brock and Misty realized how much Ash is training his Pokemon, and how much stronger they all have become in such a small amount of time, they decided to start training their own Pokemon as they realized that without hard training, they won't be able to achieve their goals, especially Misty and to a lesser degree, Brock.
"So, this is Cerulean City," said Ash as he stood on a hill overlooking the City bellow. Next to him stood Brock, Misty and Lucario, also looking the City, while Pikachu was on his shoulder, like usual.
"Yeah, I guess we finally made it," said Brock. "You sure don't look like you are in a hurry with all the training you are putting your Pokemon through. I mean, it took us five days to get here and normally it would take only three."
"Well, the Indigo League tournament doesn't start for another eleven months, so I don't have to hurry and could spend more time training my Pokémon," replied Ash.
While Ash and Brock were talking, Misty only stood there silently, which her companions noticed.
"Hey Misty, what's going on, you've been very quiet since yesterday?" Asked Brock.
Hearing Brocks question Misty looked at him ad said. "Oh, it's nothing don't worry about it."
"I need to go somewhere. I'll see you later in a Pokémon center," said Misty again after few seconds of silence.
When she left, Ash and Brock looked at one another before Brock asked. "What do you think is bothering her, she's acting strange since yesterday?"
"I don't know, we will have to wait for later to find out," responded Ash.
"Let's go, I need to check my Pokemon at the Pokemon center before the battle," said Ash, but stopped when he heard Brock say.
"Actually, why don't you go to the center to check your Pokémon's and get us rooms, while I go to pick some things that we will need before we continue towards next City."
"Ok. But if I'm not at the center when you get there, I'll be at the gym. You can look for me there, or you can do something else," said Ash, and then left with Lucario.
"Ok, I'll see you later then," shouted Brock after Ash left!
XXX
After the group split, Ash went to the Pokemon center to get rooms for Brock, Misty and himself, and to have all of his Pokemon examined by Nurse Joy. They were not hurt, but all of them had a lot of training for the last five days since they left Pewter City, and some of them are very exhausted.
When he got the rooms, and Nurse Joy examined his Pokemon he decided to go to the gym by himself since Brock and Misty are not back yet.
Ash got to the gym fifteen minutes later, and saw a large crowd in front of it. "Are all this people here for the gym battle," he asked to no one in particular?
Seeing that there is nothing else he can do, Ash decided to stand in the line and wait. While he was standing, he noticed that the line is moving much faster than it was supposed to which was good in his opinion, the less he has to wait the better.
Ten minutes later it was finally his turn.
"Good day, sir," greeted the guy that was standing in front of a gym. "How many tickets do you want?"
"What do you mean by tickets, isn't this a gym?" Ash asked, confused.
"Ohh, you must be here for the gym battle," stated the guy. "You are right, this is a gym, but it is also a place where three sensational sisters are performing a synchronized swimming show for the crowd. They are also gym leaders, so you will have to wait for the show to end."
"I see. Well then give me two tickets one for me one for my Lucario. I might as well watch this show while waiting," said Ash.
"Here you go sir, enjoy the show," the guy gave Ash two tickets, and Ash gave him money for them. "And good luck in your battle later," he added after Ash left.
When the show ended an hour and a half later, Ash went behind the stage to see the gym leaders and to ask for a battle.
"Hello there, are you the gym leaders?" Ash asked as he approached the three sisters.
"Yes, that's us, but who are you?" Asked the one with blonde hair, whose name is Daisy.
"My name is Ash Ketchum and I'm here to challenge you to a gym battle," said Ash.
"Oh, so you are here for the gym battle," said Violet.
"I'm really sorry, but we can't accept your challenge right now," said Daisy.
"Yeah, like, we just lost three battles in a row and all of our Pokémon's are exhausted, the only one we have left is this Goldeen," said the last of the sisters, Lily, and showed her Goldeen.
"Is that so," sighed Ash? "I guess I'll have to come later."
"Wait, if you really want our badge that much then here you can take it," said Daisy and clapped her hands, and a Seel with the badge in its mouth appeared giving it to Ash.
"You are just giving your badge like that, without battle or anything," said Ash.
"Well, you look like you are a good trainer, and if you are to use that Pikachu we would lose badly so there is no need to battle," replied Daisy.
"Hold it right there," someone yelled from behind Ash, and when he turned around he saw Misty standing there.
"What are you doing here Misty, I thought you said you are not coming back until you become the world's best water Pokémon trainer?" Asked Lily after she saw Misty.
"Do you know this girls, Misty?" Asked Ash.
"Yes, Ash, I know them, they are my older sisters," replied Misty. "And I didn't want to come here but he had to battle against you so I came with him," she said to her sisters.
"So that's why you were acting strange since yesterday. You didn't want to come here because you had a fight with your sisters," stated Ash.
"That's not important right now Ash. Now tell me why are you just giving away badges like that?" Misty yelled at her sisters.
"All of our Pokemon are incapable of battling right now, so we are giving him badge so that he doesn't have to wait for them to heal, he would probably beat us anyway," said Daisy.
"Well, if you are not going to battle him, then I will," said Misty.
"Come on Ash, the pool is over here," said Misty before she took Ash's hand and dragged him away.
XXX
"This will be a two-on-two gym battle between Ash Ketchum and one of Cerulean City gym leader's, Misty! Only the challenger can make substitutions while gym leader can't!" announced Daisy who accepted to be the judge of this match.
"Butterfree, it's time for battle," said Ash and released his Butterfree, who floated above the pool.
"Staryu, come on out," shouted Misty and her Staryu appeared in the pool.
"Let the match begin!" Daisy said.
"Butterfree, use Tackle on Staryu," said Ash.
Butterfree quickly used his enhanced speed, which he gained from his training with Pidgeotto, flew strait at Staryu and hit it in the middle of its body, sending it sliding across the pool.
"Staryu, get ahold of yourself and use Water Gun," shouted Misty!
"Butterfree, dodge it!" said Ash.
Staryu managed to stand up and fired a Water Gun which Butterfree evaded, but Staryu continued to fire several other Water Gun's and one of them managed to hit Butterfree who give a small cry and flew back toward the ground.
"Great job, Staryu," cheered Misty.
"Butterfree, get up and use Stun Spore," said Ash.
Butterfree flew back above the pool and above Staryu and sprayed the star shaped, water Pokemon with Stun Spore, after which Staryu got paralyzed.
"Staryu, dive in the pool and wash away that Stun Spore," said Misty.
"Butterfree, quickly use Whirlwind," Ash yelled.
Just as Staryu got out of the pool after washing away Stun Spore, it was hit by Butterfree's Whirlwind, which sent it flying around in a massive gust.
"Now Butterfree, finish it off with Tackle," just as Ash said that, Butterfree flew at Staryu and hit it with all its strength which sent it flying out of the pool and caused it to land on the floor, passed out.
"Nooo, Staryu," screamed Misty!
"Staryu is unable to battle. The winner is Butterfree!" Announced Daisy.
"Ahh, Misty lost her first Pokémon," whined Lily.
"Yes, but she was not bad. I don't think we could do better," said Violet, before she turned around after she caught sight of someone entering the gym.
"Hey, who are you, and what are you doing here?" Asked Violet.
"Oh, hey Brock, I see you came," said Ash after he noticed Brock entering the gym.
"Yes, I did came, but can you tell me why are you and Misty battling?" Brock asked a little confused by what he was seeing. "I thought you came here for a gym battle."
"Well I did, but it turns out that Misty is one of the gym leaders here and she wanted to battle against me," replied Ash with a little smirk on his face.
"Are we going to continue this battle, or are we going to spend here all day?" Yelled Misty frustrated from losing her first Pokemon.
"Sure, let's continue," replied Ash.
"Starmie I chose you," Misty called her second Pokemon.
Ash looked at Butterfree and saw that he was still good to go, but decided to use another Pokemon instead. "Butterfree return, Pidgeotto to the battlefield," said Ash.
Pidgeotto came out of her poke ball and looked at Starmie.
"Starmie, use Tackle," said Misty.
"Pidgeotto, dodge and use Whirlwind," countered Ash.
Starmie started spinning and flew at Pidgeotto, but Pidgeotto was fast and managed to evade Starmie's attack. Then, Pidgeotto started flapping her wings and used Whirlwind, which sent Starmie crashing in the wall.
"Noo, Starmie, quickly get up and use Hydro Pump," yelled Misty!
"Pidgeotto, dodge and use Wing Attack," countered Ash.
Starmie got up and fired a powerful Hydro Pump at Pidgeotto, but unfortunately for it and Misty, Pidgeotto was fast enough to dodge and then managed to hit Starmie with one of her wings, which sent Starmie strait into the pool.
"Starmie, noo," yelled Misty!
After a few seconds Starmie got to the surface of the pool, but it was already unconscious.
"Starmie is unable to battle, the winner is Pidgeotto, which means the match goes to the challenger, Ash Ketchum," announced Daisy!
"Return Starmie," said Misty and fell to her knees. She lost terribly, Ash was practically toying with her.
"Return Pidgeotto, you did a good job," Ash praised his Pidgeotto who gave a happy cry and returned.
"Nice job Ash, congratulations," said Brock after he approached to Ash.
"He's right father that was a good battle," this time it was Lucario who congratulated him, followed by Pikachu. They both used Telepathy so everyone was able to hear them.
"Thanks' guys," thanked Ash while rubbing the back of his head a little embarrassed from all this praising.
"Well Ash, congratulations, here is the Cascade Badge, you have earned it," said Misty and handed Ash her Cascade Badge.
"Thank you, Misty," replied Ash and took the badge.
After that, Ash, Brock, Misty and her sisters went to get a few drinks and talk a little. Misty told her sisters how she met Ash, and everything that happened after. She also said that she plans to continue to travel with him and Brock so that she can accomplish her dream to become water Pokemon master.
Several hours later, the group said goodbye to Misty's sisters and went back to the Pokemon center where they will spend the night and then get back on the road in the morning.