Ash and Ember: Kanto
Onix barely dodged a Shadow Ball sent by the opposing Gengar and retaliated with Rock Slide. The match was between Elite Four members Agatha and Bruno, filmed to inspire new trainers to battle to the top. Twins, Ash and Ember Ketchum, sat on their knees, shoulders pressed together and fisted held up as they watched the intense battle on TV. It definitely inspired them to fight… but not in the right way.
"Come on Gengar!" Ember shouted and punched the air. "Blast the rock snake to rubble!"
Ember Ketchum was ten years old with black hair, cropped short and spike, and warm brown eyes. Her skin was sunkissed from years of exploring outside. She was currently in her PJs decorated with little Dittos. Two little squiggle birthmarks sat under her eyes.
"No way!" Ash shouted back, "Onix will totally send that ghost to the afterlife!"
Ash Ketchum resembled his sister in many ways, though his hair spiked upwards on its own. His PJs were covered in little Pidgeys.
"Yeah right! Gengar is way faster and has taken far less hits, idiot," Ember scoffed.
"I'm not an idiot, butt brain," Ash's face colored.
"Booger eater!"
"Poop sniffer!"
"Trash face!"
Ember slugged Ash's shoulder. He rubbed the spot and glared at his sister before tackling her to the ground. It only devolved further from there. The name calling became more childish and the twins were rolling on the floor trying to pin the other.
"Just what do you think you're doing?" Their mom's voice cut through their arguing. Both twins froze, Ember managing to pin Ash down in that moment. They exchanged looks before gulping to face the wrath of their mom.
"It's way past your bed time," Delia Ketchum said, tapping her foot, arms crossed.
"Um…" Ash tried to find the right words.
"We were preparing for our journey," Ember started.
"And we got caught up in the exhibition match," Ash continue.
"So we lost track of time…" They finished speaking together. "Sorry, Mom."
Delia sighed and changed the channel on their TV. Professor Oak was explaining the typical three starters new trainers received.
"If you two are going to prepare then at least watch this," Delia said. "Once it's over please go to bed. You don't want to be tired when meeting your new partners tomorrow, do you?" She knew how to work her kids. Both twins went wide eyed before scrambling off each other and back to their backpacks. Delia left with a goodnight.
"Gary wants Squirtle," Ember said as she kept glancing at the TV.
"I think I heard Leaf say she wanted Bulbasaur," Ash added.
"So that leaves…" They exchanged looks and sat in silence for a moment.
"Professor Oak wouldn't forget to…" Ember trailed off.
"No way, he's incredibly smart. He would never…" Ash didn't finish. They chewed their lower lips before deciding to turn in for the night. Ash set the alarm, the twins deciding to sleep next to each other on the floor rather than in their own rooms. They were already excited, at least they could be excited together.
Nothing could stop their journey from starting tomorrow… but it could be delayed. What were the chances of Ash grabbing the Pokéball shaped alarm clock in his sleep and throwing it at a wall… or both twins sleeping through the noise it made with well-timed snores? Who's to say… definitely not the little green fairy-like Pokémon that made sure everything went as time commanded.
Light filtered into the bedroom and landed on the faces of Ash and Ember. Both blinked themselves awake for a moment, feeling well rested, before reality hit them.
"What time is it?" Both shouted as they jumped up. Seeing the broken clock, Ember bolted to her room and screamed before running back to Ash.
"We're late!" She shouted. Without further prompting they bolted from the house in their PJs and didn't stop until they reached Oak Laboratory.
A crowd was in front of the lab with Gary at the center of it all… in a sports car… surrounded by cheerleaders.
"Well look who finally showed up," Gary Oak taunted as the twins passed. "If it isn't little Ashy-boy and Emmy. Thought you two were too scared to… Hey!"
They didn't stop as they passed Gary and ran straight inside. Leaf Forrest was still in the lab, petting her new Bulbasaur. Professor Oak gave the twins an amused smile as they collapsed to the ground panting.
Leaf was a childhood friend, much like Gary, but she was far, far more bearable. She was on the short side with long brown hair and green eyes. She currently wore a white hat that looked brand new, a light blue blouse, two black wrist cuffs, and thigh-length red skirt. Her yellow shoulder bag sat at her feet. Unlike the twins she looked ready for her journey.
"Glad you two could make it," Professor Oak said.
Leaf giggled. "Nice pajamas." Her Bulbasaur joined her laughing until Professor Oak regained everyone's attention.
"Now Leaf, here is your Pokédex and Pokéballs," he handed the items to her. Her Pokédex was a pale green with dark blue borders. Ash and Ember watched enviously as she accepted them and scanner her Bulbasaur.
"Bulbasaur, the seed Pokémon, the bulb on Bulbasaur's back provide it with nutrients gathered from the sun. When sunlight is unavailable the bulb receives nutrients from the food Bulbasaur eats.
This Bulbasaur is female and has the ability Chlorophyll, which boost the Pokémon's speed when in harsh sunlight. He knows the moves: Tackle, Growl, Leech Seed, Vine Whip, Seed Bomb, and Grassy Terrain."
Leaf grinned at her new partner before she turned to the twins.
"I'd challenge one of you too a battle, but…" She giggled again as she eyed them both.
"Maybe next we meet," Ember chuckled while Ash blushed and rubbed the back of his head. Leaf bid them farewell and left with Bulbasaur by her side.
"Now for you two," Professor Oak turned to the twin. They instantly leapt to their feet, fist clenched in eagerness until they noticed something. There was only one Pokéball left on the table. Professor Oak scratched his nose with a slight blush.
"It would seem I miscounted when I set everything up," he laughed nervously. "I'm afraid I only have one Charmander left."
Ash and Ember exchanged horrified looks, before coming to a wordless agreement.
"We'll wait," they said in unison. Professor Oak blinked at them in surprise.
"If we can't start together," Ember said.
"Then we won't start at all," Ash finished. Both knew it was difficult to say, but they didn't want to leave the other behind. Not now, not ever.
"Well," Professor Oak nodded, "that is very mature of you two. However," both twins snapped to attention, "I do have another Pokémon. It's not a typical starter and it isn't tamed yet, but if one of you are willing…"
"I'll take it!" Ash shouted. "That way Ember gets Charmander like she wanted and we can go on our journey!" Ember grinned and nodded in agreement. Professor Oak hid a sigh and pressed a button on the table. A second Pokéball came out of a secret compartment, a lightning bolt on it. Ash didn't think twice as he grabbed the Pokéball and pressed the button. Ember gave Professor Oak a suspicious look, he had that ready fast.
A Pikachu appeared with a confused growl as he looked around his surroundings.
"Oh great, the old man and two brats," Pikachu grumbled, his cheeks sparking. He watched the kids exchange looks before Ember spoke.
"Professor, I think I hear someone at the door," she said.
"Oh… excuse me one moment, will you two be alright?" he asked. The twins nodded and waited until he left before they crouched to Pikachu's level.
"Hey, Pikachu, my name's Ash, and this is my twin sister, Ember," Ash introduced.
"And? Why should I care?" Pikachu muttered.
"Because, I'm your trainer now and we're going to be traveling all over together," Ash answered.
"Please nobodies my… wait… did you understand me?" Pikachu squinted his eyes suspiciously.
"Yep," Ember nodded, "Ash and I both can. If you stick with us, we'll show you how and…"
"I'll help you be the strongest Pikachu in the world!" Ash finished. Pikachu's ear twitched as he thought about it. He wanted to be strong, but with a human…
"Please, Pikachu, won't you join our family?" Ash asked and held a hand out to Pikachu. That made the yellow mouse freeze and his expression turn hard as he scrutinized the boy in front of him.
"What does that word mean to you?" Pikachu asked. Ember tried to speak, but Pikachu held up a paw. "I want him to answer."
"Family are the people that love you no matter what," Ash said, "even when you mess up or do something stupid." Ash smiled up at Ember. "Family helps you feel strong when your weak and loved when you feel down. Sometimes you might fight, but it never means anything serious. Family supports you, win, lose, or draw."
Pikachu's face softened as he asked his next question.
"Even if I never become strong?" He whispered.
"Even if you never want to battle," Ash nodded. "We'll be best friends, Pikachu, I promise."
Pikachu and Ash stared into each other's eyes for long moment before Pikachu placed a paw into Ash's hand. They smiled at each other, then Pikachu used Ash's hand as leverage to spring up his arm and onto his shoulder. Ash laughed and stood up, rubbing a hand under Pikachu's chin, much to the mouse's pleasure.
"Great, my turn," Ember said and turned to the last Pokéball.
"Sorry for the wait," Professor Oak stepped back inside with someone behind him. He froze when he saw Ash and Pikachu before his face broke into a grin. "My word, I'm surprised to see you not electrocuted, let alone on good terms with Pikachu."
"You should never doubt a Ketchum," the person behind Oak said. Both twins broke into grins.
"Red!" The shouted as their older brother stepped around the professor, his arms held out. He was ready for the collision as the twin barreled into him for a hug, Pikachu shifted to hang off Ash's back to no get smushed.
Red Ketchum was the eldest child and had started his journey eight years prior. He had held the title of Champion for a year before handing it over to Lance and went off to train and travel more. He had similar features to the twin, though his hair always laid flat and his eyes were a sharper brown, nearly red in the right light. He was a very respected trainer in the Kanto-Johto region and someone the twins strived to imitate. He had helped raise them when their parents decided they weren't in love.
"Alright, alright," Red chuckled and stepped back. "We shouldn't keep Em waiting anymore." He motioned to the last Pokéball.
"Indeed," Professor Oak nodded as he picked it up. "Now Ember, before you meet Charmander, I wanted to let you know something. I actually considered keeping this specific Charmander for myself to study, but I realized that wouldn't be fair to him. He's got quite the battling spirit and honestly I knew you would be the right trainer for him." He handed her the Pokéball and Ember pressed the button immediately.
From the way he was talking, Ember expected a shiny Charmander, she was not prepared for the giant orange lizard. A normal Charmander stood at 2ft on average, this one was at least twice and then some. His bright blue eyes sparkled as he looked up at Ember and growled in such a way that didn't fit his size.
"This Charmander has a rare genetic defect called Giantism. It doesn't have any known negative effects, but it causes massive growth in the afflicted Pokémon." Professor Oak lectured. "In short, Charmander will only grow larger as he evolves. It doesn't seem to be genetic and little is known about it, so I hope you'll keep notes on Charmander during your journey."
"Of course," Ember grinned and squatted a little to be at eye level.
"Hi Charmander, I'm Ember," she said, "do you want to join me on a journey to become a Pokémon Master?" Charmander agreed instantly and latched onto Ember in a hug.
"Would you like a nickname? I had one picked out for a while now, but if you don't that's okay," Ember said.
"Yeah! A nickname!" Charmander nodded.
"How do you like Charlie?" Ember asked.
"Perfect!" Charmander, now Charlie, cheered jumping from foot to foot.
"How about you, Pikachu? Do you want a nickname?" Ash asked. Pikachu shook his head.
"Very good," Professor Oak nodded then moved to grab their Pokédexes. Ash's was red while Ember's was purple, both had black borders. Red watched on as he was forgotten by the twins at the moment.
"Pikachu, the mouse Pokémon. Pikachu are often struck by lightning on their tails during storms. The electric sacks on its cheek are restored overnight, sometimes they will discharge in their sleep when having nightmares.
This Pikachu is male and has the ability… ability unknown… further information is required. He knows the moves: Thundershock, Tail Whip, Charm, Thunder Wave, Nasty Plot, Disarming Voice, and Volt Tackle."
Everyone looked at Pikachu with interest.
"Pikachu only have two abilities, I thought," Red said.
"As did I," Professor Oak nodded, "but as I often learn, Pokémon will never stop surprising us. Ash, please keep an eye on that for me. Any information on a new ability will help."
"Right!" Ash nodded and scratched Pikachu behind the ear.
"Charmander, the lizard Pokémon. The flame on its tail indicates the Charmander lines life force, when healthy the flame will be incredibly bright. The flame is also used as an indication of the Pokémon's emotion as the flame will change the way it moves.
This Charmander is male and has the ability Blaze, which powers up fire type moves when health is low. He knows the moves: Scratch, Growl, Ember, Smokescreen, Dragon Pulse, and Ancient Power.
Note: This Pokémon's size indicates a genetic defect known as Giantism."
"Neat," Ember said and rubbed Charlie's head.
"Here are your Pokéballs," Professor Oak nodded. "Now I won't keep you two any longer. Good luck, and keep in touch."
"We will!" The twins said before turning to Red. Their older brother nodded and led them out of the building.
"You're going to have one scary Charizard someday," Red said as he eyed Charmander.
"Just you wait," both twins said, their fist in the air, "we'll be challenging you before you know it."
Red chuckled as they walked home.
"Wait…" Ember scrutinized her older brother. "Were you actually at the door?"
"Yeah, was just about to knock when Oak opened it," Red said. "Figured you two were up to something so I bought you some time."
"Thanks," Ash grinned and scratched Pikachu's chin.
They walked the rest of the way in relative silence. Ash and Ember were too busy marveling over their Pokémon and Pokédexes. Red was never much of a talker if it wasn't required.
In front of their house sat Red's large Venasaur, Brutus, soaking in the sunlight, and his Arcanine, Flameburst, sleeping close by. Flameburst twitched when they neared before hopping to his feet to greet his trainer. Brutus just grunted in their direction.
"When did you get home?" Ember asked.
"About ten minutes before you two ran out," Red smirked as the twins flushed. They hadn't noticed him… or his massive Pokémon.
Inside they were greeted by a bright flash as their mom took a photo. Red's Electivire, Rod, stood behind her snickering.
"Oh, I'm so proud of you both," Their mom said and took another photo.
Delia Ketchum was the single mother of three, and while her children resembled their father more, they all possessed her caring nature. She was a force to reckon with when angry, not even her children's friends wanted to insight it. She worked part-time at Oak Labs, helping to rehabilitate any abused or neglected Pokémon that pass through, but most of her time was spent at the family restaurant. She had Pokémon of her own from her younger years, most lived at Oak Ranch, but her Espeon and Meganium lived at home with them.
Espeon purred as he strutted over to the twins with a change of clothes floating over his head. The twins chuckled nervously at the pointed looks they received before taking the clothes and hurrying off to their rooms to change and grab their gear.
"Don't forget to pack clean underwear!" Delia yelled after them.
Charlie sat on Ember's bed, his tail held over the side and his hands over his eyes. When Ember gave him the all clear he turned to look at his trainer in her full travel gear. Loose blue jeans with a standard Pokéball belt, a plain purple shirt and thin black jacket. Around her neck sat a silver chain with Charlie's Pokéball attached to it. She tapped it and winked at her starter.
"First Pokémon gets a special place," she said.
"Wow," Charlie's eyes sparkled and slipped off the bed to hug her.
"Let's build an awesome family together, alright?" She said hugging him back.
"Yeah," Charlie clenched his hand into fist, "and I promise I'll be the best team leader ever."
Ember grinned and grabbed her backpack. It was filled with so much, but hardly weighed a thing thanks to Silph Co. The company developed the bags with the same tech as Pokéballs allowing for an almost infinite storage. Red had gifted the bags to the twins on their tenth birthday along with two new TM cases (TMs not included) and advanced med kits for Pokémon and humans.
"Let's do our best," Ember cheered and threw her door open.
Ash ran around his room tossing things towards his backpack. Pikachu sat on his bed with an amused look as Ash spoke a mile a minute.
"You and me Pikachu, we're going to be the greatest to ever live. We'll catch every Pokémon and make the coolest team and family. No one will ever be able to defeat us. By the time we're through not even Red will stand a chance!"
Pikachu snickered as he decided right then, he liked this boy.
Ash changed into his travel clothes, a plain black shirt, sleeveless jean jacket, green fingerless gloves, jeans, and sneakers. He finished it off with his official league hat that he had sent in thousands of slips in to win. He shoved the last few things he needed into his bag and settled it on his shoulders.
"Alright, Pikachu," Ash turned to his partner, "let's do this!"
"Sure thing!" Pikachu cheered and leapt from the bed to Ash's shoulder. He could definitely get used to this.
"Alright, smile," Delia had her three kids stand with their starters, arms slung around each other. They were outside so Brutus could be in it too, the Venasaur held vines over each kids' head, Pikachu was grinning madly, having finished some of Delia's cooking before this, and Charlie was latched onto Ember's hip with sparkling eyes.
"Oh," Delia wiped a tear from her eye, "I'm just so proud of all of you."
"Mom," the three groaned. She took another photo before Brutus took the camera from her with one vine and nudged her toward her kids with another. He took a photo of the four of them, using two other vines to lift Pikachu and Charlie out of the shot. Needless to say both of the younger Pokémon weren't thrilled. Pikachu attempted to send a Thundershock down the vine, but it did little more than tickle Brutus. Charlie's Ember mixed with his thrashing tail's flame annoyed the grass type a bit, but nothing more.
"Come on, Bru, put them down," Red smirked as the two Pokémon bolted for their trainers and glared at Brutus from behind them.
"What… you needed a human family shot," Brutus said. Red couldn't understand him like the twins could, but he got the gist.
"Well," Delia sighed, "I suppose you two want to get on your way."
The twins nodded eagerly as the grabbed their gear.
"Just remember to call, and brush your teeth, oh and don't forget to change your underwear!" Delia listed off.
"Mom!" The twins yelled, mortified.
Red snickered, "Not so fun when it's you, is it?" He looked his siblings over one more time before taking his hat off and setting it on Ember's head.
"Need a hat," Red said, "only the best trainers wear hats."
Ember stared at her older brother with wide eyes before adjusting the sizing on the hat. It was a simple red and white hat, a bit worn around the edges but still in good condition. A shiny black and white metal button was pinned on the white part of the hat.
"Good luck you two," Red said, "and if you need any help, just call."
Route 1, home to the most common Pokémon in the Kanto region. There are stronger and rarer Pokémon that live in the area, but they stay far from the lower areas of the route. Leaf and Gary had already gotten a head start on the twins already, but that didn't deter them.
"First things first," Ember said, "training to beat our first gym."
"Right! Earth badge here we co –" Ash didn't finish as he was smacked to the ground and groaned in pain.
"We are not going to challenge the Earth badge first," Ember said and shook off her hand. Ash has a hard head. "Remember, Giovanni only accepts challengers with seven badges or more. Even if he did accept ours, he doesn't hold back. Charlie and Pikachu would be annihilated.
"Is this guy really that strong?" Charlie asked.
"He's about the same level of the Elite Four," Ember said then a thought occurred to her. "Do you know about them?"
Both Pokémon nodded.
"Most Pokémon do," Pikachu said and waved a paw. "The Pokémon are legends to most. Every Pokémon wants to be as strong as possible and the Elite are who we all strive to be. My parents…" Pikachu hesitated a moment, "they told me and my siblings all about them."
"Huh, the more you know," Ember said.
"Okay," Ash groaned and stood up. "So who's first then?"
"Brock, up in Pewter City," Ember said as she scrolled through her Pokédex. "It says he specializes in rock-types… so… either we catch some effective Pokémon… or…" Ember went silent as she flipped through her Pokédex.
"Or?" Ash prompted, looking over her shoulder.
"We can teach them steel moves," Ember said. "Both can learn Iron Tail, though it looks like Charlie would have an easier time learning Metal Claw first."
"Alright!" Ash cheered and pulled his own Pokédex out. "You ready to learn Pikachu?"
"A move that'll take down rock-types? I'm so in," Pikachu said, his cheeks sparking.
"Hold up, we should at least travel a little farther today, then when we set up camp we can…" Ember started.
"Test out the moves you two already know and then start on new moves," Ash finished and nodded. "Good point."
As the four traveled, Pikachu and Charlie took shots at the wild Pokémon. Neither twin wanted a Pidgey or Rattata, though a Spearow caught Ash's eye for a moment the thought made him shudder suddenly and decided against it. There was a distinct lack of trainers on the route, but that was common, no one really had a need to be on Route 1 unless they were going to see Professor Oak, but those trainers could just fly to Pallet Town.
"So how about an explanation?" Pikachu said. "You did promise us one." He hopped off Ash's shoulder to walk beside Charlie.
"Yeah," Charlie nodded, "How can you understand us? Can other humans do that?"
"Well," Ember and Ash exchanged looks before Ember started. "A few years ago, a man name Riley came through town with his partner, Lucario. They were there to talk with Professor Oak about some research in the Sinnoh region, where they're from."
"We met him one day when we were exploring the woods," Ash picked up the story. "We ended up wandering into a training session between the two. Riley was fighting Lucario hand to hand, blind folded. It was amazing. Then, all of the sudden, they stopped and turned toward our hiding spot."
"According to Riley, Ash and I had a high level of untapped aura unlike any he'd ever seen. He and Lucario came to a decision then to help us harness it and started to train us in the way of aura. We kept it quiet, not wanting anyone to make us stop, but Red found out. He kept it secret for us when he saw what it meant to us."
"When Riley had to leave, he left us with notes on how to continue our training without him and last year sent us a whole book worth of instructions. Which included how to help Pokémon tap into their own aura," Ash finished off.
Pikachu and Charlie stared at their trainers for a long moment. Both humans smirked and continued to walk, their arms behind their heads.
"It's supposed to make attacks twice as strong," Ember said in a teasing voice.
"Enough to effect even those resistant to the moves as well," Ash added. The two Pokémon looked from their trainers to each other before racing after them with a newfound excitement.
The four kept going until late afternoon before settling next to a small pond. Once their camp was setup, taking longer than either would've liked, they set to work. First came a move evaluation.
"Okay, Pikachu," Ash said as he scanned over Pikachu's moves, "let's try, Thundershock!" He pointed to a rock and Pikachu blasted out a thin stream of electricity. It charred the rock, but not much else. "Now, Disarming Voice!" Pikachu took a few seconds longer with that one and cleared his throat before letting out a scream, faint pink waves came out of his mouth, but it didn't do much more than grate against everyone's ears. "Volt Tackle!" Pikachu charge forwards, a light stream of electricity coated his body as he charged forward and smacked into the rock. He shook his head before grinning widely at the cracks on the rock.
"Awesome!" Ash cheered. "The rest of your moves are status, so we'll work on those later. Except… can you do a few Nasty Plots?"
"Oh yeah," Pikachu's grin turned malicious, a faint black aura flared around him and grew stronger. Ember and Ash watched with interest before Ash gave his next order.
"Now Thundershock, full power!"
Pikachu reared back and let loose a vastly stronger stream of electricity than earlier. Bits of the rock were blown off from the blast. Pikachu cackled before releasing the Nasty Plots.
"Now that will be useful," Ember said. Ash grinned like a madman as he thought of idea after idea.
"Our turn!" Ember pushed Ash out of the way and pointed at the rock. Pikachu calmly walked out of the way.
"Alright Charlie, start with Scratch!" She called. Charlie charged forward, claws glowing white, he slashed at the rock and left shallow gauges. "Now show me Ember!" Charlie reared back a moment then stopped and pointed at his trainer. Everyone stared at him in confusion before it dawned on them. Ember facepalmed.
"I meant the attack," she groaned. Charlie snickered before turning back to the rock. Ash and Pikachu were in hysterics.
He used Ember at close range, the small fire pellets caused mini explosions that charred the rock further. "Ancient Power!" He took a moment before his his eyes flashed white and miniscule white orbs floated of his body. He couldn't hold the attack long, it didn't even make it halfway from his body before it fizzled out. "No worries! Try Dragon Pulse!" Charlie reared back and sucked in air until he couldn't any longer, he thrusted forward and… burped. A small blue-green spark fell out of his mouth.
"Well… I give the burp a solid eight," Ember said as she moved beside her starter. She scratched his scales while she thought. "Most likely those moves will get better once you evolve. Charizard have a better grip of draconic power than Charmander. Ancient Power we can work with more, if anything we can just work on the energy in it so you can get the power boost. Also you were doing the energy form, we should start with physical form. That's the easier one anyways. It'll be better once we start the aura training, it'll let you tap into the power of other types easier. Add Metal Claw on top of that… that should be our priority right now…" Ember blinked when she noticed the bewildered look her starter was giving her.
"Not all at once," she assured and Charlie relaxed instantly. "Just long term plans… sorry I tend to think out loud."
"But now!" Ash ran to one side of their campsite and pointed dramatically at Ember. Ember smirked.
"I challenge you to a battle!" They said in unison.
Charlie and Pikachu hopped in front of their trainers, just as eager, and glared at each other.
"Alright Pikachu!" Ash shouted, "He may have the size advantage, but we have speed! Run around and use Nasty Plot!" Pikachu took off and started to circle Charlie, his eyes gleaming with malicious intent.
"Smokescreen!" Ember called. A black haze spilled out of Charlie's mouth, obscuring him from view.
"Don't hold still Pikachu! Keep running so he can't tag you!" Ash called. A faint white glow began to trail behind Pikachu as he picked up speed.
"Spin and use Ember!" Ember called. "The attack." She muttered as an afterthought. Her plan worked… sort of… Ash and Ember had to dodge away from the fire pellets, though thankfully none touched their camp equipment. Pikachu was clipped by one pellet and cursed before charging into the Smokescreen.
"Scratch!" "Thundershock!" The twins shouted. Electricity glowed in the black cloud, followed by a cry by both Pokémon. The smoke cleared to show Charlie panting and looking a bit disoriented and Pikachu favoring a paw.
"Thunder Wave!" Ash called. Pikachu tensed up before sending a weak blue bolt of lightning toward Charlie who couldn't dodge. Ember didn't miss a beat either.
"Keep calm, Charlie, and use Ember!" Ember pointed forward. The Ember pellets shot out and slammed into Pikachu at close range. He rolled head over tail, his chest fur singed.
"Damn, that hurts," Pikachu touched the fur and winced. Charlie tried to move forward, but his body locked up.
"Call," both twins said before walking to their Pokémon. Ember grabbed her bag and pulled out a Paralysis Heal and Burn Heal. She tossed the Burn Heal to Ash before spraying Charlie. Ash did the same before grabbing two Potions from his own bag and tossing one to Ember.
"That was awesome, you two," Ember said as she rubbed down Charlie's scales.
"You were amazing," Ash said and scratched behind Pikachu's ears.
"That was so awesome!" Charlie cheered now that his movements weren't restricted. "That was my first real battle! Did I do okay? I got kind of dizzy… is that normal?"
"You did great," Ember assured. "We can work on that spin move later until you can go without getting dizzy. You got some good hits on Pikachu too."
"What did you think Pikachu?" Ash asked. Pikachu looked like he was thinking about it before he jumped onto Ash's shoulder and nuzzled into his cheek.
"I could get use to this," Pikachu said. "And you!" He pointed at Charlie. "We will have a rematch, many in fact!"
"You're on!" Charlie agreed and clenched his claws like he'd seen his trainer do. Pikachu imitated him as the two glared at each other before both broke into giggles.
The next morning, Pikachu and Charlie woke to their trainers fighting. Not shouts and name calling, but punches being traded. Blue glows could be seen around their fists. Ash ducked left and brought an arm up to block Ember's kick. He twisted to throw her off balance and was met with an elbow coming toward his face. A shimmering green shield popped up, causing Ember to curse as she backed off to rub her elbow. Her left hand glowed brighter until a small orb rotated in the palm. She threw it with deadly precision causing Ash to block again, but didn't give him enough time to block her roundhouse to his ribs. Ash swore as he rolled away and back to his feet and created his own Aura Sphere. His was larger but less stable, he had to throw it fast before it destabilized, but Ember was ready as she went on the defensive. Ash pushed off the ground with more force than a ten-year-old should've had and tossed the sphere at Ember. She made a less than perfect Protect shield just able to defend against the sphere, but she wouldn't let Ash get her with the same trick she did to him. She moved in as he did and spun into his open spot. Both twins swung their fist at the others face and stopped at a hairs breath from the others cheek.
They were panting as they stepped back and bowed to each other. Ember wiped at the sweat on her forehead when the clapping started. Pikachu and Charlie were in awe of their trainers once again.
"I want to learn that," Pikachu said. He swung a fist down then swept his tail around. "Take that rock-types!"
"We can work on that later," Ember said, grabbing a towel from her bag to dry off before putting Red's hat.
"We wanted to make more ground toward Viridian City," Ash continued, "hopefully we'll run into some beginning trainers from there that we can battle. But first!"
"Breakfast!" They said in unison and their Pokémon wholeheartedly agreed.