A/N:
Disclaimer: I unfortunately don't own Pokémon.
Ash's new dress (Remove spaces):
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(Yes, Kirito's dress from Sword Art Online)
Ash's Pokédex (Remove the spaces):
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I am not abandoning my stories.
Review my stories and ask your questions or give me suggestions on how to improve it or point out my mistakes so I can correct them.
# Shinedown18 – Thank you and I agree with you. I also like a smart and strong Ash story where Ash does not catch limited pokémon and Ash/May pairing is my favorite. Yes all of that in my story and yes he'll win the leagues but sorry about the legendaries part. Legendary pokémon in my story are not meant to be capture whether by Ash or someone else. So no he'll not catch legendaries.
#trninjakiller – At one point I really wanted to make it Ash/May pairing. I even put up a poll because I was so confused but finally my decision was made and you have to agree that many Ash/Harem story are just not up to the level. I'm seriously trying to make it as realistic as possible but still in the limit of fantasy fiction.
#cucu2000 – Not sure about Clair but Sabrina will probably meet him at the gym only. Ash will be meeting May very soon (*wink*). As for how, just wait and read.
#HellsMaji – I'll keep that in mind and thank you for pointing it out to me.
#Night Hunter533 – I'm glad you liked my way of eliminating Misty. Even I don't know why they kept Misty for so long but other doesn't agree with me. Eh…about the starter thing just wait and read.
Age:
Ash – 12
Brock – 16
AJ – 14
Joe – 10
Giselle – 12
"Review" – Pokédex Speaking
"Review" – Conversation
'Review' – Thoughts
'Review' – Flashback
Previously:
"Hey Ash, the reason you gave Misty was not completely true was it?" asked Brock.
"Nope," Ash replied.
"Why?" asked Brock.
"Because I don't want to give my training methods away and she is annoying," replied Ash a bit too cheerily.
Brock sweatdropped but sighed because Ash was right. They now left from Cerulean City towards Ash's next gym battle – in Vermilion City. Now with a total of two badges, he only needs six more to compete in the Pokémon League. What more adventures will they face? What more Pokémons will they meet? To know more log on to the website… um sorry, to know more keep reading.
Chapter 8 – The School of Hard Knocks
Last time our heroes had their adventure in Cerulean City. Ash won his second badge in Cerulean City defeating the Gym Leader Misty and her replacement Landon in a pokémon battle. After getting away from the drama that followed, he was now on the way to Vermilion City with Brock.
Because of a wrong turn courtesy of Brock they were kind of lost. The part of forest they were in was quite foggy. And quite frankly they were getting tired of the aimless wandering. So, Brock had a wonderful idea of taking a break seeing a clearing which was less foggy.
"I think we all need a little break. Why don't I just throw a little something together? Haa there is nothing as satisfying as one hundred percent Cerulean coffee," said Brock somehow throwing a variety of items from his backpack on a table behind him that came from… I don't know where. Ash watched the whole thing with a sweat-drop.
"You are too young for this stuff but it's quite really good. How about some prune juice?" asked Brock.
"I think I'll pass," replied Ash.
"OK how about some herbal tea?" questioned Brock.
"You must be kidding," said Ash with a straight face.
"Not so fast Ash, I brought my official Pokémon tea set. Now of course the key to good tea and coffee is good water. And I just have a generous supply of sparkling delicious Mt. Moon pure spring water," said Brock with a water bottle in hand. Ash just watched him with his mouth open.
"And for the special snack I've for you some French Crepes," said Brock in a weird French accent.
Ash just gave a big sigh. Brock was really too much sometimes.
"By the way, I can't cook Crepes and can't boil water, if I don't have a fire. So, you have to go into the forest and carry back some firewood," said Brock looking at Ash as if daring him to disagree.
"Okay okay I'll go," replied Ash somewhat glad to get away from this madness.
Ash was wondering the forest looking for some firewood. So far he didn't have luck finding any. While looking for firewood he lost himself to the road of memories. More specifically he was thinking of AJ and how they met.
(Flashback – some days ago)
Flashback Chapter - The Path to Pokémon League
It all started when Ash was having a Pokémon battle with a trainer wearing shorts. Ash's Geodude vs the trainers' Rattata and the outcome was obviously in the favor of Geodude. It was Ash's fifteenth win today. But these trainers were too easy for him and none of them provided any challenge to him or his pokémon. There was just one good thing that came out of these battles was that Ash was able to figure both Geodude's and Machop's battle prowess in battles.
"Good work Geodude," said Ash as he recalled Geodude in a beam of red light.
"Wow, you are a good trainer. You are even better than that boy with Pikachu. He barely defeated me but you wiped the floor with me. I think you should try AJ's gym. Nobody's been able to defeat him but I think you can. It is just along this road," said the boy shaking hands with Ash who thanked him in return and advised him to train more.
'AJ huh! I've never heard of AJ's gym so it must be unofficial gym. Wonder if he's strong' thought Ash as they marched along the road leading to AJ's gym. They shortly arrived at the gym. There was large board above the entrance. It read:
AJ's GYM W L
UNDEFEATED 98 00
Note: GYM NOT SANCTIONED BY POKÉMON LEAGUE
They went inside the gym to see a trainer trying to pull Pikachu from its tail probably to make him battle which Pikachu clearly didn't want to and shocked the trainer quite badly. With that the sign changed to 99 wins and that trainer which Ash concluded to be AJ started going inside shaking his head muttering about small annoyances.
"Hey that trainer is one that battled me," said Brock seeing him running away.
"Yeah, I remember him using Pikachu against your Onix," replied Ash. "Let's go I wanna battle him," continued Ash.
And with that they all entered 'the unofficial gym'. They called out to AJ and introduced themselves.
"Hey, I'm Ash and this is Brock. I've come to battle you," said Ash.
"Will you be willing to wait for some time? I need to feed my pokémon," replied AJ.
"Yeah sure, in the meanwhile can I look around your gym?" asked Ash.
"I don't mind" was AJ's reply.
When they entered in the building Ash and Brock saw all kinds of pokémon training. He saw a Butterfree and Beedrill sparing in air. He also saw a Rattata trying to keep up his balance on a big ball and a Rattata through a loop of fire. He then saw a Sandshrew diving in a pool of water. Ash thought it was kind of harsh but agreed seeing it was similar to his own resistance training. He took out his Pokédex and scanned the Pokémon surrounding him.
Butterfree resembled a vaguely anthropomorphic butterfly with a purple body. But unlike true insects, it only had two body segments and four light blue legs. Butterfree had two black antennae, a light blue snout with two fangs underneath, and large, red compound eyes. Its two pairs of veined wings were white with black accents.
"Butterfree, the Butterfly Pokémon. Butterfree is the evolved form of Metapod. It loves the honey of flowers and can even search out, extract, and carry honey from flowers that are blooming over six miles from its nest. The wings are protected by rain-repellent dust. As a result, this Pokémon can fly about even in rain."
Beedrill mostly resembled a bipedal wasp; however, it only had four legs instead of six. Beedrill's head was round with a slightly pointed mouth, large, red eyes, and antennae in the shape of the number seven. Its forelegs were tipped with long, conical stingers. Beedrill had two pairs of rounded, veined wings, and another stinger on its striped abdomen.
"Beedrill, Poison Bee Pokémon. This Pokémon is an evolved form of Weedle, following its Kakuna stage. It has three poisonous stingers on its forelegs and its tail. They are used to jab its enemy repeatedly. A Beedrill is extremely territorial. For safety reasons, no one should ever approach its nest. If angered, they will attack in a swarm."
Rattata was a small, quadruped rodent Pokémon. Its most notable feature was its large teeth. It had long whiskers and a long, slightly curled tail. Rattata had purple fur on its back, and cream fur on its stomach.
"Rattata, the Mouse Pokémon. Rattata is cautious in the extreme. Even while it is asleep, it constantly listens by moving its ears around. It is not picky about where it lives - it will make its nest anywhere. Living wherever there is food available, it ceaselessly scavenges for edibles the entire day."
Sandshrew was a quadruped Pokémon. It was mostly covered in a dry, tough hide colored that could blend in with the sands of the desert, but had a white underbelly. It had two pointed claws on each foot and three small, sharp claws on its forepaws.
"Sandshrew, the Mouse Pokémon. Sandshrew has a very dry hide that is extremely tough. Sandshrew's body is configured to absorb water without waste, enabling it to survive in an arid desert. The Pokémon can roll into a ball that repels any attack. At night, it burrows into the desert sand to sleep."
After that he joined Brock in checking out the food that AJ made for his pokémon. Soon enough break time was over and AJ ordered all to get back to training.
Meanwhile, Team Rocket who was following Ash was plotting to kidnap Sandshrew seeing his performance earlier. They came in a big red rubber ball rolling and looked for Sandshrew. Since Sandshrew was already rolled up, it was unable to sense Team Rocket's presence until it was too late. Team Rocket scooped up Sandshrew and rolled out without any problem.
But the problem came in the form of Sandshrew breaking out of the bag. He landed on Meowth's head and Meowth in panic bit Sandshrew's tail. Sandshrew the ground pokémon it is immediately used Dig to escape back to AJ.
While Sandshrew was escaping Team Rocket, AJ had realized Sandshrew's absence. They were all very worried about Sandshrew. An all out effort was conducted in finding Sandshrew by AJ, his pokémon, Ash and Brock. They were all very worried about Sandshrew. AJ was calling out Sandshrew's name again and again and just then Sandshrew came bursting out of the ground with a knocked out Meowth on its tail though no one noticed him.
Sandshrew landed in AJ's arm in happiness and AJ hugged him back. All AJ's pokémon followed Sandshrew and hug grew into a group hug. Just then Brock noticed that something else came with Sandshrew.
"Meowth!" shouted Brock in exclamation.
"It's Team Rocket again," said Ash face-palming. Hearing the 'twerps' voice Meowth jolted back to the land of living.
"Hey, where am I? What's going on here?" said Meowth looking here and there. On one side of his were Ash and Brock, the other side was covered by AJ and his pokémon. Meowth just stood there in slight fear.
'How am I going to get out of this mess?' thought Meowth. His answer came in the form of a voice.
"Prepare for trouble!"
"Make that double!"
"Meowth," said Meowth looking towards the entrance where Jessie and James were standing.
"Ohh… Team rocket," said Ash in annoyance and slight anger.
"Use the old motto," shouted Meowth.
"To protect the world from devastation!" (Jessie)
"To unite all peoples within our nation!" (James)
"To denounce the evils of truth and love!" (Jessie and James)
"To extend our reach to the stars above!" (James and Jessie)
"Jessie!" (Jessie)
"James!" (James)
"Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of light!" (Jessie)
"Surrender now, or prepare to fight!" (James)
"Meowth! That's right!" (Meowth)
"That sounds great we don't need a theme song," said Jessie crying a river.
"It's a classic," added James doing the same with a rose in hand.
"So, these are the creeps who kidnapped my Sandshrew. You – me – outside – now," said AJ.
(At the battle field)
"Team Rocket has insulted our gym, we'll answer them with our one hundredth win," said AJ whipping on the ground. Sandshrew, AJ's choice, voiced his agreement.
Long story short Jessie and James used Ekans and Koffing respectively and lost badly. Ekans couldn't bind it neither Koffing's Sludge attack did anything against Sandshrew's Rollout. Meowth was made into a kitty chasing ball. Seeing this AJ who was considering using Fissure to end the match used Dig instead and sent them flying…again.
"We did it Sandshrew, win number one hundred," said AJ raising his hand in victory.
"Today all our hard work and sacrifices have paid off. We can finally win our badges," said AJ hugging Sandshrew crying anime tears.
"Congrats AJ," said Ash & Brock shaking his hand.
(After a while)
Two trainers were standing in opposite corners of the battle arena watching each other. Who would the trainers be you ask? They would be Ash and AJ of course. AJ took the first move by sending in Sandshrew. And Ash chose Pidgeotto to battle Sandshrew. Ash would've chosen Machop but since Sandshrew was already very powerful, he chose Pidgeotto.
"Sandshrew go," commanded AJ with a whip on ground.
"Pidgeotto use Faint attack," said Ash calmly analyzing the situation.
With one more crack of whip Sandshrew formed a Rollout attack on Pidgeotto. But Ash's harsh training had made Pidgeotto aerial maneuvers to a very high level that it could easily dodge the attack if Ash said so and Ash did.
"Dodge then attack," ordered Ash.
One of the greatest advantages of Faint Attack is that you can attack and defend both at the same time. Pidgeotto hearing Ash's order dodged the attack which involved disappearing from view and reappeared above Sandshrew and attacked it sending Sandshrew to ground.
"Sandshrew use Poison Sting and keep it going," said AJ gritting his teeth. He could not believe Ash was that strong.
'Poison Sting can also afflict Poison status. Got to think of something fast Pidgeotto can't dodge forever' thought Ash seeing Pidgeotto dodging the attack as fast as she could. Suddenly something clicked in his mind.
"Pidgeotto use Gust," said Ash.
The incoming batch of Poison Sting was blown away by the powerful wind attack and it also distracted Sandshrew who had some difficulty staying on ground. It also gave Ash a window to attack.
"Pidgeotto dive at it," ordered Ash.
Seeing Pidgeotto coming at Sandshrew AJ ordered another round of Poison Sting.
"Use Steel Wing Pidgeotto to face the attack," said Ash.
Pidgeotto's wings started glowing silvery-white as if made of steel and she used her wings to pass through the Poison Sting as if passing through air and BAM! Sandshrew got hit by Steel Wing.
"But how?" asked AJ.
"Steel type pokémon fully negates any Poison type attack. So Poison Sting was basically useless compared to Steel Wing," said Ash.
"Grr…Sandshrew can you go on?"asked AJ.
When Sandshrew nodded in affirmative, AJ ordered another attack.
"Sandshrew use Swift," said AJ.
Sandshrew opened his mouth and shot a number of stars from its mouth. This time the attack was too fast for Pidgeotto to dodge and she promptly got hit. Swift was after all the attack that almost never misses. AJ seeing the success ordered another Swift.
"Swift again," said AJ.
"Pidgeotto bear with Steel Wing then use Air Cutter," ordered Ash.
Pidgeotto's wing again got silvery-white and she was promptly hit by Swift again. Ash had taken a gamble in using Steel Wing and it was successful as Pidgeotto took less damage. Pidgeotto then got into air and waved its wings in an 'X' like motion and released a light blue 'X' shaped energy from the tips of its wings at Sandshrew who got hit again tired from the battle.
"Pidgeotto wrap this up with Twister," said Ash going for finish.
Pidgeotto created a large tornado by flapping its wing and hurled it towards Sandshrew. AJ ordered Sandshrew to dodge with Dig but Sandshrew was very tired and too slow to react as the tornado hit him knocking him out as a result. When the dust cleared Sandshrew lay on the ground with swirls in its eyes and Pidgeotto flying or rather gliding in air. The winner clearly was Ash.
AJ cradled Sandshrew in his lap and praised him for giving his best. Ash did the same to Pidgeotto feeding her an oran berry before recalling her back to her pokéball.
(Outside the gym)
Ash and AJ stood outside the Gym shaking hands. Brock was standing with Ash.
"Thanks for a great battle, AJ," said Ash.
"Yeah, it was the most difficult battle of my life. And I learned a lot from this battle too," replied AJ.
"Well Ash, it's time we start our journey," said AJ gesturing towards Sandshrew.
"Why don't you come with us?" asked Brock. Ash was somewhat irked that Brock asked AJ to join him without his approval but did not say anything.
"Thanks but Sandshrew and I have our path that we must follow," replied AJ.
"Someday we'll meet at the big Pokémon League competition," said Ash.
"Okay, but next I'm gonna win for sure," replied AJ.
"That's a deal," said Ash.
"So long," said AJ, waving a goodbye then turned and started to walk away to follow his path.
Ash and Brock also started to walk towards Vermilion City following his own path.
(Flashback ends)
Ash was deep in thoughts comparing his training methods with that of AJ's.
'Training all your pokémons at one place is very beneficial as you could set permanent training equipment for training your pokémon. It makes pokémon more ready in less time, since while traveling all around only lighter training methods can be used. But even then to catch-all sorts of pokémon one has travel to different parts and pokémon gain experience more quickly this way. Umm…what to do? Settle down somewhere to train pokémon or train them while traveling,' mused Ash.
"No matter I'll continue to follow my path. Besides I think my method is more beneficial if I can collect all eight badges some time before the Pokémon League I can train all of them at one place without travelling," muttered Ash while walking still searching for some firewood. He then saw a yellow glow ahead of him.
"Hmm…looks like a fire," said Ash before taking off towards it.
The thing that looked like fire to Ash was actually light from candles. Five boys were standing surrounding another boy running on treadmill. Four boys were holding candles in their hands while the fifth boy, with spiky red hair, held a number of pokémon cards. He showed one to the boy running and seemed to be quizzing him.
"What's the name of this one?" asked the red-haired boy showing a Pidgey card to the boy.
"Is that a Spearow?" answered the boy panting slightly.
"Listen, just because it is foggy out here doesn't mean your brain has to be in fog," said the other boy with green hairs.
"It's a Pidgey," said the running boy after a moment.
"Nice guess, you just got lucky," said the redhead or Red. [A/N: I call the dibs here]
"Okay, now tell us what its special attack is?" asked the green haired guy or Green. [A/N: I call the dibs here too]
"Pidgey's attack is Gust, at level five Sand-Attack, at level twelve…" said the panting boy before he was cut off.
"Everybody knows that. Now can you tell me at which level Pidgey evolves and what's the name of Pidgey's advance stage?" asked the Red again.
"Umm…" the panting boy tried to think.
"You better come up with answers quickly or you'll have to run faster," said Green.
He tried to think of an answer all the while the other boys were glaring…umm waiting for the answer. Unfortunately, he lost his balance and fell from the treadmill.
"I'm sorry…I forgot," said the now downed boy miserably.
The other three boys released a sigh at this. It was always like this and they expected more from him.
"You forgot huh…and you call yourself a Pokémon Tech student. Well we don't want to study with the likes of you," said Red.
"I'm sorry," said the boy with downcast look.
"Hey leave that kid alone," said Ash calmly taking a dynamic entry.
"What's going on here?" asked Ash in aggravation. He just hated bullies.
"There is nothing going on here. Mind your own business. This is a private training session," said the redhead.
"There is no room in our pokémon school for losers who don't even know Pidgey's evolved stage. We've to maintain standards," said 'Green'.
"If your school is turning out students like you, I'd have to say the standards are pretty low. You better stop bullying this kid or you'll have to answer to me," said Ash glaring at them standing beside 'the kid'.
"You'll take on all of them together Ash?" asked Brock arriving on the scene.
They all tried to look tough and creepy holding candles in their hands but Ash was unfazed.
"Bring it on," said Ash with a grin.
"We don't fight," said Red.
"Fighting is for caveman. This isn't stone age you know," said Green.
"And if we wasted our time having a fight with a little insect like you, it just make Pokémon Tech look really bad," said a boy with dark violet hair.
"We'll see you back at the Tech Joe," said Green before all of them started to leave.
"Okay," said the boy now identified as Joe.
"Well it already is bad and maybe you cowards are just afraid to fight someone like me," said Ash to their retreating backs.
"The only thing we are afraid of is how badly we'll beat a punk like you…Hahaha," said Red turning back for a while and then continuing ahead to wherever they were going. Truth to be told they were a little afraid of Ash seeing him talking all of it in a bored tone.
"Who do those guys think they are?" said Ash.
"So those are the infamous tech students," replied Brock still stirring god knows what.
"Pokémon Tech short for Pokémon Technical, a school for pokémon trainers in the middle of nowhere," said Ash sarcastically.
"Here you go," said Joe handing a flier to Brock.
"Hmm…Let's see what it says about this place: 'Pokémon Technical Institute, a boarding school for serious pokémon trainer preparation. All students guaranteed to enter Pokémon League upon graduation. Pokémon Technical is the educational facility for exceptional students who wanna become Pokémon Trainers in a very short time without having to travel on difficult badge collecting journeys.' Oh so that's the story," said Brock reading the flier.
"Huh…Getting in pokémon league without badges is too easy," said Ash.
"Wait, there is more. 'Student entrance fees and tuition are in keeping with the high standards set by Pokémon Technical'," said Brock.
"Know what that means? It's one of those snobby private schools that only millionaire kids can go to. Come to think of it, Team Rocket probably studied here too. Shit!" said Ash cursing in the end.
"You just had to jinx it, Ash. They are now bound to show up sooner or later," said Brock with a sigh.
"Where is this school anyway?" asked Ash in annoyance.
"Its right over there," said Joe pointing towards it.
Just then the fog started to lift and an announcement rang out throughout the neighborhood. A big mansion also came into view that was really big and…expensive.
'Today's special class Fog battle techniques is now ended. Tomorrow's lesson will be snow competition secrets.'
"Oh well, I guess tomorrow they'll make me into a snowman again," said Joe releasing a sigh.
"Do they treat you like that all the time?" asked Ash.
"My friends are just trying to help me," replied Joe.
"You call them friends," shouted Ash incredulously.
"With friends like that who needs enemies," commented Brock still stirring.
"But they help me learn that Pidgey evolves to Pidgeotto at level eighteen, learn Whirlwind at level twenty-one, wing attack at level thirty-one and as its level rises it learns various tricks and after evolving to Pidgeot, it can fly at twelve hundred meters at speed of Mach 2," said Joe explaining.
"I don't get it, if you know everything about Pidgey why didn't you just answer them before," said Ash in confusion.
"Sometimes I them believe that I don't know all the answers because if I do they make the questions that much harder. But I have to stay here at Pokémon Tech. My mother and father worked hard and saved money so they can pay to send me to school here. You see that guy?" said Joe pointing towards a boy or was that a man.
Ash and Brock looked towards where Joe was pointing and saw a teenage boy much older than Joe wearing round glasses. He was sitting under a tree and reading a book.
"He is an upperclassman. The classes are so hard here that some students are held back for many years. Everybody is too ashamed to go home without getting a diploma. That guy; he is in the beginners class with me," said Joe still looking at him.
"You're a beginner?" said Ash.
"Beginners have the same qualification as someone with two badges. The intermediate class has qualification of four and advanced students have same as six. If you graduate you can enter the Pokémon League without travelling around to collect the badges. That guy is a beginner but he is so much older than everybody else in the class the kids don't bother to help him like they help me," continued Joe.
"What do the teachers say about that kind of help?" asked Brock.
"They don't even know about it or if they do know they pretend not to," explained Joe.
"I just have one thing to say to you and that is – BULLSHIT!" said Ash crossing his arms.
"Huh!" said Joe incredulously since no one has ever reacted this strongly towards the school.
"Well for one the qualification philosophy is bull as I can definitely beat someone from the advanced class even though I have only two badges. Second, school policies aside I think you should be ashamed of yourself. Even if their way of helping you is not correct you lying to them just because you're afraid of hard question is so wrong on many levels. I mean they are trying to help you but you just don't want to get past the easy part. You are just pathetic for taking the easy way out instead of working with them. This school is truly pathetic if guys like him aren't even offered help from teachers and students alike. I wanna meet the student in charge of this system and I'll see to it that it stops," ranted Ash in a voice that caused Joe to shiver.
"Yeah, I wanna know too," said Brock curiously and attaining Joe's attention.
"Umm…Here is a picture of her. Her name is Giselle," Joe said taking out a picture from his pocket.
"It's a girl," said Ash with a tinge of red.
"She can definitely violate my rights," said Brock in a dreamy voice.
"I hate the way she treats us but I like the way she looks," Joe could not help but comment.
"Lead the way, I would defiantly like to meet her," said Brock before moving towards the gate. Ash and Joe followed Brock with Ash shaking his head at Brock.
(With Team Rocket)
Just above them, Team Rocket was or more specifically Meowth was observing Ash and friends from a binoculars. Jessie and James were standing behind him looking slightly depressed.
"That place brings back memories James," said Jessie looking over the mansion or was it a school. Who'd have thought Ash to be right in saying Team Rocket status as student of this prestigious institute? ("Sarcasm")
"It certainly does Jessie and all of them are awful," replied James.
"Tell me your tale of failure again," said Meowth.
"We studied for the big test," started Jessie.
"So sure we'll beat all the rest," continued James.
"And here is the part I like the best," inserted Meowth sagely.
"We frolicked that night cause our future seemed bright," continued Jessie. (A/N: Frolic - To engage in merrymaking, joking, or teasing)
"But things weren't right," said James.
"We got the lowest scores in the history of the school," cried Both Jessie and James at the same time.
"You should look on the bright side," added Meowth one again sagely.
"What's the bright side?" questioned both Jessie and James.
"At least you guys were the top from the bottom," said Meowth strangely cheering them both.
They both hugged Meowth from all their might shouting kind and cute little things for him. Meowth just bore all of it with a sweat drop thinking, 'These two are more soft than I thought'.
(Inside the school)
Joe leads Ash and Brock to where Giselle usually spends time. It was filled with many identical machines with large screens that were equipped with joysticks. It looked more like a game room if you ask me. In the centre of the screen was a small place for mock battles.
"Giselle always practices here all by herself. Even if you beat her in a fight, it won't matter to her. At the Tech it's you skill as a pokémon trainer that counts more than winning any one battle," said Joe leading them inside the room.
"Is that so because I've got two badges and many wins under my belt," questioned Ash.
"But Giselle is the top beginner here at the Tech that's better than even having three badges. Even though I'm at the bottom of my class, I'm still more powerful than someone with two badges," said Joe folding his arm as if it was the most natural truth in the world.
"Now hold on a second, I am the pokémon Gym leader of Pewter City and have trained for many years. Are you telling me that you can beat me in a battle?" said Brock his eyebrows twitching.
"Oh Pewter City, rock pokémon," said Joe starting one of the machines.
"How'd you know?" questioned Brock his anger forgotten at the moment.
"I always beat them on a simulator you see," said Joe now pressing the buttons on the Joystick.
The screen shows a Geodude in the top right corner and a Weepinbell in the lower left corners. Both had a bar next to them full of Health Points or H/P. When Joe pressed some buttons and choose 'Razor Leaf', some flurry of leaves hit the onscreen Geodude and its health decreased to Zero and Geodude 'fainted'. A congratulations message also appeared on the screen.
"What is this? A simulation is one thing but this is real life. Let's battle and I'll prove you wrong," said Brock.
"You'll be sorry," said Joe getting up and moving towards the centre of room on the mock battle arena.
Meanwhile, Team Rocket was watching interestingly through the windows.
"Why do you have to battle?" asked Ash.
"Bite out Ash, I have the Pewter City's gym reputation to defend. Not that I need to defend it from this punk," said Brock.
"Go Geodude," said Brock sending out his pokémon. Truth to be told he wanted to release Onix but as much as he wanted to damage the building he couldn't.
"To bad your rock pokémon won't be able to beat my plant. Alright Weepinbell lets go," said Joe releasing a Weepinbell.
Weepinbell had a yellow, bell-shaped body with a single green leaf on either side. It had a wide, gaping mouth with pink lips. Above Weepinbell's circular eyes was a pattern of three small green spots and small hook-shaped stem. Ash scanned it in his Pokédex.
"Weepinbell, the Flycatcher Pokémon and the evolved form of Bellsprout. Armed with razor-sharp leaves, it uses toxic pollen to immobilize its enemy and melts the helpless foe with acid. Even though it is filled with acid, it does not melt because it also oozes a neutralizing fluid. Weepinbell has a large hook on its rear end. At night, the Pokémon hooks on to a tree branch and goes to sleep. If it moves around in its sleep, it may wake up to find itself on the ground."
"It's time I teach you a lesson. Go Geodude use Rollout," shouted Brock.
Geodude gained momentum by rolling and hit Weepinbell who had ample time to dodge but didn't. Weepinbell landed a few feet away completely knocked out.
"Huh…But Weepinbell is strong against rock type pokémon," lamented Joe.
"First thing you have to attack to be able win, second you have to defend an incoming attack. It's not like the simulator which is turn based. In real pokémon battle, all depends on how you attack, how you avoid the attack and how you defend and how you carry out a strategy," explained Ash in teacher mode.
"There's also one thing you didn't know. Your opponents are from the Pewter City Gym. His pokémon has much more experience battling. You should have known that. You are an embarrassment to the whole school," said a voice.
Ash and company turned around to find a beautiful looking girl with dark red hair long hairs. She was wearing the school uniform of the Pokémon Technical that is a tight white shirt and a light blue waist coat over it. She also wore a small dark blue skirt and white socks that reached up to her knees. She also wore a red ribbon around her neck. The five boys that were tormenting err…helping Joe were standing behind her.
"But Giselle," whined Joe.
"She looks more pretty in real," said Ash.
"She looks just like a movie star," said Brock his whole face red.
"I'm the top student in the beginning class of the most exclusive prep school of the world – Pokémon Tech. It's sad that others aren't blessed with my beauty, my talent, my humble attitude. People call me a star but I'm just Giselle," said Giselle giving her introduction.
"Humble attitude my foot. She acts like an arrogant cheerleader," mumbled Ash to himself losing all red from his face.
(With Team Rocket)
Jessie looked at Giselle in jealousy and mumbled something to James.
"She is awfully cute isn't she," said pervert James with his eyes wide.
"Not as cute as Meowth," Meowth added only to be punched, kicked and what not.
"You are in the way," yelled Jessie.
"Stop bothering us," yelled James before both of them delivered a devastating uppercut to Meowth that would even make a Combusken nervous. Meowth was blast of in the sky but this time all alone.
(Inside Pokémon Tech)
"I want to continue to help my classmates be the very best they can be. To teach other, respect each other (earned a snort from Ash) and ensure the pokémon have a tomorrow. But you are a weakling," said Giselle.
Joe's mouth opened because of the scolding. Ash raised his eyebrows at this. 'Isn't she contradicting herself…again' thought Ash.
"You better get stronger fast or before you know it, your fellow students will turn their backs on you for good," said Giselle crossing her arms.
Joe continued to watch in horror.
Giselle huffed and tried to walk away but someone interrupted.
"Not so fast miss," Ash said politely or rather tried to.
"Yeah, a true friend wouldn't walk away from someone who needs their help," said Brock.
'Not that it'll help anyway' thought Ash before saying, "Yeah after your great speech I kind of expected you to give him some pointers but I guess you are all the same," added Ash.
"What do you mean by that?" asked Giselle sharply.
"You know those snobbish girls with an attitude problem that think the world revolves around them. In fact you know one of them. Dark red hair, short skirts really pretty and acts like a bitch…ring a bell?" asked Ash with a smirk unknowingly beating her in her own game.
"I'll prove it you," said Giselle going towards the shelf and entered a code in the screen. The covers from the shelf opened to display a number of pokéballs neatly arranged in five rows. She picked one of it.
"Against you rock pokémon I'll choose Growlithe," said Giselle throwing a pokéball.
"Wait fire pokémon are weak against rock pokémon," yelled Brock in disbelief.
Growlithe was a quadruped, canine Pokémon. It had orange fur with black stripes along the back and legs. The fur on its muzzle, chest, belly, and tail was cream-colored, as well as the additional tuft of fur on top of its head. Growlithe's coat was also noticeably longer on its chest and tail. It had gray eyes, a black nose, and large, round ears. Its forepaws had two visible claws, while its hind paws had three toes each. Each paw has a brown pad. Ash simply scanned Growlithe in his Pokédex.
"Growlithe, the Puppy Pokémon. Growlithe is a pokémon of pleasant demeanor and great diligence. It drives enemies away with barks and bites. Growlithe has a superb sense of smell. Once it smells anything, this Pokémon won't forget the scent, no matter what. It uses its advanced olfactory sense to determine the emotions of other living things."
"My pokémon are at such an advanced level they can beat Rock Pokémon," said Giselle.
Without giving any command Growlithe leapt at Geodude who dodged at Brock's warning.
"Geodude use Rollout," said Brock quickly.
Geodude started spinning, gaining momentum and then took off towards Growlithe who answered by opening its mouth. It then created a white flame in its mouth and released a round powerful orange flame at Geodude. Geodude tried resisting those but the flames were more powerful and Geodude was thrown out of the window directly into the pool.
Brock looked in shock and then ran downstairs towards the pool. Ash, watching all this with his eyes narrowed from the beginning, ran after him. Giselle and other Tech students also followed them no doubt to mock them.
Ash released Golduck so that it can bring Geodude out of the Pool and quickly returned him not wanting to show those kids his Shiny pokémon.
"Pokémon are only as strong as the trainer who raises them. A pokémon that's weaker but better trained can still win. It depends on the trainer. I hope you're learning something from this Joe. A pokémon's level of training is just as important a factor as a pokémon's type in deciding a match. A first class pokémon trainer can calculate that," said Giselle.
"Now that we're out in open you can use a different pokémon if you want. Or maybe you want to battle the awesome me," said Giselle saying the last part to Ash.
"Nope, I'm not interested in fighting an amateur bimbo," said Ash calmly. [A/N: Bimbo is a derogatory slang term for an attractive but unintelligent female]
"What do you say to me?" asked or rather shouted Giselle.
"First of all do you even know which attack Growlithe used to blast Geodude?" asked Ash but Giselle didn't replied.
"Thought so, that attack is known as Heat Wave. Growlithe looked at total ease performing the attack means that particular Growlithe is of very high level which of course can't possibly be yours. It probably belongs to your teacher or whatever. How do I know it you ask? It's because Growlithe simply doesn't listen to you. He attacks not because you ordered an attack but because it clearly wanted to. And you're once again wrong about the calculation part. There is more to pokémon training than calculating levels," said Ash criticizing Giselle on so many levels.
Joe and the five boys were watching Ash and Giselle dubiously. Other than today it was always the opposite that happened. Giselle would goad them into corner and the desperate trainer would shout for a pokémon battle which Giselle would win of course. But this trainer just didn't respond to any of her tricks instead he seemed to be getting into Giselle's skin deeper and deeper.
"How long have you been trying to become a pokémon trainer," asked Giselle in hopes of steering the conversation in her favor.
"Oh just about a month. And for your further questions I've two badges and six pokémon," answered Ash.
"In other words, you are a beginner," said Giselle before laughing but Ash beat her to whatever she was going to say next.
"Yeah, a beginner who can wipe the floor with you," said Ash before laughing himself. Even Brock managed a chuckle at this. Giselle just gritted her teeth at another failed plan. Ash then went for the kill.
"Oh wait, I can't because you are so weak that you've to use higher level pokémon of 'Someone Else' to fight your battles. I bet you do not even have a decent level pokémon to fight with my Machop here," said Ash with a cocky smirk sending out Machop.
"Oh yeah I'll show you. Against your Machop, I'll use Cubone," said Giselle sending out her pokémon.
Cubone was a small, bipedal Pokémon with a golden brown hide that covered most of its body, including both dorsal spikes. Its belly was a very light brown. Two small claws, one on each hand, serves as its thumbs, and two large nails made up its toes. Cubone wore a skull as a helmet on its head. The skull had two rounded horns on the top of its head and a tooth-like point on the lower sides. It also carried a bone in its hand like a weapon. Ash scanned Cubone in his Pokédex.
"Cubone, the Lonely Pokémon. Cubone pines for the mother it will never see again. Seeing a likeness of its mother in the full moon, it cries. The stains on the skull the Pokémon wears are made by the tears it sheds. Because it never removes its skull helmet, no one has ever seen this Pokémon's real face."
"You know what I'll not even use any attack to defeat it," said Ash.
"We'll see about that. Cubone go," said Giselle.
Cubone rushed in for a Headbutt but Machop stopped it with one hand and send it away.
"Cubone use Growl," said Giselle. Now this affected Machop but only for a moment.
"Make funny faces Machop," said Ash snickering lightly.
Well the funny faces sure scared Cubone. Both of them were now standing in front of each other when Giselle yelled for another attack.
"Cubone use Bone Club," said Giselle.
Cubone raised the bone that he carried in one hand and tried to hit Machop who blocked and disengaged with a backwards jump.
"Cubone now use Bonemerang," shouted Giselle.
"Machop jump to dodge and then attack Cubone's skull skull," said Ash.
Cubone threw its bone spinning at Machop who jumped to dodge the bone. Machop raced towards Cubone and punched on the Skull which turned by one-eighty degrees blinding Cubone. Cubone tried to turn it back but was too late as his own Bone came looping back to hit him dead centre. Cubone started crying right there.
"Good job Machop, I'll make up to later," said Ash recalling Machop in a red beam.
Giselle also returned a crying Cubone back to its pokéball and looked at ground in shame.
"None of the textbooks ever mentioned that you could be defeated by your own attack," lamented Giselle her pride shattered.
"That was a once in a lifetime battle," commented Joe.
(Team Rocket arc…wait what)
"There is another way to win that isn't in the textbooks. Isn't there James?" said Jessie observing Ash and group from just outside the boundary through the fence.
"Yeah let's show them," said James grinning.
Back with Ash and group, Giselle was still on the ground lamenting her defeat.
"I can't believe I lost a match…" said Giselle but before she could complete smoke started rising in the compound.
"Allow us to reintroduce ourselves," said two voices together from inside the smoke.
"To protect the world from devastation!" (Jessie)
"To unite all people within our nation!" (James)
"To denounce the evils of truth and love!" (Jessie)
"To extend our reach to the stars above!" (James)
"Jessie!" (Jessie)
"James!" (James)
"Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of light!" (Jessie)
"Surrender now, or prepare to fight!" (James)
"Meoooowwwwttthh!" said Meowth coming from the sky falling inside the pool before doing a back flip and landing beside Jessie and James.
"I love a splash entrance," said Meowth in his defense.
"I've heard of Team Rocket. You are the ones who got the worst grades ever in the entrance exam. How about your team versus our team?" said Giselle with renewed confidence. Joe and all the others also got ready wearing sinister grins on their faces.
"What us against all of them?" shrieked Jessie.
"But what about the Pokémon League rule one-on-one?" asked a terrified James.
Needless to say, Joe and his friends all threw their pokéballs towards Team Rocket. Well, it was the first time Team Rocket ran away bearing bruises from hitting empty pokéballs.
"Team Rocket running off again," they all yelled in unison.
(Team Rocket arc ends…wait what again)
"There is one thing you can learn at school – that's a good lesson," said Giselle sitting beside the pool shining golden because of the sun rays.
"I'm going back home to start from scratch with my first pokémon just like Ash did. Hey Giselle maybe we'll meet someday in the pokémon league," said Joe.
"I hope so. I'll try my hardest to be a worthy opponent if we do," replied Giselle.
"All right if I keep a picture with me?" asked Joe uncertainly.
"Sure. I have pictures of my friends too and yes yours too cause we are friends now are we. Good luck Joe," replied Giselle initiating a handshake.
"You too Giselle," said Joe.
"So maybe we'll battle each other someday," said Giselle coming towards Ash and Brock.
"I sure hope so," said Brock.
"Me too," added Ash now in a good mood.
And with one last look towards the school Ash and Brock continue their journey towards Vermilion city.
"Hey Ash, why you were so angry back then?" asked Brock.
"I was not angry just disappointed. They had such an advanced training facility that they can train in fog, snow and other weather conditions and they lay them waste. It's not fair I so want them too," said Ash with a huff while Brock just laughed and both continued walking towards their goal.
Ash's Team in hand:
Ponyta: Double Kick, Flame Wheel, Morning Sun, Horn Drill, Growl, Tackle, Tail Whip, Ember, Sunny Day, Solar Beam, Stomp, Attract,
Gloom: Razor Leaf, Synthesis, Absorb, Sweet Scent, Acid, Poison Powder Stun Spore, Sleep Powder, Mega Drain, Double Team, Sludge Bomb, Toxic
Golduck: Future Sight, Hypnosis, Calm Mind, Aqua Jet, Scratch, Tail Whip, Water Gun, Disable, Confusion, Water Pulse, Fury Swipes, Screech, Zen Headbutt, Aqua Tail, Double Team
Pidgeotto: Gust, Faint Attack, Steel Wing, Air Cutter, Sand Attack, Quick Attack, Whirlwind, Double Team, Mud Slap, Twister
Geodude: Tackle, Defense Curl, Rock Polish, Rock Throw, Rollout
Machop: Low Kick, Leer, Focus Energy, Karate Chop, Foresight, Seismic Toss, Low Sweep
A/N:
Important: I am currently watching the Pokémon season 17: Pokémon XY and I don't know about you but I detect sparks of romance between Ash/Serena. I would like to ask if I should replace Sabrina with Serena or leave it as it is. (I'm not going to change May or Claire)
Note: - I've decided to merge chapters which are not important and so would not cover the whole in detail. The story has now picked up a pace and I don't want it to be boring for you.
So this concludes another chapter. So how did you like my chapter? Is it any Good? Better? Best?
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Don't forget to review. I'll try to upload the next chapter soon.
Signing Out
GreenIcePhoenix
