Foreword
As a joke, take a shot every time I say "Butterfree" in this chapter, if you're old enough to actually drink.
Chapter Seventeen: The Flutterby Farewell!
Previously, Crash and friends had made a stop in Thistle Town to partake in the Summer's End Festival, where Brock's eyes were caught by the statue of the Maiden.
After an overnight stay with the statue, an old woman warned that Brock would lose his life and that the maiden would take him away.
Despite being fooled by a Gastly that was pretending to be the old woman, Crash and Misty were able to protect their friend, and meet the true ghost of the Maiden.
And now they continue to Saffron City, where they now pass through Flutterby Fields.
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Crash shifted the map in his hands and squinted. "Ok, if we continue this way, we'll be… at least a day from Saffron City."
"Good." Misty smiled. "Because I can't wait to finally get back to sleeping in a bed, because I can't stand all these- AH!" Misty screamed as she accidentally hopped into Brock's arms.
"Misty, what's wrong?" Brock asked as he scanned the area for danger. She shuddered as she pointed to a Weedle that crawled by.
Brock stared at the Hairy Bug Pokémon as it crawled away, then back to Misty.
"Is it gone yet? Is it gone yet?!" Misty squirmed in disgust. Crash shook his head. Brock sighed as he saw the Weedle crawl away and eventually is out of sight.
"It's gone now." Brock reassured her. Misty quickly hopped out of his arms.
"Hehe… sorry." Misty nervously chuckled. "I just… really hate bugs." Misty turned around and gasped. "Wait, where's Crash?!"
Brock looked around as well. "Looks like he wandered off." Misty sighed.
"Oh well, he couldn't have gotten far. Let's go look for him." Brock said as he began looking for the boy from Pallet Town. Misty sighed and joined his search.
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Crash looked on at the field, completely in awe of the scenery.
"Ah! It's not too cold and not too hot! The sun's still out," He turned as saw a swarm of Butterfree dancing together. "And there's a bunch of Bug Pokémon here too!"
As Crash was admiring the dancing Bug type Pokémon, when, out of the corner of his eye he saw a Beedrill.
"Cool! A Beedrill!" He exclaimed as reached for a Pokéball, but he was stopped as he heard a familiar voice.
"Pinsir! Use a Take Down." a Pinsir charges into the Poison Bee Pokémon, knocking it into a tree. "Well done Pinsir. Now that Beedrill is mine!" The trainer threw a Pokéball at the Bug type, managing to capture it.
Once the trainer came into view, Crash recognized him instantly. "Haohmaru!" He shouted, running over to greet the Samurai themed trainer.
"Ah, Crash Betchum!" Haohmaru opened his arms out welcomingly, greeting Crash back. "It has been quite a while. How are your travels?"
"They've been fun!" Crash grinned. "How many badges do you have?"
"I now possess three Badges." Haohmaru opened a case and it revealed he had the Boulder, Cascade, and Thunder Badges, just like Crash.
"That's awesome!" Crash pumped his fists excitedly as he pulled the inside of his vest to reveal his own badges. "I got three too!"
"Then that means you are on your way to Saffron City." Haohmaru summarized.
"Yeah, we are!" Crash nodded.
"Crash! Where are you?" Called Misty as she and Brock stepped into the clearing from behind a gathering of trees.
"Misty, Brock!" Crash exclaimed as he waved his hands to get their attention. "Over here you guys!"
The two trainers run over to their friend. "Crash! There you are!" Misty said as she ran over. "You can't just wander off like that!"
Crash scratches the back of his head. "Sorry about that." He then gestures to Haohmaru. "But look who I've found!"
"Greetings." The Samurai bowed his head, still somewhat surprised as Crash had put him on spot all of a sudden.
"Haohmaru! It's good to see you again." Misty smiled.
"The feeling is mutual, Misty."
Crash turned to Brock. "Brock, this is Haohmaru. He's a trainer that we met in Viridian Forest a while ago."
Crash turned back to the Samurai. "And Haohmaru, this is Brock. He was the Pewter City Gym Leader until he joined me and Misty to become a Pokémon breeder."
"It's nice to meet you Haohmaru." Brock said as he put his hand out for a handshake.
"Likewise." Haohmaru took the hand and shook it. He took a long look at Brock. "You look like the Gym Leader himself."
"He's my dad." Brock explained.
"Ha! That explains it." Haohmaru smiled. "Your father is a greatly skilled trainer."
"You must be as well if you beat him." Brock replied.
Haohmaru scratched the back of his head in praise.
Crash then spoke up. "Hey wait a sec Haohmaru, why are you here?"
"Oh. I am here to observe the Butterfree Mating season." He answered.
"Ah, that explains the swarms of Butterfree I've been seeing when we got here." Brock mused.
"Butterfree Mating season?" Crash and Misty asked simultaneously.
Haohmaru nodded as he sent out his own Butterfree. "Yes. It is around this time that most bug type Pokémon, more notably Butterfree, come here to find a mate."
"Aww! How sweet!" Misty cooed. She turned to Crash. "You should do the same with Wormwood!"
"That's a great idea!" Crash immediately sent out his first capture. "Ok Wormwood! Let's go!"
Wormwood gleefully greets his friends. "Do you wanna find a mate buddy?" Crash asked his Pokémon. The Butterfly Pokémon gave an eager and happy nod.
"I'll take that as a yes." Brock smiled.
"So what're you waiting for, Wormwood?" Crash asked before pointing at the swarm of Butterfree overhead. "Let's go ahead and find you a mate!"
The Butterfly Pokémon flew high and began to do loop-de-loops of joy.
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Crash and Haohmaru quickly followed after the swarm of Butterfree, but they ended up flying too high for them to see clearly.
"Curses! I've lost sight of the Butterfree!" Haohmaru said angrily.
"Same here! I can't see them from here!" Crash sighed irritatedly.
"How can we find them now?" Misty asked as she continued to look up and barely make them out.
"We need to secure a higher vantage point!" Haohmaru said as he looked around.
Crash and Misty exchanged looks of confusion before turning back to him. "What?"
"We need to get some high ground so we can get a better view of the Butterfree." Haohmaru amended.
The trainers continued to walk in the direction of where they last saw the bug-type Pokémon, and eventually saw a large gathering of trainers releasing their own Butterfree, and lots of hot air balloons.
The balloons were apparently set up by a volunteer organization to help the Trainers fly among the Butterfree horde and watch their Butterfrees find a mate.
After renting a balloon and receiving instructions on how to operate it, they send out their Butterfree and allow them to roam.
"The view is beautiful up here!" Misty said, practically beaming with joy.
"Look at all those other hot-air balloons!" Crash said, pointing at the other balloons in awe. "The Trainers are calling out their Butterfrees!"
The four trainers looked around, admiring the sight of the sea and the multiple Butterfree being sent out, and others dancing about happily with their mates.
"Aww! How cute!" Misty gushed. "They're dancing."
"That is their dance of courtship." Haohmaru explained. "Once a Butterfree has found a mate, they perform that dance. And if the other Butterfree dances as well, then that means it accepts the first dancer's advances."
"How romantic!" Misty said as she continued staring at the Butterfree.
"I think I heard about something like that…" Brock mused.
"Hey!" Crash exclaimed. "Look over there!" The followed his pointed finger to a large gathering of Butterfree. "That's a lot of Butterfree."
"They look like they're crowding around something," Brock said. "But what is it that got their attention?"
"I can't see a thing with all those Butterfree in the way." Misty complained. "Let's try to go higher."
They began to float higher above the swarm, and see what seems to be a pink Butterfree.
"H-hey! That Butterfree's pink!" Crash pointed out.
"A pink Butterfree? How odd." Haohmaru commented.
"I guess it makes sense." Brock tapped his chin with his thumb. "The odd coloration must be eye-catching to the other Butterfree. So that must be why they're crowding around it."
"Hey look! Another Butterfree is approaching the pink one!" Crash pointed. "I think it's Wormwood!"
"Or maybe my Butterfree?" Haohmaru rubbed his chin.
They saw as the Butterfree began to dance for the pink Butterfree. Only for the pink Butterfree to slap the other Butterfree, and fly away.
The trainers gasped, utterly appalled.
"That was just rude!" Misty pouted, crossing her arms.
The slapped Butterfree floated downward to the ground, clearly depressed.
"Talk about getting shot down…" Brock said in a pitiful tone.
"That was so mean!" Crash nodded in agreement. "How dare it slap my Butterfree?!"
"You mean, my Butterfree, correct?" Asked an incredulous Haohmaru.
Crash gave a frustrated sigh. "Both of our Butterfree look the same! How do we tell which is which?"
As they pondered this a Butterfree approached them, looking quite happy as they brought along a second Butterfree.
"Butterfree?" Haohmaru asked as he looked at it expectantly. The Butterfly Pokémon nodded and introduced its mate to its trainer.
"Congratulations Haohmaru," Brock said. "Your Butterfree found a mate."
"Well done Butterfree, I'm so proud of you!" Haohmaru hugged his Butterfree tightly.
"That means that," Crash looks back down to where he last saw the floating one. "Could that Butterfree be Wormwood?"
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They land the balloon and begin to search for Wormwood.
They eventually find Wormwood leaning against a tree, looking downcast.
"Heya buddy." Crash started. "Why so down?"
"Wormwood was rejected by someone it loved. And I know that feeling all too well." Brock said wistfully. "I could write a book detailing love and the heartbreak that comes with it!"
"It'd be a best selling autobiography, that's for sure." Snarked Misty, much to Brock's chagrin.
"I just don't get how Wormwood could get rejected like that." Crash pondered. "Wormwood's great."
"Maybe it has a type it likes?" Brock suggested.
"Of course it does." Haohmaru answered. "It is a bug and flying type. What else could it possibly like?"
Brock shook his head. "That's not what I mean. I mean like what does the pink Butterfree like in a mate?"
"Wormwood's so awesome, I don't get how anyone could reject him." This gave Crash pause as he thought for a moment before his eyes lit up. "That's it! Why don't we show off your strength buddy to show how great you are?"
The bug type looked up to Crash with hope in his eyes.
"Crash is right, Wormwood!" Misty nodded. "You're plenty awesome."
Wormwood turned to Misty, surprised but clearly happy by her sentiment.
"Love is war, and war requires strategy. And I'd say the best strategy is an all-out Offensive! Get aggressive! Don't let up!"
Brock turned to her. "Really? You think that'll work?"
"Of course it will!" Misty replied with confidence.
"Huh. If it does work, I might try it." Brock mused.
"Ok Wormwood! This time, you'll win the pink Butterfree over for sure!" Crash said as he pumped his fist.
"Hold on!" Brock said as he approached Wormwood. He pulls out a yellow scarf and wraps it around Wormwood's neck. "A new look should change that Butterfree's mind.
'Wow Wormwood!" Exclaimed Crash as he gave his first capture a thumbs up of approval. "You look great!"
Mark nodded, expressing his own approval.
"Yeah Wormwood," Misty nodded. "That Butterfree will want to be with you for sure, now!
Brock nodded as he admired his handiwork. "And it'll help differentiate you from Haohmaru's Butterfree too."
"I have to say, that is a splendid idea!" Haohmaru commended. "And I think it looks rather nice on your Butterfree as well, Crash Betchum of Pallet Town."
Wormwood's eyes watered with joy as he was praised, giving him the confidence to try and win over the pink Butterfree once again.
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The four trainers made it back to their hot air balloon, so Wormwood could take to the skies to search for a mate, while Haohmaru's Butterfree and its mate danced around each other happily.
While Crash, Brock and Misty continued to search for the pink Butterfree, Haohmaru elected to watch his own.
"Where is that pink Butterfree?" Crash asked aloud as he scanned the skies with a pair of binoculars.
"You're really into this, aren't you?" Misty commented.
"I just want that pink Butterfree to see how awesome Wormwood is." Crash answered. "I raised him myself."
"I guess Crash is becoming as passionate as Wormwood is." Brock joked.
Crash continued to look through the binoculars and saw the pink Butterfree, instantly pointing at it. "Wormwood, I see the pink Butterfree! over there!" Wormwood perked up and saw the object of his affection in the distance.
"Ok Wormwood, remember what Misty said. All out Offensive! Never let up!" Crash said, encouraging his Bug type. "Now go! Show that pink Butterfree how much you love them!"
Wormwood gave a determined nod and zipped over to the pink Butterfree, who still refused to acknowledge him.
"Ok Wormwood, show 'em your Gust!" Crash commanded. The Butterfly Pokémon flapped his wings, causing a strong whirlwind. But the pink Butterfree turned away, simply ignoring Wormwood's attack.
"Huh?" Crash gasped confusedly. He quickly regained his cool. "Well how about your Confusion? That should do the trick!"
Wormwood fired the beam of psychic energy, trying to look cool, but the pink Butterfree turned away, ignoring Wormwood's attempts to court it. Wormwood lowered his head in despair.
"Aw man… shot down again…" Crash frowned. Mark nodded sadly.
"Poor Wormwood." Misty shook her head in pity as they watched Wormwood fly to the ground dejectedly.
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Crash, Brock and Misty, landed the hot air balloon to find Wormwood once again, while Haohmaru continued to watch his own Butterfree.
It didn't take them long to find Wormwood leaning against a tree, clearly depressed.
"Don't be so sad buddy," Crash attempted to reassure his Bug type. "You'll find a Butterfree that loves you the same way."
Wormwood could only let out a depressed sigh. Mark went around and patted the Butterfly Pokémon on his back in an attempt to comfort him.
"But how?" Crash asked aloud "We tried an Offensive like Misty suggested, but it didn't work…"
Misty shrugged her shoulders in defeat. "I don't have any other ideas."
"Neither do I." Brock admitted. The three trainers sat down and began to think, but they came up with nothing.
"Anyone got any ideas?" Crash asked. Misty and Brock shook their heads disappointedly
Crash sighed frustratedly. "Darn… this isn't our day, huh?" A mumbled gurgle sounded through the area, causing everyone to be alarmed.
"What was that?" Misty asked, looking around in a panic. "Was that a Pokemon?"
"Maybe…" Brock answered, scanning the area for danger. "But what sort of Pokémon…"
The growling intensifies, startling them even more.
"An Arcanine? Or perhaps a Rhyhorn?" Haohmaru began to reach for a Pokéball, just in case they were attacked.
The growling had become noticeably louder.
"What could it be?" Misty scanned the area, a Pokéball now in her dominant hand.
As Crash looks down, he sees his stomach bulge out a bit before eventually stopping as the growling stops.
"Oh!" Crash realizes in embarrassment, "It's my stomach." He awkwardly laughed. "I guess I'm hungry."
The other Trainers sighed, pratfalling to the floor, completely stupefied.
Misty angrily approached him. "Are… you…" She slams her fist into the back of his head, knocking him to the ground. "SERIOUS!?"
"S- sorry…" Crash groaned in pain.
"But Betchum isn't alone in this." Haohmaru spoke up. "I too, am quite famished."
"Now that you mention it, I am kinda hungry…" Misty said, calming down quite a bit as she placed a hand on her stomach and it began to growl, causing her to blush from embarrassment.
"Uh… scratch that really hungry." She chuckled. Crash rubbed what he thought was a lump forming on the back of his head.
"I'll whip something up for lunch then." Brock said as he began to take cooking utensils out of his bag.
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Brock began to stir the pot with a ladle as he stared at the contents with extreme concentration. He takes a wooden tablespoon and tastes his stew with anticipation.
"Ok." He nodded satisfiedly. "This is ready now." He pours them four bowls of stew and turns to his friends. "Ok everyone, lunch is ready!"
"Finally!" Crash ran over and grabbed a bowl of stew and began to dig into it not bothering to cool it off first.
"Gah!" Crash began to blow the food in his mouth by tilting his head back and breathing heavily. He was soon able to swallow his food without severely burning his throat.
"Be careful." Brock warned. "It's hot." Misty snickered as Crash grumbled, blowing his food to ensure he wouldn't burn himself.
"Thank you for the meal." Haohmaru bowed as he began to eat the stew himself. His eyes watered as his mouth widened with glee as he took a bite."This stew is the most delicious thing I've ever tasted!"
"Of course it is." Crash said with his mouth full. "Brock's an awesome cook."
"Don't talk with food in your mouth," Misty sighed with slight annoyance. "But you're not wrong. This is good."
Brock watched his friends eat his food with a big smile on his face. "Well I'm glad you guys are enjoying it."
Once they finished eating, Crash stood up and gave a satisfied sigh. "Ok! Now that I've eaten," He turned to Haohmaru. "You want a rematch, Haohmaru?"
"A rematch?" The Samurai asked. Misty put a hand over her mouth in surprise.
"Oh that's right. You guys never got to finish your Pokémon battle back in Viridian Forest, huh?" Misty said in realization as if she just remembered.
"Yeah! That's why I wanna battle Haohmaru." Crash said.
"But what about Wormwood?" Brock asked. "He still doesn't have a mate yet."
"I'll think of something," Crash said as he rubbed his index finger under his nostrils.
"And besides, a battle is a great way to get blood flowing!"
Haohmaru smiled and set his empty bowl aside and stood up. "Very well, Crash Betchum. I accept your challenge!"
"Alright! Let's do this!" Crash and Haohmaru took their places on opposite sides of the field as Brock stepped up to referee their match.
"How many Pokémon should we use?" Crash asked.
"Three Pokémon should be a sufficient number." Haohmaru replied.
"Then this'll be a 3 on 3 match!" Brock said. "Both trainers are only allowed 3 Pokémon each, and the battle is decided when all Pokémon on either trainer's side are unable to continue. There will also be no substitutions."
"Go! Jetstream!" Crash sends out his Pidgeotto, the bird Pokémon takes to the skies before awaiting orders.
"Very well! Beedrill, assume battle mode!" Haohmaru sent out his latest capture in the Poison Bee Pokémon.
"Now, let the battle begin!"
"Ok Jetstream, let's strike first and strike hard. Quick Attack!" Crash commanded.
Jetstream flies at the Poison Bee, leaving a white trail as it flies toward its target and striking the Beedrill before it could act.
"Beedrill! Counter with a Fury Attack!" Haohmaru commanded.
The Beedrill attacked, thrusting its forearms forward, in a rhythmic manner, striking the bird a total of five times, dealing a lot of damage to the flying type.
"Jetstream! Are you ok?" Crash asked worriedly. The bird Pokémon shook himself and reassured Crash with a battle cry.
"Now use Poison Sting!"
The Beedrill used Poison Sting, charging its stingers with poisonous energy and thrusting them at the bird Pokémon.
"Knock Beedrill back with a Gust!"
Jetstream flaps his wings with a great amount of force, knocking the bug-type away, canceling its attack.
"Jetstream, use Quick Attack again!"
Jetstream became like a blur, smacking into Beedrill with incredible speed.
"Grr… Beedrill, use Poison Sting!" Haohmaru commanded.
The Beedrill charges its stingers with poisonous energy and thrusts them at the bird Pokémon, although Crash orders Jetstream to blow it back with a Gust, and does so successfully.
"Jetstream, use Quick Attack again!"
Jetstream became like a blur, preparing to smack into Beedrill again with its incredible speed.
"Beedrill! Counter with a Twineedle!"
Beedrill uses its stingers on its forelegs to jab Jetstream, and one hit knocks Jetstream to the ground, a purple hue flushing its cheeks.
"Jetstream! Are you ok?" The bird Pokémon is able to muster the strength to stand up. "What's up with Jetstream?"
"Jetstream's poisoned!" Brock explained. "He'll keep taking damage until you heal the poisoning."
"That is correct!" Haohmaru smiled. "And I plan on making the most of it! Now use Poison Sting!"
Jetstream is struck by Beedrill's stingers and is knocked back.
"Jetstream! Try and fly back up!" Jetstream is able to stand, but can barely stay airborne.
"Finish this with a Fury Attack." Haohmaru commanded.
The Beedrill flew at its target, thrusting its forearms forward, in a rhythmic manner, attempting to strike the bird Pokémon.
"Use Sand Attack!" Crash said desperately. Jetstream began to kick up dirt in the Poison Bee Pokémon's face, causing it to stumble back in confusion.
"Gah! Beedrill!" Haohmaru gasped in disbelief. "N-no!"
"Now, Quick Attack!" Crash commanded. Jetstream mustered the energy for another Quick Attack and landed the attack against the disoriented Beedrill out of the air, resulting in its knockout.
"Beedrill is unable to battle, so Jetstream the Pidgeotto is the winner." Brock said.
"You did excellent Beedrill, return." Haohmaru nodded as he sent out his next Pokémon. "Pinsir, assume Battle mode!" Haohmaru's Pinsir enters the field, opening and closing its horns eagerly.
"Ok Jetstream, just do your best!" Crash said in an attempt to motivate his flying type. Jetstream gave a defiant cry, signaling his will to keep fighting.
Haohmaru orders Pinsir to use Take Down, but Crash orders Jetstream to knock it back with a Gust. The Bug-type skids back, but takes seemingly little damage from the attack.
Crash calls for a Quick Attack, but Haohmaru's Pinsir stops the attack with a Bind, trapping the bird Pokémon in its hold and squeezing it.
Jetstream cried in pain, attempting to escape, but due to the thorns on Pinsir's horns, it made his escape impossible. Combined with the poison, it only made Jetstream hurt more.
Haohmaru smiles. "Now Pinsir! Finish Pidgeotto with Seismic Toss!"
The Stag Beetle Pokémon jumps into the air, still holding the Bird Pokémon with its horns and flips upside-down mid-air, slamming him into the ground and kicking up a lot of smoke in the process.
The smoke clears and reveals Jetstream on the ground, fainted.
"Jetstream the Pidgeotto is unable to battle, so Pinsir is the winner." Brock said.
"You did a great job Jetstream, return." Crash returns his flying type into its Pokéball and sends out his Charmader, Agni.
"Ok Agni! Use Flamethrower!" Crash commanded. Agni immediately breathed a stream of flames at the Stag Beetle Pokémon, but it dodged.
"Pinsir, use Vicegrip!"
Pinsir charges at the Fire type headfirst, but Agni jumps into the air and shoots a Flamethrower at the Bug type from behind. The attack lands and Pinsir falls face first, unconscious.
"Pinsir!" Haohmaru cried out.
"Pinsir is unable to battle, so Agni the Charmader is the winner."
"You did your best Pinsir." Haohmaru returns it to its Pokéball and calls out his last Pokémon. "Butterfree! Assume battle mode!"
Haohmaru's Butterfree chatted with its mate for a little while before flying to battle with its trainer.
"This'll be easy! Agni, use Flamethrower!"
Agni immediately breathed a stream of flames at the Butterfly Pokémon, but in time with Haohmaru's shout, it evaded the attack.
"What?" Crash gasped in shock. "Agni, use Flamethrower, again!"
Agni breathes the stream of flames at the Butterfly Pokémon again.
"Butterfree, use Confusion." The Fire and Psychic type moves clash, creating a cloud of smoke. Haohmaru commands Butterfree to use a Tackle, and it tears through the smoke and Tackles the fire type to the ground.
"Agni, it's right above you! Use Flamethrower!"
The Charmander once again uses the fire type attack, but misses as the Bug type makes a u-turn and Tackles it again.
"Hmph! As someone who specializes in Bug-type Pokémon Crash Betchum, you should realize that I have prepared for fire type attacks!" Haohmaru boasted. "Just using fire attacks will not be able to give you victory."
"Really? In that case," Crash mused. "Use Scratch!"
Agni brandishes his claws and swipes at Butterfree as it goes for another Tackle, knocking it away.
"Now go for a Flamethrower!" Crash commanded.
"Butterfree, use Confusion." Haohmaru said.
The two moves clash again, once again creating a large cloud of smoke.
"Ok Agni! Flamethrower again." Crash ordered, expecting a Tackle from the Butterfree.
Agni once again uses the fire type attack, but to Crash's surprise, Haohmaru calls for a Whirlwind, completely negating the attack.
"Now Tackle!"
The Bug-type lands multiple tackles in succession, knocking the fire type around.
"A-Agni! Knock Butterfree away with a Flamethrower!" Crash ordered in a panic.
The Charmander attempts to use the move, but the endless assault of Tackles prevents the Lizard Pokémon from being able to fight back.
Agni shields himself from the attacks, but is unable to stop the onslaught. The Lizard Pokémon grows angrier with every hit, his body glows in a white outline, until he throws a punch, knocking the bug-type into a tree.
"What the?" The two trainers gasp in disbelief. Crash asked as he pulled out his Pokédex.
Dexter: Rage, A non-stop attack move. The power of Rage increases every time the user sustains damage.
"Awesome!" Crash pumped his fist excitedly. "Agni, use Flamethrower before Butterfree can fly away!" He commanded.
Agni charged at the downed Butterfree, attempting to land another punch, but the bug type was able to dodge and fly away.
"Huh, Agni?" Crash raised a brow.
Agni continued to charge at the Butterfly Pokémon relentlessly swiping his claws at it.
"Is… Agni ignoring me?" Crash asked.
"It has been consumed by its anger!" Haohmaru said. "Butterfree, use Sleep Powder to quell its rage!"
The Butterfly Pokémon flies out of the Fire type's range and begins to kick up a whirlwind, mixing the scales on its wings and sending it at the fire type.
Agni begins to calm down as the move hits. The fire lizard yawns and curls up now completely asleep.
"What happened?" Crash asked as he looked at the sight of his sleeping Charmander.
"That's the side effect of Rage." Brock explained. "It's a potentially powerful attack, but your Pokémon gains tunnel-vision as a result and will constantly use Rage until It faints or is substituted from battle."
Crash sighed as he returned his Charmander to his Pokéball. "I guess that means Agni is unable to battle, huh?"
Brock nodded.
"Ok… Wormwood, I choose you!" Crash pointed. But to his surprise, the Butterfly Pokémon stayed in its spot, still leaning against the tree, depressed.
"Wormwood? Is everything okay?" Crash asked, turning to his Bug type. Wormwood only answered with a forlorn sigh. Mark approached the Butterfly Pokémon, worried about his friend.
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(Translation start)
Mark: Hey Wormwood. Crash called you up to battle, is everything ok?
Wormwood: No. This might be the worst day of my life…
Mark: C'mon buddy. He puts an arm around Wormwood. You'll find a mate. A different mate…
Wormwood: But I don't want a different mate. I want her.
Mark: Well Wormwood, unless you impress her somehow, I don't see her being your mate.
Wormwood: I know…
Mark: You think you're up to battle?
Wormwood: I dunno about that… I'm just down in the dumps.
Mark: Really?
Wormwood: Yeah. I'm awful sorry.
Mark: It's not a problem, Wormwood. I'll go and tell Crash.
Wormwood: You'll go and do that for me Mark?
Mark: Yeah. We're friends, aren't we?
Wormwood: That's mighty kind 'o ya to do.
Mark: It's no problem.
(Translation end)
Mark ran up to his trainer and began to do a series of gestures.
"What is your Pikachu doing Crash Betchum?" Haohmaru questioned.
"He's saying that…" Crash paused as he began to read Mark's movements. "Wormwood is too sad to battle right now."
Mark nodded.
Crash sighed, visibly upset. "And I really wanted to use him too…" Crash plucked another ball from his belt and threw it.
"Ekho, I choose you!"
The Bat Pokémon is sent out, letting out a happy screech.
"Butterfree! Use Confusion!" Haohmaru commanded.
The Butterfly Pokémon fires a psychic energy wave at the dual Poison-Flying type but Ekho, using his speed, creates afterimages, evading the attack.
"Ekho, use Bite!"
The nocturnal Pokémon flies forward with his mouth wide open, and clamps his fangs into his target. The Butterfree screeches in pain as it relentlessly tries shaking the Zubat off its body.
"Butterfree, shake Zubat off!"
Butterfree performs an Aileron roll to knock the bloodsucker off of it, and from there, the two Pokémon begin a back and forth of attacks and expert dodging from both parties.
"Ekho! Use Supersonic!" Crash commanded.
Ekho shoots out a sound wave from his mouth, aiming for the Butterfree, but misses.
"Don't let up, Ekho! Keep it up!"
The Bat Pokémon continued to fire sound waves from its mouth, but the Butterfly Pokémon continued dodging them all.
"Butterfree! Use Tackle and knock it out of the sky!"
"Ekho! Look out!"
Butterfree slams into Ekho, knocking him back.
"Ekho! Are you ok?"
The Zubat shook its head, still reeling from the Tackle and nodded at his trainer. And before Ekho could react again, a Confusion sends it to the ground.
"Ekho!"
"You have fought well Crash Betchum, but victory is mine! Butterfree, finish this with Confusion!"
The Psychic type attack lands, causing the Bat Pokémon to faint.
"Ekho the Zubat is unable to battle, so Butterfree's the winner." Brock raised his left hand. "Haohmaru is the victor!"
Crash walked over and petted his defeated Zubat. "You did your best, Ekho." Crash
then returned the Bat Pokémon to his ball.
Haohmaru ran over and petted his Butterfree. "You did excellent, Butterfree. Great work."
The Butterfly Pokémon puffed its chest with pride as its trainer and mate congratulated it as well.
"Wow Haohmaru, you've gotten better." Crash smiled as he offered the Samurai a handshake.
"You have improved as well Crash Betchum." Haohmaru acknowledged as he returned the handshake.
The moment was quickly broken up by a loud buzzing, causing them to turn around.
"What's that sound?" Crash asked as he looked around.
"It sounds like a swarm of Beedrill…" Haohmaru answered.
As the trainers looked overhead, they saw the swarm soaring angrily overhead.
"They sound… angry." Brock said, sounding worried.
"But where are they going?" Misty asked.
"I don't know, but we should go see." Crash answered.
The four trainers ran off, in pursuit of the enraged Beedrill.
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The four trainers see the swarm of Butterfree being attacked by the enraged Beedrill.
"They're attacking those Butterfree!" Crash exclaimed. The pained cries of the Butterfly Pokémon sounded as the Poison Bee Pokémon struck them with Fury Attacks.
Misty gasped in horror. "Why're they attacking those Butterfree?"
"Beedrill are notorious for being extremely territorial," Haohmaru explained. "Perhaps the Beedrill view them as threats?"
"But don't the Butterfree come here every year?" Brock asked.
"My guess is that the Beedrill have been expanding their territory, and think that the Butterfree are in said territory."
"But that's not true!" Misty exclaimed. "We need to stop those Beedrill!" She immediately pulled out her Pokéball and sent out her Starmie.
"Now now!" Haohmaru said, waving his hands frantically. "I'm sure there's a more reasonable way of doing this…"
Misty turned to Haohmaru. "This is plenty reasonable…"
She turned back and shouted at the swarm of Beedrill. "HEY! YOU LEAVE THOSE BUTTERFREE ALONE!"
The swarm turned to face her and buzzed angrily, charging with their forearm stingers pointed. "Starmie! Use Swift!"
The Mysterious Pokémon is sent out and fires an array of star-shaped energy at the Poison Bee Pokémon, the power of the attack being too much for the swarm to handle.
"Great job Starmie!" Misty congratulated. It was cut short by another swarm of Beedrill angered that their comrades had been defeated.
"Ok Briar, let's help Misty out!" Crash said as his Bulbasaur was sent out to fight alongside her Starmie.
"Don't leave us out." Brock said, as he sent out his Geodude.
Haohmaru's Butterfree flew to its trainer's side, ready to help as well.
"You wish to help them as well Butterfree?" Haohmaru asked. The Butterfly Pokémon nodded eagerly. "Very well! Let us help!"
The four trainers battled the swarm of Beedrill, taking out a great number of them, but they were soon outnumbered. Their Pokémon fainted one by one. Brock eventually sent out his Onix to keep the Beedrill at bay so they could recuperate.
"Darn! There's too many of them!" Crash said as he retrieved his Bulbasaur. "What do we do now?"
Brock returns his Geodude. "I'm not sure…These Beedrill are relentless."
Misty returned her exhausted Starmie into her Pokéball and growled . "Grr… but we can't give up yet! The Butterfree need our help!"
"But there are far too many of them…" Haohmaru said as he shielded His exhausted Butterfree.
"Agni! Use Flamethrower!" Crash said as he sent out his Pokémon. But the Lizard Pokémon was still curled up, asleep.
"Agni's still asleep." Misty sighed.
"I suppose Butterfree used a heavier dose of its sleep powder than I thought." Haohmaru mused.
"C'mon Agni! Wake up!" Crash attempted to shake his Pokémon in a frantic manner. The fire lizard however, simply yawned, and continued his slumber.
"Just return Agni! It's not going to work." Misty facepalmed. Crash reluctantly returned his sleeping fire type.
"OK… then… Mark! I choose you!" Crash awaited his partner to jump to fight the Poison Bee Pokémon, but nothing happened.
"Uh… Mark?" Crash turned around and began to look for his starter. "Where's Mark!?"
"Did we leave him behind?" Misty asked.
"No… I don't think so… he was on my shoulder until we got here…"
"Well we better come up with a plan soon," Brock said. "My Onix won't be able to take much more… Those attacks are adding up."
As he said that, his Onix fell to the ground, unconscious. "Onix!" Brock shouted worriedly. "Are you ok?"
The Rock Snake could only manage a weak groan. Brock smiled and returned his own starter. "Thank you Onix, you did great."
The Beedrill swarm was noticeably tired, but not enough for them to back off. The Beedrill had surrounded the trainers by now, blocking any chance they had at escape.
The trainers were ready to accept their fate until a Thunderbolt struck the group of Beedrill behind them, causing them to turn around. They saw a Pikachu running towards them with a Butterfree wearing a yellow scarf.
"It's Mark!" Crash exclaimed.
"And Wormwood!" Misty finished.
The two Pokémon immediately began to knock the Poison Bee Pokémon away, Mark with Thunderbolt and Wormwood with Confusion.
After a while, the swarm retreated from the trainers, flying back to the forest.
"Wormwood, you saved us!" Said a grateful Misty.
"Yeah, but some Beedrill are still attacking the Butterfree…" Brock said, pointing at the swarm. Wormwood turned to where Brock was pointing and saw the rest of his species was, indeed, being attacked.
And he could make out the pink Butterfree being attacked as well. Wormwood let out an angry screech as he turned to Mark.
(Translation start)
Wormwood: Mark! Git on my back! Now!
Mark: Wormwood? What's gotten into you?
Wormwood: They're hurting her!
Mark: Her? (realization) You mean-
Wormwood: Less conversation, and more action!
(Translation end)
Mark nodded and immediately hopped onto Wormwood back as the Butterfly Pokémon took off to save the other Butterfree.
"What? Mark? What're you doing?" Crash asked as he saw his Pokémon take to the skies.
The two Pokémon began to fend off the Beedrill, and with Mark's sheer power and Wormwood's maneuverability, they fought off the remaining Beedrill.
"Great job you two!" Crash said as he hugged his electric mouse tightly. "You both were awesome!"
Misty tapped on his shoulder. "Hey Crash, look!" As Crash turned to look, he saw the pink Butterfree dancing for Wormwood.
"The pink Butterfree's… dancing?" Crash gasped. "The pink Butterfree's dancing!" Crash cheered. Mark began to cheer along with his trainer.
"Congratulations Wormwood!" Brock smiled.
"What could have happened to cause that Butterfree to change?" Haohmaru mused.
"I guess the pink Butterfree wanted a knight in shining armor." Misty smirked. "And Wormwood delivered."
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It was now sunset, and although the other Butterfree couples had left, Crash, Brock, Misty and Haohmaru stayed to say farewell to Wormwood and Haohmaru's Butterfree.
Crash approached Wormwood, the boys heart feeling as if it was going to beat out of his chest.
"Wormwood… ever since I caught you… I knew we'd be an awesome team." He started. But taking down an Onix, battling the strongest Sandshrew we've ever seen… and even beating a Raticate with Thunder? I don't think I could've asked for a better first catch!"
Misty, Brock, and Haohmaru watch from afar as Crash begins to tear up. Crash felt himself beginning to sob, but held it back, fearing he'd give Wormwood second thoughts. "I'd like for you to stay… but I want you to be happy. And if that means letting you go…"
Crash grabbed Wormwood's Pokéball and returned him. Crash held down the button before calling him out again. The ball then released Wormwood, but the usual red light was now blue, signaling his release.
Crash looked back to his first capture, tears filling his eyes. "I'll gladly do it."
"But before you go… We'll all give you one big "Fare-thee-well" to send you off…" He then sent out his other four Pokémon. "All of us."
Crash wiped his tears away and put up a bright smile. "Goodbye, Wormwood!" He yelled as he waved his arms.
Mark, Jetstream, Ekho, Briar, and Agni waved farewell to their friend, but Mark and Agni began to cry, unable to keep it in.
"Stay safe you two!" Misty added.
"Look after one another!" Haohmaru shouted.
"Best of luck!" Brock shouted.
As Wormwood flew further and further away, Crash shouted at the top of his lungs.
"I love you Wormwood! Take good care of yourself and your family!"
Mark ran to his trainer and shouted too, tears pouring from his eyes like a faucet.
Wormwood turned around and gave a sad, but hopeful screech, starting to cry as he began to leave with his mate.
Crash fell to his knees and began to sob uncontrollably.
"You did a great thing Crash", Brock spoke up as he walked around to hug his friend "Not many trainers would do that for their Pokémon."
Misty nodded.
"You truly are one of a kind, Crash Betchum of Pallet Town…" Haohmaru said.
Once Crash had cried enough, he stood back up and turned to Haohmaru. "What're you gonna do now Haohmaru?"
"I am going to stay here in Flutterby Fields and train in preparation for my next gym battle." The Samurai answered. "What about you?"
"I guess… we'll keep heading to Saffron City." Crash answered.
"But maybe in the morning…" Misty yawned. "I'm tired."
"Today was quite eventful huh?" Brock said.
"I guess so." Crash managed a small smile.
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As sad as goodbyes are, they're never forever. And after wishing a treasured friend farewell, Crash and friends still have plenty more chances to make more friends and possibly see Wormwood again.
What'll happen now that Wormwood has left the team? Hang tight, as their journeys continue…
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I hope you all enjoyed the chapter and the changes in the story so far. If you did, make sure to check out the forum for this fanfic where you can ask questions or make suggestions for the story going forward…
Catch ya later, Pokéfans!
P S. I held back tears writing this farewell.