Hello Fellow Readers and Writers, after taking a couple days off from writing, I am back in the saddle for Chapter 11. Once again, school starts August 17th for me, which means, sadly, slower updates. Anyway, let's move on to reviews:
TOME guest: Thanks. I actually took time to watch episode 00 on my break. After I finished it, I got it. I can see how that can fit into Ash Unbound. It might be a while, but you'll see Ash Unbound in this fic.
Pretty much everyone else (this is NOT a guest's name, it is referring to most of the last chapter's reviewers): Glad you all liked the meatball party. I'm a fan of TTG, so look out for references to the show.
Now, to challenge winners:
Only JustinThePokemonMaster managed to accurately predict events in this chapter. Good job, Justin!
Now, I know you readers don't click on this story to read my ramblings, so, onwards and fowards!
"Bonnie, Max, Paul, Trip! I know you weren't in this chapter, but please come and help me!" Pidgeot heard Ash scream.
"(Look's like Ash is in trouble.)" Pidgeot said to herself, stressing trouble. The Bird Pokemon looked around the crowded training hall to find her friends. You see, Ash's Kanto Pokemon share a special bond. Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Charizard, Butterfree, and herself had dubbed themselves "The Original Six", referencing the fact that they were the first full team Ash had. There were many Pokemon in the hall. They obviously weren't all Ash's, no trainer could catch that many Pokemon, and Ash already spilt the names of four of his friends that are also here. The first familiar face she spotted was Bulbasaur, who was talking to what looked like a larger version of Squirtle.
"(You can't just barge in on them like that. They were having a moment. I have been hanging with Snivy ever since Ash left for Kalos and she has it bad. I really want to help a fellow grass type and one of my best buds get together, so can you please not go and be a third wheel?)" Bulbasaur scolded/asked.
"(Hi Bulbasaur.)" Pidgeot greeted.
"(Pidgeot!)" The two Pokemon said back in recognition. That's when Pisgeot realized that this larger Squirtle was, in fact, Squirtle.
"(Squirtle, you evolved!)" Pidgeot remarked.
"(That's right mama. I'm Wartortle now, bigger and badder than ever.)" Wartortle bragged.
"(So, where's the rest of the Six?)" Pidgeot asked Bulbasaur, trusting him to give a serious answer.
"(Well, Butterfree is still released, probably being a family man. Charizard is probably hanging with Ash's other fire types, and Pikachu is on the computer with Snivy. Ash had gone to Unova about 4-5 years after he released you, and they met there. Anyway, I was just explaining to Wartortle that he can't go interrupting them, because they looked like they were about to kiss and he just came in and ruined it.)" Bulbasaur explained.
"(Oh, so Pikachu is basically just as dense as Ash?)" Pidgeot clarified.
"(That pretty much sums it up. Anyway, I want them to have their alone time, so in the meantime, there are a few Pokemon I want you to meet. Wartortle, you can go anywhere but near Pikachu and Snivy, understood?)" Bulbasaur checked. Wartortle gave a mock salute in response and off he went.
"(Follow me.)" Bulbasaur said.
Like a caterpie... In the forest (Shows The traitors and supporters staring each other down.)
Ganged up on... Embarrassed (Shows Ash's aura spiking)
Like how a single attack... (Shows the traitors firing their attacks at Ash)
Can make you broken.. (An older looking Ash is looking down, with only his mouth showing)
You think you have won..(Shows Team Rocket blasting off.)
But I'm not alone... (Shows everyone on their flying Pokemon)
All those things that you said (Shows Ash with see through images of the traitors in the background.)
Stay with me, inside my head (Shows Ash making an aura infused punch at Lucario)
I'll never give up until I die (Seviper and Cacnea blast Poison Sting and Drain Punch at an unseen opponent.)
I will not Lose this time!(Shows Ash and Pikachu panting with a Latios unconscious on the ground.)
I will be strong! (Ash orders Pikachu to use Thunderbolt)
I'll take you all on! (Serena orders Delphox to use Flamethrower)
I'll prove you allll wroonnng.( Shows Max ordering Gallade to use Psybeam)
Our courage sticks with us! (Bonnie orders Deddene to use Electro Ball)
Even in the dusk! (Team Rocket order Swoobat and Malamar to use Hidden Power and Psybeam respectively and Meowth with Fury Swipes at the ready.)
I'll be the best. (Paul and Trip order Torterra and Serperior to use Energy Ball and Leaf Storm respectively.
I'll stick with MY friends! (Ash is shown taking a picture with his friends along with a few legendaries in the hall.)
And I don't care if the rest of you leaaaavveee!(Show the traitors leaving the battle after Ash leaves.)
Because we'll stay strong till the end of time (Shows Paul, Trip, Team Rocket, Ash, Serena, Max, and Bonnie, in that order, looking out at the setting sun on Mt. Silver, overlooking Silver Town, determined looks in their eyes.)
POKEMON!
"(No way, I can totally take you down.)" Staraptor bragged. He, Unfezant, and Talonflame were discussing how Talonflame would have faired against the rest of the flyers.
"(Yeah right, I've beaten Noivern in plenty of flying races back in Kalos, I'm certain I can take you.)" Talonflame shot back. That's when Bulbasaur walked up.
"(Flyers, this here is the Pokemon you've only heard of, may I present, Pidgeot herself.)" Bulbasaur introduced.
"(You see, since you left, Ash has caught one primary flying type per region. Obviously, not all of them are here right now, so, guys and girl, can you please tell Pidgeot what region you all are from.)" Bulbasaur suggested.
"(I'm Staraptor, Sinnoh.)"
"(Unfezant, Unova, it's good to have another girl.)"
"(Talonflame, Kalos)" The flyers introduced themselves.
"(Well, I'll leave you guys to chat, I have to go brainstorm another Pikachu and Snivy hookup scheme.)" Bulbassur explained as he walked away.
"(So, you're the famous Pidgeot I've heard about, eh?)" Staraptor clarified.
"(The others mention me?)" Pidgeot questioned.
"(Only Bulbasaur, Charizard, and Pikachu, when he's around. Heard you were Ash's second caught Pokemon, and you were pretty darn fast. I was just explaining to Talonflame here that I would smoke him in a race. What do you think?)" Staraptor asked.
"(I think that I would beat both of you.)" Pidgeot stated.
"(Whew, that's a bold statement.)" Staraptor thought for a moment.
"(I got it, Unfezant, you thinking what I'm thinking?") Staraptor asked. The Unovan bird nodded in response.
"(Alright, since we are back at four, how about a flying race around the hall? I want to see how the first and latest flying additions hold. Wish Swellow was here, then this would be a real race.)" Staraptor remarked.
"(Wait, that's what you were thinking?)" Unfezant asked.
"(Yeah, why?)"
"(That wasn't what I was thinking, at all.)" Unfezant revealed.
"(What were you thinking then?)" Staraptor asked.
"(You don't wanna know.)" Unfezant replied.
Talonflame and Pidgeot looked to each other before looking back to Staraptor.
"(Let's do this.)" They said together.
CLEAR THE AREA! THIS IS A LINE BREAK
Ash sauntered into one of the Hall's conference rooms, where the humans, Meowth and Arceus have all gathered to hear Ash's plan for the heist on Team Rocket. See, this is the first time Ash is going over the plan in detail.
"Ugh, that was gross." He commented on his previous duty as an impromptu janitor.
One presentation later...
"...and we'll pull out unscathed. Any questions?" Ash asked. Paul's hand shot up.
"Paul." Ash called.
"Which Pokemon is going to go in the cart?" The purple haired trainer asks.
"Good question, it needs to be small, so the flying types are out. It needs to have a move that enables it to not touch the ground, as well. Taking that into consideration, I know the perfect Pokemon." Ash divulged.
LINE BREAK
"(You need me to what?)" Oshawott questioned.
"We need you to go and infiltrate Giovanni's Pokemon vault so we can get into it." Ash repeated.
"(That's what I thought you said, now let me offer this as a rebuttal, this is crazy!)" Oshawott shouted.
"Relax, you'll do just fine." Ash encouraged.
"(Fine. The things I do for screen time.)" Oshawott grumbled.
"Thank you." Ash thanked, "More questions?" Max raised his hand.
"Max." Ash called.
"How will we know what the vault looks like?" He asked.
"I'm glad you asked, before I came here, I went to the lab to ask Mewtwo a favor, to hack into Team Rocket HQ's security footage. He managed to do so in under ten minutes and there was a camera in the vault. We can use it to our advantage." Ash summed up. Then, his Nanodex rang, playing the Pokemon theme song. Everyone at the table started to snicker except for Serena. Ash gave them a 'be quiet!' look which shut everyone up.
"Hello?"
"Ash, it's the Professor." Professor Oak greeted.
"Good to hear from you Professor, what's up?" Ash asked.
"I found a guy who's willing to lend me a pinch." Oak said.
"I'll be there in a minute." Ash told the Professor and hang up.
"Meeting dismissed. I have another matter to attend too." Ash announced as he exited the room with great haste.
Line Break
Professor Samuel Oak was wheeling in his recently delivered pinch. Why did Gary have to go to Kalos? He was too old for this. Suddenly, Ash and Uxie teleport in, Startling the old man.
"Geez Ash, do you think you can warn me when you do that? You nearly gave me a heart attack." Oak warned.
"Sorry Professor. I just wanted to get here quick to see the pinch." Ash replied.
"It's fine, my boy, we all get like that. I see Uxie is your transport this time." Oak observed.
"Yeah, Mewtwo was busy with catching his lab rattata again, and Mew, well, it's too weird." Ash replied.
LINE BREAK
Meanwhile, in the Hall of Origin, Mew and Diancie were singing a song while their favorite desert was cooking in the oven.
"(When I say, "I want-", you say "Pie!", I want-)" Mew sang.
"(Pie!)" Diancie sang back.
"(I want-)" Mew sang.
"(Pie! When I say, "Yummy", you say, "Pie", yummy-)" Diancie sang.
"(Pie!)" Mew sang back.
"(Yummy-)" Diancie sang.
"(Pie!)" Mew sang back.
"(Apple, rhubarb, peach or pear, any kind, we don't care!)" They sang together.
"(I love pie!)" Diancie sang.
"(Yeah, I love pie!)" Mew sang.
"(Oh, we l-l-l-l-l-l-love love pie!)" They finished together.
"(Again!)" The childish legendaries shouted and began singing their song again.
LINE BREAK
"Well, you better get used to it, you're going to be there a while after all." Oak warned.
"Yeah, you're right." Ash agreed,"So, who agreed to lend you a pinch?"
"Devon Corp., actually. I said I was going to use it to test Pokemon behavior during a blackout. So, it looks like I'm gonna have to use it once your done." Oak informed.
"No problem. Thanks Professor, now time to go see Brock again. Uxie?" Ash cued. Just like that, Ash, Uxie, and the pinch were gone, leaving a disgruntled Oak behind.
"I really need a Pokemon that knows either teleport or psychic." Oak sighs, rubbing his back.
LINE BREAK
Brock Slate was training in the forest outside of Pewter. Ash said he needed him, and he will be as well prepared as he can be.
"Croagunk, Brick Break!" Brock ordered. The frog like Pokemon complied and used the move on a nearby rock. Sadly, for the rock, it was reduced to rubble.
"(How's this for a Brick Break?)" Croagunk asked his trainer.
"Nice job Croagunk." Brock congratulated.
All of a sudden, Ash, Uxie, and an unidentified object speared before them.
"Hey Brock." Ash greeted.
"Hi Ash, nice entrance." Brock complimented.
"Thanks. Anyway, I came to tell you what I need you for." Ash revealed. Brock was listening intently.
"I need you to take this device, called a pinch, to Virdian City on my signal. Once there, go to an area where it is mostly abandoned. Await my next signal for you to throw the switch and black out the city, then bring the pinch back with you to Pewter. Clear?" Ash explained.
"Clear." Brock replied. Although he wished he would see more action.
"Ash, do you think you are able to have a way for all of us to communicate, so one of us can one to another's aid if they are in need of it?" Brock asked.
"You know what, that's not a bad idea. Thanks Brock, I'll see what I can do." Ash replied.
"Thanks, Ash. So, where should I put the pinch?" Brock asked.
"That's for you to decide." Ash answered.
"Let's go Uxie." Ash prompted, and like that, Ash and Uxie were gone.
Brock took one look at the pinch.
"There is no way I am pushing that." Brock said pulling out Steelix's pokeball.
LINE BREAK
"(20 on Pidgeot.)" Pikachu bet.
"(5 on Unfezant.) Snivy bet.
Sceptile took note of the bets and placed the leaves in a pile.
"(This is gonna be a hard race to predict.)" Pikachu stated.
"(Why's that?)" Snivy asked.
"(Snorlax isn't here, so I can't copy him.)" Pikachu answered, evoking a giggle from the grass snake.
'She has the cutest laugh.' Pikachu thought almost subconsciously.
'Woah, where did that come from.' Pikachu said to himself, registering what he just thought. However, Pikachu was brought out of his musings when Ash entered the room. The Electric Mouse Pokemom ran to greet his trainer.
"(Ash, what are you doing here?)" Pikachu asked.
"Well, I heard tell from Oshawott that you were having a race, thought I'd watch." Ash replied.
"(Awesome. We're actually just about to begin. Would you mind getting them started? I think it would mean a lot.)" Pikachu asked.
"Pikachu, it would be my genuine pleasure." Ash accepted.
LINE BREAK
Unfezant, Staraptor, Talonflame, and Pidgeot are at the start/finish line, stretching their wings for the upcoming race.
"(Alright you two.)" Staraptor said to Talonflame and Pidgeot, "(let's see what you've got.)"
Bulbasaur walks up to them. "(Alright you four, the rules are simple, first to complete 10 laps around the training Hall wins, no attacks, just flying as fast you can. Understood?)"
The four birds nodded their heads in understanding.
"(Perfect, because we're starting right now, but instead of Gible starting us off, mostly due to Draco Meteor being a hazard to the room, there will be another starter.)" Bulbasaur informed, that's when Ash walked over.
"(Ash!)" The birds were surprised.
"Hi. You happy?" he asked.
"(Very. I'm glad you came. I don't believe you've seen a race before, correct?)" Staraptor recalled.
"No, no I haven't. Which is why I'm starting the race for you. You all ready?!" Ash yelled to the spectating Pokemon. A chorus of replies indicated they were.
"You four ready?" Ash asked. The birds responded by getting in position.
"Good Luck," Ash raised his right hand, his index finger and thumb out while the rest of his fingers are down, like a claw, and raised one of his eyebrows.
"Fly safe," Ash said, the birds wings get in flapping position.
"Go!" Ash shouted.
9 laps later...
The final lap, Staraptor and Pidgeot are neck and neck for the lead, while Talonflame and Unfezant were right behind them, battling for third.
The hall had four corners, therefore, four turns. Coming into turn 1, Staraptor gets an edge. By the exit of Turn 2, Unfezant and Talonflame have gained on the two leaders, it's anyone's race now.
Going down the long stretch, the four birds jockey for position like racing Rapidash. First, Starsptor gets an edge, then Talonflame, then Pidgeot, then Unfezant. After going through turn 3, Unfezant is forced to back off and file in behind the other three. Coming into Turn 4, It's Staraptor, now Pidgeot, now Talonflame. We come to the finish line, and the winner is...
LINE BREAK
Oshawott wished he could watch the race, he really did, he made a bet on Unfezant and everything, but he got pulled away for a briefing about his role in the heist. Jessie, James, and Meowth were at Ash and Max's room, Max was playing with Jirachi, and Serena is in her room with Manaphy and Bonnie. Paul and Trip are in their room, watching Bay's Eleven again, mostly to see the basic layout of their plan.
Oshawott approaches the former criminals. They have a storage cart that contained lots of pokeballs within.
"(What's all this?)" Oshawott asked. Meowth translated what was said to Jessie and James.
"This is how you get into the vault." James revealed.
"(Say what now?)" Oshawott asked.
"Basically, since you are able to escape a pokeball on your own, we are going to put your pokeball in this cart with many other empty pokeballs, posing as caught Pokemon. This way, you can get into the vault to carry out your task without being noticed." Jessie explained.
"(This'll never work. As soon as I get out I'll end up falling on the floor triggering all sorts of alarms and, boom, I'll be a goner.)" Oshawott said cowardly.
"You scared?" Meowth asked.
"(You suicidal?)" Oshawott asked.
"Only in the morning." Meowth answered.
"Look, Oshawott, you are an important part of the plan. Plus, you are going to help so many Pokemon to finally be free, don't you want that?" Meowth asked.
"(Well, yes, duh. I would just like to do that and survive, thank you very much.)" Oshawott replied.
"Well, if you do have to die, at least you'll die a hero's death." Meowth encouraged.
"Man, that Oshawott is a drama queen." Jessie whispers to James.
"(You're trying to guilt trip me aren't you?)" Oshawott asked. Meowth started giving cute eyes, well, as cute as Meowth can be.
"(Ugh, fine, I'll do it.)" Oshawott conceited,
"(Just please stop giving me those eyes, they're freaking me out.)" Meowth complied.
LINE BREAK
"When are those bumbling idiots going to be back?" Giovanni asks himself.
"With the promotional tournament coming up, I would be shocked if they didn't return." Giovanni sighed to himself.
Unknown to Giovanni, there were people watching him. It was, in fact, Arceus, the Goddess Pokemon herself. On suggestion from Mewtwo, met with Ash's seal of approval(1),it was decided that there needed to be a reflecting pool keeping an eye on the criminal team, to find an opening to sneak in undetected.
Ever since the Rocket incident, Meloetta has had it out for Giovanni, for threatening to hurt her family, Thunderous, Landorus, and Tornadus, and her friends, Ash and Pikachu.
"(You've gotten away with too much Giovanni. Now, it's going to blow up in your face. Last time, it was about survival. This time, it's personal.)" Meloetta said to the pool. She was watching the pools with Arceus today.
LINE BREAK
Everyone, Pokemon and human alike, were eating in the same room tonight. Ash was sitting with the Pokemon, and scarfing down everything, go figure.
"Hey, Serena! Great Job with dinner. This is the best salad ever!" Ash congratulated.
"Thanks, Ash." Serena thanked, from where she was sitting with Bonnie and Manaphy, blushed a little.
"(So Ash, when's the heist? I want to kick some Team Rocket behind.)" Pikachu asked.
Ash stopped eating at this question, Not good. After thinking about what he wanted to say, Ash responded.
"Pikachu, I think you should stay here. Keep a firm hold on the homefront."
"(What?)" Pikachu asked, shocked, "(But I have to go, Team Rocket has been after me as much as it has you. No offense.)" Pikachu refers to Jessie, James, and Meowth, who were sitting a few feet away.
"None taken." Meowth replies.
"That's exactly it. I don't want us getting separated and you possibly getting captured. Plus, we need a back up plan in case we get captured ourselves, and you and the others are a big part of that, that's actually the big reason why you're staying. You need to lead that backup plan in case it needs to be implemented. You see what I mean?" Ash explained.
Pikachu sighed in defeat, "(Fine, but if I do have to come get you, I'll thunderbolt you and slap you.)" Pikachu threatened.
"Fair enough." Ash chuckled.
"Excuse me, Ash." A voice said from behind him.
Ash turned around to find Meloetta. "Oh, hey Meloetta, what's up?" Ash asked.
"Can I talk with you alone for a minute?" Meloetta asks.
"Sure. Be right back you guys." Ash tells his Pokemon as he gets up to follow Meloetta.
As the two left, Oshawott arrives with his food.
"(Hey guys, sorry I had to miss the race. Who won?)" Oshawott asked.
The Pokemon who were sitting together, Pikachu, Oshawott, Snivy, Bulbasaur, Wartortle, and Greninja all look at the audience with expecting looks.
Who won the race? What will Meloetta say to Ash? Will Pikachu and the others have to be called on? What's the plan for the heist anyway? All questions will be answered in due time, as the journey continues.
(1): Ash is the mastermind of the heist, as unbelievable as it is, so all things regarding the heist go through him.
Alright, there are a few reasons why this chapter is significantly shorter than last one. One, school is starting on the 17th and I want a chapter up before that. Two, that chapter was abnormally long anyway. Three, I felt like it would be good to end it there. Why? Look below.
Who won the race? Was it Pidgeot, Staraptor, Talonflame, or was it Unfezant? YOU DECIDE! Review or PM me who you want to win, whoever gets the most votes is the winner of the race.
For people who like to do this: If you think you've spotted all the references in this chapter, review or PM them to me, preferably the latter. HINT: THAT LAST SENTENCE WAS A FOURTH WALL BREAK, BUT ALSO A REFERENCE TO A NICK SHOW.
Now, the next challenge. The following is a preview for the next chapter. If you can predict what will happen based on the preview, you get a shoutout. Also, don't forget to review about everything you've either liked or disliked!
"10 bucks says he shorts it" Max bets.
"20." a chorus of people reply.
"(Why do we even have a replica? Practice?)" A frustrated Oshawott grumbles.
"You could say that." Ash replied cryptically.
"Why does Team Rocket paint their hallways this color?" Ash asked.
"They say taupe is very soothing." James replies.
"We got it." Meowth whispered out into the night.
Chapter 12
Don't forget the challenges, the poll, and to review!
