So back in chapter four I asked you guys how I should do the whole Ash/Blaze thing, and practically agreed that it should be Blaze in the dialogue, and Ash in the writing. So that's what it will be, for example: "My name is Blaze," Ash said.
So in this chapter we get to meet Ash's main Pokemon team, doing one of their training sessions, basically they battle each other, attempting to place themselves from strongest to weakest.
Note: Text like this is Lucario's/Ash's thoughts/telepathy. Lucario can communicate with Ash by talking through aura. This is basically the only way Ash uses aura. Ash cannot understand what his Pokemon are saying, except for Lucario's.
'Text like this is Pokemon speech.' Pokemon can understand this, humans cannot.
"Text like this is human speech." Humans and Pokemon can understand this.
"Pikapi." This is the noises Pokemon make, and if they're translated they'll appear 'Like this or (this),' depending on who understands them.
Enjoy chapter six.
Lucario quickly made his way through the woods, holding his bleeding shoulder. Garchomp's Dragon Claw had done more damage than he had expected, and he still had three more battles to go.
If I can even last that long. Lucario thought dully, with good reason, for each battle provided a more challenging opponent.
He scanned trees, but saw no sign of his next battle. He cautiously knelt down next to the river, pouring the ice-cold water onto his shoulder, shuttering at the harsh, yet pleasant, feeling the coldness brought.
He continued washing the wound, but slipped into his aura sight. Lucario stiffened a flinch of surprise as he realized his next opponent had been hiding right above him the whole time. Lucario continued his actions, pretending he hadn't noticed, waiting for the other Pokemon to strike first.
His opponent quietly began to prepare an attack, and Lucario bolted leapt to his feet, firing two Aura Spheres just as the Water Shurikens showered down from the tree above him. The two attacks intercepted each other, allowing Lucario to dart out of the way as another round came at him.
Lucario prepared two more Aura Spheres as a half-dozen Greninjas leapt down, quickly surrounding him. Lucario snarled as they formed another volley of Water Shurikens. Only one of them is real, calm down.
Lucario closed his eyes, focusing his aura once more. Each copy of the Greninja's Double Team carried a little bit of its aura, but the real one would be clear. The Water Shuriken began to slam into him, but Lucario braced himself, and fired a Aura Sphere at the real Greninja.
The force of the Aura Sphere knocked the Greninja into a tree, and the Double Team's copies faded away.
'Nice,' The Greninja said, 'But not good enough.'
Greninja closed his eyes, turning into a purple energy and melting into the tree's shadow. Lucario whipped around, two Dark Pulses swirling around his paws as he attempting to locate the Greninja.
Greninja leapt out of his Shadow Sneak, appearing behind Lucario, knocking him to the ground with a Power Up Punch. Lucario rolled onto his back, firing the Dark Pulses. Greninja took them with a smirk, 'I'm not a ghost-type anymore, you need to be quicker.'
Lucario sprang to his feet, leaping at Greninja with Extreme Speed. Greninja simply slipped into Shadow Sneak, and Lucario passed harmless through him.
Lucario gritted his teeth, Stupid Protean! Lucario thought. Greninja's ability, Protean, allowed him to change type depending on the moves he used. It was quite difficult to work around, and combined with his unbeatable speed, Greninja had earned the place as Ash's third strongest Pokemon. But that will change if I beat Greninja!
Lucario formed a glowing Bone Rush in his paws, and struck out at Greninja. He smirked again as he dodged, shooting several Water Shuriken at him, then diving into the water.
Nice try, but your advantage will now be your disadvantage! Lucario thought triumphantly, his paws sparking with electricity as he curled them into fists. Lucario plunged the Thunder Punch into the surface of the river.
The electric current was discharged into the water, zapping Greninja and several Luvdiscs as they swam under the water. Greninja quickly surfaced, only to be hit with an Aura Sphere.
Greninja sprang out of the water with Acrobatics, striking Lucario several times. Lucario stumbled back, and Greninja used the moment to slice Lucario on his already bleeding shoulder with Night Slash, widening the cut to a gash.
Lucario let out a howl, gripping his arm in pain. Greninja swung his leg, the Low Kick sweeping Lucario off his feet, then he hit him with another Night Slash on the back of the head. Lucario let out a small whimper.
'Wow, that's all you got? Then again you were always the weakness of us six. Ash probably only keeps you around for type coverage, but I'm sure Heracross could do better, or even that stupid Infernape,' Greninja taunted.
Lucario struggled to his feet, he was running low on energy.
'Cute,' Greninja said, 'But this battle ends here.'
Lucario stumbled forward, and Greninja took a step back, unconcerned. All or nothing. Lucario rushed forward with Extreme Speed, and using his last bit of energy to strike him with Drain Punch.
Greninja let out a startled yelp, and the Drain Punch began to absorb Greninja's strength, and replenishing Lucario's. Greninja fell to his knee, and Lucario used his newfound energy to attack Greninja with a Close Combat.
Lucario panted, clamping his injured arm as pain flared up it again. Greninja collapsed to the ground, breathing heavily. Lucario stared at the Greninja. I... I did it. I beat him!
Lucario grinned, Serperior, Garchomp, and Greninja, right in a row! That meant that he took out the third of Ash's strongest! It had been a while since he'd been able to consider himself this powerful.
'I refuse... to lose... to you!' Greninja growled, trying to stand, 'You're nothing but a scoundrel that barged into Ash's life when he was struggling!'
Lucario turned, running off, looking for his next challenge. A tear stung his eye, was he really that bothersome to Ash? He knew that Charizard thought so, but Lucario never knew the other Pokemon thought that way about him too.
He remembered the first time he had met Ash, six years ago in Sinnoh. He was a Riolu then, and had just escaped the scientists that had captured him, only to find that his 'rescuers' were also after him. He then found himself running for his freedom, with seemingly every human trying to capture him.
Then Ash showed up.
Ash had stubbornly attempted to help him, even when he attacked him. Eventually he had began to trust Ash, but in a way he shouldn't have.
He began to bond with Ash through aura.
He had been a special Riolu, having the ability to use Aura Sphere, and was next in line in being the protector of the Lucario Kingdom, he couldn't risk his aura becoming attached to an outsider. But Ash had done everything to protect him from Hunter J and the others after him, even risking his life.
Ash's aura and his aura had matched up perfectly, Ash could sense his feelings and wishes. Riolu loved this rare connection he felt, but soon the time came when he had to return home. Despite his desire to go home, everything screamed for him to follow Ash.
He didn't.
His training continued after he returned to his home and his trainer, and he learned how to use his aura and how to protect the land. Riolu just never felt at home, he felt like part of him was missing. Things only went downhill when his trainer died a few years later.
Lucario had felt completely lost during this time, the two people he had ever cared about were gone: His trainer dead and Ash was who-knew-where. Then it came the time to evolve, so he could take up his place as the Guardian of the Lucario Kingdom.
One whole year went by, but nothing could force Lucario into evolution. He could only evolve by happiness, but nothing brought him joy. His parents threatened his with handing the kingdom to his younger brother, but he didn't care. He only wanted Ash.
He was called foolish and selfish, stubborn and weak. He felt betrayed, they cared more about honor than about him. He wanted to run away, but he had no where to go.
Until he sensed Ash's aura.
At first he thought he had been imagining it, but he wasn't. Ash had returned to the Sinnoh region, and Riolu was determined to find him. Riolu left his kingdom and family behind in an attempt to find Ash, but it was strange, for Ash seemed to not be traveling, but hiding.
Riolu eventually found Ash, hidden away in a cave deep in the mountains, but his eager greeting was cut short by a Charizard, one who wasn't just ready to attack, but to kill him. Only Ash's order kept the Charizard from tearing him apart, and Riolu found his wish coming true: joining Ash's team.
Lucario panted, pausing from his quick jog, yes, joining Ash's team had brought peace to the emptiness he felt, and he was also able to evolve, but... Ash was different. The fearless ten year old was gone, replaced with an empty, broken shell. Driven by hatred and sorrow, Ash and spent the last few years training to the limits.
Lucario felt honored to be in Ash's strongest team, even if he was considered the weakest of the six, but his training was different. He wasn't trained just to battle, but to fight. To maim.
And if necessary, to kill.
Lucario looked down at his wounded shoulder. Battles that caused actual scars and bloodshed were nearly unheard of, because they drew from a different energy source, a dangerous one. Ash trained them to draw from this source, but it resulted in many wounds, some which never completely healed.
I'm not the weakness of the six! Lucario told himself, I defeated Serperior, Garchomp, and Greninja without a break, and they were considered stronger than me! Serperior now is at the bottom.
'Hello Lucario,' A friendly voice called, 'I didn't expect you to make it this far.'
Lucario looked up in time to see a Pidgeot land in front of him, and Lucario took up a defensive position.
Pidgeot smiled, and waved a wing in dismissal, 'Honestly, you are very tired, rest before we begin our battle.'
Lucario uncertainly lowered his arms, glancing at Pidgeot in confusion. Perhaps this was some kind of trick, to lower his guard. But she was the second strongest of all of Ash's Pokemon, so why would she need to do that?
Pidgeot gestured for him to follow her, and Lucario walked slowly behind her. Like most of Ash's Pokemon, she was scared. But unlike the others, she wore hers with elegance. Lucario wasn't going to lie, she was a very beautiful Pokemon. Her scars seemed natural on her, while on others they seemed to be crud marks.
'It seems a bit unfair for you to battle all of us without a break, don't you agree?' Pidgeot asked.
Lucario nodded awkwardly, and she smiled at him, 'Help yourself.'
Lucario looked down to see several Sitrus berries, he picked one up, and looked at Pidgeot once more. She was eating her own berry, and Lucario took a small bite of his. Lucario smiled, enjoying the sour-sweet flavor.
'I'm honestly quite surprised to see you here, you've always had a hard time with Garchomp, he's a ground-type after all, but I'm excited to battle you. When we battle, I have one requirement though.'
Lucario looked at her.
'This will be a battle. A real one, not a fight to see who can cause the most injuries. I'm honestly quite sick of all that,' Pidgeot said in a disgusted tone.
Lucario perked up a bit, so he wasn't the only one!
'How's your arm feeling?' Pidgeot asked, and Lucario glanced down at it. It was beginning to scab and the blood had stopped flowing, 'The Sitrus berry is probably helping, they are used in medicines.'
Lucario stretched his arm, a bit sore, but not as bad as before. Lucario finished up his Sitrus berry and stood up.
Pidgeot opened her wings, 'Ready for battle?' Lucario nodded.
Pidgeot threw herself into the air, and Lucario fired an Aura Sphere. She knocked it back with Steel Wing, and Lucario threw himself out of the way. She dove towards him with Quick Attack, and he prepared Thunder Punch.
She pulled out of the dive at the last second, causing Lucario stumble as he missed the Thunder Punch. Her wings began to glow, and she released a Heat Wave from behind him. Lucario whimpered as the fiery wind washed over him.
Lucario jumped as Pidgeot flew by, slamming into her side with High Jump Kick. The force knocked her to the ground, and he followed up with Thunder Punch. Pidgeot shuttered as the electrical current was forced into her, but she flew back into the air as Lucario pulled away.
Pidgeot studied him as he took up a defensive position, ready to fight back. Pidgeot paused, thinking, then she nodded to herself, and dove at him with Steel Wing.
Lucario frowned as she came at him with Steel Wing, and formed a Bone Rush in his paws. He had been expecting another Heat Wave, it could be fired from a far, and he was weak to it, Steel Wing would do nothing to him.
He blocked the attack with Bone Rush, and then kicked Pidgeot in the side with Blaze Kick. Pidgeot retaliated with Wing Attack. Lucario jumped back, his frown deepening, Why such a weak attack?
He quickly landed another Thunder Punch and two more Blaze Kicks, while she only got one more Steel Wing on him. Something was wrong, he had seen her battle before, she was faster than that. She had stronger attacks, what was she doing?
Is she trying to lose?
Pidgeot had a lively gleam in her eyes as she weakly dodged another attack, and Lucario gave her a hard look. She shrugged, jumping into the air and coming down with a Fly attack. Lucario grunted as he was slammed into the ground, and he closed his fist, readying Thunder Punch.
Pidgeot was flung off him, and spun around and came at him with Quick Attack. Lucario ducked and jabbed up as she sped by, knocking her off course. She tumbled through the grass, landing a short distance away from Lucario. His fist began to spark with Thunder Punch, but he hesitated to deliver the final blow.
Why is she letting me win?
Pidgeot didn't move, she just layed there in the dirt, waiting. After a moment Lucario charged forward, hitting her with Thunder Punch, sending her back even farther. Lucario stood there, panting, then ran over to her, gently touching her shoulder.
Pidgeot sat up, ruffling up her feathers, 'Good battle,' She said, though she clearly had the strength to continue.
Lucario growled and crossed his arms. He was not going to be handed victory, he was going to battle to the end, whether he won or loss.
'Look, I don't want to battle, and I'm sure you want a chance to fight Charizard, considering your history with him. So get out of here and go and battle him, what is the point of coming this far if you are just going to stop here?' Pidgeot smiled, 'I don't care about being the strongest, so go and fight Charizard.'
Lucario rocked back and forth on his feet, then nodded. He turned and jogged deeper into the woods, searching for his final battle.
/*/*/*/*/
Charizard was laying in the middle of a field, his favorite training place. It had once been a calm and peaceful clearing when Ash had first settled in the near by forest. Now the field was a charred wasteland, the grass burnt with the numerous fire attacks and the local Pokemon now scattered.
Lucario cautiously stepped into the field. During his last few battles his opponent would usually hide, hoping to get an advantage with a surprise attack. Charizard didn't need that advantage though. He would just lounge in his field, waiting for the battle to come to him. Often times Charizard would never even get to battle, one of Ash's other Pokemon defeating the challenger before they reached Charizard.
Lucario looked at Charizard, it was one of his many times being a challenger, as they battled one another for a place on Ash's team, but this was Lucario's first time facing Charizard in it. Lucario had always had a hard time getting past Garchomp, and he had never been able to beat Pidgeot. Until today.
I didn't beat her, she let me win! Where's the honor in that?
Lucario looked at Charizard, the lizard hadn't moved since he'd entered the field. Lucario approached Charizard, only to find that the Pokemon was fast asleep.
Oh, so he thought I wouldn't make it to him? Lucario thought bitterly, and he gulped, and went to Charizard's side, tapping the lizard.
Charizard opened an eye, the cold blue gaze causing Lucario to shiver. Charizard rose to his feet, towering over the Aura Pokemon, 'What do you want, pup?' Charizard snarled at Lucario.
Lucario took up a battle position, and Charizard laughed, 'Still too scared to talk, huh? That's funny and all, but don't tell me that you're here for a battle? How did you manage to get past Garchomp, pup?'
A light formed around Lucario's paws, radiating a freezing energy. Charizard studied it, smirking, 'Ice Punch? Can't even beat an opponent without a super effective attack? Look's like this battle will be a quick one. Unless you decide to back out.'
Lucario shook his head vigorously, growling.
'Fine then, let's dance.'
Charizard leapt into the air, and Lucario thought over Charizard's words 'Can't even beat an opponent without a super effective attack?' Lucario shrugged it off.
I can't let him get to me! He's only trying to get me mad!
Lucario formed two water spheres, and launched them at Charizard, who dodged, 'An Articuno couldn't beat me with Water Pulse! I don't think you'll have any luck with the same attack!'
Lucario shook with rage, and fired two Dark Pulses. Charizard flew above them, and then dove at Lucario, seizing him with Dragon Claw. Charizard rose back into the air, then flung Lucario down to the earth with Seismic Toss.
The air was forced out of Lucario's lungs as he hit the ground, and his arm snapped underneath him. Lucario let out a howl of agony, gripping his arm. Charizard looked down at him, forming a huge fireball in his mouth.
Charizard fired the attack straight down, right at Lucario. The Blast Burn expanded into a sea of flames as it slammed into Lucario. Lucario gritted his teeth as the fire washed over him, and he braced himself. He faintly glowed as he used Endure, waiting for the Blast Burn to fade away.
Charizard landed, folding his wings as the Blast Burn sizzled away, leaving glowing embers in the field, smoke rising as they smothered out. Lucario managed to push himself to his feet, shaking. He was covered in burns, and he was holding his broken arm, wincing as he stood.
'I must say, impressive pup. Shame you're just a piece of luggage though, then maybe you'd be more useful,' Charizard opened his mouth again, releasing a powerful Fire Blast right at Lucario.
Lucario closed his eyes, and the fiery wave rushed over him, forcing him down to a knee. The tears lining his eyes evaporated, leaving a trail of salt. Lucario collapsed to the ground as the attack ended. He just couldn't go on.
'Giving up so soon?' Charizard taunted, and then came at him with Dragon Claw. Lucario yelped as the attack sent him flying. Lucario looked up at Charizard as he approached, 'Do you yield?' Charizard asked, and Lucario nodded, and Charizard smirked, 'Sorry, but I didn't hear that.'
Lucario's eyes widened as Charizard sprang forward, a whirlwind of air forming around one of the spikes on his wings. The Air Slash sliced through the air, hitting Lucario across the chest. Green energy formed around Charizard's claws, and the Dragon Claw was raised above his head.
Lucario raised his good paw in hopes of blocking the attack.
"Charizard, enough," A voice said, and Charizard paused mid swing, looking up. Lucario lowered his arm, looking for the source of the voice.
Ash stood on the edge of the clearing, leaning against a tree, watching the battle. Charizard looked down at Lucario, then back at Ash.
"Lucario forfeited the battle," Ash continued, "Maybe not how you like to win, but that ends the battle. Stand down."
Charizard snorted, and backed away from Lucario, 'You may have gotten off easy today pup, but I'll get revenge on you one day.'
Master. Lucario thought happily.
Yes Lucario? Ash's voice entered Lucario's thoughts.
I'm... I'm sorry for forfeited the match. I'll do better next time. Lucario promised.
Charizard is a fearsome opponent, Ash replied, I didn't expect to you beat him.
Ash's tone wasn't disappointed or insulting, it was just a fact. And it was true, no one had ever, or came close, to defeating Charizard. Of course their only training battles were against each other or against wild Pokemon, so Charizard had never gotten a chance to battle with his new strength in any leagues, but Lucario knew that he'd be very hard to defeat.
"Charizard, go gather the others," Ash said, and Charizard leapt into the air, speeding off, "Lucario, come here."
Lucario limped over to Ash, shaking slightly. It had been... a long time since he'd been alone with his Master. Ash removed a super potion from his bag, and Lucario stared at it, since when did they have medicine?
Ash motioned for Lucario to sit down, then grabbed Lucario's arm, ignoring the painful whimper Lucario gave him, and sprayed the potion, "Is it broken?"
I believe so, Master.
Ash frowned, and reached into his bag again, pulling out several bandages. Lucario watched Ash as he treated the wound and wrapped it up. No words were exchanged between them as Ash put the broken arm into a sling.
"You made it to Charizard," Ash said, and Lucario flinched, did he figure out that Pidgeot just handed him victory? "I am very impressed, but may I ask, how did you defeat Garchomp?"
I learned Ice Punch.
Ash smiled, sitting next to Lucario, "Ice Punch, eh? Nice, sure Garchomp didn't see that coming," Ash leaned back, sighing.
Master, are you okay?
"Lucario, have you ever seen me okay while you've traveled with me?"
... No.
Ash reached for his hood, pulling it to it covered his face. Lucario let out a shudder as he watched Ash's aura change. So many emotions bottled up, a fiery red of anger, deep blue of sadness, the dark green of betrayal.
And somewhere, beneath it all, the small drowning yellow pulse of hope.
"Lucario, I'm going to be returning to Kanto, for the Master League," Ash said, and Lucario turned to him, "I've already signed up for it."
But- but Master! You are wanted for- you know-
"Lucario, I'm going to need you," Ash cut him off, "I- I need to do this, for... For everyone," Ash turned to Lucario, "Please... Please don't give up on me... Not now..." Ash began to shake, "Please..."
Lucario looked at his trainer in disbelief and surprise. Though the tears were not visible beneath the hood, Lucario could sense the wave of sorrow coming from Ash. It was so powerful that Lucario had to force it becoming his own.
Master. I'll never give up on you, you never gave up on me. I'll be next to you for everything. No matter what the cost.
Lucario looked up as he heard a swoosh of wings, and Pidgeot and Charizard landed in the clearing. Greninja sprang from the shadows, and Garchomp and Serperior drew near, all coolly looking at Lucario, except for Pidgeot.
Lucario's heart thumped as they glared at him, he knew that any respect they had for him before was gone, they hated him. But he knew that they too, like him, would always stand by Ash.
And I know that all of us would do anything for you, Master. We'll never give up on you. Lucario stood up and pulled off Ash's hood, earning a sharp intake of breath from Charizard.
Just you never give up on us Master.
Ash's brown eyes met Lucario's red ones, then after a moment: "I promise, I won't."
Lucario smiled slightly, and Ash reached for his belt. Lucario closed his eyes as he and the others were recalled to their Pokeballs. He could faintly hear Ash say, "Elgyem, Teleport."
I'm ready for this Master, but... are you ready as well?
Overview of Ash's main team:
Charizard: Ash's Charmander. The same Charizard in the last chapters, this should be obvious. In this chapter we learn that Charizard is cruel and merciless, and listens to no one except for Ash. He is very powerful and is Ash's main battler, able to take on full teams on his own. His ability is Blaze.
Pidgeot: The same Pidgeotto Ash caught in his Kanto journey, who he reunited with while he was on the run. She is very power, but kind and mother like. She is very loyal to Ash, even if she doesn't agree with his choices. Her ability is Keen Eye.
Greninja: Ash's Froakie from Kalos. Very fast and very powerful. He hates losing and has a thirst for battling. His ability is Protean.
Garchomp: Ash's Gible. (So many reviews telling me to use him... :D ) More laid back since he evolved, but is a huge powerhouse like he was as a Gible, but now even more so because of evolution. His ability is Sand Veil.
Serperior: Ash's Snivy/Servine. While she usually is at or near the bottom of Ash's main team in terms of power, she is very sly and tricky, usually winning battles by tactics rather than pure power. A bullet hole in her tail leaf reminds her how Ash saved her, and she always will stay by his side. Her ability is Overgrow.
Lucario: (You guys wanted a Lucario, so I give you a Lucario! Actually Ash would've had a Lucario no matter what... I love Lucario.) This Lucario is the same Aura Sphere Riolu that Ash met in Sinnoh. Lucario hasn't spoken since he's joined Ash's team, since most of Ash's other Pokemon hate him. He's pretty timid most of the time, and has a huge rivalry with Charizard. Lucario is viewed as one of Ash's weaker Pokemon, but that is simply because he rarely uses his full power. He cares deeply for Ash, and only wishes for his master's safety. His ability is Steadfast.
Thank you SO much for all of the awesome reviews from the last few chapters! So many of them were so encouraging, I'm glad you guys love this story! Thank you! :D
Please note that these six Pokemon are not Ash's only Pokemon. He has many others that he will use. So if your suggestions didn't get used for his main team, they may appear later on. Thank once more for the reviews, and next chapter we're heading to Kanto!