Ch.11: Butterfree Mating Season

The gang was on the route to Celadon City and they had brought out all of their Pokémon for some lunch. Ash was currently in a battle with another trainer they had met. Charmander had miraculously defeated the trainer's Rhyhorn and everyone knew he wanted to battle so he could impress Serena's Ninetales. Now, they were battling with their second Pokémon, Butterfree and Raticate, respectively. Ash figured it would be a good time to use Butterfree since he hadn't used the 'Butterfly Pokémon' since the Pewter City Gym and so far, Butterfree proved to be a tough battler.

"Butterfree, use Psybeam," Ash commanded Butterfree.

Butterfree fired his Psybeam at his opponent who was a Raticate. The normal–type was struck by Psybeam, sending it off its feet and onto the ground.

"Raticate, use Hyper Fang," said the opposing trainer, who was an older man dressed in a formal outfit.

"Dodge it, Butterfree," said Ash.

Butterfree flew above Raticate, and the 'Mouse Pokémon' soared underneath him. Once Raticate landed on the ground, it leaped for another Hyper Fang, but Butterfree avoided it again. Raticate tried a few more times and Ash decided to take action.

"Butterfree, use Electroweb," said Ash.

Butterfree nodded and prepared to attack. This time, when Raticate landed on the ground once again, Butterfree fired his Electroweb, trapping the normal–type inside a web, lowering its speed.

"And now use your best Silver Wind," said Ash.

Butterfree flapped his wings and struck Raticate with Silver Wind, knocking it out.

"Raticate is unable to battle! Butterfree is the winner," announced Brock, who was the judge of the battle.

"You were amazing, Butterfree," said Ash happily while the others cheered for his victory.

"Thank you, Ash. I just do my best," said Butterfree in happiness.

"You were amazing out there," congratulated Charmander.

"At least he's not trying to impress someone," Yanmega whispered to Glaceon.

"Yup. By the way, what are you doing here? I thought you'd cuddling with Masquerain or something," said Glaceon.

"Did you think I would miss a good battle? And besides, from the two times Masquerain and I have been separated, we don't spend as much time as we did years ago," said Yanmega and Glaceon nodded, but couldn't help to notice the look Yanmega was giving Butterfree. She kind of had the feeling what was happening and sighed.

"You were amazing, Ash," said Serena as she hugged her boyfriend.

"Thanks, but you know most of the credit goes to Butterfree," replied Ash.

Butterfree blushed at the praised he was receiving, but he was still pleased.

The other trainer returned his Raticate to its PokéBall and walked towards Ash. "Young man, I must say I'm impressed by your Butterfree's strength."

"Thank you," said Ash politely. "Butterfree is the first Pokémon I caught. I've raised him ever since he was a Caterpie so we've been through a lot."

"I can see that," said the trainer. "Have you thought of Butterfree's future?"

"What do you mean," asked Ash.

"Please explain," said Butterfree, but only Ash and the Pokémon understood him.

"The Butterfree mating season is around this time of year," the trainer explained. "Trainers from all over Kanto gather around a cliff near here and let their Butterfree find their true love."

"Their true love," questioned Ash.

"That's right," the trainer confirmed. "Your Butterfree is certainly destined for great things, whether be battling or starting a family of its own. Considering how close you are with Butterfree, I know you'll find out what its real calling in life is. Have a good day."

As the group bid farewell to the trainer, Ash and Butterfree looked at each other.

"What do you say, Butterfree? Want to find your true love," asked Ash.

"Let's give it a try. If it doesn't work, there's always a next time," said Butterfree.

"Then let's get to that cliff," said Ash and the rest of the group nodded, but Yanmega was a little worried that her fellow teammate might leave.

Later, as the team was back on the road, they saw a flock of Butterfree flying above them.

"Looks like a lot of Butterfree have come for the mating season," said Greninja and Ash nodded and turned to Butterfree, who was out of his PokéBall.

"Are you ready to try this," Ash asked his bug/flying–type.

"Yeah, I guess I am," said Butterfree.

"This'll be exciting," said Serena.

Behind the group were Yanmega and Glaceon, who insisted on staying out of their PokéBalls. Glaceon couldn't help but notice the sympathic looks Yanmega was giving Butterfree.

"So, what's gotten into you? You've been sad ever since we heard about this mating season," said Glaceon.

"I don't know what you're talking about," said Yanmega rather quickly.

"Come on, you can tell me. Before Pidgeotto, we were the only females on the team. We've known each other for years so I know when you're upset," said Glaceon.

"Okay, you got me," sighed Yanmega. "The truth is, I'm worried about Butterfree. He's part of the team and he's a bug/flying–type like me and I started seeing him as a little brother, and I don't want to see him heartbroken if he doesn't find a mate."

"I think I get it," said Gleceon and quickly glanced at Pikachu, but Yanmega noticed it.

"Why are you looking at Pikachu like that," asked Yanmega and Glaceon's cheeks turned a little red.

"The thing is, I think I'm starting to like him," said Glaceon.

"That's good, but I think that Sylveon is also starting to like him," said Yanmega.

"Good. I like competition, even if said competition is my sister," said Glaceon with a smirk.

The gang continued walking until they spotted several balloons hovering in the air with a huge group of Butterfree around them.

"Hey, Butterfree. Wanna join the group of Butterfree over there," Ash asked Butterfree and the bug/flying–type nodded. "We'll be up there in a minute."

Ash pulled out two PokéBalls and brought out Salamence and Hydreigon, and turned to Serena, Leaf, Brock, Greninja, Yanmega and Glaceon.

"Alright, Serena, Greninja and Delphox are with me on Salamence. Leaf, Brock and Glaceon, you get on Hydreigon," said Ash as he got on Salamence with Serena behind him and Greninja behind the two, but just as Salamence was about to take off, Glaceon jumped into Ash's lap. "I guess you want to come with me, huh?" Glaceon looked at Ash and nodded. "Okay then. Salamence, take it to the skies."

Salamence took off, followed by Hydreigon and Yanmega, joining Butterfree in the air. It was pretty easy for Ash to find his Butterfree as all the others had started to fly faster due to the presence of the two dragons. The continued watching Butterfree look for a possible mate and soon the bug/flying–type went back to them.

"Hey, Butterfree, any luck," Ash asked.

"Not at all," said Butterfree sadly.

"So none of these Butterfree seemed to catch your interest," said Ash and Butterfree nodded. "Don't worry. You'll find your mate someday. It's just a matter of time."

"It doesn't always work from the first time," said Yanmega.

"You're right. My mate is out there. I just haven't met her yet," said Butterfree.

He gave the group of Butterfree one last look and froze. He saw something he wasn't expecting to see. Ash and the others looked at the direction which Butterfree was looking and they were pretty surprised at what they saw.

"What's that Pokémon," asked Brock.

"That's a Vivillon," said Ash.

"Let me check it out," said Leaf and brought her PokéDex.

Vivillon, the 'Scale Pokémon' and final evolved form of Scatterbug. Vivillon with many different patterns are found all over the world. These patterns are affected by the climate of their habitat. Type(s): Bug/Flying. Gender: Female.

"What's a Vivillon doing in Kanto? They're native to Kalos," said Serena.

"I don't know about you, guys, but it looks to me Butterfree just found his mate," said Ash as he looked at Butterfree's expression.

"It's not just Vivillon. It's who is next to her," said Butterfree and Ash then saw a pink Butterfree next to Vivillon. "I can't believe it's really her. I thought I'd never see her again."

"You know that Butterfree," asked Greninja.

"Yeah, I mean, how could I forget my own older cousin," asked Butterfree and Ash and the Pokémon were surprised to hear this.

"Your cousin," asked Ash. "Now that's unexpected."

"Why is she here? Did something happen in Viridian Forest," asked Salamence.

"Yeah, it happened a few months before I joined you. We were inseparable in Viridian Forest, but then, we were attacked by some poachers. They wanted to capture her because of her different coloring, which is why I called her 'Pinky'. We tried to fight them back, but their Magmar and Electabuzz were just too strong and they caught her. That was the worst moment of my life," explained Buttefree.

"That's the saddest story I've ever heard," said Hydreigon as he sniffed a little, which was a little uncommon for the Dark/Dragon–type.

"Dude, stop crying! You're ruining our reputation of being Pseudo–Lengendaries," said Salamence before sniffing himself "Although, that story kind of touched me, too."

"I didn't know the two big, bad dragons have emotions," teased Glaceon.

"Hey, just because we're Pseudo–Legendary dragons, doesn't mean we can't let out a tear from time to time," said Hydreigon.

"That's enough, guys," said Ash and looked at Butterfree. "Go on, Butterfree. Don't you want to see your cousin?"

"I do, but I can't. I promised my family that I'd protect her and I failed. I failed to safe her from those poachers," sniffed Butterfree.

"Look, Butterfree, you didn't manage to protect her from those poachers, I get it. But don't let it haunt you for the rest of your life. Go talk to her and see how things go," said Yanmega.

"You're right. There's no harm trying," said Butterfree, feeling more confident. "I'll go talk to her."

"That's the spirit! And don't worry, we'll be right there with you," said Ash and Butterfree nodded.

Butterfree flew towards his cousin and Vivillon with the gang behind him. But, before he could reach them, a net came out of nowhere, capturing Vivillon and the pink Butterfree, much to everyone's shock. They turned to the source and weren't surprised to see Team Rocket.

"Not those three goofs again," groaned Brock.

"We've got to do something," said Leaf.

"Okay, but what," asked Serena.

"Isn't it obvious? We'll free those Pokémon," said Ash with determination before looking at Butterfree. "You ready to teach those guys a lesson?"

"You bet I am," nodded Butterfree.

"Then let's go," said Ash, and Butterfree, Salamence, Hydreigon and Yanmega flew towards Team Rocket.

On the ground, the mentioned trio of Jessie, James and Meowth was celebrating their successful capture of the two bug–types, unaware of Greninja spying them from one of the trees.

"That's what I call success," said James.

"Nothing can ruin this perfect day," said Jessie.

"What do ya think the boss will say when we deliver him the pink Butterfree and the unfamiliar Pokémon," asked Meowth.

"Don't know, but I'm sure we'll be rich," said Jessie.

As the evil trio was celebrating, the two bug–types tried their best to get out from the net, to no avail.

"It's no use," sighed Vivillon.

"I can't believe I got captured again," said the pink Butterfree in sadness.

"Hey, don't worry. I'm sure one day you'll see your cousin," said Vivillon, comfortingly.

"But will he even remember me? We haven't seen each other for a pretty long time. Most of the time, I wonder how he is and will I ever see him again," said the pink Butterfree.

Vivillon was about to say something, but she could, the net was wrapped by a tongue and started lifting the two Pokémon. When they were high in the air, they saw a blue frog pulling the net with its tongue. When they were close enough, Greninja formed a dark blade in one of his hands and they were sure that their end has come and closed their eyes. A few seconds passed, but they didn't feel a thing. They slowly opened their eyes and saw that the blue frog had freed them from the net.

"Who are you," asked Vivillon.

"I'm Greninja and if you two want to get as far as possible from those three clowns, you better come with me," said Greninja as he took off.

The two bug/flying–types didn't have much choice and chose to follow Greninja.

They followed Greninja for about 5 minutes until they reached an open field and saw four people and lots of Pokémon, but what really caught their attention was the Butterfree that was with them. The pink Butterfree immediately froze at the sight of her cousin and Vivillon deeply blushed.

"We're here," called Greninja.

The humans and the Pokémon turned to them and smiled when they saw them.

"Great job, Greninja," said Ash.

"It was no problem at all," replied Greninja.

Meanwhile, the two Butterfree and Vivillon were in their own world.

"Is it really you? After all this time," Pinky asked her cousin and he nodded.

"It really is me," said Butterfree.

"Wow, Pinky. Your cousin has got some interesting friends," said Vivillon, eyeing the two dragons, Yanmega, Glaceon, Pikachu and Greninja.

"Yeah, they're pretty tough," said Butterfree.

"So, you finally got captured, huh? I thought that you wouldn't want to have a trainer," said Pinky.

"Yeah, but how can I refuse when my trainer happens to be an Aura Guardian–in–training," said Butterfree, leaving his cousin and Vivillon.

"A future Aura Guardian? I thought Aura Guardians are a myth," said Vivillon.

"I thought the same before I met Ash. It's actually thanks to him that I've become what I'm right now, fearless and strong," said Butterfree. "Just one advice, don't make Glaceon mad. She's scary when she's mad."

"We'll keep that in mind," said Pinky.

"Well, well, well, so you're the thieves who stole our price," said a voice.

Everyone turned around and saw Team Rocket with red faces.

"You don't want us stealing your Pokémon, but now you get in our way of capturing wild Pokémon," said Jessie in anger.

"Yeah, we got those two fair and square," said James, gesturing at Pinky and Vivillon.

"Hey, we couldn't just let you take Butterfree's cousin," said Ash defensively.

"Your Butterfree's cousin? You know what that means, right? We can have an entire family of Butterfree," said Jessie.

"Not gonna happen," said Ash.

"Then we'll just have to take them. Go, Koffing," said James as he brought out his poison–type.

"You, too, Ekans," said Jessie, bringing out her own poison–type.

"Then I choose–," said Ash, but stopped when Butterfree flew forward.

"Ash, I'd like to battle them," said Butterfree.

"Okay, Buttrefree, but they've got two Pokémon so let's even the odds," said Ash as he brought out another PokéBall, but stopped when Yanmega joined Butterfree.

"I'd like to battle them as well," said Yanmega.

"You've got it, Yanmega," said Ash.

Meanwhile, his friends were confused on why Yanmega would willingly join Butterfree in this battle.

"Why would she do that," asked Leaf.

"Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that both of them are bug/flying–types," suggested Brock.

"It's not that," said Ash. "Yanmega sees Butterfree as a little brother and wants to be there for him."

All but two Pokémon knew that. Ever since Butterfree had evolved, Yanmega has always been there for him, training with him and supporting him in the battles he was in. The two Pokémon, who didn't know that were Pinky and Vivillon. Pinky felt like she got replaced as Butterfree's relative, but was thankful for Yanmega for being there for her cousin. Vivillon could only watch the two in slight jealousy, but it instantly vanished after what Ash said.

"We won't lose to you," said James.

"We'll see about that. Butterfree, use Psybeam on Ekans," said Ash.

"Dodge it, Ekans," said Jessie.

Butterfree fired his Psybeam, but Ekans managed to avoid the super–effective move.

"Yanmega, use Silver Wind on Koffing," said Ash.

Yanmega fired her Silver Wind and managed to hit Koffing, but Ekans came out of nowhere and hit her with Tackle.

"Butterfree, use Gust," said Ash and Butterfree fired his Gust, hitting Ekans.

"Koffing, use Sludge on Yanmega," said James.

Koffing fired his Sludge, which struck Yanmega and managed to poison her.

"Stay strong, Yanmega. Butterfree, help out with Psybeam," said Ash.

Butterfree fired his Psybeam and struck Koffing with the super–effective move.

"Do you really think you can beat us," asked Jessie with a smirk.

"Time to introduce you to the new members of Team Rocket," said James as he and Jessie brought out two more PokéBalls and from them came out a Lickitung and Weepinbell.

"Hey, that's 4 against 2. Not fair," shouted Leaf.

"Who said we like to play fair," asked James.

"Luckitung, use Lick on Yanmega," said Jessie.

"Yanmega, dodge it," said Ash.

Luckitung extended his tongue and went for a Lick, but Yanmega flew high up to avoid the attack.

"Weepinbell, use Acid on Butterfree," said James.

Weepinbell fired his Acid ad struck Butterfree, but he somehow quickly recovered from the attack.

"Use Silver Wind," called Ash and Butterfree fired his Silver Wind, hitting Weepinbell, but also all of his stats were boosted.

Ash was about to call for another command, but he saw the bright sun and how high Yanmega was and an idea came to his mind.

"Yanmega, use full power Solar Beam on Lickitung," called Ash.

Yanmega nodded and her wings glowed before firing a powerful Solar Beam, striking Lickitung hard. She was a little caught up in the moment that she didn't notice the incoming Poison Sting and Gyro Ball from Ekans and Koffing, respectfully, and got hit by the two atatcks.

"Ynamega, are you okay," asked Butterfree in concern.

"Don't worry. I'll be fine," said Yanmega.

"Let's finish them," said Jessie. "Ekans, use Tackle. Lickitung, use Stomp."

"Koffing, use Gyro Ball. Weepinbell, use Wrap," said James.

Everyone got worried as the four Pokémon charged at Yanmega and Butterfree. Yanmega was barely standing and Butterfree couldn't take all of them at once.

"Butterfree, use your best Electroweb," called Ash, much to everyone's shock.

Butterfree gathered all the strength he has and fired an Electroweb, trapping all Team Rocket Pokémon in an electrified net. Then, much to everyone's surprise, Butterfree unleashed a Sleep Powder, putting the entire Team Rocket to sleep and then, a shadow–like version came out of him and struck Team Rocket hard.

"What was that," asked Brock.

"That was Dream Eater! Butterfree, you just learnt a new move," said Ash, happily.

"I was saving it for a special occasion," said Butterfree.

"Let's put an end to this," said Ash. "Yanmega and Butterfree, use Double Silver Wind!"

Butterfree and Yanmega fired their Double Silver Wind and struck Team Rocket, blasting them off.

"They did it," cheered Serena.

"That's one heck of a team," said Brock and everyone nodded in agreement.

"You guys were amazing. I'm proud of you," said Ash to his two Pokémon.

"Thanks. You know, blasting thoe guys off has become a hobby for us," said Yanmega.

Meanwhile, Butterfree was talking with his teammates, Pinky and Vivillon.

"You sure showed those losers a thing or two," said Salamence. "I could've Draco Meteored them, but this was your battle and Ash didn't give me a command."

"That Dream Eater took me by surprise. You sure becoming stronger," said Greninja.

"They're right. I'm your big cousin and yet, you're the stronger one," said Pinky.

"I'm not that strong," said Butterfree sheepishly.

"I think you are," said Vivillon as she approached Butterfree and nuzzled against him, taking him by surprise.

"Wow, it looks like Butterfree just found his mate," said Pikachu and the others nodded in agreement.

"I'm happy for you, Butterfree," said Ash.

"Thanks, Ash. If it weren't for you and the others, I never would've reunited with my cousin and found my mate," said Butterfree.

"It was no trouble at all," said Ash.

"I've got an idea," said Butterfree and flew over to his cousin and Vivillon. "Hey, wanna come with us?"

"You'd like us to come with you," asked Vivillon.

"Yup. Serena wants to be a Coordinator and Performer, and Leaf is a good battler," said Butterfree.

"How'd you learn that," asked Delphox.

"Greninja told me," said Butterfree and the Pokémon looked at the water/dark–type, only to see that he's not there

"Where the heck did he go," asked Salamence, bewildered.

"Are you seriously asking that? He's a ninja. He can appear and disappear just like that," said Glaceon.

"Can we focus on something more important here, guys," asked Pikachu as he gestured to the two Butterfree and Vivillon. "Butterfree just asked his cousin and sweetheart to join us and you're wondering where Greninja went? What's wrong with you?"

"But he's my mate and I worry about him," said Delphox.

"I wouldn't worry so much about him," said Yanmega.

"And why is that," asked Delphox.

"He's right over there," said Yanmega gesturing to nearby branch, where Greninja was eating some apples.

"Took you long enough to notice me," said Greninja as he continued eating.

"When and how did you get there," asked Salamence.

"That's for me to know and for you to never find out," said Greninja as he stood up and jumped down from the branch.

"Okay, now we can actually focus on something more important," said Glaceon as she and the other Pokémon turned to the two bug/flying–types, only to find them gone. "Where are they?"

"Well, while you were wondering how Greninja got on that branch, Butterfree's cousin and Vivillon decided to come with us," said Pikachu. "Vivillon joined Serena's team and Pinky joined Leaf's team."

"He's right," said Greninja. "You guys need to be more concentrated. Otherwise, you'll miss things like this."

"Well, guys, are you ready to head to Celadon City," asked Ash.

"You bet," said Leaf.

"If I'm not wrong, Celadon City is north of here," said Brock.

"I checked my Holo–Caster earlier. We should reach Celadon City by the evening," said Ash.

"Then let's go," said Serena and Ash returned Salamence, Glaceon, Yanmega and Butterfree to their PokéBalls.

"Well, today turned out to be unexpected," said Leaf.

"Yeah, but I'm happy for Butterfree," said Ash. "He reunited with his cousin and found his mate."

"And that means he won't be leaving the team," said Serena.

"And what's more, today our family just got bigger," added Brock and everyone nodded in agreement.

"So, will you tell me how'd you get on that branch earlier," Delphox asked Greninja.

"A ninja never reveals his secrets," said Greninja with a smirk and followed Ash, Serena, Leaf and Brock, and was looking forward to what awaits them in Celadon City.

To be continued…

Hey, everyone. Here's the 11th chapter of the story. Butterfree won't be leaving the team and has reunited with his cousin and Vivillon is his mate. I bet you guys didn't see it coming. Anyway, I've got some bad news. I'll be putting this story on temporal hiatus. I'm not sure when the next update will be, but it won't be anytime soon. The reason for the hiatus is because I barely have anytime to upload because of my new job. With that said, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I'll see you all next time. Until then, have a nice day.

R&R