Episode 10: New Found Courage
The romance between Ash and Salvia is one sided at the moment and will be for a little while to come.
I will introduce the second pin master in this episode and the first of Salvia's contests will start near the end of this episode.
Chris stood there with a grin on his face while pushing Dawn out of the way, Lucario charged towards the young bluenette grabbing her before she hit the ground, Lucario used Metal Claw to cut her bindings allowing the coordinator to escape, she ran to Ash's side thankful that she was free from her captor, she looked over Ash's shoulder for a moment and immediately recognized the girl standing behind Ash, she then turned her gaze over to Ash who was determined to look after her.
"Dawn, are you alright?" Ash asked his friend calmly, Dawn nodded quietly as the blue fox like pokemon landed next to him, "Dawn I want you to make sure the people are alright," Ash told his friend calmly.
Dawn took a quick glance at the princess again and smiled at her knowingly, "Ash, Salvia you two stay safe," Dawn said quietly as she ran off towards the distance.
Now that Ash didn't have to worry about saving Dawn he quickly turned his focus back on to the upcoming battle between him, the king and his brother, "Ash, my dad and uncle are both very strong," Salvia pointed out with concern, Salvia took the chance to look at her father who was holding a pokeball, "Ash, remember my dad also has Latios," Salvia pointed to the potential pokemon that Ash could face up against.
"Latios, the symbol of my family," the king called out for his large blue and grey pokemon with confidence, the creature floated there proudly while the king smirked at his brother.
His brother just stood there with a smirk, "legendary pokemon, doesn't bother me too much, Gallade, show them your power," Chris called out his pokemon the battle.
The king glared over to Ash with an anger expression, "I will deal with you soon after this battle," the king declared while getting ready to battle his brother, "my daughter will come home with me," the king declared his intentions boldly.
Chris looked over to his brother with laughter, "I knew you would come here, even for a stranger," he said while laughing at his brother, "I am not worried, this was nothing but a test to see how far you would go to save your daughter," Chris said with an arrogant smirk, "now I know what I need to do to send you over the edge," Chris said calmly as he got ready to battle both Ash and his brother, "and you young trainer, getting in my way isn't such a smart idea, in fact coming here wasn't a smart idea," Chris said while laughing at Ash, "but in actual fact you made my mission so much easier," he said as Ash gritted his teeth in frustration.
Ash looked back to the princess who continued to hide behind Ash nervously, "don't worry Salvia, what did I promise to Colin?" Ash asked with a confident smile. Salvia smiled at Ash while nodding at him, "good just stay where were you are," Ash instructed her calmly.
"Whatever, Gallade use Night Slash on Latios," Chris instructed his powerful pokemon to charge at the legendary pokemon, the humanoid pokemon ran towards legendary creature boldly before jumping up into the air.
Brian stood there calmly before getting ready to make his command, "Latios, Luster Purge," Brian ordered his pokemon, the legendary pokemon charged up a pink ball of energy before firing it at the incoming psychic type pokemon, sadly the opposing pokemon charged through the attack with ease but before it could land a powerful ghost type move slammed into Gallade, "what, where did that come from?" the king asked in amazement.
Lucario landed in front of Ash calmly after firing a powerful Shadow Ball at Gallade, "you forget that I am here, I will make sure that no one gets their hands on the princess," Ash declared determined to make sure no one harms her, "so if you two want her so badly you have to go through me," Ash said confidently while the princess watched in awe.
Brian looked over his shoulder for a moment and let out a quick smile, 'his courage is unbelievable,' he thought calmly, "enough that my daughter would hide behind him for protection,' the king thought as he turned his gaze back to his brother, "Latios, Dragon Breath now," the king called for the next attack of the battle, Latios charged up a powerful ball of energy and fired it at his brothers pokemon leaving Ash on the sidelines again.
"Gallade, use Close Combat on Lucario," Chris instructed his pokemon to attack, Chris's pokemon charged at Lucario while dodging the powerful Dragon Pulse gracefully.
"Lucario, dodge the attack and then use Aura Spere," Ash commanded confidently, the aura pokemon jumped back as Gallade made attempt after attempt to hit the steel type pokemon, after jumping further back Lucario charged up a sphere and fired it at Gallade with great power, the opposing pokemon pulled back after the attack while another attack slammed into it from above.
Chris looked on in anger as his pokemon fell back from the force of the two attack, "not bad young trainer, but not good enough," Chris stated with a grin, he burst out into laughter as another pokemon appeared next to him, a large blue pokemon with a purple and blue cape like feature and walking next to its master, his laughter became more crazed as Ash looked on in shock, "how do you like it now brother? Suicune the legendary beast from the Johto region working for me," Chris stated with a smirk.
Salvia stepped back in fear while Ash stood his ground in the face of such powerful foes, 'Ash, he is putting up a strong front, but he can't compete against my dad or my uncle,' Salvia thought while Ash looked back at her, "Ash, what are you thinking?" Salvia asked the trainer quietly.
"Salvia, if it gets too dangerous, I want you to run away from here, Pikachu you're to follow and protect her," Ash ordered his two friends with a smile.
Salvia shook her head in disbelief while Ash's electric pokemon stood on her shoulder, 'I am so scared, but Ash wants to make sure that I am safe,' Salvia thought as she watched the battle intensify, she looked at Pikachu for a moment, 'even Pikachu is standing his ground,' Salvia thought while Lucario hit the ground from a powerful attack.
Ash now falling back after Lucario was critically hit by Gallade, "not good, seems like this guy has reached another level," Ash declared in frustration, "this guy is good, he is holding his biggest threat off with a legendary of his own, while keeping me busy with his Gallade," Ash said with a smirk, "Lucario, are you alright?" Ash asked his pokemon calmly while it was getting up.
Lucario was slow to its feet but was still willing to battle against Gallade, Chris looked around after having Suicune send a powerful Ice Beam at Latios which was easily dodged, "not bad you two, but I am only getting warmed up, "Suicune, use Sheer Cold," Chris ordered his pokemon with great confidence, Suicune started to glow blue before unleashing a powerful wave of cold energy heading towards the opposing pokemon.
Ash, Salvia and the pokemon ran from the powerful attack as it neared the pokemon, "not good," Ash said while gritting his teeth, Lucario was hit by the powerful wave of cold air while Latios flew up to dodge the attack, "Lucario,"Ash called out to his pokemon, he quickly recalled his fighting type pokemon with frustration etched on his face.
Salvia saw the frustration plastered over Ash's face and started to show even more concern as Gallade approached Pikachu coldly, "I told you trainer," Chris said arrogantly while Suicune recovered from using the powerful attack, "all you need to do is hand over the princess, I will leave you alone if you do as I tell you," Chris told Ash quietly.
Ash turned his gaze back towards Salvia, "that would be the easy way out," Ash angrily responded as he grabbed one of his pokeballs, "Salvia is my friend and there is no way I will let you take her!" Ash yelled out in anger, "Salamence, I choose you," Ash called for his next pokemon, "go now, time to take this battle to another level," Ash told the princess as she and Pikachu ran away from the battle.
Salvia looked back while Ash's pokemon got ready to battle against her father and uncle, 'Ash, please make it back to me safely,' Salvia thought as the large blue pokemon charged at Gallade, 'I want to travel with you some more,' Salvia thought with a smile as she turned away to run to safety.
Ash smirked with confidence, "now Salamence, take out Gallade with Aerial Ace," Ash called out for an attack, Salamence quickly flew towards the psychic/fighting type catching it off guard, Salamence slammed into the opposing pokemon with its red wings, "nicely done Salamence," Ash complimented with a grin, the green and white pokemon fell to the ground knocked out of the battle.
The king looked over to Ash in amazement, 'amazing, I thought I was the only one that was able to defeat his Gallade,' the king thought, "use Dragon Pulse," Brian declared his attack with vigor, another burst of dragon like energy appeared over the mouth of Latios before it was fired at Suicune, but the legendary water type easily dodged the attack and sent its own powerful attack at Latios, "my brother has gotten better," Brian hissed in anger while his pokemon dodged the attack easily, "now Latios, counter with Thunderbolt," Brian called for the next attack of the battle.
Ash watched as the eon pokemon powered up an electric attack before blasting Suicune with the powerful attack. Salvia heard the power of the attack from the battle and looked back in concern "Ash," Salvia called to Ash before turning back towards the battle, as she was running towards the battle three familiar faces appeared in front of her, "Team Rocket," Salvia called out as she stepped back.
"Seems like your protector is a little busy," James said with a smirk while the sounds of the battle emanated behind him, "how about coming with us," James enquired calmly.
Salvia took a step back until she felt she was at the water's edge, she took a look back to see where she was. Salvia looked ahead to see the Rocket Trio getting closer, she pulled out her pokeball and looked at it for a moment, "Dragonair, please help me," Salvia called out her pokemon in hope, her pokemon appeared to get between her and Team Rocket, "Dragonair, use Dragon Breath," Salvia instructed her pokemon, the large blue serpentine pokemon sent blasted Team Rocket with a burst of green flames.
Team Rocket easily dodge the attack, they grabbed their pokeballs to call out their pokemon, "Seviper, go," Jessie called for her pokemon.
"Cofagrigus, show the princess what you are made of," James called out his ghost pokemon calmly.
Dragonair was alone in the battle until Pikachu jumped into the fray, "Pikachu, you want to battle too?" Salvia asked the small electric type pokemon.
The electric type tried to tell Salvia to battle but she was unable to understand, "that's so nice of the little rodent, telling you to command in this battle," Team Rockets Meowth said causing the his team mates to laugh at the trapped princess, "just give up, that's all you need to do, it isn't like you can make a difference in this battle," Meowth declared while laughing.
Salvia closed her eyes and thought about the battle quickly, "I will not give up, Pikachu, Dargonair time to show them what we can do," Salvia declared with a confident grin, "Pikachu, use Electro Ball and Dragonair, Use Aqua Tail," Dragonair spun around with water flowing from its tail while Pikachu fired a ball of electricity into the water, the electric attack spun around as water type move started to get near the opposing pokemon.
Team Rocket's pokemon easily dodged the attack, "I remember now, you defeated me in a pokemon contest," Jessie barked out with anger, "Seviper, use Poison Tail on Dragonair," Jessie called for the fang snake pokemon to attack Salvia's pokemon.
"Cofagrigus, attack with Shadow Ball," James gave his ghost type the command to attack Pikachu.
"Dodge the attack Pikachu," Salvia told Ash's pokemon calmly, the small yellow pokemon ran around the attack before it blew up near Salvia almost pushing her off the water front, Salvia managed to regain her balance with the help of Dragonair who took the poison tail attack, "now Pikachu use Thunderbolt," Salvia told the electric mouse pokemon powered up his thunder type move before zapping the opposing pokemon with a mighty burst of electricity.
"She's gotten better," James said calmly as the two pokemon fell back from the power of the attack, "Cofagrigus, counter with Dark Pulse," James ordered the ghost pokemon to attack the poisoned dragon type pokemon.
Jessie looked at the princess who was still trapped on the water's edge, "Seviper, attack with Poison Jab," Jessie issued her command, the fang snake pokemon charged at Pikachu with its tail dripping with poison, the poison type hit Pikachu with a mighty hit before grabbing Pikachu and wrapping it with its coils, but as Jessie was about to issue the final command of the battle from out of nowhere a powerful burst of electricity slammed into the conflicting pokemon, a man with short blonde hair appeared with military style clothing, "who are you?" Jessie asked in anger.
The man looked around with a smile before a powerful yellow and black pokemon stood next to him, "I am Sargent Watkins, specialty electric type pokemon, I am pin master here to visit an old friend," the man said while pulling off his shades, he looked around again this time spotting Salvia in trouble, "teaming up on a young lady, there is no honor in that," Watkins said with frown.
Salvia watched as the pin master got ready to attack, 'who is this guy?' Salvia asked herself trying to keep calm, she looked over to find a powerful burst of ice was over the horizon, "Ash, come on Pikachu and Dragonair, we need to help Ash out," Salvia said as she ran passed the pin master with a frown, "thanks for helping me," Salvia said thankfully, the pin master nodded approvingly as the princess ran by to get to the trainer.
"Electivire, attack with Thunder Punch," Watkins ordered his pokemon confidently, Electivire charged at the two pokemon without flinching with lightning arching from its fists, the two fists connected knocking out the two pokemon with great ease.
Jessie and James recalled their pokemon knowing that the battle was over yet again, "time for us to leave this battle," James said before throwing a smoke ball at the ground to start their retreat.
Watkins waited for the smoke to clear from the area, "seems like these guys are well organized," Watkins stated calmly, he turned around to see Lt Surge walking up to him, "Sir, it seems like Team Rocket have restarted their operations," Watkins declared while saluting promptly.
"Come on, our days in the army are over, just call me Surge," Lt Surge said while scratching the back of his head, "you have to test the abilities of all challenges in the Master's Challenge," Lt Surge said before walking off towards the gym to prepare it for Watkins' battles.
Watkins followed Surge towards the gym calmly thinking about the lady that he saved from Team Rocket, "Who was that girl?" Watkins asked himself quietly while hearing the sounds of the battle starting to dissipate.
Meanwhile Ash was being pushed back from the battle while Suicune and Latios fell back from a head on collision, "Salamence, are you alright?" Ash asked the powerful dragon pokemon, Salamence turned his gaze to Ash and nodded quickly while panting from the quality of the opposition, "we need to end this battle quickly," Ash declared with quietly, "Dragon Pulse now," Ash ordered powerfully, Salamence powered up another devastating dragon type move before sending the blast towards the clashing pokemon, just as the move got closer the two legendries pulled away and fired their most powerful attacks at one another, the attacks collided with devastating force.
As the attacks were about to explode in the middle of the city Dragonair appeared to help Salamence out, "Use Protect now Dragonair," a female voice instructed her pokemon, Dragonair got between Salamence and the explosion with a protective barrier.
Salvia ran to Ash's side with a smile and watched as the smoke cleared from the explosion, "Salvia, what are you doing here?" Ash asked in shock, he turned around to see the legendary pokemon still standing but looking tired from the continual battle, "I told you to stay clear from this battle," Ash explained as his frustration started to show.
"Ash, there is no way I was going to leave you behind," Salvia declared as the two started to glare at each other.
"I don't want you getting hurt," Ash snapped back causing the princess to cross her arms, "what would happen if you got hurt in this battle?" Ash asked Salvia with concern.
Salvia looked at the ground to think about Ash's question, 'I was hoping that you would help me Ash, but guess you are too protective,' Salvia thought with a frown, "Ash, I want to learn to look after myself, what would I learn if you keep babying me all the time?" Salvia asked in anger as she turned away from the trainer, "I want to become strong Ash, staying in those palace walls prevented me from doing so," Salvia stated with a frown.
Her dad was watching the argument between her and Ash, 'was I doing the same thing as him?' the king asked in shame, he turned around to find that his brother and Suicune were gone, 'I will let you travel some more my daughter,' the king thought with a smile before walking away from the battle while Ash and Salvia were still arguing amongst themselves.
"Sire, we need to pull back and heal our pokemon," Colin said calmly while his Chatot was repeating his every word.
The king looked over his shoulder and smiled at the scene, 'my daughter has a friend,' the king thought proudly, "men we're pulling back!" Brian declared while walking away from the city.
Colin turned around to see Ash and Salvia arguing, the scene caused him to crack a quick smile, "even if they are arguing it doesn't mean it's then end of their journey," Colin stated with a smile, "he held his line pretty well," Colin stated while watching the two turn their backs to each other.
Meanwhile another blue haired female walked up to them, "Ash and Salvia I am traveling with you until we reach Celadon City," Dawn said with a smile.
"Fine by me," Ash replied to his friend calmly with his arms crossed, "oh and thanks for saving me princess," Ash said thankfully while avoiding eye contact with the princess.
Salvia ignored the sentiment but turned her head to look at Ash, she let out a quick smile before realizing that Dawn was watching them, she turned her back to Ash, "that's all fine Ash, but I want to battle alongside you," Salvia declared calmly as she walked away.
Ash turned around to see Pikachu staring at his master in anger, "what now buddy?" Ash asked the pokemon who turned around to follow the princess back to the pokemon Center, "what did I do know?" Ash asked with a sigh.
Dawn looked at her friend in concern, "Ash, it seems that the princess wants to get stronger," Dawn said with a frown, she and Ash walked to the Pokemon Center without a word being said to each other, they entered the medical facility and looked around to find the princess sitting at a table with food on it, she looked up and smiled at Ash and Dawn, "Salvia, what are you doing?" Dawn asked the princess with uncertainty.
Ash walked up quietly not looking at the food, "sorry about earlier Salvia," Ash said apologetically, Ash took some food and took a bite, "did you get that from the café?" Ash asked quietly but Salvia shook her head in response.
Salvia looked up to Ash with a smile and sighed quietly, "I learnt some other stuff from you," Salvia professed quietly, "I learnt how to make some sandwiches," Salvia confessed while Ash took a some more sandwiches and ate, Dawn soon followed Ash's example and took a bite, "I hope you like them," Salvia said in hope.
After finishing the sandwiches Ash looked at the princess happily, "they were really nice Salvia," Ash complimented her happily, Pikachu jumped onto his trainers shoulder happily eating one of the sandwiches Salvia made.
Salvia turned around feeling a little embarrassed from Ash's compliment, 'he complimented me,' Salvia thought as her happiness started to overflow.
"Salvia, are you okay?" Ash asked in a clueless manner.
Salvia turned around with a smile on her face, "yes I am fine Ash, I just have a request," Salvia declared with a smile.
Ash looked at the food on the table, "yeah I will be happy to follow your request," Ash stated with a smile, "name it, anything you need," Ash said with a smile.
Salvia looked at Pikachu with a smile, "I want to borrow Pikachu for my first contest," Salvia requested while bowing her head, "I saw a contest hall not too far from here," Salvia pointed out to a shocked Ash, "oh and Ash while I am competing in the contest, I want you to take Dragonair to battle the pin master in this city," Salvia instructed Ash with a smile.
Dawn watched as the two smiled at each other for a moment, she watched as Ash nodded in approval, "wow you two act like you're in….." Dawn stated as Salvia covered her mouth in embarrassment, Dawn started to talk but the words were muffled behind Salvia's hand.
Ash witnessed the scene unfold while Salvia dragged Dawn out of the Pokemon Center, Pikachu followed the two girls out, "what was that all about?" Ash asked in amazement, soon Salvia made it back in to give Ash the pokeball containing Dragonair, "Salvia, are you sure about this?" Ash asked calmly.
Salvia nodded with a smile, "hundred percent certain Ash, be sure that you win the battle," Salvia said before leaving the Pokemon Center again, Salvia soon met up with Dawn as they started to walk towards the Contest hall, Salvia was confident that she was going to win the contest again, "Pikachu, thanks for helping me out," Salvia said thankfully while the electric mouse happily replied to the young royal.
Dawn gave Salvia a pokeball, "here princess, Togekiss wants to compete again with you," Dawn said with smile, Salvia grabbed the pokeball happily as they got closer to the contest hall, "So princess are you nervous, it has been a while since you competed," Dawn stated with a smile.
"Yes I know, but knowing that I will be using Togekiss again I am sure can win this contest," Salvia said confidently. "I will use Togekiss for the appeals round and you Pikachu will be in the battle rounds," Salvia told the electric pokemon.
Salvia and Dawn walked into the busy contest hall to find the coordinator preparing for the contest, they walked up to the main counter so that Salvia could compete, "we like to register for a place in the contest," Dawn said with a smile.
The registrar shook her head in sadness, "sorry there is only one space left," she said with a frown.
Dawn looked away for a moment, "you take the spot princess, I will watch from the crowds," Dawn said happily.
Salvia nodded happily as she registered for the first contest of her journey, "I can't wait to compete," Salvia said happily as she walked into the coordinators lounge, "I will use the same appeals the last time I competed," Salvia declared with a smile.
After waiting for the other competitors it was soon Salvia's turn to take the stage, she walked through the red curtain and to her position on the stage she pulled out the pokeball containing Togekiss, "Togekiss, time to shine," Salvia called out the mostly white pokemon with a crown surrounding her. After the introductions Salvia was ready to show off her pokemon, "Togekiss, use Aura Sphere," Salvia commanded with confidence, Togekiss sent a ball of aura flying up until it stopped in midair, "now hit it with Sky Attack," Salvia instructed her pokemon, and in a great display of power Togekiss flew up to the sphere splitting it in three, "time for some color, use Air Slash," Salvia ordered with a smile, the jubilee pokemon spun around sending blades of air towards the three spheres, the crowd watched in awe as a veil of color enveloped the contest stage.
"Amazing skill, she has some experience," said a man with short brown hair wearing a red suit.
"Remarkble," the Pokemon Fan club president declared.
Nurse Joy waited for the crowd to reach silence for her to make a comment, "amazing color, hope to see more of her skills in this contest," Nurse joy declared happily.
While the contest was going on Ash had finish his call with the professor, "So Krookodile and Serperior will take part in this team," Ash said with confidence, Ash walked out of the contest hall to find the pin master, he walked pass the contest hall and heard the cheers of the crowd, "I hope Salvia is doing well," Ash said before bumping into a large man with short blonde hair, "ouch," Ash said while looking up to see the man smiling at him.
"Sorry about that I am waiting for my next challenge for the pin battles," the man said with a embarrassed smile.
Ash quickly sprang up and immediately grin at the pin master, "I am Ash Ketchum, I challenge to a pin battle," Ash said with confidence.
"I am Sargent Watkins, the electric master and good friend of Lt Surge," the man said with a smile, "the battle will take place in the Vermillion City Gym," Watkins stated while leading Ash to the gym for their battle. After walking for a few minutes Ash and Watkins made it to the gym and got ready for their battle.
Ash looked around with a smile, "wow, it's been a while since I have been here," Ash said with proud smile, he looked around before spotting Lt Surge, "hey Lt Surge, it's been a long time," Ash called over to the gym leader.
"Wow it seems like the baby grew up," Surge said with a smirk before sitting down, "I hope you got better since we battled," Surge said in hope as he walked over to the seats to watch the battle.
Alright the end of the episode is here, now the battle rounds of Salvia's first contest are about to happen and Ash's second battle is about to start against the master of electric pokemon.
team difference: Ash: Dragonair*, Gabite, Serperior, Krookodile, Emboar and Lucario
Salvia: Pikachu*, Togekiss*, Clefairy and Eevee
*= Temporary inclusion
Will Ash and Salvia win their respective battles? What of the situation with her uncle? And what pokemon does Watkins have?
Next time Episode 11: Electrifying styles of battle.
A.N. Now there are some people wondering when it will happen that Salvia and Ash become an official couple, well I have great news, I have written the episode where it becomes official, but unfortunately I will release it when the time is right and that time isn't now. Until then please continue to enjoy the story and tell me what you think of it so far.