Sorry everyone, writer's block got to me, but I finally got this chapter in. I hope this chapter turned out okay. Let me know what you think.
So here is Ash's gym battle with Lt. Surge, and it will actually be a double battle. Also, we're finally going to have a little more in depth with Froakie and Fennekin and start to hear out from Pikachu as well.
Vermillion City-Pokémon Center
After journeying from Cerulean City and each trainer obtaining two Pokémon, along with a cruel encounter with Damien, Ash and Serena finally made it to Vermillion City. This was going to be the sight of Ash's next gym battle and Serena's next contest. Ash and Serena went to get their Pokémon healed at the Pokémon Center, and then they already put in some training for their upcoming competitions.
"So, Ash, who are you going to use for your gym battle?" Serena asked.
"I haven't decided yet, I'll give Froakie a go and for my other Pokémon?" Ash questioned himself, "I'm not sure yet."
"Do you have any idea what the gym leader uses?" Serena asked.
"Not really," Ash answered.
Then appearing out from one of the corridors, it was a familiar face that Ash and Serena haven't seen in a long time. It was the boy with the red cap who came from Kalos, it was Calem Anderson. Calem noticed Ash and Serena, and the two noticed Calem from Viridian City as well as he approached them.
"Long time no see," Calem said waving hello.
"Calem," Serena said in a greeting way.
The two gave Calem a handshake, and Pikachu and Rotom Dex gave them a high five. Calem was the boy that used to be Serena's neighbor in Vanillie Town until she moved to Pallet Town. Calem showed Serena Pokémon Contests, and after having fun in the Viridian City Contest, Serena decided to be a Pokémon Coordinator.
"So how have you two been? I haven't seen you since Viridian City," Calem asked knowing what's up.
"Well everything has been fine since we last met. Let me show you something," Serena told Calem as she pulled out her ribbon case.
Serena showed Calem her ribbon that she won from the Cerulean City Pokémon Contest. Serena also mentioned that she competed in the Pewter City Pokémon Contest, but she didn't win.
"Well I'm happy you got your ribbon, and I take it you're going to enter the Vermillion City Pokémon Contest in three days? Calem asked.
"You bet I am, and I'm going to get my second ribbon," Serena said with enthusiasm.
"Not so fast Serena, I'm going to be winning that contest I'm afraid," Calem responded with an enthusiastic tone.
"Well see about that," Serena replied as she went into thought, "Actually, I haven't faced Calem in person. Now I can actually get a taste of what he's like as a coordinator."
"Enough with the little pre-contest competition, Ash how have you been?" Calem asked changing the subject.
"Me, well I'm doing better than I have the last time I met you in Viridian City," Ash answered revealing his two badges from his jacket, "I've beaten the Pewter Gym and the Cerulean Gym, and tomorrow I'll be challenging the Vermillion Gym."
"That's great, so you'll be getting your third badge I see," Calem said looking at his jacket.
"That's right, and I'm going to win!" Ash exclaimed pumping his fist.
As they were talking, the Pokémon Center doors opened and coming in was a boy acting all frantic with his Pidgey in terrible condition. It looked like the Tiny Bird Pokémon was electrocuted by something. Ash, Serena, and Calem all noticed the boy and the Pokémon that came in.
"Hang in there Pidgey!" the boy cried.
"What happened?" Ash questioned himself.
"Either that Pidgey was playing with electrical wires near a kitchen sink, or there was a powerful electric Pokémon that did that to Pidgey," Rotom Dex said.
Then Nurse Joy came in and just sighed. She's been used to all these trainers coming in. It was a good thing that the Vermillion City Pokémon Center was a big Pokémon Center.
"That's the 15th Pidgey this month," Nurse Joy muttered to herself.
"15th Pidgey?" Calem questioned as he turned to Nurse Joy, "What's been happening to the Pidgeys?"
"It's not the Pidgeys, its almost any Pokémon that has been coming from the Vermillion Gym," Nurse Joy said.
"The Vermillion Gym!" Ash exclaimed in shock.
"Yeah, a lot of the trainers that have come to this Pokémon Center come after losing to Lt. Surge," Nurse Joy explained.
"Lt. Surge, I bet he's the gym leader," Ash said.
"He is, I actually advise people that the Vermillion Gym is not for hobby trainers. Some Pokémon Gyms like the Pewter Gym and Cerulean Gym are good for beginner trainers, but the other gyms here in Kanto they really up their game," Nurse Joy explained, "I don't know about the Viridian Gym since that gym is barely open."
"Whoa, so now Ash could potentially face a tougher gym leader than Brock and Misty," Serena said.
"Yeah, that's why I recommend that you probably should have at least two badges before you enter that gym," Nurse Joy stated.
"Hah, you're in luck, I already have two badges," Ash said showing off his Boulder Badge and Cascade Badge.
"Well that's good, it means you might be ready to take on Lt. Surge," Nurse Joy said as the dinger went off, "Well your Pokémon are done with their checkups."
As Nurse Joy went to get their Pokémon, Calem took a good look at Ash who just showed his two badges.
"I'm going to make a good guess that Lt. Surge specializes in electric types looking at that Pidgey," Calem said, "Have you decided who you're going to use?"
"Well I was going to use Froakie, and well I don't know about my second choice yet," Ash said rubbing his chin with his finger.
"Ash, I hate to break it to you, but Froakie is a water type and if the gym leader does use electric-type Pokémon, you're in for a disadvantage," Calem explained.
"I would agree with Calem Ash. Maybe you could use one of your other Pokémon like maybe Bulbasaur or Charmander. Neither of them had a gym battle yet, so this would be the perfect opportunity," Serena stated.
As Ash listened to Calem and Serena, he wanted to stick with his gut. Froakie was considered his best friend and his ace, and Froakie wanted to do everything to get tougher for Ash. Froakie was getting better, and he came through two gym battles one in which he had a type advantage, and another where he was somewhat average. Ash is considering that coming out on top against a type disadvantage will move him one step closer into becoming a great Pokémon trainer. As Nurse Joy brought his Pokémon back with Pikachu on the tray, Ash may have decided who his second Pokémon will be.
"Froakie has always been my Pokémon so I'm going to have Froakie in this gym battle, and as for my other Pokémon…Pikachu!" Ash announced.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu exclaimed.
"Hey Pikachu, if you help me and Froakie win I'll buy you a big bottle of ketchup," Ash said to the yellow mouse.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu happily exclaimed.
Serena didn't like the fact that he was going to use Froakie. Ash did get better as a trainer, but it wasn't time for him yet to go up against the disadvantages. However, as Ash's close friend, Serena had to agree with Ash's decision. She just hopes he can learn from his mistakes, after all Serena is learning from her mistakes too.
"Well if you're going to use Froakie, I'll be rooting you both on," Serena said with a tint of worry, "I'm just worried for Froakie that he could be going up against an electric type."
"I understand," Ash said, "But don't worry, me and Froakie along with Pikachu will win!"
"Pika!" Pikachu responded.
"I can't argue with you, either it will be a learning experience for you or you're knowing how to overcome obstacles. That's something I tend to do, and I get better," said Calem.
"That's good," Ash said in an awkward tone.
It's true that Calem may have been Serena's old neighbor and Serena didn't speak with many people in the past, but sometimes Ash feels like he could be competition. Ash though doesn't want to put his face into other people's business, maybe Team Rocket, but not anyone else.
"I was thinking Ash; do you think it's okay if I watch your gym battle tomorrow, so I can get pointers from your battle?" Calem asked, "If that's okay, because whether you're a Pokémon trainer or Pokémon Coordinator, you can take tips from other trainers, so you can understand techniques or learn from their mistakes."
"Sure, not a problem," Ash said.
"And Serena, did you think about who you're going to use for the upcoming contest?" Calem asked.
"Yeah, I got a Squirtle recently and I was considering using him for the appeal round, and then I go to Fennekin for my contest battles," Serena stated.
Serena has gotten some training in with her Pokémon. While Magikarp has played a key role into bringing down Damien and getting Ash's Pokémon back, she still hasn't figured out how to use her in contests, and the same went for Abra. Fennekin has been improving on Flamethrower ever since she learned it, and Beedrill has been getting stronger.
Squirtle on the other hand as shown grace in his abilities that he can compete in Pokémon Contests. Squirtle also knew Bubble to go with Water Gun and Rapid Spin, and Serena was figuring out how she could have Squirtle showcase his moves. There have been those moments that Squirtle has been a bit affectionate towards Serena. Ash has been noticing that, and he figures this could make Squirtle look bad, or Serena look bad.
The truth was Squirtle and Fennekin could benefit an amazing contest display the most as of right now, and better if Squirtle can get his act together. He has been listening to Serena, but the Tiny Turtle Pokémon's behavior needed some work.
"That sounds great, I like to see how they're doing up close," Calem replied.
"You will when we compete in the contest," Serena told Calem.
Serena was determined to beat Calem, and Ash looked around at all of the Pokémon in the Pokémon Center who have been defeated by Lt. Surge. A certain boy from Pallet Town refused to be the next victim.
"Yeah, but first, Lt. Surge needs to look out for Ash Ketchum because I'll be coming for that badge," Ash declared.
Celadon City-Celadon Casino & Hotel
A great night was taking place in Team Rocket's hotel. People were gambling in the casino and right now the ladies were at the table playing poker against each other while Chu Chu (Pikachu), Mimey (Mime Jr.), and Happy (Happiny) were playing while being watched by Yellow who didn't feel comfortable gambling at the moment. Right now, there was the ladies were in a fierce poker battle.
Rose had a glazed look in her eyes as she looked over at the girls in front of her holding a 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 of diamonds, Delia showed a little smirk on her face holding a 4 of diamonds, hearts, clubs, and spades with a jack of clubs, Grace kept a calm composure with a jack of spades and hearts along with a queen of hearts, diamonds, and clubs, Jade looked back and forth as she held just a 2 of clubs, a 6 of clubs, 7 of hearts, 3 of spades, and king of hearts.
The ladies then presented their cards.
"Well, I got myself a straight flush," Rose said with a triumph tone.
"Man, I got a full house," Grace muttered, "But you had the better hand."
"Four of a kind, curse you Rose," Delia said.
"Fine with me, my cards are all crap," said Jade.
Rose was ready for the ladies to pay up until someone jumped in out of nowhere presenting a 10 of spades, jack of spades, queen of spades, king of spades, and an ace of spades. This guy wasn't even playing with them.
"ROYAL FLUSH! YOU…ALL…LOSE!" the man out of nowhere said, "Now pay up!"
No fair, this guy wasn't even legally part of the poker table. He must've picked some cards out and presented them at the last minute. He can't do that. Also looking at how he was looking at the four moms, did he have a feeling this may have been strip poker?
With that Delia, Grace, Jade, and Rose all glared at the man and began to gang up on him. Rose grabbed him into submission while spreading him out, and the ladies started to each kick him in the crotch. Delia's was a bit hard, Grace's seemed more powerful since she did have strength from Rhyhorn racing, but it was Jade's kicked who had the most power causing the man to fall to the ground grasping his junk.
"Jackass," Jade muttered as they all walked away.
Yellow saw the scene and just giggled. Her sister, Rose, and the Gabenas were tough and sometimes she wished she could have that toughness as well. Well after all, they were mothers.
As Yellow was enjoying her time tending to the ladies Pokémon, someone came up to the blonde woman. Yellow took a good look into his eyes and she recognized those dopey looking eyes. It was Petrel who she ended up sleeping with.
"Good evening," Petrel said.
Yellow had an awkward look. She ended up having drunk sex with him. Was there something he wanted to request? After sleeping with someone you just met, things can get a little weird.
"Hello there Petrel," Yellow said in a nervous tone.
"Um, how are you feeling from last night?" Petrel asked.
"I'm alright, it just felt very weird having sex with someone you don't even know," Yellow said.
"I know what you mean, um what's your name?" Petrel questioned.
"It's Yellow," Yellow answered, "Well Rose looked like the one who pushed me to drinking so much that we ended up…getting crazy like that."
"Yeah, I know how that felt. I barely knew you and I get dragged into a make-out session followed by sex," Petrel said rubbing his hand behind his head.
It felt like an awkward meeting between Yellow and Petrel. Granted Yellow had no clue that Petrel was a Team Rocket Executive disguised as a bartender. Then Petrel looked over down at the Pokémon where he saw Pikachu, Mime Jr. and Happiny.
"You got quite a collection of Pokémon there," Petrel kindly said.
"Why thank you," Yellow said looking at the happy Pokémon, "Pikachu is actually mine, Mime Jr. belongs to my sister and Happiny belongs to her friends."
"Well I still think they're quite cute," Petrel said.
Why was Petrel being kind to Yellow? This man was the executive of a terrorist organization. He was supposed to be evil to the bone, so why was he acting like this in front of Yellow? Was it to play the charade so she wasn't on to him working for Team Rocket, or was it something else?
"Well I got to go, it was nice talking to you," Petrel said nervously as he quickly walked away.
Yellow was wondering what was going on with Petrel's behavior? Did he feel like that he could connect with him because of a night that she was drunk as hell? It had to feel like a one-night fling, but why did it feel like more?
The Next Day
Vermillion City-Vermillion Gym
Ash, Serena, and Calem all had a good breakfast together and made their way to the Vermillion Gym. When they arrived, they saw a blue building with lots of lightning bolt designs in front where it read gym. This had to be the Vermillion Gym.
"So, this must be the Vermillion City Pokémon Gym," Ash said looking at the gym.
"Pika," Pikachu said looking at the building.
"Lets go in," Ash said as he, Serena, and Calem walked into the gym.
When they arrived, they saw that the inside of the gym had blue walls and a battlefield in the middle. They were greeted by a muscular woman with brown hair and a man with really short black hair wearing a leather jacket. Those two looked down at the Pokémon trainer, two Pokémon Coordinators, Pikachu, and Rotom Dex and they looked intimidating.
"Hello there, I'm Ash Ketchum and I'm here to challenge the Vermillion City Gym Leader," Ash told the two as the man looked behind with a menacing look.
"Hey boss, we have another victim for the emergency room!" the man shouted.
Then coming out of the shadows was a big man with spiky blonde hair. He wore a camouflage jacket, army pants, and black combat boots. This man frightened the three as they were tiny compared to him.
"Which one?" the man questioned.
"Whoa, he's huge," Calem said terrified.
The man in front of them was Lt. Surge the Vermillion City Gym Leader, and he was a giant. This man proved he could kick the crap out of you in combat, but you would only have a Pokémon battle thankfully. Judging by those Pokémon at the Pokémon Center, who knows how strong his Pokémon are. Surge was looking down at the three trainers along with Pikachu and Rotom Dex, and he ended up laying his eyes on Serena.
"Aww, my next challenge is a cute one," Surge said giving Serena a big hug as the honey blonde gasped, "Just because you look sweet doesn't mean I will go easy on you."
"Actually, I'm the one who wishes to challenge you," Ash told the Vermillion Gym Leader.
Surge stopped hugging Serena as she fell to the floor taking heavy breaths. Surge looked towards Ash with a big smirk on his face. He looked like he was ready to kill him.
"You wish to challenge me?" Surge questioned.
"That's right, my name is Ash Ketchum and you must be Lt. Surge," Ash said introducing himself.
"That's right, and you are the little baby who wants to try and fight the big bad Lt. Surge!" Surge exclaimed as he stomped his foot on the ground which shook the floor a teeny bit, "You look here baby, I served in the army and my electric Pokémon saved my ass. The least I could do for those electric Pokémon is to start making them powerful and make all of my foes cower like I did in the war. You little baby are my next victim!"
"No, he isn't, Ash will electrify you and your Pokémon you giant meanie," Rotom Dex told Surge.
Lt. Surge then looked down and saw Rotom Dex who had a fierce looking face on its screen. Rotom Dex could tell that the gym leader was clearly a bully.
"Wow, the baby has a TV as a friend," Surge said laughing along with the other two.
"I'm technically Ash's Pokedex, and I go by the name Rotom Dex!" Rotom Dex argued, "I will be analyzing whatever Pokémon you throw at Ash."
"Go ahead and do whatever you want, soon you get to watch baby Ash get his Pokémon fried like barbeque Mandibuzz!" Surge roared to Rotom Dex as the Pokedex cowered back a little bit, "Let's make this interesting, most of my battles lately have been one on one, and I want to do something different today."
"Something different?" Ash questioned.
"Right baby, ever heard of a double battle?" Surge asked with a smirk on his face.
"Double battle?" Serena questioned.
"I have. A double battle is when two trainers have a Pokémon battle and bring out two Pokémon at the same time, which means the two Pokémon have to know how to work together," Calem explained.
"Exactly," Surge responded.
Well this was going to be something new for Ash, he was going to have a double battle with Lt. Surge. Now instead of using Froakie and Pikachu taking turns in the battle, they were going to be battling together. This is something Ash should try out as he may be taking more parts in double battles in the future.
"A double battle, I'd be happy to have a double battle you!" Ash exclaimed pumping his fist.
"Alright," Surge said looking at a Pokeball, "You've been kicking Pokémon butt a lot lately, but I'd figure I need to give the others a chance. You will have a friend to battle alongside with you."
5 minutes later
The lights turned on in the Vermillion Gym as Ash and Lt. Surge were about to engage in a double battle. Ash stood on one side with Serena, Calem, and Rotom Dex on the sidelines. Pikachu was with Ash as the Mouse Pokémon was going to be partaking in the battle. Lt. Surge was on the other side with his tough buddies on the side also acting as the referees.
"Will both the challenger and the gym leader send out their Pokémon!" the man announced.
"Alright, Raichu and Voltorb, go to the front line!" Surge roared bringing out two Pokémon.
Two Pokeballs flew across the room and two Pokémon came out. One Pokémon was a big orange mouse with a white belly, yellow cheeks, brown and yellow ears, eyes that looked like Pikachu, and a long tail with a lightning bolt at the end. Pikachu looked at this Pokémon, and he was terrified. That Pokémon had to be Raichu who happened to be Pikachu's evolved form. He was big and powerful just like the gym leader himself.
The second Pokémon that came out looked exactly like a Pokeball only it had eyes. People definitely could mistake this Pokémon for a Pokeball. This had to be Voltorb.
"Rotom Dex, can you do an analysis on those two Pokémon," Serena told Rotom Dex.
"I most certainly will, who know how these Pokémon could short circuit these Pokémon," Rotom Dex said as it began to analyze Raichu and Voltorb.
#026-Raichu: Mouse Pokémon
As electricity builds up inside its body, it becomes more aggressive. One theory is that the electricity buildup is actually causing stress.
#100-Voltorb: Ball Pokémon
Voltorb was first sighted at a company that manufactures Poké Balls. The link between that sighting and the fact that this Pokémon looks very similar to a Poké Ball remains a mystery.
Ash was gripping his blue Pokeball, and Serena picked out her red Pokeball. If Ash was going to bring Froakie out in the battle and Serena felt like Ash was making a bad move bringing Froakie out, then it would be best if Fennekin came out to give Froakie support.
"For my Pokémon, I will go with Pikachu and Froakie," Ash announced as he threw his blue Pokeball revealing Froakie.
Froakie came out of the Pokeball ready for Ash's gym battle, and Pikachu came up with Froakie. Since Froakie was going to be competing with Pikachu on his side, Serena knew she could bring out the Fox Pokémon.
"Fennekin," Fennekin said.
"Hey Fennekin, Ash is having a gym battle and Froakie is going to be battling," Serena told her Fennekin, "I was wondering if you want to watch?"
"Fenne," Fennekin said until she froze.
"Oh look, the baby Pokémon trainer is using baby Pokémon. Even those babies are frightened of me," Surge mockingly said with his hands on his hips.
"They're not afraid of you," Ash told Surge.
"Really," Surge mocked.
Ash looked at his two Pokémon and he didn't notice that the two Pokémon looked frightened. Pikachu was feeling intimidated by his evolved form, but as for Froakie it wasn't the Pokémon that scared him even though they were both electric types, it was actually the gym leader himself he was frightened about.
"Whoa, what's the matter with you two," Ash said looking at his Pokémon.
"I think Ash's Pokémon seemed scared," Calem said looking at his Pokémon.
"Um Calem, I don't think Pikachu and Froakie are the only ones scared," Serena muttered.
Calem noticed something that Serena saw on Fennekin. The Fox Pokémon wasn't ready to cheer Froakie on, she was standing there looking terrified like a car was about to come at her. Fennekin's terrified glare was on the gym leader.
"Fennekin, are you alright?" Serena asked.
"Fennekin," Fennekin weakly responded.
Sure, he looked intimidating, and he was, but this was the first time in her life that she has seen him. Why was she frightened for her life? Froakie was feeling the same way about Lt. Surge.
"Guys listen, I know you two seemed scared, but you got to try and keep your composure. If you two stop being scared and turn that fear into courage, you'll be able to win. Do you guys think you can do it," Ash said with encouragement.
Pikachu heard Ash's words and heard that if he just tried, he might actually come through and win. Froakie on the other hand was a different story, the Bubble Frog Pokémon was just frozen in place. Froakie didn't even look like he was going to move. Pikachu tried toughening up, but Froakie on the other hand wasn't even budging.
"Come on Froakie, like I say, never give up until the end," Ash said with encouragement.
Froakie just continued standing there completely zombified. Ash decided to back out and maybe the sweet taste of battle will bring Froakie to his senses. Pikachu was now focused to take on Raichu despite being powerful along with Voltorb, but Froakie didn't look like he was ready. For Froakie, the type disadvantage where the electric Pokémon completely zap him looks like will be the least of his problems.
"The gym leader Lt. Surge will be using Raichu and Voltorb while the challenger Ash Ketchum will be using Pikachu and Froakie! There is no time limit, let the battle begin!" the man announced.
With that, Raichu and Voltorb were on the move while Pikachu had to be ready to attack. Froakie on the other hand still stood there pale as a ghost, and Fennekin on the sidelines wasn't doing any better either.
"Pikachu use Thundershock on Raichu! Froakie use Quick Attack on Voltorb!" Ash called out.
Pikachu unleashed a Thundershock on Raichu, but it didn't look like it was doing anything. Froakie on the other hand was standing so much in terror that he didn't even hear Ash's command. Raichu was still standing strong after the Thundershock.
"What's going on?" Ash questioned as he saw what just happened.
"Pikachu's Thundershock didn't do a thing," Rotom Dex said.
"Rotom Dex, I think that might be the least of Ash's problems. Did you happen to see the state Froakie is in," Calem told Rotom Dex.
"Yeah, Ash called out a Quick Attack, and Froakie didn't even move," Serena said looking worried, "I don't know what's wrong with Froakie."
After seeing that Pikachu's Thundershock didn't even do a thing and Froakie not moving, Lt. Surge smirked at Ash and his Pokémon.
"Looks like one of the baby Pokémon is weak while the other baby Pokémon is scared probably wanting to cry for his mommy," Surge mocked, "Alright boys, we'll worry about the baby frog later. Right now, Voltorb tackle that Pikachu!"
Pikachu just stood there not believing his Thundershock didn't work, and then Voltorb charged at Pikachu with a Tackle attack. Surge was now going to make his next move.
"And now Raichu, show that Pikachu a real Thundershock," Surge commanded.
Raichu's cheeks started to electrify and then he unleashed a powerful Thundershock right at Pikachu. It almost looked like Pikachu was getting electrified despite being an electric type Pokémon. Then Pikachu fell to the ground, but Froakie didn't even give a response as he still stood there terrified.
"Pikachu!" Ash cried.
"Pikachu no," Serena muttered.
"It's over for that baby," Surge said.
Despite the powerful Thundershock Pikachu just took, the Mouse Pokémon was able to get back up. Pikachu was groaning, but it looked like he wanted to keep on going.
"You're still up for it?" Ash asked.
"Pikachu," Pikachu replied weakly.
"Ash, I would highly recommend that you forfeit the match. Pikachu is no match against Raichu and Froakie isn't doing anything except standing there," Calem called out.
Calem made a vague point to Ash. Pikachu was outmatched by Raichu and he had no idea what Voltorb's strengths were, and Froakie stood there completely traumatized. Why was Froakie so scared of Lt. Surge? With Froakie unable to do anything, it was Pikachu all by himself taking on that powerful Raichu along with Voltorb.
"I'm not giving up," Ash declared.
"I guess I'm going to have to teach you a lesson then," Surge sternly said, "Voltorb use Swift!"
"Dodge it and use Shock Wave!" Ash retorted.
Pikachu got out of the way and unleashed a wave of electricity onto the battlefield. Pikachu unleashed a Shock Wave at both Pokémon and the attack hit both Voltorb and Raichu. However, neither of them were affected by the attack.
"More like giving my Pokémon a charge," Surge said, "Now Voltorb use Sonic Boom!"
"Come on Froakie help Pikachu out, use Ice Beam on Voltorb!" Ash cried.
Voltorb was prepared to fire a Sonic Boom at Pikachu, and Froakie was supposed to use his Ice Beam attack. Froakie didn't do anything at all, and Voltorb did what he pleased in hitting Pikachu with a massive sound wave. Pikachu was knocked to the ground, and Froakie couldn't help his best friend at all.
"Froakie!" Ash cried with worry, "What's wrong Froakie?"
"Raichu, Thunder Punch!" Surge shouted.
Raichu's hand started to electrify and in just moments, he struck Pikachu with a Thunder Punch and knocked him to the wall. Then Raichu walked on over to the weakened Pikachu and was ready to finish him off.
"Pikachu," Serena muttered.
"Call the match Ash!" Calem yelled.
"And now for the finale…Raichu…Thunderbolt," Surge said darkly.
Raichu's cheeks started to electrify again, only now he had a lot more electricity running through. Then in an instant, Raichu unleashed an even more powerful Thundershock which happened to be Thunderbolt. Pikachu was being zapped by Raichu's Thunderbolt and the Mouse Pokémon screamed in pain.
"Pikachu!" Ash cried.
Pikachu collapsed to the ground after Raichu's Thunderbolt. Pikachu was no match for Raichu, and the worst part, he had to deal with both of Lt. Surge's Pokémon all by himself because Froakie couldn't budge.
"Pikachu is unable to battle!" the man announced.
After being declared unable to battle, Serena ran over to Pikachu and grabbed him. She cradled him in her arms, and then looked back at the battlefield that Froakie was now all alone. A big factor of Pikachu losing wasn't just the fact that Raichu was powerful and Voltorb came in as his sidekick ganging up on him, but the fact that Froakie was scared. Serena looked down to see Fennekin was scared too. Why were they scared?
"Well, looks like your baby Pikachu can't battle anymore. What a shame that the little froggy couldn't help him because he is scared of big bad me and my big bad Pokémon!" Surge shouted, "And now he gets to be barbequed Froakie!"
Surge smirked at the scared Froakie and the Bubble Frog Pokémon just looked at Lt. Surge in terror. Looking at what he wore with his army jacket, cargo pants, combat boots, there was a reason he was scared of the Vermillion Gym Leader. Fennekin saw Lt. Surge at his attire and knew why she was scared, and now trying to root for Froakie or help him out.
The one thing Froakie saw on the battlefield and Fennekin saw on the sidelines was the big man wearing the camouflage jacket, army pants, and black combat boots who was ready to beat the crap out of them. There was one other person who wore an outfit like that, and it was the one person the two Kalos starters feared the most.
Siegfried.
While Siegfried had brown boots, sunglasses, and was bald, the gym leader almost seemed to resemble him. Lt. Surge wasn't physically identical to Siegfried since the gym leader had hair, it was still enough to bring the two Pokémon to a traumatizing state. Ash and Serena have heard the story about Froakie's and Fennekin's eggs being found after their families were killed by the sadistic hunter, but they never got a description of what he looked like, so the two don't likely understand.
"Let's gang up on that Froakie and call it a day," Surge told his Pokémon, "Voltorb use Tackle and Raichu use Thunder Punch!"
"Froakie look out!" Ash called out.
Froakie now knew that Lt. Surge was going to attack him. Fennekin saw what was happening, but only one thing was on her mind. She started to see Siegfried in front of her.
Fennekin started to see an image of Voltorb and Raichu bashing on Froakie breaking his bones with their attacks. Blood was coming out and bone spurs were popping out of his skin, broken. Then Lt. Surge replaced by Siegfried was laughing at Froakie's state. Froakie was dead.
"Shit frog is dead! Now kill that fucking excuse of a fox, and then I'll shoot her dead body!" Siegfried shouted while manically laughing, "That's right, you're fucking shit who's going to get her fucking head blown off after you're fucking dead!"
True Siegfried wouldn't use Pokémon to murder Pokémon because he would kill those Pokémon, unless he wanted to kill those Pokémon after he did his dirty work.
Then the image went back to Voltorb and Raichu attacking Froakie. Fennekin's hallucination got to her and she did something no one expected her to do.
"FENNEKIN!" Serena cried as she saw Fennekin act.
The Fox Pokémon engulfed herself in a Flame Charge and attacked both Voltorb and Raichu. Froakie broke out of his scared trance and saw Fennekin save him, and Raichu and Voltorb were knocked back a bit. However, this was completely against the rules.
"What's going on with Fennekin?" Rotom Dex asked.
"HEY, WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA!" Surge screamed.
Serena just stood there in shock holding Pikachu to see that Fennekin actually jumped onto the battlefield to attack Voltorb and Raichu, and Calem and Ash were just as shocked as well. While Fennekin did just save Froakie, this was illegal, and Lt. Surge immediately called back his Pokémon.
"This match is over! That Pokémon interfered with the battle and that results in an automatic disqualification!" Surge shouted as he pointed to Fennekin who came to Froakie's side and the other two people who worked with Surge began to get up, "The victory goes to me! NOW GET OUT OF HERE!"
Surge pointed to the door and angrily walked away along with the man and woman. The sad truth was that Ash was likely going to lose no matter what, but now he looked bad in front of the gym leader. Calem was right, Ash should've forfeited the match because he was at first going to suffer a humiliating defeat, instead it lead to an unintentional rule breaking that he didn't plan that could now damage his reputation as a Pokémon trainer.
"Come on everyone, lets go," Ash grimly said as he called back Froakie and looked over at Pikachu, "We do need to get Pikachu to a Pokémon Center."
Serena called back Fennekin and they hurried out of there after the terrible scene that was created to get Pikachu medical attention. Two things were on Ash's mind as he left the gym, how was Pikachu doing, and what was going on with Froakie? Serena also wanted to question Fennekin's similar behavior, and what caused her to send out a Flame Charge to Surge's Pokémon?
Vermillion City-Pokémon Center
About an hour after getting away from the Vermillion Gym and quickly getting to the Pokémon Center, Pikachu was now resting in a bed recovering. It would've been worse, but thanks to the fact that electric attacks weren't very effective against electric Pokémon (despite the power Raichu's Thunderbolt had) Pikachu would be out by morning.
Ash, Serena, Calem, and Rotom Dex were all next to the bed with Pikachu. Ash was holding with hat in his hand gripping it hard. Pikachu wasn't strong enough to beat Raichu, and to make matters even worse, Froakie wasn't doing anything.
"Pikachu, I'm so sorry," Ash said with tears in his eyes, "I didn't except this to happen."
"Pikachu," Pikachu weakly said but with a positive tone noting that it was okay.
"You did your best Pikachu, don't feel bad about it," Serena told Pikachu comforting him.
While Pikachu was getting better, he just couldn't help feeling nothing but weakness on the inside. That Raichu was out of his league, and Pikachu just couldn't do anything to stop it, even if Froakie were to help. Calem then turned to Ash.
"I thought Froakie was going to be your downfall against Lt. Surge because he was a water-type, but it turned out it might have been something else that was preventing Froakie from battling," Calem said.
"What are you talking about?" Ash questioned.
"Ash, there might have been something in the Vermillion Gym that made Froakie stand there looking like he was going to be run over by a semi," Calem told Ash.
Calem made a vague point, throughout that whole battle until Fennekin panicked and attacked the Pokémon, Froakie was on the battlefield completely mortified. Pikachu was left hanging all because something was getting to Froakie. Ash then looked over at Pikachu and then turned over to Serena.
"Serena, I'm going to have a talk with Froakie. Can you keep Pikachu company?" Ash asked Serena.
"Sure Ash," Serena responded.
Ash then got up and left his hat on the chair. He walked out of the room and gripped his blue Pokeball. Pikachu knew that Ash was going to talk with Froakie about what happened in the Vermillion Gym.
1 minute later
Ash opened up his blue Pokeball revealing Froakie. The Bubble Frog Pokémon was looking much better as he was feeling completely normal again, but when Froakie saw Ash's concerned face, he knew that something was wrong. With that, Ash sat down and had Froakie in his lap and began to talk.
"How are you feeling Froakie?" Ash asked.
"Froakie," Froakie mumbled as he sounded like he was apologizing.
"Hey, it's okay. I'm not mad, I mean I know we were forced into a disqualification because Fennekin tried to save you, but I'm more worried about you Froakie," Ash said with concern.
Froakie felt very bad for Ash. When he let him down, he blames it on because he wasn't strong enough, but this was different. Froakie didn't even budge during the gym battle once. When Ash called out an attack, Froakie just stood there terrified. Was he afraid of electric type Pokémon? No, it can't be, he can get along with Pikachu, heck he was even supposed to work with Pikachu.
"Froakie, what happened in there? Why were you so scared?" Ash asked.
Froakie didn't say a word, he wished Ash could understand his language, so he could truly listen.
"Froakie I'm trying to help. Was it Lt. Surge's Pokémon? Was it Lt. Surge?" Ash questioned.
"FROAKIE!" Froakie cried as he began to tear up and cry on Ash's lap.
So, Ash heard it from Froakie, it had to be Lt. Surge. True the gym leader seemed to be acting like a bully, and they were intimidated by him, but Froakie wanted to be brave for Ash no matter what. Froakie was able to fight Brock's Onix, Misty's Gyarados, but couldn't bare to look at the gym leader and lost his ability to fight.
"Froakie, I know they gym leader was big and bad, but he was just going to have a Pokémon battle with you," Ash explained, "It was probably just in his nature."
Froakie shook his head acting like it was a no. Ash had a confused look on his face. He wasn't afraid of Lt. Surge because of how he was acting or how big and tough he looked. There had to have been something about Lt. Surge that was getting to Froakie.
"So why were you so scared of Lt. Surge? He may be a tough guy, but he's nothing compared to that Siegfried guy I've been hearing about," Ash said.
"FROAKIE!" Froakie screamed.
Froakie's scream was so loud that the entire Pokémon Center heard. All of the patrons in the Pokémon Center heard Froakie's scream, and back in Pikachu's room, Serena and Calem heard Froakie's scream.
"That sounded like Froakie," Serena said as she got up.
People were looking at Ash and Froakie and so was Nurse Joy. Froakie's scream was loud when Ash said that. The Bubble Frog Pokémon started to ball up and cry even harder on Ash's lap. Ash knew what triggered Froakie to scream like that. He mentioned Siegfried.
"Did Lt. Surge remind you of Siegfried?" Ash asked with lots of concern.
"Froakie," Froakie answered muffled in Ash's stomach meaning yes.
Ash could notice that everyone was looking at the two of them. Their eyes were on them in complete shock. They must've been surprised by the loud scream.
"Sorry everyone, Froakie just having some trouble coping with something," Ash assured everyone as Serena and Calem came in, "What are you guys doing here? Aren't you keeping Pikachu company?"
"Sorry Ash, we heard Froakie scream thinking something was wrong," Serena said in worry.
"Yeah, I was trying to talk to Froakie about what happened in the Vermillion Gym why he couldn't battle, and then I said something about him not being compared to Siegfried, and then he screamed and cried," Ash explained.
"Wait, are you talking about that sadistic Pokémon murderer you were told about?" Calem asked.
"Yeah, I even asked if Lt. Surge reminded him of Siegfried and nodded yes," Ash answered.
"Huh!" Serena gasped, "If Lt. Surge reminded Froakie of Siegfried, then that could've explained Fennekin's behavior."
Serena did not like what Fennekin did as it was irresponsible, but at least now maybe she could understand. There was just one question though, even though Ash and Serena have heard of Siegfried, how come they never got an image of what he looked like? How are they supposed to know what Siegfried looks like if they ever come across him? Just then, the group was confronted by Nurse Joy.
"I just wanted to know is your Pokémon okay?" Nurse Joy asked.
"Um yeah, Froakie's fine," Ash responded.
"Are you sure? I don't understand why your Pokémon screamed like that. It even startled all the people in the building," Nurse Joy stated.
Ash took some deep breaths and he realized everyone was looking at them. People were wondering if Froakie was crazy or something? There were some people who wanted answers on why Froakie freaked out like that. Ash noticed the scene and walked back to Pikachu's room along with Serena and Calem.
When they returned to Pikachu's room, they saw Rotom Dex was hovering over the bed watching Pikachu. It may be a Pokedex, but it still had a heart and Rotom Dex was keeping Pikachu company. Nurse Joy followed them into the room and they all sat down with Ash still carrying a crying Froakie in his hands.
"Nurse Joy, have you ever of a hunter named Siegfried?" Ash asked in a shaken tone.
Nurse Joy gasped when she heard that name. It was clear Professor Sycamore has heard of him along with some people in Kalos's government, but a Nurse Joy in the Kanto Region.
"I have," Nurse Joy answered, "He's a horrible human being who just goes around killing Pokémon. There have been evil poachers out there who hunt Pokémon for profit or their bodies carry some sort of resource, but that person just kills Pokémon for no reason and leaves them to die. Why do you ask?"
Nurse Joy had a solemn expression, and so did Serena and Calem. They turned to Froakie who was crying and then turned to Nurse Joy who still had tears in his eyes.
"I heard a story from Professor Sycamore. When Froakie was an egg, Siegfried came and killed his family along with his potential brothers and sisters along with destroying their eggs. Froakie's egg was somehow spared and was taken to Professor Sycamore. Froakie felt his presence before he hatched, and it took a massive toll of trauma. Froakie has only been able to open up to me, but as time went by, he's been getting a little better with other humans including Serena," Ash told Nurse Joy.
After a brief pause, Serena took out Fennekin's Pokeball and looked at it and then she spoke.
"The same thing happened to my Fennekin," Serena said looking at Fennekin's Pokeball, "She was affected by Siegfried too."
It just hurt Nurse Joy to hear stories about what happened to Froakie and Fennekin. Fennekin came out of her ball and they told them the story of what happened in the Vermillion Gym of how Froakie was petrified of Lt. Surge and left Pikachu hanging, and when he was about to get attacked, Fennekin jumped in and attacked.
"He had every right to disqualify you for what Fennekin did, but I can see where the roots of their problems are," Nurse Joy commented.
"Nurse Joy, do you have a picture of Siegfried?" Ash asked, "We don't know what he looks like."
Nurse Joy walked out of the room leaving Ash, Serena, Calem, Froakie, Fennekin, Rotom Dex, and Pikachu alone. They all looked over at Pikachu who was in a weak state. The one person or thing who took a good look at him was Rotom Dex.
"Pikachu? How are you feeling?" Rotom Dex asked.
"Pikachu," Pikachu answered.
"Not doing good," Rotom Dex replied.
"But Pikachu, you'll be fine by morning," said Serena, "You may feel achy and full of pain in your body, but by tomorrow you'll be good as new."
"Pikachu," Pikachu replied.
"I don't think Pikachu means psychical pain, he feels more emotional pain after losing to Raichu," Rotom Dex assured, "Pikachu, do you want to talk about it? I'll translate so Ash and Serena along with Calem can understand."
"Pika," Pikachu responded.
"Go ahead Pikachu," Calem said.
"Pikachu, if something's bothering you, go ahead," Ash confirmed glancing at Froakie, "I know I'm having issue's with Froakie, but I want to know the well being of all my Pokémon. You can talk to us Pikachu."
With that, Pikachu took a deep breath. Pikachu did have some past trainers which gave him a sour behavior towards Ash when he first met him at the Viridian City Pokémon Center. Pikachu has opened up to Ash and even started to open up to Serena. Rotom Dex then turned with a serious look and began to speak as it looked like Pikachu was telling a story.
"When Pikachu had his first trainer, he was being used in a few Pokémon battles, but down the line the Pokémon were getting stronger and his trainer wanted Pikachu to evolve. The trainer got a Thunder Stone, but Pikachu didn't want to evolve. The trainer then said that he was his master and had to do what he said. Pikachu was happy as a Pikachu and refused to evolve, and then proceeded to use Thundershock to destroy the stone. The trainer put him back in his Pokeball and went to get another Thunder Stone. He came back out and tried to evolve him again, but this time he didn't just Thundershock the stone, but his Pokeball as well. Pikachu ran away," Rotom Dex told.
Ash, Serena, Calem, Froakie, and Fennekin were all hearing Rotom Dex telling Pikachu's story. This was the first time they were hearing out from Pikachu.
"Then Pikachu came across another human who became their trainer. They had a few battles until the trainer decided to evolve him. Pikachu was reliving the events of his previous trainer that they wanted him to evolve. When the trainer brought out a Thunder Stone, Pikachu destroyed it along with the trainer's Pokeball and ran away like the last trainer," Rotom Dex told.
So, Pikachu was betrayed twice into having to be forced to evolve by his previous trainers. Why didn't those trainers ever think about what Pikachu wanted?
"Then Pikachu met another Pokémon trainer who seemed nice and was captured by him. Unfortunately, the cycle repeated itself. After Pikachu destroyed the Thunder Stone, the trainer called Pikachu back in his ball by force. Then Pikachu was brought out of his ball only to be abused by the trainer's Pokémon for destroying the Thunder Stone. Witnesses saw the act and the trainer was arrested. Pikachu would then be taken into care at the Viridian City Pokémon Center," Rotom Dex told.
They now understood Pikachu's behavior from the past of why he has been not so trusting of humans. The third trainer went into abuse and Pikachu feared the cycle would repeat itself.
"So that's why Pikachu doesn't like to go into a Pokeball, because those make it seem like a prison for him until they begin to evolve him," Ash said.
"That's right," Rotom Dex confirmed, "And at first Pikachu didn't stand you, but when he saw you fight Team Rocket, he decided to help you knowing you seemed like the kind of people who aren't seeking power."
"And it looked like Pikachu was afraid of Raichu for a little bit," Serena said, "Is it because that's what they wanted Pikachu to evolve into?"
"That's right, the reason Pikachu feared Raichu was because that Pokémon reminded him of his past, of what his past trainers wanted Pikachu to become. Pikachu thought if he could beat Raichu as a Pikachu, it would help him conquer his demons of the past. But Pikachu is ashamed that he couldn't match up to Raichu's level," Rotom Dex explained.
After hearing everything Rotom Dex said from Pikachu's translation, Ash came up to Pikachu and rubbed him on the head and had tears in his eyes. The one thing Pikachu's previous trainers didn't think about was what made him happy. Pikachu could see that the battles were getting tougher with Ash and Serena on his side, but not once did a Thunder Stone cross their minds. Pikachu was happy as a Pikachu, and what Ash and Serena want to do is make sure their Pokémon are happy.
"Pikachu, I'm sorry for what you went through. You take great pride as a Pikachu, and I never will make you evolve no matter how tough things get," Ash said.
"Pika," Pikachu responded.
"Tell you what, if I can ever go back to the Vermillion Gym and have a rematch with Lt. Surge, I'll use you and help you win," Ash told Pikachu with determination.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Yeah, you want to help me and Serena, well were here to help you too," Ash said drying his tears and bringing a little smile on his face.
Pikachu could hear the words coming from Ash's mouth, and from his heart. He cares about all of his Pokémon, and having Pikachu evolve was never on the agenda.
Then Nurse Joy came back into the room with a photograph in her hand. She looked over to Ash, Serena, Calem, Froakie, and Fennekin. Though the Pokémon were feeling a little better, Froakie still had those cold vibes in him.
"Nurse Joy?" Calem questioned.
"Everyone, I have a photo of him. He is considered extremely dangerous, and you have to avoid him at all costs," Nurse Joy said giving Ash the photo.
Ash took a look at the photo and got Serena and Calem to come on over. When they looked at the picture, they could see a bald man wearing sunglasses and had lots of muscles. He was wearing a camouflage jacket, green cargo pants, and brown boots. He had a menacing smile on his face and was seen clubbing a Pokémon to death. This was him, this was Siegfried.
"So, this is Siegfried," Ash sighed.
"It is," Nurse Joy confirmed.
Ash looked closely at the photo and he did look a bit like Lt. Surge just without the hair. No wonder Froakie and Fennekin were frightened of Lt. Surge when they were in the Vermillion Gym, he nearly resembled that sociopath.
"He almost looks like Surge if he were bald," Calem said.
"The man, no the thing is very sadistic. It's just horrible he wants to kill Pokémon like that and finds joy in that," Nurse Joy said shedding a tear.
Serena then turned over to Fennekin and Froakie with sympathy. She now understands what the motive of Fennekin's Flame Charge. Serena showed them the photo of Siegfried, and they had a look of terror in their eyes along with tears. They didn't scream like Froakie did a moment ago, but now they saw the demon in front of them and Ash and Serena now know what he looks like.
"So, this is the guy who's traumatized you both," Serena asked showing them the photo of Siegfried.
Both Pokémon gave a nod and confirmation that it was Siegfried. The two Kalos Pokémon were shaken after seeing that photo. This was the monster who killed their families that they never got to meet. They understood the presence around when they were eggs, and they clearly remember this hunter and how sadistic he was.
"So that's why you interfered with the battle and Froakie was scared, Lt. Surge nearly resembled that monster who killed your family and you thought Froakie was going to get killed," Serena said solemnly to Fennekin.
"Fennekin," Fennekin confirmed.
So Fennekin was trying to save Froakie from Surge's Pokémon thinking he was going to have them kill Froakie. If Ash knew about this, he would've never used Froakie in the first place. This has taken a psychological toll on Froakie and Fennekin, and they have each other to comfort themselves. While Pikachu came clean about his past, he now deeply wished even more to be stronger and help out. Despite run ins with the Spearow and Team Rocket, Siegfried took a severe effect on both of those Pokémon more than them combined.
"Why, why did this person have to come into Froakie's life and bring nothing but fear and pain to him. He'll never be a normal Pokémon as long as he's around. Froakie, I'll never give up on you, but I'm going to take it easy on you and we can work our way up," Ash thought to himself.
Ash Ketchum wanted to do everything to help Froakie, but he didn't want to rush him or else it could make things worse. After understanding what happened in his gym battle, Ash knew not to have Froakie coming in for a rematch. Besides, he needed to give his newer Pokémon a chance. With that, Ash got down to Froakie's level and spoke to him again.
"Hey Froakie, I was thinking that maybe if I get a chance to challenge Lt. Surge for a rematch, I won't use you after seeing how he nearly resembles Siegfried. I really want you to toughen up and try to move on, but I want us to take baby steps. I'm not going to throw you into the inferno like that," Ash said, "Besides, it might get a bit repetitive if I keep using you in all of my gym battles and I should give my other Pokémon a chance. Do you understand?"
"Froakie," Froakie confirmed as he hopped into Ash's arms for a hug.
"I want you to move on," Ash said nearly starting to cry.
When Serena saw Ash and Froakie sharing an emotional hug, Serena got down to Fennekin's level and looked at her in the eyes.
"Fennekin, I don't want you hurt anymore," Serena said looking at Fennekin.
"Fennekin," Fennekin cried as she jumped into Serena's arms for a hug.
Pikachu could look at the scene between Ash and Froakie along with Serena and Fennekin. Like Ash and Serena, Pikachu was willing to do whatever it takes to get them past this, without ever evolving.
"Pika," Pikachu responded.
"You want to help Froakie and Fennekin too?" Rotom Dex asked.
"Pikachu," Pikachu confirmed.
"Well once you get out, we can get started on that," Rotom Dex responded.
It truly was a grim day with Froakie and Fennekin getting traumatized, getting kicked out of the gym after an illegal Flame Charge from Fennekin, and Pikachu feeling like his pride has taken a huge blow. It would take some time for Froakie and Fennekin, but Ash and Serena knew one thing, they were going to help out Pikachu.
"Hopefully they can get past this," Calem said looking at everyone.
Celadon City-Celadon Casino & Hotel
Inside the Celadon City Casino and Hotel was a luxurious spa where everyone could get pampered. No one knew that the masuses were rockets in disguise. Rose and Yellow along with Chu Chu were getting massages. Things were running through Yellow's head like what the heck was going on with her and Petrel.
Delia, Grace, and Jade were all in the pool playing with their Pokémon giving them some fun pool dippings like they did with their kids when they were little. Mimey and Happy were having a blast.
Little did they know, a tall man with neatly brown hair combed was looking at the ladies. Giovanni glared at those ladies knowing that they were the mothers of those two meddling kids who keep interfering with his business. Afterwards, Giovanni walked into the sauna.
When he entered, he saw a red headed woman with a towel covering her breasts and vagina. It was his wife Ariana and he had a seat right next to her.
"We're waiting for Cassidy, Bumper, Petrel, Proton, and Archer," Ariana told her husband.
"Let's make this quick, we can't keep headquarters unsupervised much longer," Giovanni said, "This is a serious operation."
Then right on que, Cassidy and Butch walked in along with the three executives Archer, Proton, and Petrel. Petrel had a strange look on his face as he walked past Yellow on the way over.
"Is something wrong Petrel?" Ariana asked.
"Oh no, it's nothing," Petrel answered, "So what's this meeting about."
"Okay, let's get started. There are two things that need to be addressed as I do need to return to headquarters," Giovanni announced.
The rockets had to make sure no one was hearing. Team Rocket was very good at being undercover, but they couldn't make one mistake or else everything would go down in flames.
"First off is our plans on killing their mothers, tomorrow night we're going to serve them a free dinner and they can have whatever they want," Giovanni announced.
"And I'm going to stay around for my reasons to watch it unfold," Ariana said.
"Great, and who's going to be cooking, Biff?" Cassidy questioned.
"It's Butch! Please get my name right!" Butch ranted.
"No, we're going to let Jessie and James handle the cooking," Proton told everyone whose faces went into shock, "And don't worry I got some rockets torturing them into cooking the perfect food and getting it right."
Then Proton pulled out a vile with a cross-bone symbol. This had to be poison.
"Then the bastards will put a drop of poison onto their food which will blend in. The effects will take place in approximatively 18 hours after they have eaten. They won't see it coming," Proton explained with a menacing glare.
"You can't be serious, you're putting those two morons in charge of the killing process?" Archer questioned.
"It's a simple job and if they find a way to screw this up, they'll get what's coming to them," Proton said smacking his fists.
"Very well thought of Proton, hopefully this goes through," Ariana said, "Now for the second cause which will be reported by Cassidy."
Cassidy stood up while holding her towel to make sure she was completely covered. She had to deliver the second bit of information to her superiors.
"We want to let you know that we have maybe hitting the near low supply on Pokémon in the casino. People are buying Pokémon like crazy, and hell even the mothers of Ash Ketchum and Serena Gabena have purchased Pokémon from us," Cassidy announced.
"Whoa, you sold Pokémon to their mothers?" Archer asked.
"Yeah, but that's not the case. While were getting a great profit on the Pokémon and loser losing their money, we also have to take in fact that we can't run out of Pokémon," Cassidy announced.
"And that's why I'm going to begin another operation to help us get more Pokémon into the casino. Have any of you ever heard of the world-famous S.S. Anne?" Giovanni asked his subordinates.
The S.S. Anne, what would Team Rocket want to do with the S.S. Anne?
"The famous cruise liner that travels the world, it's a beauty," Butch said to himself.
"Alright well here is the mission, after we put the assassination process in action, Proton will take some of our agents and send them to the S.S. Anne. It has been reported that the ship will be reaching port in Vermillion City in a couple of days. We will host a party for Pokémon trainers, and then we will steal their Pokémon and bring them here to our hotel to continue selling. Hell, Pokémon from trainers are meant to be stronger and we can get an amazing profit off of them," Giovanni explained.
"And I might bring Jessie and James to the S.S. Anne, depending on how they handle the meal of death," Proton said crossing his arms with a grin.
"Knowing on how you scare the shit out of them, failure will be the last thing on their minds," said Petrel.
So that was it, Team Rocket was planning on seizing the S.S. Anne to obtain Pokémon from trainers all over the world. Just think of it, outside of Kanto they could have Pokémon from Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, and Alola.
"Alright, so are we all set?" Ariana asked her subordinates.
"Yes, Giovanni and Ariana!" the rockets exclaimed giving a salute.
"Good, now Giovanni will be returning to headquarters as I hope to see things unfold with the dinners," Ariana said, "Now lets get on with our assignments."
"Subordinates, I shall return to headquarters," Giovanni said as he stood up, "Ariana my dear, make sure things are going according to plan."
With that Giovanni walked out of the sauna with Proton and Petrel following him followed by Cassidy and Biff.
"It's Butch!" Butch yelled to me breaking the fourth wall.
However, Ariana remained in the sauna and she wasn't the only one inside. The Team Rocket executive Archer was also still inside the sauna. Their meeting was over so what was the deal with still being in the sauna? Something had to be going on.
"So, shall we?" Ariana questioned.
"With pleasure," Archer confirmed.
Without any warning, Archer and Ariana began to make out. Ariana, one of the Team Rocket bosses, was having an affair.
Ariana is cheating on Giovanni with Archer! Wonder what will happen when he finds out? Now we have the stage set for the S.S. Anne which will begin soon.
Ash didn't win his gym battle, but it was going to be a lost cause anyway even if Fennekin didn't illegally step in. Froakie and Fennekin have lived a tough life until uniting with Ash and Serena, and now they know what Siegfried looks like.
I was going to have Serena discipline Fennekin for her actions, but I don't know if I would have her be too hard on Fennekin on the life she lived, or I ended up having her be soft on Fennekin. Tell me what you think.
I also did my best to explain Pikachu's backstory and reasoning for joining Ash and Serena, and I just hope it's good enough.
Well, it may have turned out to be a trick question, and congratulations to JxA fan 2000 who was the first one to get it correct. It was the mayor of Trovitapolis, and he's actually a boy in this story.
If you recall back in Kanto Starter Trilogy Part 1, there was a flashback of the boy releasing Bulbasaur into a white box on a river because it wouldn't evolve. That was what the mayor did in the anime. As of now, I do not plan on him appearing in the story.
I will introduce in Johto
Ash: Male Tyrunt (I already know how I'm going to bring him into the story)
Serena: Female Alolan Raichu
The next chapter is going to involve Pikachu trying to redeem himself from his beating from Raichu, and I think I know how I'm going to do that. See you next time.
Chapter 21: Pikachu's Shocking Comeback