Chapter 10
When considering the strongest Pokémon Trainers in the world, there is a certain image associated with the idea of them. They are larger than life figures with this ability to calm situations down, to talk things through. At the same time, when the situation calls for it, these Trainers can become oppressive forces.
Their power, the power of their Pokémon comes to the forefront and even the least observant person around knows the anger of the strongest Trainers. Lance, with his Dragonite and Red Gyarados, stands guard over Kanto and Johto. His power commanding the respect of two regions. Steven Stone of Hoenn with his Metagross and Aggron holds firm in protecting the region, though rumors abound he is going to step aside for Wallace and his Milotic. Then there is Cynthia with her Garchamp. Cynthia holds sway over Sinnoh.
Of course, there are other Trainers who are on the cusp of becoming such dangerous people. Trainers like those in the Elite Four, a couple Battle Frontier Brains, a Gym leader here and there, for example. However, the most terrifying are those who are content with traveling. They are unexpected and can change situations almost at a whim.
Trainers like Jon Dickson of Sento Cherry Town, and Tyson from Mauville City.
Other trainers such as Gary Oak and Ritchie from Kanto, Harrison and Katie from Hoenn, and, to be honest, Paul from Sinnoh, are all making their claims to be in the conversation.
There is one traveling Trainer who people are keeping an eye on and in the next couple of years is expected to surpass many of those named.
Ash Ketchum.
A nice boy. A good boy. Dedicated to his Pokémon, enjoys training and learning how to train himself and his Pokémon better.
The question is if when angered can he become like the Champions? Can he become a natural disaster?
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Ash, never known for his subtlety, walked straight down the hill towards the Team Galactic Camp.
Next to him came Tauros, while Aipom and Pikachu rode on his shoulders and Totodile cheerfully skipped on his other side. Not exactly the picture of danger or power.
Until a Team Galactic Grunt sent out her Zubat. The poor Pokémon was immediately fried.
The woman ran away yelling, having seen his eyes. Shadowed by his cap, Ash's normally tranquil brown eyes seemed to glow with lightning and fire.
A moment later, a handful of Team Galactic members sent out a cluster of Stunky and Glameow to hold him back. A single finger gesture sent Tauros charging forward.
The Take Down attack speared straight through the center of the formation before Tauros came to a stop right before the Team Galactic trainers. The entire formation of five Pokémon fell back to the earth behind the snorting Pokémon.
The entire camp was now aware of Ash's presence. Flashes of light indicated masses of Stunky, Glameow, and Zubat were now in his way.
Ash didn't even say anything. He kept walking. His Pokémon, however, were not so passive. Pikachu leapt from Ash's shoulder to a boulder and then from boulder to boulder. Lighting flashed out. Each time an electric attack struck, another Pokémon was rendered unconscious.
Aipom also leapt from Ash's shoulder and with a spin sent a swift attack into a group of Glameow. Ash's Aipom leapt in, using a variety of surprising attacks, including Thunderbolts, Water Pulses, Focus Punches, Iron Tails, and Fury Swipes.
Tauros, true to its species, rampaged through the camp. Charging threw tents and Pokémon alike. Tauros' Horn Attack laid waste to each and every challenger he met.
Totodile danced in front of Ash, using Water Gun to snipe any Pokémon from Team Galactic that dared to come to close to his trainer. The constant dancing, Dragon Dance, continued to power up the small Pokémon. Occasionally the Water Type Starter from Johto would throw in an Ice Beam or, in rare cases, a Hydro Pump. The powerful little Pokémon cleared the way, leaving Ash the freedom to walk where ever he wanted.
And Ash wanted to walk to the center of the camp.
To his slight surprise, the Aerodactyl had yet to be released. The scientist stood waiting for him.
"Who are you?" The scientist demanded as soon as Ash was in hearing range.
"Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town."
"How are you doing this?"
"Doing what?"
"Defeating twenty Team Galactic members, each carrying multiple Pokémon with just four Pokémon?"
"I trained my Pokémon well."
"You are a freak and you are ruining my experiment."
"What experiment?"
"I revived this Aerodactyl from a rare fossil called Old Amber. Since then, I have been working on training this beast. I plan to set him loose on Oreburgh City to destroy everything in his path. To get him ready, I have been having Aerodactyl fight every Geodude and Onix in his path."
"You are not going to do that."
"I am and you will not be able to stop me. All of your Pokémon are engaged elsewhere and Aerodactyl will take care of your little Totodile without much trouble."
Totodile crossed his arms and spit a Water Gun over the scientist's shoulder, taking out a Zubat that had fluttered to close to the conversation.
Ash shrugged. "Perhaps. Now, answer me something. Who are you? What is your role in Team Galactic?"
"There is no reason for me to answer you. No body knows you are here and by the time they find you, you will be of no use."
"Actually, I am in the area with a Gym Leader and a Pokémon Ranger, as well as a couple other Trainers. They should be on their way soon."
"Very well." The scientist turned and pressed a button on a remote while pointing it at the chained Aerodactyl.
"Aerodactyl destroy this Ash Ketchum, destroy him completely."
"You made a mistake."
The scientist spun around, eyes widened and nostrils flared. Ash continued. "You assumed I only have Four Pokémon with me. That is not quite correct. I have several others, including that one."
Ash lazily used his left hand to point to the sky where a dark shape was floating over him. The shadow dove with a massive roar that shook the entire quarry.
Aerodactyl didn't wait for the scientist's instructions. Instead, the Rock and Flying Type leapt into the air to meet the challenge with a roar of his own.
Not thirty feet overhead, Charizard spun quickly out of his dive, using his Dragon Tail to slam into Aerodactyl. The ancient Pokémon's rapid ascent was halted and reversed at double the speed. With a thump, a cloud of dust rose from where Aerodactyl hit the ground behind the scientist.
Aerodactyl was not going to let Charizard get away with such a cheep shot and returned fire with a Hyper Beam. Charizard rolled out of the way and sent a Flamethrower towards the grounded Pokémon.
Generally Rock Pokémon can take any Fire Type around without too much trouble. However, the simple Flamethrower attack singed Aerodactyl.
Aerodactyl pumped his wings and jumped back into the air. Ash could see the damage Aerodactyl had taken from those two moves. "Charizard, Dragonbreath and Overheat to take it out."
Charizard nodded and took a deep breath and released a stream of purple flames, striking Aerodactyl in his face. The Rock and Flying type shook his head as the attack connected, but didn't seem to be too injured.
Then a flash of white hot flame passed through the air, distorting the sky as the heat burned towards Aerodactyl. The Overheat struck, pushing Aerodactyl away. After several seconds, Ash's Charizard stopped the attack and Aerodactyl plummeted to the ground on the far edge of the Team Galactic camp.
With a snap of his wings Charizard landed next to Ash. Pikachu climbed onto Ash's shoulder as did Aipom. Tauros' charge stopped on Ash's other side. The scientist faced off against Ash and his five Pokémon, none looking like they wanted to befriend him.
"Wh Who are you?" The scientist stuttered out.
"I told you, I am Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town, winner of the Orange League, winner of the Ever Grande Conference, winner of the Kanto Battle Frontier, and soon to be winner of the Lily of the Valley Conference. The better question is who are you?"
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Gary, Dawn, and Roark had been the first to come upon Ash's watching Pokémon. Looking down below, they could see the effect Ash was having on the camp. Roark started forward, but Gary placed his hand on his shoulder.
"Ash has got this."
"But there is no way to know how many Team Galactic Pokémon are involved and it looks like Ash only sent out four of his own."
"Ash has got this." Gary repeated, firmly.
Roark shook his head but did not make any attempt to move forward.
Solana and Paul were next. Swellow and Starly landed on a rock above them and Eevee quickly moved to sit next to Quilava.
Paul's mouth dropped as the various attacks from the four known Pokémon stopped and the camp fell into silence.
"I guess we better help clean up." Solana said and as she lifted her foot to move forward the entire quarry shook.
Gary shook his head. "Aerodactyl has not been dealt with yet."
From above came the diving shadow of Charizard.
Roark and Paul watched, eyes widening and mouth's dropping. The Aerodactyl, one of the most dangerous predators from a bygone age was being treated like a minor stepping stone. When Charizard's Overheat melted the air, Paul dropped to his knees. Dawn's legs were shaking and Roark was already wondering if he had any chance in a Gym Battle with the Trainer below.
Gary started forward. "You are right Solana, it is time to help clean up."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Unfortunately, Ash never got his question answered. Soon after his friends had appeared, so did Officer Jenny and a large contingent of police showed up to collect the Team Galactic Members from the area.
Gary stood over the fallen Aerodactyl. Not to guard it, but considering if he could capture the Pokémon.
Ash moved to stand next to his old friend. "That Aerodactyl is one dangerous Pokémon. I got the sense the Team Galactic mission leader was mistreating him. I would be concerned with Aerodactyl's mental state."
"I know, more importantly, I am concerned with if Aerodactyl needs to be taken by the police for evidence."
Ash nodded at Gary's logic. "Then ask Solana. She would have the authority to grant release to you."
"I think I will."
As they talked, Solana walked up to them.
"Thank you both, you have done so much for this mission. I wouldn't have been able to solve the problem alone. Thank you so much. If you weren't involved, I don't think I would have found the other parts of the operation. Roark and I would have only cleared out the Mine. Nothing more."
Ash shrugged. "My pleasure."
"Could I capture that Aerodactyl?" Gary asked.
Solana chuckled at the question. "Of course, Aerodactyl needs to be rehabilitated. While Ash could have done it, you have done research on the species, isn't that right Gary?"
"It is."
"Well, rehabilitate Aerodactyl and continue your research, with the complements of the Pokémon Rangers."
"It won't interfere with your investigation?"
"No, we have enough evidence from elsewhere."
Gary turned and tossed a Pokéball at the still prone Aerodactyl. The giant Pokémon disappeared in a flash of red light, the Pokéball barely shifting before issuing a ding of capture and vanishing to be transported to Professor Oak's Ranch.
Solana turned to Ash. "Paul has returned to the Pokémon Center. He said something about wanting to talk to you later and Roark said you would be his next challenger. Roark was hoping to battle tomorrow, if that is acceptable for you."
"It is, I need to talk to a couple of my Pokémon and plan for the Gym Battle. Tomorrow is soon enough."
After a few moments of pleasantries, Solana returned to the clean up while Gary headed back to the Pokémon Center. Ash instead head to where he had left his Pokémon.
Seeing the six Pokémon he had sent out earlier and Dawn, Ash smiled.
"You were very impressive." Dawn said quietly, "Do you think you can help me reach your level?"
"Not by the time the Grand Festival occurs. It takes years. But I am happy to help you get on the right path."
"Thank you."
Ash started to return his Pokémon, kind words on his lips and promises to talk later. "We should get to the Pokémon Center. It has been a long day and tomorrow has a lot involved."
"Sounds good."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Paul wasn't there when Ash returned, so the Trainer from Pallet Town headed up to one of the rooms his group had rented. He was sharing with Gary, but as the young Professor was talking to his Gramps, Ash had the room to himself for the time being. Dawn was out back talking with Piplup and Buneary, while there was no need to worry, it was also true there was a long way for her to go.
Ash sent out Charizard and Quilava first. He was quite glad Charizard didn't set the room on fire, instead recognizing the Pokémon Center decor and curling in on himself a little bit. Quilava looked up at the powerful Fire Type from Kanto before turning to Ash with a, "Lava?"
"Did you learn anything today, Quilava?"
The Johto Fire Type looked up at Charizard again before speaking. "Quil quil lava la lava?"
As she spoke, she held her front paws together parallel to the floor before spreading them. Ash listened carefully and replied. "No, I am not suggesting you evolve. I wanted you to see some of the power I think you can obtain. If you want to evolve, that is up to you. I will help you as much as I can, but it needs to be entirely your decision."
"Quil lava lava?"
"That is right, you have the ability to produce as hot of a flame as Charizard."
"Lava Quil la lava la?"
"Exactly, you needed to see where you are and how far you can grow. What you do with that information is up to you. Charizard, do you mind if I send you back to Professor Oak's Ranch to talk with Quilava before going back to the Charicific Valley?"
"Char Char."
Ash smiled before returning the two Fire types. "Glad to hear it. Alright, time for the next two."
This time he released Starly and Swellow. "Hey you two, I am glad things wen well with Solana. I just wanted to see if the two of you were okay and if you two needed anything."
"Swell Swellow."
"Ly Star Starly."
"Okay, I can do that Starly. Swellow are you sure you want to head back?"
"Swell low low Swell." Swellow declared with a flap of his wings.
"If you are sure then that is how we will do it." He returned the two Flying types before sending out Gastly and Absol.
"Absol, thank you. You helped us so much more than I expected and I promise I will work with you more."
"Sol Ab Absol Ab."
"That is right, you will be fantastic. Gastly, did you learn anything?"
"Gaast Gaaaaastly. GaAAastly."
"Okay, we can do some more work together too. It sounds like you are excited about what you could become."
Again Ash returned the Pokémon. Next he sent out Tauros, Aipom, and Totodile. After quickly praising them and confirming he was planning to use Totodile against Roark, he returned the three Pokémon. He held the final two Pokéball's in his hand, almost ready to talk to the last two of his Pokémon. He paused and twitched his hand, tossing only one Pokéball.
"Hey Turtwig. What are you thinking?"
"Wig Turt Turtwig wig Turt."
"Really, you decided you wanted to evolve from that? Charizard was that impressive?"
"Turt turt wig."
"If that is what you want, we can get moving on that path. I just want to let you know, evolution can change you a lot. You will probably gain a lot of mass and perhaps other changes as well. Are you sure about this?"
"Turt." Turtwig said with a little salute.
"If you are sure, then that is what we are going to do. The next step will be tomorrow. I am going to lead off with you in the Gym Battle against Roark. Are you okay with that?"
"Wig Turtwig."
"Good to hear it. Rest up for now." Ash said as he returned the Grass Type. He shifted things around and soon was looking at the last Pokéball. With a flick of his wrist, Eevee sat in front of him. Her tail curled around her back legs and her four paws were close together as she looked up at her trainer.
She tilted her head. "Ee eevee ee vee vee eevee eevee. Eevee, vee vee. Eevee."
Ash leaned back against one of the beds. "Really?"
"Vee eevee vee."
"No, no I believe you. I am just surprised. You haven't indicated any desire before. I am glad you found something you want to do. Helping people huh? Yeah, I can work with that. But Eevee, one of the things you need to remember is that to help people, you will probably have to fight. Are you okay with that?"
"Eevee ee eevee."
"I am sorry, of course I meant helping Pokémon as well. But you didn't answer my question."
"Vee!"
"Okay. I get it, I do. When we get back on the road, we can talk with Solana. I don't know if being a Pokémon Ranger is the best way to help people and Pokémon. Remember, we have run into other talented Trainers who are not Pokémon Rangers who are helping out in anyway they can. However, I will look at what is involved with being a Pokémon Ranger again."
"Eee?"
"Yeah, I would do that for you. I may decide to finish this League first, but I will consider finding a way for us to dedicate at least a chunk of our time to helping keep the peace."
"Eevee Eee!"
Ash smiled as Eevee padded forward and curled up next to him. Pikachu, having sat on his shoulder the entire time patted his head.
"I agree. It is time to rest. Tomorrow we face Roark in a Gym Battle!"
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
The next morning found Ash standing across a rocky Gym battlefield from Roark. Solana, Dawn, and Gary were all sitting together in the sparse stands, while Paul leaned up against the wall in the back. Paul had avoided Ash again in the morning, he wanted to talk to the Trainer from Pallet Town but didn't know what to say.
Roark pulled out a Pokéball. "Ash, this is a three on three Gym Battle. I just have one question before we start."
"What is it?" Ash asked.
"That Charizard of yours, is he participating today?"
"No, I already sent him and Quilava home. They were just in for the excitement yesterday."
"I am glad to hear it," Roark said. "Geodude, let's start out strong."
"Turtwig, I choose you."
"Don't underestimate him Geodude. Use Rock Throw."
"Turtwig, keep your distance and keep moving. Use Razor Leaf to find an opening." Ash instructed instead of his now normal cryptic command.
"Wig."
Turtwig started moving around the mostly stationary Geodude, the two Pokémon trading long distance attacks. Soon enough, Geodude was directly hit from the Grass Type attack and fainted. It wasn't an interesting battle or even tactically engaging. Type advantage won out.
"Good job Geodude. Onix you are up next, use Slam."
"Dodge when it gets close and then use Leech Seed." Ash instructed.
The small grass type ducked under the lunging Onix and was able to plant the long term attack in a crevice in Onix' body.
Dashing to one side, Turtwig followed up with a Razor Leaf. Due to the sudden loss of vitatlity to the Leech Seed, Onix was unable to move despite Roark's warning. While the powerful Rock Type Pokémon had been able to withstand quite a battering the day before, Turtwig's attacks were too much.
Onix fainted and was withdrawn in a flash of light.
"Ash you are a very talented trainer. How long have you had Turtwig?"
"A couple of weeks at most."
"Very impressive. I am going to send out my most powerful Pokémon and you will lose. Go Cranidos."
Ash smiled as a blue and grey Pokémon appeared. The short front arms and long powerful hind legs gave Cranidos the appearance of always leaning forward, this was balanced by a blue tail. The crown of the Pokémon's head were blue scales creating a helmet ringed by four spikes.
"Come back Turtwig, you have done fantastic. It is time for a rest."
"Wig?"
"Really."
Turtwig returned himself in a flash of red light. Ash pulled out a Pokéball. "I am sorry Roark. This is not the most powerful Pokémon I have with me, but he is more than a match for your Cranidos. Totodile, I choose you."
The small Water Type Starter Pokémon from Johto danced onto the battlefield in a flash of white light.
"Diiilllee!"
"You used that Pokémon yesterday, didn't you?" Roark asked.
"I did."
"Are you concerned Totodile may have used too much energy yesterday and is not fully recovered?"
"No need to worry, none of my Pokémon were overworked yesterday." Ash said confidently before pausing. "I am sorry, was Onix okay? I wasn't sure if you used this Onix and Geodude yesterday. Do you want to restart in a couple of days?"
"No, this is a clean battle. All of my Pokémon were eager to face you today."
"I am glad to hear it. Though, Cranidos is not going to be eager for much longer."
"That Totodile of yours, it is strong?"
"I like to think so."
"Why has it not evolved yet then?"
"Totodile has met Croconaw and Feraligatr. Neither of them can dance as well as he wants to. So he has decided not to evolve. I don't mind. He is a fantastic Pokémon and one I trust implicitly."
"You are one of the strangest trainers I have ever met. As a Feraligatr, your Pokémon would strike fear into his opponents and be exceptionally dangerous."
"Maybe, but he doesn't want to evolve. If you believe so strongly in evolution, then why do you have a Geodude, Onix, and Cranidos? Wouldn't a Golem, Steelix, and Rampardos make more sense?"
"I am a Gym Leader. I have been asked to be one of three Gyms which can be challenged by trainers just starting out. My job is to test to see if you are ready for the Pokemon League Conference. As a Gym Leader, these are the Pokémon I use. As a trainer, well I tend to use these Pokémon still to make sure I am in sync with them."
"Not everything is about evolution, is it?" Ash asked quietly. Louder, he directed his question across the battle field. "Is that enough of a break?"
"Bring it on my friend."
"Totodile, flood."
"Cranidos, Zen Headbutt."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Ash and Roark shook hands outside of the Gym. "Congratulations, Ash. I have not been defeated so quickly in several years. Here is the Coal Badge, you definitely deserve it."
"Thank you Roark, I enjoyed battling you."
Roark laughed. "You would have enjoyed it more if I gave you a challenge though, is that right?"
"Something like that."
Roark turned to Paul. "You are looking for a Gym Battle as well? All my Pokémon are tired and I need to take them to thePokémon Center. I will be happy to face off against you tomorrow."
"That is fine." Paul said.
Roark smiled and headed back into the Gym, no further words needed. Paul looked at Ash. "You frustrate me. You are overly kind to your Pokémon and it doesn't seem like you push them at all. Yet your Pokémon are powerful beyond what I have seen. I don't understand. How are you so strong?"
Ash laughed, "Paul, I already told you. To be a Pokémon Trainer is hard. It takes effort and time from both the Pokémon and the Trainer. Creating a bond with your Pokémon can help bring out their hidden strength. Taking the time to learn about your Pokémon can help you create strategies to put your Pokémon into better situations."
Paul shook his head and pulled out a Pokéball. "I don't know if I can do what you do."
"Then don't, be yourself. Just make sure to care for your Pokémon." Ash said.
"I need to think. Will you be here tomorrow to watch my Gym Battle?"
"I can be."
"I would appreciate it."
"Then I will be here."
Ash and his friends started to walk towards the Pokémon Center. From behind them, Ash would later swear he heard Paul mutter, "Thank you."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\