Chapter 8:
Trusting a turtle

It was an average day for Ash and his crew as they decided to sit down for a little lunch. ‘Ah, there you are.’ The five limbed monkey thought as he spotted the perfect piece of fruit. His actions did not go unnoticed since one of his friends saw what he did.

“Is that for me?” A blue penguin asked in his native tongue while looking up at the purple simian while dancing a little jig. The answer was a raspberry with a pulled eyelid.

‘Now, time to disappear.’ Aipom thought as he jumped, but accidentally head butted a tree branch causing him to release the fruit his tail hand was holding. The water fowl saw this, caught the falling food, and ate it.

“That was good.” Piplup said aloud not knowing that the plucker heard the comment and decided to do something about it.

“You stole my food!” The monkey shouted in anger to the thief after jumping down from the trees.

“What are you talking about? It feel from the tree, and I caught it.” The penguin counter commented while glaring at the accuser. A strolling Rock type and Grass type saw the commotion and decided to stop it.

“Now everyone breath. Just breath.” Turtwig said to the two creatures before him in his best calm tone. Neither of them ruining their fight so as a tag team they slapped the turtle toward a tree.

“Trouble! Trouble! Trouble!” Bosly shouted while pacing in place. The two ignored him, and focused on beating each other up. Aipom unleashed a Swift attack while Piplup countered it with Bubble causing a mighty explosion.

“Did you guys hear that?” Dawn questioned to the others after hearing the rumbling.

“Someone might need our help. Come on.” Ash called out causing the four at camp to head toward the explosion with Renamon in the lead thanks to the trees. “Hey, you two - cut it out.” Ash ordered after coming to the conflict of a Water and Normal Pokemon.

“Stop your fighting right now.” Dawn said to the bickering brothers, and the grass turtle, who was finally coming to after the two in one hit, decided to help her with that by jumping into the cloud.

“Stop!” He shouted but was answered back with a Focus Punch from Aipom and a Fury Attack from Piplup. ‘If that’s the way you want it…’ Turtwig thought before unleashing a savage Razor Leaf attack which stopped the fighting quickly.

“You can’t treat my Piplup that way.” Dawn defended - believing that Ash’s Pokemon was only defending himself, and not even realized that Aipom was also struck.

“Hold on. Turtwig was only breaking them up.” Brock informed them as he could see that fact as clear as day.

“Of course! Turtwig, thank you.” Ash exclaimed and thanked which caused the Grass type in question to jump up and bite him on the head.

‘He’s so kind to his Poke`mon.’ Renamon thought as she watched that happy moment between trainer and turtle, but sensed a dark vibe approaching them, so she got off her tree limb, and stood next to the others.

“Pathetic.” A voice said out to them causing the humans and Poke`mon to turn and face the voice.

“It’s Paul.” Ash pointed out to the others which he only smirked in response of hearing his name. “Boy, Paul, you sure like showing up out of no where, don’t ya.” Ketchum commented to the purple haired man before him.

“I’m just out here doing a little training. To get ready for my Oreburgh City Gym battle.” Paul confessed to the group before him. After realizing that he was telling the truth Ash decided to do the same.

“What a coincidence I am too.” The hat wearing hero commented while watching the trainer carefully - no telling what this guy will do to win.

“Am I seeing things or is that Turtwig one of your new Pokemon?” Paul questioned to the turtle at Ash’s feet.

“Yeah, you’re not seeing things. We’re talking strong.” Ash stated and the creature in question happily nodded to the comment.

“Doesn’t look like much to me.” The opponent said since he knew that if it was raised by Ash - it was nothing for him to worry about. The crack got both Ash and Turtwig’s attention.

“Well, why don’t we have a battle and you can find out.” Ash offered since he wished to prove his new friend’s strength.

“Fine. Our last battle left a bad taste in my mouth, and I want my friend here for a chance at a little revenge.” The violet haired one said as he release Chimchar from his ball.

“Turtwig, how do you feel about battling right now.” Ketchum offered to his latest ally. The Grass warrior nodded, and took a few steps forward to show that he was ready for the fight.

“Ash, a Fire type like Chimchar has the advantage to a Grass type.” Dawn explained to him, and was wandering if Ash knew that fundamental of fighting.

“Not this time. Turtwig and I are going to win this.” The Pallet Town protector commented with confidence in his voice.

“I’ll be the referee.” The former Earth gym leader offered to the group.

“Ah, don’t waste your time. There will be no doubt who wins.” Paul said with a sickening smirk.

“Careful, Paul, you were pretty much this confident the last time, and if I remember right - Renamon kicked your tail.” Ash reminded as they continued to walk to the battlefield which was right beside a waterfall.

“You can go first.” Paul stated since he felt confident that without Renamon this trainer was nothing to worry about.

“And I’m not holding back either.” Ketchum stated before adding, “Turtwig, use Tackle.” The creature did as he was told and raced right at the red monkey.

“Dodge it.” Paul ordered and the monkey followed the command faithfully. “Now, Scratch.” He added causing the simian to get up right in the slow one’s face.

“Fast.” Brock stated since he could tell this one has stepped up his speed since last time.

“Quick, dodge it.” Ketchum stated, but instead the turtle stood his ground and took the blow. “Why didn’t Turtwig dodge it like I said.” Ash muttered to himself before coming up with a counter attack. “Now, use Razor Leaf.” He shouted out.

“Take this.” Turtwig said before unleashing his attack, and watched as his elemental opposite dodged the leaves with ease.

“Chimchar sure can move.” Dawn pointed out even though the others on the fallen log could already see that.

“Use, Ember.” Paul commanded and the creature followed through.

“Chimchar seems to have gotten stronger too.” Brock said as he could see that the ember spheres seemed to be a little bigger since last time.

“Indeed.” The canine added, and prayed that her partner knew what he was doing.

“Dodge it this time, Turtwig.” Ketchum shouted out, and prayed that he would listen to this defensive move, but just like last time he took the hit: despite the type factor. “Why didn’t you dodge it?” Ash questioned to the stubborn one. “Then, use Synthesis to heal yourself.” Ketchum offered which this time he listened.

“At least he can do that much for Ash.” Renamon commented while watching the new friend use the sun to restore energy.

“A waste of time. Now, Chimchar finish with Flame Wheel.” Paul instructed once the enemy stopped glowing. The fire monkey did so, and charged straight at the enemy.

“This time you’ve got to dodge.” Ash instructed and prayed that the little one would listen to him. Sadly he did not and got damaged once again. “Turtwig, are you okay?” The kind hearted trainer questioned, and was relieved when the shell-back got back to his feet. “Why are you refusing to dodge, Turtwig?” Ash questioned which didn’t a reply from his field warrior.

“Are you done yet?” Paul questioned since he was getting bored.

“Of course not. Turtwig, use Bite.” Ash ordered and his friend followed the command, but was stopped by a net. “What the?!” The hero shouted before looking up at a familiar balloon. Three voices began to talk again, but was stopped by the fighter.

“Ember!” Paul called out to his Fire type.

“Ember?” Jessie repeated, and that was when they both became confused, so the monkey cleared up those cobwebs. The three complained while engulfed in flame, and the attacker clarified after the flames dyed out.

“You’re wrecking our battle. Get lost.” The purple haired grump ordered to the three above them. The team was surprised at the new man on the field, but the hero had something more urgent.

“Release my Turtwig.” Ash shouted up to them since he wanted their usual song and dance to end quickly, so he could deal with the jerk.

“Turtwig?” James questioned while looking at the familiar face.

“What are you talking about - Renamon’s in here.” Meowth stated, and it was then the three saw the yellow furred wonder sitting on the fallen log.

“What are you: color blind?” Jessie shouted out to the human male of their little group.

“And here I thought Ash was pathetic.” Paul commented while looking at three other Kanto locals.

“How dare you?! Educate the new twerp if you please.” Jessie shouted and instructed to her teammate. After a nod of acceptance the male trainer he did just that.

“Look twerp, we are known as Team Rocket. The smartest, coolest, orneriest, the nastiest, cheapest, hungriest, cheapest…” James started to say, but after the last one he mumbled, and then started to bawl.

“Wow, that’s tellin `im.” The feline shouted at his old friend. Offended that he buckled that quickly while listing their traits.

“Carnivine, you’ll help me.” James said as he prayed his childhood pal would be on his side, but just like the others the plant preferred to smother for a bit. “Somehow, you learned this from me when I was younger. I’m sorry.” He explained as his head was being munched on. “Bullet Seed.” He instructed which the trap released, leapt, and attacked.

“Get out of the way, Paul.” Ketchum suggested to the arrogant one.

“Be quiet. Chimchar, use Ember.” Paul instructed to the two which one reluctantly did while the other followed without a second thought. The two attacks collided with one another, and it was then Ash decided to make his move.

“Turtwig, Razor Leaf, let’s go!” The aura hero shouted out which with a mighty shout the grass turtle followed the command. Ketchum caught the creature on his way down, and then decided to clear the air.

“Renamon, end this.” Ash called out to his partner who nodded, and did what she did best.

“Diamond Storm!” The vixen shouted and launched a focused barrage on the fuel source which caused an explosion which sent the attackers flying. The down side was that there was back blast from the explosion that sent Ash, Turtwig, Paul, and Chimchar over the edge. “Ash!” She shouted in alarm, but watched as the two humans had different ideas of how to get down.

‘The pattern is way too easy.’ Paul thought as he and his monkey effortlessly made it to ground. Ash on the other hand grabbed his turtle, held him tight as they went for a splash down, and then surfaced.

“Hey, Turtwig, are you okay?” Ash asked after reaching the surface, and the land beside it. The creature stated that he was okay, and it was then the humans above them spoke.

“Hey! You two!” Dawn shouted down first.

“Are you alright?” Brock shouted out soon after. The two got out of the water and decided to answer their question.

“Yeah! Don’t worry!” Ketchum shouted up to them while waving his arms to show that he was perfectly safe.

“Let’s meet up on the far side of the forest.” The stone gym leader said while pointing in the direction he was talking about.

“Sounds good to me. Renamon, stay with them. I’ll be all right with Turtwig.” Ash shouted out, and reluctantly the canine nodded in agreement. It was then Ash heard the familiar sound of a Pokemon being returned, and remembered Paul was still with him.

“Paul, where are you going?” Ash asked as he saw his fellow trainer walk off. “Hey, wait up.” He suggested while running into the forest after him. “Slow down, Paul.” Ash said as he caught up to the rude dude. “What are you doing?” Ash asked just to shoot the breeze.

“Getting out of here.” Paul answered back with closed eyes since he believed that if he pretended that Ash wasn’t there maybe he’d go away.

“Well, since all of us are getting out of here let’s all get out together.” The hat wearing human offered with a big smile on his face.

“That sounds stupid.” The other trainer said calmly, but his answer confused the pure hearted one.

“Hey, what’s so stupid about helping each other out?” Ketchum questioned since he was raised to help out wherever you are needed.

“I don’t need any help. Especially from a little kid like you.” The other said as he took the time to stop and explain himself before walking on.

“What’s with that guy?” Ash questioned aloud which was heard by the person he was questioning about.

“While your talking to yourself you might want to keep an eye out for Stantler. Since this is Bewilder Forest after all.” The aggressive one commented, but the name wasn’t ringing any bells to the hero.

“Bewilder Forest? What’s that?” The Kanto native stated showing that he wasn’t familiar in the least over what this region had to offer.

“If your in this forest without even knowing that. You’re pathetic. I’m gone.” Paul commented before walking off which left Ash and Turtwig to try to fend for themselves. The other members of Ash’s team made it to the other side and the breeder was checking his book.

“Okay, we need to find the best way to get out of here.” The map holder offered to the others as he held it out so all could see it. It was then the native of this region saw the name of their current location.

“Wait a sec. We’re in Bewilder Forest? You‘re kidding.” Dawn questioned just to make sure she was reading the words correctly.

“Is that a problem, Dawn?” Renamon questioned and could feel a knot forming in her stomach for her…partner’s well being. As for Ash and his latest Grass themed beast they were still traveling down the same path Paul did.

“If we keep going this way we’ll be out here soon.” The human said with confidence and the creature muttered a ‘yes’ in agreement with his plan. A few paces after saying that they heard a rustling to their left, and after turning they saw a Stantler’s head pop out. “Paul was right!” Ash shouted before going to his Dex.

“Stantler - The Big-Horn Poke`mon. It’s large curved horns subtly bend the flow of air around them which creates a mysterious warp in reality.” The small red device explained to Ash causing the trainer to recall the wounded Stantler from another quest.

“Hey, I think I remember that. Wow a warp in reality.” Ash said and the deer-like creature wanted to have some fun so it did as Dexter explained causing the trainer and friend to think they saw a empty meadow.

‘How did we get here?’ Turtwig thought before he and Ash started to walk, and stopped right where they started - the base of the waterfall. They go back, and the same happens only a desert this time.

“This has to be Stantler’s warp in reality the Poke`dex as talking about.” Ash said as he realized that they had been scammed, but he did have an idea how to fix it., “Turtwig, quick grab onto the top of my head.” Seeing his friend was reluctant, so he added, “Don’t worry about it. Just bite down hard.” Seeing that he meant it the creature did as he was told.

‘Just don’t be mad.’ Turtwig thought as he clamped down on his friend’s head.

“That worked.” Ash commented before looking all around and saw that he was surrounded. “Let’s double check about these guys.” He said before reading what his machine had to say. “Well, I have been meaning to try another aura trick, so why not now.” The aura hero suggested as he used his talent on his eyes, but on like the Lucario from ages past that had his eyes closed Ketchum more or less had a barrier over his eyes.

“The human is unaffected, but at least we got the Pokemon with him.” A Stantler stated as he, and the other kept the turtle entranced.

“Come on, Turtwig, time to roll.” The Pallet Town protector instructed only to look down and saw his creature use a swimming motion on his legs. “Come on, Turtwig, snap out of it.” Ash stated, but no go, and he would never raise a fist to a confused creature, so he stuck with talking to him.

“Pathetic. Chimchar, help out the losers with Ember.” Paul stated as he saw the commotion and decided to do something about it with his monkey friend. The creature did as he was told and aimed high which scared the wild ones away.

“Hmm?” Ash questioned while lowering his eye shields to see who saved him. ‘Paul saved me? Weird.’ Ash thought as he checked on Turtwig - who was back to his old self. The hero was about to speak before seeing a Stantler behind him, so he gave the horned one some room.

“Chimchar, use Flame Wheel.” The purple haired one ordered. The simmering simian did so, and it was a direct hit. “All right, let’s check you out. Poke`ball, get it.” He commanded to the mechanical item.

“Paul thanks a lot for helping us.” Ash said to his anti self after seeing the flawless capture.

“Yeah. Whatever.” He commented since he really wasn’t paying attention. “Please. This Stantler only knows a simple Tackle attack. What a waste of time. Get out!” Paul said after scanning the latest capture with his Poke`dex, and released it.

“I thought that Stantler wanted to be your friend.” The raven haired one commented as he and Turtwig watched the deer walk back into the forest.

“Friends are just useless.” The anti-Ash said as he walked off which upset the hero even more. His friends gathered around a different part of the forest, and the former Gym Leader decided to ask a question to the native.

“So, what’s up with the Bewilder Forest?” He questioned since she never went into an explanation as to any details.

“There’s a large group of Stantler who live here and like to totally confuse and bewilder anyone they find.” She explained to them which put the fox in a more relaxed feeling since confusion wasn’t that worrisome.

“I hope Ash and Paul are okay.” Brock commented and the vixen wandered why a friend of Ash would worry about that other warrior.

“So long as you don’t look at the light on the Stantler antler you’ll be fine.” The native informed the travelers.

“Are you two going to flap your gums all day or are you coming with me?” The Digimon questioned as she was already a few trees into the forest. Ash and Turtwig decided to stop for a while and have a red themed snack.

“Can’t do much on an empty stomach, so here.” Ash said after retrieving an apple and decided that his partner deserved it more than him.

“No, you eat it boss. I’ll be fine.” The Grass turtle explained while waving at the food in a dismissive fashion.

“Hey, it tastes good. So eat.” Ash offered while holding the object closer to the beast. It had the same result, and to make sure the human got the gist of what he was saying Turtwig tried to force feed the human. “What are you doing?!” Ash shouted as he refused to eat the apple. “Man, you sure can be a stubborn Pokemon when you want to be.” The trainer pointed out to the beast.

“Just eat the food.” The four legged one said as he waved at the ever present apple.

“Oh, come on. You are too. Of course. That explains why you didn’t dodge when I told you to back when we were battling with Paul.” Ash explained and heard a familiar sound from the Grass type - growling stomach. “Come on. You can’t fool me. I knew you were hungry.” Ash said as he split the apple with his own hands. “Here, you can have half of mine.” The hero offered while holding out the item in question.

‘Maybe I can trust this guy.’ Turtwig thought as he accepted the object and began to eat.

“Isn’t this good, Turtwig?” Ash questioned to his Poke`mon.

“Sure is.” The creature answered back.

“Now listen you and I are buddies, so we don’t need to act like we don’t know each other. I only asked you to dodge when we battled because it was the right thing to do.” Ash explained to his latest friend who nodded when he realized that the human was right. “So, you and I will keep working and we’ll end up as strong as we can be.” Ash offered which the beast finished his half and clamped onto Ash’s head.

‘What’s going on?’ A Stantler thought as he appeared before the two. Believing he didn’t have time to summon his eye shields Ash chose instead to run - right into a tree which woke up a swarm of Bedroll. “What a strange pair they are?” The deer muttered as he watched as they fled the scene.

“I know that scream anywhere.” Renamon said as a familiar noise entered her ears, and with that the others saw the two that they were looking for.

“Hey, Ash.” Brock stated while waving his hand, and it was at that time they all saw the lance based threat.

“Bedrill. Run!” Brock and Dawn shouted as the whole team tried to outrun the angered one only to have Ash run into and even angrier Pokemon. The sight of the brown furred one caused the insects to turn back and fly the other way.

“Ursaring - The Hibernator Pokemon. An excellent tree climber. It snaps trees with it’s front legs, and eats the fallen fruit.” Dawn’s Dexter explained as she pointed the device at the angry bear.

‘I’m not afraid.’ Turtwig thought as he leapt up and bit the beast on the nose.

“Turtwig, what are you doing. Get off of there.” Ash said and when he did not the trainer decided to hold the beast down which started to frighten the fearless one. The bear dismissed them both and went after the human.

“Think again.” The Grass turtle thought as he Tackled the bear, which made him the target, but he dodged the fuzzy one’s attack easily.

“Hey, your good at dodging after all.” The trainer complimented which only angered the bear even more. “Let’s finish this. Turtwig - Razor Leaf. Renamon with me.” Ash said as he slipped on one of his aura gloves, which he kept in his pocket, and channeled some aura into his right fist.

“Power Paw!” The yellow furred one shouted out as she and Ash connected with his face after a Razor Leaf attack.

“Now, that’s a great combination!” The human exclaimed, and his two helpers liked it as well. Ursaring wasn’t too pleased of loosing so he gave chase which got them out of the forest, but sadly the angered one still gave chase.

“Look out!” Paul shouted to the, in his opinion, useless ones. The team parted from the bear’s path, and let the angered human do whatever it was he was planning on doing. “Chimchar, use Flame Wheel.” He ordered which was preformed effortlessly. “Alright Poke`ball. Get it.” He demanded to the device which caught the pre-weakened beast.
“Wow! Ursaring just got caught.” Dawn stated even though everyone else saw what she just said.

“We’ll see for how long.” Ash stated which confused the new girl, so he added, “You see if Paul doesn’t think they’re strong enough he just let’s them go.” They watched as he scanned the sphere, and waited for his call.

“This one’s not bad, so I think I’ll keep it.” Paul said as he added another one to his team. Being the gentleman that he was Ash decided to say something to this angered trainer.

“Hey, Paul…” He started to speak, but was cut off.

“Are you still holding onto that lame-o Turtwig?” He questioned which confused the honorable one. “You should have learned from our last battle that Pokemon’s pathetic.” He explained what he walk talking about, but this time Ash wasn’t bothered.

“You don’t get it, do you? If you work with them then they’ll get strong. Let’s battle once more.” Ash explained and challenged to his anti self.

“Forget it. You can’t win.” Paul explained and walked off.

“You scared since your defeat at the paws of Kyubimon?” Ash questioned to the other and prayed bringing up the past would egg him into battle.

“If you insist on making a fool out of yourself again then be my guest.” The other said rather angrily since Paul still was haunted at that defeat. “After you.” He offered once the two got stood across from one another.

“Ok. Turtwig, use Tackle.” Ash offered which was carried out.

“Great. Here we go again. Dodge then use Scratch.” Paul commanded which was also carried out as well.

“Turtwig, dodge it.” Ash stated which was followed through which surprised his friends greatly. “Now, use Razor Leaf!” Ash called out which was followed.

“Ember.” The other stated and followed.

“Turtwig, use Bite.” The raven haired one said causing the turtle to charge straight ahead.

“That Turtwig is pretty fast.” Brock pointed out which the girls agreed with him.

“Chimchar, use dig.” Paul ordered which threw Ash for a loop.

“Pretty amazing of Chimchar using dig.” The breeder pointed out as they all saw the attack.

“Now, use Scratch.” Paul ordered, but the Grass type was a little nervous about the empty battlefield. Ash did have a trick up his sleeve and knew that there was no rule against it - aura sight: the one Lucario explained to him. He did so, and could see the monkey beneath them.

“Turtwig can’t tell where the attack is coming from.” Dawn informed them.

“But I can.” Ash said and then knew what to do about it. “Turtwig, Tackle to your left - now.” Ash commanded which the turtle followed, and it was a clean hit.

“How did he?” Paul questioned as he saw that Ash’s eyes were closed, so how did the trainer know where the attack would come from.

“Use Dig.” Paul ordered and with that the monkey tried again. Once again the Kanto native ‘saw’ the movements again. Despite the fire monkey’s taunting Ash remained calm.

‘So, he is skilled without those gloves. I may have to train him how to hone that skill without them completely.’ Renamon thought as she watched as Ash countered the next Scratch attack with a Bite attack to the face.

“Enough of this. Use Ember.” Paul said as he tried to use a frontal assault since sneak attacks aren’t cutting it.

“Quick, into one of the holes.” Ash commanded and the turtle dove in before the attack could hit.

“Good idea to use one of the holes like that.” Brock complimented his friend as he watched the fight.

“Exactly what I hope you would do.” Paul stated, and when he saw the confused look on the trainer’s face he filled him in with, “Use Ember on that hole.” This worried Ash, but the attack was heard in the hole.

‘Have to time it just right.’ Turtwig thought as he waited until the hole before him was lit, so he quickly ran into one of the other tunnels connected to another hole, and caved it in behind him for safety measure.

“Fire attacks are really effective on Grass types.” Dawn pointed out to the others.

“If that is the case then where is Turtwig?” Renamon questioned to the others which was true as none of them saw the turtle anywhere, but his partner did.

“Turtwig, Razor Leaf barrage.” Ash commanded which Turtwig leaped out of one of the holes and did as he commanded. This angered the opponent even more since he did not like being upstaged again.

“Chimchar use Flame Wheel and wrap this up.” Paul ordered once he saw the turtle back on the ground.

“Okay, back in the hole.” Ash offered to his partner who seemed a little iffy on the idea. “You’re going to have to trust me.” He stated and with that he did it again just before the wheel could land the final blow.

“Please. Aim Ember at that hole and wrap this up.” Paul stated and had his monkey land right on top of the hole the opponent dove into so there would be no surprise attacks.

“Now, use Bite.” Ash commanded to his friend.

“Coming at ya!” Turtwig shouted as he clamped onto Chimchar’s head good and tight. This made his friend’s smile for his quick thinking.

“Chimchar down in the hole.” Paul commanded, but Ash had in inkling about his plan so he had a counter.

“Turtwig, release and Razor Leaf on the hole walls.” Ash shouted out which the turtle did the moment Chimchar was in the hole. The Fire monkey looked up and was slammed by all the falling debris.

‘Well played Ash.’ Renamon thought with a smile since she liked seeing his strategy in action. With his creature buried Paul was angered that Ash knew of his plan again.

“Turtwig, use another hole to retrieve Chimchar.” Ketchum offered and his friend obeyed. This was a factor that Ash was always going to have - honor, even to an enemy. After a few moments the turtle came back up with an out cold Chimchar.

‘I lost again to this pathetic trainer.’ Paul thought as he recalled his Pokemon since he did not wish the simian to embarrass him even more by thanking Turtwig for digging him out.

“Looks like this makes it me - 2 and you - zip.” Ash said to the walking away trainer, and the Digital Monster plainly heard a growl of frustration from the opponent which pleased the fox based creature greatly. With nothing else to do the team continued on to their next stop.

Copy Rights:
Ash Ketchum, and the others, are owned by Gamefreak/Nintendo and Cartoon Network.
Renamon, and her forms, are owned by Toei Animation.