A New Journey - Ash Ketchum {2}

Chapter 44 - The Chikorita Rescue

Emma and her friends were on a high road, when Brock suddenly shivered. "Boy, it sure is freezing up here," he said. Misty smiled as they reached up the road and saw the mountain in front of them was covered in snow. "Oh, look! There's even snow on that mountain!" she said.

"That's cool! It must be just like winter over there," Ash said and looked at Emma, "Why don't we go see if we can ski?" Brock smiled, "That's a great idea!" Emma looked at her friends, "Except we don't have any winter clothing..."

"True," Misty agreed sadly. Brock ignored them, "I can see myself now. Spending all morning on the slopes, and all afternoon at the lodge..." He sighed happily while Emma and Misty stared at him. "I think I may have just hit on the perfect sport for me. Downhill skiing."

"Oh, boy. I think your brain's going downhill," Misty said in annoyance. "Like a snowball," Emma said with a smirk. "Togy!" Togepi said happily in Emma's arms. Ash was looking to the side and grinned as he turned back to Emma, Brock and Misty, "Forget skiing! I found something that's even better. Just take a look over there."

Ash pointed to where he was looking at, and they followed his gaze to see a Chikorita sleeping on the grass. "A Chikorita," Emma said and they stepped closer quietly. "It's so cute," Misty said. "Looks like it's sunbathing," Brock said. Emma chuckled softly, "More like snoozing."

A sweet smell hit the kids, Togepi and the Pikachu. "I smell something sweet," Misty said. "Yeah, that's the scent that comes off the Chikorita's petals," Ash said. "It's a little like the way Casey's Chikorita smelled, remember?" Brock asked. "Who can forget that energetic and passionate Electabuzz super fan?" Emma asked in amusement.

"Pika-chu," the female Pikachu said with a smile. "Think it's a wild Chikorita?" Misty asked. "Yeah, probably," Ash said and smiled, "Okay! I'm going to catch this one!" Ash rushed forward, bringing the slumbering Chikorita to full awareness as it leaped up onto its stubby little feet. Ash stopped as Chikorita started to swing its leaf around. "Look at that," Emma said, "It wasn't startled when Ash rushed forward."

"This one looks like a pretty tough cookie," Brock said. The Chikorita kept swinging its leaf while they stared. "It's not backing down a bit," Misty said. "I told you it was tough," Brock said. "I thought Chikorita were supposed to be sweet," Emma said.

Ash smirked, "If you ask me, there's nothing sweeter... than capturing a tough one." He threw a Poké ball, "I choose you, Bulbasaur!" Bulbasaur was released. "Don't let this one fool ya! It looks nasty."

Chikorita charged forward. "Go, Bulbasaur, grab it with Vine Whip!" Ash said. Bulbasaur did as told, which send Chikorita flying, but it landed on its feet and launched a Razor Leaf. "It's using Razor Leaf!" Brock said. "It's not gonna beat Bulbasaur that way!" Ash said. Bulbasaur launched a Razor Leaf of his own, resulting in a standstill.

"Bulbasaur sure seems confident," Misty said. "Maybe a little too confident," Brock said. "Bulbasaur, use Tackle attack!" Ash said. Bulbasaur charged forward and hit Chikorita back into the ground. Ash pulled out an empty Poké ball, and threw it, "Okay, Chikorita, now I'm gonna capture you!"

However, Chikorita quickly threw the Poké ball back to him with its leaf. "It's tougher than I thought," Ash said. Chikorita launched a Vine Whip toward Bulbasaur, but he didn't noticed. Ash did however, "Hey, look out!" Bulbasaur was hit hard in the head by the Vine Whip, putting him out of the battle.

"Bad break. That Chikorita's good," Brock said. "I have to admit, Chikorita's a great competitor," Misty said. Emma smiled, "That'll make it all the more satisfying when Ash captures it." Togepi smiled, "Togy! Togy!"

Ash held Bulbasaur's Poké ball, "You did a great job. Now you deserve a rest." Bulbasaur returned to his Poké ball and Ash looked back at Chikorita, "You may have gotten lucky against Bulbasaur..." He pulled another one, "But your luck's about to run out, Chikorita! I choose you, Charizard!"