4 0|4 : Travels Within The Trees

A figure dashed through the tangled terrain of the Jungle. Slipping through vines under fallen trees as they fled from a hungry group of Loutwise, creepy Lemur-like creatures. Above them a yellow blur was jumping along the tree branches likewise fleeing from the Loutwise. A light shined before them as they jumped away from their pursuers over a large ravine. Water filled with unknown dangers rushed along the ravine's bottom as a yellow mouse and young teen fell. Angry cries echoed from the cliff's edge above as the Loutwise screamed their dismay at losing their prey.

Despite falling, the boy and mouse did not scream as two shadows swooped above them, lifting them both into the air.

The teen with messy overgrown hair shouted, "Whoa, that was a close one, Hespin, Hespa!"

"Pika-pika!" The yellow mouse out its protest as well from the talons of the large birds.

The slightly smaller female carrying Ash cried out. "Jowl!"

"Gon!" The male crooning in agreement with its mate.

Ash laughed at the unapologetic tone of his saviors. Hespa and Hespin were Jowlgon, a large flying bird of ancient origin and a Dragon Flying Type. He'd raised the two strays since they were Dradodo.

Despite the species' slender form, they were powerful flyers capable of flying long distances at high speeds. Unfortunately, due to the cluttered skies beneath the trees and their large form, they were incapable of going into the Jungle. It had been a close call today that they had found that ravine else they would've ended up as the Loutwise pack lunch.

A bright smile spread across the wild teen's face despite having almost just lost his life. From their altitude he could see the great expanse of Jungle around them, it was a breathtaking sight as the wind whistled around him. They flew over the Jungle dodging other avian creatures, which inhabited the skies. At the sight of rocky cliffs, towering above the trees, the large raptors dived, releasing a loud cry as they entered the sea of trees. Twisting and turning, it was like a thrill ride as they dodged vegetation.

Underneath the trees, a town of tree houses and floored homes appeared in their sights. The birds dove towards a wide platform in the trees, slowing only as they were above, carefully setting down their 'catches'.

An older man around his 30s emerged from the hut beside the platform, his chest exposed while he merely wore a cloth which covered the nether regions, laughing merrily, "Sato, I see you're back! It will always be a wonder that you make it back."

"Hahaha, you can't get rid of me even if you wanted me too, Heho." The teen laughed at the man's words. "Pikachu, and I ran into a pack of Loutwise a while away. Be wary during your hunts they might wander over here."

The man's attitude became solemn at his words. "That's not good. The jungles getting more dangerous by the day. We thank you for the warning Sato." With a nod, he turned away and entered the hut.

Ash sighed at his departure. Despite staying here for over a year, he was still considered an outsider to this old tribe. Honestly, when he first arrived, he wouldn't have been surprised if someone told him that these people were a new species of Pokemon. They were far stronger than anyone he'd met before, capable of fighting the Pokemon which roamed the jungles with their fists. Sure, Ash could handle being hit with multiple kinds of attacking, but that was due to Arceus' blessing. These tribesmen had raw brute strength.

"Uah." He yawned. Stretching his limbs, Pikachu chatting away with the pair of Jowlgon.

If it weren't for his unique ability to befriend the wild Pokemon and Pikachu, he would've died a long time ago. His time here had been full of hardships, whether it was to survive the ravages of ancient diseases or to be accepted into the tribe even as a visitor. The hardest part had to be with getting used to the revealing clothing of everyone in the village.

It had nothing to do with attraction or the like, as according to what others told him he was pansexual or asexual. Rather, it was entirely because he lived in modern times where it was unacceptable to be naked in public. He felt nothing for seeing a naked body, but it was messing with his concept of modesty, which he'd was sure would show effect when he returned to his 'world'.

After all he, himself was currently dressed in only a pair of pants a side effect of living with half-naked people for the last year. Thinking back to his promise with Professor Oak, he felt bad.

'Gary, in the time of a year even if I come back I don't think I'll be able to go on a journey again until I've adapted to modern life…' He thought wearily. If he had known he'd be going through a portal to the distant past for the next two years to track the vines which had gone through as well, he wouldn't have given himself two years before going to pick up his friend. He should've said to give him four years, he lamented silently.

"Jowlgon!" Hespa cried out from behind him. Pikachu climbing up him to return to his perch on his shoulder, he'd long gotten used to the feeling of the mouse's claws digging into him.

"See the two of you later!" He called out to the pair of birds as they took flight.

"Gon!"

Watching them disappear from the village, Ash smiled. Absently raising a hand to scratch Pikachu's chin. "Whelp, we best get over to the hut so we can work on the map. We've destroyed several vines today."

"Pika!"

He looked down on the village from the platform. "Another nine months and we should be able to go back home."

The thought filled him with excitement and sadness; he was enjoying his travels through the trees in these ancient times. Even if danger lurked at every corner.