It had taken Ash about a half hour to clean Pikachu up after treating his wounds. They still had a couple hours of daylight left, and continued to walk until the sun started to set.
Before, Ash had been worried that they wouldn't be able to tell night from day as long as they were here, but thankfully, that never proved to be an issue. Even though the forest itself was quite dim most of the time, it was much darker when the sunlight that did make it through the treetops suddenly went away.
Ash found an opening in the forest, where the treetops gave way to show off the night sky. Unlike the previous night, where the sky was filled with rain clouds, this night was perfectly clear. Not a cloud in sight. As the sky progressively grew darker, stars began popping into view.
"We'll set up camp here," said Ash, his starter nodding in agreement.
Ash prepared a campfire, and got his sleeping bag out. He took out some of the food that he had packed for his journey.
He had a couple of sandwiches, while he had Pokemon food for Pikachu.
Of course, there was a third member of the group now.
Taking out Starly's Poke Ball, he turned to Pikachu.
"Okay, I'm going to release Starly. We need to be careful how we approach this."
Starly was a new member of the team now. Wild Pokemon often varied in terms of how they acted after being caught. Most were cooperative with some convincing, but Ash definitely wanted to approach this in a way that wouldn't rub Starly the wrong way.
A large tree stump served as the central point for their camp. Ash placed Starly's Poke Ball down on it, before releasing the bird.
Pikachu looked on curiously as Starly emerged from its Poke Ball. The bird didn't look too banged up from the battle, likely because it had some time to rest in the capsule. Nevertheless, it was not spotless.
The bird Pokemon chirped as it looked up at Ash. Pikachu hopped onto the tree stump where Starly was now perched, but kept his distance.
Ash knelt down, crouching until he was at eye level with Starly. "Hey…" he said cautiously.
Starly chirped back, sounding more neutral than hostile for the moment.
"We… caught you." said Ash matter of factly. How does he approach this? Authoritative enough to get his point across? Soft enough to sound appealing? He didn't want to botch things with Starly like he initially had with Pikachu out of the gate..
Starly tilted its head. It seemed to know what Ash meant.
"My name is Ash Ketchum…" he spoke carefully. "And this is Pikachu." he said, gesturing over to the young mouse. Pikachu awkwardly raised a paw up as the bird looked in his direction. "We want to be your friends, Starly." .
Starly looked at Ash curiously. No signs of aggression were shown.
Ash looked Starly in the eye. "If you join us, we'll help you become stronger than ever. And more importantly, we'll be a family to you." After a few minutes, Starly wasn't objecting, so he pressed onward, taking out his Pokedex. "Can I scan you real quick?"
After a brief moment, Starly complied and stood still.
"Starly, the Starling Pokemon of the normal-flying type. They form groups as they are weak individually. However, if the group grows too big, they bicker."
"This Starly is female and knows the moves Quick Attack, Wing Attack, Whirlwind, Aerial Ace, Double-Edge, and Sand Attack. It's ability is Reckless, which boosts the power of the user with strenuous adrenaline."
Ash whistled. He assumed Double-Edge was another Volt Tackle situation, where Starly most likely would not even be able to even practice using it until she got much stronger.
Reckless was a pretty interesting ability, incredibly potent yet dangerous to pull off. Some moves pushed the limits of a Pokemon's body, putting an immense strain on the user. Others caused recoil damage. Reckless held similar properties; with practice, the user could activate the ability to tap into all of their body's inner reserves at once, becoming near-immeasurably stronger than normal. What made the ability so dangeorus was that those reserves existed for a reason; they were not meant to be used all at once. With no reserves to fall back on, the user would be completely spent after running out of energy. They also held little regard for their own safety and overall well being while in such a state.
It was an incredible ability when used well, but not one to be used carelessly.
Ash looked up at Starly, impressed. "You have a really powerful ability. You'd be quite the force if you could learn to use it properly." Starly looked slightly bashful at that.
If she could have tapped into that ability at will, he and Pikachu probably would have lost.
Ash paused. "Do you want a nickname?"
Nicknaming Pokemon was common amongst certain trainers. Ash had asked Pikachu if he wanted one before they had gone to bed the previous night, but the young mouse had politely declined.
After a brief moment of pause, the Starly nodded.
Ash already had a nickname picked out for her, just in case.
"How about… Nebula?"
The Starly put a wing to her chin, as if thinking it over for just a brief moment. Then she nodded.
Ash grinned. "Would you like to eat with us, Nebula?"
Nebula nodded back.
The first new companion had officially joined the team.
/
Pikachu walked around the campsite, looking at his trainer, who was in his sleeping bag, getting shut eye after the long day.
Dinner had been rather uneventful, with the trio mostly eating in silence, although Ash did fill Nebula in about where they were headed, and why. Nebula had expressed some mild interest in Pewter City, and Pikachu recalled her intrigue when Ash brought up the Gym.
Looking up, Pikachu saw the full moon overhead, surrounded by the beautiful stars of the night, silently wishing to himself that all nights would be like this. No rain, no harsh winds, just clear, spotless skies with a beautiful view.
It was a fruitless wish to make, as he would have to learn the hard way.
The fireplace was warm, although the electric type was focused on other things. Namely, how uncomfortable it felt to be in Viridian Forest at night.
The sounds of the forest filled his ears, and it was somewhat disturbing. Different types of chatter, all coming from different directions. The slightest breeze of wind had him on edge with just how nerve racking it was to be in this forest.
Just how many different types of creatures resided in here?
And… how dangerous were they supposed to be?
Looking over at Nebula, Pikachu saw his new teammate still perched on the large tree stump. Although Ash was asleep, the two Pokemon had chosen to stay up for just a little while longer. Nebula's bowl had been picked clean; she had apparently taken quite a liking to the Pokemon food. Pikachu found the food to be bland, but serviceable, but Ash had commented on how radically different that the taste buds of Pokemon could be. Pikachu had eaten his fill nonetheless, having been hit with another case of severe hunger as they had set up camp. Thankfully, the trainer had promised to find food that he would enjoy more once they got to Pewter City.
As if subconsciously, Pikachu found himself making his way over to the tree stump, stopping just a few feet away from Nebula. The young Starly paid him very little mind, but did still spare him a few casual glances, every now and then.
Should… he talk to her? How do you strike a conversation with somebody that you had just gotten done fighting? He wondered what the transition between "wild Pokemon" and "teammate" was supposed to be like. One moment Nebula had been fighting for her life in order to prevent herself from getting caught. The next moment, she had been caught, and was now a part of a team.
Did she just accept it? Did she have a choice? How did this work exactly?
Did she resent him, for being the one who had defeated her?
Looking over to Ash's sleeping bag, Pikachu found himself frowning.
His new trainer was definitely trying his best. When they had first met, Pikachu had been so… annoyed by him.
That Gary kid that Ash seemed to hate so much (Pikachu wasn't a fan himself) had pushed Ash's buttons in what seemed to be every wrong way. And Ash had taken that out on him, and the young mouse just couldn't bring himself to trust him afterwards.
But then the Spearow incident had happened, where Ash had done everything in his power to make sure that Pikachu was kept safe. And then the two of them had both taken a leap of faith against that violent Meowth. The one that had literally tried to kill them.
Ash had proposed a fresh start, and Pikachu was willing to give it to him. He could tell that the human boy meant well. He trusted him… for now.
He wondered what Nebula thought of a trainer's life. The bird seemed to be pretty accepting of it for now. But... what was going through her mind?
Working up the courage to try and converse, Pikachu approached Nebula, the Starly turning to look at him upon seeing his advance.
The mouse squeaked a simple hello. Hopefully it could gauge whether or not she actually wanted to talk.
After a few seconds of hesitation, the Starly chirped back in response, asking Pikachu if he needed something.
Truth be told, Pikachu wasn't sure what he wanted to talk about. He had simply wanted to say something to his new teammate, hoping to see where they currently stood with one another. But he didn't think far enough ahead to know how he was going to go about that.
After a few moments of brief hesitation, he squeaked out a question about what the forest was like.
That was helpful, wasn't it? She obviously knew the forest a lot better than he and Ash did…
Unfortunately, she had responded with a shake of her head. Apparently she was only familiar with specific parts of the forest. She had learned not to venture in too deep.
Thinking about something else, Pikachu asked her if the forest was actually haunted. She seemed to be a bit caught off guard by that question, so he explained the rumors that Ash had told him about earlier that morning.
She still seemed slightly confused. Did that mean that they were safe? Or was it just exclusive to a part of the forest that she had never ventured into before?
Pikachu was running out of things to say again, but before he could stammer, Nebula surprisingly enough asked him a question:
What did he think of Ash?
It made sense, he supposed. Since she was going to be traveling with them…
It took a moment of hesitation to work up a response, before finally giving her his answer.
In truth, Pikachu wasn't entirely sure what he thought of Ash just yet. He and the human boy had gotten off to a rocky start, but they were still trying to work things out.
Ash was… certainly interesting. Pikachu was just about as new to all of this as Nebula was, but he was interested enough to see where it all went. He wanted to return the effort his new trainer seemed to be putting in for him, so he felt Ash deserved a second chance.
Nebula's reaction was a bit blank, so Pikachu wasn't sure what her thoughts were on the matter. But nevertheless, she still seemed to accept his answer.
Thinking of something, Pikachu asked Nebula if she wanted to hear a story. Nebula nodded. It didn't take as long for her to react this time.
Pikachu smiled, and began to tell Nebula about the history lesson that Ash had given him earlier.
The young mouse obviously had no way of ever knowing hwo things would pan out But nevertheless, he hoped that one day, in the near future, he would be able to call both Ash and Nebula his friends.
/
The sun rose high in the sky as the trio woke from their slumber.
Ash had been the first to rise, seeing Pikachu and Nebula asleep on the tree stump a few feet from one another. He hadn't wanted to disturb them, but thankfully, it didn't take too long for either to wake afterwards.
As Ash munched on his breakfast, he looked to this Pokemon.
Pikachu wasn't overly invested in his food, but was still eating it, the expanded hunger having not gone away yet. Nebula was clearly loving hers, eating at what was at least twice the pace as Ash's starter.
"Based on what I know…" said Ash, looking over to his two companions. The duo looked up from their bowls as he spoke to them. "It usually takes the average trainer about over half a week to get all the way through Viridian Forest and to Pewter City. "We'll be moving whenever we're able, in order to cover as much ground as possible today. We can get some training in if we have time, but it might be best to save that for Pewter City itself. It would be a much more focused place to train than here."
Both Pokemon nodded. It made sense. Neither of them were very comfortable with continuous training in a forest like this. Especially if they accidentally disturbed the wild Pokemon nearby. Nebula had stayed safe by remaining in a fixed area, which they obviously couldn't do if they want to get through the forest.
Ash and Pikachu had only been in Viridian Forest for a day, but the encounter with the Skorupi was more than enough of a reminder. This place could be very brutal.
Ash pulled out his Pokedex. "Unfortunately, our national map won't do us much good in the forest. But it does give information on how big the forest is. We haven't run into any trainers yet, but I know that the Bug Catchers usually reside closer to the central areas." At Nebula's curious look, he responded. "The Bug Catchers are a gang of trainers that run this place. At least, that's what they think. They are known to cause a lot of trouble for those who cross onto their turf."
Nebula nodded in understanding, seemingly annoyed at the idea. Ash didn't blame her.
As they finished breakfast, Ash observed Pikachu and Nebula's behavior. For the moment, they seemed to get along just fine, which was good news considering that they had just fought less than a day ago. There was a lot of… neutrality between the two of them, though. They clearly weren't that close yet.
Ash hoped they would be one day. Professor Oak had often gone on about how important and essential it was for a trainer and their team to all be in sync with each other. It did exponential wonders for each Pokemon's growth as individuals. There were a lot of ways that multiple Pokemon could assist each other in training, and, of course, Double Battles always relied on teamwork between the Pokemon themselves.
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
After packing up and preparing for another day of traveling on the road, Ash turned to Nebula. "Do you want to be in your Poke Ball? Or do you want to stay out here, Nebula?"
Nebula pointed towards the trees, indicating that she wanted to fly.
Ash nodded. "Okay. Just don't stray too far. This forest is lurking with potential dangers."
Nodding, Nebula spread her wings and prepared to fly off. But as she lifted off of the ground, Pikachu, watching her closely, suddenly got an idea. Not necessarily a good idea, though…
Just as the Starly began to gain some air, she suddenly felt the mouse's weight on top of her back, clinging to her. Letting out a very loud, and startled shriek, she began flapping her wings furiously, desperately flailing around as she struggled to stay in the air. Eventually, she gave out, collapsing to the ground underneath the mouse that had just pounced on her.
As the two picked themselves up, Nebula rubbed her head with her wing and shot Pikachu a dirty look.
Ash chuckled. "Um, Pikachu? I think you might be a little too heavy for Nebula to be giving you rides."
Pikachu rubbed the back of his head, but said nothing in response.
/
Compared to the previous two days of his journey, this day was proving to be quite uneventful so far.
Six hours of monotonous walking through the forest, with Pikachu by his side and Nebula flapping her wings closely overhead. A few wild Pokemon here and there, but most of them had thankfully retreated upon seeing them.
Ash had made attempts to capture a few, but they all escaped. After a Weedle had gotten the drop on Pikachu and lightly poisoned him after nicking him with Poison Sting (the second time that Pikachu had been poisoned in as many days) Ash had chosen to refrain from attempted captures for the time being. Thankfully, it hadn't been anywhere near as bad as the Skorupi incident.
That was about three hours ago, which meant that the next three hours were fairly monotone. They had stopped for a quick lunch break about an hour ago, in which they then proceeded to resume their uneventful stroll through the forest.
Eventually, Ash had gotten used to the boredom. It certainly beat running into Team Rocket. Or getting attacked by a group of Spearow. Or their encounter with that Skorupi. Plus, given Viridian Forest's reputation, he was honestly quite grateful that he could have such a quiet stroll through the place.
Who knows? Maybe this wouldn't be so bad if today was anything to go-
"HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
An unspeakably startled Ash cursed himself for jinxing them as a sword suddenly appeared in front of his face.
Pikachu jolted backwards with a startled cry as Nebula landed a few feet next him. With wide eyes, they stared at the figure in front of their trainer.
Ash's breath caught in his throat as he gazed at the boy in front of him.
He seemed to be about his age, but he was clad in samurai armor, and his face was overtaken by a ahrdened expression.
Also, he was pointing a sword in front of his face.
Ash tried to stutter out a protest, but found that hecouldn't even stammer. Why was this kid threatening him? Was he a Pokemon thief? A murderer? What was going-
"Greetings, cretin." said the mysterious figure.
Oh, yes. This kid was doing wonders for him as far as strong first impressions were concerned.
"W-w-w-w-what do you want?" Ash finally stammered out, face devoid of color. Behind him, Pikachu's cheeks were sparking as Nebula raised her wings defensively.
The kid pulled his sword away from the terrified boy, finally allowing the young trainer's heart to start beating again. "You are entering Bug Catcher territory. The Big Net has employed me as hired muscle to drive off all intruders. Turn back now, or prepare to face my wrath."
The Big Net? Was that what they called their leader?
"Wait… so we are near the center of the forest now?"
"You are approaching their turf, yes. Now then, do you accept my terms?"
Ash tried to glare, but found that he couldn't. He wasn't the one with the sword, after all.
"We need to get through here. If we go in a different direction, it'll take forever for us to-"
"HA! A stubborn one, I see!" He raised his sword, eliciting another flinch from Ash. Pikachu growled as the sparks in his cheeks increased, although even the electric mouse was beginning to take just a few steps back. Nebula stood firm, but was clearly sweating. "Where do you hail from, intruder? Tell me!"
Ash scratched the back of his head as he tried to regain his breath. "P-Pallet Town?"
"PALLET TOWN?!" The samurai kid jolted back and raised his sword. "I was beaten by a trainer from Pallet Town just yesterday! He has desecrated my honor with such humiliation!"
Ash blinked. So it must have been Gary.
"Your comrade has subjected me to unforgivable humiliation!" The samurai kid gazed at Ash with blazing eyes, as though the young trainer was the single most repulsive creature on the planet, although Ash nearly had to hold back a vomit after being subjected to the idea of him and Gary being comrades.
The Samurai practically ripped a Poke Ball out of thin air, holding the round capsule in front of his face. "I DEMAND SATISFACTION!"
...Was he… challenging them to a Pokemon battle? Ash glanced over to his teammates, whose mutually exasperated looks replaced the fear that they had felt for the new figure just a few moments ago.
This would be the first time that somebody other than Gary had challenged him. Despite being a trainer for going on three days now, Ash had only had one sanctioned battle with another trainer so far.
And that battle had been completely humiliating. He wouldn't let this one be the same way.
"SAY YOUR PRAYERS, FOUL TRESPASSER FROM PALLET TOWN! YOU SHALL FALL NOW!" He threw the Poke Ball in front of Ash. Out of it emerged a green, cocoon-like Pokemon.
A Metapod.
Ash gritted his teeth. He didn't want to deal with this newcomer or the Bug Catchers, but if they were forced to take a detour, their time spent in the forest could be doubled or worse.
"Nebula," he said, looking over to his new bird companion. "Do you think you can do this?"
After a brief moment of consideration, the Starly flew in front of her new trainer with a flap of her wings, landing just a few short feet in front of him, perched on the ground in the dirt. She eyed her opponent level headedly, trying not to be intimidated by its still sword-wielding Trainer.
"Nebula, use Wing Attack!"
Taking off into the air, Nebula charged forward and batted the Metapod with her wing. The cocoon-like Pokemon rolled backwards from the impact, but didn't seem to be very affected by it.
"FOOL! My Metapod is a master of all that is related to defense! You shall not pierce it!" The Samurai kid thrust his arm forward, pointing his sword outward as he did so. "Use Harden!"
Harden was exactly what it sounded like: A move ove that hardened Metapod's shell to be extra sturdy and durable.
Metapod's exterior glowed with white light as it reinforced its shell. Nebula's job would be harder now…
The young Starly rushed forward with yet another Wing Attack, but this time, it did very little, Metapod barely even budging from the blow.
Ash frowned. Nebula was getting frustrated right now. Hopefully she didn't do anything reckless-
The furious Starly pulled back to build up some distance, before rushing forward with Quick Attack. Before Ash could object, she struck with her foot, kicking hard at Metapod's shell…
And then proceeded to bounce around the battlefield, wailing in pain while clutching her now injured foot.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" The Samurai kid threw his head back and cackled into the sky. "My Metapod's defenses are impregnable! No amount of blunt force in the world can get through it! Like an iron wall, halting any and all advances ahead!" he pointed forward at Ash over dramatically. "Do what a sensible trainer would do: give up and retreat!"
Ash was starting to hate this guy even more than Gary.
"Nebula!" he called out.
Nebula tried to stop hopping around, wiping some tears from her face as she looked over in Ash and Pikachu's direction.
"Try picking Metapod up! Then fly it into a tree branch with Quick Attack!"
If this guy wanted to gloat, then they would just have to see how he reacted to this.
Quickly complying, Nebula flew over to Metapod and gripped it in her talons. She had some difficulty picking it up, especially with her aching foot, but thankfully, it proved to be easier than lifting Pikachu.
The young mouse had pounced on top of Nebula's back when she least expected it. Metapod wasn't crashing down on her, and she was more ready this time.
Nevertheless, she was still struggling to steady herself as she lifted the cocoon-like Pokemon into the air.
Ash grunted a bit. This certainly wasn't easy, but Ash supposed that Nebula would have an easier time once Quick Attack gave her the boost that she needed.
Ash called out. "Now!" Nebula rushed forward after hearing Ash give the signal. Although her grip was slipping, she held on just long enough for Metapod to crash into the tree branch nearby.
Crack!
Metapod came crashing down to the ground in a daze, a large blister now present on its body.
The samurai kid's sword dropped down to the ground as Ash's opponent looked on speechlessly.
"Wh-Wha…"
"There." said Ash, crouching down to path Nebula's head as she returned to his side. "Any more snide remarks, or can we leave now?"
"HA!" declared the Samurai kid as he quickly returned his Metapod. "You think I am not just getting started?! Soon you shall fall before me!"
A new Pokemon appeared in front of him. Ash immediately recognized the large creature as a Pinsir.
"Pikachu." said Ash, turning to his Starter pokemon. "You ready?"
Despite being intimidated by his opponent's appearance, Pikachu immediately made his way to the battlefield, attempting a squeak of aggression.
The fact that Pinsir resisted fighting type moves, combined with the Pokemon's massive bulk, would most likely render Brick Break near useless, as Pikachu had only just learned the technique, and wouldn't be able to draw out anywhere close to its full power.
"Pinsir! Vise Grip!"
Pinsir charged forward, attempting to snatch Pikachu in the giant claws on its head. Pikachu was too quick, however, and immediately dodged out of the way. Ash breathed a deep sigh of relief as he looked on. That Pinsir's claws would be fatal if they hit their mark.
Pikachu growled as he landed.
"Pinsir's claws are unstoppable! Admit defeat now or perish!"
Ash crossed his arms. This forest had a variety of bug type Pokemon just about everywhere, and that also stretched to the trainers within the forest.
He didn't envy those who were afraid of bug type Pokemon.
/
Elsewhere in the forest, an orange haired girl was screaming her lungs out as she fled from a duo of Caterpie and Weedle, her Staryu desperately trying to keep up with her and not be left behind.
/
"Thunder Shock, now!"
The electricity in Pikachu's cheeks flowed throughout his body as he shot the small lightning bolt at Pinsir. The large bug in question crossed its arms defensively as the lightning seared against its skin. Getting pushed back slightly, it maintained its balance as the electricity finally dissipated. Apart from a few minor scorch marks on its arms, it was still perfectly intact.
"Your Pikachu is far too weak! Pinsir! Pound that Pikachu into paste with Rock Smash!"
Pinsir began charged forward towards Pikachu, thudding across the ground as its glowing fist rose into the air. It wasn't nearly fast enough to catch Pikachu unprepared, however, and the mouse leapt away easily, leaving Pinsir's fist to crash against the dirt.
Ash glared. Pinsir was too bulky to easily deal significant damage. Pikachu was too fast and agile to be hit. At this rate…
"Your pathetic little mouse is nothing compared to my mighty Pinsir! We have slain thousands together! And counting! You shall fall with the rest of them!"
Ash groaned. He really needed to find a way to shut this guy up.
"Iron Tail, Pikachu! Speed yourself up with Quick Attack!"
Pikachu bolted forward as his tail glowed with metallic energy. Pinsir raised an arm to block the mighty blow as Pikachu's now metallic tail clashed against it. The rodent pushed against his opponent's arm with as much might as his small, inexperienced body could muster, but was quickly losing momentum as the giant bug type was only forced to lean back just a bit.
"Rock Smash, Pinsir!"
The fist on the arm that Pikachu was pushing against suddenly began to glow as Pinsir propelled Pikachu away, sending the mouse flying away and into a tree trunk.
CRACK!
Pikachu let out a loud yelp of pain as his back smacked into the tree trunk, falling down on his side and into the dirt.
"PIKACHU!" Ash called out.
"Pinsir!" the Samurai kid shouted triumphantly. "Finish it off with Vise Grip!"
Pinsir came charging forward as the mouse struggled to get up, clutching his aching side. Just as his opponent's claws were about to latch onto him, however, the yellow rodent just barely managed to leap to the side, traveling over Pinsir's back as he drove a quick Iron Tail into Pinsir's back. His large foe lurched forward, landing in the dirt as Pikachu continued to fly through the air, using the force from Iron Tail to propel himself higher up. The electric type ended up on the other side, tumbling a bit as he landed, before rebalancing himself on all fours.
It was a good strategy, for sure, but Pinsir was already getting up again.
Ash clenched his fists. This Pinsir didn't seem to be very skilled, but it didn't really need to be. It was far too strong for Pikachu. They would have to use a similar strategy as the one that they did against that Meowth…
"Pikachu, use Thunder Wave!"
Ignoring the pain in his side, Pikachu leapt up and let loose a blast of electricity. This one was different, however.
As Pinsir crossed its arms to block again, the lightning bolt struck its defenses. However, rather than simply struggle against its target's arms, the electricity began travelling across Pinsir's body, spreading out across the giant bug Pokemon's exterior.
Thunder Wave wasn't as much of an offensive move as Thunder Shock was. It instead emphasised the paralysis potential that was carried by the electricity. For this reason, the attack usually targeted the objective of disabling the opponent, rather than seriously hurting them. Pinsir's attempt at blocking wouldn't be nearly as effective, as Thunder Wave focused on traveling across the opposing Pokemon's body.
The Pinsir in question began mildly convulsing as it felt its muscles locking up. Ash smiled. The plan was working.
It wasn't perfect, however. The Pinsir's body was still incredibly tough. The Thunder Wave could only mildly paralyse it, but Ash had a plan for that.
This really was starting to remind him of the battle with Meowth.
"My Pinsir knows no limits to the concept of strength!" The Samurai kid stomped forward and thrusted his arm out. "Use Rock Smash!"
Raising a glowing fist yet again, the Pinsir began lumbering towards Pikachu. But with the electricity locking up its muscles, it was struggling to move as fast as before.
And Ash wasn't done just yet.
"Use Thunder Shock, Pikachu!"
Leaping up into the air, Pikachu fired off the small bolt of electricity, striking the advancing Pinsir before it could get too close. This time, the mouse's opponent was still successful in defensively raising its arms, but was slowed down by the Thunder Wave when doing so. As the Thunder Shock struck, the electricity stacked on top of what was already affecting Pinsir due to the Thunder Wave. Pinsir began convulsing further, struggling to move as the Thunder Shock only added to its newfound paralysis.
Ash heard Pinsir crying out in pain as the electricity seared it, and pressed his newfound advantage.
"Iron Tail, speed up with Quick Attack!"
Bolting forward, Pikachu drove a metallic tail into the now struggling to move Pinsir. Unable to resist the mouse's blow, Pinsir was knocked off of its feet, crashing down on his back and into the dirt. Still convulsing with electricity, it could not get up just yet.
"Climb a tree, Pikachu! Charge downward with Spark! USe another Quick Attack to speed yourself up again!"
Dashing up the tree and onto a branch hanging over Pinsir, Pikachu leapt into the air, coating his body and fur in lightning before plummeting downward, right on top of Pinsir.
ZAAAPP!
Pinsir howled in rage and pain as the lightning traveled across its body and locked up its muscles even further. Ash and Nebula both shielded their eyes as the attack lit up the immediate surroundings.
Eventually, Pikachu leapt off of Pinsir, who was left lying down in a heap as the crackling lightning held its body in place.
As the panting Pikachu made his way back to Ash and Nebula, the samurai kid returned his Pinsir with an exasperated expression.
"Great work, buddy!" Ash knelt down and patted his starter's head. Pikachu hesitated for a second, but soon closed his eyes and accepted the touch with a smile.
Nebula walked forward and raised a wing to the young mouse, a small smile on her face as she chirped in approval. The electric type's face mildly flushed from the attention.
Despite its obnoxious trainer, Pinsir had been a difficult opponent. Ash would have been lying to say he hadn't gotten nervous, but everything had turned out okay.
For the first time ever, he had won a battle against another trainer.
The humiliation from his first defeat at Gary's hands was almost a distant memory at this point. looking between his two teammates, Ash felt a feeling of earned satisfaction welling up in his chestn.
They would only go even farther in the future.
Looking over to the samurai kid, Ash saw his opponent frozen in place.
"I… lost…" the samurai kid wailed. "Me… perfection incarnate… defeated…" he collapsed down onto his knees, pressing his hands into the dirt as he wailed. His sword still lay next to him. "First the obnoxious trainer from Pallet Town… then the girl from Fuschia City… and now… another trainer from Pallet...have I lost my edge?!"
Ash blinked. Was it normal to be this overly dramatic about a loss?
"I am invincible! I am without fear! I am unstoppable! I am unrivaled! I am SUPREME!"
Suddenly, the samurai kid bolted upwards, and a startled Ash found himself with a sword in his face yet again.
"But know this, insufferable trainer from Pallet Town."
HE was the insufferable one here?!
"I will not take this defeat lying down. My training shall double. Triple. QUADRUPLE. I will spend every hour of my life honing my blade for our inevitable rematch. You will live in fear, for every second of every day, knowing that one day, I shall return. You will be helpless to stop me, for no amount of training in the world, in the universe, will be able to prepare you for what I shall become. I shall dedicate every fiber of my very being, no, every fiber of my very soul, to bringing you down, so that you shall know true pain, misery, and above all, defeat, on the day that I return. Your very core will be shook by the failure that awaits you, as I correct the very loss that I have suffered from today, and deliver it back to you, AT THOUSANDS OF TIMES THE MAGNITUDE!"
Ash blinked in bewilderment, staring at his opponent for wht felt like an eternity... but suddenly, he realised something.
"Wait a minute…" he reached out and gripped the samurai kid's sword. Suddenly, he jumped backwards, and pointed at his opponent accusingly. "This sword isn't even real! It's plastic!"
"IIIIIIIII SHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALL RETUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURRRRN!" the samurai kid blasted off in the other direction, screaming loudly for the heavens to hear.
The previous feeling of joy was replaced with exasperation as Ash watched him retreat. Looking over to Pikachu and Nebula, he could see a similar reaction from the duo, trying and failing to process what had just happened. Looking off into the distance, and observing the giant dust cloud that their opponent had left behind, Ash found that he couldn't even let out a sigh.
Maybe this forest really DID drive people insane.