Before we get to the story, here's some things I'd like to clear up, like in the story this is inspired by.
1. Ash will have a team split, with half coming from Kanto, and half coming from other regions.
2. Ash will be more knowledgeable about training and will be more disciplined and willing to work hard to get what he wants. He's also more willing to listen to advice and won't jump headlong into things….. As much, it's what makes him so interesting in the first place.
3. Like with the original story, Ash will not catch more Pokémon, but less. He will only have a complete team of 6.
With that out of the way, please enjoy.
Pokemon is owned by Gamefreak and all Pokédex entries are from Bulbapedia.
"Butts"- Humans speaking
"Butts"- Pokemon speaking
'Butts'- thoughts
"Butts"-Pokedex entries/TV commentary
Gain And Loss
It was now late evening at the hospital as visiting hours were now over, and Ash Ketchum was sitting in his hospital bed with his two new Pokémon, the TV playing softly in the background. He had spent all of yesterday evening and even most of today alternating going through a battery of tests to make sure the electricity hadn't done any permanent damage and reassuring his distressed mother, who had rushed to the hospital as soon as she heard, that he was fine.
Professor Oak had also visited that very morning, apologizing several times for letting Ash go on his journey with a dangerous Pokemon like Pikachu. Being the kind boy he was, Ash had accepted Professor Oak's apology and reassured him that it wasn't his fault. The professor took Pikachu's Poké Ball, promising to release Ash's former starter from his team and even granted him a new Pokedex, so that way he could scan and get information of his new party members.
(AN: This would be the Pokedex seen in Pokemon Black and White. Don't judge me, I just think the design is cool.)
Speaking of Cobalt and Green, Delia had cooed over the brothers, hugging them and thanking them over and over for saving her "little baby". Like most young boys, Ash was extremely embarrassed at this, but Cobalt just ate up the affection. After all, he was technically a baby Pokemon. He decided to not tell Professor Oak about his new ability to talk to Pokemon or about seeing Ho-Oh. Though Ash trusted the man, he wasn't sure if Oak would evem believe him, or if he could keep it a secret if he did. He also decided to wait to tell his mother until a less stressful time, where she was most likely to not worry about his sanity.
Now in bed, Ash snuggled with his starters, looking at the IV stuck in his arm in utter disgust.
Ash: I'm so glad I'm getting out of here tomorrow. And getting this thing out of me.
Green: Yeah, that sure does look painful.
Cobalt: Green!.
Green: What? I was being sympathetic!
Cobalt: Alright moving on… So, Ash, what's our game plan when we get out of here?
Ash: Well, in order for me to hopefully become a Pokemon master, I need to enter and win the Pokemon League. And in order to do that, we need to collect all 8 Kanto gym badges.
The boy reached into his nearby backpack, pulling out the official Indigo League handbook he had bought for his journey.
Ash: It says here the first gym is in Pewter City. Looks like it's a Rock type gym. The leader's name is Brock and according to this, he normally uses a Geodude and an Onix. Okay, the best types of moves to use against Rock typess are water, grass, fighting…I know there's two or three more but I can't remember them.
Green: Last I checked, it's also ground and steel. Lucky for you, your best buddies are of those 5 types.
Cobalt: Plus, I've been trying to learn Bone Rush, which is a ground move. That'll definitely help, right?
Ash: It does. We can work on that move when we get out of here. Both of you can battle there, but the 2nd gym's a water gym, so Green will have the advantage.
He says this as he scratches the Treecko's chin, making him purr unwillingly. He covers his mouth once Ash finishes scratching while Cobalt smirksat him. Just before he could start a squabble, Ash brings out his new Pokedex.
Ash: Do you guys mind if I scan you with my Pokédex to see what moves you have and what level you are? Plus, I don't even know your species names.
Cobalt: Not a problem… Quick question, though. What's a Pokédex?
Ash: *holds up Pokedex* This machine in my hand. Trainers use it to record Pokémon sightings. It tells you information on the Pokémon, and if you capture it, it shows you the Pokemon's power level and what moves it knows.
Both Cobalt and Green nodded and agreed to be scanned, Ash scanned Cobalt first as an additional screen deployed above the MP3 like device and showed a picture of Cobalt, information being shown on the bottom screen.
Pokedex: Riolu, the Emanation Pokémon. A Fighting type. Riolu can understand how people and Pokémon feel by observing their aura. It has enough stamina in its body to keep running all throughout the night. This Riolu is level 9, male, and has the ability Inner Focus. It knows the moves Quick Attack, Counter, Vacuum Wave, and Force Palm.
Ash: Wow. You can really read people's emotions.
Cobalt: Not just that, but I can also sort of sense someone's conviction. Basically, I can sense whether somebody wants to make a decision that totters between ight and wrong. It's that very snse that actually made me want you, Ash. I sensed your want to become a Pokemon trainer and make friends with lots of different Pokemon.
Ash smiled as he held Cobalt in a hug, which he was happy to reply as he then scanned Green.
Pokedex: Treecko, the Wood Gecko Pokémon. A Grass type. This Pokemon has microscophic fibers on its hands and feet that enable it to scale vertical walls and cielings. They are known for slamming their thick tails into opponents to attack. This Treecko is level 12, Male, and has the ability Overgrow. It knows the moves Quick Attack, Leech Seed, Bullet Seed, and Iron Tail.
Ash: *surprised* You know a steel-type move?!
Green: Yeah, my Dad knows Iron Tail.
Ash: Okay… Well, your movesets seem good and Inner Focus can really help with moves like Fake Out. We should probably start by-
Suddenly, a news bulletin on the TV interrupted Ash, causing him to turn up the volume as the broadcast seemed important.
News Anchor: This is breaking news. This morning, the Viridian Pokémon Center was nearly robbed by three members of the criminal organization, Team Rocket. Thankfully, they were stopped by a visiting trainer and his Pokémon. The criminals managed to get away, but no Pokémon were taken and only minimal damage was done to the Pokémon Center. If you see these criminals, please report them to our tip line.
A picture of a young woman with long pink hair, a man with blue hair, and a Meowth was shown, as well as a video that must have been taken from the security cameras.
Green: What are they doing standing there yelling nonsense? I could have walked behind them and stolen all those Poké Balls back and they would have never noticed. And an Ekans and a Koffing? Sure, they're good if they're against a grass or fairy type, but one Mud Shot and they're toast.
The video then switched to one that must have been taken from an outside camera as we see a Meowth-shaped hot air balloon in the sky.
Cobalt: Oh, come on! How are they supposed to get away in that thing? I could see that stupid thing from ten miles away! And why would you use something a Pidgeotto could easily pop? Do these people even think? They suck at being criminals!
Ash: *chuckles* Never took you guys for thief critics.
Cobalt: Sorry. So, what were you saying?
Ash: I was saying we should probably start by working on having you master Bone Rush. We should also do some speed training since rock types are slow and boosting your attack power since they have good defense. Green, we should probably work on your defense and teach you some new moves as well as leveling you up higher.
Green: Yeah, that's probably a good call. I have a suggestion though. Maybe we should get…. You know… Another party member? It's always a good idea to have a back-up plan in case things go south.
Cobalt: Another one? Now?
Ash: Actually Cobalt, he has a point. Finding some more teammates would probably be a good idea too. Do you two have any suggestions? You know this area and the Pokémon here better than I do.
Cobalt: Well, we've only been in Kanto for 2 months, but I think I got an idea of who. There's a Pokemon I hang with sometimes that meditates in Viridian Forest, but we also talk in this patch near our turf. Psychic type, could be useful later on. In fact, we're supposed to meet tomorrow, I can take you guys there. You guys will love Psi. They're the smartest Pokemon I know. Plus, they're my best friend.
Green: *mock-whining* I thought I was your best friend~.
Cobalt: Calm down, you are. You're my best brother friend. Psi's my best non-familial friend. I can have more than one best friend, right?
Ash: That would be great, Cobalt. Thanks!... Wait. "They're"? As in more than one?
Cobalt: Huh? Oh no, Psi's one Pokemon. It's just that Psi is non-binary, they go by they/them pronouns. You guys are cool with that stuff, right?
Ash: Oh yeah, no problem. I'm pretty open-minded when it comees to that stuff.
Green: And do I need to remind you about that Houndour I tried getting with?
Cobalt: *downcast* Don't remind me….. But it's cool you want to meet Psi, Ash. They've been looking for a trainer for a while now. Big dreams of making it big with a trainer that can match their intelligence, but they haven't found a trainer that suits them yet.
Ash: Hopefully, they'll like me.
Cobalt: They will. Trust me on this.
Ash: You already know I do. I was thinking we could stay here for about a week and train, then head to Viridian Forest. I want us to be at our best before we hit Pewter Gym.
Green: Good idea. Maybe we can ask Dad if some of the tribe or even he could help us with training.
Cobalt: As long as they're not too busy. They have lives too, you know. What do you think, Ash?
Ash: I'd like that as long as he's not too busy. I'm still new at this and it'd be nice to get some more advice.
They continued to discuss training until Ash began to grow tired. As he began to nod off, Cobalt nestled up to his side and cuddled up to him while Green plopped down on Ash's chest and strut in a circle on all four's before settling down. With one hand on top of his Treecko and the other hugging Cobalt, all three were in the grat city of Snoozeville.
—-
The next morning, Ash awoke bright and early, waiting to be discharged rather impatiently as the doctor came in around 8:30 to remove his IV. Cobalt distracted Ash from the process by telling him stories of some of his tribe's travels, his personal favorite being his 2 years in Kalos.
Next came the tedious process of paperwork and aftercare instructions, and then finally at 10:30 they allowed Ash to go. They all practically ran out of the doors.
After a brief stop at the Pokémart to grab some supplies and grabbing some food from the local restaurant, Ash and his team went down the route to the right of the city, Cobalt leading the way and Green at Ash's side. Once near the middle of that route, Cobalt ran off, saying he was going to give his and Green's parents a check-in while they found a good training spot, which they decided on a patch of flat earth with a boulder resting at the end of the patch.
Green: Hmm, large. Not too rough. A boulder for target practice… It's perfect.
Ash: Great. Now to teach Cobalt Bone Rush… As soon as I figure out how to do that. I should have stopped at the bookstore before I came here.
Green: Ash, I don't think it's that difficult. You just…. Make a bone. And to do that, you need to….. Uh….. Okay, maybe we do need help.
Ash: Well, we can train you until Cobalt gets back. Try working your Iron Tail on that rock. We'll need to train its strength and momentum.
Green: Sounds good, bossman.
The Treecko got on one knee before rushing to the boulder. He jumped up and spun in the air, his tail now taking a metallic sheen as it struck the rock. As the attack ceased, Green did this again. Ash watched Green working, studying how he moved and what to work on, but not before he suddenly felt his hat disappear.
Ash turned around, thinking it was probably Cobalt pranking him. But instead, he saw a yellow fox-like Pokemon with brown markings on its body, armor like plating on its chest, and squinted eyes. It held a monotone expression as he held Ash's hat in his hand.
Ash: 'An Abra… They're one of the rarest Pokemon in Kanto...'
Before Ash could react or say anything, the Abra teleported not too far from where it was, holding the hat to inspect it as it spoke in a alsightly nasally voice.
Abra: Intriguing. This type of hat hasn't been in local market circulation for over 5 years. And yet, just recently, they've been restocked on the shelves. The human business executives are quite an interesting bunch.
Ash: Well, my Mom gacve it to me for my birthday. She said my Dad had one just like it. By the way, can I have it back?
The Abra grew suspicious, wondering if the human before them actually heard what they said or if thy were just good at guessing. But that wasn't until their stomach growled that they gained an idea.
Abra: I shall make you a deal, human. If you fetch me some sustenance to fuel my academic ventures, I shall return to you your garment.
Green: What?
Abra: *frowns, sighs* I'll give him his hat back if he gives me something to eat.
Ash nodded and reached into his backpack, pulling out a bag of doughnuts that he had bought from the Pokémart.
Ash: I'll trade you a few doughnuts for it.
Abra: Hmm….
The psychic type teleported again, this time, floating in front of Ash's face to meet his eye level, holding a small smile as they held out his hat.
Abra: Deal. *as they trade* …Can you understand what I'm saying?
Ash: Yes.
Abra: Hm… Interesting. So the rumors ARE true. I thought the Terrible Two were just making up fantasy stories again.
Ash: "Terrible Two"?
Green: These three sisters from my tribe thay speak like foghorns. They can't keep a secret at all and they're far beyond annoying.
Abra: I didn't believe them at first either. They say their tribe rescued a human after he saved my acquantance's life. He somehow gained the ability to speak to Pokémon after being electrocuted by a psychotic Pikachu. *eats donut* I thought they were just making things up, but I can see that is not the case. *swallows* I'm assuming you're the human?
Ash: Yes. …..Hey, by any chance, would your name happen to be Psi?
The Abra looked at him with shock and slight suspicion as he took a bite of another donut.
Abra: Yes, but how did you…
Cobalt: Psi!
All three looked over at the sound of Cobalt's voice, the Riolu running towards them as he brought hte Abra into a one amred hug.
Cobalt: I was actually just about to look for you.
Psi: Hello, Cobalt…. What have we discussed about physical contact?
Cobalt: *lets go* Sorry. *to others* Ash, Green, this is my friend, Psi the Abra. Psi, this is my brother from my tribe, Green, and Ash, my new trainer.
Psi: Hmm, I believe I remember you telling me about your brother. *to Green* Nice to meet you officially by the way. Cobalt had informed me a lot about you.
Green: All good things I hope.
Psi: *nods* Hm. And I see you finally found a trainer.
They floated up, looking Ash up and down, assessing him. Ash shuffled a little, feeling oddly nervous under their intense stare as Cobalt excitedly nodded.
Psi: Interesting. You seem like a worthy one. Courageous as well, if those blathering gossip girls were telling the truth about him diving into the path of a Thunderbolt to save you.
Green: They were. This time at least.
Psi: And I must admit, you do make a very odd specimen…
Ash: *slighlty nervous* Specimen?...
He had been nervous of telling anyone of his newfound ability, with the fear of being sent to an asylum or being experimented on. But for some reason, he knew Psi wouldn't exactly be too overzealous about this new discovery.
Psi: Yes. As you might know, all Psychic types are known for having somewhat of a vast degree of intelligence… Well, a quarter of one concerning Slowbro. There are stories of Psychic Pokemon being able to speak to humans via telepathy, but not a human that can speak to all Pokeon. You are very strange. I like that. You answered my other questions, so answer me this… Are you looking for a new Pokémon?
Ash: *nods* Yes, I am. Would you like to join us?
Psi: I would… But only if you pass my test.
Green: Test?! You steal this guy's hat and you ant him to do a stupid test?!
Psi: No need to fear, it's a simple test. All you must do is hit me with a Pokeball. You do that, I'm your's.
Ash nodded before reaching into his pocket, pulling out a Pokeball and throwing it at the Abra. However, before the Pokeball hit them. Psi teleported out of the way, leaving the Pokeball to hit the rock.
Green: What the-?!
Ash: They know Teleport. This is why Abra's are so hard to get.
Psi: *appears again* Correct… Hm, but it seems simply teleporting is too much of an advantage…. *smirks* Perhaps, we should double the stakes.
Suddenly, right before their eyes, Psi duplicated themself into 2 exact copies.
Both Psi's: Or quadruple….
The two Abra's then duplicated into 4.
All 4: Or better yet, sexdecuple!
The 4 Abra's then surrounded the trainer and his pair, splitting into 16 exact copies that surrouneded them in every direction.
Cobalt: It's Double Team!
Green: Alright, enough of this!
The Treecko decided to attack to get out, firing a Bullet Seed that only dissipated one of the copies, only for another to take its place. Cobalt tried to do the same with Vacuum Wave, only to get the same result. As Ash tried to find a way to find the real Psi, he noticed something. They were surrounded by 16 Abras…. But he counted 17 pairs of ears. Outside the ring, the real Psi is seen floating in mid-air, his slow breathing indicating they were asleep. Seeing this, he pointed forward.
Ash: Cobalt, use Vacuum Wave on that copy!
Confused at the command, Cobalt nodded as he launched another wave, dissipating the copy to reveal the sleeping Abra. Seeing his chance, Ash quickly threw the ball, which hit Psi just as they woke up. It sucked Psi inside and fell to the earth, Ash held his breath as it rattled once, twice, three times. Then it finally clicked and Ash picked it up, pressing the button to release the Psychic type.
Ash: Welcome to the team, Psi.
Psi: Well played. I knew you would get it eventually. I did not calculate for you to use battle tactics, however. Have you been in a Pokemon battle before?
Ash: Sort of. I mean, I've battled at school a few times, but this is my first battle with my own Pokémon. Pikachu, well….
Psi: You mean…. *horrified* Your starter truly did try to kill you? I was hoping there had been a mistake on that part.
Ash's face fell and he nodded, feeling ashamed of herself. Psi realized what they said, looking him in the eye with an aura of sympathy.
Psi: Ash, I never should have asked that. I never realized if it was still painful to you. *looks down* I apologize.
Ash: It's not your fault. I-I just don't know what I did to make him hate me…
Cobalt: That's the thing. You did nothing. The reason he gave us for treating you like utter Tauros crap was solely because you're human, which you can't help any more than I can help being a Riolu, not that'd I'd really want to change my species.
Green crawled onto Ash's shoulder and nuzzled him.
Green: Pikachu's actions aren't your fault, so stop blaming yourself. He was just full of hatred. I'm not gonna guess what caused it, but I know for a fact it wasn't you. You were just the one he took it out on.
Cobalt: Listen, Ash. We don't blame you for what Pikachu did. And unless he decides to rear his ugly head again, don't even think about acknowledging him. He doesn't deserve an awesome trainer like you.
Ash nodded, but Cobalt feared that he still felt guilty. In time though, he hoped that Green, Psi, and himself would make him see that his former starter's psychotic behavior wasn't his fault. Trying to get his mind off his guilt, Ash took out his Pokédex and scanned Psi.
Pokedex: Abra, the Psi Pokemon. A psychic type. Abra sleeps for 18 hours a day. However, it can sense the presence of foes even while it is sleeping. Abra immediately teleports to safety in order to avoid conflict. This Abra is level 6, Male, and has the ability Magic Guard. It knows the moves Teleport and Double Team.
Psi seemed to growl at the mention of being called a Male, which caused Cobalt to put a hand on them, which seemed to calm them down.
Psi: I apologize, Ash. I'm afraid I do not get any good offensive moves before I evolve into Kadabra.
Ash: It's okay. Actually, I think we can work with this. I think the best way to help with your defenses is if you spar with Cobalt and Green, which could also help their accuracy. And maybe you can help him learn Bone Rush?
Psi: I can certainly try to.
With Psi needing to observe the pair's battle styles in order to help them train, Ash had Cobalt and Green spar, Green working on his accuracy whileCobalt worked on hsi evasiveness, with Psi chiming in on focusing to use Bone Rush. Psi also alternated between Ash, who commanded either of them between rounds, giving advice when needed.
After about fifteen more minutes, they took a break for a late lunch while Ash was glad he had bought extra Pokémon Chow. Much to his delight, he found out that Cobalt had gone up a level, as did Psi during the confrontation to catch them. After many more hours of training, they packed up and headed back to Viridian. Ash made a stop at the Pokémon Center to have his team fully healed and to rent a room, where they relaxed before bedtime.
—-
This eventually developed a routine over the next week. They woke up at 7 (Cobalt made sure to put the alarm on the other side of the room when he learned what made Ash late that day) and the team actually ran to the training grounds before unpacking for breakfast while Ash usually walked. Eventually, he started running with them, having read that Pokémon do better with exercise and training if their trainer joins in. Ash would then work with Cobalt to learn Bone Rush as Psi and Green worked together. This lasted until the mid-morning break; they switched once afterwards, Ash practicing with Green as Cobalt and Psi battled. They took a half hour for lunch, then switched yet again, Ash helping Psi with learning any kind of offensive tactic while the brothers sparred; with sometimes Arthuur orother members of the tribe joining in. At their mid-afternoon break, they ended the day with speed training often in the form of a game like chase. At dinner, exhausted but happy, they returned to their room in the Pokémon Center, ate, then simply relaxed and spent time together before sleeping.
After that week, Green had improved greatly, having perfected Iron Tail and was now a marksman with his Bullet Seed. His defense had gotten better from practice with Psi, who had learned they could use the environment as a way to deal damage, baiting the opponent into obstacles or the ground, then teleporting in the nick of time.
Cobalt was now definitely his ace, being able to move as fast as a train and Force Palm as hard as one. In fact, just yesterday, he had finally gace up Quick Attack to learn Bone Rush, using the energy bone to cleave the boulder they sparred with in half. He was upset when the bone disappeared, but Psi assured him that was supposed to happen after 2-5 strikes.
As the group finally left Route 22, there was a chorus of "Goodbye," "Good luck!" and "Take care of them!" from the Grovyle tribe. Ash waved to them, thanking them and promising that he would take care of his team. Their initial plan was to stop at the Pokémart to pick up enough supplies for a few days and head to Viridian Forest from there. But their plans were interrupted when just as they were about to enter the city; they spotted a girl around Ash's age, her red hair sticking straight up in the air like she had been shocked and struggling to push a charred bike.
Ash: Hey, are you okay?
Girl: What do you think?!... *sigh* Sorry. I shouldn't have snapped at you. I've just…. had a rough day.
Ash: That's alright, I get it.
He suddenly saw the bike shift forward, both he and the girl looked in the back seeing Cobalt trying to push it forward, this causing Ash to chuckle and Misty to marvel at the new Pokemon.
Ash: Seems like my partner want to help you out…. You do need help, right? I don't want to intrude.
Misty: That would be nice. Thank you.
The girl fixed her hair back, tying it into a sideways ponytail before he grabbed the handlebar with one ahand and held out the other.
Girl: I'm Misty. Misty Waterflower.
Ash: I'm Ash Ketchum. And the little guy pushing is Cobalt, my Riolu.
Cobalt ets out a greeting since Misty couldn't understand him as Ash shakes her hand. He then takes the other handlebar as they begin helping her push her bike into Viridian City.
Ash: So what happened to you?
Misty: I was down the route some, minding my own business and fishing for Water Pokémon when this Pikachu came out of nowhere.
Ash nearly dropped the bike at this as Cobalt let out a yelp in response to Misty's answer.
Misty: And it looked kind of tired, so I went to see if it was okay. But then it zapped me big time and destroyed my brand new custom bike! I had to push it half a mile back here!
Misty noticed Ash looked pale and terrified, as did his Pokémon, Psi's eyes actually opening to express his terror.
Misty: Hey, you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost type.
Ash: Huh?! Oh… Y-Yeah. Were you okay?
Misty: I'm fine. Just a few burns and a little shooken up. My bike unfortunately took the worst of it. The oddest thing happened though. While it was shocking me, this group of five or six Pokemon came out of nowhere and chased it away. They completely ignored me though. They kinda looked like that green one you have, but bigger.
Ash's heart sank as Cobalt and Green gasped at the news, horrified at the thought of what happened.
Ash: Were they okay?
Misty: You mean the Pokemon? I don't know. I didn't stick around long enough to find out. I just ran out of there before any of them or that Pikachu decided to come chasing after me.
Misty answered, curious and a little worried why Ash was acting so bizarre and was so worried about a group of Pokemon she didn't even know.
Green: *panicked* Ash, this is serious! We've gotta go tell Dad!
He was just about to rush off, but Ash stopped him, grabbing onto his bulbous tail to keep him in place.
Ash: *quietly* Green, don't go alone. Wait a few minutes and I'll go with you.
Misty: Did you say something?
Ash: NO! I mean, uh… I was just saying something to Green here.
He gestured to the Treecko on his shoulder, who was fidgeting just as anxiously as the Riolu .
Cobalt: Th-They'll be fine. Our family's tough, right Green?
Psi: *darkly* If I see that Pikachu, I will harness every extrasensory induced molecule of my form to hold that mouse and rip him limb from limb. No one hurts my new trainer and my fr-...acquantance and gets away with it.
A few minutes later, Ash helped Misty push her bike into the small bike shop across the street from the Pokémon Center. Ash was anxious to go check on his friends's tribe to make sure they were all okay. He'd never forgive himself if anything happened to them, but something needed to be done about Pikachu.
Misty: Thanks.
Ash: No problem. But can you do me a favor? I need you to call the Pokémon Rangers and report that Pikachu. It's really dangerous and someone could get seriously hurt, if not killed. I've got to go.
Ash then turned tail and ran, his Pokemon joining him as they ran or floated in Psi's case all the way back to Route 22. With the brothers leading them to the tribe's camp, Ash ran up to Arthur, panting from exhaustion.
Ash: *panting* Guys…. Guys, Pikachu is…
Cobalt: Pikachu's in the area! He almost…
Arthur: We know. The patrol team just reported back to me a few minutes ago. They found him attacking a human trainer and chased him out of our area.
Ash: That must've been the girl we met before.
Ivena: I was about to go to find you and let you know what was going on, but you guys came rushing back here before I could leave. Are any of you hurt? Did any of you see him?
Green: No, but we ran into the other trainer Pikachu attacked. She's fine, thanks to all of you.
Ash: We were worried about the tribe members that went after Pikachu. Is anyone hurt? Did… Did Pikachu-
Arthur: Ash, calm down before you pass out. Everyone's just fine. All Jimbo got a bit of a nasty shock, but he'll pull through. Plus, everyone else is unharmed.
Seeing the wounded Grovyle being tended to, Ash took out a Potion and set to work healing Jimbo, who sighed in relief as the Potion healed his burns.
Jimbo: Thanks, kid. If you wanna know what happened, I lost him. Ran right into a Spearow flock's territory. I doubt he'll come back though. Not unless he wants to deal with the vengeance of the tribe.
Arthur: None of you worry now. I'll speak to the leader of the Spearow flock and let them know what's going on.
Ash: ….I'm sorry. This is all my fault.
Jimbo: What're ya talkin about? You didn't shock me.
Ash: I mean this whole situation with Pikachu! I shouldn't have been so stupid as to think I could have befriended him! I shouldn't have brought him out here! Cobalt was nearly killed because he was defending me, you were shocked, and Misty got hurt and her bike was totaled! All because-
Cobalt: ASH!
The boy stopped and looked down, seeing all three of his Pokemon frowning at him as Arthur stepped up, leaning down to look him in the eye.
Arthur: Ash, listen to me. This. Isn't. Your. Fault.
Cobalt: My Dad's right, Ash. You saved me from certain death from that maniac. Plus, you didn't force me and Green to defend you; we did that ourselves. I was the one stupid enough to get close enough to Pikachu that I wouldn't be able to dodge whatever attack he sent at me, and you're the one who had to pay for my mistake…. So if you wanna blame somebody, go ahead and blame me….
The canine shuffled on the ground, looking down since he couldn't bear to meet either Ash or Arthur's eyes. However, Ash scooped up his technical starter and brought him close, Cobalt's head meeting his chest.
Ash: Cobalt, you're not stupid. Plus, you told me this bfore. It's not your fault my Pikachu was crazy enough to be willing to seriously injure or kill someone. You couldn't have predicted that, even with your aura.
Arthur: Ash is right, Cobalt. That Pikachu's attack on both of you was not your fault either, though you should have been a little more careful And Ash, what you said to Cobalt applies to you, too. You couldn't have predicted what Pikachu would do either. I know you're not psychic.
Psi: I am, though.
Arthur: Not the point. And you didn't cause Pikachu's hatred of humans either. From what Cobalt and Green told me, you did everything you could to become his friend. Stop blaming yourselves, both of you.
Both trainer and Pokemon nodded, only for Cobalt to climb onto Ash and ride on his shoulders, with the trainer supporting his legs.
Green: So, what do we do?
Psi: I say the four of us should resume our journey as planned. I don'tsense any electric types near here.
Arthur: Exactly. If he does happen to show up again, I don't want any of you near him. I doubt he'll ever come back to this area again, but if he does, he'll regret it. No one messes with my family.
Ash: Good. I asked Misty, the other trainer that was attacked, to call the Pokémon Rangers. I'm sure they'll be willing to capture Pikachu and take him somewhere where he can't hurt anyone else.
Arthur: Good. I'll make sure no one interferes with the Rangers work if they-
The leader was cut off by the sound of a breaking branch from behind a bush that was a few feet away, causing Ash to start walking towards the bush as Cobalt jumped down.
Ash: Who's there?
Green: *grabs Ash's leg* Ash, get back here.
Cobalt: We'll handle this.
Charging up a Bone Rush, Cobat ran towards the bush as Green and the patrol team followed. However, Ash suddenly saw a flash of red at the top of the bush.
Ash: Stop!
—-
What Ash and his team didn't know was that back inViridian, Misty had tailed Ash to the tribe's territory. Just before she was attacked by the tribe and two of As's Pokemon, he commanded them all to stop while Misty slowly stepped out from behind the bush, her palms out to show them that she had no weapons.
Ash: Misty?! What are you doing here?
Misty: I followed you. You ran off like a pack of Houndoom was on your heels. What the hell is going on here? And don't say "Nothing" because we both know for a fact that's not true!
Ash: …..*sighs* How much did you hear?
Misty: Only that you were talking to these Pokemon, that both sides seem to completely understand what the other one's saying, that Pikachu was yourPokémon or something and that you blame yourself for it attacking everything that moves. In other words, EVERYTHING! Now you tell me what's going on here, Ash Ketchum!
Ash looked at Psi, unsure of what to do. Knowing there was one resort that they needed to use since there was no other way, Psi and the others nodded.
Ash: Well, it's a long story and you're probably going to think I'm nuts…
Misty: After what I just saw….Probably not. Go ahead. I'm listening.
Ash and Misty sat on the ground and for the first time since he had found out about his new ability, he told the entire story. From when he woke up late, to getting Pikachu at the lab, and feeling happy to whn he got to the part where he met Cobalt and Green
Misty: That's honestly really sweet.
Ash: Yeah, but… That's not really the end of it.
Misty: I could tell. What happened?
Ash: I called for Pikachu to join the fun, but he just glared at me and yelled something. I couldn't understand him at the time, and I'm glad I didn't know what he said. Cobalt and Green stepped up to defend me…and he shot a Thunderbolt at them! And Cobalt pushed Green out of the way! *voice shaking* I was scared that much electricity would kill him. So, I pushed him out of the way…and it hit me instead. And even when Pikachu saw that it was me he was attacking, he didn't care. He actually increased the power of his attack.
Green hugged his trainer's neck to soothe him as Misty gasped in horror.
Misty: That's horrible!
Ash: He almost killed me, but these two attacked him and cut off his attack. I remembered a voice calling for help, and then everything went dark for a few minutes. The next thing I remember, I was surrounded by the Grovyle tribe and almost fully paralyzed by Pikachu's attack.
Ash shook slightly at the mere memory of this, holding up a finger to breathe as Cobalt cuddled into Ash's lap while Psi, much to Cobalt's surprise, held onto his hand.
Cobalt: He'll never hurt you again. I'll make sure of it.
Green and Psi nodded while Misty was left so shocked she wasn't able to speak and reached over and touched Ash's arm in sympathy.
Ash: At first they were upset at me, thinking I had been the one to threaten Cobalt, but the two of them jumped in front of me and told them what had really happened. I was pretty out of it at the time and thought I died or I was in a coma and having hallucinations because I understood everything they were saying and that had never happened to me before. I have no clue why or how, but the Thunderbolt somehow gave me the power to understand Pokémon.
Misty: Wow…. I've heard of people having the ability to understand Pokémon, but I've never heard of it happening through an electrical shock. It's usually through psychic abilities.
Cobalt: Psi, did you know there are other people that can understand Pokémon?
Ash listened in, both stunned and relieved that maybe he wasn't alone after all.
Psi: Yes, I believe so. I heard rumors that Sabrina, the gym leader in Saffron City, is a psychic and can understand Pokémon. So can some of the other psychics that work at the same gym.
Misty: Actually, now that I think about it, I once met this girl who told me everything my Staryu was saying. So what happened after the tribe came?
Ash: They all saved my life. They healed me as best they could, and they even took me to the hospital. I owe them everything, and I can't thank them enough.
He mostly addressed that last part to the entire tribe, along with his two starters as it was for Misty.
Misty: That's incredible. And these are the same Pokemon that saved me too?
Ash nodded as she then looked at them in amazement. She now knew why Ash was so worried when he learned a small group of unknown Pokemon had gone after Pikachu, as it was obvious how much he cared for them.
Misty: Thank you. All of you. I probably would have been a piece of burnt toast if it hadn't been for you guys.
Jimbo: Not a problem.
Ash: He said it was no problem.
Ivena: And Ash? You don't owe us anything. You're one of the very few humans that actually risked their life to save one of us. Not many humans care what happens to a wild starter Pokemon unless to catch them.
Arthur: It takes a lot to earn the respect of a wild Pokemon, especially the rarer ones like Cobalt and ourselves, but you earned it with your bravery and compassion. You have the heart of a Sceptle. For us and a lot of other Pokemon, family is everything. If you mess with just one of us, you have to deal with all of us. If one of our members is harmed, we don't just sit down and watch, we do whatever we can to make sure they are safe. You proved yourself to us the day you saved my sons, and also today when you rushed back here just to make sure none of us had been harmed. I don't regret this when I say it, Ash. You are a member of this tribe now.
Ash smiled widely at this. When he was younger, Ash had been, and still was, a shy and awkward kid. He had never really fit in at school and didn't have any real friends in Pallet Town, not since he and Gary had fallen out a few years ago. It felt wonderful to be a part of something, to have friends that would watch out for him. Impulsively, he hugged the leader, who stiffened for a second. Despite having a trainer in the past, he was still unused to being hugged, but he then relaxed as he returned the hug.
Ash: Thank you. You don't know how much that means to me.
Misty watched with a smile. The bond between the tribe and Ash was sweet, though she felt like an intruder observing what was obviously a private moment. Ash finally remembered Misty was still there, and broke the hug, blushing and apologizing soon after, though he wasn;t sure who the apology was for.
Eventually, they said their goodbyes to the Grovyle tribe and the group headed back to Viridian City to check on Misty's bike. Unfortunately, the salesperson she had left it with to possibly get fized reported that the bike was completely totaled and that it would be much cheaper to buy a new bike rather than try to fix the damaged one.
Ash: Sorry you got mixed up in all this, Misty. And sorry about your bike. I'll save up some money and buy you a new bike to make up for it.
Misty: *smiles* I'll take you up on that offer, but don't worry. I don't blame you for what happened. I don't think anyone could control that Pikachu… Oh crap! I forgot to call the Rangers for you!
The group ran to the Pokémon Center, where Ash used the landline to call Pokémon Control and report the situation with Pikachu, with Misty telling her side of the story as well. They agreed to send out a Ranger team immediately. Once he hung up the phone, Ash felt a huge weight fall off his chest. Hopefully, Pikachu would be captured soon and no longer be a danger to hapless Trainers or his newfound tribe.
They decided to stay in the Center for lunch and over the hour or so they stayed, Ash and Misty became fast friends. Ash found that Misty was easy to talk to and was soon telling her about how Cobalt and Green joined him, meeting Psi, and his week of training for the Pewter Gym. Misty talked about her dreams of becoming the world's greatest master of Water-type Pokémon (or Water Master, if you will) and spoke about her team of Goldeen, Staryu, and Starmie. Ash's team ate with them, occasionally offering commentary to Ash's tales which Ash translated for Misty. After finishing, they split the bill, then left, Ash carrying a now sleeping Green in his backpack while Cobalt walked with them as he returned Psi to their ball.
Ash: So, where will you go after this?
Misty: In all honesty, I haven't decided yet.
Ash: Well, we were just headed towards Pewter City for my first Gym badge. Would you…. like to travel with me?
He flinched before she could answer, half-afraid taht she would laugh in his face for asking this. But instead, she smiled as she gave her answer.
Misty: Sure. Sounds like fun.
She didn't exactly have anywhere else to go and Ash seemed nice. He was one of the few people she could actually consider a friend, since she never had fit in well at school. Her tomboyish ways and fiery temper clashed with the prim, proper and often snobbish ways of the girls at her school.
Ash: Oh.. Well then, *smiles* Ready to head to Viridian Forest?
Misty: *nods* I'm with you.
TO BE CONTINUED….