COTCHO:PM (Permanent Hiatus)

by Nateman364

The road to becoming a Pokemon Master is a long and hard journey. No human knows that more than Ash Ketchum. But with his first two Legendary Pokemon, Mew and Mewtwo, by his side, things start to change a whole lot. Ash is smarter, calmer, and more independent than he was made out to be. He must incorporate various techniques to reach that goal. Some shipping included. Rated K .

14. Striving for Balance

A/N: Weird. I updated two days after I released the last chapter? Huh? What? Amazing huh?

…

Question time!

I'm only answering one question as it seems this doesn't get through to people. The answer is: Yes, I am going through the movies, though maybe not the third movie for my own reasons. Now what happens is completely on the random and probably close to canon with the exception of a few small things of my choosing.

….

….

Chronicles of the Chosen One: Pokemon Master

Chapter 13: Strive for Balance

Ash, Misty, Tracey, and Cynthia had just gotten through with a mysterious adventure involving an ancient ship controlled by two ghost Pokemon who guarded their captain's Orange League Trophy. On Morro Island, the trophy was put in a museum which the Gastly and Haunter stole back. On that same island, Ash had found the need to purchase something new that came out called a Pokegear. The next day, they were on another deserted island. Ash had been training his Pokemon to the bone now. Nidoking was still a bit rambunctious but obeyed Ash. His training was coming along nicely in the terms of physical strength, even if he had a lot of it to begin with. Ash figured he'd work on Nidoking's key points and try to help him out in speed as well. Nidoking had strength and endurance. If he had speed added to that, he would be a formidable opponent. That's why Ash literally had him doing laps up and down the beach, doing pushups, and amazingly lifting up boulders. The pushups were a bit outlandish even for Ash, as Nidoking's body form seemed to suggest he couldn't.

But it seemed that Ash and his Pokemon had a strange way of training, especially if you added special training weights into the factor. Now his Crystal Onix, which he just called Onix as calling her Crystal Onix would be too lengthy, she was probably going to be one heck of a Pokemon as far as powerhouse moves went. Ash's Pokegear's phone app went off. It was Professor Oak.

"Hello Professor Oak," Ash said as his Onix was practicing Screech. She was bellowing it across the waves.

"Hello Ash," Professor Oak said flinching at the sound of the screech. Ash was use to it so it didn't bother him.

"What do I owe this pleasure?"

"Well I was calling you about your two Kabutops," Professor Oak said, "I wanted to know if I could keep them for a week or two just to study them. A prehistoric Pokemon is a rare find for anyone, but you seem to have a lot of luck catching rare and unusual Pokemon breeds. Such as your shiny Nidoking and Crystal Onix. By the way how are they?"

"Nidoking's still a brawny teenager," Ash replied nonchalantly, "And Onix is still a dream to look at." Onix fired another blast of Screech. "And that's her by the way. You should see how amazing crystal and visible silver sound looks together. It's like the screech moves through her entire crystal body."

"You seem very fond of your Onix Ash," Professor Oak said, "I trust you pay your others as much attention."

"Oh definitely," Ash replied, "Why do you think I switch them out every time we're on an inhabited island? I try to give them an equal amount of care."

"I know," Professor Oak said, "But what happened to our deal about me studying Mew and Mewtwo?"

"Uh….." Ash said faltering, "Shhh….zzzz….sorry professor….your breaking….zzz….up."

"Ash don't you do this to me!" Professor Oak said in mock anger. In truth he couldn't blame the trainer for being so protective of the two. Ash hung up.

"You know that's going to bite you in the butt right?" Mewtwo asked as he floated down.

"Yeah probably," Ash said shrugging it off, "You done meditating?"

"For the day," Mewtwo replied looking at the Crystal Onix's bellowing screech, "How long do you think she'll keep doing this?"

"Until she perfects it," Ash replied simply he looked at Nidoking who looked as if things were a bit easy for him. "Nidoking hold still." Ash clipped on more weights as the Nidoking stopped doing his running. "Carry on." Nidoqueen nodded and kept walking.

"Hmm," Mewtwo said looking back as his tail followed this gesture, "You seem to be pushing him harder than you did with us during our training."

"You know how he is," Ash said gesturing towards him but walking towards his Lapras, "He's like a hormonal teenager who thinks he knows everything. He had the disobedience of Charizard too. I know there's a good Pokemon in there somewhere, you just got to get past all the Tauros crap. No offense to my thirty Tauros."

"Well," Mewtwo said in his normal intelligent tone, "It is their species breeding season, though you only have another month of that left. Besides you're still a teenager."

"Yeah but at least I'm focusing on what will make us stronger," Ash replied, "I know Nidoking is smitten with Nidoqueen but you know as good as I do, that situation can get complicated really quick. That's why I've been hesitant letting the Pokemon be mates. No offense, but the other cloned Pokemon had to learn to be what they are, they weren't born with the instinct."

"True," Mewtwo said, "But it worked out eventually."

"Yeah," Ash said then teased his Pokemon, "Say what if I could find you a mate huh?"

Mewtwo faltered. "Ash, you know that's impossible," Mewtwo said with something sparking in him about the idea, "I'm one of a kind. I highly doubt I can breed with any other Pokemon either."

"Yeah I know," Ash said sighing, "Cheers for wishful thinking though eh?"

"I guess," Mewtwo replied sighing. He seemed to gaze off in the direction of the ocean as he floated towards it.

"What's wrong bud?" Ash asked walking towards him.

"I'm not sure," Mewtwo said, "I guess…..I've been thinking about things lately."

"Such as?"

"Things we were just talking about," Mewtwo replied. Ash could feel Mewtwo's depression seeping through his indifference. Ash wish he hadn't made a snide joke such as that now. "Ash. Something big is coming. I'm not sure what, but I can sense it. The last time I felt this presence was when I met you and Mew, and that was about a month's warning. It was one of the three final straws that made me break from Giovanni's grasp."

"Hmm," Ash said nodding. "Well, I guess we won't know until we know."

"You're not worried?" Mewtwo asked.

"I worry about things as they come," Ash replied, "If you want things to end the way they're suppose to, you have to make it happen. Expecting things to end in a good way doesn't always happen. Just make it happen."

"Sometimes things aren't that simple," Mewtwo said.

"Since when has our life been simple Mewtwo?" Ash asked. All they do is train, wind up on some crazy adventures such as the ghost ship, and train some more. It was a lot of hard work to come out on top.

"Once again," Mewtwo stated, "True. You are wise beyond your years Ash."

"I know you're bored at the moment," Ash replied, "And I've been trying to research into new moves for you to learn but the Kanto and Johto TM's and catalogs on those are pretty much water under the bridge. I know most if not all those moves to teach to my Pokemon."

"I see," Mewtwo said, "Where are your friends?"

"They're back at the camp," Ash replied, "But I think Misty's finally taking up some time with her Psyduck. Proved her wrong and for once she agreed. Hot-headed as usual."

"What about the blonde haired one?" Mewtwo asked, "You seem….close to her."

"Hmm?" Ash replied clueless, "I guess. She seems to get me better than Misty or Tracey does."

"That's not what I meant," Mewtwo said.

Then what did you mean?" Ash asked

"Don't worry about it," Mewtwo said, "You better call Mew. She's probably hopping between islands again." Mew had this uncanny sense of adventure. Most of the time, Ash let her wander around outside her Pokeball while Mewtwo preferred to stick close to Ash inside his own.

"Oh yeah," Ash said nonchalantly, "Hey Mew, on me okay?" Instantly she teleported from wherever she had been.

"Mew?" She asked curiously.

"I just like to make sure you're okay. You don't want people recognizing you and trying to capture you do you?" She shook her head in response. "Alright then." Like a scolded child, which was over exaggerated, she floated glumly towards the training Pokemon. Immediately she perked up as Onix unleashed another screech. She tilted her head looking at the massive crystal onix then decided to play copycat.

Ash smirked at this. "Well," Ash said sighing, "We're on a deserted island, teeming with Pokemon right?"

"I sense many on this island yes," Mewtwo said, "Though I cannot determine the species. They're living in groups and this island is…..starting to become overpopulated."

"That's alright," Ash said, "Do you mind putting up with your misfit sister and the others for a little while?"

"Sure," Mewtwo said, "Keep them doing the same routine?"

"Yeah," Ash replied then looked at Pikachu. He slept leisurely in the shade of a tree. "Hey Pikachu! Come on! I need your help."

"Pika!" Pikachu said getting up and stretching. He then ran towards Ash who was walking away, and jumped up on his shoulder. They walked into the tropical woods leaving Mewtwo to watch over the Pokemon for a little while. "Pikachu?"

"We're going to try and find some new friends okay?"

"Pika!"

Ash trudged through the forest for about ten to fifteen minutes before coming out into a large grassy field. But the thing was, it was populated with a familiar Pokemon, Kangaskhan. "Not good," Ash said watching some of the groups fight amongst others in the distance. He was shocked. "Mewtwo put that training on hold. Teleport to me now. Mew you as well."

"What is it?" Mewtwo asked as he appeared alongside Mew. "Oh." He saw the fighting going on as well. "Ash…..there are too many of them here. They're fighting over territory and food."

"Great…." Ash said sighing, "And I doubt there are any suitable islands for them nearby."

"Mew-mew-mew-ew-mew!" Mew started chattering.

"She said she just visited several unpopulated islands that would be perfect for about two groups each to start on. There are very few males out here, but there are enough to populate twenty or so groups."

"Lovely," Ash said sarcastically, "There are about thirteen groups each here." And it wasn't a lie. The entire grassland was full of more than Ash could count. "And I thought Kangaskhan's were all female!?"

"No," Mewtwo said, "There are males, but the last time they recorded information on this species was twenty years ago when the population in Kanto was almost extinct. And Males are usually loners Ash and are scarce as it is. For this many to be in one location, this islands been untouched for at least fifty years."

"And we just happen to stumble on it."

"When traveling here I did direct us here," Mewtwo said, "It may be hidden from any human's sense of direction somehow. It's not in the path of any other of the Orange Islands." Ash nodded, thinking through this. He learned a while ago, from one of his adventures with these Pokemon that Kangaskhan lived in groups of thirty to forty. If there were two males per island and two groups, it would take about another fifty years for them to reach even half of this population. Kangaskhan grew very slowly unless casted out of their group or if it's a male. They had a long life expectancy. "There are about four islands Ash. That leaves one group that could mess up the entire relocation plan."

"Which is the largest group?"

"The one directly in front of us," Mewtwo replied, "It has about forty two of them."

"And I have fifty Pokeballs," Ash said sighing.

"How are you going to pull this off and explain this at the same time?" Mewtwo asked.

"I'll think of something," Ash replied, "Teleport the butterfree pair here." Mew did as told teleporting away then teleporting back with the Butterfree. "Alright so we don't alarm them, I want you three to put them asleep with Sleep powder. But first…." Ash took a picture of them with his Pokegear's camera app. "There, that way I'll have an excuse for Professor Oak's knew batch of Pokemon coming this time." He sent it via file sender. "Okay let's go, do as I asked and we'll proceed from there."

And just like that, the three spread over the entire grassy field and unleashed a sleep powder that put all the Kangaskhan asleep. It took about five minutes to hit all the Kangaskhan, but it was worth it. "Alright, "Mew and Mewtwo transport two groups that seem to be fighting to the islands. We don't want to get them mixed up with any of the other groups." With that the plan was going into affect. Before long, there were only three groups left on this island and four males whom Mew and Mewtwo had left. The two were slightly tired of the output they had just done. You would be too if you had to teleport around three hundred Pokemon.

"Alright," Ash said getting his throwing arm ready, "My turn." He threw three at a time, and with the Pokeball's aim assist, it really made it easy. He didn't bother picking up the Pokeball's as they were soon being transported off the island to Professor Oak's Laboratory. He only caught one male which left the island with three males. Ash still had a lot to learn about Pokemon, Kangaskhan included. When they returned to the training site, then the camp after that, and had dinner, it finished their adventure on Kangaskhan's Island. Of course, he had to explain his absence to his friends.

…

Along the way to their next destination, which was Murcott Island, Ash's "good deed" was challenged by Misty and Tracey. Cynthia just stared at the three.

"How are you going to train all those Kangaskhan Ash?" Misty asked.

"The same way I trained all thirty of my Tauros," He replied nonchalantly.

"But don't you think it's a bit unfair to your other Pokemon?" Tracey asked, "You can't possibly give them all the same amount of attention."

Ash frowned looking ahead still. He didn't need to explain to them why he did what he did. He did what was right and Tracey had an annoying way of putting things. "Don't worry about what I can handle," Ash said plainly, "I do it my way. Understand?"

"But it's not fair to all of your other Pokemon Ash!" Tracey said, "You have how many now? Over eighty Pokemon?"

"The total number of my Pokemon is none of your business," Ash said getting more annoyed with Tracey, "I know what is best for them. Being a Pokemon Master, to me means taking on challenges. And if that means catching multiple of the same Pokemon, then so be it. I caught these Kangaskhan to save them from being in a feud. I may not be able to train them, as they are some of the most gentle Pokemon, but it will give them a better life than having to fight for resources all the time. Kangaskhan are becoming scarce Tracey. The entire Kanto region use to be populated with them. Now they're in a game reserve near the Fuchsia city safari zone. You didn't see them fighting Tracey. It wasn't a battle, it was a blood feud."

"You're being un—"

"End of discussion," Ash ended the conversation, "I win you lose." Tracey meant well, he was just annoying. Maybe Ash was biting off more than he could chew, but he had a feeling deep down that it was for the best. He loved Pokemon, he hated to see them fight like that. It would be the New Island Incident all over again. Speaking of which, Ash wandered where those other three trainers were, and how they were doing.

Misty bit her lip. That explained everything. If anyone had been through trauma involving actual Pokemon fights, it would be Ash. He gave his life for them, and came back. She'd have to have a talk with Tracey for this one. Misty didn't know Ash was still a little touchy about the subject.

When they came to shore on Murcott Island, Tracey let out his Marill and Venonat for fresh air. Misty sighed in relief.

"Ah it feels so good to be walking again!" Misty said joyously as she put a sleeping Togepi in her bag.

"Yeah," Cynthia said stretching her arms above her head.

"Return Lapras," Ash said sidetracked, the beam completely missing Lapras. He looked back and actually aimed.

"Pikachu," Pikachu said slapping Ash on the back of the head as if saying, I saw that.

"Chill," Ash said laughing then looked at his friends, "So guys ready to go exploring?"

"There's a town here," Misty said looking at him dryly, "This first civilized one we've been to in a week, and you want to go play in the woods."

"Pretty much," Ash replied, "But I do need more Pokeball's so…..let's get into town."

"Okay then let's go!" Misty said a little too enthusiastically. A Beedrill flew by her head causing her to flinch in fear. "A bug pokemon!"

"Well what did you expect?" Tracey asked laughing slightly, "Murcott Island is known for its many bug Pokemon." Misty went pale.

"Actually let's just stay here on the beach," She replied casually.

"The Pokemon center on this island's in the woods Misty," Tracey said.

"I don't care!" She replied folding her arms stubbornly turning around and pouting.

"Tracey she's scared of bugs," Ash whispered.

"Huh?" Tracey asked blinking. Then he got a real grin on his face. "Oh I get it, she's chicken." Ash scooted away knowing what was coming.

"I AM NOT CHICKEN!" Misty screamed fierily in Tracey's face.

Ash laughed. "I remember when that was me," Ash whispered to Cynthia who was just looking at the red head in astonishment. Ash just shrugged and started walking. Cynthia followed.

"Hey!" Misty said looking at Ash, "Where are you going!?" She had disappointment in her voice.

"I've got to get my Pokemon checked up on," Ash replied nonchalantly. Tracey quickly caught up with Ash and Cynthia as well as his two Pokemon.

"Fine…." Misty grumbled tagging along.

Going through the forest, the combination of Venonat's radar eyes and Marill's super hearing, they crossed paths with many bug Pokemon. Some of the Pokemon were cool. From Beedrill, to Pinsers, to Butterfree, Venomoth's, and Parasects. Their evolutionary lines were there as well. Ash was severely tempted to catch at least a Pinsir or Venomoth, but with Misty screaming every time he turned around, it was a doomed ambition. So they kept going. Eventually, Tracey's tracking duo picked up something. An injured and aged Scyther. After a brief skirmish between Tracey and the Pokemon, he caught it and the group rushed to the pokemon Center.

They learned about the Scyther's recent injuries from Nurse Joy. She told them about the Scyther swarms that inhabited the island and there were quite a few of them. This is where the group split into two, then later split into three. Ash and Cynthia both went to the Pokemart and stocked up on supplies. Ash had stocked his Pokeball's back up as well as some potions. And for good measure even looked through some books. Cynthia went in, got what she need, and went to train her Gabite and her mysterious Riolu she kept a secret from the group. Ash didn't complain. It was her Pokemon, if she wanted for them to see it or not, it was her choice. He did tell her to meet them back at the Pokemon Center that night though. That way they could leave bright and early.

Ash bought everything he needed and wanted, from the Pokeball's to the books. He then headed off into the forest with Pikachu, though in the opposite direction they found the injured Scyther. It was time he reacquainted himself with his own Scyther. When his Butterfree would finish training, he may use them to capture Pokemon. Pikachu was pretty much like Mew and Mewtwo, they were overpowered for untrained and wild Pokemon. Using them would probably kill the poor things. That was one thing he had trouble teaching his Pokemon restraining their attacks. He had chocked them so full of willpower, vitamins, and an extreme measure of training that he hadn't taught them to restrain their attacks even if they could take the attacks up a couple of notches if need be. They may seem powerful now, but Ash doubted he could take all the members of the Elite Four or strong trainers like them.

"Alright Scyther," Ash said, "You ready to catch some new friends?"

"Scyther!" He replied enthusiastically. So the two of them went on a prowl for any Pokemon they could find, which should be Bug Types. In fact, there were two bug types he was looking for because one of the books recommended them, and any other would be part of his team. Normally, Ash went for quality over quantity as far as Pokemon went, but he had more in common with Pokemon than most humans. Their different personalities were easier to adjust to than humans now. He didn't know why, it was just a fact. You could say it was for the sake of his own version of research and bonding with Pokemon. He didn't capture Pokemon just to have them. He didn't want to just claim them and show them off. He wanted to become friends with them. Maybe he'd take a few weeks off after the Orange League just to stay with his Pokemon at New Island and train them up. He was already working on that now, but he was taking up to three Pokemon. Four Pokemon he always kept on him were Pikachu, Mew, Mewtwo, and Lapras. Pikachu, Mew, and Mewtwo were pretty much his strongest Pokemon and unique travelling companions. All three of them also acted as senior members of his training sessions as well as they could comprehend them. This wasn't a handicap to his other Pokemon, and he believed in them all equally, but with Mew and Mewtwo being psychic and Pikachu being his first Pokemon, they were the obvious choices. Lapras was a different subject. She was probably the youngest member of his team and probably the next Pokemon he'd have to release. But while she was in his care, he would at least teach her to fend for herself.

Ash knew he was biting off more than he could chew with all these Pokemon he was catching. But he knew that Gary had around two hundred Pokemon according to him and his grandfather. That made Ash realized that he'd seriously have to get Professor Oak to do a head count for him. His Pokedex only showed the number of species he had caught, not the quantity of the species. He still hadn't had any contact with Professor Oak since he faked a signal loss, which was stupid as the PokeNav's didn't lose signals unless an extremely powerful spike of energy occurred. Ash knew what people would say if they found out what was going on with him. He knew, though no one else did. No one else but the Pokemon who have been with him the longest. He was a trainer by heart, but the more he trained them, the more he learned. The more he learned, the more he got "ideas". Two ideas included a few things. What if he cut himself off from physical contact with other humans and left with his Pokemon in the wilderness to train and be alone for however many years? He just wanted to know the answer. Ash was someone who believed in practicality. If you think you can do it, then do it. If not, then try anyways. His other idea was something that spawned from his idea of being in the wilderness with his Pokemon. It mostly regarded to their health. He knew if he did it that way, he wouldn't have access to Pokemon Centers or PokeMarts. So what if he made the medicine for his Pokemon and himself, plus (as much as he royally sucked at it) learned to cook on top of that? The world would probably end.

Scyther eventually found something. Two Paras, and a Parasect. These were the two pokemon species that the book Ash had read mentioned. "Scyther," Ash said calmly, "Combine agility with gust."

"Scy!" The Pokemon said before dashing around the group and creating a vortex of wind.

"Air slash now," Ash said, "And knock them out." The deed was done and Scyther stood expertly crossing his scythed appendages. The three mushroom pokemon were unconscious and easy for the taking. Their mushrooms would be perfect for potions. It wouldn't hurt the Pokemon at all, as they re-grow within three days. Ash would definitely train them as well, once he got around to it. He had two months set aside for training alone before he would leave for Johto. Though, he had to continue his Orange League journey first.

They continued to trudge along in the forest before Pikachu picked up something through his hearing. "Pika!" He uttered and Ash saw it. A swarm of Venomoth were flying and splitting up all around them. As much as Ash was entranced by this marvel of nature, he wanted to catch one of them. One in particular attacked Scyther whom jumped out the way of a quick attack.

"Alright Scyther that's our next one," Ash said, "Use quick attack now." Scyther shot forward but the Venomoth used a whirlwind. "Stop and engrave in the ground now." He stabbed both of his Scythes in the ground to avoid being thrown by the gust. The Venomoth then used Psybeam directly after and it hit Scyther. It was enough to break his grip on the ground and make him back up a few feet. "Whoa, okay, use agility to get in close and then Fury Cutter." Scyther looked like he was teleporting as he moved quickly towards the Venomoth, then went to hit. But Venomoth had other plans. It used a Takedown which knocked Scyther off his balance. "Strong for a wild Pokemon. Alright lets end this with a supercharged Steelwing and Agility." Scyther huffed then disappeared into a silver blur as his four wings hit Venomoth knocking it down. It was still ready to battle though. It zapped Scyther with a Psybeam when he was coming back around. Scyther growled.

"Well darn," Ash said impressed, "Fine then, Scyther combine Agility with Aerial Ace full power!" Scyther did as he was told finally knocking the Venomoth into a semi-unconscious state. Ash smirked as he threw the Pokeball. It teetered as the Venomoth struggled to break free, but it failed. The Pokeball was sent off to Professor Oak's laboratory. "That was a good workout wasn't it buddy?" Scyther nodded, slightly tired. "Do you want to rest up or keep going?" Scyther flexed himself into a fighting stance and spewed his emotional determination. "Well alright, let's keep on going."

The next Pokemon they came in contact with were a bunch of Weedle. Ash figured he would capture a pair, if just to compliment the Butterfree Pair. It took one Fury cutter and a lot of faith in Scyther's ability to distinguish male from female. After that, two captures later and a quick look-see at their genders through the Pokedex confirmed that Ash's faith wasn't misplaced. It was now that Ash had decided it was time to head back towards the Pokemon Center.

"We've gotten a more diverse haul of new friends in one since Mew and Mewtwo joined us," Ash said to his two Pokemon, "You included Scyther."

"Pika!"

"Scy!"

They definitely weren't on the regular path they came from. They were using a different one. It was good, and it was bad in some ways. One way it was good was that they would be ready for a shower and bed when they got to the Pokemon Center. The way it was bad started with Pikachu hearing something again. "Pikachu!" He uttered pointing to Ash's right.

"What is it?" Ash asked. Pikachu responded by tugging his trainers hair and still pointing. "Ow, ow, okay. Come on Scyther." They walked until they came to a grassy opening. In the middle of that opening was yet another downed Scyther. "What?"

The Scyther was panting heavily as she was trying to crawl away from something, and towards their direction. Then, five large Stag Beetle Pokemon jumped out of the brush on the other side growling and chattering. Pinsir's.

They went for the injured Scyther. "Scyther, Agility and combine Swords Dance with Fury Cutter." Ash said, "Keep one of them around. Chase the others off."

"Scyther," He replied before disappearing into his attack. The attack seemed to be a blur to those with the untrained eye. The downed Scyther looked up to see a trained Scyther taking down all the Pinsir with a lot of swipes with his scythes. The Scyther looked in awe at Ash's Scyther. There wasn't a single Scyther around who could move that fast and be that powerful. Four of the Pinsir left. One of them tried to make an escape but Ash intervened as he walked out in the open.

"Scyther," Ash said, "Pursuit." Scyther disappeared and came back into view tackling the Pinsir back into the opening and simultaneously knocking him out. Ash threw a Pokeball at it catching it. The downed Scyther looked at Ash then at his Scyther. "Are you alright?" Ash asked the downed Scyther. From simple observation he could tell it was a female.

"Scy…" She said looking down at the ground. He could feel the disappointment and the pain she was suffering.

"Hold still," Ash said pulling out a Super Potion, "It'll sting but your injuries will heal." He sprayed it on earning a flinch from the Scyther. Immediately the results were coming through. "I'm going to give you a choice Scyther." She looked up at him tilting her head. "My Scyther is well trained and almost impossible to touch as far as speed goes. Most opponents can't beat him." She looked at his Scyther in awe again. "Do you want to become just as strong?" She looked at him for a second before nodding. "Very well," Ash said, "Hold still." He threw a Pokeball at her.

…..

The group left Murcott Island the next morning after Tracey explained how his day went with his Scyther to Ash and Cynthia as they were off doing other business. After about twelve nonstop hours of riding Lapras, they came up onto another deserted island and decided to take the day off and relax. The only one who didn't, was Ash. A deserted island with very little Pokemon? He had to test himself to see if he could hunt down a Pokemon he didn't have. So he did. He went off into the forest looking for any Pokemon he could find.

Three hours. That's how long he was out there. He was about to give up when he himself was attacked by something. It was a Growlithe. Ash dodged the Growlithe's takedown before pulling out a Pokeball. "Feisty little Growlithe aren't you? Go Psyduck!"

His Psyduck came out ready to fight. The Growlithe used Flamethrower. "Psyduck Hydropump." Fire and

water connected creating steam. The Growlithe growled and fired another flamethrower. "Dodge and use confusion," Ash said. Psyduck jumped out the way and a psychic wave hit Growlithe. The Growlithe shook it off and went for Psyduck. "Psyduck Hydropump now." Growlithe was blasted back towards a tree and knocked out as a result. Ash threw his Pokeball and captured the puppy pokemon instantly.

…

The next day, they had arrived at South Mandarin Island. Ash returned Lapras to her Pokeball before they continued. The island was full of Pokemon trainers. "So where do you guys want to go first?" Ash asked. There were a lot of things to do here.

"The mall!" Misty said instantly, "We haven't been in almost two months."

"Uh…." Ash said sweatdropping, "I'm going to the Pokemon center first. Then….we'll do whatever."

They passed by a Pokemon battle area where numerous trainers were competing against one another. There had to be about fifty or more trainers here. They kept walking towards the Pokemon Center which was down the street when someone recognized him.

"Hey it's him!" One of the trainers said, "It's Ash Ketchum!"

"Ash Ketchum?"

"It is him!"

"Crap," Ash muttered. They quickly surrounded the group, namely Ash asking him a lot of random questions.

"Are you taking on the Orange Crew?"

"Will you battle me?"

"Marry me!" Ash sweatdropped. Cynthia cut her eyes at whomever said that.

"Come on let's battle!"

"I challenge you to a Pokemon battle!"

"Battle me!"

"No me!"

"Can I get your autograph?"

"Are you going to challenge Lorelei?"

"Huh?"

"Battle me!"

"No I said me first!"

"Jeez….." Ash said sighing. "ALRIGHT! Chill out all of you." It quieted them down. "How many wants a battle?" Twenty people raised their hand. "Fine then line up near one of the battle zones. One pokemon each got it?"

"Uh Ash?" Misty said, "We're just gonna…..go sit down." They sat down on a bench above the battle area. This was almost too much. Ash hadn't battled a trainer in a month or two, now he was battling around twenty. She hoped he would finish soon, otherwise they wouldn't get anything accomplished today.

Ash stood on one end of the field with Cynthia nearby. The challengers lined up on the other side. "Call out your Pokemon," Ash said.

"You first."

"You're looking at him," Ash said.

"You?"

"No!" Ash said loudly, "Pikachu."

"Oh," The boy said, "Alright then go Wartortle!"

Ash sighed. "Pikachu?" Pkachu jumped from his trainers shoulder onto the field. "Begin!" Ash announced.

"Wartortle use Hydropump!" His Wartortle launched a geyser of water at Pikachu.

"Dodge then Iron tail," Ash said. Pikachu dodged and quickly shot forward with his Iron tail activated and then slammed it into the Wartortle's shell sending it out the battle zone unconscious.

"Next?" Ash said.

"Go Gloom!"

"Begin!"

"Gloom razor leaf!"

"Iron-tail." The Gloom was sent out of the battle zone as well. "Next."

"Go Graveller!"

"Begin."

"Rock throw!"

"Dodge and Iron tail." Graveller was pelted into the ground unconscious. "Next."

Ash and Pikachu had won all twenty matches in under ten minutes. Afterwards, they visited the Pokemon Center to give their Pokemon a check up and then stopped to get something to eat at a restaurant. Tracey was looking at a paper and looked surprised. "Hey guys Lorelei is doing a few lectures today and battle demonstrations."

"As in the Elite Four Lorelei?" Cynthia asked.

"So Lorelei's here huh?" Ash asked.

"Yeah," Tracey said nodding, "I heard she has a house here on the island and trains here on the off season of the Pokemon League. Once a week she show's off her different battling techniques."

"I never dreamed I'd ever get to see Lorelei in person," Misty said.

"Sounds like you're a big fan Misty," Tracey commented.

"Who wouldn't be?" Misty said, "She's one of the very best and she uses water type Pokemon too. She's my hero."

"I'm a hero am I?" They heard coming up from behind.

"Huh?" Tracey and Misty said simultaneously.

"L-Lorelei!?" Misty said.

"It's you!" Tracey said, "It really is you!"

And the two of them went into a crazed fan rant like Ash had just endured about an hour ago. Lorelei chuckled slightly before going over to Togepi. It confused the two of them. "Well hello there cutie pie," She said to the baby pokemon, "Nice to meet you." Togepi chattered in response. Ash, as quiet as he was, watched her walk towards the railing of the plaza looking out at the ocean.

"Uh miss Lorelei?" Tracey asked, "Is everything okay?"

"The sun feels like an old friend," She replied philosophically.

"Uh…." Tracey said, "It does?"

"Oh I'm so excited," Misty said, "We saw your flier. I can't wait for your lecture!"

"Shh," Lorelei said, "Listen." Everyone was quiet as she listened to the ocean. "The wind is speaking."

"It is?" The two of them said sweatdropping.

From that Ash could sum Lorelei up. She strived to be in tune with nature. Either that or she was nuts. But she was one of the Kanto/Johto Elite Four so he didn't think it was the latter. "The Ocean is beautiful isn't it?" Lorelei continued, "This must be one of the most beautiful places in the world. Feel the salt air on your face. The sea and the sky, one reflecting off the other."

Ash got up stretching and walked over towards a trash can. "Ash Ketchem!" Someone called. It was another trainer down below.

"Yeah?" Ash replied throwing away his trash.

"I challenge you to a Pokemon battle now!"

Ash sighed. "Okay," He said, "one on one?"

"No," The man said, "Two on two!"

"Alright," Ash said shrugging. He walked down the stairs as Misty, Cynthia, Tracey, and Lorelei looked over the railing. "Sit this one out Pikachu. You've already been in too many battles today."

"Pika!" Pikachu whined.

"Don't Pika me," Ash replied, "Let someone else have the spotlight."

"Chu." Pikachu pouted. Ash laughed. They took their positions on the end of the field.

"Go Persian!" The Trainer said.

"A Persian huh?" Ash said throwing out his choice, "Okay then. Ninetails come on out."

"Nine!" Ninetails said stretching.

"Begin!" The trainer said, "I hope that stupid fox can actually put up a fight."

Ash felt Ninetails' anger boiling. "Ninetails," Ash said, "calm down. Arrogance will cost him the battle."

"What did you say twerp!" The trainer said angrily, "Persian Thunderbolt!" Persian fired a Thunderbolt which didn't do a thing to Ninetails. "What?"

"Fire blast," Ash said simply. Ninetails fired a powerful flame that sent Persian flying.

"No way!" The trainer said flipping out, "There's no way that Ninetails took down Persian in one hit."

"Obviously so," Ash said sighing, "Send out your next Pokemon or forfeit."

"Tauros come on out!" The boy said, "Use takedown now!"

"Dodge and Fire blast," Ash countered. Ninetails jumped to the side and as Tauros moved passed, she lit its side up knocking it out.

"No Tauros!" The trainer yelled the looked at Ash with four pokeballs, "Grr take this!" Out came an Ivysaur, a Raticate, a Victreebel and a Machoke. "Attack that fox!"

"Overheat," Ash said simply. As they charged, Ninetails fired an extremely powerful blast of fire that also decimated part of the field around her. All the Pokemon were engulfed in flames and sent flying off the field. The flames licked the field as they died out.

"Aw come on!" The trainer yelled in frustration and got his Pokemon then left.

Ash looked at him as he pathetically ran off. He just shrugged it off returning Ninetails. "That was weird," He said sighing. He went to turn around and there was Lorelei.

"I've been watching you Ash Ketchum," She said, "I was there for your match with the rest of the Elite Four."

"The Elite…..Four was there?" Ash asked. He knew Will was there, but not all of them.

"Yes," Lorelei replied, "Don't let my impassive and philosophical nature prevent you from seeing how impressed I am, and that's not very often. You handled that situation well, and more maturely than your age. I'll tell you what." She stared at the ocean for a moment. "After my lecture today, do you mind having a mock battle? Three on three? The pokemon keeps battling until it's defeated."

"Uh…." Ash said shocked that she would want to battle him, "Sure! And the only Legendary Pokemon I'll use is my Mewtwo. He's been wanting to test his abilities out on an Elite Four."

"Yes your Mewtwo," Lorelei said like she had forgotten, "Will has told us all about your Legendary Duo. He holds them in high regard and expects that you can help them reach their full potential. I wouldn't mind battling him in a match. Though use him last as I want to see how your other Pokemon are coming along."

"Yes ma'am," Ash said.

….

After her battle demonstrations, Ash stood in the Mandarin Island Stadium Battle zone doors waiting to be called out. "After those magnificent performances," The commentator said, "Lorelei has challenged a trainer to a three on three battle against a recent Indigo Plateau conference champion, Ash Ketchum." The crowd started to cheer in excitement. Ash took this as an opportunity to walk out into the battle zone where Lorelei was waiting on the other side. The referee was there waiting for Ash so they could begin.

"This match will be a three on three match," The Referee said, "Each Pokemon has to fall in battle before your next one can be chosen. Call out your Pokemon."

"Slowbro let's go," Lorelei said calling out her Slowbro.

Ash normally would take this as a mistake on a trainer's part, but Lorelei wasn't an elite for nothing. "Pikachu," He said, "take the field."

"Pika!" Pikachu said determined.

"Begin!" The Referee announced.

"Slowbro use Ice Beam!" Lorelei announced.

"Thunder," Ash countered. Both attacks met in the middle of the stadium colliding with one another.

"Ice Punch now," Lorelei said. Slowbro cut through the remaining bits of his Ice beam and went through Pikachu's Thunder attack.

"Meet with Iron tail," Ash said surprised. The two attacks collided, this time Slowbro was forced into sliding back from Pikachu's strength.

"I'm impressed," Lorelei said, "It's one thing to see your Pokemon battle, but another to battle them. Slowbro use disable." Pikachu let off a small spark. "Now get in there with skull bash!"

"Slam," Ash said. Pikachu quickly got above Slowbro as it was shooting forward and slammed the Pokemon into the ground with his tail. Lorelei looked surprised. "Iron tail." Pikachu's tail glowed white and hit Slowbro again furthering the small crater.

"Iron tail was disabled," Lorelei said, "How did you use it?" Slowbro jumped up out the crater and landed back on his side of the battle zone.

"Let's just say I came up with a way to cancel out that move," Ash said, "Pikachu's good at what he does."

"Very well," Lorelei said impressed, "Slowbro psychic!"

"Agility," Ash said. Once again Slowbro's attack didn't work as Pikachu sparked into an agility. "Strength with Brick Break." The impact sent Slowbro flying.

Lorelei was definitely surprised now. How did he manage that? "Slowbro recover then use Earthquake." The recovery was quick and the Earthquake made Pikachu lose his balance. "Now Giga Impact." Slowbro hit Pikachu with a powerful blast causing Pikachu to actually take a hit this time. And the hit was harsh. Pikachu was hurt pretty badly. One attack. That's all it took for Pikachu to be so injured. That hasn't happened in a long time.

"Pikachu you okay?" Ash asked worried.

"Pika!" Pikachu said.

"Good because we're not going to let that Slowbro touch you again," Ash said, "Use agility, quick attack, and Thunderbolt at the same time!" Pikachu obeyed and disappeared into an agility, quick attack, and a thunderbolt at the same time. Immediately a yellow flash of light and an extremely powerful electric current impacted Slowbro who looked as if he had about had it.

"A Volt Tackle?" Lorelei said in astonishment.

"A what?" Ash asked.

"You just taught Pikachu an extremely advanced moved called Volt Tackle," Lorelei continued, "The attack is one of the strongest electric attacks out there. And it severely damaged Slowbro."

"I didn't know that was what it was called," Ash said. He had done this combo five times. Each time, Pikachu took a little bit of damage as Pikachu perfected the combo. Now it was called Volt Tackle? Ash was striving for a way to make Pikachu resistant to the attack that way it didn't hurt him as bad.

"Slowbro Recover!" Lorelei said.

"Alright then," Ash said nodding, "Pikachu quick use Iron tail and quick attack now!" Pikachu quickly hit Slowbro before it could recover.

"Mega punch now!" Lorelei countered. The two attacks met, but since Slowbro had met with Iron tail and in mid swing, Slowbro was sent off balance.

"Latch on and use Thunder!" Ash ordered. Pikachu latched onto Slowbro's shell and unleashed a powerful surge of electricity. He jumped off of a crisped Slowbro who was knocked out.

"Slowbro is unable to battle," The referee said, "The winner of this round is Pikachu and Ash!"

"Yes," Ash said smiling.

"I'm severely impressed," Lorelei said returning her Slowbro, "It's been about a year since someone has defeated Slowbro. However, he's usually my first choice in any battle. How about I introduce you to my second Pokemon? Come on out Cloyster!"

"Begin!" the Referee said.

"Pikachu Thunderbolt now!" Ash ordered.

"Withdraw then Spike cannon," Lorelei said. Pikachu's Thunderbolt didn't even scratch the outer surface of Cloyster's shell. But a spike shot at Pikachu as he was using the attack. It hit Pikachu dead on which Pikachu recovered from. He was severely injured now.

"Pikachu!" Ash said worried. Pikachu stood up in affirmation of his determination. "Alright use Thundershock!"

"Withdraw and Spike Cannon," Lorelei repeated.

"Agility and Iron tail now!" Ash ordered. Pikachu dodged the spike and used an Iron Tail on the protected Cloyster. The Cloyster stopped floating and hit the ground in a crater. "Again." Pikachu hit Cloyster again with Iron tail. "Again." He hit him again.

"Cloyster Ice beam now!" Lorelei said. It was a point blank Ice beam that ended Pikachu's attacks. He flew towards his trainer unconscious.

"Pikachu is unable to battle," The referee said, "This round goes to Cloyster and Lorelei!" Ash picked up Pikachu and leaned him against his back pack.

"You were awesome Pikachu," Ash said smirking, "Now let's give the spotlight to someone else. Go Venusaur!"

"A Venusaur eh?" Lorelei said. She had to be careful with this one. Venusaur was undefeated like many of Ash's Pokemon in his Championship Match. "Cloyster use Spike cannon now! Rapid fire!"

"Venusaur," Ash said, "Vinewhip."Venusaur slapped down any spikes that came his way with his six vines. "Grab and slam." Venusaur latched onto Cloyster who automatically withdrew into his shell. He lifted Cloyster high in the air and then slammed him into the ground.

"Ice Beam!" Lorelei ordered.

"Protect and charge Solar beam," Ash countered. While charging a solar beam, Venusaur used protect to block Ice Beam. "Latch on." Venusaur latched onto Cloyster again this time where Closyter couldn't close his shell.

"Cloyster no!" Lorelei said sensing something bad was going to happen.

"Sunny day and Fire Solar Beam," Ash said. The attack was supercharged now. And with Cloyster unable to withdraw, things went as Ash planned. Venusaur fired a Solar beam directly at Cloyster and let its body fly out of his vines.

"Cloyster is unable to battle," The referee said, "Venusaur and Ash win this round."

"He beat Cloyster?" Lorelei said shocked beyond belief, "That attack was so powerful." She finally smiled. He was really something else. "Return Cloyster. Alright come on out Dewgong!" She swapped her Pokemon. "Ash this isn't my strongest Pokemon but it is as close as you're going to get today." Ash nodded.

"Begin!"

"Dewgong Aurora Beam!" Lorelei ordered. The attack hit Venusaur who had already become severely damaged.

"Venusaur!" Ash yelled in shock. His Venusaur had taken a lot of damage with that. It was worse than the damage taken on by Pikachu. "Okay charge Solar Beam!"

"Aurora Beam now!" Lorelei said.

"Protect!" Ash countered. The Aurora beam hit the protective shield as the Solar Beam continued to charge.

"Again!" Lorelei ordered.

"Fire Solar Beam!" Ash ordered. The two attacks hit each other. This time, Aurora beam pelted through the Solar Beam and hit Venusaur. Venusaur slid back, unconscious. That was a quick end for Ash's strongest Grass Type.

"Venusaur is unable to battle," The Referee announced, "This round goes to Dewgong and Lorelei."

"Wow," Ash said returning his Pokemon, "I never thought something could kick my strongest Pokemon's rear end so easily."

"You'll find that it'll happen a lot when you're dealing with Elites," Lorelei said, "And I'm not bragging. There's a reason I'm only number four out of the five in the Kanto/Johto Elite four. "

"I thought…." Ash started but thought against it, "never mind. You'll have to explain that one to me after our match."

"Very well," Lorelei said.

"Go Mewtwo!" Ash called out. Mewtwo came out with his blue aura seeping in clouds around him.

"A Pokemon battle huh?" Mewtwo asked which caught the attention of Lorelei.

"So Will was right," She whispered, "It can talk."

"This is one of the Elite Four Mewtwo," Ash said, "She challenged us to a three on three match."

"And I'm last?" He asked.

"Yeah," Ash said, "And so is that Dewgong."

Mewtwo stared down the Dewgong. "That Dewgong is way more powerful than yours Ash."

"I'm aware of that," Ash replied, "So you ready Mewtwo?"

"Of course," Mewtwo said, "I've been waiting to test my strength against a Pokemon Trained by an Elite Four Member." His eyes glowed blue to affirm he was ready.

"Begin!" The Referee said.

"Dewgong Aurora Beam!"

"Mewtwo use Psychic!" Ash ordered.

Mewtwo stopped that beam with his psychic powers for a split second before it continued. "Ugh," He grunted dodging the attack, "That's a powerful beam of energy. One I couldn't prepare for quick enough."

"Alright then," Ash said, "Use Shadow Ball and Teleport!"

"Ice beam behind you!" Lorelei said quickly. Mewtwo was only there for a second before he appeared to the right again and hit Dewgong in the side. "What!? How did he redirect his teleport?"

"Mewtwo can think and react a hundred percent faster than we ever could," Ash said replied, "In his eyes, we're moving in slow motion. Every battle he's in, increases his reaction timing and tunes it to the speed of whatever Pokemon he's facing."

"Fine then," Lorelei said, "Dewgong use Blizzard!" The attack filled the entire stadium.

"Barrier," Ash ordered, "Then use Psybeam." Barrier let all the ice glide all around him in a dome like fashion before a Psybeam was launched. The attack hit Dewgong instantly who recoiled. On land, Dewgong was not very maneuverable. Ash knew this.

"Dewgong use surf!" Lorelei announced, "Then Sheer Cold!"

"Mewtwo watch out for Sheer Cold!"

"I know," Mewtwo said.

"Use a psychically charged Focus Blast!" Ash ordered. Dewgong was surfing on a wave towards Mewtwo and preparing for a Sheer Cold. Mewtwo's focus blast hit Dewgong quick and even more powerful with Psychic powers guiding it and making the move more damageable. Dewgong fell off its wave and landed on the ground rolling onto its normal stance.

"Now Dewgong!" Lorelei ordered. Dewgong caused pretty much a white out which blanketed the battle zone and Mewtwo.

The Referee looked for Mewtwo. There was a being in the middle of the stadium that was covered in snow. Lorelei did it. She won.

The Referee went to announce the winner. "Mewtwo is unable—"

There was a rumbling sound as the ice started to shake. Mewtwo forced the ice to break apart with his own strength enhanced with Psychic powers sending Ice in all directions. "Ugh," He uttered shaking his head, "Cold." He was beat up pretty badly for that one. There were literally bruises all over him as the cold made him turn paler.

"No way," Lorelei said eyes wide. Sheer cold was supposed to be a one hit K.O, "It didn't take him out."

"I told you that training would come in handy," Ash said to Mewtwo.

"You did," Mewtwo replied, "And don't ever let me disbelieve you again. I'm so…..cold."

"Let's finish this," Ash said, "Use a psychically charged Giga Impact." Mewtwo obliged quickly hitting a shocked Dewgong knocking it out.

"Dewgong is unable to battle," The Referee said, "Mewtwo and Ash Ketchum are the winners of this battle!"

The crowd roared in applause. Lorelei, getting over her initial shock returned her Dewgong. "You did great Dewgong," She said, "No one expected that someone could go through a Sheer Cold with nothing but pure endurance." She looked at Ash and his Mewtwo. Ash was definitely someone who could take on the entire Elite Four someday. At the moment, he may have won against her, and he could probably have won against anyone else in the Elite Four, but not everyone one in the challenge. Lance could probably still win against Ash's current team with just two of his weakest Pokemon.

She was astounded. Ash's two Legendary Pokemon had been against a one hit K.O each and survived through it then winning right after. She remembered when Mew teleported out of a Horn Drill then used a combination that ended the match pretty quickly. Now Mewtwo breaks through a Sheer Cold with just willpower and endurance and ends her Dewgong just as quickly. This kid was truly amazing at training his Pokemon.

"Congratulations Ash," Lorelei said smiling, "It's been a long time since someone has beaten me in a Pokemon battle. Even one such as this. Why don't we go to my house? We'll speak there. Of course after we heal our Pokemon."

Ash nodded smiling.

When everything was all said and done, Lorelei spoke to Ash and his friends. "I'm impressed that Mewtwo was able to fight through Sheer Cold like that," Lorelei said, "I never would have imagined something like that was possible. And how your Pikachu avoided Disable and my Slowbro's psychic attacks are beyond me."

"Well," Ash said, "I might as well tell you how."

"Please do," Lorelei said, "Your secret will stay safe with me."

"I've been training Mew and Mewtwo for about a month," Ash said, "And I've learned that Psychic attacks manipulate everything around them into whatever the attack is. Well, discharging the air around Pikachu disrupts the attack. Disable may be a normal attack, but it's properties are used as a psychic ability."

"Wow," Lorelei said, "No wonder Pikachu slipped through the grip of Slowbro so much."

"Yeah and Mewtwo's a different case," Ash said, "He survived Sheer Cold because I trained him to. I had him endure a lot of Ice attacks at the same time from my other Pokemon. He eventually learned that shrouding his body in a psychic coating, protected him from being knocked out, no matter how much he endured it or how powerful the attack was. We've never been through a Sheer Cold before, but that was good for a first time."

"Yes it was," Lorelei agreed, "And let me give you some advice."

"Everyone could use advice," Ash replied.

"Wise beyond your years boy," Lorelei said, "You are focusing on overpowering your opponent with speed and average attacks. You make up for that in combination moves and good things eventually come of it, such as Volt Tackle. But you need stronger moves and pure balance to compliment all of that for any Pokemon you train. You probably work on what the best advantages your Pokemon has right?"

"Right," Ash said.

"What about their flaws?"

"I try," Ash said, "On most of them."

"Well try harder Ash," Lorelei said, "And I promise you, you're Pokemon will be almost unbeatable. You beat me in a three on three battle, I doubt that you could do that in a full battle."

"Me too," Ash commented, "Those weren't your strongest Pokemon were they?"

"Slowbro's my weakest," She replied, "Cloyster is my third weakest, and Dewgong's my second strongest. I won't tell you my strongest, but I promise you that your Mewtwo probably wouldn't have beaten it so easy or may have even lost to it."

"I believe it," Ash replied accepting that, "Your Pokemon were way better than mine in some way or another."

"I've also got about thirteen years on you," Lorelei said, "I've been doing this a lot longer. But I have to say, this has been the most fun in battling I've had in a while."

"Me too actually," Ash said.

Lorelei then started to talk with them all about their future plans, and what they expect to accomplish. She gave them directions to the next island as well, Trovita Island. It was right across the bay on the other side of South Mandarin Island. Ash would never forget what Lorelei told him. Speed and the precision of attacks weren't everything. Balance was the key to becoming stronger in Pokemon training. It would be something Ash would strive for in the future.

…..

The End

…..

Fan made Pokemon of the day: Working out the details on a current one.