"I can't believe my luck!" Ash exclaimed, unable to stop smiling as he sat down for breakfast. He had just received the notification.
His trainer level had been elevated to that of a Basic Ball, which, combined with the League's previous compensation, meant he would receive 6000 Pokémon dollars every month for the next year. This substantial amount could even help support his family expenses.
"Speaking of which, Misty, what reward did you get?" Ash looked curiously at Misty, who had been silent since she learned about her reward, displaying a mix of subdued and surprised emotions, clearly feeling something complex.
"Let's not talk about my reward!" Misty quickly interjected. She wasn't ready to let Ash know about her background and the issues at home she'd prefer not to discuss.
Her reward from the League was indeed significant. Although it was not for her personally, it greatly helped her family.
"I see..." Ash nodded slightly, not pressing further. He knew Misty would share what she wanted when she was ready, and pushing for answers would only annoy her.
"By the way, we've already bought enough food for the trip, and we'll be heading to Viridian Forest soon. Should we prepare anything else?" Ash reminded Misty, aware of her natural aversion to Bug-type Pokémon.
"No need!" Misty shook her head, snapping out of her thoughts about home, but she hadn't fully realized yet, forgetting that Viridian Forest was famous for its Bug-type Pokémon!
...
Viridian Forest, located between Viridian City and Pewter City along Route 2, set by the Kanto League, is a vast forest filled with a variety of trees that form a natural maze, making it a popular destination.
Viridian Forest was not safe in the early years, as many ventured here for exploration or training, often losing their way. However, after developments by the Kanto League, a road now connects Viridian City and Pewter City, greatly reducing the chances of travelers getting lost.
Viridian Forest was lush and dense, which made the forest interior dimly lit and humid. This environment was perfect for many Bug-type Pokémon, and of course, it also attracted various Flying-types.
"Before we enter Viridian Forest, it's best to stock up on some Paralyze Heals and Antidotes..." At the entrance to the forest, Ash noticed the warning sign listing precautions for those venturing into Viridian Forest.
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
"Can we... not go through here?" Misty regretted her earlier suggestion to take this route; she had forgotten that the forest was teeming with the Bug-types she so feared.
"We're already here..." Ash looked at Misty, who was hiding behind him. She was already distressed, and they hadn't even entered the forest yet. What would happen once they were inside?
"Besides, I think as a trainer, you shouldn't be afraid of any type of Pokémon! It's a huge weakness. If an opponent prepares Pokémon targeting this fear, you'll definitely lose," Ash knew Misty aimed to master Water-types, and to become a master, one could not afford such glaring weaknesses.
"I know, but it's really scary..." Misty had thought about overcoming her fear, but it was not so simple. Caterpie and such creatures scared not just little girls but even grown women.
"Then let's start overcoming this weakness right now!" Ash turned, took Misty's hand, and started dragging her into the forest. Despite her struggles, Misty couldn't match Ash's determination and slowly began to follow him, eventually giving up and clinging to Ash's clothes, anxiously scanning their surroundings for any sign of Bug-type Pokémon.
"What's there to be afraid of? If Pokémon appear, I'll protect you," Ash sighed lightly. He didn't have any particular feelings about Bug-type Pokémon but hesitated on whether to catch a Caterpie, like in the anime.
Caterpie was a Pokémon that was very easy to train, suitable for rookie trainers. It had a very short growth cycle; with proper care, it could become an effective battle force within a week, evolving into a Butterfree.
Butterfree is a decent Pokémon, possessing both Bug and Flying attributes. Its abilities, Compound Eyes and the hidden ability Tinted Lens, are both quite powerful.
"Let nature take its course..." Ash thought, not particularly set on catching a Butterfree.
"Ah!" While Ash was pondering, Misty suddenly let out a sharp scream, grabbing Ash from the front and burying her head in his back, trembling.
"What's wrong?!" Ash jolted and quickly tried to turn around, but found it difficult as Misty was clinging to him, even restricting his movements.
"Pika—!" Pikachu sensitively noticed a small, green, worm-like Pokémon wriggling out from under the bushes on their left.
It had round, black eyes, a green back, and a slightly visible white belly. Most noticeably, it had a red 'Y'-shaped antenna on its head and conspicuous yellow ring patterns along its sides.
Caterpie
Type: Bug
Category: Worm Pokémon
Abilities: Shield Dust; Hidden Ability: Run Away
Shield Dust: Pokémon with this ability are not affected by the additional effects of moves that hit them.
Level: Initial
Caterpie, one of the most common Pokémon in Viridian Forest, had caused Misty to panic and scream upon its appearance.
The little Pokémon now looked quite adorable. Startled by Misty's scream, it curled up its body and timidly poked its head out, observing the two humans and Pikachu in front of it.
"Don't be afraid, don't be afraid..." Ash soothed Misty while observing the Caterpie, hesitating whether to catch this little creature.
Its ability is Shield Dust, which upon evolving into Butterfree will change to Compound Eyes. Although very common, a Butterfree with the Compound Eyes ability is indeed quite useful.