Hello everyone. Blessings to you all and welcome back to another chapter. This was honestly one of the most fun chapters to write so far and I'm really excited to let you all read it.
It had been 6 days since Ash, Serena, and Misty had entered Viridian Forest and their journey through the dark forest was finally, almost, over. For Serena, this was none too soon. While the honey blonde trainer loved nature and had generally enjoyed her time in the forest, 6 days of nonstop walking through it had grown tedious and the fact that she hadn't gotten a proper shower since she first entered wasn't helping matters. On top of that food was getting low causing the group to begin rationing. This led to increased hunger which in turn led to near constant bickering between Ash and Misty. Things hadn't been all bad though. For starters while Ash was training with his pokemon on the first night Caterpie evolved into Metapod. Also, on the fourth day the group found a lake and were able to spend some time relaxing in nature. On top of that, the group wasn't being chased around by wild pokemon or forced to fight criminals for once so, save the aforementioned bickering, the trip was mostly peaceful. Serena made sure to take as many pictures as she could until, as Ash warned, her camera ran out of battery. This didn't bother Serena though as she knew the group's time in the forest would be something she remembered for the rest of her life. Now the group was growing in confidence that if they marched ahead without any distractions, they'd be in Pewter City by lunchtime tomorrow. Unfortunately, as was happening often, this didn't turn out to be the case.
It started with Misty giving one of her common shrieks. This of course meant another bug pokemon had come by. Serena at first assumed it was another Caterpie, they appeared quite often, but it was actually a largish brown pokemon with a large horn on its head.
"Awesome, a Weedle!" Ash shouted.
"This is the first one we've seen in the forest." Serena noted.
"I remember watching a documentary about bug pokemon once and it said that Weedle and their evolutions usually live in large groups. That means there are probably lots of Beedrill around."
"Then what are we waiting for? We need to leave now!" Misty shouted.
"Hold on, I need to try and catch it first." Ash said.
"Do you really need another gross pokemon?" Misty shot back.
"Hey, you're the one saying I need more pokemon." Ash shot back.
"I meant like a water pokemon or even a grass type. Not more gross bugs!"
"Well, whatever I'm going to- hey where'd it go?" Ash asked as he looked around for the small bug.
Misty suddenly turned pale as she looked down to see the bug rubbing up against her leg. The gym leader gave another scream before taking off.
"Should we chase her?" Serena asked.
Ash waved his hand dismissively, "Oh she won't go far." He then turned back to the Weedle, "Besides this gives me a great chance to catch a new pokemon. You ready, Pikachu?"
The electric mouse sparked its cheeks in preparation.
True to what Ash said: Misty had not actually gone far. She had followed the path only about 50 feet as it rounded a corner. The red head had cooled off and decided she'd just wait there for Ash to get finished playing with that disgusting bug pokemon.
"Oh, please don't let him get another bug pokemon." The red head trainer grumbled out loud. Suddenly she heard a nearby bush shake. The red head creeped closer looking in curiosity when suddenly a sword came out slicing at her.
Back with Ash and Serena the bug pokemon was proving to be not much of a challenge as Pikachu easily danced around it. The electric mouse finally released an electric attack that knocked out the bug and Ash prepared to capture it. As Ash started his windup though he and Serena froze as they heard a loud scream not too far away. The two quickly sprinted over in concern, what they found caused the two to sweat drop. Standing there was Misty waving her fist in anger at a pudgy boy their age in samurai armor.
"Misty, what's going on?" Serena asked in confusion.
"This creep tried to attack!" Misty shouted.
"Ugh you didn't have to punch me." The boy groaned in pain as he rose to his feet.
"Look the sword is fake anyway, it's not even sharp."
"Then why do you have it?" Misty pressed.
"Because it makes for a cool entrance, my persona is a samurai after all."
"A persona?" Ash asked.
Misty rolled her eyes, "Some trainers try to get more fame and following by having a unique appearance. They might wear capes, or suits, or even pull off whacking stunts before battles. What they don't do though is go swinging swords around at random people in the forest."
"Ok I get it. I'm sorry." The samurai said standing up. He stood at about 5 feet 6 inches. He was clad from head to toe in green and black samurai armor although his shaggy brown hair still revealed itself from the sides of his helmet. "I was just trying to make an appearance before I asked you about a trainer I'm looking for."
"A trainer?" Serena asked.
The boy nodded, "That's right. I'm looking for Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town."
"I'm Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town." Ash said curiously.
The samurai's eyes sharpened on this. He quickly drew his sword and pointed it at Ash.
"Ash Ketchum, you may call me Samurai and I challenge you to a pokemon battle!"
Ash sweat dropped, "Do you mind putting down the sword… Besides I can't battle right now I'm trying to catch an-oh!" Ash quickly jumped and rushed back to where he and Serena had come from. Upon arrival he frantically looked all over, "Oh where is it!" He exclaimed.
"Where's what? Misty asked.
"That pokemon." Serena explained, "Ash was about to catch it when we heard the commotion and ran over."
"Hah you let a pokemon you were trying to catch get away? You're as big of a novice as I heard."
"What was that?" Ash growled.
"How do you know Ash?" Misty asked.
"Since I received my starter pokemon I've been spending my time in this forest, toughening myself and my pokemon up while battling trainers that pass through." The Samurai explained, "While I've been here roughing it, I came across a very powerful new trainer from Pallet Town riding around in a car. He easily defeated me and afterwards said I should wait for you. He told me you would be more on my level."
"Gary" Ash growled. The raven-haired boy was not about to let his childhood rival show him up, "Well if Gary defeated you then I will too. I accept your challenge, Samurai."
The samurai sheathed his sword and pulled out a pokeball, "Excellent, then what do you say to a two-on-two battle?"
"Ash, do we really have to waste our time with this?" Misty groaned.
"Oh, don't worry Misty this won't take long." Ash responded, never taking his off the samurai, "Pikachu, you're up!"
The electric pokemon jumped forward.
The samurai laughed, "HAH! Your pathetic mouse is nothing. Pinsir, time for battle!"
Before them stood a massive bug nearly 5 feet in height. The pokemon observed Pikachu for a moment before menacingly clamping the large pincers on its head. Misty quickly turned pail before hiding behind Serena. Serena had to give this one to her though, that pokemon was scary looking.
"Pikachu, you need to be careful, those pincers are no joke." Ash warned.
"Pinsir, use vice grip!" The samurai ordered.
The much larger pokemon charged at its opponent. Although intimidating Ash quickly realized the pokemon lacked any speed.
"Pikachu, dodge it!" Ash called. His partner quickly dashed to the side as the pokemon lumbered towards him. "Now use thunder shock!" Ash shouted.
"Pi-ka-CHUUU!" Pikachu shouted as it released its electric attack. The electricity arched across the field and collided with Pinsir. The bug type attempted to shield the electricity with its stick-like arm but still grunted in pain.
"Pinsir, use fury swipes!" The samurai shouted. Again, his pokemon lumbered forward, this time aggressively striking forward with glowing white arms. Pikachu needed no instructions this time. The smaller pokemon easily danced around each strike.
"Don't let up Pinsir, you can get him!" The samurai shouted, causing his pokemon to double its efforts. It was in vain though. With each strike the group could see Pinsir getting slower. The pokemon was strong but speed and stamina were clearly on Pikachu's side.
"Pikachu, use quick attack on Pinsir's leg!" Ash shouted. After easily side stepping another attack Pikachu launched itself forward directly into the bug's left leg. The Pinsir, already exhausted from the fighting, stumbled a bit before crashing into the ground.
"Now Pikachu, finish this off with one more thunder shock!" Ash ordered.
Pikachu leapt high into the air until it was directly above Pinsir. With one more shout the yellow rodent released another burst of electricity that caused his opponent to cry out in pain before passing out.
"No way!" The samurai growled.
"Awesome Pikachu! Way to go!" Ash cheered as he jumped into the air with a fist pump. His partner smiled and held up the peace sign, likely mimicking what he'd seen Misty do a few times.
"You're pokemon's speed may have one you this round but it will do nothing against my next pokemon's defense!" The samurai declared, "Go Metapod!"
Appearing before the group was an identical green shelled pokemon that Ash had. Ash and Serena both sweat dropped while Misty fell over.
"Oh please, can that thing even fight?" She shouted from the sidelines.
"Hah, underestimate my pokemon at your own peril." The samurai responded.
Ash smirked as he reached for the pokeball on his belt, "Pikachu, come on back. I have the perfect pokemon for this."
"Oh, please don't do it." Misty groaned.
"Metapod, I choose you!" Ash shouted.
Now facing each other were identical pokemon, both seemingly lifeless inside their thick shells.
"Well, at least it's a fair battle." Serena said, trying to remain optimistic.
"We're going to be here all day." Misty sighed in defeat.
Just as she said the battle would proceed for the next 5 minutes. After both trainers commanded a number of hardens and both pokemon were now using tackle on each other. Well, more like they were just pushing up against each other.
"Can we please call this a draw?" Misty begged.
"Like my Metapod would concede a draw to such an inferior pokemon." The samurai taunted.
"Don't worry guys, we're about to win this." Ash called back.
"Oh please you're Metapod can barely take any more!" The samurai shot back.
Serena merely looked back and forth in confusion. Neither Metapod looked fazed by the other's attack. Serena was snapped out of her thoughts by a faint buzzing.
"Misty, do you hear that?" She asked.
Misty was rubbing her eyes with her palms as if she had a migraine, "All I can hear is those two idiots shouting." Suddenly she stiffened up. "Wait, what is that?"
Then it happened, breaking through the tree line came dozens of Beedril. The intimidating bugs swarmed around as they closed in.
"RUN!" The samurai shouted as he recalled his Metapod. Ash went to do the same but in the commotion, he fumbled his pokeball. By the time he had picked it up a larger Beedrill had scooped up Metapod and was flying away.
"Metapod!" Ash shouted. He went running after it but before he could reach his partner a Beedrill came right at him.
"Pi-ca-chuu!" Pickachu shouted as he launched a thundershock that saved Ash.
"Ash, we can't do anything. We need to go now!" Serena shouted.
Ash tried to argue but as he did memories of their encounter with Spearow came. Realizing that his friend was right, Ash grimaced, "I'm so sorry, Metapod." he whispered before running ahead with Serena and the others.
"I have a cabin not too far from here. We'll be safe there." The samurai shouted as they ran. He was noticeably struggling to move fast in his large armor, "I have no idea why they're doing this. The Bedrill generally keep to themselves unless provoked or a member of their swarm is attacked."
"Maybe they're friends with that Weedle you tried to catch earlier?" Serena hypothesized.
"You what?!" The samurai shouted.
"I was about to catch a Weedle when we heard you and Misty fighting." Ash responded.
"You fool, don't you know all Weedle have a Bedrill swarm protecting them?" The samurai huffed. Just then another Bedrill nearly got them before Pikachu fired off another electric attack to stave it off.
"There it is, we made it!" The samurai shouted. Through a clearing the group saw a large lake with a house the size of Ash's Pallet Town resting next to it. Quickly the samurai unlocked the door as the group poured. For what felt like an eternity the group coward in the house as the Beedrill swarmed around trying to find a way in. Eventually the bug pokemon gave up and retreated back into the forest. When they were gone the Samurai sighed before turning back to Ash with a bright red face, "You novice! You almost got us killed!"
Now Ash got angry at this, "Hey it's not my fault! I would've caught that Weedle if you hadn't attacked my friend. Besides, how was I supposed to know that a random pokemon would go get an entire swarm to attack."
"You should've known better before you got into this forest! At least you could have warned us so we could clear the area. Your stupidity almost got us killed and your cowardice let your pokemon get taken away. And you call yourself a real trainer?"
Ash seemed to be stung by these words as his face darkened with shame.
"Hey, don't you talk to him like that!" Serena shouted, surprising the samurai, "It was a mistake that could've happened to anyone you… you jerk!"
The samurai seemed genuinely shocked at Serena's harsh tone as he dropped his head. Still Serena could see a tinge of red crossing his cheeks. Serena rolled her eyes; the honey blonde trainer was used to seeing that from boys all her life. Clearly Ash wasn't the only one in their group the samurai was interested in. Without saying a word Ash turned and shot outside. Serena went to follow him but Misty grabbed her wrist and shook her head.
"Give him a little space for now. Once he has time to clear his head you can talk to him."
Serena gave one last look at the door before deciding her friend was right. Finally, Serena got the chance to really look at the cabin they were in. The place looked like something out of a magazine. It had a larch kitchen, gorgeous carpet, and a beautiful living room with a large flat screen tv.
"Is this where you've been staying?" Serena asked.
The samurai seemed to gain back some composure at getting asked a question from the girl, "Uh yea, it's my parents. I've been staying here while I've been training."
"Didn't you say you've been "roughing it" in the forest?" Misty said sarcastically.
"Well, I mean… the training has been intense." He said lamely, "Anyway it'll be nighttime soon. You all can spend the night here if you'd like."
Serena wanted to chastise the samurai more for his attitude towards Ash but decided to drop it. After all, the cabin clearly had running water and she would give anything for a shower.
After both her and Misty had taken turns in the shower, they came back down to the living room. The samurai was in the kitchen heating up frozen food while the tv was on with the news.
"This is Eevee news" an anchor in a suit said, "Our top story: Police in Viridian City have officially called off their hunt for the leaders behind the Team Rocket activity in the city today. After a week of the aggressive manhunt the two criminals and their Meowth have reportedly been spotted at a gas station hundreds of miles from the scene of their horrific crimes. This is a major blow for the Kanto authorities as these fugitives could've been a major link to Team Rocket's leadership."
The camera then changed to a shot of Jessie and James giving orders at Viridian's pokemon center. Serena sighed in relief. Clearly the picture was cut because if not she, Misty, and Ash would probably be shown battling them in the image."
The anchor continued, "Here to discuss this now is a member of Kanto's parliament, Mike Richards. Mr. Richards, thank you for joining us."
A slightly overweight man in his late 50's with brown hair, thinning, hair nodded curtly, "Thanks for having me."
"So, you say the responsibility for events in Viridian City lay with parliament is that correct?"
"That's right I do. The problem with Team Rocket is that they are still being treated as a group of small-time thieves. This is not some run of the mill gang we unfortunately see in our great region; this is a terrorist organization that is actively tormenting all of Kanto. Until our Prime Minister takes the step of declaring them such and signing my bill to make fighting Team Rocket our number one priority, they will continue to harass our great region."
"But ten Team Rockets members were apprehended thanks to the efforts of gym leader Blue Oak. Shouldn't that be seen as a major win?"
The assemblyman scoffed, "Team Rocket is famous for its ability to get small time thugs into their group. After these escapades I promise they'll find 50 more recruits ready to join their growing army. On top of that, Team Rocket is known to use its so-called "grunts" as nothing more than disposable pawns. Until we capture their officers nothing will change. And as we've seen time and time again our police forces are ill equipped to capture their ranking members."
"He's right." Misty said, "Team Rocket is way too big and well-funded for the normal police to deal with. Things will only get worse until the government really makes an effort to stop them."
Serena nodded. She'd heard her stepfather say the same thing but honestly, she knew little about it.
"Dinner's ready." The samurai called as he brought out bowls of pasta.
"I'll take some to Ash." Serena volunteered. As she walked outside the trainer saw Ash sitting on a log next to the lake, watching the sunset. Pikachu only watched in sadness as his trainer looked out into nothing.
"I brought you some food!" Serena sang, trying to be as cheerful as possible.
"Thanks, but I'm not really hungry." Ash mumbled.
Serena decided not to accept that and sat down next to her crush, "You know it really wasn't your fault today." She said, "That could've happened to anyone. I mean how were we supposed to know that Weedle would have an army of friends."
"Maybe you're right." Ash said, "But it still doesn't change the fact that Metapod got taken away while I was helpless. The samurai was right, I was a coward."
"The Samurai just said that because he was embarrassed Pikachu beat up on Pinsir. Ash, you couldn't have done anything different."
"I just don't know what to do." Ash said.
"You can't start by eating your dinner." A voice came from behind them. The pair turned around to see Misty standing there with her arms folded. The samurai peeked over the red heads shoulder.
"The boy soldier here thinks he knows where Metapod was taken. I don't care if he is a gross bug: we're not leaving anyone behind."
"We can't go near the hive. It's way too dangerous." The samurai timidly said.
Misty didn't even acknowledge him though, "So Ash, are you going to keep pouting or are you ready to do something."
Ash's face changed from sadness to determination, "You bet I'm in!" He then quickly gobbled his food.
As the group snuck through the forest the samurai continued to complain, "You guys can't seriously be doing this, it's way too dangerous."
"Being a pokemon trainer is dangerous. Besides, now we have surprise on our side." Misty shot back.
Finally, the samurai told them to stop behind a tree. About 50 feet in front of them sat a tree covered with sleeping Kakuna. Although there was one pokemon that stood out.
"Metapod!" Ash nearly shouted as he went to charge ahead. The green pokemon was luckily resting at the base of the tree.
"Wait" the samurai harshly whispered, "Look, behind that tree is where all the Bedrill are."
Just as he said, sleeping in trees around Metapod was the swarm of Beedrill.
"What are we going to do?" Ash asked.
"Ok listen up." Ordered Misty, "Serena and the Samurai are going to stay here. We only need you two as a last resort. I'm going to let out Starmie and Staryu. Pikachu will stay with us as well. Ash you'll sneak up to the tree and try to quietly take Metapod. If anything goes wrong and the Beedrill wake up, we'll cover you with all we've got until you can retreat.
Ash nodded, "Sounds fair. Pikachu, you stay with Misty."
Silently he tiptoed towards the tree. As Ash got closer his footsteps got quieter. Growing up Ash had always had a way of getting very quiet and staying hidden during games like hide and seek and marco polo. He was glad that skill was coming in handy now. Miraculously the trainer was able to get all the way up to the tree without being heard and scooped up his pokemon while whispering, "Metapod it's me. I've come to save you."
The pokemon awoke at this but began to struggle in Ash's hands. As if this weren't enough trouble, a Kakuna woke up and released a loud cry that woke up the rest of the pokemon.
"Oh no, they've been discovered. Ok guys give those pokemon everything you've got!" Misty shouted as the three pokemon with her released their attacks.
As Ash ran away, he tried calming down Metapod, "Metapod I'm sorry. If that stupid samurai hadn't shown up none of this would've happened. It's his fault!"
This didn't seem to pacify Metapod as the bug struggled harder. Ash looked over his shoulder to see the Beedrill recovering from the array of attacks and heading towards him. With his eyes not forward, Ash tripped over a rock and collapsed on the ground dropping Metapod in front of him.
"Ash!" Serena and Misty shouted in unison.
Ash didn't hear them though, "Who am I kidding, this is my fault." The boy said sadly. "When I first captured you, I promised we'd be friends and I'd protect you. But I didn't do either. Making you battle another Metapod and then get captured."
He looked up to his pokemon who was eyeing him curiously, "Metapod, I am so sorry. I've been a terrible trainer and you've been such a great pokemon. Please forgive me."
For a second nothing happened. Ash looked down in sadness. Then a blinding light nearly blinded him. The trainer looked up to see the light cascading from Metapod's back. When it finally subsided a new pokemon was flapping in the air.
"B-free!" The pokemon sang.
Ash broke into a huge smile, "Awesome Metapod, you evolved into a Butterfree!"
"Freee!" The pokemon cried in delight before flapping down to nuzzle Ash. Ash laughed at the touch but was snapped out of it when Misty shouted, "Ash watch out!"
The Beedrill were now getting close to them. Butterfree didn't flinch though. The pokemon flew back into the air and faced the swarm.
"You can do this Butterfree!" Ash shouted as he got to his feet. The flying pokemon gently flapped his wings and began to let out a stream of light blue powder. The Breedrill flew headfirst into it but as they did, they seemed to lose balance and one by one crash into the ground.
"Awesome Butterfree, you can use sleep powder!" Ash cheered.
"Freeee!" The pokemon sang as it gracefully flew around its trainer.
It was the next morning and Ash, Misty, and Serena stood facing the samurai.
"I have to hand it to you Ash: how your Butterfree took on those Beedrill, that was really impressive. You're no novice after all."
"Thanks Samurai, that means a lot." Ash said with a wide smile as he held out his hand. "Let's meet again in the Kanto league."
The samurai smiled at this and shook his hand, "I look forward to what a terrific battle that will be."
As the group left the samurai they went back to the main path, only a bit more to Pewter City.
"I have to say Ash Butterfree sure was beautiful. Maybe not all bug types are gross after all." Misty said.
"See you just needed to warm up to them." Ash said with a laugh.
"And you were able to get a new rival, Ash." Serena said as the trainer smiled and nodded to her.
Misty scoffed though, "Oh please Samurai Jack back there? Like he's ever going to get any badges."
"What do you mean?" Ash asked in confusion.
"We used to see trainers like him all the time in the gym." Misty explained, "He talks a big game but he's hopeless."
"I think he could grow." Serena said cautiously.
"Nope, zero chance." Misty retorted. "He's an S.I.W. for sure."
"S.I.W?" Serena asked.
"It means student in waiting." Misty explained. "It's what my sisters and I called hopeless trainers like him. When you run a gym you can spot those guys from a mile away. The guy has been out here in his parents' nice cabin hanging out and watching TV all day. Heck he probably hasn't done a lick of actual training he's just waiting for travelers to battle with."
"Aren't you being a little judgmental?" Serena asked.
Misty threw her hands up defensively, "Not at all you can see it in his battle style. No strategy at all; he was just calling out attacks. Some skills you're just born with, and that kid wasn't. Trust me he's going to go battle a couple gyms and get his butt beat. Then he's going to give up, put the katana away, give his pokemon to a sanctuary, and he'll be unpacking for his dorm by January."
"Well maybe the samurai will get better." Ash said hesitantly.
"Really unlikely." Misty responded, "Think about it guys, over 50,000 graduates in Kanto go out each year to become a trainer, they all think they're destined for greatness. Then they run into issues, they don't want to put in the work, they hate to travel, or like our samurai, they lack basic battle instincts. Regardless, after a few months they give up the dream and enroll in college for the second semester. That's why we call them students in waiting. Being a pokemon trainer is hard. Declaring you're going to be one and having a good attitude isn't enough. Most people just don't have the gift."
"I didn't really think about that." Serena said thoughtfully. Ash though didn't say a word. In fact, he said very little as they marched towards Pewter City.
And that's a wrap on chapter 6. I'm hopeful I'll be able to get another chapter out in the next few days. In the meantime, thank you to everyone who read this and to my American readers: I hope you all have a great Superbowl!