Ash and Pikachu took their time leaving the following day, but he knew that to reach Pewter in less than a week he needed to walk around six miles a day. Setting off he stopped into the police station to make sure there was nothing Officer Jenny needed from him first. Getting a negative he set out along Route 2. Along the way he came across various trainers who he beat and soon enough he came to the entrance to Viridian Forest. He knew he would likely be in here for at least four to five days, so he made sure to stock up on food and essentials.
Keeping to the path Ash ventured in marvelling at the noises and environment around him. Chatting to Pikachu along the way about the various bug types Ash came to the conclusion that he didn't need one so their battles would just be basic sparring to gain more experience. Ash had heard rumours about there being a guardian of this forest. Apparently, every major forest in Kanto and Johto had one so he wondered just what it was, if there was one to start with.
Ash had always loved being alone, he found it gave him a lot of time to work through his own thoughts and feelings on many situations. He was still unsure about what he would be required to do given Arceus' lack of information. All he and Pikachu had was pure speculation and guesswork and for someone who relied on facts this was incredibly frustrating. He had been walking now for several hours when he heard a noise off to his left. Immediately Ash tensed up waiting for whatever it was to make itself noticed but what he didn't expect was an attack from above. Rolling away he span around to see what it was that attacked him. It was a Pidgeotto only this one was huge. Usually, they stood around two to three feet but this one was pushing five feet and it wasn't even a Pidgeot yet. Ash had read accounts over the years about variants of Pokémon being different from normal, from shiny to size differences. Only a select few mentioned Royal Pokémon. This one was clearly a Royal. They were much bigger than usual, were better in battle and generally rarer than any other variant.
Pointing his Pokédex at the creature it bleeped to life. "Pidgeotto, Pokédex Number 17, The Bird Pokémon. Very protective of its sprawling territorial area, this Pokémon will fiercely peck at any intruder. This Pokémon is Male and its unusual size marks it as a Royal Pokémon and is the largest ever recorded".
"Look Pikachu," Ash said, "it's a Royal Pidgeotto."
"It looks big," Pikachu said making Ash chuckle.
"Of course it is," Ash replied. "That's why they're called Royals. They're usually tougher than normal types of their species. I wonder why this one is attacking us."
"I did not attack you human," came the unexpected reply from the Pidgeotto startling Ash. "I was merely trying to warn you from venturing further into the forest. Every other trainer I have tried to warn has ignored me and tried to capture me. I hope you're different."
"You know," Ash said to Pikachu surprising the Pidgeotto, "at times I forget that I can understand pokéspeech because it sounds like normal speech to me. Yes, I can understand you. Like yourself I too am one of Arceus' blessed and I have no intention of trying to capture you."
"Good," Pidgeotto said. "That makes this easier then. Do not venture further into the forest human. Something that my kin have kept hidden has stirred once more. Infection has started to spread at the forest's heart and I fear my father may be unable to keep this at bay for much longer."
"Then take me to it Pidgeotto," Ash said interrupting. "I am an aura wielder. As such I can purge infections. I only ask you to bring myself and Pikachu back to this point should we either fail or succeed."
"Very well Human," Pidgeotto said. "Against my better judgement we shall go to my father." With that Pidgeotto walked into the trees with Ash and Pikachu following them. They walked for half an hour chatting to each other about what the issue could be. Pidgeotto remained very cryptic in its responses before they came to a clearing that had many Pidgey, Pidgeotto and the odd Pidgeot nesting in various trees. At the centre was a huge tree.
"The heart of the forest," Ash muttered walking up to the tree.
"Not quite," came a reply from above as a huge Pidgeot landed in front of them. This one must have been easily eight feet tall. "Why do you enter my domain human?" Pointing his Pokédex at it: "Pidgeot, Pokédex Number 18, The Bird Pokémon. This Pokémon flies at Mach 2 speed, seeking prey. Its large talons are feared as wicked weapons. This Pokémon is male and its unusual size marks it as a Royal Pokémon and is the largest ever recorded".
"Another Royal?" Ash said surprised. "How many of them are there here?"
"Just my family," Pidgeotto said from Ash's side. "Father," he continued bowing at the larger bird, "this boy has been blessed by Arceus herself. He has volunteered his aid against the darkness that has begun to spread from the Heart."
Looking keenly at Ash the Pidgeot said "Is he indeed? Do you have proof of this claim human? How do I know this isn't a ruse to capture us?"
"Yes," Ash said launching an aura sphere up into the air surprising them all. "Arceus blessed me with Aura. I can use it to cure infections depending on how bad it is. She called me the Chosen One."
Immediately mutters rang out from the various birds that had landed and listened in. "Silence! If I find out you are lying about this human, I will not hesitate to attack you," Pidgeot said.
"You can try," Ash said unconcerned. "But I guarantee we will both suffer should you do so. Now I came here to try and help so do you want it or not?"
After a pregnant pause Pidgeot said "Very well. Pidgeotto lead the human to the heart. Keep an eye on him."
Walking around the big tree Ash followed Pidgeotto through a little path which opened to a massive lake with an island at the centre. There was a narrow strip of land connecting the forest with the lake centre and on it stood a withered tree. Ash saw immediately that there was an issue as it looked blackened, burned, and dead.
"It is said amongst my kin," Pidgeotto said, "that should the tree bloom again a guardian will return to tend to it and the forest shall find balance once more."
"Well, I can give it a go," Ash said walking around the tree mentally preparing himself. "Now I have only done this twice before, once on a plant that had withered and once on an infection a Machop had sustained in its hand at Oak's corral. Nothing like this though but I will do what I can. Now Pikachu," Ash said turning to him, "this will be very difficult as it needs full contact to work. If it looks like I am about to pass out I need you to give me a Thundershock or tackle me away from the tree. The lack of contact will halt what I am doing. It is very dangerous for Aura users to overexert their aura usage as too much can lead to death."
With that Ash took his backpack off, sat cross-legged in front of the tree and let his aura loose. Placing his hands on the tree he began to search the tree's very soul for the root of the infection, making it glow a vivid blue. It was very difficult going, it had clearly been in this state for some time. The infection was huge. Pidgeot had come to join them and watch Ash's progress. The tree itself had started to change colour going from a burned black, to a rotted brown. Whatever Ash was doing was clearly making a difference.
After half an hour of this Ash let out a strained noise and instinctively Pikachu launched himself at Ash and knocked him away from contact with the tree. Instantly the tree stopped glowing blue as did Ash, who passed out. Gently Pidgeot picked him up in his talon and carried Ash back to his father's tree as Pidgeotto and Pikachu followed.
"I don't know what he did young Pikachu, but words cannot express our gratitude," Pidgeotto said as they landed in Pidgeot's nest and looked at the sleeping Ash.
Sleepily Ash muttered "not finished yet" before he passed out completely. He didn't wake up until the next morning when his whole body ached. "Ow," he said out loud. Hearing a snort, he struggled to turn his head and saw a very concerned Pikachu and an amused Pidgeot staring back at him.
"Well young human," Pidgeot said, "it seems I was very wrong about you. Very wrong indeed. I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for our forest. The heart has never looked better."
Struggling to sit up Ash replied "I haven't finished yet. The infection has gone down to its very roots and if I don't finish it, in less than two years it will be back to how it was. Can you take me back there? I should be able to finish it in an hour, the worst was purged yesterday." Immediately Ash's stomach growled. "After I've eaten," he finished hanging his head in embarrassment.
A few hours later they made their way back to the tree. "Same again Pikachu. It shouldn't be as bad this time though. There are only the roots to sort out and I can take my time doing this." Sitting down again Ash worked his way through each root cleansing it of any infection. Wondering how this had happened Ash was nearly finished when he found something that shouldn't be there. Extending his Aura he found that one of the roots was wrapped around an object. Stopping what he was doing he looked around and saw Pidgeot.
"How long have you been protecting this tree?" Ash asked.
"My ancestors started doing so a few centuries ago. Why?" Pidgeot replied.
"And no human has been to this spot in that time?" Ash asked ignoring Pidgeot.
"Not that I'm aware of. Again, why?" Pidgeot said.
"I'm going to need to dig up one of its roots. There's an object underneath here that seems to be the cause of all the infection and one of the roots is wrapped around it," Ash said standing up and walking to where his backpack had been left all night. Taking a small shovel from the side of it he began to work on where the object was located. The more soil he unearthed the more they all felt the presence of the object. While not malevolent something was clearly not right with it. Coming to the root Ash put a shovel through it and separated it. Picking it up he cleared the object of any soil and roots and stared amazed at it. It was a jet-black stone with strange markings on it, oddly curved like it represented a part of a sphere. It looked like a strange puzzle piece to Ash. Taking out his Pokégear he took a picture and sent it to Sam. Turning to Pidgeot he said "I'm going to ring someone; I won't tell them where I am, but he may need to see this. Something is not right with it." Dialling Sam's number, he waited for him to pick up.
"Hello Ash," Sam said cheerily. "What can I do for you?"
"Hello professor," Ash said. "I have just sent you an email. Have you received it? If you have, can you open it? I have found something that does not sit right with me inside Viridian Forest."
"Hang on," Oak said turning around to his computer. "Let's have a look. Yes, I have received it." Opening it up Oak's voice immediately changed. "Ash," he said sharply, "where did you find this?"
Turning to Pidgeot he asked if he could tell him where he was. Receiving a nod, he replied "In the forest professor like I said. I found the Heart. The guardians there warned me not to go through the forest and I asked why and they told me that there was an evil that had infected the Heart, a tree in the middle of a lake and they could no longer keep the evil at bay. An infection was spreading to the rest of the forest, so I offered to purge it. I did so and saved the Heart, but I found that this was buried just below it tangled up in its roots. I've never seen this before, so I thought I'd ask you".
"Ash this is very important. I am going to send Dragonite to your location with a lead box. You must limit your contact with it. I will tell you more about it once I receive more information from a contact of mine in Hoenn, but this is a very good thing you have done today Ash in finding it," Oak said seriously. "Dragonite will be with you soon."
"Wow," Ash said as Oak hung up on him. Turning to Pidgeot he said "this must be very serious if he's sending Dragonite." Sitting down the next fifteen minutes passed by very slowly, unbearably so. Hearing wings Ash stood up and shouted so Dragonite knew where to land. Saying hello, he placed the stone in the box and watched as Dragonite flew away at top speed. He was out of sight before Ash blinked.
"It seems Human that we owe you a great debt of gratitude," Pidgeot said. "Should you need anything, and if it is in our power then we will help."
"There is something you can do actually," Ash said. "In less than a year's time Lady Arceus told me that a great disturbance will sweep across Kanto. Can you send out messengers to warn Pokémon across the region to prepare themselves. I have no other information other than the balance of the world will be put at risk."
"That is most troubling but it will be done. I will instruct my son to set you back along the path we found you on as there is a shortcut that will get you to the next human habitation location sooner, it will save you a few days of travel. It's the least we can do." Nodding Ash climbed on Pidgeotto and flew away. Landing half an hour later he thanked Pidgeotto and carried on the path. "Well Pikachu," Ash said, "not even a week into our journey and it's been eventful."
Carrying on with their journey Ash and Pikachu battled several trainers that they met. The hardest opponent was a young girl with a Scyther. Battling a faster Pokémon was very beneficial to Ash as it showed him where they were lacking so far. Pikachu still won; however, type advantage counted in this instance and the experience gained was invaluable. Checking his Pokégear he saw that he was less than a day away from the exit so he decided to set up camp, quickly falling asleep. The day had been exhausting for Ash.
The next morning, they set out along the path. Ash was still playing through his own head the memories of the last week and in a world of his own when from nowhere a silver item came flying at his head. In an instant Pikachu had deflected the sword, for that's what it was, from decapitating his trainer with an Iron Tail and Ash had pinned down the attacker. Without thinking Ash broke his arm twisting it and the trainer let out a howl.
"What the hell man?" the trainer said wailing. "You broke my arm!"
"You nearly cut my head off you psychopath!" Ash retorted. "You're lucky I didn't kill you and bury you here for no one to ever find. Now get the hell out of here! But leave the sword," he finished picking the guy up and throwing him away from him.
"I am not leaving the sword. Go Pinsir," he said releasing his Pokémon. A giant stag-beetle emerged from its ball. It did not look that tough Ash mused as he scanned it. "Pinsir, Pokédex Number 127, the stag beetle Pokémon. It grips its prey in its pincers and squeezes hard! It can't move if it's cold, so it lives in warm places."
"Light it up Pikachu," Ash said as Pikachu launched a Thunderbolt at it sending it flying into the trees and knocking it out. "One move huh. Well done, Pikachu. That Thunderbolt of yours is getting very powerful my friend."
"What? No way!" the trainer said disbelieving recalling his Pokémon. "I'll get you for this, you see if I don't." With that he disappeared into the trees still clutching his broken arm. Picking up the sword Ash mused on what to do with it as they carried on with their journey. He had no desire to wield a sword, and the hassle he would get everywhere he went off the police would be a headache. Coming to a decision he took out his Pokégear and called the Officer Jenny in Viridian City.
"Hello Ash," she said as she picked up the call. "What can I do for you?"
"Well, I was wondering if you could give your colleague in Pewter City a ring for me please and tell her I'll be coming into Pewter City some time in the early evening today," Ash said. "I've just been attacked by a nutter with a samurai sword on the edges of Viridian Forest. I'm ok and unharmed," he hurriedly said, "but the guy isn't. I broke his arm and confiscated his sword. He never gave me his name either before he ran off and I'll be handing the sword in to the police as soon as I get into Pewter. I thought I'd ring you to ask you to pre-warn them both about me carrying the sword and the guy that will definitely need a hospital visit."
Shaking her head in bewilderment she said "Only you Ash. Yes, I can do that for you. You'll have to give a statement to Jenny though and apply for a permit to use the sword. I'll also give the hospital a ring to contact us when he turns up."
"Oh, I don't want the sword," Ash said. "I don't want the hassle of having to explain it to every Officer Jenny I see in future."
"No problem Ash," Jenny said. "I shall let her know." And she hung up.
"Well, that's that sorted Pikachu," Ash said as they carried on walking. In the late afternoon they exited Viridian Forest and walked down the little path and stopped suddenly. In front of him was a stall but no one there manning it. Looking down he saw a rock on the ground that was giving off a strange aura. Picking it up he observed it. It was perfectly spherical rock but before he could scan it with his aura, he heard a voice at the side of him that caused him to jump. "That rock is ten Poké dollars if you want it."
"Bloody hell old man," Ash said. "You nearly gave me a heart attack. What do you mean ten Poké dollars? It's a rock on the ground."
"Look around you, young man," the man said. "This is my shop. I sell these rocks."
"You sell rocks?" Ash asked sceptically. "Rocks? As in these things I can find not ten yards away and take for free?"
"Yup," the man said happily. "They may be free over there, but you picked that one up off my stall, which makes it my property. So, that's ten Poké dollars."
Grumbling Ash took out twenty Poké dollars out of his wallet and gave it to the man. "Keep the change to buy yourself a better disguise. That moustache and wig isn't fooling anyone." Shaking his head and putting the rock in his pack to look at later he carried on down the path and into Pewter City. Heading towards the big red dome of the Pokémon Centre he observed the town around him. It looked miserable. Everything was grey. Walking into the centre he handed Pikachu over while he called his mum to let her know he had arrived safely. Asking the nurse for directions to the police station he ventured there and gave them the sword and his statement describing his attacker. Going back to the centre he picked up his partner and went to their room for a shower. After a week of using nothing but stream water this was heaven.
Freshly showered Ash sat down at the computer and looked up things to do in Pewter. Apart from the museum and gym there was nothing. What a boring little town. Ash was used to that though growing up in Pallet Town but at least Oak's lab was there, and Pokémon are always exciting to be around. "Well Pikachu," Ash said, "there is nothing to do in this town except the gym and a museum."
Remembering the rock from earlier, he took it to the sink and began to clean off all the dirt and mud from it and saw there was something inside the rock. "Pikachu, can you use Iron Tail on this rock please. Whatever it is inside it needs freeing." One Iron Tail later and the rock was in pieces on the floor revealing an object. Picking it up he saw it was an orange-golden coloured rock with what looked like a tiny fossil inside it. "I'll be honest Pikachu I have no idea what this is. It looks like a fire stone but it's not giving off the same energy that those do. Maybe we should go to the museum tomorrow and ask them if they know. I'd imagine in a town where a guy sells rocks for a living, they should know about what's found inside those rocks. We'll do those tomorrow, I'm knackered tonight."