Mario 64: I'm not saying all of gen 7 is bad but I just think it could've been a lot better than this. But you're right, the Alola League turned out good and it's really nice to see Ash become the champion. Though watching that made me think back, one thing I never understood is that Ash technically is a champion seeing as he beat the Orange League and hardly anybody seems to consider that.
I've seen the two episodes of Twilight Wings, it's pretty interesting. I do have a couple of other pokemon stories, one I'm sort of on the fence about. But the one I'm sure of is one set in Unova. I've been asked about making a Galar story before and I will admit the idea sounds cool but I need much more info about the region to actually get started on this.
I don't remember when Sword and Shield was released but it's still kind of new, right? At least to some people. No surprise there wouldn't be much stories out there yet. Thanks for the idea, I appreciate it and thanks for reading, glad you liked the chapter. Nothing's set in stone yet, I could make a story about the Galar region down the line.
Advance Shipper: Thanks! I'm glad you're still reading this. The episode about Dragonite was a nice surprise. The Galar season looks cool so far, I like the episodes involving Leon too. And just like I mentioned above, I might make a story about Ash and some of his friends traveling to Galar but that will be on that until I can learn as much as possible about the region for one thing. I'm interested in seeing a story about the region where Ash acts with his prior experience. You know, using what he learned through his travels and bringing back his older pokemon. It doesn't seem like that would happen in the anime. I'm pretty sure he released Naganadel (his ultra beast) after they visited its home so I don't see how bringing it back would work. I have to say it would be great to see Greninja again though.
Yeah, having an experienced Ash go up against Leon would be interesting. I appreciate you sharing the idea with me but I'll have to think about it for now. I'll see what I can do about the Ash and May moments, but I'm mainly using them when it feels right. I'll work through things eventually.
The group was getting closer to Fallarbor, now they were on a mountainous area near Mt. Chimney. When they had been about to enter a new route, they ran into a wild Machop that seemed raring to battle. Intrigued by the pokemon, Ash decided to catch it and thus sent out Treecko.
May stared as both pokemon clashed once more ''Whoa...''
Machop was a clearly brave and spirited pokemon. Its attacks were fierce and quick, its grin proved that it was enjoying the battle. No one missed that Ash was similarly entertained.
''Looks like they're two peas in a pod.'' She remarked.
''Yeah...'' Max sighed. ''...someone else with Ash's crazy drive. That's just great.''
''Hey, what's that supposed to mean?!'' Ash demanded, noticing his tone.
''You should focus, Machop's coming in.'' Wally reminded while May scolded her brother.
Ash cringed while Pikachu and Treecko gave him exasperated looks ''Right! Treecko dodge with Quick Attack and then use Slam!''
The wood gecko pokemon was able to Machop's oncoming strike with relative ease, using the momentum from Quick Attack for an extra powerful Slam that knocked Machop down. He proceeded to finish the fight with a well-timed Bullet Seed and Ash quickly tossed out a pokeball.
It shook for a few moments before finally stopping, proving the capture to be a success.
''All right!'' Ash grinned as he picked it up. ''I caught a Machop!''
''Nice going.'' Brock smiled. ''Max's comments aside-I get the feeling you two are going to get along well.''
''Hehe, yeah...''
Pikachu called out to the two, startling them as he pointed to a high boulder where a pokemon neither boy was familiar with was staring at them. Ash blinked ''What's that...?''
''It's a Bagon...'' Wally replied, looking curious as he wondered just why the pokemon would be all the way there.
''Bagon, huh?'' Ash held up his pokedex and scanned the dragon type.
''Bagon, the Rock Head pokemon. Bagon has a dream of one day soaring in the sky. In doomed efforts to fly, this Pokemon hurls itself off cliffs. As a result of its dives, its head has grown tough and as hard as tempered steel.'' The device buzzed.
Wally blinked ''Wait, it throws itself off cliffs to fly? So then...?''
''...I don't think it's insane enough to do that.'' Brock stated, though he sounded a little unnerved.
Bagon soon proved him wrong as it jumped off the boulder with no hesitation, leaving them shocked. Bagon flailed around in mid-air but soon knew that it was no good and plummeted into a big rock, destroying it with ease.
''Whoa, it doesn't even have a scratch...'' May was admittedlly relieved to know as much but this still came as surprise. How could Bagon brush a fall like that off so easily?
Before they quite knew it, a girl with purple hair wearing high tech shades leaped behind Bagon. ''There you are!'' The dragon type glanced at her as she sighed. ''I've been looking all over for you.''
''So it's yours?'' Max clarified.
The girl made to respond but she never had the chance as Brock dashed in and knelt before her. She was bewildered when he began flirting but his friends seemed exasperated, making her wonder if this was a usual occurrence.
''So what is your name, my love?'' He asked.
''Ah, it's Michelle...'' She replied nervously.
''Even your name is pretty!''
''Would you give it a rest?!'' Max snapped.
May cleared her throat and introduced herself and the others ''Sorry about Brock, just feel free to ignore him.''
Both girls were distracted when Bagon ran to a cliff and jumped again. Ash hurried to catch it but Bagon crashed in front of him before Michelle caught him with a smile as the pokemon grunted happily.
''Nice catch!'' May exclaimed.
''What's the deal with those goggles?'' Max wanted to know.
Michelle took them off ''They're a sort of special computer that helps me in battle. They measure speed and distance, I tracked Bagon's movements with them. They help us in battle too.''
Max looked enthralled ''Cool!''
''You looked like you were pretty used to what Bagon was doing. Does it happen a lot?'' Ash wanted to know.
Michelle nodded ''All Bagon dream of soaring through the skies. Bagon doesn't know he can't fly so it'll keep trying to do so.''
''Sounds like a great dream.'' Ash smiled.
Max seemed unimpressed ''I don't know, it seems dumb to me...Bagon won't be able to in the end.''
May shushed him and Brock crossed his arms ''I think I heard that Bagon evolve into Shelgon and then Salamence. Wouldn't that be the way to fulfill his dream?''
''It is. That's why I'm trying to help Bagon reach the level to evolve but he needs a lot of experience.'' Michelle replied. ''Which is why I'd like to ask, would any of you like to battle us?''
''I do!'' Ash exclaimed.
''I can't wait to see those shades in action.'' Max enthused as both Ash and Michelle stood on opposite sides of the field. Ash chose Pikachu while Michelle naturally went with Bagon. Brock was the referee while the rest watched from the sidelines. ''It'll be really interesting to see how this goes down.''
''I know you like battles and all but why are you so excited for this one?'' May wanted to know.
''Well, Bagon's a dragon type. They can be pretty rare, so I'd like to see how he battles.''
''Pikachu, Quick Attack!'' Ash called once Brock signaled to begin.
Michelle analysed the mouse pokemon with her shades ''Bagon, Pikachu's coming in fast. Brace yourself.''
Bagon nodded and stayed put, Pikachu smashed into his head a moment later. May blinked ''Why didn't they do anything?''
''Well, who knows? This is off to a decent start with Ash.'' Max stated.
But Wally was frowning ''...That might have been a mistake.''
The siblings looked at him in surprise but then Pikachu was sent flying as a shockwave surged through him from the impact. Both realized that their friend was right as they watched Pikachu wince and hold his head while Bagon appeared unfazed.
''How did Pikachu get hurt from that?'' May wondered.
''That probably didn't amount to much for Bagon. He went through those rocks like they were nothing, remember?'' Wally pointed out.
''Yeah, I forgot that Bagon has the Rock Head ability. That gives him some really good defense and offense when it comes to physical attacs.'' Max added.
Michelle analyzed the situation and then spoke ''Bagon, use Headbutt!''
Her pokemon sped up towards Pikachu, who hurried to dodge but Michelle had him alter his direction. It was only Pikachu's fast reflexes that let him dodge the attack and they watched as Bagon destroyed a rock with ease. Ash had Pikachu use Thunderbolt in turn but Michelle ensured Bagon could dodge quickly, taking the chance to have her pokemon nail an effective Headbutt then.
Michelle analyzed Pikachu as his trainer called out in concern ''Pikachu put a courageous battle but it's over.''
The electric type quickly proved her wrong though, as he was able to pull himself back up. If anything, he looked more ready to battle, leaving her shocked. ''Pikachu actually withstood Bagon's Headbutt...?''
''Way to go, buddy! Use Quick Attack!''
''Counter with Headbutt!''
The pokemon collided and an explosion of electricity ensued, it blinded everyone so they missed that Pikachu had changed directions at the last second to strike Bagon's side. The result sent Bagon crashing down.
''Bagon, get up, please!'' Michelle called.
The rock head pokemon did so, to her relief. She ordered it to use Headbutt again, though Ash only told Pikachu to wait. But then it made sense when the mouse pokemon dodged at Ash's call, having waited until just the right time.
''Thunderbolt!''
''Jump and use Headbutt!''
The jump allowed Bagon to dodge the blast and he came down for a Headbutt but Ash had Pikachu use Iron Tail in response. The resulting clash sends pokemon reeling but they gathered themselves and glared challengingly at each other.
''Good going, Pikachu! Keep it up!'' Ash smirked while Michelle appeared troubled.
The next thing they knew, the wind around the field grew stronger and a shadow drew closer to the field. Everyone looked up to find Team Rocket flying in a helicopter, the sight made Ash scowl. ''You again?!''
The trio laughed and started their motto. Jessie pressed a switch on a remote control and then Meowth was launched from the helicopter wearing a jet pack. It seemed as the scratch cat pokemon was targeting Pikachu but before they knew it, he grabbed someone else.
''Bagon!'' Michelle cried.
Meowth laughed as the surprised dragon type flailed in his grasp. James laughed ''That's the way!''
''You won't be laughing for long!'' Brock sent out Lombre and had him bombard their helicopter with Razor Leaf. The attack wound up rocking the vehicle and Jessie dropped the jet pack's remote control in the midst of it all. The jet pack made an odd sound as the remote was damaged and it began flying erratically.
''Whoa, hey!'' Meowth yelped in alarm.
Thinking fast, Wally called out Ralts and tried to have the feeling pokemon stop the out of control device. But that was to no avail as the device's random flight lead to it soaring out of Ralts' range and before they knew it, Bagon and Meowth were gone.
''Oh, no...'' Michelle bit her lip.
''I'm sorry! I should've thought things through!'' Brock wailed.
''You couldn't have known that would happen, Brock.'' The girl said kindly, activating her shades. ''It's best not to dwell on this, I'm going to find Bagon.''
''We'll help you.'' May declared and the others nodded.
''We've got a good way to start us off too.'' Ash added as he, Pikachu and Wally looked at Ralts.
''Oh, yeah! Ralts, you can help track them down with his powers, right?'' Max asked, recalling how the pokemon had figured out the truth about Timmy easily. If the feeling pokemon had been able to get a read on the boy in his first appearance at the Phantom, this should work well.
Ralts nodded, giving them a reassuring smile. Michelle looked relieved ''Thank you! How about we start with the direction that thing took off to?''
''Ahhh! How do I stop this thing?!'' Meowth freaked as the jet pack still kept going. But he knew they had no way of escaping this predicament.
On the other hand, Bagon appeared thrilled that he was actually flying. The rock head pokemon ws very much enjoying the entire spectacle.
Both pokemon turned as the helicopter appeared again and Jessie's voice called out ''Meowth, we set up a net just ahead so go there!''
The scratch cat pokemon appeared touched ''You came to save me...''
Just as he managed to make the device approach said net, the jet pack suddenly flew them down to a forest below. Both pokemon crashed down and slammed into a tree. Meowth stumbled and fell down, dazed while Bagon was just fine.
It had taken some effort since the pokemon wound up flying that far but Ralts had gotten a feel of Bagon's mind earlier. This helped him lock onto the dragon type's signature and point the group in the right direction, thus leaving them to hurry to the forest.
''Ash, do you mind if I ask how you taught Pikachu to dodge like that?'' Michelle inquired, unable to hold off her curiosity longer.
''It's something we've worked on back when we were on Dewford Island. I actually got the idea from Brawly.''
''I see...it certainly is effective. I don't know if I could pull something like this off without the shades.'' She admitted, her hand touching the item in question.
''Doesn't that mean you might be relying on them too much?'' May asked, surprising the other girl. ''Well, I was just thinking-Ash's a pretty good trainer but he made sure to work hard to learn that strategy. I've learned a lot from him and I still am. Like how amazing pokemon really can be. And that if we work hard and don't give up, we can reach our goals. He's the proof.''
Ash had to admit, he was touched. He didn't think he had that much of an impression on her but that was really nice to hear. ''Gee, thanks May.''
The brunet smiled ''It's just true.'' She looked back at Michelle. ''Even if you don't see yourself learning it, that doesn't mean you can't. I bet you wouldn't even know the shades to make it all work out.''
Michelle seemed thoughtful ''...Maybe you're right...''
Meowth stared as Bagon happily picked up the jet pack, barely noting that Jessie and James had caught up with them. ''You like it that much?''
Bagon nodded and proceeded to explain how much he wanted to fly. How he yearned for the dream, to be able to soar through the skies, it held a special sort of power to Bagon, presenting a sort of freedom which the dragon type coveted.
''Oh, wow...'' Meowth's eyes shone, moved by the pokemon's passion. He was dismayed that even after telling his teammates, neither cared much.
Irked, he wound up scratching both their faces. ''You idiots don't get it! I know what that feels like, I wanted to fly for a long time too!''
Bagon seemed intrigued by this and the two quickly fell into a discussion about the apparent similarity between them, to Jessie and James' annoyance.
''Quit wasting time!'' The first snapped.
''That ain't wasting time!'' Meowth harrumphed. ''Shows what you know...anyway, it'll be a win-win deal. When we get Bagon back to the boss, he won't go hungry since he'd have all the coconuts he wants in his private jet. Everyone's happy! He'll give us a raise too!''
Both appeared intrigued by the suggestion but before they could think much on it, the trio noted Bagon perk up and run to their left. They were alarmed as they realized that Bagon had noticed their enemies running over first, immediately heading to his trainer.
''Stop!'' James called but Bagon simply tuned him out and stopped before Michelle, who picked him up.
''Are you okay?'' She smiled when the rock head pokemon nodded and held up the jet pack, as if wanting to show it to her.
''You give our prize back right now!'' Jessie snapped, growling when Michelle tightened her hold on her pokemon with a glare.
''Get over yourselves!'' May retorted.
''Yeah, you're not getting a thing!'' Ash added.
''Oh yeah?!'' James went on to launch a claw from the helicopter as they flew the vehicle, aiming at Pikachu.
''Ralts, use Psybeam!'' Wally called, the blast immediately struck the claw and destroyed it, to the evil trio's chagrin.
''Thanks, you guys.'' Ash and Pikachu smiled at the duo, who did the same in return.
''I've had it with you twerps!'' Jessie launched a pokeball and Seviper came out.
''Same here, you're not going to win!'' James added, sending out Cacnea. Of course, this was a decision he quickly regretted as the pokemon was quick to administer its affectionate nature with the usual hug, making him cry out in pain.
Michelle was surprised to see that her pokemon had strapped the jet pack on but decided to make the most of it as Seviper came at him from up above on Jessie's command. Glad that they had kept the remote control when they came across it earlier, the girl used it to have Bagon get out of the pokemon's way with ease. This let Brock have Lombre strike the poison type with Water Gun, leaving it stunned.
''Pull yourself together!'' Jessie screeched.
''Cacnea, use Sandstorm!'' James called.
''Stop it right there, Ralts!'' Wally countered. Before either of them could react, Cacnea was lifted into the air via Ralts' powers and hurtled back at its trainer.
''Bagon, use Headbutt!'' Michelle ordered, manipulating the jet pack again. Bagon readily angled his head as his trainer sent him flying at Seviper, the force of the strike sent the dazed snake into its comrades, knocking them all down.
''Pikachu, Thunderbolt now!'' Ash called. The electric type hit their adversaries a second later, sending them blasting off again.
''Heh for once, Team Rocket was good for something.'' Max smiled as they watched Bagon soar above them, happy as can be.
Michelle nodded, looking pleased. It was nice that Bagon's goal was finally fulfilled and seeing how her pokemon was having the time of his life only made it that much better. He was even having fun letting Pikachu and Ralts fly with him and they were clearly having a blast.
Wally picked Ralts up once the three pokemon landed ''You sure looked like you were having fun.'' Ralts beamed and called out in thanks to Bagon, who grinned before rushing to his own trainer.
''You did it, you're really flying! That feels pretty great, huh?'' Her smile widened when Bagon happily nodded.
But then, the dragon type began glowing, much to everyone's surprise. He jumped away from Michelle's embrace and the jet pack fell off once it grew in size, becoming almost half Michelle's height as the light faded to reveal a Shelgon.
''Bagon evolved into Shelgon!'' Max enthused.
''That's great!'' May smiled.
A delighted Michelle hugged her new pokemon ''You're one step closer to flying without the jet pack, that's excellent!''
Pikachu and Ralts went on to congratulate the pokemon, who nodded back in thanks. Just one more step to truly reach his goal, Shelgon couldn't wait.
Since it was almost night time, the group agreed to settle in the forest for the day and invited Michelle and Shelgon to join them.
''Mm...'' Michelle smiled as she finished the food Brock had prepared for her. ''...you guys were right about Brock's cooking, it's great.''
''Isn't it? He really comes through for us, big time.'' May remarked.
''True...just make sure he doesn't hear that, Michelle. Next thing you know, he'd probably start proposing.'' Max joked, making the others laugh.
Ash had taken the opportunity to start getting to know Machop, eventually asking to see his moves in action. The fighting type had no problem with that request, proving his power as he cleared any obstacles before him with ease.
''Nice, you're pretty tough!'' Ash praised, leaving Machop to grin back. ''So we're working hard to get the Hoenn league, soon enough we'll be challenging the next gym leader...'' Machop's confusion wasn't lost on his new trainer, making the boy add. ''...they're really tough trainers who we have to challenge to advance. Then they give us badges as proof of victory, see?'' He held up his badge case, Machop's eyes widened at the sight. ''So, you up for giving it a try?''
Machop's grin returned as he gave an affirmative grunt. Ash smiled ''It's settled then, good to have you on the team, Machop!''
Brock smiled as the new addition to their group shared a high-five with Pikachu ''Well, they're sure off to a good start.''
Wally was brushing Electrike's fur, Michelle quickly saw how content the lightning pokemon was as he rested on the green haired boy's lap. ''No wonder you're all so close to your pokemon, you must take really good care of them.''
''Well, we try.'' Wally returned. ''It's like May said, we learned plenty from Ash, Brock too. Our pokemon are important partners, so we have to care for them to the best of our ability.''
May smiled ''I agree.''
''So do I. It's the least we can do after all.'' Michelle added, glancing over at Shelgon with a smile of her own.
''Such a caring trainer-I knew you would understand, Michelle!'' Brock exclaimed, jumping very close to the girl. ''You're great! If you'd like, we can take some time off and discuss how to go about it! I'd be more than glad to help you with Shelgon. Would you please...?''
''Okay...'' Max grabbed his ear and began pulling him away. ''...personal space, Brock. You're making her uncomforable! We're supposed to be relaxing!''
''Of course that had to happen...'' May trailed off, shaking her head in exasperation. Why was it that only Max seemed able to cut the breeder's consistent attempts at flirting anyway?
''Yeah, go figure...'' Ash looked back at Michelle. ''...so, I was thinking, can we battle again in the morning? I want to see what Shelgon's like now.''
''Hey, hold on, Ash! I want to try too!'' May said, to his surprise. ''I asked her for a battle before, I want to get some practice in with Swablu.''
''She did.'' Michelle affirmed. ''But to answer your question, I'd be happy to battle again...Also, I have to admit, I'm curious to know what it'd be like to face you and Ralts, Wally. What do you say?''
The boy smiled ''Sure, that sounds like fun.''
Well, let's stop here.
I hope it was good. I've stopped to deliberate on my plans for this story and some are still up in the air, but I'll keep at it till I figure everything out. I sort of have an idea of what I want the next two chapters to be like. It's close to Mt. Chimney now so I think I'll be introducing Team Magma and Team Aqua into the story, but it'll be a little different than canon.
It's kind of frustrating, I have an idea in general of how I want to handle them but I'm still not sure what to do about Zinnia. I'm definitely going to include her, it's just that I'm still trying to decide when would we best, considering her overall role in the story. I've taken elements from Alpha Sapphire as it has been the inspiration behind me starting this story to begin with but I keep wondering if I should have her take the general route or deal with things differently somehow. Well, either way, I think I'll be introducing her in a while.
Hah, sorry, I needed to get that off my chest. Anywho, thanks for reading and I hope you keep it up. Reviews will be very much appreciated. Till next time!
