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
Out With The Mellow, Through The Woods
After making a stop at the Pokémart for supplies, they passed through the gates connecting Viridian City to Viridian Forest. As they were about to enter Viridian Forest, a girl stopped them, holding out a wadded piece of paper.
Girl: Here, you guys might want to take a map. That place is a maze and you don't want to get lost in there.
Ash: *takes map* Thanks. *opens map* Now, I think we're supposed to go this way…. Oops, I think I meant this way. Or maybe over…
Misty: For one, it actually helps to have the map on the right side. On second thought, let me handle the directions.
Ash smiled sheepishly as his new travelmate took the map, reading it for him.
Ash: Sorry. I'm not very good with maps.
Misty: *sarcasm* I couldn't tell.
Misty found the right path, which they walked down. About a half-hour later, they heard a snap, which made them look up, seeing movement in the trees.
Misty: *nervous* What was that?
Ash: Probably a Bug Pokémon. Viridian Forest is crawling with them, from what I heard.
Misty stopped in her tracks and glared at Ash, grabbing his shoulders as she had a panicked look in her eye.
Misty: Bugs?! You didn't tell me there was going to be Bug Pokémon here!
Ash: I thought you knew! And what's wrong with Bug types?
However, the yelling startled Green awake, who drowsily peeked out of Ash's backpack and looked around.
Green: Where are we?... *notices Misty* What's she doing here?
Cobalt: We're in Viridian Forest and apparently Misty doesn't like Bug Pokémon. Also, Ash invited her to come with us, so we're traveling together now.
Green: Ah, gotcha.
Misty: Bugs are creepy and gross! They're one of the three most disgusting things out there!
Ash: *as Green climbs down* What are the other disgusting things?
Cobalt: If she says Pecha berries, I swear to Arceus….
Misty: Carrots, peppers, and BUGS! Everyone has something they don't like, and I DON'T LIKE BUGS!
Ash: Well, I definitely agree with you on the pepper part.
Misty: Why? Accidentally thought pepper sauce was ketchup?
Ash: No, worse. I ate a jalapeño slice when I thought it was an olive. *shudders* And I'm not that disgusted with carrots and Bug type Pokemon aren't that bad either.
Misty: *growls* Well, I think they're disgusting.
Ash wasn't going to argue with her now, since he and his team just discovered that Misty was s when she was mad. However, Psi then pops out of their ball, informing them of something the girl would… Probably be better off not knowing.
Psi: Considering I have heard Misty's grievances, would this be a bad time to tell her that there has been a Caterpie tailing us for fifteen minutes now?
Ash: There has?
Psi pointed down the road the way they came, Ash turning to reveal a small Caterpie following about ten feet away, its eyes fixed on Misty.
Ash: Yeah, probably not.
Misty: Probably not what?
Ash: Nothing too important. Psi was just asking me something.
Misty: …..Ash, with you, "Nothing important" means it's something important! Now what did he ask you?
Ash: They, actually. And um, Misty, try not to panic, but….. Psi told me there's been a Caterpie following us for the last fifteen minutes or so.
Misty turned and saw the Caterpie coming up to them. Des[pite th little worm being absolutely freaking adorable, Misty screams as if she's being murdered and ran, hiding behind a tree.
Misty: Keep it away from me!
Ash: Misty, calm down. It's just a cute little Caterpie. It's completely harmless.
Misty: "Cute"?! You think that's cute?! It's disgusting and scary and I don't want it on me! Make it go away!
The Caterpie simply came closer, trying to sooth the girl as it crawled up to them as Ash decided to scan it.
Pokedex: Caterpie, the Worm Pokemon. A Bug type. Catrpie's feet are lined with suction cups that allow it to climb up trees. It releases a horrid smell from its antenna to drive away predators.
Caterpie: I'm not going to hurt you.
Ash: Misty, he said he wasn't going to hurt you.
Misty: That's nice, just make him go away!
Caterpie: ….*to Cobalt* Can your trainer understand me?
Cobalt: Long story, but yeah.
Caterpie: Well, then… *Ash* Can you tell her I'm not trying to scare her then? She seems really nice and I want her to be my trainer.
Ash: Oh, um…. *awkward* She's really scared of Bugs, Caterpie. I think you might need to find another trainer.
Misty: Is the creepy Bug gone?
Green: Way to make your case, broad!
Caterpie: Oh…. *sadly* Okay.
The worm then crawled off, its head sulking as it crawled away from the small group.
Caterpie: I'll go then… Boo hoo hoo…
Looking down and seeing the Caterpie was, Misty deemed it safe to climb down, sighing in relief as the others looked at her angrily.
Misty: Phew. I'm glad that yucky Bug is away from me.
Ash: Misty, he was trying to be nice to you! He just wanted to find a trainer. He wasn't going to hurt you, but you hurt him!
Cobalt: Not cool, Mist.
Green: Hey, I don't like Bug types that much either, I javelin a type disadvantage. Bit do I go around, screaming in their faces that they're ugly? NO! I keep it to myself to save their feelings like a decent person!... Pokémon… You get the idea.
Even though she couldn't understand the Pokemon, Misty got the idea that they were also pretty angry with her, causing her to look down and let her heart fill with guilt.
Misty: I…. *sighs* I'm sorry, Ash. I'm just really terrified of Bugs. I've been scared of them ever since I was little.
Ash: But why?
Misty: My family went camping a long time ago and I got lost on a hike. I accidentally wandered into a Beedrill nest and I got stung so badly I had to go to the hospital. *looks down* I've been terrified of bugs ever since.
Cobalt gained a bit of sympathy from the story, deciding to go to Misty's side and hug her leg, hoping to be of some comfort.
Ash: I understand, Misty. After Pikachu, I don't think I could raise another Electric type either. I'm sorry I snapped at you.
Misty: It's okay. I think I needed it. Hopefully, that Caterpie finds a trainer that isn't terrified of him.
What she didn't know was that the Caterpie, hidden a short distance away, had heard her story. He felt badly for her and still wanted to become her Pokémon. Maybe if he could join her team, he could show her that not all Bug Types were bad. Keeping himself hidden, he quietly followed them…. That was until Misty screamed again 30 minutes later.
—-
Now in a different spot, Misty let out another ear splitting shriek, making Greem jump about a foot in the air and land in Psi's arms, who immediately dropped the Treecko.
Green: What the hell is wrong with you now?
Misty: It's another Bug! A Weedle!
Confused, the group looked to see a small brown worm with a horn on its head trying to climb up a tree, causing Ash to also scan it.
Pokedex: Weedle, the Hairy Worm Pokemon. A Bug and Poison type. Weedles have a very acute sense of smell, which they use in order to hunt down leaves for it to eat. They defend themselves from enemies with the poison stinger on their head.
The mentioned Weedle gave her a strange look, honestly kind of annoyed.
Weedle: Can you please stop screaming? I'm trying to struggle and get my lunch in peace.
The worm tried to climb up the trunk in order to get to the leaves above, but since he had no sticky pads like Caterpie, it came to no avail as it simply fell down to the dirt on its back. Ash felt sympathy for the worm as he decided to approach the Weedle.
Ash: I'm going to go help it.
Misty: Okay. Then I'll just wait waaaaaaayyyyyy *runs short distance away* over here.
Cobalt: *walks towards Misty* I'll go with her and keep her safe from the Bugs
Psi: Then Green and I shall help Ash.
Ash and his two monsters approached the Weedle carefully, Green leering at it as Ash carefully picked it up to lift it up to the leaves for it to eat. Weedles normally eat dead leaves since they can't climb, so to them, fresh ones are a delicacy. A short distance away, Misty waited for Ash, petting Cobalt's head as she waited, though light glinted off of a blade from behind a tree, somebody watching them like a hungry predator.
Misty: *groans* This whole forest is crawling with slimy, disgusting Pokémon. I wish they'd all just bug off. *to Cobalt* Thanks for watching out for me.
Cobalt: *smiling* Oru.
Later, Misty couldn't recall whether a slight noise had revealed the person's presence or whether it had simply been intuition. But for whatever reason, she turned just in time to see a boy in a samurai's outfit jumping out at her and a sword coming straight at her face. Misty yelped as Cobalt reacted quickly, tackling the boy to the ground and growling at him as he took a fighting stance, trying to protect Misty. The kid stood up, dropping his sword on the ground and raising his hands in a gesture of peace.
Kid: I mean no harm!... Greetings, o' shrieking maiden! Are you by chance the shoppingmode Pokémon trainer that comes from Pallet?
Misty: N-No, that's not me!
Kid: Ah, then alas, my search continues. *picks up his sword* I advise you to refrain from further shrieking while in this forest, unless your goal is to attract a swarm of Beedrill.
With that said, he walked away, allowing the two to relax and sit down on a log.
Misty: What a weird kid. I wonder why he was looking for a trainer from…
Her eyes widened in realization as Cobalt then bolted up, running to where he suspected the boy from earlier to be as Misty chased after him.
Cobalt: Ash!
Meanwhile, Ash, Green, and Psi had managed to get the Weedle close, the worm so close to the leaves, he could almost taste them. And just when he was about to take a bite, they heard a voice behind them.
Kid: Greetings. Am I addressing the Pokémon Trainer that comes from Pallet?
Ash and the others barely glanced at him.
Ash: I come from Pallet, but I'm a little busy right now.
As he stood on his toes, Ash finally maged to get the Weedle on the branch, who started eating the leaves on the branch he was on.
Weedle: Thanks.
Misty: *off-screen* Ash, run!
Ash: Misty?
Cobalt: There's some crazy kid with a sword who wants to kill you!
Ash: Kid with a- *turns around* What are you guys-
Kid: I have found you at last!
The samurai kid swung his sword at Ash with a battle cry. Startled, Ash fell backwards, landing on his ass; he would have smacked his head against the tree if Green hadn't caught him in time.
Green and Cobalt reacted as one as the Riolu and Misty rushed onto the scene. Cobalt hit him in the back with a Force Palm as Green smacked him with Quick Attack. The Samurai kid cried in pain, flailing, kicking, and swinging his sword at Cobalt. Thankfully, as he was hit, Cobalt had used Counter to snap the blade in half. Psi, who had grown a bit of backbone, teleported behind the kid, kicking him across the face and with a cry of rage, Ash and Green tackled the kid, pinning him to the ground.
Someone else had seen the attack, unbeknownst to everyone else. It was another young Weedle, who quickly ran off to warn her hive. Cobalt summoned a bone, pointing it at the kid's face. All three Pokemon would've probably beaten the crap out of the kid, but he cried out.
Kid: I surrender! I surrender!
Ash and Green got off of him, begrudgingly in the Treecko's case.
Ash: Are you all okay?
His team nodded, so Ash walked over to the tree, where he spotted the Weedle from earlier who coiled up and shook in fear on his branch.
Ash: Are you okay, Weedle?
The Weedle peeked over, nodding to Ash. The boy smiled, but it was replaced by a frown as he turned to face the samurai looking boy
Ash: Who are you, and why did you attack me and my Pokémon? I won't let you steal them!
Kid: *gets up* I am no thief! I am Samurai! I am shrewd, fearless, and completely invincible in combat! I have been searching the forest for you, meaning to challenge you in a Pokémon battle!
Misty: So you decided to shove a sword in his face to challenge him to a battle?!
Samurai: It is not my fault your friend and his Pokémon are such novices as to misinterpret the art of a Samurai's challenge! How else am I supposed to challenge you?
Ash: Just ask! Just say "Hey, could we have a battle?" Don't shove a freaking katana at my face! Seriously, you almost gave me a heart attack!
Samurai: ….Hey, could we have a battle? Maybe-
Ash: Well it isn't going to work now, not after you almost skewered me..
Samurai: I'm not entirely sure what to say.
Misty: Maybe it'd be best if you just left.
Despite the kid not understanding him, Green was about to speak up but was stopped by something that sounded like a thousand angry voices.
Green: What's that noise?
Samurai: A Beedrill swarm approaches! Good day!
He then runs off, leaving the group to look up, spotting a massive swarm of giant bees, spear-like spikes latent on their hands. Ash then took out his Pokedex, hoping to get some insight on how to beat them.
Pokedex: Beedrill, the Poison Bee Pokemon and the final evolved form of Weedle. A Bug and Posion type. Beedrill are extremely territorial and protective of their swarm. If they sense they are in danger, they rally up and attack with their 3 venomous stingers.
The Pokedex is tucked away by Misty, who grabs it as she then grabs the boy's arm.
Misty: We're no match for them and I doubt they want to talk! Run for it!
Ash nodded as he tried to recall his team while Misty ran, only for Cobalt and Green to dodge the beams and Psi to fake being returned by using Double Team.
Green: If you think we're just gonna leave you unprotected, you're crazy!
Cobalt: Come on!
His Fighting type grabbed his hand and ran, dragging him along behind him as Green ran alongside them. However, Psi instead stood their ground, going against the swarm.
Green: Psi, we've got to run!
The Abra nodded as he floated with their teamin order to defend them. Suddenly, Ash tripped over a rock that was half-hidden in the grass, pulling Cobalt down with him. Hearing the noise, Misty, who was ahead of them, turned and saw Ash and Cobalt were on the ground with the Beedrill swarm almost upon them. Misty's concern for her friend overcame her fear of the Beedrill, and she rushed back, helping them up and dragging them away from the swarm.
But unfortunately, the fall had taken too much time. The swarm reached them as one went charging straight at Ash, preparing a Twineedle attack. Green tried using Bullet Seed, but it came to no effect as it just came charging.
Psi: No! Stop! I command you, your other type is weak to me!...
Seeing their trainer in danger, Psi immediately teleported in front of Ash, holding their hands out as they grit their teeth.
Psi: I! Said! STOP!
However, as much as they cringed….. The needles never came. Cobalt, Green, and Ash looked in amazement as Psi gasped, the Beedrill had hit a wall of blue-ish purple energy, getting confused at the barrier as it slid down it. It dissipated as Psi retracted their hands.
Ash: That was Confusion.
Cobalt: Psi, how did you do that? I thought you couldn't learn that until you evolved.
Psi: So did I. This is an amazing impossibility. But a thankful one, as now… *smiles* I can fight back.
However, another Beedrill went flying straight at Misty, who screamed and braced herself… But the attack never came. A green blur dived in front of her, shoving the Beedrill back. It was the Caterpie from earlier, which stood in front of Misty protectively. Another Beedrill tried to swoop in, and the Caterpie shot white string at it, covering it completely, making it fall to the ground, struggling to get free. Suddenly, Caterpie began to glow, evolving into a green pupa with eyes.
The group gasped in wonder as Ash once again got out the dex.
Pokedex: Metapod, the Cocoon Pokémon and the evolved form of Caterpie. A Bug type. Metapod's normally vulnerable body is surrounded by a hard shell, which protects it while it waits to evolve.
The Metapod used Harden and placed itself in front of Misty, shielding her from the attacks. Both the Metapod and Ash's Pokémon put up a good fight against the swarm; Cobalt using Bone Rush and Vacuum Wave, Green using Iron Tail, and Psi using their Teleport method along with using their newly learned Confusion. But they were beginning to tire, and the Beedrill didn't seem to stop coming. Ash feared that none of them would make it out alive., but just as all hope seemed lost, a voice broke through the battle, which turned out to be the Weedle Ash helped.
Weedle: STOP!
Everyone, both the Beedrill swarm and the defending Pokémon, froze as the Weedle approached between them.
Cobalt: Wow, who knew a small bug could make that much noise?
Weedle: You guys have the wrong human. It was the guy with the weird looking exoskeletonn and the giant stinger that attacked me. This one *gestures to Ash* actually helped me get some fresh leaves so I wouldn;t have to be stuck eating the ones on the ground. Then this creepy guy goes after him with his giant stinger. So his Pokémon attacked the guy, but then you guys showed up. I tried to chase you down to tell you that you had the wrong human, but you moved too fast!
The Beedrill blinked and looked at the Weedle in stunned amazement, all anger gone. The leader, revrealed to be female, gave an embarrassed chuckle as she approached.
Beedrill: Sorry about that. We take the safety of our swarm really seriously. It won't happen again.
Ash translated for Misty, who shakily nodded. Ash's team glared at the Beedrill swarm, but finally nodded as well as Cobalt stood with his trainer.
Ash: We accept your apology. And we'll hold you up on you guys not attacking us again.
The Beedrill was confused as to how Ash could know what she said in exact detail, Cobalt confirmed to her and the Weedle that Ash could understand Pokemon.
Beedrill: Wait, if you can understand Pokémon, why didn't you stop and tell us what was going on?
Cobalt: ….You do know what species you are, right?
Beedrill: Fair.
The Beedrill began checking on and untangling their fallen swarm members as Ash turned to his Pokémon, checking them over. They were tired and had a few cuts and bruises, but were otherwise fine, considering the massive attack they had gone up against. Ash healed them with a few of the many Potions he had brought along as Green checked over Ash if he had gotten hurt. He was pretty ignorant to other smart stuff, but his mom made him one hell of a medic.
Misty kneeled down to check on Metapod, who was shaken and had a few dents in its shell.
Misty: Are you okay?
He did his best to nod, considering his new form as Misty sprayed him with a potion. Making sure his wounds were healed, Misty hugged the cocoon close, smiling at him as he sat in her lap.
Misty: You saved my life. Thank you.
The Beedrill finished healing up and detangling their swarm members, then began to fly off. However, one brushed up against Metapod, then suddenly grabbed him, starting to take off with him.
Misty: Metapod!
Metapod: Hey! Let me go!
Green: Hey, what are you doing?!
Beedrill: One of our Kakuna must have gotten out of the nesting area. I'm taking it back.
The leader returned once more, sighing as she pointed at the cocoon in the other's grip.
Beedrill: Greg, that's a Metapod.
Greg: Oh….. *to Misty* Sorry.
He attempted to hand Metapod back to Misty, but held him too high and too far to the right.
Beedrill: He's blind.
Ash: Oh, okay.
She then gently took Metapod from Greg and held him out to Misty, who took him back after Ash translated what the Beedrill had said. With the Weedle now on her back, the leader followed after her swarm, Greg following not too far behind.
Misty: I'm so sorry for those things I said about you, Metapod…. I was wrong. Not all Bugs are bad, and I shouldn't have judged you by the Bugs that hurt me when I was younger.
Metapod: I forgive you, Misty. I heard your story and I don't blame you for being scared.
Even without Ash translating what Metapod said, she got the idea and set him down.
Misty: Do- Do you still want to be my Pokémon?
Metapod jumped straight up in the air, making a happy noise that Misty could tell was a "Yes!" even without Ash translating. She took out a Poké Ball and tapped it to Metapod, the Cocoon Pokémon becoming sucked within and the ball locked without a struggle. Misty picked up Metapod's Poké Ball, shock in her eyes.
Misty: Wow. If you had told me this morning that I'd be the trainer of a Bug-Type, I would have told you that you were crazy and should have your brain examined.
Ash: I know you're a Water-Type trainer, but it never hurts to diversify, and Metapod's a good first catch Pokémon.
Misty: I know, and I never thought I'd be saying that about a Bug. He was so brave, diving in to save me like that, even after I insulted him.
Ash: Hey, don't sell yourself short, Misty. You were really brave back there too, running back into the swarm to help me when I fell. I know how scared you must have been, and yet you risked yourself for me.
Misty: *blushes* That's true. I was scared of the Beedrill, but I was more scared that you would get hurt. Friends are more important than fear.
He hugged her, saying a small "Thank you", which surprised Misty as she stiffened for a second, then hugged him back. He pulled away, apologizing, but Misty smiled and said she didn't mind. After some discussion, they decided to stop for the night after they found a small clearing with a pond and began to set up camp. Misty released her Pokémon, and Ash and his team finally got to meet her Staryu, Starmie, and Goldeen she had told them so much about. The Water Pokémon were surprised when they heard about Ash's ability to understand them, but they took it very well. But imagine their surprise at finding out that Metapod had joined Misty's party, amazed by Misty's story of how Metapod had protected her from the Beedrill swarm, and admonished her, through Ash, to let them out next time she was in trouble, water or no water.
Ash and Misty prepared a quick supper of peanut butter sandwiches and Poké Chow, as neither of them had any cooking ability whatsoever. They all ate, laughing and talking, with Ash translating Pokémon speech to Misty on occasion. After dinner, Ash and Misty pulled out their sleeping bags, exhausted from the excitement of the day as Misty recalled her water types before turning in. Though Misty was asleep, cuddling Metapod, Ash, Cobalt, and Green laid back still awake as they looked up at the stars while Psi slept as he floated in place.
Cobalt: I have to admit, as much as I love the comfy beds of the Pokemon Center, I miss sleeping in the great outdoors.
Ash: I bet you did, Co.
Green: You know, when Cobalt and I were younger and we couldn't sleep, we'd just layon top of the tallest tree and look up at the stars until we passed.
Ash: Hmm…. Hey, Green? Do you know of the uh… What're they called?
Cobalt: Constellations?
Green: Uh, I know one. *points up* See that squiggly cluster up there?
Ash: Yeah.
Green: That's the Rayquayza constellation. It has other names, depending on people's religions. Some call it Ziz, too. Dad told us the story when we were younger.
Ash: Would you tell the story?
Green: *shrugs* Might as well, not really that tired yet. "First there was the ground, and the sea, and there were the lords who ruled over them. Lord Groudon for the earth and Lady Kyogre for the oceans. And for a long time, that's all everyone thought there was. Two things: the earth and the sea. But then, one time, it got dark. Almost pitch black, and so everyone looked up, and they saw this giant pokemon, flying through the sky! And it was so big it blocked out the light from the sun. And so then they realized there were three. The earth, the sea, and the sky. Lord Groudon, Lady Kyogre, and Lord Rayquaza. Rayquaza stopped Kyogre and Groudon from fighting when they almost caused the end of the world….. I can't exactly remember the whole thing, but Rayquayza has always been good.
Ash smiled as the story ended. As he turned to ask Cobalt his thoughts, he saw the little jackal cuddled up next to him, sleeping soundly. And soon, Ash asked if Green knew anymore as he hugged Cobalt closer. This went on for quite a while before slowly Ash fell sleep and soon enough, so did Green…..
—-
Waking up with a Metapod curled against her, two inches from her face, wasn't the way Misty Aisha Waterflower was used to waking up, but then she remembered where she was and what that particular Metapod had done for her. Her left arm was pinned under the Metapod and had nearly completely fallen asleep. Trying not to wake her newest and most unusual (for her) Pokémon, she slowly slid her arm out from under him, but Metapod was a light sleeper and woke up, looking at her and giving a happy little coo.
Misty: *whispers* Morning.
As she rolled over to check on her human traveling companion, she had to stifle a laugh at what she saw. Ash was lying on top of his sleeping bag on his stomach, one arm under his head and the other curled around Cobalt, who cooed as he slept against his trainer's side. Green, his Treecko, rested on the small of his back, curled into a tight ball while Psi had woke up in the middle of the night for a drink, but decided to sleep with their party as they leaned against Ash's other side.
Misty couldn't resist as she crawled out of her sleeping bag and reached into her backpack for the camera she had brought along with her as she took several pictures. It was too cute and funny not to get on film. Plus, she could use it as blackmail if Ash ever got on her nerves…
Misty: *to Metapod* Don't tell him.
A few minutes later, Ash began stirring as he started to get up, not knowing that Green was on his back. The lizard yelled out as he fell, landing on top of Psi, who jolted awake and launched the now screaming Green into the pond, which startled Cobalt awake.
Cobalt: Wha-What just happened? There an emergency?
Psi: No, but Green decided the best way to wake me up was a heart attack after Ash sent him falling like Skyarrow Bridge.
Ash: Sorry.
Now that he knew the context, Cobalt and Misty were laughing their heads off as Ash fished out the Treecko, who sputtered from the water.
Green: Could've been worse. It coud've been a pit of Ekans.
Misty: Alright, alright. Now that you're all awake. Let's have breakfast and hit the road. I want to get out of this forest.
Beet red, Ash nodded. After breakfast, Misty consulted the map and found the path to get to Pewter City. They walked down it chatting and laughing, but were suddenly stopped by a very unwelcome person. It was Samurai once again. Thankfully, he didn't bring another sword this time, or Ash's Pokémon would have clobbered him again.
Misty: *harshfully* What do you want?
Samurai: A Pokémon match with the trainer from Pallet. Let us see who triumphs.
Ash: *sighs* Fine.
He wanted to beat this guy into the ground for attacking them with a sword, nearly hurting two of his Pokémon, and leaving them to be attacked by an angry swarm of Beedrill. He guessed by Samurai's net that he was a Bug Catcher, so…
Ash: Alright Cobalt, let's do this!
The Riolu smiled and nodded, but before he got onto the battlefield, he brought out something. In his paw was a small wood carving of another Riolu. Cobalt closed his eyes, whispered something and pressed his head against the carving hefore handing it to Misty, asking her to hold it for him. As she obliged, Cobalt stopped forard, adopting a fighting stance.
Samurai: Not having a type disadvantage won't help you here! Pinsir! Assume battle mode!
He threw a Poké Ball out as a gray, bipedal Bug Pokémon with a rounded body, deadly claws, sharp teeth, and wickedly pointed horns appeared. Misty squeaked in terror and hid behind Metapod as Cobalt flinched at the sight. Interested in the new insect, Ash got out his Pokedex.
Pokedex: Pinsir, the Stag Beetle Pokemon. A Bug type. Pinsir judge one another based on their pincers as the thicker, more impressive pincers make for more popularity with the opposite gender. They do not do well in cold enviornments.
Samurai: Pinsir, use Tackle!
Ash: Cobalt, use Counter!
Cobalt stood his ground, taking damage as the bug crashed into him, but hit it with his palm, knocking it back with double the force.
Ash: Alright, now use Bone Rush!
Samurai: Bug Bite!
The Pinsir hissed as it got back up, charging with its fangs open. However, Cobalt was much faster, summoning a bone to whack the Pinsir on its side to knock it down as it then drove the bone right into its back. With the combination of the bone striking a nerve, Cobalt's training and higher level, it was an easy KO. Samurai looked stunned as he returned his Pokemon and glared at Ash.
Samurai: You may have been lucky this time, but no one defeats my next Pokémon! Metapod, go!
Another Metapod came onto the field, simply standing there…. Menacingly! Cobalt moved to attack, only for Psi to teleport in front of him.
Psi: Ash, if it bodes well with you, I would like to battle this one.
Ash: Are you sure?
Psi: Certainly. I would like to take Confusion for a spin.
Ash: *nods* Alright then. Cobalt, come back. It's your time to shine, Psi!
The Riolu wished his friend luck as he ran back to his trainer's side, allowing the Abra to take over.
Samurai: You have made a foolish error, novice. That weak Abra will never beat my Metapod. It will be a pleasure to defeat you….. Metapod, use Harden!
And so…. It did just that. But Ash grew angry as the trainer insulted his friend.
Ash: Psi, use Confusion.
Samurai: What?! An Abra that knows Confusion?!
Psi did just that, slamming a blueish-purple sheet of energy onto the Metapod. It flinched, but was far from fainting.
Ash: Head for that tree and wait.
Samurai: While it's moving! Use Tackle, Metapod!
As the Metapod charged, Psi had made it to the tree, lying in wait for the next command.
Ash: Now, use Teleport!
With a smirk, they vanished into thin air, making the Metapod slam into the tree with all its might, hurting its front as it fell to the ground as Psi reappeared.
Ash: Are you okay, Psi?
Psi: Do Gliscors feed on the blood of nighttime prey?
Ash: *disturbed* Uh…
Psi: Yes. The answer is yes.
Samurai: Use Harden, Metapod, then Tackle it again!
Ash suddenly had an idea.
Ash: Psi, once it uses Harden, grab it!
Nodding, the Abra grabs onto the cocoon just as the hardening glow fades.
Samurai: What are you-
Ash: Teleport to the top of that tree.
They teleport, along with the Metapod as they stand on top of the tree's foliage.
Ash: Now drop it!
With a nod, Psi dropped the Metapod, flinching as it hit the dirt with a thud. Luckily thanks to Harden, it didn't hurt too bad… But it had fainted.
Samurai: *retruns Metapod* Metapod, return!
Ash scooped up his exhausted Abra as he teleported to them.
Psi: I would like to….. Go back to my ball…. if it bodes with you.
Ash: Of course, you did great, buddy. *returns Psi* Take a nice rest.
Samurai handed Ash the prize money he had earned.
Samurai: I see now that I was the novice. Four times have I battled trainers from Pallet, and four times have I been defeated. I will train harder, and someday we will battle again.
He held out a hand, which Ash shook as he nodded.
Ash: That was a good battle. Your Metapod is very strong. Good luck with your training.
Misty: But please don't ever attack anyone with a sword again!
Samurai: Don't worry. I learned my lesson on that. And I don't think I'll ever forget it.
Saying goodbye to Samurai, Ash and Misty headed back up the path to Pewter City, Misty giving Cobalt back his wood carving and Green riding on Ash's shoulder.
Misty: Well, despite the vicious Beedrill and weirdos with swords running around, I guess Viridian Forest wasn't so bad. Not only did we have some heart to heart stuff, I found out Bugs aren't so creepy after all… Okay, let me rephrase that. SOME bugs aren't so creepy…
Green: Eh, it progress, I guess.
—-
Finally, about an hour and a half later, they reached Pewter City. Ash sighed as he let Green down while Cobalt sat on a rock, the boy popping down beside his Fighting Type.
Ash: I thought we'd never get out of Viridian Forest.
Misty: You wouldn't be so tired if you didn't insist on carrying one of your Pokémon all the time. Now that I think about it, why do you always keep Cobalt and Green outside of their Poké Balls?
Ash: Cobalt's been protective of me ever since Pikachu's attack and Green gets nervous in small spaces. Plus, I like having them out here with me. And who are you to talk? You're carrying Metapod.
Misty: He's my protection from the mean Bug types. *ets Metapod* Aren't you, Metapod?
Metapod simply nodded and bounced in his trainer's arms.
Cobalt: Well, at least we're finally at Pewter City. And that means we can get our first gym badge!
However, the three jumped a little out of fright as they saw a middle aged man with a long brown beard sitting right below them.
?: Pewter City is gray. The color of stone. Pewter City has always been famous for its stone.
Ash: Who are you?
?: The name's Flint. And you and your Pokémon are sitting on my merchandise, young man.
Ash looked down to see that the rock indeed had a price tag on it. The three scarily hopped off, with Green now on the ground to not make Ash any more tired.
Ash: Sorry about that. You're selling rocks?
Flint: They're Pewter City souvenirs. Would you like to buy one?
Green: Want one? What would we do with a rock?
Cobalt: Maybe roll with it?
Ash: No, thank you. Do you know which way the Pokémon Center is?
Flint: I'll show you. But first... that will be a five dollar charge for resting on my rocks.
Cobalt: 5 bucks?! That's highway robbery!
Green: Well, that's the economy for you.
Ash looked at Misty, who rolled her eyes and shrugged, so he decided not to fight it and just paid the five dollars as the man led them to the Pokemon Center, wher they would rest up in preparation for their first ever gym battle.
TO BE CONTINUED…..