Chapter 25: Goldune Desert
Ash, Alice and Alex have been leaving the Brushus Town and head back to Route 4. When they are at the entrance to the desert, Keira is there waiting for them.
"You finally come, so can we battle now?" Keira asks.
"Sure, but why are you itching for a battle this sudden?" Ash asks.
"Simple, my egg hatched and I also trained it for a bit." She then shows them the Pupool.
"So your new egg is a Pupool, that is so cool." Ash says.
"How about you, did yours already hatch?" Keira asks.
"Not yet, they must be really special. Or else it shouldn't take this long." Ash says.
"I see. I wonder what Pokemon it'll be... Now let's have a battle. I can show you that I have trained hard."
Then they have a battle as Ash uses Pikahu against the Pupool. Pupool's Lick and Scary Face combo has shocked Pikachu a little, but in the end, Pupool fainted due to the Electro Web. So Keira sends out the Pixwee again. Ash this time uses Spidox to battle. Spidox has been using Poison Fang on Pixwee, causing a lot of pain. In the end, it defeats the Pixwee and also evolves.
"Now it is a Widox..." Alex says.
Widox: The Black Widow Pokemon: Poison and Bug Type. Evolved from Spidox at LV:20. Despite the stigma and fear surrounding them, Widox venom was a key research material in creating the first Antidotes and Full Heals.
"So this is where we have our antidotes and full heals?" Alice says. "Cool."
Keira sends out Nimblow next, Ash says, "Your Flowby evolves, huh? Then I use Buzzseed."
This Pokemon uses Growth first, while Nimblow goes for the Twister, causing a lot of damage. Then it uses Air Cannon, causing the seed to fly into the sky. But then it uses Parabolic Charge, causing a lot of damage to Nimblow and recover its HP. In the end, it evolves and uses Discharge to finish it off.
"Another new evolution, huh?" Keira asks.
"Well, a lot of my Pokemon are going to evolve in this time." Ash says as he scans the Pokemon.
Ecobuzz: The Energy Plant Pokemon: Grass and Electric Type. Evolved from Buzzseed at LV:20. Care must be taken so that one does not touch Ecobuzz by accident, as high voltage flows through their leaves continuously.
And to their surprise, Ecobuzz goes into Ash's bag and finds a Sun Stone, causing it to evolve again. "Now it is a Signileaf." Alex says.
Signileaf: The Energy Plant Pokemon: Grass and Electric Type. Evolved from Ecobuzz by using a Sun Stone. Signileaf were once considered a pest due to their odd effects on radiowaves, but since the invention of the Pokécell, they've been crucial in maintaining a regionwide network.
"I see." Ash says. "I guess it is really useful."
Keira's final Pokemon is Forestone, so Ash sends out Flowby, and it also evolves into Nimblow During the battle and manages to land a Lightning Strike, causing the Pokemon to get confused and then uses Air Cannon.
Nimblow: The Cloud Pokemon: Flying Type. Evolved from Flowby at LV:20. Because Nimblow's bodies mostly consist of water vapor, they shrink during droughts and grow during rainy seasons.
"Another great battle, with your Pokemon evolving of course." Keira sighs. "Great work, Ash. Here, let me heal your Pokemon." As Ash gives her the four Pokemon, she uses some Potions and Ethers to recover them.
"Thanks, Keira." Ash says.
"No problem. If you go this way, you'll get to Goldune Desert. It's a large desert and it's very hot and sandy, but there are some cool Pokemon to be found there, I am head to Goldune City to get my 4th Gym Badge. I might see you there!"
"Farewell." As they bid farewell to her, they hear a voice, "Nice to see that you get stronger as well, Ash."
They turn around and see Delia, Ash says, "Mother, you are back. How are those...traitors..." Ash says the last words with hate.
"It is going to be a problem, Ash. You see, we find out that some of your friends are controlled by the other traitors."
"What?" This causes surprise to the three of them. Ash says, "Controlled?"
"Yes. Max uses his Gardevoir to hypnotize some of them, namely Dawn, Cilan, Serena, Bonnie, Lana, Sophocles and Lillie." Delia says.
"Did you say Serena?" Alice asks. "She was also controlled as well?"
Ash says, "So they really don't mean to do it..." He frowns. "But I can't love them anymore, since I already have Alice. And she is the one who brings me back from the darkness."
Alice blushes a little and then Delia says, "I understand. But I also found out the traitors, they are coming here to the Rikoto Region with the help of other 9 people."
"9 people? Who will try to help them?" Alex asks.
"From what I heard, their names are Ark, Belle, Kaito, Hito, Tokui, Ella, Yuri, Hanako and Corey." Alice pales after hearing those names. Ash sees it and he asks, "Alice, what's wrong?"
"They...they were my bullies back in school..." Alice says. "How did they know that Ash and I are together..."
"They didn't know." Delia says, "The reason is they are together is because of their similarities, but they don't know that you are together."
Alice and Ash nod and Ash asks, "Mother, what should we do?"
Delia says, "Alice, your family has arrived at the Sevestar Island, they are training with some of Ash's friends that were freed from the control, I will also inform my friends in the Rikoto Region to figure out this problem."
The three of them nod as they continue their journey. They finally arrive at Goldune Dessert, they find a special Pokemon they have never seen before.
"That is a Gworm." Delia says. "In fact, it is really helpful since they help the farmers plow the fields."
"Then it will be great if I catch it." Ash says as he sends out Hammstar to battle. In the end, Hammstar evolves and uses Yawn to make the Gworm asleep, and then Ash successfully captures it.
Gworm: The Earthworm Pokemon: Bug and Ground Type. Gworm are beloved by farmers for their ability to plow the fields for them. However, they may get careless and dig into underground aquifers, ruining the farmlands.
"And Hammstar evolves into a Snuffuzz as well." Alex says.
Snuffuzz: The Guinea Pig Pokemon: Normal Type. Evolved from Hammstar at LV:19. Snuffuzz are known for their extremely soft fur. Bird Pokémon often collect their shed winter coats each spring for their nests.
Alice says, "Yeah, the fur is really soft and warm." Alice is hugging the Pokemon as the Pokemon likes it, forgetting that Ash is his owner. But Ash doesn't mind. Alice's happiness is his happiness.
But their happy moment is ended since Ash's Stickit, who was his former Heracross, is dodging some Flame Burst from a Pokemon. Alex says, "That is a Scorlit."
Alice says, "This is the first time I see it in person...since it was used to shape the fireworks."
Ash tells Stickit to calm down and battle. Eventually, it evolves into a bigger Pokemon that looks stronger and uses Reversal to finish it off.
"I really miss my big body." Stickit's evolution says.
"You're a Stickut now." Delia replies, "And the size is like what Heracross used to be."
Ash nods as he tosses the Pokeball and capture the Scorlit, and then he scans the Stickut.
Stickut: The Earwig Pokemon. Bug and Grass Type. Evolved from Stickit at LV:20. Only one Stickut inhabits each tree in the forest. If another Stickut appears, they'll fight to toss their opponent off. The victor stays while the loser seeks a new tree.
Scorlit: The Scorpion Pokemon: Fire and Ground Type. Scorlit lobs colorful fireballs at their prey when hunting; the shape of fireworks in Rikoto are thus shaped after them.
"I see, so that is why the fireworks are like them." Alice says.
"Yeah." After Ash takes out the Scorlit, he then looks at Ash and gasps, "Ash...is that you?"
"What? You know me?" Ash asks the scorpion Pokemon. "Wait, you must be one of my Pokemon that were revived, right?"
"Wait, so it is another one?" Alice asks.
Pikachu says, "I remember you...Ash, he is our Kingler."
"Kingler? You're serious?" Ash gasps as Stickut yells, "Then why are you attacking me? We lived in the same ranch together!"
"Heracross?" Scorlit asks. "Then you should have told me! How am I supposed to know since we are changed!"
"Stop fighting, you two." Pikachu says. "What has happened is done, now Kingler, no, Scorlit. Welcome back to the party."
Scorlit nods as Ash recalls him and Heracross, but then he notices another Pokemon and he remarks, "That is just like a Dwebble."
"Yeah, it is a Sandugg. Instead of using the rock, it uses the sand to make a house.
Ash has Glocoon out as Sandugg is watching it curiously, then it uses Flash to make Sandugg confused. "Glocoon, that is not right." Ash scolds, but then Glocoon starts to glow again and this time it becomes a butterfly like Pokemon.
Glowing: The Glowworm Pokemon: Bug and Electric Type. Evolved from Glocoon at LV:18. Glowing can generate light so strong that it is able to illuminate the forest as if there are no trees blocking the sun. Travellers rely on them to find their way out of the forest.
Sandugg gets back to its senses and he looks at his shell, he sighs and says, "Be careful! It takes a lot of time to preserve these sand!"
"Sorry." Glowing says. Then Sandugg notices the presence of Ash and decides to join him due to being a prince.
Sandugg: The Sand Bug Pokemon: Ground and Bug Type. Sandugg build their shells out of highly compressed sand. Construction sites employ them to create bricks for use in desert areas.
"Hey, there is a cave." Alice says. "Maybe we can find some new Pokemon there."
"Sure." Ash says as the four of them go inside. But inside the cave is really dark, so they can't really see a thing.
Delia asks, "Alice, do you have a Flashlight?"
"I have one of course." She takes out the flashlight and then it lights up. "Much better."
But then they hear a scream from Ash. Alice yells, "Ash, are you alright?"
"Something is crushing me...help!" Ash says.
Alice shines at the direction where Ash is, and they see Ash being crushed by a sand like Pokemon. Alex says, "Oh, it is a Sandster."
"Ash, are you okay?" Alice asks as she wants to help, but Ash says, "Wait, is that really you? Muk?"
The Pokemon nods as he keeps hugging him. Ash laughs a little and says, "I missed you as well..."
"So what is going on?" Alice asks Delia.
"It must be Ash's former Muk, who likes to hug Professor Oak and Ash himself." Delia says.
Ash then recaptures the Pokemon, then he scans the Pokedex.
Sandster: The Quicksand Pokemon: Ground and Dark Type. Hiding in dunes, Sandster often trips Pokémon and people alike by creating small bumps of sand, then attacking them whey they're down.
"That was a bit weird..." Ash says. "I mean...my Kanto Team was almost complete."
"You're right." Alice says.
As they go on further, they see Rick talking to a person. Delia says, "Dustin? Is that you?"
"Oh, hey Delia." Dustin says. "Fancy seeing you here, huh."
Rick says, "So you have come as well. I found him, and he's been here in this cave training. He found some Pokemon Fossils."
"I see." Alex says. "But why weren't you at your gym?"
"Sorry, Alex. I just couldn't resist the urge to uncover these fossils." Dustin says. "I just tripped on the piece that was poking out of the ground and just had to dig them up! Awesome, right?"
"It would be more awesome if you just went back to the Gym so that we can battle..." Rick says.
"Oh, sorry. I guess we can go back, now...but the fossils...I don't want to just leave them! Do you know that you can get Pokemon from these Fossils? There's a building in Goldune City. A scientist named Burke can revive them using a special machine. You guys should take a Fossil each and get them revived."
"An ancient Pokemon revived from a fossil, huh?" Rick says. "I don't need them, since I already have them, why don't you get two of them, loser?"
Ash groans at how Rick is saying, but he doesn't want to fight back as he takes both teeth Fossil and Plate Fossil. "So can we go to the gym now?"
"I guess you really do want to battle. Okay! We'll go now." Dustin says.
"Catch you later, loser." Rick says as the two of them leave. Alice says, "I really hate how he keeps saying Ash a loser when in truth he is..."
"Don't pay any mind to him." Ash says. "At least we got something here. By the way, Alex. You know Dustin?"
"Yeah, he is a good friend of mine. We played together when we were little." Alex says.
"I see." Ash says. But then they see a shadow with some bandages around him. "Are you stuck in the bandages?"
"Wait, Ash." Delia stops him. "That is Wraphro. It is a mummy Pokemon."
"Mummy Pokemon?" Alice asks. "So it is a Ghost Type..."
"Yeah." Ash says as he looks at the Pokemon, much to the surprise, Wraphro bows and asks to join the prince in his team. Ash can only nod as he tosses the Dusk Ball to the Pokemon.
Wraphro: The Mummy Pokemon: Ghost Type. Wraphro can be found roaming around tombs. It is not known whether they are simply Pokémon who wrapped themselves in cloths, or reanimated wraps of ancient corpses.
"I guess the first one is the possible." Ash says, and then he takes out Glowing in order to get out of the cave.
Back outside, Ash tries to train Angling, but they are attacked by a kangaroo like Pokemon. Eventually, Angling drops its cute looking defense mechanism and evolves, it then uses Aqua Jet to finish the kangaroo off. Ash cheers for the Pokemon and captures the kangaroo.
Roobeo: The Kickboxing Pokemon: Fighting and Ground Type. Few rocks remain standing in areas where Roobeo live. Some of them may wander outside deserts simply to look for targets to practise punching against.
Angelish: The Angelfish Pokemon: Water Type. Evolved from Angling at LV:20. Known as the "Jewel of the Open Sea", Angelish love to swim in the ocean. They fall sick and become dull-colored when kept in aquarium or other enclosed areas.
"Right now you're beautiful, Angelish." Ash says as the fish blushes a little.
Alice says, "Ash! Check it out! There is a Dodont!"
"Do Don't?" Ash asks. "Aren't they auxiliary verbs?"
Delia says, "No, silly, look there." Ash sees a bird like Pokemon walking around, he says, "I see. Then I am going to capture it."
This time he sends out Bushoo to battle. But he forget that it is a Flying Type. and Bushoo takes a lot of damage from its Pluck attack, but after Bushoo evolves, it uses Leaf Tornado to defeat it, and Ash also captures the Pokemon.
Dodont: The Dodo Pokemon: Ground and Flying Type. Dodont were believed to be extinct until they were discovered in the Rikoto region again. They are incredibly ignorant in comparison to other Pokémon.
Bushup: The Bush Pokemon: Grass Type. Evolved from Bushoo at LV:20. When Bushup gather in large groups, they may appear as a giant bush. If a couple of them fall asleep on a path, they may turn a commonly visited forest into a giant maze.
"Wow, this is so cool." Ash says. "And it says that you can evolve by using a Leaf Stone."
Ash gives the stone to it, and then it evolves and becomes taller, much to the others' shock.
Bushairy: The Bush Pokemon: Grass Type. Evolved from Bushup with a Leaf Stone. The hedge on Bushairy's back can be trimmed, allowing trainers to create different shapes out of it. There are contests on which Bushairy has the beautiest trimmed hedge.
"Well, if we are able to find the contest, then we will do it." Alice says.
"I agree." Ash says as they leave the desert.
Here is a new chapter, Ash and Alice learn the truth of the traitors, but Ash's heart isn't going to change. And here are a lot of evolutions and I hope you like it.