Disclaimer: The characters of Pokémon do not to belong me. Nor do any of the other known characters that may appear in this fic. The story is mine, and was made for entertainment purpose only.
Another Chance
Ash's right eye twitched for the 30th time as the new outfit's rough fabric made him want to itch the back of his neck. The new shirt and pants felt ridiculously uncomfortable for some unknown reason; however, Misty had bought these new clothes as a gift. He still wasn't sure what the occasion was, but she seemed ecstatic when he promised her he'd wear the new clothes from here on out. Even though the clothes itched like crazy, he couldn't find it in his heart to return the outfit. Remembering Misty's happy grin when he had thanked her was probably the biggest highlight of the morning; therefore, no amount of itchiness could stop him.
'And the outfit did look pretty awesome,' mused Ash. Smoothing out his white silk shirt, Ash and his companions walked towards the towering Celadon City gym.
"Let's do this," grinned Ash, as he twisted his new, dark blue colored cap sideways.
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Erika had just finished informing a group of clients on her newest perfume product. She had chosen to have her meeting in her own special garden, rather than her stuffy official office. The beautiful scenery and wonderful scents that followed each individual flower seemed to invigorate her senses. So it was not coincidental that she chose to make her special oasis into the official arena for her gym battles. The terrain was not only beautiful, but also perfect for her fighting style.
That was when Ash Ketchum came.
He wore a dressy white shirt, had a pair of tight black jeans, and was wearing a navy colored hat. She had observed the trainer with a bored glance before she casually walked towards one of her plants. She rewarded herself a tiny smile as she had counted only two pokeballs on the boy's hip straps. 'A newcomer,' was her simple observation.
With her back towards the trainer, she waited for the inevitable. She had heard gossip about strange training in Celadon's National Park. However, the rumor that had risen yesterday had captured her interests. It seemed very possible that it was of the same person. She had been subconsciously expecting a pro, but breaking in a skilled rookie would still be fun nevertheless.
"The name's Ash Ketchum ma'm," announced the trainer, "And I challenge you for your Rainbow Badge."
Turning around dramatically, as her dark blue hair swerved smoothly to the side, Erika aimed to give her most charming smile.
"Cute. That is quite an adorable Squirtle you got there. Is she your good luck charm? Since she's obviously too tiny to be off any use."
Ash just gave a happy-go-lucky grin. "That's the Pokémon that's going to beat you Erika."
Her voice took on an overly sugary tone as she gave him a bright smile "I see your well acquainted with finding gym leaders," Erika's eye barely narrows as she spots a particular orange haired girl holding Ash's hand, "I heard a little rumor of your recent victory."
"Ah! I suppose Squirtle had defeated my last challenger. You must be strong to have beaten his Hitmonlee so quickly." Erika put on a warm grin to that statement. "It had taken me an entire 3 minutes. His skills had almost put me to sleep."
Erika seemed to a bit annoyed as her newest opponent became engrossed with a conversation with the orange haired girl beside him.
"How many badges have you acquired?" interrupted Erika.
Ash gave Erika a light grin as he firmly held Misty's hand. "You will be my first one."
"Stupid...but gutsy," muttered Erika as she bobbed her head, "You're too overconfident. I guess I have to teach you some manners." Brushing off a loose strand of hair to the side, Erika gave a small bow. "I accept your challenge."
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There was a group of Erika's fans that had quickly crowded up the nearby bleachers while Misty stood apprehensive in sidelines. Some of the seats were also taken by awaiting challengers for Erika's badge and Celadon patrons who would enjoy themselves to the exciting battles. Some of the senior veteran trainers uninterestedly glanced at the match, as they were engrossed in their own conversations.
"So, how long you do you think it will take Erika to wipe out that little punk?" an old man asked his companion.
"I don't care," grumbled an equally old man. "There are never any good Pokémon battles in this young generation."
"You think he will be better than that annoying trainer that fought Erika with a Hitmonlee?" questioned the first speaker in a bored voice.
"Nahhh," snorted the old man. "Erika clobbered that punk and she'll slaughter this one as well."
Both men were slapped by a towering orange haired girl.
"Don't you old cranks have anything better to do?!" Misty snapped hotly.
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"Let us end this with twirl," sung the Grass Gym Leader as she spun around in a full turn. "Gloom," winked Erika, "Let's show this rookie our full strength."
"Gloo-Gloom," agreed the Grass Pokémon.
Ash gritted his teeth as Erika sent out her strongest Pokémon from the very beginning. The worst case scenario.
Hiding the doubt that had begun to rise, Ash noticed the alarmed look that had graced his Squirtle's features.
'Keep it together, Ketchum,' mentally ranted the time traveler. 'We've planned for all possible scenarios...calm yourself...'
Squirtle was awaiting his next decision, and he knew it was time to implement Plan B. Pushing away any outward hesitance or signs of nervousness. Ash Ketchem gave his largest overconfident grin and spread his arms wide.
"Then I choose my perfect Pokémon. My fantastic Squirtle, also known as Misty II," laughed Ash. Squirtle gave a mock pose from her position on his shoulder; she understood what approach her trainer had chosen.
Ash Ketchum could feel his heart pounding. He knew Plan B had a 51% of success, but this was unfortunately the easiest way to succeed. He had estimated his Squirtle's ability to barely be an even match for Gloom. Gloom, unfortunately, outranked his Squirtle in prowess and experience.
Bombarding the grass Pokémon with ice attacks would have been the most efficient strategy. However, Squirtle was still in her infancy stage. He had trained her enough to barely succeed in doing one special move a day. After that...she would faint from exhaustion.
Ash gave a light shrug, as he nodded at his tiny Squirtle.
"You know what to do," said the time traveler.
Squirtle gave a large nod as she hopped down and walked to the center of the arena.
"As Celadon City Gym Rules dictates," yells a referee, "This is a 3 vs. 3 Pokémon battle. Both contestants will only be allowed to use a maximum of 3 Pokémon. Winner of the match will be the opponent that makes the opposing trainer unable to continue the match."
Seeing both competitors give a nod the referee gave the signal.
"BEGIN!"
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Ash could feel his heart beat rise as Squirtle would swerve and dodge multiple attacks of Gloom's Acid attack.
"Well trained Squirtle," chuckled Erika, "Let's see how well she can dodge this next strike."
"Crud," growled Ash, he could see that Erika was serious.
"SOLAR BEAM!" yelled the pretty gym leader. Erika gave a tiny smile as the beam was shot towards the water Pokémon. But a small frown creased her face as the Squirtle had done a backflip? "What the-?"
Ash gave a confident grin as Squirtle barely dodged the Gloom's blast. "Fantastic job, Squirtle!" boomed his voice, "Now show this Gloom your true strength."
Before Erika could blink, Squirtle charged towards the dazed grass Pokémon. Gloom could only scream in pain as a fist smashed into her face. "GLOOOOOOOM!!"
"Strong Squirtle too," observed the Gym Leader with a prominent frown on her face.
"Keep on punching, Squirtle!" reaffirmed her trainer. "Finish it with a Mega Punch!"
Recovering slightly, Gloom managed to dodge the lunging Squirtle. Everyone except Ash and his Squirtle gaped when that wayward punch accidentally struck the floor, leaving a large crater into the ground.
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Erika was stunned from the battle she was witnessing. She could tell her audience and Pokémon were confused as well.
Hearing Gloom's screams forced Erika to snap from her trance. "Your Squirtle might be insanely strong," muttered Erika unhappily. "But we won't fall for the same trick. Gloom, head for cover!"
Giving a weak nod, Gloom sprinted into the tall grass; hiding her form from Squirtle.
Ash grimaced as he recognized Erika's strategy.
"Try fighting an opponent you can't see," chuckled Erika.
That was when Ash began to scream for Squirtle to retreat; however, it was too late when he saw his water Pokémon's body freeze up.
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Erika could feel herself giggling with delight as she saw her opponent's gaze fall to the floor as his Squirtle was caught in Gloom's trap.
"Stun Spore," came Erika's soft voice "a success."
Victory was hers. Her opponent had put a valiant effort, and a decent fight. However, some new trainers must be taught the difference of strengths between a Gym Leader and a beginner.
"You fought well, rookie," grinned Erika, "but not good enough." Her smile seemed to dip as she saw no reaction emanating from her opponent.
"Oh well," came her chiming voice, "Gloom, it's time to use...Giga Drain. And please...do it with style."
Giving her wise trainer a small nod, the drooling grass type understood what her trainer wanted her to do. Her trainer wanted the Squirtle's energy stolen the simplest way: direct contact.
So it was time for her finishing move. A Head Butt that not only injured an opponent, but also allowed her to regain energy. Gloom dashed forward with glee at the immobile Squirtle. A paralyzed enemy was always the easiest opponent.
Erika sighed in anticipation as her strongest Pokémon was inches from destroying her Pokémon's opposition. She wished the boy's face was visible. Just seeing the boy's expression would have made her victory more tasteful. So when her opponent's tilted head rose and faced her directly she wondered if her eyesight was failing her.
Her opponent, Ash Ketchum, was smiling.
"GLOOOO-GLOOOOM!!!!!" came a shriek.
Erika's attention immediately returned onto her Gloom; Erika's jaw dropped as the impossible had occurred.
She felt numb as she watched her Gloom's entire body was covered in flames.
"You've finally done it Squirtle," came a gentle laugh, "The first water Pokémon to ever use flame thrower..."
"WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING!!!" came Erika's shrieks.
Erika noticeably flinched, as she saw that the large jet of fire was still erupting from the tiny Squirtle's mouth.
"Plan B," grinned the future's Pokémon master, "Start things off...with a bang."
She was witnessing something that destroyed common sense. How the hell did a water Pokémon use a fire skill? How did everything turn so badly? Wasn't she winning?!
Erika could only watch with horrified fascination as her opponent called back the rare breed of Squirtle to his side. That had to be the only logical reason. The trainer must have stumbled onto a rare Pokémon that could do water and fire attacks.
Taking out her pokeball she called back her now charred Gloom.
"I'm sorry, my friend," whispered the gym leader to the pokeball. She could feel her confidence beginning to drop as she begun to fumble with her second pokeball.
"NOW, IT IS TIME!" yelled an enthusiastic Ash Ketchum, "It is time for you to face an even STRONGER Pokémon!" Giving a cheerful grin Ash threw one of his the special pokeballs into the arena.
Everyone's eyes were glued to the Pokémon released from the metallic aqua ball. Something stronger than a fire-breathing Squirtle. Absurd.
"Magi. Magikarp," came a dull voice with a heavy flopping noise.
Erika's anxiousness vanished as she saw the useless Pokémon wiggling on the ground. Hatred and rage filled the young lady. How dare this rookie look down upon her?! How dare he!?!
Sending out her Tangela, Erika began thinking of a plan.
"Tangela. Vine whip that Magi-"
"End it," whispered the boy.
Erika had to step backward as a large beam erupted from the Magikarp's mouth, enveloping her Tangela within seconds. That was when Tangela exploded in pain. The beam shot right pass Erika's face as it blew a giant hole in the wall.
Her face begun to pale as she saw the boy's Pokémon perform another miracle.
"Hy..per...Bea..m.." came her terrified voice.
Erika could only look in fear as her Tangela's body was laying motionless near the broken wall.
"Tan..gel..a.." came a painful cry.
Erika's hand shook as she looked at her last available Pokémon. A Bellsprout. She had underestimated him horribly. 'This is impossible,' was the thought that kept replaying in her mind.
Her eyes studied the confident trainer in front of her. She was losing control...she couldn't win. Her breathing became shallower as she thought of the pleading expression on her Gloom's face, as the grass Pokémon was crushed handily.
Ash could only give his newest and exhausted Pokémon a warm smile. Magikarp had done his part; however, everything came down to what happened next.
"Magikarp, take a deserved rest," he said lightly with a smile.
Giving a sigh of relief, Ash held the blue orb in his hand and returned him to his pokeball.
His eyes traced the now confused Gym Leader. The winner depended on one thing.
Grabbing the gold plated pokeball in his strap Ash braced himself for the clincher. "How about something even stronger?" smiled Ash Ketchem
Erika could feel the cold sweat dripping from her neck as her eyes fixated on the gold pokeball.
"Now, for the best one yet!" came his confident voice, "I choose-"
Something even stronger? Was she cruel enough to let her last Pokémon feel a similar fate?! Demolished...destroyed...hopeless... Erika couldn't take it. For the first time in her life, she had loss complete control of her actions.
"STOP THE MATCH!" her voice betrayed her by revealing her inner turmoil. It took several seconds for Erika to realize what she had done. Ash froze in mid throw as he watched Erika fall onto her knees.
"I forfeit," came out between light sobs. "Just take the badge and go."
Ash quietly placed the pokeball back on his belt as he walked towards the Gym Leader. Lifting the badge she had placed in front of her, Ash carefully put the pin into his pocket.
"It was an honor battling you," Ash said humbly as he took a small bow. After giving her that show of respect, he slowly walked away.
Several minutes had passed before Erika gracefully stood from her knees and begun to stand. Her assistants had taken the Tangela to emergency care, and the earlier crowd had been forced to lea-
Erika's eyes widened as she felt something in her pocket. Reaching inside...her mouth fell slightly as she recognized the gold plated pokeball. Her initial thought was to return the ball; however, curiosity forced her to open the container.
It was empty.
Several moments had passed till she understood what had happened. He never had a third Pokémon. Ash Ketchum had bluffed his way to his first badge!
A/N:
And Ash FINALLY gets his first badge. WOOT! I had way too much fun writing this battle. But anyways… I have an announcement. "THANK YOU!!!!!!" :D "WOOT WE PASSED 100 reviews." ^^
Thank you all for your support, and I honestly have to say that one of the reviews was indirectly the inspiration for Magikarp's entrance. Lol. *gives everyone Magikarp plushies*
I also want to say thank you to my beta-reader Tellemicus Sundance. A delightfully well done job by Sundance. ^^ He is an excellent writer, and please do not hesitate to check out his fanfics.
As I always say, and will always believe. One word reviews are fine, but having feedback helps immensely. Your comment might be that deciding factor on how my next chappy will end up. Reviews are definitely amazing sources for inspiration.
