Another chapter!

Disclaimer: I don’t own pokemon. Pokemon belongs to Nintendo and Shogakukan Comics. This non-profit, non-copyright infringing fanfic belongs to phantomness. Do not take my work.

Notes: <> for telepathy, ** for thoughts, italics if a pokemon talks

Started 6/18/04

Chapter 2

“I challenge you!”

“Cool.” Ash said, spying the junior trainer.

“Go, Rattata!”

“Pidgeotto, I choose you. Quick Attack.”

Pidgeotto was rather surprised, but hid it. She had thought Ash had forgotten about her…

But since he was training her now…

I’ll do my best Master Ash! She followed up the quick strike with a Wing Attack, sending Rattata flying.

“That’s great, Pidgeotto!”

Pikachu gave her a ‘V’ for victory.

Pidgeotto preened. Now this was more like it!

“Go, Metapod!” The trainer yelled.

Ash grinned. “Pidgeotto, Gust!” That one was a one-hit KO, and so was the Kakuna that followed.

The junior trainer groaned, paid $5, and then went on.

A few minutes later, another junior trainer popped up.

“I challenge you!”

“They don’t seem to say much else…” Ash muttered, as a Bellsprout was released.

Pikachu laughed. No!

“Okay, Pidgeotto, use Wing Attack!”

Bellsprout and Oddish fell. By the time it was lunch, Pidgeotto felt much stronger, even though she had only gained one level.

Ah, this was more like it…

What had brought the change? No matter… she liked it.

Ash grinned. “That’s it!”

“Huh?”

Ash grinned, and dug out a stack of bills. “A brand new version of you bike costs $600. Here you go!”

Misty counted the money twice just to make sure, and sure enough, it was all there.

“Bye now.” Ash said, smiling.

He didn’t expect Misty to mallet him over the head.

“You heartless playboy!”

“?”

“Damn you!”

Ash got up, rubbing his head. “Nani?! You were only following me around for the bike, so why are you so angry?”

Brock sighed. *Poor naïve kid… *

“I don’t think you get it Ash.”

“Why did you hit me for no reason?”

“You idiot! I’m in love with you!” Misty yelled.

Ash burst out laughing.

“What’s so funny?” Misty demanded, as she hit him again.

“Love me? I doubt it. You hit me, insult me, taunt me, and have never shown anything closely resembling friendship. And you claim you love me? What a grandiose and blatantly obvious lie! You only want my money, pokemon, and you’re nothing but a leech!”

It seemed like Ash had grown a backbone, Brock decided.

He had to admit the boy’s words were true.

“Oh yeah? You’re just a worthless trainer!”

“Then why don’t we settle this with a pokemon battle?” Ash asked. “I won’t use Pikachu.”

Pikachu looked at Ash, surprised.

This was totally unlike him… what?

“Sure.” Misty sneered.

“Go, Goldeen!”

Ash smiled. “Pidgeotto, I’m sure you can take this.”

Pidgeotto nodded. Heh. She’s just annoying… I hated her ever since we first met. This’ll be fun…

“Goldeen, use Peck!”

Maybe she forgot that some fish couldn’t fight on land. No matter… Pidgeotto yawned as she kicked up a Whirlwind.

She took a closer look at master Ash as the fish was fainting.

How interesting!
He looked like he was preparing to grow his own feathers… cool… now that was right and proper.

She’d take good care of him.

“Go, Starmie!”

Pidgeotto sniffed. She had beaten this before… with a good-aimed Drill peck at its stomach, Starmie was down.

Master Ash was staring at her in pride.

See? This was the way things were supposed to be.

He finally realized he needed her.

Ah…

Pidgeotto preened, before she felt the glow begin. Time to show off again…

“PIDGEOT!”

“Yay!” Ash hugged his newly evolved Pidgeot tightly. “You’re great, girl!”

So glad you finally realize it.

Ash nodded. “I’ll try to let you out more now.”

She smiled, his moon blood was kicking in and now he could understand her.

Arigato, Master Ash.

Ash grinned. “So, Misty, what now?”

Misty glared, sending out psyduck.

Last-ditch attempt, eh?

Ash smiled. “Bring it on, Misty…”

End Chapter

Completed 6/18/04