Author's Note:
Time for the fourth chapter in Kanto. This will be where Misty and Brock learn about Serena. It is also a Misty focused chapter where she will catch a new team member. Ash also has his second gym battle to look forward to. Don't forget to vote on which fossil Pokemon Misty & Brock should get, I really have no preference so whichever one is picked will be the final decision. And happy new year, I have been behind on writing because of the holidays, which is why this chapter is a little later then I would've liked. I would like to point out, I don't have a set schedule because I know I wouldn't be able to stick to it, I upload when the chapter is done, no sooner no later, and leaving reviews about wanting an upload won't speed me up, if you want an update on the current progress PM me. With that out of the way, hope you enjoy it all.
Kanto Chapter 4: Waterflower's of Cerulean City
"Cerulean City." Ash smiled as he looked over the city ahead of him. "This is where you grew up, isn't it Misty?".
"Yeah, it is my home." Misty replied mareepishly. While she revealed her home to the raven-hair boy, she forgot to mention that it is her family who runs the city's gym. Oh no, how is she going to get around this mess?
"Well it is getting kind of late." Brock pointed out as the moon already filled the sky. "I recommend that we find the centre for the night then you can challenge the gym tomorrow, Ash.".
"Right Brock, I still need to decide on who else I am gonna use." Ash replied. "Pikachu is certain since he missed out on your gym battle, and has a clear advantage over water types but from what I've read it should be a two on two match and I don't know whether to use Butterfree or Pidgeotto.".
"You could always use one of the dragons... I think they would win regardless of their opponent." Brock suggested whilst on edge.
"Ya know, Brock. Neither Salamence or Hydreigon would hurt you." Ash pointed out. "I realise it is a lot to take in but both Salamence and Hydreigon are both big softy's and you get used to it.".
"... Sure Ash, it's just not every day that you meet a trainer with a pseudo legendary... Let alone two of them." Brock replied.
"I know Brock, I don't think my mum has still gotten use to all of them." Ash replied. He noticed Misty had been unusually quiet, and a quick scan of her aura showed she was feeling a combination of nervousness and irritation. "What's up Misty?".
"What!? Nothing." Misty replied before she got a suspicious eye. "Did you just scan me with your aura?".
"Um... Sorry." Ash replied.
"Just don't do it from now on, at least not without permission." Misty ordered.
"Yes ma'am." Ash replied in fear. He has seen her angry, and after living with his mum and next to Serena and her mum for so long, he knows better than to make any female unhappy. It only leads to his downfall.
"Good." Misty replied. "Now if you excuse me, I have a few things to sort out whilst in town.".
Not waiting for a response, Misty hurried away with slight anger. First the boy is making her mad by not confessing his everlasting love and now he brought her back home before she achieved her goal. Still, it will be good to see he demolish her 'sisters' with one of those dragons or maybe Greninja. In fact, she is going to go to her sisters to brag about there soon to be humiliation.
"Are we just gonna let her go off on her own?" Brock asked.
"Well this is her home town, I bet she wants to see her family or a friend maybe." Ash replied. "Besides, Professor Sycamore gave one last bit of advice before I left.".
"Which is?" Brock asked.
"Don't confront an angry female, it will only lead to my downfall." Ash replied.
"He sounds like a smart man." Brock nodded in agreement.
With that, the group of boys started to walk towards the Pokemon Centre. Ash and Brock sent their teams for a check-up and luckily everyone was in good health, due to not many people being in the centre, they ate food on the outside battlefield with the full teams. Ash realised Brock was still nervous around the two dragons but unlike Misty's fear of Volcarona, Brock hasn't really been offence and after he saw Aerodactyl in battle it is no surprise he fears the bigger beasts. Ash is happy to help the breeder but because of their differences, Ash believes Brock will be able to overcome this fear himself.
Once dinner was over and everything was cleared away. The Pokemon (except for Greninja and Pikachu) were returned for the night. Brock made his way up to the room they rented off Nurse Joy (who Brock tried to confess his undying love for, but Greninja stopped him) whilst Ash went off to call Kalos. As usual, he spoke with Serena, Professor Sycamore and his mum but the Professor mentioned that Professor Oak had a request. As a result, Ash also called the Kanto regional Professor.
"Hello Professor Oak." Ash greeted the Pokemon Professor.
"Hello Ash, I am glad you called. I've been trying to get a hold off you." The Professor replied.
"Hehehe, sorry Professor. We were going through Mt Moon today, so we didn't really get any signal in the cave." Ash mareepishly explained, conveniently forgetting the part about taking down Team Rocket in the process. "Anyway Professor, Sycamore mentioned you had a request.".
"That, I do. My boy. Tell me, you are in Cerulean City, right?" The Professor responded with a question.
"Yes Professor. I plan on challenging the gym here tomorrow." Ash explained.
"Well, I was hoping you could put your gym battle off for a day. I have a colleague who lives north of Cerulean, and has recently concluded his project on Dratini's breeding habits. I could really use his notes as soon as, so I thought maybe you could deliver them." Professor Oak replied. "I know you're a junior Professor, so you can also have access to the note. And I am sure with either your Aerodactyl or Salamence you could do the round trip in a day, if not shorter.".
"I'll be happy to help, Professor. Both Aerodactyl and Salamence are asleep right now, so I will ask them first thing in the morning." Ash explained. "I don't think they will have an issue with it, Salamence has been complaining about needing to stretch his wings. But I don't want to take them for granted.".
"As no good trainer would. I understand Ash, and thank you." Professor Oak replied.
With the conversation over, the two bid each other good night before ending the call. Ash made his way to the room he was renting with Brock. Greninja was the only one who was still awake, but that didn't surprise Ash and soon the two of them were also asleep.
The next morning, the boys and their Pokemon had eaten breakfast, with them now on the outside battlefield of the Pokemon Centre. Ash has already asked Salamence who was happy to get the chance to fly and he also asked Brock if he could watch the rest of his team. The breeder was happy to comply since Ash has been sharing some breeding tips with him. Now all that was left was giving his team their training for the day.
"Guys, Professor Oak called last night and has asked me to run an errand for him." Ash explained. "Me and Salamence are going to be gone for most of the day, but Brock has offered to watch over you. I want you all training since our gym challenge has been put back by a day.".
The Pokemon seemed to accept this, although the Kanto team were shocked. Does Ash really trust them enough to the point that he would allow them to manage their own training whilst he is off on an errand? Aerodactyl, wasn't the happiest either.
"Ya know, Ash. I am faster than Salamence. Maybe I could..." Aerodactyl hinted with the best puppy dog eyes he could muster.
"I let you win one race, and this is what happens." Salamence muttered with a roll of the eyes.
"Sorry Aerodactyl but I want you to be Pidgeotto's training partner. Use Stone Edge and help her improve her aerobatics." Ash explained. "Besides Aerodactyl, I have a feeling that if I leave both Hydreigon and Salamence here, then there won't be a Cerulean City to come back to.".
The two dragons looked at each other and blushed. Sure, their battles may tend to get a little... Explosive but that just shows how strong they are. Still, when they Ash explains it like that, Aerodactyl is unable to deny that logic.
"Leafeon, I want you to teach Butterfree how to use the move Giga Drain." Ash explained.
The grass type eeveelution nodded in understanding and moved next to the bug type. She maybe a little princess but since her daddy asked her to, she will partner up with the little guy. Butterfree seemed excited at the idea of learning another move.
"Greninja, you'll be up with Pikachu. I need him in top shape for handling water Pokemon." Ash explained. It may seem weird that he is leaving his best bud here, but he knows Greninja well enough to know he would pick training over research any day. "Volcarona and Hydreigon, continue what you were doing before. And finally, Lucario, I think it's time you learn Psychic. If you would help him with that Gardevoir.". Said Pokemon nodded in agreement.
To be honest, Lucario probably has the worst move set out of all of Ash's Kalos team. The main reason for this is because Lucario has overseen helping Ash train with his aura abilities which took away time from his own training. It's not that Lucario minded anyway as his own aura is much stronger than other Lucario's.
"Okay guys, we will be back later." Ash explained as he climbed onto Salamence's back. "If there is an issue then Brock has my number.". With each of the Pokemon nodding in understanding, they started their training. Ash smiled at the sight before signalling Salamence to take off.
"Hello!" Misty called out as she entered the Cerulean gym. It is still early in the morning and if his approach towards the Pewter gym was anything to go by, then Ash is likely going through his strategy for this gym battle with his team. The first thing she noticed was a stand filled with DVD's titled: The Sensational Sister Water Show. "Wow, how much more egotistical can they get?".
The orange-hair girl made her way through the place she calls home towards the pool/battle field. It is rather silent, but as she ventured through the building, familiar voices could be heard. Misty clenched her fist as she remembers why she left in the first place, but this will be worth it just to watch Ash humiliate them.
As Misty walked into the main battle room she found her three sisters: Daisy, Lily and Violet stood at the corner of the pool battle field. They were all looking conflicted at the sole Pokemon in the water. It was a Magikarp. Misty knew this Magikarp well as it was one of her few friends she would play with before she left on her journey but because he is registered as a 'gym Pokemon' she had to leave him here.
"Like hey, look girls. Misty's back." Lily pointed out absentmindedly before a smirk grew on her face. "Like, what are you doing back here? Didn't you like, say you wouldn't return before you become the greatest water type master, or did you already give up on that?".
"Yes, I did say that and no I haven't given up yet." Misty replied defensively.
"So then, why are you, like, here?" Daisy asked.
"Well, I met some friends who I am travelling with and one of them is on the gym challenge." Misty replied. "He should show up later today to challenge you for a Cascade badge. And I am honestly looking forward to see him beat you all.".
"That's, like, if this boyfriend of yours can beat us." Violet retorted in response to Misty's taunting.
"He is not my boyfriend!" Misty shouted defensively. While she has an obvious crush, they aren't dating in any sort of sense and if Misty knows her sisters then they would ruin any chance that they might get together if they learn of her crush.
"Like, of course he's not." Lily replied. "What guy would, like, want to date you?".
"Like, another runt." Violet answered her sister's question with a laugh. Misty clenched her fist in anger, which Daisy noticed. The oldest of the four sisters decided it is time to change the subject before one of them gets hurt.
"Actually Misty, I am, like glad you're here. Maybe you could help us." Daisy spoke up.
"What with?" Misty asked with uncertainty, still on the verge of anger.
"We, like, are going to get rid of this Magikarp but can't do it." Lily butted in." We, like, just got our nails done and it is refusing to return to its Pokeball.".
"You can't just get rid of Magikarp, what did it do?" Misty asked in another burst of anger.
"Like, it can't battle." Violet arrogantly explained. "And, like, now it has stopped refusing to do show with us.".
"I am surprised any of the Pokemon still do those stupid shows with ya." Misty muttered under her breath, but none of the sisters heard it.
"So, like, you can just pick it up and take it too the pond or something." Lily added.
"You can't just get rid of Magikarp because he isn't the strongest and won't preform with you." Misty argued. "I will take him if you don't want him.".
"This coming from, like, the girl who is afraid of Gyarados?" Violet asked in a teasing tone.
"Well I am not anymore." Misty replied defensively. It may not be entirely true that she is over her fear of Gyarados, but this is a Magikarp, not Gyarados. Plus, she has been working on her fear of bugs and that is much worse than her fear of Gyarados, if she can give Butterfree a hug then she can handle Gyarados, right.
"Like, in that case, catch." Daisy spoke up, tossing a Pokeball at the youngest sister. Misty caught it in both hands. "Congratulation, your, like, Magikarp's new trainer. Now come on, girls. We have that meeting with our agent.".
The three sisters left, as Misty sighed in relief. What was she thinking coming back here? She wasn't, she was just looking forward to watch Ash demolish her three sisters and her hothead made her go ahead. Plus, now she has a Magikarp. While she is glad to see her old friend, what is she going to do now. Her big mouth has talked her into all sorts of trouble. She has no clue if she can handle a Gyarados, the last one she met tried to eat her and Ash came to her rescue.
Ash! What would he do? Well he wouldn't be in this situation in the first place. Looking at the water type in the pool, Misty noticed the very sad look on Magikarp's face. It doesn't take a genius to figure out why, he has just been called useless and weak by Misty's sisters. Well, if he evolves into a Gyarados or not, Misty can't just watch the pained water type. She knows that pain all too well.
"Don't be sad, Magikarp. Tell ya what, we can start some special training and then we will show those three the big mistake they just made." Misty told the pure water type in the pool. While she has been travelling with Ash, she has learnt about proper training. Releasing her Staryu and Goldeen, Misty started to explain how they are going to help Magikarp in this training session.
"Thank you Salamence." Ash thanked as he landed outside of a lighthouse that over looked a cliff side. The big dragon growled a 'you're welcome' in response as Ash slide of his back. Leaving Salamence out of his Pokeball, Ash went up and knocked on door.
After about half a minute, the door opened to reveal a giant Kabuto in the door way. Ash and Salamence looked at each other then back to the massive extinct Pokemon, both with sweat drops on the back of their heads.
"Well... No one can say a day trip with you is boring." Salamence joked.
"Please, don't run. I need a little help." The Kabuto spoke but Ash didn't react, he is used to Pokemon speaking so this is nothing new.
"Alright, Kabuto. I am happy to help, if I can." Ash replied. "What do you need help with?".
"No, I am not a Kabuto." The Kabuto replied. "My name is Bill, and this is just a costume, which I seem to be a little stuck in.".
"Okay." Ash replied as he stepped aside. "Salamence, use Slash please.".
"No wait..." Bill tried to speak up but it was too late. Salamence lifted his claw up and shot towards the man in a fossil costume. Slashing across the middle of the being, the costume was cut in half before it fell on the group, to reveal a very frightened looking man. "I-I didn't t-think Salamence could learn slash.".
"It's not that hard of a move to fake." Ash answered as he helped the man stand up. "Anyway, my name is Ash Ketchum and you've already met Salamence. Professor Oak asked me to come by and pick up some research for him. I believe it is on Dratini breeding habits.".
"Right, you see a friendly Dragonite had his children lay at the bottom of this cliff and he was happy enough to observe their growth." Bill explained. "It appears that many eggs are laided at once rather then most species where it is one at a time. Plus, the male seems to watch over them from that point until they hatch where they spread out into the ocean.".
"Huh, what do ya know?" Ash replied with intrigue before turning towards his dragon flying type. "Salamence, if you and Dragonite ever get around to that it seems like you'll be on babysitting duty.". The big dragon mumbled something which Ash couldn't quite make out and probably doesn't want to.
"Anyway, I am sorry, but I am running late for another meeting." Bill spoke up as he handed over a thick folder.
"Thank you." Ash thanked. Bidding the young professor, a goodbye, Ash put the folder into his backpack before climbing back onto his dragon. Signalling Salamence once again, the trainer and Pokemon were soon airborne and quickly moving towards Pallet town.
Back in the Cerulean gym, Misty had changed into her swim suit and was currently in a swimming race with her Goldeen & new Magikarp. Due to a Magikarp's limited move pool, Misty couldn't help him in that area, but she has learnt a lot from watching Ash train.
Her Staryu is on its own practising a new move Ash was helping it learn while she was helping build up Magikarp's speed and strength. While she wouldn't go as far as hand to hand combat with her Pokemon, Ash has shown her that by getting involved with the training can really help with their bond.
Currently, Misty is on the opposite end of the pool with the two fish Pokemon waiting for her. While Misty is a very strong swimmer, they have been doing this for nearly four hours straight and by swimming in a competitive set, Misty is much more tired.
As she set off back towards the two Pokemon, Misty was panting slightly and that proved to be a mistake as she ended up taking in a shot of water. With her air way blocked off, she immediately stopped swimming and began to tread water as she began to choke.
The three Pokemon noticed what was happening with their trainer and immediately started to swim towards the orange hair girl. Staryu was the furthest away and thus behind the other two. While Magikarp was swimming his hardest, he remembered all the times he played with Misty before she left on her journey, all the encouragement she has given him today, the promise that they will get stronger and show her sisters the mistake they made by calling him weak.
With all his pumped-up emotions, Magikarp began to glow white. Goldeen saw what was happening and quickly moved out of the evolving Pokemon's way. The small fish began to change shape. As the glowing stopped, a Gyarados was in the place where Magikarp once was. Acting quickly, Gyarados swung his tail under his trainer and lifted Misty out of the pool. He lay her gently on the side as the water escaped her mouth.
As Misty's came to her senses, she noticed three Pokemon surrounding her. Staryu was by her side with Goldeen in the pool but the most surprising was a Gyarados who was looming over her, with a look of concern. It c-can't be, can it?
"M-Magikarp... Is, that you?" Misty asked weakly as she sat up.
"Gwaa." Gyarados mumbled softly.
Misty's first instinct was to run and hide but she is in no position for any sort of fast move after what just happened. She looked deep into the water flying types eyes, as he looked back. Despite the different body, Misty could tell it was still her old friend who she spent most of today with. She knew that it was him who just saved her. After a moment pause, she let out a small smile as she realised there is no reason to be afraid. Gyarados let out his own smile of his own. On recovered, Misty stood up.
"Thanks for saving me, Gyarados." Misty thanked. With the atrocious Pokemon's head close enough to her, she rubbed crest on his head. "I think that was a sign for us to stop swimming. Besides, now that you've evolved I am sure you have some other moves we could work on. What do ya say?".
Gyarados smiled and nodded in agreement.
Salamence landed in the Professor's ranch. Ash climbed of the dragons back and cheeked the time. He smiled to himself and pulled out the only named bowl he brought with him, Salamence's. He poured a can of the Salamence labled food into the bowl but knowing the big guy, he left three others out as well.
"What's all the- oh, hello Ash." The Professor walked out of his lab. Ash stood up as Salamence started to scoff the food down. Ash turned towards the elderly professor.
"Hello Professor. Sorry about the noise." Ash apologised.
"Nonsense, how could you possibly keep a pseudo dragon quiet?" Professor Oak asked in a laughing manner.
"True." Ash replied as the Professor gestured him to follow into the lab. Before doing so, he turned to the dragon type as he started on his second can off food. "No training, Salamence. Remember we have the return trip to make.".
"Sure thing." Salamence replied in-between mouthfuls. Unfortunately, the manners that Delia, Serena, Gardevoir and Volcarona drilled into Ash's head, didn't spread out to some of the others.
Ash sighed happily as he started to head towards the lab, also taking the folder out. He has missed this since starting his journey, so getting to do a little research with Professor Oak will be great. Of course, he has been doing some of his own studies on how a Pokemon's personality changes when they evolve, using his own Butterfree as a key subject but this is his first project he is doing without any sort of guidance from Sycamore.
"That was great, Gyarados." Misty praised. She realised that despite Gyarados being physically intimidating, he is still her friendly Magikarp from before. He hasn't tried to hurt her and even saved her, so her previous fear was unfounded. Of course, it was because of the previous incident when she met Ash, but Ash said that one was just a mother protecting her child. She knows both her parents wouldn't done the same... If they were still alive.
Gyarados has been in a pretty intense training session since evolving and he is proving to be much stronger than either Staryu or Goldeen. That isn't very surprising considering she has only had them a few months at most and Gyarados are naturally some of the strongest water types in the world.
"Like, where did that thing come from?" Daisy asked as the three sisters walked into room.
"Did, like, our Magikarp evolve?" Violet asked.
"Like, this is awesome." Lily squealed in excitement.
"No, your Magikarp didn't." Misty spoke up. "You handed him to me, remember. Gyarados is a part of my team.".
"Like, that's not fair." Lily whined.
"Right. Like, what makes you think you can handle that thing?" Violet asked arrogantly.
"Because, we have been training all day. We both understand each other." Misty pointed out as Gyarados growled in agreement before narrowing his eyes. Misty smirked as she continued. "If anyone wouldn't be able to handle him, it's you three. He hasn't forgotten what you said before you left.".
Gyarados got dangerously close to Lily and Violet who were slightly in front of Daisy. The two girls got scared by the atrocious Pokemon, and hid behind Daisy. The water flying type smirked and returned to Misty's side. Daisy had to regain her composure before glaring at her younger sister.
"Well then, water master. We will see just how skilled you two are tomorrow." Daisy replied. "It is too late now, and that boyfriend of yours hasn't shown up. You can take on his challenge... That is if he even exists.".
Not waiting for a response, the three sisters left the room while laughing arrogantly. Misty looked down, why didn't Ash show up today and teach those three the lesson they deserve? Where is he? Plus, now she is going to battle him. How can she beat him? He has Dragons... Two of them... And a dinosaur. Not even her Gyarados would stand a chance against them. Tomorrow she is in for the battle of her life...
Ash and Salamence left the lab as the sun began to set and reached Cerulean not long after. He checked out his team's training and sent them all for a check-up after dinner, to be sure they were ready for tomorrow's gym battle.
The morning after was an early rise like always, along with a hearty breakfast and talk through his gym strategy with his team. It is currently 10 am, when all gyms open to challengers, and the group is stood outside.
"I challenge you!" Ash shouted through the doors.
Almost immediately, the doors swung open to reveal three girls who share a slight resemblance despite the different colours of hair. They all seemed to have an aura which showed they were feeling arrogant.
"We've, like, been expecting you." The blue hair-girl spoke first. "I am Violet.".
"But we were, like, told you would arrive yesterday." The pink hair-girl added. "I'm Lily.".
"Sorry, but I had an errand to run." Ash apologised although he was curious about how they could've heard about his due arrival. "Anyway, if all of you are the gym leader, how will our battle be handled?".
"Actually, our little sister will be your opponent. I'm Daisy." Daisy informed. "So, if you would follow me. We can, like, get it started.".
The three sensational sisters lead the way into the gym and Ash shortly followed behind with Pikachu on his shoulder. The electric type was pumped to prove himself in a gym battle, especially after the intense training session with Greninja yesterday. Shortly behind them was Greninja and Brock, the water dark type was dragging the breeder along who seemed love-struck. Greninja noticed a stand in the corner of the room and picked up a DVD off the stand.
Soon the group walked into a room which had a battlefield pool in the centre, with diving boards taking the place as the trainer boxes. There was a lot of seating circled around the battlefield, like you would see at a sporting event. Scattered across the pool were several floating pads for non-water types to stand on.
"So, who am I facing?" Ash asked.
"That would be me." A familiar voice spoke up from the top of the stands. The figure walked down and revealed herself to be Misty. She was pumped for this battle, after the shock calmed down, she realised Ash would likely stick to his Kanto team and she has seen how all his Pokemon battle while she has her secret weapon who Ash hasn't even met. With all of these things, she has a good chance of winning and proving her sisters wrong. "I'm the forth, sensational sister.".
"There are only three sensational sisters, and one runt." Lily butted in.
Ash could tell that Misty's sisters didn't exactly treat her with respect and that could actually explain Misty's anger. Just like with Brock, Ash isn't able to just stand back and let this continue but first will come the gym battle.
"Are you just gonna keep talking or can we start our battle?" Ash asked the bickering sisters.
"Like, of course." Daisy stepped up. "I will be the referee in this battle.".
"Fine by me." Ash replied.
Ash and Misty each took place on one of the dive boards which were acting as the trainer boxes. Greninja knew he wouldn't be battling and while he would've preferred to stand by his brother, Brock still needed restraining, so he dragged him up the seating area to get away from the sensational sisters. Daisy took her place as the ref.
"This will be a two on two Pokemon battle between Misty Waterflower and Ash Ketchum." Daisy announced. "Only the challenger is allowed substitutions, while there is no time-limit. In addition, Misty shall reveal his Pokemon first.".
"Misty calls... Staryu!" Misty shouted as she grabbed her Pokeball and through it up in the air. In a flash of light, the pure water type landed on one of the floating platforms. Ash raised an eyebrow as he scanned his opponent:
Staryu, The Star Shaped Pokemon. Staryu apparently communicates with the stars in the night sky by flashing the red core at the centre of its body. If parts of its body are torn, this Pokemon simply regenerates the missing pieces and limbs. Type: Water
Ash knew Staryu was much stronger and skilled in battle compared to her Goldeen. He also knows she is smart enough to not start with her ace, so that can only lead to one thought, she has a new Pokemon. Even if not stronger then Staryu, just the element of surprise could make it her ace for this battle. While she knows which two Pokemon Ash was planning on using, Ash isn't afraid to also add in his own surprise.
"I choose you, Pidgeotto!" Ash shouted as he threw his own Pokeball. In a flash of light, Pidgeotto appeared in the air and she started to circle around Staryu like a predator watching her prey. Of course, she wasn't expecting a battle, but she isn't going to complain.
Yes, Butterfree has a more diverse move pool with the status moves and the psychic attacks but Pidgeotto is both older and more experienced as well as a more skilled fighter. Obviously, he could go with one of his pre-journey team but that just would be cruel to Misty. Speaking off, the orange-hair girl was surprised by Ash's choice. She was sure he would pick Pikachu or Butterfree. Guess her advantage of surprise has been taken away.
"Staryu VS Pidgeotto... Begin." Daisy declared.
"Water Gun!" Misty shouted as soon as the battle started.
Staryu began to shoot water out of the top appendage from its body. While the water line was relatively small, it was moving very fast and seemed like it was on a direct line to strike Pidgeotto. Ash smiled as he remembered Staryu struggling with its aim back in their first training session.
"Agility." Ash instructed.
Pidgeotto gained a light blue outline as she increased her speed, easily avoiding the incoming Water Gun. Just because Ash helped Misty train her Staryu and is friends with the two of them, doesn't mean he will go easy on them.
"Switch to Swift, they can't avoid that." Misty instructed.
Staryu cut off its Water Gun and its centre jewel started to glow. Several stars started to fire out of the jewel, and were homing in on Pidgeotto. Ash had a glint in his eye as he would prove Misty wrong when she said that Pidgeotto wouldn't be able to avoid the attack.
"Quick Attack, and keep a head of them." Ash instructed. "Remember the training with Aerodactyl and his Swift attack.".
Pidgeotto let out a battle cry which translated that she knew what Ash wanted her to do. She practically disappeared but the Swift continued to move around the air, giving off the normal flying types location. Misty noticed the Swift was now aimed straight for Staryu, so she knew what Pidgeotto was doing.
"Dodge it!" Misty shouted in a panick.
Ash smirked as he saw the water type jump into the air. Just like he trained Pidgeotto to do, as soon as she was behind the Star Shaped Pokemon, she turned around, opening her wings to bring herself to a stop and used her talons to catch Staryu. Using the water type as a Shield, Staryu took the swift head on.
"Rapid Spin!" Misty shouted.
Not giving Ash or Pidgeotto the chance to move, Staryu started off by spinning which also forced Pidgeotto to spin with her. While not the usual effect of this move, the uncontrollable spinning was causing Pidgeotto to become confused as she lost her grip on Staryu. Lucky Ash knew an easy way to cure it.
"Wow, Misty is actually really good." Lily whispered to Violet.
"I know, like, who would've thought it." Violet whispered back.
"Use Gust!" Ash shouted.
Pidgeotto started to flap her wings creating a powerful wind but due to the confusion completely missed Staryu. The powerful wind struck the pool which caused a large amount of water into the air. It created a sort of rain effect which shocked Pidgeotto out of her confusion.
"We won't fall for that one again." Ash told Pidgeotto, failing to notice the annoyed viewers who were also being wet by the water. "Quick Attack into Wing Attack.".
In the blink of an eye, Pidgeotto had disappeared. She reappeared a second later right next to Staryu. Before Misty could utter a word, she used the previous momentum from the quick attack and slammed her wing into Staryu, sending it flying.
"Now finish it with Air Cutter!" Ash hollered.
Pidgeotto crossed her wings over her chest before spreading them out in one quick motion. Three-disc shaped objects which looked like they were made with condensed wind shot out. They hit Staryu head on. The water type landed on one of the floating platforms as its centre jewel beeped.
"Staryu is... Unable to battle, the winner of the first round goes to the challenger, Ash Ketchum." Daisy informed sadly. While she has been hard on her little sister, in that battle she saw how much better Misty is at battling then the three others put together. It was a shame she lost.
"Return Staryu, and thank you." Misty recalled her fallen starter Pokemon.
"Good job, Pidgeotto." Ash praised as his female bird landed on his arm. "Now take a nice long rest.". He too recalled his Pokemon.
"Well Ash, I have a surprise in store for you." Misty shouted to her opponent.
"I look forward to it, Misty." Ash replied back with a friendly smile. "That was a much tougher battle then I was expecting, so thank you.". That comment made Misty blush in response, but she grabbed her next Pokemon.
"Misty calls... Gyarados!" The orange-hair girl shouted as she released her second Pokemon. When Ash heard the Pokemon, he raised his eyebrow with intrigue. As the water flying type appeared, Ash quickly began to study it with his eye as he used his Pokedex:
Gyarados, The Atrocious Pokemon. The final evolved form of Magikarp. Once Gyarados goes on a rampage, its ferociously violent blood doesn't calm until it has burned everything down. There are records of this Pokémon's rampages lasting a whole month. Type: Water / Flying
With the Pokedex entry over, Ash made his decision. He can tell by the look of it, this Gyarados hasn't long evolved and while strong simply because it is a Gyarados, he wouldn't choose a Pokemon who he believes can win and he believes he will win this match.
"I choose you, Pikachu." Ash called as the electric type jumped onto one of the floating platforms.
"Gyarados VS Pikachu... Begin." Daisy declared.
"Bite!" Misty shouted.
Ash smirked as he waited. Pikachu became nervous as the massive water flying type dived at him, with his mouth open. With this being a massive threat, he isn't going to take any risk. Gyarados was inches away from having a Pika-snack.
"Agility to dodge, then use Thunder Wave." Ash instructed.
Neither Misty or Gyarados had the chance to avoid the electric type. Pikachu jumped high into the air with great speed, avoiding the sea serpent Pokemon. Gyarados crashed into the platform as Pikachu unleashed a weak electric shock. Gyarados was paralysed and slithered back into the water as Pikachu landed on the platform.
Not only did it restrict the water flying types movements, but it also caused him to become very agitated. It began to thrash about in anger but the sparks around his body was keeping him almost in the same place.
"We need to be careful now, Pikachu. The paralysis helps but isn't 100% guaranteed to stop him, and he is clearly angry." Ash instructed. "Use Agility again, and keep moving. We can't afford to leave you open.".
A lot of people think the size advantage always decides the victor of the battle, but Pikachu is so small and agile that he can easily move around the Water Flying type with ease. Misty also began to panick, Gyarados has listened to her flawlessly since evolving but this is their first proper battle together.
"Use Water Pulse!" Misty shouted.
Luckily, it seems like even when angry Gyarados will listen to Misty as he opened his mouth with a sphere of water forming at it. Ash smirked, this is the mistake he has been waiting for Misty to make. Due to Pikachu moving so fast, Gyarados couldn't just launch the attack, leaving him open.
"Thunderbolt and aim for the Water Pulse!" Ash shouted.
Still running around, electricity sparked out of Pikachu's cheeks. With his target set, he launched the powerful electric at the sphere of water. Bursting through the water, the electricity entered Gyarados' body, with help from the Water Pulse. Ash was watching the atrocious Pokemon in pain, carefully.
"Fall back, Pikachu." Ash instructed after around fifth-teen seconds.
Pikachu ended his Thunderbolt and came to a stop on the platform in front of Ash. He was still in a battle stance in case Gyarados could keep going. The Atrocious Pokemon fell in the water, clearly on its last legs but not completely out of the battle.
"Come on, Gyarados. Get up." Misty pleaded. "Please.".
"Misty, it is a trainer's responsibility to care for their Pokemon. There is no shame is forfeiting a losing battle if it saves your Pokemon some pain." Ash informed. "You need to consider all factors. Even if you beat Pikachu, which I highly doubt, would Gyarados be in any position to battle Pidgeotto?".
Misty frowned as she heard those words, but looked at Gyarados. He was struggling to stand up, with electric sparks all over his body. One more hit from Pikachu would finish it off, hell if Ash didn't stop him, that last Thunderbolt would ended him. With a sad sigh, she made her decision.
"Gyarados can't continue, not like this." Misty informed her sister. "I am taking him out of the battle.".
"Gyarados is classed unable to continue by his trainer... Meaning the victor of this match is the challenger, Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town." Daisy declared.
With the battle over, Pikachu ran over to Ash to celebrate as Greninja joined them. Misty sadly returned her Gyarados, before walking off the stand to meet her three sisters. Not only is she sad Gyarados is in this state, but she also knows they are going to belittle her even more.
"Like, that was awesome Misty." Violet cheered.
"Yeah, like, who knew you could battle so well?" Lily added.
"Aren't you going to make fun since I lost?" Misty asked, in surprise.
"No, like, you battled better than any of us could." Daisy replied. "I think we might've, like, been too hard on you.".
Misty was at a loss of words, even though she lost, her sisters are treating her better. This couldn't have turned out better. She failed to notice Ash walking over with his two Pokemon by his side.
"You really did a great job Misty." Ash praised. "Not everyone can handle a Gyarados, especially so soon after it evolved. You are really going to make a great water type trainer. You should be proud.".
If it wasn't for Ash, then they would likely never of been in this situation. Her sisters would likely still bully her, and she would be Gyarados food. She still has one duty left as gym leader but once that is done, she is going to take the leap of faith. After everything he has done, she can't wait for him to ask her any longer.
"Thank you, Ash." Misty spoke quiet shyly as she made her mind up. Holding her hand out, revealed a water drop shaped badge. "Now, as proof of your victory her at the Cerulean gym, I present to you. The Cascade Badge.".
"Awesome, thanks Misty." Ash smiled as he took the badge out of her hand, placing it in his badge case.
Now it is time, the moment Misty has been waiting for since meeting the raven-haired boy who saved her. Taking a deep breath, she attempted to find the nerve to ask the one simple question but before she found her voice, Greninja seemed to hand something to Ash. A look of realisation crossed his face.
"Um, Daisy, was it?" Ash spoke to the oldest of the sisters. "Greninja got this from the stand in the lobby, would it be okay if I brought it off you since it seemed the gift shop was closed.".
Looking at the item in his hand was a DVD of the Sensational Sisters last big water show. He also had a 20$ ($ = Poke-dollar) note. Daisy looked at the two items confused, why would he want their show? Still she took the note from his hand with her answer.
"Sure..." Daisy replied, a little bewildered.
"What do you want that for, Ash?" Brock asked.
"Oh, just a little welcome gift for Serena when she arrives in Kanto." Ash answered. "She has been a massive fan of the sensational sisters and has created multiple water performances based on their, well your work.".
"Serena?" Lily, Violet & Daisy all questioned at the same time.
"My girlfriend." Ash answered. "Speaking off, it's getting late. I want to get Pikachu & Pidgeotto checked over and call her, so see ya later.". Ash smiled as he started to walk away with Pikachu and Greninja by his side.
Little did he know, he was leaving one orange-haired water trainer devastated. She was just about to confess her real feelings, ones she has been trying to keep hidden, and then they would live happily ever after... But now, he admits he has a girlfriend. With anger in her blood, Misty storms away. How could he have played with her emotions like that?
Having experience with helping his little siblings and having his heart broken, Brock decided to follow the water type specialist. That must've been a hard hit for her to take and if Brock knows anything about rejection, it is that she needs a shoulder to cry on. The three sisters were sad for the youngest of them but don't really know how to help her, they have never been turned down like that, they have always turned people down so how could they help?
Once outside of the gym, Misty ran off towards a special spot. A small lake to the north edge of the city. She used to spend most days her, training with her Staryu, and is even the place she met Goldeen. Once she reached her old fishing spot, with the old oak tree to offer shade, she broke down as tears ran down her cheeks.
With no-one else around, she finally broke. Slumping down against the tree she spent so many hours, and she sobbed. All the, heart break and wasted emotions let out all at once. All her emotions seemed to blend into one: love, hatred, sadness, anger, heart break. All of them all at once were finally breaking out.
How could she have been so stupid? How could she think someone like Ash: an aura user, a champions apprentice, a member of the G-Men and a junior professor for the Pokemon league, would have any interest in her? Why didn't she guess that someone had already taking him as their own?
Unbeknown to the heartbroken orange-haired girl, someone had followed her. It was someone with a lot of experience in heart break, but this was a first for him, he never got past the stage of love at first sight. Misty, on the other hand, has travelled with Ash, gotten to know him and truly believed he shared her feelings. Brock was always over the top with his proposals in an attempt to impress the women, he never once thought they shared his love at first sight.
"... Misty." Brock spoke up as he stood next to her.
The water type specialist didn't react to the voice, it was obviously Brock and not Ash, he is probably at the Centre calling his girlfriend, not knowing or caring about the pain he has caused her. Although despite this, Misty still can't help but have these feelings for him.
Brock knew he wouldn't get a response out of her after the first attempt to speak, he would've loved to sit down and tell her it would be all okay, but he couldn't. With Misty how she is, only one person could help her. A certain aura user from Kalos who is going to get a talking to. Brock sighed as he turned around to walk to the one person who could help his surrogate little sister. Hopefully everything will work out.
"Hey Serena." Ash smiled through the Pokegear. He just left all his team for a check-up with Nurse Joy. It is getting late so they will be spending another night before setting off but that just gives Misty more time to smooth things over with her sisters. "I just won my second badge, how's things back home?".
"It's great Ash, check out what the professor gave me." Serena excitedly replied before moving the camera to show a Pokemon egg with some sort of toy design, in a container. "Since you got Pikachu from Professor Oak, Sycamore said I could take this little one as my starter. It should hatch around the time I'm due to meet you.".
"That's great Serena, I know you'll be a great trainer regardless of what Pokemon it turned out to be." Ash praised. "I also have kind of a funnier story to tell ya.".
"Really?" Serena asked with intrigue, but before Ash could dive into the story, Grace called the honey-blonde girl down from her room. "Sorry Ash, gotta go now. Tell me the story tomorrow. Love you.". She blew a kiss over the phone which Ash pretended to catch.
"Love you too." Ash replied as he blew a kiss back. The screen fade to black as Ash had a sad smile on his face, he has been in Kanto for about three weeks and has been keeping in contact with them back in Kalos, but he still misses Serena, this is the first apart since meeting, of course he misses her.
Ash was about to dial in his mother's number when he heard a slight cough, like someone clearing their throat. Turning to the source, he found Brock stood next to him. Ash smiled at the breeder.
"Hey Brock. How's it going?" Ash asked before he noticed something in the breeder's aura. "What's wrong?".
"What do you think?" Brock asked in a surprising strict tone. "Misty.".
"Misty?" Ash questioned with obvious confusions. "Isn't she spending time with her sisters? I was going to help fix things between them after the battle, but it seems the three of them grew respect for Misty after seeing her battle. Has something happened between them?".
"Wait, you mean you don't know?" Brock asked with genuine shock. Since Ash seems to know how everyone has been feeling thanks to his aura abilities, Brock assumed he knew how Misty felt about him, and guessed Ash just tried to avoid the subject out right.
"Know what?" Ash asked.
"How Misty feels about you." Brock admitted, which made Ash's eyes widen. "I thought you would've guessed from your aura.".
"I am far from an expert with it, Brock. And Misty's emotion would change so constantly that I could never get a strong reading on them." Ash admitted. "... By the way she feels about me, do you mean she...".
"Yeah Ash, she has a crush on you." Brock informed. "She is currently by a lake to the north of the city... And she isn't in a good way.".
"... I'll go and speak with her." Ash decided after a moment pause. "Can you keep the guys entertained until I come back?".
"Sure buddy." Brock replied.
With a small thank you, Ash set off towards the lake at the north of the city. He hates to think that he has hurt someone, even unknowingly. He has never been big on speaking about feelings, even getting easily embarrassed when Serena would be openly affectionate, but he knows he can't leave Misty like she is.
Walking down the gravel trail just at the boarder of the city, Ash soon knew where to go thanks to the combination of a sad and angry aura, along with the sounds of crying. With each step, Ash was tempted to run, despite all his maturity he is still only ten years old and isn't the best with emotional stuff. Although he hates the idea of someone being upset or hurt because of his actions, he never wanted to hurt anyone.
With his mind made up, Ash continued towards the orange-haired girl. Soon he stood on top of a grassy hill, where he could see an old oak tree with a stream at the bottom. Misty was hiding slightly behind the tree, hugging what appeared to be her Staryu with her Gyarados lying in the steam, both seemed to be somewhat healed after the battle. It seems she wasn't crying any more but a quick scan with his aura showed Ash that she was still hurting and angry.
He started to make his way down the hill, although Misty didn't seem to notice him as she didn't move. Although Gyarados saw him, and stood up tall, letting out a threatening roar, he clearly isn't happy about what this boy has done to his trainer. Misty turned around towards Ash to see what set Gyarados off. Once she quickly saw it was Ash, she moved behind the tree in an attempt to hide.
"Go away Ash!" Misty shouted as anger took over as her main emotion.
"No Misty." Ash replied. "Please look at me.".
Despite the plead Ash made, Misty made no response. She was clearly still upset. Despite the threating Gyarados looming over him, Ash built up the courage and walked around the tree. Misty was looking down at her feet, when she spotted Ash's feet she reluctantly looked up with more of a pleading look for him to leave. With an inward sigh, Ash kneeled down, so he was at her eye level.
"Misty..." Ash started but wasn't quite sure what to say. What could he say? Well, guess he just needs to give her his own opinion on the mess they are in and put forward how he would like to move forward. "... I'm sorry.".
Misty was shocked at the apology, she didn't quite know what she expected him to say but that clearly wasn't it. Of course, it makes sense he is apologising since he has hurt her but guess the pain she is experience was changing her perception on Ash. With this now in her head, she decided to hear him out at the very least.
"I... Never wanted to hurt you." Ash explained. "And for that, I am truly sorry. If I realised for one second, you felt this way I would've talked it out rather then what actually happened. I never meant to lead you on or give you that impression and if I realised I was then I would've put an end to it.".
"But... You offered to help me, with my fear." Misty tried speaking with a weak shattered voice. It was the first time Misty sounded in anyway vulnerable, as she had to keep taking breaks due to the uneven breathing patterns.
"And I did that because you needed help... And still do." Ash replied. "It is part of my job as a member of the G-Men to ensure all people and Pokemon can live together in harmony and you clearly wasn't. Even if I wasn't a member of the G-Men, I couldn't leave someone who needs helps. It's just who I am.".
"So... It wasn't to get close?" Misty asked in almost a whisper.
"No. I would never mess my duties as a member of the G-Men, or an aura user or even a junior professor to get something like a date. Those are very important roles and deserve to be treated as such." Ash explained. Of course, that is ignoring the fact he is with Serena but bringing her into this talk wouldn't help. "Plus, I also helped Brock with his father and all of my Pokemon at some point or another... By the same logic, I would've also been leading them on if that was my intention.".
"None of these changes the fact that you did lead me on." Misty barked back with anger before returning with a whisper for the second part. "Even if you didn't know it.".
"That is because I am an idiot." Ash admitted. "I could've mentioned Serena when we first met but I didn't really see a reason why. I am a person who lives in the moment, the here and now. Serena would only come to mind as someone to mention when making my calls back home which is along to my mum, and the professor I studied under. Since I have known them as my family for so long, that is what I always referred to them as. It never occurred to go into detail on them since they weren't here. It is the same with the other stuff like my aura. It was normal for me, so I only mentioned it when questioned after it came up is conversation.".
Ash noticed Misty got considerably angry when he mentioned Serena's name. He really hopes that they can move past this and continue to travel together as despite this, they have become good friends and he does wish to continue to help Misty with her bug fear.
"But despite all this, I would like us to keep travelling together." Ash suggested with a friendly smile in an attempt to lighten the move.
"You would?" Misty asked with genuine shock.
"Of course." Ash replied with his typical toothy grin. "I think you'd agree, putting this aside we have become pretty good friends. I would hate to lose a good friend over a silly understanding. Besides, I promised to help you with your fear of bugs. Your making good progress with Butterfree and Volcarona but your far from cured and it wouldn't feel right to leave a job half done... What do you say, friends?".
Ash held his hand out as he stood up. Misty looked at the open gesture. As much as she would like to blame Ash completely for leading her on and hurting her on purpose. She knows that isn't true. She is also partly to blame with all of the assumptions she made. Despite still hurting, hearing what Ash had to say has helped her feel a little better. It may take some time before she moves on completely, probably not before that girl, Serena, is meant to arrive but does she want to lose not only Ash but potential Brock as a friend if the breeder decides to continue travelling with Ash? After about half a minute, her mind was made up.
"... Friends." Misty replied as she accepted the hand.
Author's Note:
So yeah, Ash has his second badge, Misty has a new team member (much earlier than the canon) and now both Brock & Misty know about Serena. Speaking off, not long now until she joins the travelling group, plus she has her own new team member technically. Next Chapter is: Starter Set & Friends, where a total of five Pokemon will be caught.
Ash's Team:
Greninja (M), Lucario (M), Gardevoir (F), Aerodactyl (M), Salamence (M), Volcarona (F), Hydreigon (M), Leafeon (F)
Pikachu (M), Butterfree (M), Pidgeotto (F)
Ho-Oh (F)
Serena's Team:
Delphox (F), Primarina (F), Gallade (M), Bellossom (F), Dragonite (F), Absol (M), Braviary (M), Sylveon (F)
Pokemon egg
Misty's Tea
Staryu (-), Goldeen (F), Gyarados (M)
Brock's Team:
Onix (M), Graveler (M), Zubat (M)