Pecan Crisp: Sorry it seemed like I wasn't taking Sneasel into consideration, I definitely was! I was just more interested in the other two as I haven't seen them in any other fics before.
M3G4N5H059: Thank you for the suggestion however I don't know if I will be adding a shiny Pokémon into Ash's team, but I'll keep it in mind! I will also definitely take an Alolan Vulpix into consideration.
Daniowl: I'm glad you're enjoying my story! I know Archie hasn't exactly had a huge part of the story as of yet, but he will be. Archie will be a bigger part of the fanfiction going to be around Gym 5+
AN: Well, its been a while hasn't it? I last uploaded September of 2019, the story created in June of 2019. Can't believe this story is almost a year old. A massive apology to all my story followers who have been patiently waiting this whole time for a new chapter. I honestly don't know why I stopped writing for this story, I just suddenly became incredibly unmotivated and put it off, I guess.
But other than my actions, how has everyone been? 2020 has been absolutely wild hasn't it? Surprisingly, I have remained largely unaffected by Covid-19 as I live in Australia, which in itself was hurt by the fires and floods it experienced earlier this year, so I guess Earth just let us get off mildly with corona.
A bit of this chapter was already written back in 2019, so I had to reread all of my other chapters to get myself up to speed with what is happening. I slightly cringed as I read some of my past writing but oh well, it happens and I'm sure it's going to continue to happen.
I honestly have no clue whether I will continue to be motivated for this story, however I decided to get this chapter out as I felt like it. There definitely won't be a schedule for this story as I don't know if I will upload regularly.
Well anyways, please enjoy chapter 20.
Disclaimer: Pokémon's not mine
Chapter 20: Bill's Lighthouse
"Guess who we're gonna meet this chapter."– Speech
I'll give you a hint – Ash's Thoughts/Messages
It's in the title – Pokedex
Ash let out a loud, innocent laugh as Joltik crawled up his neck and snuggled into his black hair. Route 24 has been a peaceful, calm and happy walk. The only main attraction on route 24 is the Golden Nugget Bridge, recently closed due to the unfortunate incident Ash remembered vividly, as well as Bill's Lighthouse.
However, it seemed despite the famous researcher living on the route, many trainers don't see the importance of visiting Bill's home.
While Ash understood the reason as to why his father wanted him to visit such a famous and renowned figure like Bill, he couldn't help but feel annoyed that he had to go out of his way and visit the researcher.
Don't get him wrong, he understood the importance of knowledge and the effect it may have in life and death situations, but he just wasn't the type to gather knowledge just for the sake of knowledge. Plus, Professor Bill wasn't even a Pokémon researcher like the renowned Pokémon Professor Oak, he focused mainly on the invention of technology that could advance our world into a new era.
His thoughts were quickly sent away as Joltik sent a small electric jolt through Ash's body making his hair fuzz up. From an outsider's perspective, it would seem as if Ash had suddenly gained a frizzy afro as a new hairstyle.
"Joltik, you little trickster! Don't use that trick too much or you'll expand all the electricity you've stored." Ash spoke with a gentle sternness, chuckling at the little prank Joltik seems to like playing.
When Ash had caught Joltik, it was in the middle of Route 24 and couldn't exactly turn around buy a battery for Joltik to sap on. He could only hope that Joltik had gathered enough electricity to survive the trip. While Joltik does not explicitly need electricity to survive as it was a dual electric and bug type, he would be lethargic and slow without electricity running through its body.
Joltik let out a miniscule squeak like laughter as he once again settled onto Ash's newly acquired hairstyle.
Despite the fun pranks Joltik kept playing, Ash could see that he was still concentrating on watching the surroundings for any danger. It seemed that being such a small and defenceless bug type, it left Joltik the perfect prey for many different Pokémon so ever since he was young he had to survey the surroundings constantly.
Ash counted that as a blessing as many trainers had been ambushed by Pokémon of all types because of their weaker senses. It's usually why Ash always had at least one Pokémon out with him at all times, not only so he could bond with them, but to keep himself safe. There was also that Joltik was so small that he could just crawl into Ash's clothes and be completely unnoticeable.
Ash looked at his watch, finding the time to be late afternoon. Well, Ash didn't have to look at his watch to know that is was getting late, the sun slowly setting was a good enough sign.
Ash felt a small droplet hit his cheek making him stop in shock. Reaching up with a tanned hand, he swiped at the droplet to get rid of the water only to have another two take its place.
Ash looked up to the sky, finding heavy dark clouds taking up the sky. When did?
Ash and Joltik cried out in shock as rain pelted down on them, making Ash's skin sting with each droplet that stabbed him.
Ash's brain raced, surely he wasn't that far from shelter? Grabbing Joltik and hiding him in his vest, forgetting the fact that despite Joltik being a bug type, its fur was more durable and defensive than human skin.
Ash desperately ran across the now drenched dirt road, mud splashing and sticking to his legs. Joltik let out a small squeal, wriggling around to escape Ash's grasp.
"Shhhh, it's ok Joltik, we'll find shelter soon." Ash whispered feeling less and less confident as the rain continued to pelt down, the combination of dark clouds covering the sky and the needles of rain dimming his vision made it extremely difficult to see. Joltik settled down, worriedly watching his trainer closely. He can only hope and pray to any God watching him can grant his wish for shelter.
It seemed that Goddess Jirachi was on his side as his wish was granted. The flash of light shining through the clouds made him almost collapse with relief.
Bill's Lighthouse!
Ash stumbled as he finally made it to the sheltered front of the lighthouse, taking off his hat and shaking it to get rid of the droplets that stuck to it. He continued to try to control his breathing from the fast running he had just done. I really needs to work out more.
Joltik slowly crawled out of inside Ash's vest, looking around at the new surroundings. As Joltik surveyed its location, bright blue eyes able to see through the dark haze that the clouds created, Ash noticed the carvings that lay imprinting on the large stone door that separated them from the inside of the lighthouse.
He gently drags his fingers over the engraving of a Gengar. As his eyes continued to wander over the Gengar inscription, feeling every dint and engravement, he entered an almost calm daze. The dark, cheeky eyes of the Shadow Pokémon seemed to warn him of what's to come.
Leave, escape, never come back! Those words circled Ash's mind and his hand shook and vibrated as he continued to follow the inscriptions outline.
Joltik gave a high-pitched squeak, waking Ash up from his daze. He glanced back at his bug type, seeing the worry in its glowing, fluorescent azure eyes. He gave a comforting smile, shaking the rest of the hypnotised daze that lay wasted in his mind.
His eyes scanned the rest of the engravements: Lapras, Alakazam, Snorlax and none of them seemed to have the same affect on him as the Gengar inscription did.
"This must be decades of years old." Ash softly murmured to Joltik, knowing that his sensitive ears will catch it.
As predicted, Joltik let out a small squeak, signifying that it had heard Ash's whisper, glancing at the stone entryway.
"Well Joltik, better alert them of our presence." Ash whispered, raising his clenched fist towards the door. "If he doesn't already know we're here."
Despite the heavy rain still pelting down, Ash could hear the echo of his fist against the door travel through the monstrous lighthouse. There's no way they won't know that were here now.
Ash shuffled in his wet clothes, feeling uncomfortable as the damp clothes dragged against his skin. A few more moments pass by as Joltik and Ash lock eyes.
"They sure are taking a while."
As Ash was about to knock against the stone doorway once again, a load rumbling reminiscent of a generator starting up, made him jump away from it as the inscribed stone door slammed open. Joltik winced as the sound of the behemoth doorway slamming against the sturdy walls of the lighthouse travelled into his sensitive ears. Ash took a huge gulp of air, determination racing through him as he slowly entered the lighthouse. Joltik tensing upon Ash's shoulder as the ancient door closed with the load rumble it opened with.
Ash shivered, hugging himself as a cold breeze swept through the bare hallway.
"H-Hello, Professor Bill? It's Ash Ketchum, Archie's son!" Ash stuttered as he shivered once again, "My father told you that I would be visiting?"
A sound similar to footstep sounded down the dark depths of the hallway made him cower against the wall, eyes darting around for any sign of life.
"Come on Ash! You're better than this," Ash reassured himself, "Keep a look out Joltik, you have better senses then I do."
Joltik nodded at Ash's command, the yellow fur on his body standing up as static raced across the its spiked texture.
"Bill?" Ash shouted, his voice echoing around the two.
Ash jumped once again as the torches Ash didn't notice before, became alight with a blue fire. Ash watched as the torches continued to light up in a pattern, eyes watching as certain torches that lead down separate hallways didn't light up.
Are the torches showing us the way? Ash thought as he followed the torches, the squeak of his shoes reverberating with his every step.
Ash turned the corner, watching as the final few torches lighted up, showing another large stone archway; jumping as it opened without a sound, different to the one at the front.
Ash and Joltik both looked at the dark, blurry figure bashing a hammer against a strange machine. Their muscles bulging and moving with every swing. Are they not wearing any pants?
"B-Bill?" Ash slowly walked into the room, sweat dripping down his neck as his hand rested gently on his Pokémon's pokeballs.
Ash screamed as a hand landed on his shoulder, making Joltik let out a small volt of electricity at the figure behind Ash, the figure ducking to dodge it.
"Woah, calm down there young lad!" The hand retreated from Ash's shoulder as brown hair** came into focus. The main before him wore a blue button down, long sleeved shirt that was tucked into casual light green trousers. The brown belt, not dissimilar to his hair, stood out against his clothing choice.
"Wait, if you're there, then who's?" Ash spoke, pointing his figure behind him.
Both Joltik and Ash dramatically turned around, screaming once again as he found the grey visage of a Machoke appear before his face.
Bill sweat dropped as Ash screamed again, wondering if this was really Archie's son. In Bill's eyes, Archie is a prestigious figure which he held high regard for. However, this kid seemed to have inherited none of the power, nobility and charismatic aura Archie seemed to naturally wield around him.
I mean, Archie told Bill to not underestimate his son, but he would have to doubt him. A kid who jumps at every sound; how could he possibly give this kid his newest invention?
Bill smirked as he came up with an idea. He truly was a mega genius!
Ash turned as Bill said his name, taking his focus off the light grey Superpower Pokémon. His eyebrows furrowed as he noticed the smirk on the researchers face.
"Why don't we have a friendly battle?" Bill said, nodding towards the Machoke, "I'll use Machoke."
With wide eyes, he turns to look at the Joltik sitting on shoulder. Despite the small face of Joltik, Ash could easily see the similar shocked expression in his eyes.
"Why?" Ash asked once he turned back around to face Bill.
"Well, I find you disappointing."
Hurt flashed on Ash's face as Joltik let out an angry squeak. For how dare this brown-haired hooligan say that about his trainer! Ash calmed his emotion, keeping a blank face as he stared into Bill's sparkling eyes.
If he remembered correctly, one of the many things his father had told him about Bill, is that he doesn't have many friends, and this is one of the reasons why; he's brutally honest and doesn't take other people's feelings into consideration.
"So you wish to test my skill with a Pokémon battle?"
Bill nodded, Machoke coming to stand next to him. "It'll be a 1v1 Pokémon battle. Though I have to warn you, despite being a researcher my Machoke is strong."
Ash nodded, already thinking of who he shall use in the battle. Despite him wanting to test out Joltik, he knows that the Attaching Pokémon will be too inexperienced to battle compared to the Machoke that stood before him.
Furthermore, with the damage recently done to Meowth means she's still not 100% and therefore could weaken her further instead of improving her health. Diglett is a possibility, but Machoke is super-effective so that would be a massive disadvantage.
Weepinbell and Buizel are solid possibilities but are they the one Ash wishes to use? Looking at the overconfident attitude of the technology genius before him, he knew who to choose.
If Bill wishes to test Ash's skill through a Pokémon battle, then he feels obligated to use his starter in this battle, the one who has been with him since the beginning of his adventure.
"So will we be battling somewhere else?" Ash asked pointing towards the archway where he had entered through in the beginning. Looking at the expensive technology adjourning this room, he highly doubted Bill wanted it to be destroyed through their battle.
Bill just let out a loud laugh, his Superpower Pokémon following soon after.
Ash blushed as they continued laughing, lightly brushing his hands over Joltik's yellow fur to calm himself down.
"O-Of course we're not! We're going to battle right here, in my lab!" Bill said after he collected himself, spreading his arms in a dramatic notion.
"But-"
"Ah ah ah! No Buts! Does your Pokémon really not have enough control over its moves?" Bill chuckled, sweeping his finger back and forth in front of Ash's face.
Ash's face became coloured with red as he purposely didn't make eye contact with Bill. Should I use another Pokémon like Weepinbell, who has more controlled moves rather than the all-powerful and destructive Charmeleon?
Ash shook his head at the doubting thoughts. I will use Charmeleon! I just have to be careful and smart about this.
"So? Are you doing to release your Pokémon or not? Are you too scared to fight?" Bill taunted hands on hips as he leant forward, smirk planted on his face.
Ash sent Bill a glare as his answer, grabbing out Charmeleon's pokeball.
"You're going to stay on my shoulder through this ok? Make sure I stay grounded." Ash whispered to Joltik, the furry electric bug rubbing against Ash affectionately. He's going to need someone to keep him in check if he gets influenced into the flow of battle.
Ash giggled as it tickled. "Alright, this one is going to be a hard battle to win. But I believe in you Charmeleon!"
As Ash finished his statement, his reptilian starter appeared with a growl his tail swinging side to side.
The professor tilted his head towards the faux battlefield, indicating to the bipedal Pokémon to get ready for battle. The Superpower Pokémon flexed its muscles as it stood in front of the reptile, smirked as it mocked the Charmeleon for its small biceps.
Charmeleon grit its canines in annoyance, its tail fire giving the room an orange glow.
"You may start first, if that'll help you at all." Bill chuckled mockingly, an almost exact replica of his mocking Machoke. He seemed to get slightly serious as he spoke next, "If you damage even the tiniest amount of my equipment, you're replacing it."
Joltik's soft fur remained an ever-present reminder to Ash that he should remain calm in the face of an opponent such as this. The ones that fought with words rather than strength.
Machoke, the Superpower Pokémon. This Pokémon is a bipedal, humanoid Pokémon that is known for its immense physical strength that it utilises to its advantage. With muscles as hard as steel, it is able to lift extremely heavy objects with only one finger however despite this its commonly found as the mascot of many moving companies as it enjoys manual labour.
He put down his pokedex satisfied with the information gathered before giving his next order.
"You'll regret that! Charmeleon begin with a Will-O-Wisp!" If he weren't to cause minimal damage to the surrounding equipment, he had to play this smart. With burn, not only would Machoke's attack decrease, but he would also be hurt every few seconds!
"Let it hit you Machoke!" Bill cried with an explicit giddiness is his voice, "You're just making this too easy for us Ash! You really are disappointing!"
Ash's brow furrowed in confusions before horror entered his eyes as he witnessed Machoke's muscle bulge as flames danced across his skin, the exact opposite reaction he wished for.
"Now with your power up from your ability Guts, bash that lizard with Low Sweep!"
How could Ash be stupid! His fist clenched as he remembered the effects of Guts. Guts was an ability gifted to many Pokémon that trainers utilised to the best of its ability as it increased the users attack power by 50% if they were afflicted with a status condition. Additionally if the Pokémon were to be afflicted with burn, their attack power wouldn't decrease one bit!
"Smokescreen! What ever you do, make sure that Machoke doesn't hit you!"
Charmeleon not only sensed the urgency and desperation in Ash's voice, but also witnessed the result of his Will-O-Wisp. A dark smog covered the room, making Machoke hesitate as it lost sight of its opponent.
"Now Charmeleon, Flame Burst!"
Machoke dodged the sudden fireball that was aimed at, watching as it luckily hit the stone wall of the lighthouse and not any valuable supplies. With Machoke's attention being distracted by the missed Flame Burst, it had no time to dodge as it got burnt with another one hitting its grey hide.
Ash heard the deep grunt of pain from the smoke covered area, clenching his fist as he thought of what to do next. With that much muscle in its body, Machoke is bound to be slow so Ash has to make use of Charmeleon's superior speed.
"Escape that dark cloud Machoke, follow my voice!" Bill suddenly exclaimed.
Hearing the command, Machoke turned on its heel and rushed towards its trainer seeing as the cloud of smoke gradually become less dense the further he got form the center.
"Use your speed Charmeleon, hit and run!"
Charmeleon's narrow blue eyes gleamed through the smoke, slitted pupils following Machoke's every step. Stone fractured as sharpened claws dug into the surface the best it could as it raced towards the humanoid Pokémon.
Charmeleon only realised its mistake as Machoke's gleeful eyes turned towards him, the Superpower Pokémon coming to a sudden stop.
Bill gave a sharp smirk, "Alight those fists with lightning Machoke, Thunder Punch!"
Charmeleon gave a choked shout as a lightning-ridden fist dug into his stomach sending him flying into the opposite wall.
Ash used his arms as cover against the sudden rush of wind that pelted past him, Joltik using its sharp pincers to stay attached to Ash's vest. Ash's eyes widened seeing Charmeleon crumpled form lying next to destroyed rubble.
"Charmeleon! Are you ok buddy?" Ash shouted worryingly, watching as his starter's tail flickered.
"Wow, already out from one punch?"
Ash clenched his jaw as his eyes travelled to the now revealed Bill. Machoke stood beside him, the dancing flames on his body making the Pokémon wince slightly. Ash still noticed the lighting that crackled on Machoke's hands.
The growl from behind him Ash signalled Charmeleon's consciousness. Amber eyes met narrowed slits.
"Over? Nah, we're only getting started!" Ash's outcry was met with an equally load roar, Charmeleon's tail fire expanding as his ability Blaze took effect.
Bill raised an eyebrow in surprise. Looking closer he saw the determined fire that lighted up Ash's eyes.
His eyes widened.
"While you don't yet have the power your father holds, you still have that same fire that draws everyone in," Bill murmured underneath his breath, too quiet for Ash to hear, before exclaiming louder, "Haha! Well then let's continue, don't disappoint me Ash!"
"Flame Burst!"
Flames frothed from Charmeleon's mouth as the powered Flame Burst escaped his snout. Machoke punched the fireball, wincing as the lightning didn't diminish all the damage from it.
Charmeleon's claws flashed from the exertion of Slash, racing to meet Machoke's lightning fist.
Charmeleon's teeth gnashed together from clash. He looked deep into Machoke's glowing red eyes, only an arm's length away, seeing the similar determination to win he shared and-
Time seemed to stop.
Unbidden knowledge raced into Charmeleon's brain like a sudden lock in his mind's door abruptly crumbled. How could he have not known this before? This was his birthright, what he had known since he had entered this world, it was just that the knowledge lay trapped, surrounded by chains that wouldn't release it until he needed it. Charmeleon's eyes flashed as only one word stood out.
Counter.
Both trainers watched as Charmeleon's arm, from claw to bicep, lit with glowing, white light.
Ash suddenly beamed, grabbing the attention of Bill's confused eyes. "Go Charmeleon!"
Machoke flew back from the sudden force hitting his angular cheek, its muscular body flying like a ragdoll across the lighthouse floor before smacking back first into the opposite wall. Machoke fell to its knees breathing heavily.
Charmeleon gave a guttural roar, echoing in the ears of Pokémon and Human alike. The Will-O-Wisp seemed to reply to its owner's cry, flaring up and burning Machoke's sturdy grey hide.
Machoke's thighs tensed as it rose from its knees, replying with its own growl.
Ash gently pet Joltik's spiked fur. Still raring to go? Damn, I don't know if Charmeleon can take another hit.
"I give."
Ash and Charmeleon startled at the sudden predicament, looking towards Bill with surprised eyes. Surely he realised that the winner of this battle would have likely of been himself?
Bill chuckled good-naturally at the kid and his Pokémon's confused face. "While I'm sure it would've been fun, we've already destroyed plenty of my lab and id really not risk the chance of a stray attack hitting my equipment."
Ash only then realised the destruction they had caused, fractures along the floor where both Pokémon had used their strength to dig onto the floor and rubble that lay waste where they had been smacked into the wall.
"O-oh right, sorry." Ash stuttered, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment.
Bill returned a tired Machoke to its ball, "All good, even I was becoming entranced by our battle."
A low growl reminded Ash of his Charmeleon who stood in front of him, waiting for some sort of congratulations. He bent down, grasping Charmeleon in his arms tightly.
"I'm so proud of you!" Joltik gave a similar squeak of pride upon Ash's shoulder. Ash released Charmeleon, looking into the reptilian eyes. "And you learnt Counter*, which will definitely help us in the future."
Charmeleon gave a tired chirp, his tail fire small and lethargic. "Why don't you rest? You did amazingly." And with a flash of red, Charmeleon was gone to rest in his home.
"Ash, catch!"
Ash fumbled with the sudden object being thrown at him. "W-What was that for?"
"It's the whole reason why your father wanted you to come here and find me." Bill responded, standing with his hand resting on his hip.
"Oh, thank you Professor Bill" Ash bowed, still inspected the plain brown package that was thrown at him. The only significant part of it was the cheekily grinning Gengar that was drawn on top.
"Now, none of that formal 'professor' crap. Just called me Bill." He said as he waved a hand in front of his face, "Aren't you doing to open my beautiful, genius masterpiece?"
Just as Ash was about to open parcel, the Gengar drawing once again caught his eye reminding him of the inscription on the front door. Bill, seeing that Ash hesitated, asked him if he's alright.
"Oh yeah, its just." Ash bit his bottom lip in thought, "Well, that engraving of the Gengar on the front door, what's up with it?"
Bill's eyes lighted up with understanding, "Liked my Gengar hypnosis did you? It's meant to keep pesky trainers away from here, if you couldn't make it past that you weren't worth my time." he winked, "Now open my gift, I have work to do."
Ash finally opened the brown, dull parcel he was given, surprised to find an electronic device laying there. He grabbed it gently, finding the design to be similar to the watch he was currently adjourning his wrist, yet it seemed 10x more advanced.
He ran his finger across the black, leather strap that would connect his wrist and the watch together. The proportionate black screen, lined with red designs and buttons, lit up as Ash touched it showing the time as well as the current weather and temperature of where he was currently located.
"It's called an Xtransceiver, created by me with the work of a few others in Kalos. Though a tiny bit more advanced than the public ones," Bill explained smiling brightly, his face almost glowing as he looked at his invention, "It allows multiple people to communicate with each other via video call."
Bill rushed over grabbing the device before pressing a load of buttons, which let out a quiet 'ding' as they were pressed, before handing it back. "Here, you should be the one he sees when he answers."
Ash let out a confused hum as he grabbed the Xtransceiver, almost dropping it when he heard a familiar voice.
"Hello Ash, I see you found Bill's Lighthouse just fine."
*In case any of you have forgotten, Counter is Charmeleon's egg move. Counter is a physical fighting move that deals double the damage done to it which is why Machoke was so badly damaged after being hit with it. However, counter only works with physical type moves.
**In all the games, Bill had brown hair but in the anime he had green, which is confusing. But I decided to stick with the brown.
AN: I think I've explained everything I need to in the top Authors note. But other than that, I hope you enjoyed Bill's entrance! My Bill is a mischievous, slightly narcissistic, brutally honest genius that holds Ash's father in very high regard, so I hope you liked him.
Other than that, I hoped you enjoyed the chapter! Please tell me if I made any spelling/grammatical errors, I will fix them as soon as possible. This is actually my longest chapter yet, so yay?
Don't be afraid to give me suggestions for what you wish to see in this story, whether that be plot points, specific episodes, or Pokémon.
Hope to see you guys soon, toodles.