Chapter 11- The School of Hard Knocks

Ash and Misty are walking along Route 24 with a few clouds floating innocently in the sky. Both young trainers are feeling calm and happy on this day.

"So Ash, why are we heading north? Shouldn't the next badge be south from here?" Misty asked.

"I am actually going to see if this person lives up north here. He is known as a Pokémon Enthusiast."

"Really? His name?"

"Bill."

"Oh."

They kept walking on the road until they noticed a large wood fence with a large sign over what appears to be a gate. They noticed on the sign, a record that said 'Wins 100 – Losses 0. Undefeated!' Ash went over to knock on the gate, but no one answered.

"Wonder what that was all about?" Ash said.

Misty shrugged her shoulders. Then a young trainer was running the place but then sighs.

"Darn it! I wanted to take on AJ." The young boy said

"AJ?" Ash said.

"Yeah. He owns this place. His goal was to receive a record of 100 wins non-stop. Though it looks like he got the wins he needed." Then he noticed Ash's Pikachu.

"How about a battle? One-on-One?" The young trainer asked.

Ash nodded as they got ready.

"Misty, could you referee this fight?" the young trainer asked.

She nodded "This fight will be one on one! No substitution allowed! Between Ash and..."

"Jason."

"Jason."

The young trainer threw a Pokéball. "Let's go Sandshrew!"

An armadillo Pokémon appeared, and looked ready to fight.

Ash took out his Pokédex "SANDSHREW, the Mouse Pokémon. SANDSHREW's body is configured to absorb water without waste, enabling it to survive in an arid desert. This Pokémon curls up into a ball to protect itself from enemies. Who fancies a kick around? Ugh, but the guy needs help, I doubt he'd last the first kick."

"Sorry about that" he puts his Pokédex away and threw his Pokéball "Go Vulpix!"

The fire fox Pokémon was ready to fight.

"Interesting. Well, my Pokémon is the same as AJ and I have been practicing hard to beat him."

"Let's see what you got."

"Okay, Sandshrew, go for Dig!"

The armadillo Pokémon dug fast and was underground.

"Vulpix, use Smokescreen and move!"

"Vul!"

She released a dark cloud all over and began to move. Ash waited to see what happened. Sandshrew shot out of the ground.

"Flamethrower!"

She released a fire attack and managed to hit her opponent. It winced in pain but was ready to fight.

"Slash Attack!"

Its claws glowed and managed to hit its opponent. Vulpix winced in pain but was ready to fight.

"Use Ember!"

She released small fire ball attacks and managed to hit her opponent. Sandshrew felt some pain and wanted to keep fighting.

"Go for another Slash Attack!"

Its claws glowed and was closing up to hit her.

"Vulpix, dodge it and go for a Fire Spin!"

She released a controlled fire attack that spun around Sandshrew. This stopped the ground Pokémon and it didn't know what to do.

"Defense Curl!"

It curled up and did get out, but was leaving a small trail of fire on them.

"Flamethrower!"

She released a stronger fire attack. The attack hits hard on Sandshrew, adding more to the damage.

The poor armadillo Pokémon was knocked out and felt pain from the burn that it received.

Ash rushed right at Sandshrew and took out a Rawst Berry. He fed it to Sandshrew. It chewed as the burn faded out. It liked it and felt better.

"Sorry about that," Ash said.

"Shrew…" Sandshrew looked really exhausted and fell asleep on the ground. Jason returned his Pokémon and smiled "You know, I think you would have done well against AJ. Though that will be a mystery." He shrugged as both trainers shook hands.

"Good luck on your training, Jason."

"Thanks, Ash. Good luck on your journey."

They departed.

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Campsite, Night time.

Ash watched his Pokémon sleeping as Misty was ready to sleep. They both got inside of the tent and both had a sleeping bag open.

"So what do you think about all of this so far?" Ash said.

"Oh, so far it has been good. I needed this, you know, to go out and learn with someone else."

"Good. Just wanted to make sure you are enjoying yourself" He then laid in his sleeping bag "Hope I learn about water types from you. Knowing you might have found ways to make your Pokémon stronger."

"I could teach you pointers, considering you have a Magikarp." She then lay next to him and smiled softly.

"Ash…," Misty said

"Yes, Misty?"

"Do you think I'm pretty?" she asked a little nervous

"Pretty isn't the right word to use. You are beautiful…" He caresses her cheek as he kisses her forehead and held her to him. She sighed in happiness.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Afternoon, on the road…

Ash and Misty walked on to their journey when they saw a group of teenage boys circled around a teenage boy, whom was running on a treadmill.

"Alright, tell me what this Pokémon is?" one of the teenage boys showed a photo of a Pokémon. The one of the treadmill is struggling to move until he said "A Pidgey?"

"Correct. What level does it evolve according to research?"

"Uhh… level 20?"

A teenager pressed a button and the machine went faster. He struggled to keep up and was trying to run.

"Level 18!"

Then he slipped and fell.

"Pathetic! How are you going to move up a level if you keep screwing around?" One of the older teenagers shouted in anger.

Ash couldn't take it. He knew what bullying looked like. "That's enough!"

The others stopped and noticed a trainer.

"What do you want?"

"I am telling you to stop bullying him."

The young teen got up and said, "They are my friends. They are just helping me."

The others left and Ash was curious about this. "What was that all about?"

The young boy went toward Ash "My name is Joe and I'm a student at Pokétech."

Ash quirked his eyebrow, and noticed not far off, a large building with a swimming pool and a clock tower was there. He saw a few battlefields and students chatting away.

"You've heard of our school?" Joe asked.

Ash nodded. He knew about the school. He was invited a few times, but he politely declined as he wanted to be on a journey. He would receive more experience than behind the walls, standardised education.

"Would you give us a tour of the place?" Misty asked.

"Sure, this way."

They followed him and he explained that the Pokémon Technical Institute School, or Pokétech, is one of the top 10 schools in all of the known regions. They provide various mock battles to advance education for doctors, breeders, and various other jobs.

"Well, here we have the simulation room. Right here, we practice our battles and we make a prediction on who would win and lose."

"What do you mean by that?" Ash asked.

"Well, we use our knowledge and make an analysis on the Pokémon and they battle on the simulation. Once it is over, we see the results and we move on to the next level. That is, of course, IF you managed to pass the test." Joe explained.

"What about badges and the League?" Misty asked curiously.

"When we graduate, we receive a pass to the League. At this point, I am at my second badge, due to my testing. By completing each test and simulation battles, the League would count it in their notes."

Both Misty and Ash saw a problem with it. Ash then said, "What makes you certain you can beat someone with two badges."

The young teen took out his Pokédex and showed two badges in progress.

"So it is telling you that you are as good as me?" Ash asked with some incredulity.

"In a way, yes or even better."

Misty was having a hard time believing it. "Prove it."

"What?"

"I am one of the Gym Leaders for Cerulean City."

"Here is the simulation that we can have before a real battle."

He went into one of the screens and showed a simulation. "From what I know, you have a Starmie as your strongest. I have a Weepinbell that is well enough to deal with your Pokémon."

A Weepinbell took on a Starmie on the computer. After some moves, Weepinbell won. Misty didn't look too impressed.

"How about you prove it to me, one on one?"

Joe had a smug look on his face "You will be sorry."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

At a battlefield…

Ash took the Referee's box at the midpoint of the sidelines, as Misty was in a Trainer box and Joe was in the opposite side box.

"This will be a one on one battle. No substitutes allowed. Joe of Pokétech vs Leader Misty of Cerulean Gym." Ash declared.

Misty threw the Pokéball "Go Starmie!"

The purple starfish was ready to fight.

"GO Weepinbell!"

A yellow plant Pokémon was ready to right. Ash noticed that the Pokémon did look strong, but not enough to be in the same level as Misty's Starmie.

"Begin battle!"

"Weepinbell, use Razor Leaf!"

It released a large number of sharp leaves and heading towards the starfish Pokémon.

"Use Rapid Spin and go for a Bubblebeam!"

It spun and managed to easily dodged the attack. Then it tackled the plant hard sending it flying and a well-aimed Bubblebeam was enough to knock out the Pokémon. Joe stood there in shock while Ash wasn't surprised with the outcome.

"Weepinbell is unable to battle, the winner is Starmie!"

Misty recalled her Pokémon as Joe went running toward his Pokémon. "I don't understand… What did I do wrong?"

"You're Pokémon was not trained enough to take down a Gym Leader of that calibre, especially her strongest Pokémon."

They turned around and saw the one who said it. A teenage girl, with long brown hair and brown eyes, wearing a sailor school uniform and looking a bit stern, Ash had to admit, she certainly was beautiful.

"You should have known better than just taking on a Gym Leader. It takes more than just knowing weaknesses," she said.

"Sorry about that Giselle. I wanted to show my skills." Joe said apologetic.

"How in the world are you going to be a great trainer, if you can't even beat a low ranked gym leader? It's no wonder you're weak!"

Ash thought that was a bit harsh.

Misty then angrily said, "Hey go easy on him, he is learning."

She looked at her and had a smug look. "Unlike him, I should have no problem taking you down."

She had a Pokéball out. Misty had to change things a bit.

"We shall see."

Misty got back in the platform, as the new opponent did so as well.

"Okay, just watch this. Go Staryu!"

She released a brown starfish.

"Learn something different. Go Graveler!"

A large stone Pokémon with eyes stared at its opponent. Ash noticed about the large rock Pokémon and realized that he was really tough. Too tough.

"Misty, this Pokémon is really tough. Be careful." Ash warned

She nodded "Staryu, Bubblebeam!"

It released a large beam that is surrounded by bubbles.

"Graveler, Double Edge!"

It immediately launched itself to tackle the opponent, taking the beam head on. This shocked Misty and saw her Pokémon tackled hard. This sent the Pokémon flying and landing hard on the wall. It crashed and once the dust cleared out, Staryu got out and was going to fight it out.

"Go for a Water Gun!"

It began to shoot strong water and the hits did damage, but showed no pain.

"Rock Tomb!"

It threw large rocks around Staryu and was stuck. One of them came and knocked the Pokémon hard. She noticed the pulsing of the Pokémon's gem and sighed.

"My Pokémon is out of the fight." She returned it as Giselle smirked and returned her Graveler.

"As you can see, I just beat her quite easily. It takes skill and superior strength to prove you're great."

Ash then wanted to stop her. "It takes more than that. You have to connect your Pokémon at a good level; otherwise having strong Pokémon will not make you great."

She looked at the trainer and frowned "What makes you the expert?"

"After having to take care of Pikachu, I began to understand the bond of a Pokémon." He caresses his mouse Pokémon sighing and enjoying it.

"Really? How about you put your money with your mouth is."

"Battle you? Sure."

"Use your Pikachu."

Ash nodded as Pikachu got into the battlefield. Then Giselle got her Pokéball out and threw it. "Go Cubone!"

A small Pokémon with a skull on its head and a piece of bone in its hand was ready to fight.

"Wait a minute, that's a ground type!" Misty argued.

"He claims it is more skill than strength. Well, let's see you prove it." Giselle said

Ash looked calm about this as Pikachu did as well.

"Cubone, go for a Bonemerang!"

It threw the bone right at Pikachu.

"Pikachu, Quick Attack and Iron Tail!"

He disappeared from that spot as the bone missed and then slammed his metallic tail on the face of the skull. Then Pikachu flipped backward, avoiding the returning bone as the lonely Pokémon forgot to catch it. This smacked the Pokémon on the skull but shook it off.

"Cubone use Bone Club!" Giselle commanded

Cubone ran and was ready to smack the mouse Pokémon.

"Pikachu, use Iron Tail to disarm and strike with Slam!"

Pikachu swung his metallic tail and disarmed the Pokémon and then gave a hard tackle, sending the Pokémon flying and landing next to her. It began to cry as Giselle shouted "I give up! No more!" She went over to comfort the ground Pokémon. Ash went over and his Pikachu went over to his shoulder. Then he went over with an apologetic look on his face.

"Sorry, I went a bit rough. It wasn't my intention, but just to show you what I have." Ash said

She shook her head and smiled softly "I should be apologizing for my behaviour. I shouldn't have treated you and your friend badly."

"Look, you have some strong Pokémon from what I have seen so far. You just need to brush up on skills and connect with your Pokémon more. How about going with me? To train hard and to bond with your Pokémon closely."

She looked at Ash and as she was about to answer, a female voice was heard.

"What a question, twerpish indeed!"

"We'll answer these questions when we feel the need!" James said

"Bringing the blinding white light of evil into the future!"

"Thrusting the hammer of justice down onto the black darkness of the universe!"

"Carving our names in the Rock of Eternity!" Meowth said

"The fiery destroyer, Jessie!"

"And with thunderous emotion, I am James!"

"Wisest of the wise, Meowth!"

"And now gather, under the name of Team Rocket!"

The others stood in surprise. As Giselle said "Wait a minute, I know you two. You guys were expelled for failing in classes!"

Jessie frowned "Is that what your headmaster tells you?"

Giselle raised her eyebrow "Oh believe me. We learned from what we are told about your scores and rep."

Jessie wasn't happy to hear this, nor James. "You have no idea how many skeletons are hidden in the closets of this school."

Both Jessie and James took out their Pokémon and were ready to fight.

Giselle smirked, "It would have been intimidating, had I been on my own. Guys?"

A number of students took out their Pokémon out and were ready to fight. Jessie and James knew that they couldn't win on those numbers.

"Fine! We will go for now, but next time…" She declared as they retreated. Ash sighed in relief; he didn't want to fight them again.

"Thanks, I don't think I want to face those guys again. I beat them twice already and one of their organization's members."

Giselle was surprised and became thoughtful. Then she nodded "Okay I'm in."

"I'm sorry?" Misty said.

"I'm joining you guys to understand on becoming a better trainer. That is if you are ok with it…"

Ash smiled and nodded. "Do you need to pack anything?"

She nodded "Just some clothes and I do need you to sign an Apprenticeship release form so you can train me. It has to be someone who has a Class A or higher."

"I am already qualified for that part." Ash said.

"Good, just head to the Admissions and Records office and get them to write up a release form. Just let me head to my dorm to pack up and let my parents know." Giselle said.

Misty followed Ash to Admissions and Administration while Giselle went to pack up.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Admissions and Administration building.

Ash and Misty were in the building and noticed a woman typing up a few things.

"Excuse me miss. Hi, I wanted to see if you have a release form? One of the students will tag along with me."

"Are you a Class A or higher Trainer?" she asked.

"Yes I do, here it is." He took out his Pokédex and showed it to the woman in question. She checked on his rank and was surprised by how high he was and his age.

"Very well, you can fill out the release forms on that computer on the right. Then print it out after you are finished."

He nodded as he went to the computer. He clicked on the release form. Then asked for the name of the student. He typed Giselle. Out came her full name, Giselle Seiyo. Nice name. He then began to copy the info and pasting it on the file release form. Once he was done, he printed it out. Before he did, Ash became curious about Jessie and James being in the school. He began to do a search on them and out came on their file about them.

This surprised him a bit, they were both decent students. Though James showed he was good with technology and Jessie a Coordinator. He tried to access more, but it is denied. He looked at his Pokédex and inserted a connector USB cable between it and the computer.

"Dex, see if you can pull up details of Jessie Whyde and James Carberry II."

"Those are their whole names? Odd…well one moment while I illegally hack into the system."

Ash rolled his eyes as it began to beep and then it made a bell sound.

"Easy as stealing credit information."

He first looked at Jessie:

NAME: Jesse Whyde

OCCUPATION: Team Rocket Elite Grunt

KNOWN POKEMON: Ekans (NOTE: Has often been seen with a Talking Meowth)

BIO: Jesse Whyde is a member of Team Rocket's Elite Grunt Force- Sigma Team with Teammate James Carberry. Jesse grew up poor; however, she was smart enough to qualify for a scholarship at the Pokémon Technical Institute, where she met future teammate and close friend James Carberry. After being expelled (NOTE: Official reason is poor grades, however, the true reason was Jesse was about to inform the Police about the headmaster's son raping a fellow student. She told them anyway.) from the Institute, Jesse fell in with the Sunnytown Bike gang, earning the name Big Jess for swinging a chain above her head. She also reunited with Carberry, as he chose to leave the Institute after she left. At age 17, Jessie signed up for a Pokémon Nursing School. Unfortunately for her it was a school for Pokémon to become nurses. After washing out, and in desperate need of money, Jesse joined Team Rocket. After 6 months, she was deemed fit to take the Elite Exam and was partnered with Carberry, who was taking his 2nd Elite Exam. The Team passed and was assigned a Meowth as a partner, and dubbed Team Sigma.

This surprised Ash very much about Jessie and decided to check on James:

NAME: James Carberry II.

OCCUPATION: Team Rocket Elite Grunt, Heir to the Carberry Family Fortune.

KNOWN POKEMON: Koffing, Growlithe, Chimecho, Mime Jr. (NOTE: Has often been seen with a Talking Meowth)

BIO: James Carberry II is a member of Team Rocket's Elite Grunt Force- Sigma Team with teammate Jesse Whyde. James grew up in a life of luxury and privilege at Carberry Hall, near Fuchsia City. When James was 13, he was enrolled at the Pokémon Technical Institute, where he met future teammate and close friend Jesse Whyde. After Whyde was expelled, James left in disgust at the administration's handling of a student's rape. He ran off and eventually joined the Sunnytown Bike gang, earning the name Little Jim for being the only member to need training wheels. He also reunited with Whyde in the gang. At age 17, his parents pressured him to marry Jessabelle Selachii. James wanted to see the world and ran away. He joined with Team Rocket, and was Fast-tracked into the Elite Program; however, he failed his first exam after his teammate got injured. His second exam paired him with Whyde, and they passed. They were then assigned a Meowth as their partner and were dubbed Team Sigma. James has some unusual habits, most notably his cross-dressing tendencies, collecting bottle caps even asking others for their drinks and just taking the caps, as well as his penchant for stealing food from everyone.

As Ash finished reading it, Misty decided to give those documents of Giselle's release form. Once done, Giselle came in and noticed Ash was reading something.

"What you reading?"

Ash looked serious about this and looked at Giselle. "Did you know about this?"

"Know what about?"

Ash showed the file for both Jessie and James. She was surprised about reading this and Ash could already tell she didn't know. She shook her head.

"It seems that some sort of scandal occurred. Maybe my mom or someone could pull out more details about this."

He then went to his Dex and called his mom.

"Ketchum Residence, this is Daisy."

"Hey Daisy, it's Ash. I need you to see if you can find out about a scandal that occurred at Pokétech about seven years ago or so. See if you can get thorough details about it and send it to me when you get the chance."

Daisy replied, "Alright, send me what you have and I will do a bit of research."

"Thanks. Take care."

She hung up. Ash sighed. "If we can figure this out, then maybe I could persuade Jessie and James to leave Team Rocket."

Misty nodded, and then noticed Joe coming toward them "Wait up!" they noticed how he stopped right in front of them. "I'm sorry about how I acted around you guys."

Misty smiled softly "You're forgiven."

Giselle went up to him and shook his hands. "From now on if any of the guys bother you, tell me. I will still help out." She wrote his number down and gave hers to him. Joe nodded. "Thanks."

"So, are you ready Giselle?"

"Yep! My mother and father wished me well."

"Okay then let's go!"

They were ready to head out on their journey. As they walked on, all Ash could think about what caused two people to become thieves…

To be continued…