Welcome back everyone for the final chapter of Lessons. Last time we had some rather unexpected events cancel out the remainder of the tournament thanks to Team Rocket. Though fortunately no one was injured this time. But, let's get onto the final chapter and then I have a few things to say at the end.
Ch 29: A New Beginning
"The remainder of the tournament has been cancelled due to safety concerns," Lance spoke out. Giovanni sat at the makeshift table with little amusement, the others there looking just as annoyed at the situation.
It hadn't even been twenty-four hours and yet the media was already jumping all over them. Especially Lance, the Champion suffering the hardest of their scorn. The other Gym Leaders and Elite Four members talked amongst themselves, video of the attack being played for a moment. Giovanni found it amusing how there was no actual footage by a television crew and instead the only bits they had of that chimera came from recordings by citizens.
The sight of Zapmolcuno (as Blue had supposedly termed it) brought a sinking suspicion into Giovanni's stomach. It had originally formed upon a call from Mizu, the man stating that their plane had yet to arrive at the designated spot and they couldn't get in contact with it or Kasai. The scientist had been the last person to see it off and Giovanni had a feeling he might have had something to do with it. Especially considering that the entire plan was to summon Lugia to obtain a Silver Wing and yet he had shown little interest in any of it.
"The students likewise have all been sent back to their respective schools. Though that leaves the matter of deciding which school shall become Kanto's official one."
"In all fairness, both the finalists were from Pokémon Academy," Giovanni spoke up. He contained his own self thoughts at the moment to point out the obvious. "Mr. Ketchum and Mr. Oak would have faced off meaning that regardless of a victor, their school would have won."
"That's very true," Blaine added in. He took his glasses off for a moment, wiping them clean before they sat atop his face once more. "While I wished my students did better, there's no denying that fact."
"And it isn't like those from Celadon or Cerulean did much better either. All of our students were knocked out by the end of the first round," Erika added in. The others around the room nodded in agreement, Giovanni tapping his foot in slight annoyance. He could feel his phone vibrate and yet he had no chance to answer.
Lance nodded at the assessment before changing thoughts. Giovanni fought the urge to smirk at the fact everyone easily agreed to allow Pokémon Academy to become the official school. The screen around them changed for a second, replacing the faces of those not here with the police reports.
"Before we go, I just want everyone to know the full extent of things. This was planned by Team Rocket, but we don't know the full extent of their plan. As it is, no one is talking either. So please just keep a look out."
Giovanni strummed his fingers at that, each one bouncing off the table like he was playing a piano. The noise died among the different reactions though he cared little for it, instead rising from his seat. With an apology he pulled his cell phone out and mentioned it was a call he had to take. A few eyes looked at him suspiciously, but Lance allowed him to go anyways.
Out in the hallway Giovanni passed by a small group that was comprised of Red, Blue and Green, the latter appearing to complain over Red recognizing Blue but not her. The former Gym Leader chuckled at their interaction as he felt a mix of emotions.
On one hand he was glad Red was back, especially since he had little doubt the man would go after those other individuals who caused the entire ruckus yesterday. While on the other hand he wasn't so certain he liked the man back. While he had sent Sanda to look for Red previously it was more to keep an eye on him and if necessary, keep him locked away. He had hoped to keep the man away until after his grand scheme was completed. But that wasn't an option now.
"I still can't believe he doesn't remember the person who set him up with his wife," Green hollered out. Giovanni gave the group a small wave as he continued on their way. None of them returned it as Red sat there with a confused look on his face. The man scratching at the back of his head.
"Sorry about that. Quite a bit is still fuzzy though. Heck I don't even know my own wife's name," Red stated as a frown formed. His eyebrows scrunched in annoyance as Giovanni continued on.
Turning down a hallway, he quickly found an empty room and took up residence in it. Locking it, he settled in nicely before pulling his cell phone out. Despite his usual habit of using a temporary cellular device he dialed in the familiar number as his phone rang. One ring passed as he leaned against the wall. A second ring passed as his fingers began to strum against the sheetrock. Finally, on the third ring the desired voice spoke up.
"So you've finally managed to return my calls. Of course, I doubt anyone is around you. Not like you'd want this conversation leaking out to the masses."
"Kasai you have quite the explaining to do," Giovanni growled. His strumming increased, his fingers bouncing off the wall with intensity. Giovanni pictured the beast that was released yesterday, how it completely ruined all the work he had done to be in such a situation. "I excused your actions in Saffron but this is inexcusable. I need answers otherwise action will be taken once I return."
"Please," Kasai began to say. A chuckle entered Giovanni's ear as the man felt his own face contort with anger at it. He didn't enjoy the condescending tone that Kasai used but the Elite Four member knew he couldn't reveal his true anger. "You and I both know I hold all the cards. All it takes is for me to release my records of funding and research. It's all traced back to your businesses. Besides, you even told Red's son and Kai that I was once on your payroll."
"Please, I could spin the public's perception without any difficulty."
"Even with audio and video showcasing your true desires?"
Giovanni remained silent at that, the man taking a deep breath as he planned things over. He felt his mouth open, the words at the tip of his tongue but they wouldn't roll out. Instead caught within his throat. Kasai took the chance to speak once more.
"Don't fret. I have no intention to do so, especially since my boss wants you around to see things finished."
"And what does that mean?"
"I'm hired help. Need I remind you that I only agreed to join for funding purposes? Did it never cross your plebian brain that someone else might have been paying for my services as well?"
Giovanni pushed himself off the wall now. His feet tapped slightly against the tiled floor as he marched over towards the window, the entire island now in his view as smoke still rose from the sight of the crashed plane. It had been a loss for him since nearly every member was planned to be involved. Only a handful were away either due to previous assignments or worry they would mess things up.
"So you set me up?"
"Did you ever have interest in those tales before I came along?"
"Of course not," Giovanni scoffed. A few Pidgey flew by the window as Giovanni followed their path. The birds landed softly atop a building, their talons scratching at the tiles that lined the roof. "I'd only thought of Celebi as a myth told by my mother. Like those of Mew. You managed to open my eyes to the possibilities when you acquired a feather of Ho-oh turned black.
"So your betrayal was from the beginning I assume."
"It's nothing personal really. It was just necessary to move into phase two. The feathers are in play and so is the ball. We're just waiting on It to make an appearance. But we all agreed that we wanted to leave a gift for you," Kasai explained. Giovanni could hear him pour something in the distance. The noise replaced with a swishing sound as the man wondered if it had been a bottle of wine. His mind was moving too fast to wonder about it, however.
Kasai's words now made more sense. Before his hiring all Giovanni had cared about was building his organization up slowly. To get his hotel operation fully functional and then build them in other regions to open a network of operatives who could strike at any moment. And yet the plan's focus was shifted towards that of finding the keys to control Celebi. It was a mistake Giovanni fell for: the control of time. A smirk crossed his face upon fully realizing he had been played like a fiddle.
"It's unfortunate I had to discard my latest test subjects in the Legendary Birds. Alas it was fine since it also ruined your plans with them. No summoning of Lugia will be possible with them scattered once more."
Giovanni found himself shrugging his shoulders at that. He had little interest in Lugia or any of Kasai's tales now. All he wanted was to wipe this organization off the face of the earth before returning to his own plans. Though he figured a new way to control Mewtwo was always available, especially since there had been no guarantee he could have done it with just Celebi.
"Need I remind you that I've done more than anyone could imagine? The only reason I'm not Champion is to keep unwanted attention off of me," Giovanni spoke. The sun was starting to set now, the businessman shutting the shade as he made his way towards the door he entered through. On the other side he could hear footsteps along with a few conversations but they didn't worry him. Instead he flipped the switch by the door as light flooded the room. "Kasai, let me warn you though; you've made an enemy for life."
"I've got stronger allies. Ones you'd never imagine existed. But until the next time we meet, good luck."
Giovanni wanted to say more but the call dropped. Looking at his cellphone he crushed the device within his hand as pieces of glass and plastic fell to the floor. With a swift overhead motion he tossed the destroyed piece of plastic against the wall as it slammed against the sheetrock. A small indent was present as Giovanni tried to calm himself down.
I should have known things were up sooner. Domino vanishing, the talks of another organization, Kasai's errant mistake at Saffron. I was blinded by overconfidence, he thought to himself as he planted a hand against his face. Wiping it around, he slowly dragged his hand towards his neck where he tightened his tie before coughing. He had to remain presentable and keep his true intentions close to himself. And yet he wanted answers now.
Walking from the room he wondered if perhaps one of his remaining operatives could try to search for Kasai. But even if they did find him, what would they do with their lack of numbers? It was painfully clear now that this "important" mission was nothing more than a way to cripple them. Running his hand through his hair the man sighed out one final time as he decided to table his thoughts until he was alone once more.
The sea breeze passed through Ash's hair as the boy sat atop the boat. His eyes continued to look out at the ocean as he narrowed his eyes into the endless blue. It had been a rather disappointing end to his run at the tournament, especially since he had found out from Surge that it was a possible attack by Team Rocket. While he had wanted to at least help out in some capacity he had been shuttled off instead.
"Guess we'll never know who would have won, Pikachu," Ash muttered out as he leaned against the railing. Students from other schools passed by him though there weren't many left. In fact, the majority of them were from his school but the likes of Cross and a few others from Johto were aboard as well. It had turned out that the ship would arrive at a port just south of Pallet Town before continuing to Cherrygrove City. He'd never heard of it, but it was supposedly in Johto.
"Pikapi!" Pikachu replied as his cheeks sparked slightly. Ash laughed at that, the duo sharing a smile as the waves splashed up on them. Off in the deep distance they could make out land, but Ash knew it would be too soon to be Kanto. Or rather the mainland Kanto. It most likely was the Sevii Islands he had heard about in school.
"I just wish we could have finished the tournament!" he shouted, arms stretched towards the sky. His fingers wiggled in the breeze as Pikachu copied the motion. Footsteps bounced off the deck, Ash's head now craned in the direction as he noticed Cross. The boy slowly made his way towards Ash, his back leaning against the railing as a smirk sat on his face.
"That final battle would have been something else," the boy muttered as Ash blinked in confusion. He couldn't help but wonder why Cross had come to join him, especially since down below there was food and drinks being served.
"Too bad everything got cancelled though. I would have loved to see you the Oak boy go all out. Guess it will be better for the two of you to wait a bit longer."
Ash shrugged at that, his hands holding tight to the railing as they passed by one of the islands. Ships were docked within its port but their own continued on. Ash wondered just how far away they still were as he sighed out.
"Truthfully I doubt I would have won. All three matches I won it came down until the end. Gary on the other hand won easily."
It was now Cross' turn to shrug, the boy throwing his hands behind his head. "You'll never know until it happens.
"But that's not why I'm here," he stated. One of his hands moved from behind his head, pointing towards Ash. His finger pointed against Ash's chest, the Pallet Town native feeling protective of his feather. Even if Cross appeared to have no intentions of taking it, he wanted to be on guard. "A bet's a bet."
"So you were going to go through with it."
"I keep my word," Cross stated. He picked at his fingernail for a moment, a speck of dirt flying over the edge of the boat. It was quickly lost to the ocean as Ash looked back at the boy. His expression was changed, a more somber look as his eyes appeared heavy. The boy tugged at his chin, as if he wasn't quite sure how to begin.
"So what exactly happened between you and Charmander?" Ash spoke up. The silence was broken now as Cross chuckled at the question.
"Always so straight forward," he muttered. Ash and Pikachu rubbed the back of their heads at that, the duo realizing they kind of thrusted the question onto Cross. "But fine. Here's what happened...
"Truthfully I just wasn't right for him. It's a stupid answer, right? But I couldn't work well with him, the effort he put in to try and please me. And yet he couldn't keep up with my training style, that became evident when we took a trip to Nugget Bridge. His stamina was lower than Lycanroc and Incineroar, they held their own much better but Charmander struggled after just one match."
Cross paused for a moment, a smile crossing his face as he ran his hand through his orange hair. "But I saw it once. His true strength. And I wanted to see it more, but Charmander just wanted to please and protect me even if he couldn't."
"Please and protect?" Ash asked, him and Pikachu sharing a look at each other.
"Since Charmander joined you, how many times did he keep trying to fight if it was to help you? And I mean in the sense that he pushed himself to exhaustion or injuries. How'd he evolve?"
"The first time he actually evolved while being passed out. And then he evolved into Charizard after Surge pushed me off a mountain. Charmeleon dove straight after me without a second guess."
Cross shook his head at that explanation, Ash knowing right away the boy wondered just how Surge was allowed around children. Instead the boy dipped his head back as the ocean sprayed up into it. Ash flinched for a moment from the sudden wetness striking himself as Pikachu cried out happily.
"But you get what I mean? Charmander just tries too hard."
"Is that a problem?"
"Not normally. But he would push himself to meet my standards. I couldn't bring myself to hurt him like that. So I figured someone else would be better to raise him. You did good."
Ash stood there silently, no words coming from either trainer. Cross shrugged at the silence and walked away, Ash wanting to say something but the words caught in his throat. With each step the words grew thicker, Ash trying with all his might to tell the boy to stop walking away. He had more to ask him but Cross was already gone.
The trip towards Pallet Town continued in silence, Ash merely watching the blue ocean as they passed by what looked to be Cinnabar Island. It felt like the trip was moving rather quickly as he could make the outline of land. The wind blew through his hair once more as his mind drifted back towards everything he had been through during the past year.
"We're finally free for a few months, Pikachu," Ash laughed out. Pikachu nodded in agreement as he leapt from Ash's shoulder and onto the railing. The wind passed through Pikachu's fur, the Electric-Type crying happily. "But what are we gonna do for the summer? The others will definitely grow stronger for certain. We can't fall too far behind."
Pikachu merely nodded at that, his cheeks sparking with electricity as the landmass grew closer. Ash could make out a port as a few vessels left from it. It wasn't very busy but he recognized it for what it was, the only port south of Pallet Town. Most of the ships that used it were mostly transporting goods or crops through the region, but Ash had heard some cruise vessels left from there.
The ship began to slow down now as Ash made his way back inside. The food had been taken away now as most of the passengers stood, ready to leave. Looking around he noted how Gary and Leaf were here and had wished Janine had come along as well. Instead she had taken a separate boat heading for Fuchsia City to meet up with her father. A voice echoed over the loudspeaker, stating that they were about to dock but to please exit the ship in a single file line. With the exception of anyone heading to Johto. Cross and his small group stayed sitting on one of the couches.
The passengers listened, lining up as the doors slid open to reveal the ferry terminal. Workers scuttled about the terminal as they unloaded ships and loaded them back up with different items, Ash making out a shipment of Moomoo Milk being placed onto the bed of a truck. Once off the boat, he stretched his arms outwards. The smell of the ocean (now mixed with diesel and fish) floored his nostrils as he walked forward.
Walking out of the terminal he met a welcome surprise as Professor Oak and his mother were waiting for him in Professor Oak's car. The older man getting out to wave them over. Ash, Gary and Leaf made their way to their surprise ride as a few of their classmates were picked up in their own ways. Ash found it interesting when one of their classmates were picked up by their parent and rode off on a Tauros. He wondered for a moment how strong they could be to carry two individuals for an unknown amount of miles.
"The three of you must be exhausted," Professor Oak stated as he opened the trunk of his car. Ash dropped his backpack into the hatch as Gary and Leaf followed suit, though the latter pulled what looked to be a Pokégear out and began to look through it. "After everything that went down on your trip, you've got to be ready for a break."
"Not really," Ash replied as he opened the door to the car. Gary opened the opposite side, their eyes locked for a moment only to be broken when Leaf slid into the middle seat. Ash and Gary both made their way into their respective seats, the doors slamming behind them as Oak followed their action with his own door shutting. Ash felt a slight jolt as the car started, Pikachu squished between his legs as Ash gave an apologetic smile.
"We never finished the tournament so it's eating at me," Ash finished. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a nod from Gary. He wondered if Gary felt the same way despite how obvious their gap had become.
"But you made it to the finals along with Gary. You both did so well," Delia added. A small flash went off as she took a picture of the three, Ash blinded for a moment. Gary huffed at that comment for a bit though Ash felt no anger from him. It appeared to be a mutual agreement to the two boys as Ash stared out the window. "And I'm sure you gave it your all as well, Leaf."
The young girl gave no response as a small sigh came from her mouth. Ash didn't pay much attention to it however as the paved road quickly gave way to a dirt road as houses and buildings became few and far between. Eventually they were nonexistent it felt as the drive became silent except for the occasional noise from a bump in the road. Ash's leg bounced wildly as he felt restless, his eyes watching the outside world pass by. Eventually that silence was broken.
"Can you two stop that? It feels like I'm being shook cause you two can't stop bouncing your legs," Leaf complained. Ash looked over at Gary, his rival doing the exact same motion with his leg. They both came to a stop, Gary rubbing the back of his head while Ash chuckled nervously.
"It's clear you both want to see how things would go about. So when we get home just have a battle."
"A battle?"
"At home?"
The two boys asked their questions, though it felt more like a realization to Ash. A small smirk formed on his face, his eyes look at Gary for an answer only for the boy to remain silent. It was instead the elder Oak who spoke up.
"That's an excellent idea. We can hold it at my laboratory. I'm sure your other Pokémon would love to see all of you as well."
Ash blinked at that, realizing that he only had Chimchar back at the lab. But he couldn't help but wonder just how many Pokémon Leaf and Gary had captured. Sure, Gary had his own usual Pokémon for battles, but Ash wondered if he had captured many different types to help with training or even capturing stronger Pokémon. Though his thought was cut off once Gary stated his approval of the idea.
The car sped up with that, as if even Professor Oak was excited for the eventual battle. Ash felt his body slammed into the back of his seat, Pikachu likewise slamming into his stomach as they all bounced in the backseat. Houses began to pop up outside, Ash recognizing them all as they had finally reached the outskirts of Pallet Town. Driving through the area, Professor Oak slowed down but it was still faster than usual.
"The backyard should have plenty of space for your match, so feel free to go all out," Professor Oak stated, the man turning left down a road before taking a right. The car started to climb a slight hill now, Ash noticing the large windmill that rested atop the laboratory. The car came to a slight stop as Professor Oak placed it into park, Ash opening his door as he exited the vehicle.
Off in the distance Ash could see the sun begin to set in the distance but there was still plenty of light to battle. The trunk popped open as each of the three students grabbed their bags, Professor Oak locking the car up after before making his way for the front door.
"While you two have fun, I'll work on making a welcome home dinner for everyone," Delia stated, following Professor Oak through the front door. Ash felt his mouth salivate for a moment only to shake the thought from his mind. Entering behind Gary and Leaf, Ash felt the familiar look of the building hit him.
"This is where it all began..." Ash muttered out. Pikachu appeared to be the only one who heard him. Or at least the only one who cared of what he said as both Gary and Leaf made their way deeper into the house. Ash gave a small cry as he followed after them, the duo now in a room with many different devices. The young boy had seen this room only a couple of times, the last one being when he sent Chimchar back to Daisy, but he still had no clue what any of these devices did.
"Daisy!" Gary shouted out, his hands cupped around his mouth. The words echoed around the lab as they bounced off the mechanical room. Pounding footsteps drowned them out, a young woman entering the room with a scowl on her face. Ash and Leaf both smiled at her appearance though Gary frowned a bit, his hands placed behind his head in slight annoyance. "There you are..."
Gary couldn't finish his sentence however, a slight slap hitting him in the face as his hands shot for the red mark. Ash found himself fighting back a laugh while Leaf gasped for a moment. Daisy appeared rather annoyed by Gary's call for her, Ash wondering if she were asleep or busy as bags were present under her eyes.
"Stop that ruckus," she whispered out, a small finger pressed to her lip. "I just got some of the Pokémon here to sleep, I don't need your big mouth waking them."
Gary growled at that, but Daisy gave him no chance to respond. Dragging him out the back door of the lab. Ash and Leaf looked at each other, the duo shrugging as Pikachu was the first to follow after the two siblings. Taking Pikachu's action as the answer the duo exited the lab and entered the vast fields behind the building. Daisy stood over Gary, the girl a good foot taller than him as they appeared to have an argument.
"It's been months since you last talked to me and all you do is say 'can you take a look at some of my Pokémon'. No 'hi' or 'how are you', just that," Daisy complained, her arms crossed as she leaned towards Gary. Ash took a step back as he wondered how the duo would continue this, though a smile crossed Daisy's face. "But it's good to see you again. How'd the tournament go?"
"That's why we're here. It never finished," Gary explained. Ash saw the boy point in his direction, Ash pointing at himself as Gary continued talking. "We're the last two but it got called off before we could continue. So we're gonna have a match here. Otherwise we'll never settle down."
"It's always battling with you two isn't it?"
"Tell me about it," Leaf joined in with a sigh. Ash chuckled at that, though it quickly stopped when a thought entered his mind.
"Hey, Daisy, how's Chimchar?"
Daisy blinked at the question, as if she had been caught off guard by it before smiling. A few Spearow flew in the background, Ash wondering if they were part of the group that attacked him and Pikachu on their first day. "Chimchar's doing well. He's asleep right now, but I wouldn't plan to have him do any real training until after the summer. His body still hasn't recovered."
Ash nodded at that, though Daisy continued on as she turned towards Leaf. "And Haunter is doing well here too. I would love to do a checkup on your other five Pokémon if you'd like. And of course Gary's Pokémon are doing fine as always. Grampa makes sure I don't skip them."
Ash thought it was strange Leaf kept Haunter at the lab if she didn't have six Pokémon on hand. But one scream was the answer. Turning to the side, Ash found Leaf on the ground as Haunter's face stuck out of a tree laughing at Leaf. The girl cried for a moment from it before trying to hold a conversation with Haunter.
"Even Eevee?" Gary asked. The question pulled Ash's attention away from Leaf and her comedic Haunter and back towards Gary. Ash never realized his rival had caught such a Pokémon, but in reality he figured it shouldn't have surprised him. "You know I didn't bring him to the tournament because he overdid it during the training session before I left for it."
"Eevee is just fine. He just needed a couple days of rest, but he's now full of energy."
"Ash, how about our match is just a one-on-one then? Daisy can you find Eevee?" Gary asked, but before his sister could take off there was a slight dust cloud making its way over to them. Ash squinted at the object, making out a small, brown tuft of fur until it was closer. Ash figured it was the Eevee Gary had mentioned, its back-right leg with some tape on it. Gary chuckled at his Pokémon's energy, no doubt from having to sit around the lab for a while now. Without a question he unwrapped the bandage as Eevee proved there were no setbacks.
"Fine by me," Ash answered. Pikachu sparked with electricity at the question, Ash knowing exactly who he would go with. As it was, Charizard, Fearow and Bulbasaur were still exhausted from their match with Cross and he wouldn't even think of using Scyther against Gary.
The two boys took a few steps to the side, giving them some room to battle. Gary bent down and gave Eevee a slight pat on his head. Ash noticed that Eevee appeared rather excited to battle, a difference from how Gary's then Wartortle would be hesitant to battle at times. Ash smiled at that, tugging his hat down slightly as he realized for certain it wouldn't be the same Gary as before.
"Ready, Pikachu?"
"Pika!"
"Alright, Eevee, let's do this."
"Vee!"
Leaf dusted herself off, making her way to the side as Haunter floated beside her. "I guess I'll be the referee then.
"This is a one-on-one match between Ash and Gary, the winner will be decided once one side can no longer continue. Begin!"
"Pikachu, Quick Attack!"
"Eevee, dodge and then Swift!"
Both Pokémon acted immediately, Pikachu dashing across the field as his paws dug up the ground. Dirt and grass shot into the air as Pikachu charged for Eevee, the Normal-Type merely leaping to the side to dodge. Pikachu didn't stop however, twisting on the ground before pouncing for Eevee. Eevee dodged once more, leaping over Pikachu before sweeping its own tail. Stars shot out from the tail, raining down towards Pikachu.
"Knock them away with Iron Tail!"
"Pi cha!" Pikachu cried out, his tail turning metallic for a moment as he swept it side to side. His tail struck a few of the stars as they shattered into dust, though one got by and slammed into Pikachu. His body rolled for a second only for the Electric-Type to pounce back onto all four paws.
"Get in close Pikachu! Quick Attack once more, nothing can beat our speed," Ash commanded. His arm swept across his body though Gary didn't react as Eevee stood ready. Pikachu bounced across the field once more, a trail of white light falling behind him as Eevee lowered itself.
"Sand Attack!"
Eevee's paws dug into the ground, dirt and grass shooting right for Pikachu as he ran straight into it. Pikachu coughed out at it all as his paws tripped over themselves. His body tumbled for a moment only for the Electric-Type to recover.
"Iron Tail!"
Both trainers issued the command as their Pokémon reacted instinctively. Eevee slashed downwards with its tail, Pikachu slicing upwards as their two tails struck. Sparks flew from the impact as both Pokémon leapt backwards. Pikachu huffed slightly. Eevee patted the ground with his back leg as Ash noted there appeared to be no issues with it.
"Pikachu, they're making it hard for us to get in close," Ash said. His best friend nodded in agreement only for the duo to be surprised at Eevee rushing right at them.
"Iron Tail!" Gary shouted, his arm sweeping towards the side. Ash had little time to react, calling for an Iron Tail of his own.
Just as before, the two Pokémon clashed until their attacks forced them both to separate. However, Ash took this as his chance. He quickly issued a Thunderbolt as Pikachu leapt into the air. Eevee landed on the grass but had no time to react as electricity rained down towards it.
"Vee!" the Normal-Type cried out as the attack raced through its body. Gary grimaced at it, Ash smirking as Pikachu landed on the ground. Neither side was ready to give in just yet.
"Eevee, you alright?"
"Veevee."
Ash watched Pikachu stand before him, a smile crossing both their faces as Eevee dashed towards them. Pikachu lowered himself, Ash calling for a Quick Attack. His partner dashed forward with a light cry and aimed right for Eevee. Dirt flew through the air as Pikachu and Eevee raced through the field.
"Now pivot!" Gary shouted out. The boy punched forward with the command, Ash surprised by such a command. Eevee however came to a near stop, standing atop his hindlegs. The Normal-Type pivoted as Pikachu rushed right past his target.
"You're not getting away! Iron Tail on the ground!" Ash shouted. He had a feeling that Gary planned to attack at the moment Pikachu tried to turn around. Instead, Pikachu leapt forward as his body twisted in the air. With a single strike downwards his tail smashed into the ground as cracks formed and the land splintered apart. The cracks ran through the grass, culminating in the ground collapsing around not only Pikachu but Eevee as well.
The Normal-Type lost its balance, spraying across the ground as Pikachu leapt from the impact. With the two Pokémon facing each other now, Pikachu leapt across the shattered ground. His body finally managed to ram itself into Eevee, the Normal-Type tumbling backwards for a moment only to jump right back up.
"Should have expected something like that," Gary muttered. The boy wiped away at his forehead before pointing a finger forward. "Eevee, it's our turn now to get creative."
"We're not gonna let you! Electro Ball!"
"Counter with Shadow Ball!"
Both Pikachu and Eevee lunged forward, the former's tail glowing with electricity as it culminated in the shape of a sphere. Eevee's mouth glowed with a sinister energy, darkness flowing from it as it took on its own shape of a sphere. Neither Pokémon waited for the command to fire, the two attacks meeting head on and exploding outwards.
Dust covered the area, Ash unable to see anything until it was too late. A bright light shot through the dust cloud until they finally revealed themselves to be the glowing stars that belonged to Swift. Pikachu tried to dodge them, but his vision was too obscured, the barraged raining into his body as they exploded upon impact.
Pikachu tumbled across the field, his body escaping the dust cloud as Ash called for his partner in concern. Though it appeared they weren't safe yet as Eevee came flying out of the dust and smoke, his tail metallic as it swung for Pikachu.
"Thunderbolt, quick!"
"Pika chuuuuuuu!" Pikachu cried out from his position on the ground. A bolt of electricity shot out from his cheeks as it seared the ground and shot up for Eevee. The Normal-Type merely slashed at it with its tail, cutting through the attack as Ash gasped out. Eevee appeared completely fine as it landed on the grassy field with relative ease. The Normal-Type then continued its attack, its feet digging up the ground as its tail shined once more.
"Let's end this, Eevee!" Gary shouted out. Eevee twisted its body around, its metallic tail slamming down into Pikachu before sweeping him to the side. Pikachu's momentum carried him across the field, finally coming to a stop as his body rested beneath a tree.
"Pikachu!" Ash shouted out. His feet carried him over towards his best friend, Pikachu now stirring as he tried to stand back up. Ash's eyes darted between Pikachu and Eevee, both sides panting heavily only for a thud to echo outwards. Ash's eyes widened in surprise as the sigh of Pikachu laying in front of him signaled the end of the battle.
Leaf bit at her thumb for a moment, her free hand grasping at the bottom of her shirt as she finally made the call. "Pikachu can no longer battle! That means Gary and Eevee are the winners!"
"Pi..." Pikachu muttered as he sat up. Ash rubbed the Electric-Type's head softly, praising him for the excellent job before realizing Gary baited them into that last attack. Pikachu tried to fully stand, his cheeks sparking as Ash shook his head in disagreement.
"Let yourself rest now, Pikachu. You were great out there," the boy stated. Pikachu sighed out tiredly, his body slumping against the tree as Gary picked up Eevee and walked towards them.
"You feel the same way?" Gary asked. Ash nodded, though he hadn't wanted to admit it out loud. "Figures. Guess it'll have to wait until we make our debuts one day."
Ash chuckled at that, picking Pikachu up as he held his partner carefully. He heard a slight snore coming from his best friend, a sign that Pikachu had really tired himself out during the match. Eyes locked onto Gary, Ash adjusted Pikachu in his arms so that he could extend a hand forward.
"We both still have a ways to go. Our real first match will just have to wait."
Gary nodded in agreement, Eevee climbing onto his shoulder. Gary reached out for Ash's hand, clasping it tightly as the two kept their eyes locked onto each other. Turning his head slightly, Gary looked in the direction that Ash knew the Indigo Plateau rested in. A smirk sank onto both their faces as their hands retracted.
"It might not be this summer, but we'll have our first real match at a Pokémon League."
Gary didn't wait for a reply, the boy walking away as Daisy sighed in annoyance towards her younger brother. Leaf looked back and forth between Ash and Gary, the girl unsure of what to do before finally chasing after the latter. Ash figured she wanted to make sure Eevee was alright after that battle.
"Here, let me take a look at Pikachu," Daisy offered. Ash handed his partner over carefully, Daisy straddling him as the duo walked back into the lab. The smell of his mother's cooking lingered in the air, the boy able to recognize a few of his favorite meals as Daisy placed Pikachu onto a small device. A laser scanned Pikachu's body slowly, Ash finding the piece of technology fascinating and yet he found it hard to watch.
His mind was racing, his thoughts moving onto the next before he had even finished processing the ones before. That match with Gary had made him realize even with all his training recently he still had more to learn. He had more ways to continue his growth as a trainer. And that he and Pikachu were still a long way from their dream.
It brought a sense of excitement into Ash, his hand shaking slightly as he felt trapped in the small room. He wanted to get out and continue his journey. To go back to school, grab his belongings, get his final grades and be off. He wanted to travel again and see the world. His jacket shinned slightly as Ash patted the feather with excitement.
Ash knew this was just the beginning of his adventure. He was certain this summer would lead to incredible results.
And with that, Master Quest: Hiatus…errr Master Quest: Lessons has finally come to a close. Jokes aside, it's finally finished and I won't lie, I couldn't be happier. Not that I hated this story, but rather I really want to get into the next handful of books that occur. Namely since the next one will kick off events in Johto.
As for that book, titled Master Quest: Adventure, it will not be uploaded until somewhere in the late November to late December/early January range. I haven't planned an exact upload date since I don't have a single chapter of it written and I'd like to get a bunch of them done before I start. But when I do finally upload it, I will upload the first chapter here as well.
But before we say goodbye to Lessons, I'd like to thank two individuals who reviewed every chapter of the story: Epicocity and ChE Clarinetist. Their advice and thoughts were greatly appreciated and have helped with the way I look at how I want to write Adventure and make sure I can write it in the way I want it to come across to the reader. Both of them were able to help me get through some slumps I had where I just didn't have the desire to work on Lessons and I'd like to personally thank them for it. And if you guys could, please go and check out Epicocity's page at (fanfiction doesn't like the place but go to Epicocity's author page and the link is there) Just replace the word "dot" with the actual dot and remove the spaces. He's got an amazing story up there titled Trial of Souls that if you pledge a donation you can read it. He's also got a three-shot for the Ancienverse that you can also read with a pledge. And believe me, they're both worth it along with everything else he's got planned for the future.
But for one final time in Lessons, thank you to everyone who read the chapter and supports this story. Please leave a review letting me know what you enjoyed and how I can improve the story.