Hello and welcome back to another chapter. Thank you to all who followed and favorited. Also and extra thanks to those of you who left reviews. This will be a bit of a slowwer chapter compared to the previous ones, but I felt it was a necessary break. Without further ado let's hop in.
It was a warm day in Kanto as Ash, Serena, and Misty journeyed into the deep Viridian Forest. It had been two days since the events in the Viridian City pokemon center and Ash and Pikachu were both finally recovered. Now the group ventured forward in the silent forest. Not that Ash minded this much. After the chaos of the first day followed by the fallout afterwards the quiet was a welcome change of pace. Following the events with Team Rocket, Ash and Serena soon received calls from their panicked parents terrified at what had happened. Grace was even convinced her daughter needed to end her adventure there and then until the pair lied and said they had been in their rooms and the rocket agents didn't make it back to them. Luckily the parents believed this and after speaking with Blue, who assured them Team Rocket was driven from the area, allowed the two to continue. The following day in Viridian City turned into a mass celebration as the mayor declared it a new annual holiday to celebrate the Cities independence from "Crime and Terror." Although the police had originally wanted Ash, Serena, and Misty to receive awards for their heroics, Blue was able to convince them to tone down their efforts to a more generalized story about pokemon trainers fighting back to resist the attackers. This wasn't the only detail toned down though. The two Rockets leaders who organized the attack had somehow been able to slip away. Something not mentoined in all the festivities.
After restocking supplies one last time they entered into the Viridian Forest. Growing up in Pallet Town Ash had spent his entire life around forests, it's where he and Serena had first met after all. But this was entirely different. The trees of Viridian Forest grew to towering heights, the size of buildings in Viridian City. Because of this, only the faintest of light came through causing the group to travel in a perpetual shade. Ash didn't let this change his plans though. Cautiously his eyes darted all around the forest. The teen knew Pikachu couldn't take on the Pewter City gym alone, so he was intent on capturing the next pokemon they came across. While Ash searched for his next team member Serena and her Eevee happily rushed around taking pictures of everything they could on a digital camera.
"If you aren't careful, you're going to run out of battery by lunch." Ash warned.
Serena smiled widely, "It's said that Viridian Forest is the most beautiful place in Kanto, I just can't help myself."
"I always heard that it was the Seafoam islands." Ash responded.
Serena gave him a wink, "And we'll be taking lots of pictures there too!" She then turned and shouted backwards, "Misty, come take a picture with me!"
The red headed girl, who was walking quite a bit behind the others, merely mumbled something in response. Not long after she officially began traveling with them, Misty began to push for the group to head east towards Celadon City. Ash being as hardheaded as he was though refused and declared he would follow Gary north. Serena also agreed with Ash, mainly because Blue had recommended it. After realizing late in the first day that she wouldn't get her way, Misty began to keep her distance from the other two and "pouted" as Ash described it. Whenever she was asked about what was going on Misty would complain about how she had just been through the forest or how she hated bugs. Serena could tell there was more to it though, like many things Misty was clearly keeping secrets from the group. That being said Serena also knew that Misty didn't seem like the type to spill information freely so instead she'd wait for the right moment to learn more.
Rushing back to Misty the honey blonde girl took her friend by the hand and pulled her forward, "Enough complaining let's take a picture!"
Misty seemed unsure but finally sighed and relented, "Ok, but only one."
"Agreed," Serena said with a smile.
As the two approached Ash though Misty changed her mind and with a smile said, "Actually, how about you and Ash take one first?"
"Sounds good to me. We haven't gotten any pictures together since we started." Ash said.
Serena's cheeks turned a tinge pink, "Uh, yea, sounds good."
The two trainers found a particularly large tree and stood in front of it, Ash smiling widely while Serena still looked quite nervous.
"Oh, come on you two get closer, act like you like each other!" Misty called.
Serena could swear she saw a devious smile on the red head's face but couldn't dwell on this for long as Ash rested his arm around her shoulders causing Serena to turn beat red. After taking a few pictures Ash switched out. He snapped a quick picture, but Serena made him take a few more, despite Misty's protests. Right as he prepared to take a final one he froze.
"Oh awesome!" He shouted pointing at the tree directly behind the girls. Crawling slowly down it was a large green caterpillar. Serena considered herself lucky that she wasn't any closer to Misty than she was because the redhead let out such a loud shriek it could've shook the entire forest. "Get that thing away from me!"
Ash ran up and stared at wild pokemon intently, "I'm going to catch it!" He declared, "Pikachu, are you ready?"
"Pika!" The pokemon shouted.
Serena smiled, "Won't this be you and Pikachu's first real battle together?"
"I didn't even think of that." Ash said, "I guess we better make it one to remember!"
As the raven-haired trainer took his position behind Pikachu, the pokemon bent down in an attack position and sparked electricity from its cheeks.
"Alright Pikachu, let's get this started with quick attack to confuse Caterpie!" Ash called. Pikachu began dashing in every direction with extreme speed, Serena could barely keep up with it. The Caterpie, still hanging onto the tree, darted its large black eyes around as it tried to watch its opponent.
"Now let's test its defenses with thundershock!" Ash declared. Pikachu appeared directly in front of the Caterpie and released its electricity. The Caterpie cried in agony as the electricity washed over it before collapsing to the ground.
Upon this result Ash, Serena, and Pikachu all sweat dropped, "Well that was… easy." Ash finally said.
"At least catch it!" Serena cried, snapping him from his daze.
"Oh right, go pokeball!" Ash yelled as he tossed the red and white ball at the passed out pokemon. There was no fight, almost as soon as the pokeball absorbed Caterpie there was a ding signifying the capture. Again sweat dropping Ash walked over, "Ok, well I guess I just caught Caterpie." He said awkwardly.
"Congratulations Ash!" Serena said as she came over.
"I guess I always envisioned more of a struggle." Ash said sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his head.
Serena shrugged, "A catch is a catch, right?"
"Fair enough." Ash said with a smile as Pikachu trotted over, "Let's meet our newest teammate!" Ash said to his partner with a smile. He then released the Caterpie. Caterpie still seemed dazed from the electric attack but upon getting released appeared to shake it off. Ash bent over and smiled at the pokemon, "Hi Caterpie, my names Ash and I'm your trainer. Let's be great friends!"
The Caterpie merely tilted head in confusion, looking around at the scene before finally chirping happily.
"He's so cute!" Serena gushed, "Nice to meet you Caterpie."
Even Pikachu and Eevee, who was still out of her pokeball, said hello. But then the Caterpie looked behind Ash and saw a certain red headed trainer cowering behind a tree.
"Misty, what are you doing?" Ash asked.
"Just keep that thing away from me." Misty growled.
"It's just a cute bug pokemon." Serena said.
"I hate bugs." Misty shot back. Then she felt something wiggling against her leg. The trainer looked down to see Caterpie rubbing up against her and screamed, "DISGUSTING!" before dashing away.
Caterpie just looked on. Luckily, it didn't seem to understand what Mist was saying but nevertheless Ash could stand it, "Misty, that is so mean!" He growled.
"I don't care. I want nothing to do with that pokemon." Misty said in a huff as she turned her head away.
"Then me and Caterpie don't want anything to do with you." Ash responded before letting Caterpie crawl up on his shoulder, "Come on Caterpie, let's leave this jerk." And he then walked forward.
"Hmmf" Misty grumbled as she watched Ash walk off.
The rest of the traveling that day was less enjoyable for Serena. Ash marched ahead of the group while Misty trudged behind. Occasionally Ash would shout back at Misty about why she was still following them and Misty would shout back at him that he was acting immature, turning into a fight. Serena didn't really know what to do. On one hand Misty was acting immature about Caterpie, but Ash was overreacting too. So instead of getting involved she let them settle it themselves, which luckily didn't take long.
As the group settled in for dinner Ash pulled out a bag of trail mix.
"Is that really all you bought?" Misty asked.
"That's all I need!" Ash shot back before his stomach growled, giving him away.
"What about you?" Misty asked Serena.
"I bought some canned food but honestly I don't really know how to cook." Serena responded honestly. The kids had taken cooking class their last year of school to prepare for their trip but by the end Serena had a bad case of "senioritis" and struggled to pay attention.
Misty looked at the two bewildered, "So you two were planning to travel for a week through this forest and didn't even know how to cook food? What was your plan: trail mix and uncooked meat?"
The two trainers looked at each other, "Well I also bought some fruit and vegetables." Serena said lamely.
Misty rolled her eyes as she set up a small pot over their fire.
"What are you cooking?" Ash asked hungrily.
"I would tell you. But you don't want to talk to me remember?" The older girl shot back.
"Aright I'll drop the Caterpie stuff if you share your food." Ash gave in.
"Fine" Misty huffed, Serena could tell that Misty was more relieved than she let on though, Misty then turned to Serena, "Give me some of your canned food. I didn't pack enough for everyone but with yours we should be able to make it to Pewter City."
Serena happily handed over the food as Misty made a stew. Serena would be lying if she didn't admit that the stew was rather bland, but she kept her mouth shut. Ash complained a bit, getting Misty to shout back that she wasn't a cook and he couldn't do any better but soon the male trainer was scarfing his meal down.
"Pokemon regions are really big." Misty explained as the three ate, "You might think you understand because you've traveled before or looked at maps, but most trainers don't get it. You'll sometimes spend weeks away from towns or pokemon centers so you need to pack plenty of food. Before we leave Pewter City you two need to make sure you stock up on everything you need."
She then noticed Caterpie inching closer and froze up mid lecture causing Ash to burst into laughter, "At least we're not afraid of pokemon!"
"Shut up." She growled.
"It just doesn't make sense, Misty. You seem so fearless; I mean you took on Team Rocket. How can you be afraid of bugs?" Serena asked.
Misty blushed in embarrassment, "Everyone has things they're afraid of mine just happen to be bugs, ok?"
"I can't believe you traveled through this forest once afraid like that." Ash thought out loud.
"Last time I had a bike, so it only took me two days." Misty growled before looking back at Caterpie, "Luckily when you evolve soon I won't have to worry about you creeping around."
"It's going to evolve soon?" Ash asked as he straightened up.
"Well, I mean yea it's a bug type" Misty responded, "they're famous for their quick evolutions. I wouldn't be surprised if this guy evolved before we reach Pewter City, especially if you do some training."
"Training?" Ash said aloud before looking at Pikachu and Caterpie, "You know what guys, let's go train right now!" And he and his pokemon swiftly exited the camp sight to a nearby clearing to train.
Serena giggled at Ash's sudden excitement.
"That guy is difficult." Misty said.
"He can be sometimes." Serena responded honestly, "But his heart is always in the right place."
"Is that why you have a thing for him?" Misty asked. Serena's eyes nearly bulged out of her head as she tensed up. Misty burst into laughter, "Oh come on, you can't really tell me it's some big secret."
Serena sighed, "So it was that obvious."
"Well you blush any time he gets near you." Misty responded, "So why aren't you two together?"
"I've known Ash since I was 7." Serena began, "I've always had a bit of a crush on him. I just always get so nervous. Watching how confidently Ash attacks everything in life… it just inspires me."
"So why don't you tell him?" Misty asked.
"I want to but again he's my oldest friend. I don't want to ruin that."
"Oh please" Misty snorted, "You're just afraid he'll reject you. The guy you've liked your entire life turning you down is too much for you to face so you're just out here waiting for him to declare his love for you."
Serena stared deeply into the blazing fire dancing between the two, "Maybe you're right. Growing up all the other girls talked about famous actors, or celebrities, or even older boys at school they had crushes on. But I've always just wanted Ash. Truthfully a large reason I went on a pokemon adventure is because I was hoping to impress him, like maybe he would finally notice me as more than the straw hat girl he met at camp."
"So you're too afraid to tell him and Ash is too dense to figure out you like him." Misty summarized, "You two sound like you're meant to be together. Relax, I'm sure even a dummy like Ash we'll figure things out eventually."
Serena smiled softly, "I hope you're right." She looked back at Misty, "Well I told you my secret so now it's your turn. Why do you not want to go to Pewter City?"
Misty stared into the fire now for a while without saying a word. Finally she sighed and said, "It's not about Pewter City. I was only there for a bit. The cities a bit boring but nothing bad."
"Then, what is it?"
"There's only two roads out of Pewter city. The one we're on and the one through Mt. Moon. To my home in Cerulean City."
"So that's where you're from." Serena said thoughtfully, "But why are you afraid to go home."
Misty sighed again, "The truth is I'm not just a random traveler. I'm Cerulean City's gym leader."
"Really?" Serena almost shouted, "That's so cool!"
"No, it's not." Misty grumbled, "I mean, being a gym leader is awesome, I'm just only kind of one."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"My sisters are the real gym leaders."
"You're sisters?" Serena asked.
"Yep, Cerulean City's sensational sisters." Misty said sarcastically, "They're triplets, a few years older than me. They left home at 16 and became kind of famous. It's not like they were great trainers or anything. But they are all really good looking and have bubbly personalities so they got pretty famous while they traveled. Afterwards the Cerulean gym leader retired and they were given the job. It was supposed to help make the city more well-known but instead they mostly treat the job like a joke. After I turned 16 and trained for a bit my dad made them make me the 4th gym leader. But they've always looked down on me as the runt and made me take the weakest trainers. It was perfect for them, not only did they not have to battle as much but I got no credit for wins because my opponents were weak. Of course whenever I lost they'd make fun of me. Finally, about a month ago I lost my temper and stormed off. Telling them when I came back to Cerulean City I'd be more famous than any of them. I just can't bear to face them yet."
"Oh Misty, I'm so sorry." Serena said, "I had no idea you were dealing with all this."
Misty chuckled, "Oh it's fine. I'll just keep my distance when we pass through. You might not know this, but families can be tough."
"What do you mean by that?" Serena asked.
"Oh, I saw you talking with your mom and dad the other day. I could tell they really love you."
Serena chuckled sadly, "Oh Manny isn't my real father. I don't actually have one."
"What do you mean?" Misty asked.
"Well, I mean of course I have one." Serena explained, "But I never met him. My mom said she met him when she was a Rhyorn racer and they only had a short relationship. I don't know much more than that."
"Don't you want to know more?" Misty asked.
"I did," Serena started, "For years I asked my mom and she told me that I'd learn more when I was older. Then last month when I turned 16 my mother offered to tell me everything, but I declined."
"Why would you do that?"
"Because I have a great life. My mom has always loved me, I have a great brother and sister, and Manny has always treated me like a daughter. Maybe one day I'll want to meet my dad, but I decided for now what I have is enough. Even if it isn't the entire picture."
Misty stayed silent for a minute before saying, "Thanks for sharing all that, and letting me vent a bit."
"Letting go of secrets can be really therapeutic." Serena responded causing Misty to laugh,
"Oh, I have more secrets, that's just all you're getting tonight."
"Fair enough." Serena said softly. The two then sat in silence, watching the stars shine above them.
To the far east of them a semi-truck pulled into a gas station. As the driver went in to get a snack, three figures snuck out of the back, dashing into the night.
"We were lucky we found that truck in Viridian City." James said.
"Luck had nothing to do with it, Jimmy. You just stick with old Meowth and I'll get yous twos outta trouble." Meowth replied.
"It was my idea." Jessie growled as the three made their way behind the gas station.
After Blue had arrived the three had been able to use the commotion of their subordinates to escape. While the grunts had readily given away their base the three had prepared other hiding places to be safe. After a couple days hiding, they changed clothes and snuck out, nearly being recognized before they found a semi to hop in the back of. As if by fate the driver left only a bit later and they'd been stowaways for the last 15 hours.
As the three crouched down Jessie placed a Holo Caster in the center of them, after a moment of ringing a purple haired man with a goofy smile appeared, "So you three are alive and free after all." He mused.
"Yes sir Commander Petrel!" They said in unison.
"Good, I didn't see your names show up on the police reports but when you didn't report in I feared the worst."
"We failed you commander, I'm so sorry." James said nearly in tears.
Petrel only laughed, "Oh please, you all made plenty of money for us in Viridian City. And the terror you caused that place… well let's just say the boss has a special disdain for that city. I've been getting praised all month."
"But all our grunts got arrested." Jessie said nervously.
"Oh please, there's plenty of more thugs we can get. Recruitment for Team Rocket has never been easier. Now I want you three to ping me your location and I'll have someone pick you up. I'm preparing a major operation in the coming months and you all are going to serve as my lieutenants."
The three rockets agents' eyes sparkled, "Yes sir!" They shouted together.
Petrel showed a dark smile, "Very soon Team Rocket will strike fear in all of Kanto.
_And that's a wrap on chapter 5. I decided to allow Misty to reveal the truth about the Cerulean Gym now because it's not like anyone reading this didn't already know it. Not to worry though. As was teased there's more to Misty's story then just the anime's twist. Chapter 6 will pick up right where we left off in Viridian Forest with an episode inspired directly from the anime. I'm in a bit of a rhythm right now and hope to have the next chapter out very soon.