Chapter 34: Mikan Island, Sunburst Island and Kinnow Island
Swimming through the water on Voyage's back, Ash and his friends were approaching an island.
"Look guys, that's Mikan Island." Tracey pointed.
"Mikan Island?" Misty turns to him.
"It's wonderful around the cape, plus it's also the home of one of the Orange League Gym's."
"Sweet that means I can have my first Gym Battle." Ash said.
"If it's anything like the Kanto gyms you can win easy." Tomo said.
"Voyage, full speed ahead!" Ash points to the island, in which he cried out, swimming towards it.
However unbeknownst to them, under the sea watching from a parascope was Team Rocket in their new Magikarp submarine. But their submarine's propellers gets tangled in seaweed and they begin to sink to the bottom.
Arriving at the island, their first stop was the Pokémon Center.
Ash gotten Lapras all healed up and then decided on calling home to Pallet Town. First he had to call home.
"Oh are you boys OK?!" Delia asked in a panic manner. "Prof. Oak told me about what those horrible Team Rocket people just leaving you all unsupervised in a blimp all by yourselves!"
"Don't worry Mom we're okay." Ash said.
"Yeah no injuries whatsoever." Tomo said quickly.
Delia let out a big sigh and held her chest. "This is why I worry about you kids and your journeys.."
"Mom we're all fine I swear nothing bad is happening to us." Ash assures.
"Please call down." Tomo said to her.
"You guys crashed here on a blimp?" Tracey sweatdrops.
"Long story." Misty sighs.
Delia finally calmed her breathing. "OK, I'm calm.."
"Anyway I just wanted to call and tell you Tomo and I are going to spend a little more time here in the Orange Islands while I compete in the Orange League." Ash said.
"I figured a new adventure would soon come up." She said. "What happened with Prof. Oak's errand?"
"We're still doing it." Ash reassured her. "I just wanna do a little side quest while I'm here."
"Alright but if I hear anything about you two boys getting in any more life or death situations I will fly out there and drag you both home if I have to." Delia declares.
"Don't worry Mom we swear we'll be careful." Tomo said.
"We promise." Ash said as they hung up.
"Ash sometimes I think Mom worries too much." Tomo said.
"Well to be fair ever since the incident she's been like this." Ash said pointing to his face.
"Incident? What incide-!" Tracey blinked now noticing Ash's face.
"Wow kudos for not seeing this right away. I gotta admit Tracey that's impressive." Ash said.
"Uh maybe I was so caught up in what happened the other day, that I didn't noticed.." He said.
"Just fyi it's a bit of a sensitive issue for Ash so don't try and dive right into questions." Misty whispers.
"Uh..OK.." Tracey said with a little nod. Ash flipped open his PokéDex.
"Now let's see which Pokémon should I switch over?" Ash asks browsing through his choices.
"You're really loving that Update huh?" Misty said.
"Really makes things easier than always having to look for a Pokémon Center." Ash smiles.
"But you're still gonna use the old system?" Tomo asks.
"Yeah I mean I have all the information it can give on new Pokémon and can do all of this. I think I'll stick with it for now unless there's a new better version." Ash shrugs.
He soon selects the Pokémon he wants to use for this battle.
"Now one more thing to do before we go." Ash said dialing on the screen a number. Soon Prof. Oak's face appeared on screen.
"Hi Ash, good to see you." Prof. Oak smiles causing Tracey to gasp.
"It's him." Tracey smiles.
"Hey Professor, just calling in to say that everything is fine on our side." Ash said.
"That's a relief, but I have a feeling that's not all." Prof. Oak said.
"Nope, someone here wants to meet you." Ash said nudging Tracey.
"Uh...h-hi there Prof. Oak." Tracey said.
"Oh and who might you be?" Prof. Oak asks.
"M-my name is Tracey Skechit." He stutters.
"Tracey here is a Jr Pokémon Researcher." Ash said.
"Oh my a junior researcher. Very impressive." Prof. Oak said.
"Yes I've been studying under Prof. Elm from the Johto Region to get where I am today sir." Tracey nodded.
"Prof. Elm huh? Well you're definitely on the right track learning from him. I wouldn't mind talking Pokemon notes with you sometime." Prof. Oak said.
"Y-you mean it?!" He gasped.
"Absolutely." Prof. Oak nods causing Tracey to smile widely.
'I can't believe I'm hearing things!' He said. "Well then I have some stuff I would love to-" suddenly Prof. Oak was suddenly covered by Grim.
"Muk!" Grim said.
"Grim no! No more!" Prof. Oak screams trying to break free.
"Uh it looks like Grim is really affectionate with you Professor." Ash did a little laugh.
"Sorry Ash gonna have to call you back later." Prof. Oak groans.
"Muk!" Grim happily gotten on his back.
"Ack! No, bad Muk!" Prof. Oak cried out.
"Oh boy." Ash said hanging up.
"Aw man I barely got to talk to him." Tracey whines.
"You got all of this journey." Tomo said patting his back.
"You'll get another chance." Ash assures. Once preparations are done, they went out to look for the Mikan Gym.
"Alright it says here the Gym is right down this path." Tracey said looking at the map.
"Sweet." Ash said when Tomo noticed a coconut on the ground.
"Speaking of sweet." Tomo said about to grab it.
"Wait bro." Ash stopped before he could grab it.
"What?" He asks before Ash pointed to a line on the coconut.
"Oh man that was close." Tomo said stepping back.
"Aw man way to ruin it!" A young voice said.
Looking over they saw a kid who was Tomo's age in front of them. "Let me guess, you're the one who tried to prank us?" Ash said crossing his arms.
"What are you guys doing around here?" He asks.
"I'm here to challenge the Mikan Gym Leader." Ash said
"Ha!" He laughed. "Might as well just stop while you can, the Mikan Gym is too strong for weaklings like you!"
"Weak? I'll have you know my brother competed in the Indigo League." Tomo said.
"Oh the Indigo League. What did you come in dead last?" He mocks.
"Top 3." Ash corrected.
"T-Top 3?" He blinked.
"What's wrong, still think I'm weak?" Ash smirked.
"Y-Yes I mean Bronze? That's the worst prize of all." He said trying to be cool.
"I don't need to listen being insulted by some kid who never competed in a league before." Ash scoffed, turning away.
"What was that?!" The kid said angrily. "You wanna see if I'm strong to do so?!" He said getting a Pokéball out.
"What are you doing?" Turning around they saw a teenage girl nearby. "You're supposed to be cleaning your room."
"Uh I was Cissy." The kid said nervously. "But then I saw these kids sneaking around."
"No we weren't this kid was trying to prank us." Misty said.
"How many times have I told you to stop pranking potential opponents?" Cissy said with a mean look.
"Potential opponents?" Ash asks.
"That's right my name's Cissy and I'm the Mikan Island gym leader."
"She's the Gym Leader?" Tomo gasped.
"Well this will be interesting." Misty said. However she looks over and saw Tracey was sketching Cissy..what?
"What are you doing?" Misty narrowed her eyes.
"Oh uh, did I mention that I sketch people too?" Tracey said.
"You don't say." Misty said suspicious.
The last thing she wanted to deal with was another Brock. Cissy leads everyone back to her gym, which looked like a normal battlefield.
"So Ash since you competed in Kanto let me tell you, in the Orange Islands we do things a little differently around here." Cissy said getting his attention.
"Different how?" Ash asks.
"Well you see for my gym we each use two Pokémon but we're both only allowed to use Water Pokémon." Cissy explains.
"Only Water Pokémon?" That piked Misty's interest.
"That'll be tough, water type attacks don't do much damage against other water types." Tracey said.
"I've never seen a gym that made rules for the challenger like that before." Ash said.
"You see Ash in the Orange Islands we each find extra ways to push our challengers so only the best can win. Any trainer can win if they have the type advantage but only the best can win when they don't." Cissy smirks.
Ash tightened his headband. "Well I can win either way." He states taking the challenge. "I accept!"
Cissy looks to her brother who nods running to the ref's area.
"Alright this will be a two on two battle and the match is over when both Pokemon on either team is unable to continue." Senta declares.
He then pulled out a remote control and the normal battlefield turns into a pool.
"This Gym is getting better by the minute." Misty smiles.
"Seadra go!" Cissy said calling out the sea dragon Pokemon.
Ash enlarges his Pokéball. "I Choose You, Spirit!" He throws it and out came his Kingdra.
"What the?" Cissy said surprised.
"A Kingdra." Tracey smiles in awe.
"Surprised? Alot are. This is the evolved form of Seadra." Ash smiled as Spirit cried out with pride.
"And just like that, Ash has the upper hand." Misy smiles.
"As always." Tomo smiles.
"No way Cissy can still win." Senta said.
"Spirit use Signal Beam!" Ash said making the first move.
"Seadra Smokescreen!" Cissy said as Seadra created a cloud of smoke dodging it.
Signal Bean failed to miss it's mark. "Now Water Gun!" Spirit was hit from behind by the Water blast. Flinching Spirit turns to see Seadra swimming quickly around him.
"Now Seadra use Water Pulse!" Cissy said.
"Dodge it Spirit!" Ash said as Spirit sprints out of the way before he was pelted by the water ball. "Use Body Slam!"
Swimming upwards, Spirit sprung out of the water and lands onto Seadra. As the two sink underwater Seadra uses the decreased weight on Spirit to get away.
"Sorry Ash but Pokémon weigh a lot less underwater." Cissy said.
"Erg." He grunts.
"Seadra, underwater Ice Beam!" Cissy said. Firing a beam it froze some of the water as it hit Spirit dealing super effective damage.
"Hang in there Spirit, Dragon Dance!" Ash said.
Glowing bright red Sprit's speed and attack increased.
"Now Dragon Pulse!" Ash said as Spirit fired a glowing blue orb that smashed into Seadra.
Which that helped out break out of the ice again. "Now Signal Beam!" This time, Signal Beam made its mark onto Seadra.
"Seadra, Smokescreen!" Cissy said.
"Not this time!" Ash said.
As Seadra tried to escape through the smoke it ended up getting his escape path blocked by Spirit.
"Use Body Slam!" With quick speed, Kingdra smashes Seadra into the pool's wall.
"Might not work well underwater but on surface this attack works." Ash smirks.
"Guess you're not as a bad as I thought you were." Cissy said. "Seadra, Water Pulse!" Shaking out of his stupor, Seadra fired Water Pulse as it knocks Spirit backwards.
"But I'm not going down easily either." Cissy said.
"Well neither am I, Dragon Dance!" Ash pointed as Spirit boosted up his attack and Speed again.
"Seadra Ice Beam now!" Cissy said as Seadra fired an blue icy blast.
"Dodge it, then charge at Seadra with another Body Slam!" Ash said.
"Bubblebeam!" Firing a barrage of bubbles they pelt Spirit multiple times as he charged in. Which in return, reduces Spirit's speed. "Now Water Gun!" Cissy said.
"Don't stop Spirit! Break through it with Water Pulse!"
First Cissy's Kingdra fired Water Gun while Spirit fired a Water Pulse as it passes through Water Gun.
As Water Pulse smashes into Seadra it tries to recover but ends up wobbling in the water.
"Seadra!" Cissy gasps.
"What luck, Water Pulse managed to confuse Seadra." Tracey said.
"Let's finish this match Spirit, with one more Dragon Pulse!" Ash said. Flying across the water Dragon Pulse smashes into Seadra knocking it into the water with swirly eyes.
"Seadra is unable to battle, Kingdra is the winner!"
"Round 1 goes to us!" Ash smiles as Spirit cheers.
Cissy returns Seadra. "I'm very proud of you Seadra. Get some rest."
"Ash used his moves very well. Thanks to those Dragon Dances all of Kingdra's attacks did tons of damage." Tracey said.
"It's only one more battle until victory." Misty said.
"Well Ash I have to say you're doing very well." Cissy said returning Seadra.
"Thanks, and I'm ready for Round 2." Ash nodded.
"Well then, why don't we head outside then?" Cissy said grinning.
"Outside?" Ash said confused.
Making their way out to the beach they saw Cissy had a different arena made right by the ocean.
"Isn't a second arena a little much?" Ash asks.
"Nope, it's only suitable for my second Pokémon." Cissy said bringing her Pokéball out.
Tossing it up in the air, everyone looked to see a Blastoise come out.
"Blast!" Blastoise said.
"B-Blastoise?" Ash blinked.
"This might be a little tougher than a Seadra." Tracey cringed.
"Yeah that thing looks strong." Tomo agrees.
"So still sticking to your Kingdra Ash?" She said.
'Voyage isn't at a high enough level to beat Blastoise and Spirit is a little worn out. I need to give him some breathing room.' Ash thought seeing he had only one choice.
"I Choose you, Wav!" He throws it and out came the tadpole Pokémon. "Poliwrath!"
The two of them were about to begin round 2 when suddenly something burst out of the water.
"We did it!" Looking over they saw Team Rocket climb out of their Magikarp sub while James was apparently covered in seaweed.
"Are you guys OK?!" Cissy calls out. "Do you need first aid!"
Once noticing them, the started their motto. "It's the same thing everytime." Misty said in a bored tone.
"Well at least they changed the first part a little bit." Ash said deadpan.
"You know what those people are talking about?" Cissy wondered as they were completely ignoring the motto.
"Not exactly." Ash shakes his head. "We're kinda used to it by now." Once they were done, they said how glad it was to finally make it up the surface. Ash tells them to go away, but James argued, saying how they were stuck at the bottom and that one of them had to swim out and untangle themselves, that one being James.
"I almost thought...I wasn't going to make it." James whimpers.
"Save your sob stories for the movies!" Meowth whacks James with a hammer. "Look!" He pointed to Wav and Blastoise. "We got us a two for one deal!"
"You're right. This will be a story of how personal triumph conquers personal tragedy. Weezing!" James said calling out his Pokémon which created a cloud of smoke. "Fire the net!" Jessie said and a net from their sub shot out and wrapped around Blastoise.
"Oh no. The net's not big enough!" James said.
"Who cares we'll come back for the other one later." Meowth said as they climbed in and dragged Blastoise underwater.
"They got Blastoise!" Ash was about to get Wav to stop them, but Cissy stops him.
"Don't worry, Blastoise will be fine." She reassures him. Underwater Team Rocket ended up getting tied up in seaweed again but when they tried to escape Blastoise used this chance to escape. He sprung up towards the surface and broke free from the net.
"Wow you weren't kidding." Misty said.
"Told ya." Cissy smirks as Team Rocket resurfaces again.
"This is not our day." Jessie whines.
"I am not getting out and doing this again." James said.
"Blastoise Hydro Pump!" Cissy said.
"Wav you use Hydro Pump too!" Ash said.
The two Pokémon blasted Team Rocket with high pressure water, making them rocket sky high.
"So these guys follow you everywhere?" Tracey sweatdrops.
"Pathetic we know." Tomo sighs.
"Now that they're gone." Ash looks to Cissy.
"Right, let's have our last match." She nodded.
Standing on opposite ends of the beach Wav and Blastoise took stances ready for battle.
"Let the match begin!"
"Wav use Focus Punch!" Ash said as Wav's fist glowed.
"Blastoise, Rapid Spin attack!" Cissy said. Blastoise spun into his shell and spun repeatedly, repelling the Focus Punch from making a blow.
"Hydro Pump!" As Wav leaps back he fires a stream of water knocking Blastoise away.
"Blastoise, Flash Cannon!" Blastoise fired a white power from his canons, which Wav blocked himself when made contact.
"Knock it away Wav!" Ash said as Wav flung his arms ripping away the beam.
"Now go in for a Drain Punch!" Ash said. Wav's fist becomes surrounded in a green orb of energy.
"Dodge and use Hydro Pump!" Sidestepping Blastoise blasts Wav making him skid back.
"Now use Strength!" Cissy said. Blastoise's body becomes surrounded in a light blue aura and its muscles grow larger. He then gives Wav one mean punch to the gut.
"Oh man and I thought Blastoise were strong before." Tomo said.
"I should teach mine that move." Misty pauses.
"Wav, stand back up!" Ash said. Groaning Wav managed to get back up to his feet as the water washed against him.
"Blastoise, Flash Cannon!" Blastoise fired the steel beam again through his cannons.
"Wav into the water!" Ash said as Wav jumps into the sea dodging it.
"Going for another underwater battle?" Cissy asks.
"Just using the different field to my advantage, like this! Focus Punch!" Leaping out of the sea Wav nails Blastoise in the face. Blastoise groaned, but thanks to his super high defense, he still didn't budge.
"Clever." Cissy smirks.
"And not done yet!" Ash said. "Drain Punch!" Switching his fists, Wav punches Blastoise with his glowing right hook, making energy from Blastoise decrease and increase his health.
"Skull Bash!" Pulling his head back Blastoise rams into Wav.
"Wrath!" He was launched backwards, but landed onto a platform.
"After him Blastoise!" Cissy said as Blastoise leaps in. Wav stepped back onto his feet on the platform as he saw Blastoise was gunning for him.
"Alright Wav, jump and go for Drain Punch!" Ash said. Leaping up Wav dodges the attack and nails a hit on the way down.
"Blast!" Right on Blastoise's back shell. "Keep them punches going and hang on!" Ash said. Delivering a barrage of punches Wav hits Blastoise like a boxer.
"Blastoise!" Because of his stubby arms, Blastoise can't reach back there on his shell to get Wav off of him. And he can't turn his cannons around.
"Blastoise may have a big defense but thanks to Wav's small body he is able to move around that platform with ease." Tracey said sketching this.
"Ash is always able to think outside the box." Misty said.
"That's how he manages to win, my bro is different than your average trainer." Tomo tells Tracey.
"You don't say." Tracey said interested.
"Now Wav Focus Punch one more time!" Ash said as Wav nails Blastoise in the gut but before he could pull away Blastoise grabs him surprising them.
"Huh?"
"Now Dragon Pulse!" Aiming a cannon at close range Blastosie blasts Wav with a powerful dragon attack.
"Poliwrath!" He screamed. "Wav, no!" Ash gasped.?Crashing into the water everyone held their breath as Wav resurfaced with swirly eyes.
"Poliwrath is unable, Blastoise wins!" Senta announced.
"All tied up now." Cissy said as Ash returned Wav.
"Thanks Wav, get some rest." He said. "Oh man, I'm in a jam already.." Ash mutters to himself. All Ash had left was Spirit and Cissy had her still strong Blastoise up and ready.
'I gotta think of something, Spirit is really small up against Blastosie.' He thought pulling Spirit's ball out. Throwing it up in the air Spirit appears in the water across from Blastoise.
"Well well, you're actually bringing your Kingdra out? I thought you'd back out of it." Cissy said. "You honestly think something that small can beat something as big and powerful as my Blastoise?" Blastoise armed himself.
"I don't run away from fights Cissy, ever heard of the phrase "The Bigger they are, the harder they fall?," Ash said. "Well that's what I plan to do with Spirit here, right boy?!"
"Doo!"
"I like your spirit Ash. But let's see if you can back it up. Blastoise Hydro Pump!" Cissy said.
"Spirit Dragon Dance!" Ash said as Spirit glowed red and dashed out of the way.
"Use Dragon Pulse!" Both Ash and Cissy said as Blastoise and Spirit fired them both at the exact same time.
Both attacks meet in the middle and explode creating a shockwave that rattled the field with powerful waves.
Spirit however went underwater to not get blown away. While Blastoise however struggled to be up on the platform.
"Use Focus Energy Spirit!" Spirit's body glowed red underwater.
"Blastoise Rapid Spin!" Diving into the water Blastoise spun towards Spirit.
"Dragon Pulse!" Ash said.
Swimming backwards Spirit fires Dragon Pulse that cancels out Rapid Spin.
"Doo!" Spirit began swimming upwards to the surface.
"Blastoise after them and use Hydro Pump!" Swimming to the surface Blastoise fires two blasts of water.
"Dragon Dance again!" Ash said as while Spirit was swimming, he boosted attack and Speed again, and dodges Hydro Pump with ease.
"Rapid Hydro Pump!" Going into his shell Blastoise fired multiple streams of water while spinning. Spirit ducked and move right and then left to avoid it.
"Keep moving Spirit!" Ash said but in the end Blastoise put too much and got a powerful blast in knocking him back.
He was blasted out of the water and lands on the platform.
"Doo." Spirit pants getting tired.
"Spirit hang in there." Ash said as Blastoise resurfaced.
"Well your Kingdra is fast and can actually stand longer againt my Blastoise, but I think it's time we end this!" Cissy says.
"Spirit you gotta move!" Ash said ass Blastoise swam in.
"Blastoise Skull Bash!" Cissy said ready to end this.
"Spirit Dragon Dance and Dragon Pulse!" Ash said as Kingdra glowed bright red and fired a giant glowing red Dragon Pulse that smashed into Blastoise as it was inches from him.
"That's a different colored Dragon Pulse!" Tracey gasped on the sidelines.
"And it looked way stronger than normal." Misty said.
They all waited for the explosion to die out, on the platform, Spirit was looking exhausted..while Blastoise was still standing.
"Oh no." Tomo gulps.
"Oh yeah!" Senta grins.
"Guess it wasn't enough." Cissy grinned. "Blastoise, Hydro Pu-" however she stopped when she sees Blastoise wobble lightly. "B-Blastoise?" Everyone then saw Blastoise fall over onto his back with swirls in his eyes.
"Blastoise.." He groans.
"B-Blastoise is unable to battle! Kingdra wins! The winner is Ash Ketchum!" Senta announced surprised.
"Alright!" Ash cheered as he picks up Spirit. "I knew you'd hang in there big guy, great job!" Spirit replied in happiness in their victory.
"He really beat me." Cissy said before smiling.
On the shore, Ash and Cissy met.
"Ash I have to say you and your Pokemon are something else." Cissy congratulates.
"Gotta admit, if you could beat Blastoise, I wouldn't stand a chance against you." Senta said.
"I can see why you made it so for in the Indigo League. I bet you'll do great in the Orange League too." Cissy hands Ash a pink tellins shell with a small gemstone on it. "This is the Coral-Eye Badge of the Mikan Gym. Proof that you've won your match."
Ash happily takes it. "It looks like a shell."
"Yes, all of the badges from the Orange League Gyms are shells." Cissy explains.
"Thanks Cissy." Ash smiles looking at his first Orange League Gym Badge. Saying their goodbyes, everyone gotten back on Voyage and left Mikan Island.
"I wish I could have a cool badge like that, I wish I could've challenged her myself." Misty said.
"Sorry Misty maybe another time." Ash smiles.
"You were awesome Bro. That last Dragon Pulse was awesome." Tomo said.
"Yeah it was." Ash said.
"And Cissy and her Blastoise were quite strong." Tracey said drawing something.
Looking over his shoulder Misty saw a sketch of Cissy standing next to her Blastoise.
Giving her the deadpan look again. "I thought you said you were just a Pokémon Researcher."
"Uh well..." Tracey sweatdrops.
That only made Ash and Tomo laugh at him as they sail off. 1 Badge in hand, Ash wonders how many he has to collect until he can enter the Orange League.
After leaving Mikan Island, our group of friends were sailing on Voyage, wondering where there next adventures will take them.
Sitting up on Voyage's head, Togepi was cheering enjoying the ride.
"So where's the next Gym located Tracey?" Ash asks him as he lies on Voyage's neck.
"Hmm, as far as were going, I'd say Navel Island."
"Hmm looks like this one is a few islands away." Tomo said looking at the map.
"Then maybe we can look at these smaller islands along the way." Misty suggests.
"Sounds good to me, that last gym was tough. I can use those islands to train while we're there." Ash said already making up his mind.
"After what happened with Cissy who knows what the other gyms will do?" Misty asks.
"Boy are they different than the gyms back home or what." Ash figured.
Misty looks ahead and spots something floating in the water. "Hey guys look."
Looking ahead Ash bends down and pulls out what appears to be a message in a bottle.
He opens it to read it. "What's it say?" Tomo asked.
"If you know anything about a Pokémon called "The Crystal Onix", let me know right away."
Signed,
Marissa from Sunburst Island
"Crystal Onix? What's that?" Misty asks.
"I'm not sure but Sunburst Island isn't that far from here." Tracey said looking at the map.
"I say we check this out." Ash said interested to see or learn about this Crystal Onix.
Upon arriving at the island they look in awe as they saw rows of beautiful glass objects.
"Wow look at all the glass." Misty said blown away.
"Sunburst Island is famous for famous for having all kinds of crystal and glass shards. Lots of artists live here, and they make the glass right on the island." Tracey said seeing some guys making glass in their workshop. "People travel all over the world to buy them."
"I can see why." Ash said impressed.
"Hey Ash I had an idea. You think if we bought mom a gift from here she's calm down about our travels?" Tomo suggests.
"While that is not a bad idea Tomo with our luck it would be broken long before we'd be able to give it to her." Ash said.
"You're still keeping this crummy shop open?!" They heard a man out loud in front of them, talking to a little pink haired girl. "Haven't you gone out of business yet?"
"No sir." She replied softly.
"I don't see why you won't close up shop, you ain't got no merchandise, just tell your big brother to give up already, he just don't got the talent." He said making the little girl tear up at his hurtful words.
"Yea he does.." She put her head down. "He's really good."
"Aw gee, come on now, don't start crying." The vendor said telling her not to try.
"Hey is something wrong?" Misty asks as they walk over.
"You guys know her?" The vendor asks.
"No not really." Ash said.
"Look all I'm saying is being next to this stand is ruining my business. Kids these days." He mutters walking away.
'What an ass..' Ash thought not liking his attitude before looking to the little girl. "Hey there are you OK?" He asked bending down to her.
"Yes, I'm fine." She raised her head up to see him.
"You don't run this shop all by yourself do you?" Misty asks.
"No my big brother Mateo does most of the work. Only now he doesn't really feel like making glass." She frowns.
"What's your name?" Tomo asks.
"My name's Marissa." She said.
"Wait, are you the same one who wrote this?" Ash asks holding out the bottle.
"Why yes I-" She turns to Ash and when she sees his scars she flinches for a second.
"Oh sorry, I don't mean to scare you." Ash said backing up.
"Wow you must really know a lot about the Crystal Onix." Marissa said.
"Uh...actually I don't know anything." Ash admits.
"We're sorry." Misty said making Marissa sad again.
"Is the Crystal Onix really real?" Tomo asks.
"Sure there is, my brother knows about it." Marissa nods.
"Maybe we should all have a talk with your brother about this." Misty said.
Inside the store, we find an older boy with brown hair working in the back.
"Marissa have you been bothering these people?" Mateo asks.
"She wasn't bothering us one bit." Misty reassured her.
"We just wanted to talk to you." Ash said. "It's about how this one guy said you didn't had any kinds of glass models for your stand."
"Well you see...when my grandfather ran the store it was full of glass and it was a big success because Grandpa did one thing no other stand on the island did, glass Pokemon. But when he died I did my best to follow in his footsteps but I just can't make anything good enough to sell in the store." Mateo explains when Tomo noticed some glass Pokemon behind him.
"But those glass Pokemon look pretty amazing." Tomo said.
"They look just like the normal Pokémon." Misty said.
"Yeah all of them look perfect for selling." Tracey said.
"Maybe but not to me. Compared to grandpa's these things are worthless!" Mateo said throwing one to the ground causing it to shatter.
"Mateo calm down, what's so bad about these ones?" Ash asks.
"They don't have that soul, they look like statues. Grandpa's glass Pokémon looked like they would come alive at any second." Mateo frowns.
"Well..you just need a little inspiration." Misty said to him. "Like a sign. Whenever I'm in a little jam, I'd search for something that'll get me back up on my feet."
"I know I can find that inspiration if I could capture the Crystal Onix. When he was younger my grandpa said he saw the Crystal Onix and that's what inspired him." Mateo said.
He shows them all an exact crystallized sculpture of the Crystal Onix Mateo and Melissa's grandfather made.
"That's incredible." Ash said in awe.
"Grandpa said when he was out of inspiration he'd picture that Crytal Onix he saw." Mateo said.
"So that's why you sent the letter." Misty said looking to Marissa.
"That's right." The girl nodded.
"I've looked all over but I could never find it." Mateo said.
"But before you didn't have us." Tomo said.
"We answered the letter so it would be pretty rude to say no to a little girl." Ash said.
"If the Crystal Onix is real I wouldn't mind seeing it to take notes." Tracey said.
"Oh thank you very much!" Melissa said happily.
So they set out on the island trail to find it. "So where do we start to look for it guys?" Misty asks.
"I bet my Venonat can help." Tracey said.
Tracey sends out Venonat to help find the Crystal Onix. Mateo holds up the Crystal Onix statue and Venonat scans the image.
"Find something that looks like this Venonat." Tracey said as Venonat looks around and hops off.
However what Venonat found was just a large clump of rocks stacked up.
"I guess it kinda looks like an Onix.." Ash tilts his head to see the resemblance. "But not what we're looking for Venonat."
"Veno." Venonat frowns.
"Maybe some other time." Tracey said returning it.
"What do we do now?" Misty asks.
"I think I'll try using a different Pokémon." Tracey said.
"You have another Pokémon that can find the Crystal Onix?" Ash asks.
"Yep I have just the one," He brought out a small blue round Pokemon with a ball for a tail.
"Marill!,"it cried.
"Oh it's so cute!" Misty squealed.
"It sure is, what Pokémon is that?" Ash asks taking his PokéDex out.
"Marill, the Aqua Mouse Pokémon. Its sensitive ears can detect distant sounds and the round rubbery tip on its tail can expand and contract, assisting Marill in the water."
"I got Marill when I was back in Johto, like with Venonat I use her to help me research Pokemon." Tracey said.
"Cool, it looks like a Water Type." Tomo said checking the little mouse out.
"That's because it is." Tracey smiles.
"I want one of these." Misty smiles.
"Marill has super strong ears that can pick up a Pokemon's voice before I even see it." Tracey said bending to his Pokémon. He takes out a tape recorder and plays an Onix roaring. "Ok Marill that's what Onix sounds like, try and find that sound."
Marill nodded and listened. It picked up something and they headed to an island.
As they looked across the sea they paused to try and figure a way over when suddenly they saw the water start to part revealing a small path.
"Am I seeing things or did the ocean just made us a path to the island?" Misty blinked.
"We're all seeing, but how?" Tono asks.
"It must be a sandbar that links the two islands." Tracey said.
"Well we better move fast before it goes away." Ash said as they started running across it only to fall into a hole.
"Where did this hole come from?" Mateo groaned having to have caught Marissa while they landed.
"I got a guess." Ash grunts hearing the annoying laughter from above.
(Team Rocket motto)
Turns out Team Rocket heard about the Crystal Onix too and wanted to steal it for their own purposes. Making Marrisa cry that they would never get to the Crystal Onix to help her brother, but Ash consoles her and promises that they'll beat Team Rocket there first.
"I hate those guys so much." Tomo growls.
"And they are not getting to that Onix. Tomo get up on my shoulders." Ash said as he helps Tomo out of the hole and then they get everyone else out.
Following Marill they arrive at a cave and are surprised to see Team Rocket stuck in traps. Meowth was dangling from a rope by his foot, Jessie was in a cage and James was hanging on for dear life trying not to fall into a hole.
"Uh can someone tell me what in the world happened here?" Misty sweatdropped.
"Well we set all these traps for you twerps." Jessie said.
"And somehow we got caught in them ourselves." James said.
Ash gave a chuckle. "Well well, it's about time you pinheads got what's coming to you doing these stunts."
"Stop laughing and get us out of these traps! If you do we'll let you help us find the Crystal Onix." Meowth offers.
"Or here me out. We leave you guys here as payback for all the times you threw us in traps and we go find the Crystal Onix." Tomo suggests.
"I vote that one." Misty said.
Marill's ears perked up. "Marill!" She said getting their attention.
"Marill's got something." Tracey said as they looked to the cave.
"Looks like we're going in." Ash said. "Stay close you guys."
"Hey what about us?!" Meowth yells.
"Chill out we'll get you when we come out." Misty said as they walk in.
"We're abandoning them are we?" Tomo whispers.
"Duh." Ash said. Laughing Ash, Tomo and Misty enjoy this taste of karma.
"What are they laughing for?" Marrisa asks.
"It's personal, you have to know them to understand it." Tracey said.
At the end of the cave, they come across a lake while the walls around themselves were filled to the brim with sparkling crystals.
"It's beautiful." Misty said.
"This must be where the Crystal Onix lives." Mateo said looking around when he noticed something lodged in one of the crystals.
It was a decent chunk of crystal that was different from the others.
"Hey.." He walked over to it. "Check this one out." In the middle of it was a symbol that was blue, white and gray. Breaking it off, Mateo examines it closely when they suddenly something burst out of the lake.
Roaring everyone looked in awe as they saw an Onix with a body entirely made of crystals standing before them.
"The Crystal Onix." Mateo said in shock.
"Wow, you were right. It's completely made out of crystal.." Ash was blown away.
"Prof. Oak and Prof. Elm are never gonna believe this." Tracey said writing down notes.
"It looks scary." Marissa gulps hugging her brother.
"Don't worry Marissa." Mateo tells her to stand back. "I've gotten just the Pokémon to handle this Onix." He throws a Pokéball. "Cloyster, I Choose You!" He throws out the Bivalve mollusk Pokémon. "Onix is weak to water attacks, Cloyster Water Gun now!"
Cloyster fires a stream of water but it bounces off of Onix doing little to no damage at all.
"The water bounced right off it." Misty gasps.
"Cloyster try rapid fire!" Cloyster fired multiple streams of water from its spikes, but nothing!
"I don't get it, why isn't Onix getting hurt?!" Tomo said.
"It's taking those attacks like they're nothing!" Tracey said.
"A rock type that takes no damage from water? That's incredible!" Ash said.
Roaring the Crystal Onix used Double Edge and rammed into Cloyster sending it smashing into the wall.
"Cloyster!" Mateo exclaimed.
"GET AWAY FROM OUR CRYSTAL ONIX!" Team Rocket suddenly came into the scene.
"Are you kidding me?" Ash said.
"That...Crystal Onix...belongs to us." They pants.
"How did you three even get out of those traps?" Misty asks.
"That is a secret you will never know!" James said as they posed.
"The original and current writers domt been know." Jessie said.
"With all those crystals from that Onix we'll be stinking rich!" Meowth said.
"Alright Arbok, let's get to work!"
"Victreebel! Go!" Jessie and James threw their Pokémon out to battle. But Victreebel snacked onto James's head.
"Let go of me will you?! Don't attack me, attack them!" He cried out.
"I so don't have time for this. Go Shades!" Ash said calling out his Wartortle.
"Wartortle!" Shades said leaping in to deal with Arbok when Victreebell moved in.
"Hang on Ash I'll help! Go Tent-" Before Misty could finish Togepi wiggled out of her grip and landed on the ground.
"Toge." Togepi said.
"Togepi, what are you doing?!" Misty questioned. Walking up next to Shades, Togepi stood next to him ready to face Arbok and Victreebell.
"I think Togepi wants to battle." Tomo said surprising all of them.
"W-wha?" Misty was in distraught.
"Misty does Togepi know any moves?" Ash asks.
"I uh don't know I never taught him any." Misty admits with fear in her voice.
"Wartortle War?" Shades asks Togepi about this
"Toge." Togepi nods wanting to be of help.
"Oh this is going to be too easy for a win for Team Rocket!"
"Ash?" Misty said as Ash took out his Pokedex.
"Okay uh Togepi knows Pound, Charm and whoa Metronome not bad." Ash said showing her the moves.
Misty worried if all of that would be able to take down Team Rocket, she's never trained Togepi to battle.
"I'll take care of that little runt with one move. Victreebell go!" James said as Victreebel attacked the little egg Pokemon.
"T-Togepi! Get out of the way!" Misty said.
Going into the egg Togepi rolls out of the way dodging it. Victreebel lashes its vines outwards to grab onto Togepi, but Togepi rolled up a slope. Hopping up atop a crystal Togepi turns to Victreebel.
"Togepi P-Pound!" Misty said as Togepi leaps up and hits Victreebel on the head. Knocking it backwards, surprisingly.
"I didn't know Togepi could be so strong." Tracey said.
"Yeah...neither did I." Misty said.
"Arbok, Poison Sting!" "Shades, Hydro Pump!" Ash said as Shades spun in his shell, blasting away the needles as he crashes into Arbok.
"Don't stop! Use Bite!" Jessie said as Arbok leaps in.
"Rapid Spin!" Spinning quickly Shades rams into Arbok dealing serious tooth pain.
"Victreebel, Razor Leaf attack!" James said.
"Toge! Toge!" Togepi said leaping behind the crystals to dodge but was starting to get nervous.
"Togepi." Misty panics.
"Misty if you're freaking out Togepi's gonna freak out." Tomo said.
"How can I be calm?! I don't want Togepi to get hurt!" Misty said.
"You can't baby him forever Misty!" She suddenly heard. Turning around Misty saw Ash looking at her.
"Look I get it, you raised Togepi since he hatched I've done that with my Pokemon too, but that's the thing. He's not a baby anymore, Togepi is trying to grow up and be a Pokemon that can help you and not just sit in your arms or hide in your backpack when something happens. He wants to be useful but you're holding him back because you think he's still a baby." Ash said.
Misty pauses before looking to Togepi who was getting scared hiding behind the crystals.
Eyes sharpening a determined look appeared on her face. "Togepi Charm!" Leaping up Togepi blew hearts at Victreebel greatly lowering the attack.
"Now Pound!" Misty said as Togepi in and rams his head into Victreebel.
"What?!" James gasps.
"What are you doing James?! You're getting beat by a wimpy little baby!" Meowth snaps.
"Aqua Tail!" Ash said.
With a glowing blue tail, Shades leaps in and knocks Arbok into Team Rocket.
"I'd thought we'd win, I'm very shocked.." Meowth groaned.
"Togepi Metronome!" Misty said.
"Toge! Toge! Toge!" Togepi said moving his fingers back and forth before stopping and suddenly electricity burst around him as Togepi ran towards Team Rocket.
"That's Volt Tackle!" Ash gasps.
Team Rocket couldn't get up in time as Togepi successfully lands a shocking blow onto them, making them sky high and break through the ceiling of the cave.
"This is so humiliating!" Jessie whines.
"Even Togepi can send us flying!" James whines.
"Just shows everyone gets better with age except us." Meowth whines.
"WE'RE BLASTING OFF AGAIN!" They screamed off into the distance.
Togepi then sighed. "Prri." He then falls asleep.
"Aw he got all tuckered out." Misty said picking Togepi out.
"Guess this means you should probably start training him." Tomo said.
"Training..?"
"Yeah Misty, now that Togepi's had his first battle he's gonna wanna battle some more to help. As Togepi's trainer it's your responsibility to make sure he's ready." Ash said.
Misty looked down to the sleeping baby Pokémon in her arms. "I guess...I guess you're right." Misty said.
Her little Togepi is growing up. Now back to the main plot at hand.
"Looks like I'm gonna need a little help from my Glass Making partner to do it." Mateo said taking out a Pokéball, making a Charmeleon come out.
"Charmeleon go!" Charmelon charges as Onix uses Rock throw. "Charmeleon use Flamethrower!" The lizard dodges as it jumped up and spat out a stream of flames as it erupted on Onix. Turning it bright red.
"Those crystals may be good for deflecting water but fire is another story." Tracey said.
"Fire Spin now!" Mateo said as Charmeleon breathed a tornado of flames.
As Onix escapes from the Fire Spin it was glowing bright red and instantly Mateo was struck with the spark of fiery passion that as he and Onix shared a brief glace with each other before it falls into the water and faints.
"Mateo now's your chance! Capture it!" Ash said.
"I don't need to Ash." Mateo said surprising them.
"Huh? What do you mean?" Ash asks.
"For a minute, I felt something strange when I looked at Onix. The feeling's hard to describe.." Mateo explained before smiling. "But the look the share..that was it. That was the inspiration I needed!"
"Are you sure?" Ash asks.
"Only one way to find out." Mateo said.
Back at the store everyone watched as Mateo and Charmeleon were hard at work making glass.
"Look at'em go." Tomo said.
"I can see why Charmeleon is his glass making partner." Misty said.
Soon Mateo walks out with a wrapped object.
"Here for you guys." Mateo said handing it to Ash. "Thank you all so much." Opening it, Ash saw a small glass Spearow and Ash gasps.
"Whoa it almost looks like it's alive." Ash said blown away holding it.
"That inspiration must've really helped you." Misty said.
"Thanks to you guys." Mateo smiles.
"Hey uh Mateo do you do deliveries?" Ash asks getting an idea.
"Why do you ask?" Mateo asks before Ash whispered in his ear. "I think I can do that." Mateo nods.
"You're the best man." Ash smiles.
"Oh, and one more thing. I found this back in the cave, I don't know what to do with this, so I've decided on giving it to you." Mateo said giving Ash a box. "I chiseled it so it cab be that size."
Opening it up, Ash saw the stone he had found back in the cave now in a familiar marble like shape.
"Wait a minute." Ash reached into his bag and pulled out the stone he got at the Pokémon League and saw they were almost exactly alike. "Guys look!" He said.
"What is that?" Tracey asks interested.
"I dunno. It looks just like the one from the Indigo League." Ash said. "They look like this." From his collar, Ash pulls out his pendant with the big stone.
"They're too small to be evolution stones." Misty said.
"Just what are these stones?" Ash said. "Prof. Oak and I really wanna know."
"Hopefully we can find out." Tracey said as they were about to leave.
With the discovery of the Crystal Onix, another Mysterious stone and Togepi having his first battle. Things are ref getting interesting for Ash and his friends as they continue through the Orange Islands.
Our heroes stopped on Kinnow Island for a break from surfing around the islands. Each were doing their own thing while having a few of their Pokémon out.
Laying against a tree, Ash was polishing the GS Ball enjoying the peace and quite. Tomo was up a tree having a snack on some tropical fruit with Poliwhirl and Omanyte.
"Hey Ash you gotta try these!" Tomo calls out.
"Drop some down." Ash said when Nova and Shredder move in meaning they wanted some too. "Make that a bunch." He chuckled.
Coming in hot." Tomo said bringing them down.
Tracey was taking a nap nearby on the sand. Hey even researchers need a break or two.
Nearby, Voyage was taking some of their Pokémon for a swim ride on his back.
While Misty was playing in the water with Togepi. Had she thought about the time back on Sunburst Island with him battling for the first time? Yes she has. "Alright Togepi let's try having you learn a new attack." Misty said.
"Toge?" Togepi asks curiously on what kind.
"I asked Ash to show me what you can learn and I think I feel a lot better if you learned how to use Protect." Misty said.
She's seen it alot before in other battles. 'I just need to find a way to recreate it.'
Little did they know nearby sitting on some rocks was a girl with long blue hair. She was finishing with a Tentacruel nearby. "It's oddly quiet today huh Tentacruel?"
"Tenta." It said.
"I'm just not getting any bites today." She said looking at her fishing rod.
"Togepi, Protect!" She hears a voice yell out in the distance.
"Huh?" Pausing she looks in their direction but when she did the rocks her feet were under broke causing her to scream as she fell face first into the water.
"Tentacruel?!" Tentacruel exclaimed and went under water to save her. But when he dived down Tentacruel saw her foot was snagged in a reef and he couldn't get her out.
Resurfacing Tentacruel looked around and saw Ash by the shore.
"Tentacruel! Tentacruel!" He shouted while he swam towards him to get his attention.
"Huh?" Ash said looking up and saw Tentacruel moving frantically. "Whoa is something wrong?" Ash asks walking up allowing Tentacruel to grab him. "Whoa!"
"Ash?" Tomo heard his cry and look down. "H-hey! Guys, a Tentacruel got Ash!"
Gasping everyone went to follow when Tentracruel drops Ash into the water causing him to gasp seeing the trapped girl struggling to breathe.
He quickly swims over to her to try and get her foot free from the reef.
As the girl slowly started to lose it, Ash grabs a rock and smashes the reef making the opening big enough to pull her to the surface where they both coughed gasping for air.
"Oh..oh thank you.." The girl pants. "Thank you so..much. If you'd hadn't gotten here, I'd he a goner.."
"Yeah it's a good thing your Tentacruel came over to me.." Ash pants.
"Tentacruel." Tentacruel said concerned.
"I'm fine now. You're the best." She smiles rubbing Tentacruel's forehead.
"Hey! Ash! You OK?!" Tracey yells out to them on the shore.
"Yeah! Just get me a towel, and one for her too!" Ash said pointing to the girl. Voyage quickly came over.
Helping her up onto his back the girl looks to Ash's concerned face and despite his scars she was very grateful.
When they gotten back to shore, the two were covered in towels. Ash had put up his jacket, headband and sweatshirt to dry up, leaving him only in his pants and white t-shirt.
"Thank you so much. You saved my life and I don't even know you're name." She said.
"My name's Ash and I'm just glad I got to you in time." Ash smiles.
"My name's Marina." She greeted herself to the others.
"My name's Tracey."
"I'm Tomo."
"And I'm Misty and this is Togepi."
"Toge." Togepi waves.
Marina smiles at them when she notices Nova and Shredder nearby. "Whoa are those what I think they are?"
"You mean Shredder and Nova?" Ash asked. "I just brought them back with me."
"Wow they're yours?" Marina asks amazed.
"Yep along with quite a few other Pokemon." Ash nods.
"So Marina what were you doing before Ash found you?" Misty asks.
"Well I was actually fishing for some Pokémon, but then I heard a shout and I kinda made little false step." She replied with a nervous laugh.
"It happens to the best of us. What matter is you're okay." Ash smiles.
"Wow...so caring." Marina sighs with a soft blush on her face.
"My Marina, your Tentacruel looks really well taken care off." Tracey said sketching Tentacruel.
"Well that's because Water Pokemon are my specialty." Marina said proudly.
"Really?" Misty said turning to her. "So do I."
"No way. I just love the way Water Pokemon jump and swim and dive." Marina said.
"I know! I know! Don't you just love it?" Misty smiles.
"Oh you have no idea, they're so adorable!" Marina squealed.
"Well it looks like Misty found a new friend." Tomo said.
"They really seem to like talking about water Pokémon." Ash said.
"From my observations I say that's true." Tracey said seeing how all of the boys were left out and forgotten.
"Check these out." Marina said showing a case full of lures. "I never buy my lures. I make them all myself."
"I make my own lures too! And this is my most beautiful one!" Misty said taking out a lure shaped of herself.
"Anyone else find it a little creepy Misty uses something that looks like her as bait?" Tracey sweatdrops. Ash and Tomo both held up their hands..along with their Pokémon.
"Someday I hope I can catch one of the Legendary Water Pokemon." Marina said.
"I'd love to catch one of the dragon types that lives in the ocean." Misty said.
"You think we can do it?!"
"I hope so!" The two swooned.
"It's like they're the same person." Tracey said
"It's kinda scary.." Tomo shudders.
"Maybe we should leave them be looks like they have a lot to talk about." Ash said sitting up and stretching but what he didn't notice was Marina totally checking him out.
'Wow, for a kid he is so fit.' She thought with wide eyes see his growing body strength.
"So Marina which water type is your favorite? Marina?" Misty asks but Marina had her head somewhere else.
Misty waved her hand in front of Marina's face. "Marina, are you there?"
"Huh?" Marina said turning to her. "Sorry guess I zoned out for a second."
"What were you looking at?" Misty asks.
"Just your friends. Must be nice traveling together in a group. Especially with him." Marina said.
"Him?" Misty looked over. "You mean Ash?"
"Yeah...he's like my own personal Poseidon." Marina sighs surprising her.
"P-Poseidon?" Misty said questioning about that.
"He dived in and saved me from drowning. Plus...he's kinda sorta cute." Marina giggles
"C-cute?!" Misty jumped. This was definitely a surprise Misty had known Ash for a while and cute was not a word someone said very often.
"I mean look at him, strong, courageous and fit. He can swim to my rescue any time." Marina said putting her hand on her chest. "Don't you see it?"
"W-woah woah." Misty backed up. "It's not like that all, Ash is like a little brother to me. And he told me that himself."
"Oh so that means he's single?" Marina asks
"Uh.." Misty didn't knew how to answer that. "I..I guess?"
"This day just gets better and better." Marina said.
Misty couldn't believe it, her new friend has gotten a crush on Ash. Soon they were all sitting down for lunch with Marina sitting next to Ash.
"So you're trying to compete in the Orange League huh?" Marina asks
"Yeah I got my first badge not too long ago." Ash nods.
He shows her the Coral-Eye Badge.
"Wow, amazing." Marina said in awe.
"Cissy with her Seadra and Blastoise were not easy cookies." Ash said.
"Maybe so but an all Water gym sounds pretty amazing." Marina said.
"You should say that to Misty." Ash said. "Her along with her sisters run the Cerulean City Gym back in Kanto and they have a variety of Water Types."
"You have your own Water Gym? I am so jealous right now." Marina said
"I know, it's been in my family's legacy for years." Misty said thinking back.
"So Marina where are you off to?" Tracey asks.
"Right now just exploring the islands and trying to catch as many Water Pokemon as I can." Marina said.
"Speaking of which, have you found any good ones?" Misty asks interested.
"I have quite a few. Hey Misty what do you say you and I have our own All Water Battle?" Marina offers.
"An all Water Battle?" Misty said surprised before smiling. "That sounds great, I'm in!"
"Better watch yourself Marina, Misty's tough." Ash smiles.
"Well so am I." Marina winks.
The two girls gotten on a couple of rocks with a pool of water as their battlefield.
"We'll each use only 3 Pokémon each! That Ok with you?" Marina said.
"Sounds good to me." Misty nods.
"Tentacruel you're up first!" Marina said as her Tentacruel swam in.
"And I'll start off with a Pokémon that's as good as gold! Goldeen!" Misty throws her favorite Koi Pokémon out.
"Tentacruel start us off with Bubblebeam!" Marina said as Tentacruel fired multiple bubbles.
"Agility!" Goldeen sprints out of harms way. "Now Supersonic!" Misty said as from Goldeen's horn, came out soundwaves which affected onto Tentacruel, thus confusing it.
"Tentacruel!" Marina gasps as Tentacruel banged his head on a rock.
"Ash isn't the only one who's been training on the road." Misty grinned, saying she's been training her own Pokémon as well "Now use Megahorn Goldeen!"
With a glowing horn, Goldeen swam in and pierced Tentacruel.
"Not bad Misty." Marina said. "Tentacruel if you can hear me, Rest!" Tentacruel falls asleep. As it sleeps, it recovers all of its energy.
"Is now really the best time for a nap?" Tomo asks.
"Actually yes. Thanks to that move Tentaruel just healed itself of all damage." Tracey said.
"But it's leaving itself in the open because Tentacruel's asleep." Ash said.
"We're not letting this chance slip by! Fury Attack!" Swimming in Goldeen attacked Tentacruel multiple times.
"Hang in there Tentacruel.." Marina said silently. Goldeen lands one more pierce before Tentacruel opens his eyes.
"Alright you're up! Use Poison Sting!" Marina pointed. Firing multiple poison needles they pelted Goldeen making her fly backwards. "Now use Wrap!" Marina's Tentacruel reaches out six of its tentacles and wraps them around Goldeen, and began squeezing her.
"Gold." Goldeen cringed as the squeezing got tighter.
"Goldeen!" Misty cried out. "Use Megahorn! Poke yourself out of its grip!" With a sharp horn Goldeen stabs Tentacruel's tentacles causing it to scream in pain and let go. Goldeen went back into the water. "Way to go Goldeen!" Misty cheered.
"That was a close one." Tomo said.
"Toge." Togepi agrees.
"Your Goldeen is a speedy little one." Marina said.
"I've had Goldeen for a long time. One of my strongest swimmers." Misty smiles proudly.
"I'll say, but let's her dodge this! Use Giga Drain!" Marina said.
"Giga Drain?!" Misty gasped. Tentacruel's tentacles glowed bright green and aimed at Goldeen. "Quick Goldeen, Agility and dodge!"
"Goldeen!" Goldeen quickly tries to swim away from being grabbed.
"After it!" Marina said as Tentacruel swam in not letting Goldeen get away. Tentacruel's tentacles were aiming at Goldeen all over to grab a hold of her, but she was using all the speed she's got. Moving Tentacruel was inches from her when Goldeen made a tight turn and Tentacruel gets tangled up in the rocks.
"Tenta?!" It said in shock.
"What?!" Marina gasps as Goldeen leaps out of the water.
"Gotcha!" Misty said as Goldeen pierced Tentacruel with another Megahorn.
"Cruel!" Tentacruel was knocked back into some rocks and fainted.
"Tentacruel!" Marina went over to him for the first win goes to Misty.
"Yes! Way to go Goldeen!" Misty cheers.
"Goldeen. Goldeen." Goldeen said when she suddenly started to glow.
Misty and the others gasped. "No way..."
Goldeen's body morphed into a taller version of itself, but with different aspects. When the light died down, a Seaking eas taking Goldeen's spot. "Seaking!"
"I can't believe it!" Misty squealed with excitement. "Goldeen evolved into Seaking!"
"Seaking, huh?" Ash said as he took out his PokéDex.
"Seaking, the Goldfish Pokémon and the evolved form of Goldeen. The horn on its head is sharp like a drill. It bores a hole in a boulder to make its nest."
"Your Seaking is so adorable!" Marina squealed as well.
"Yes she is. Seaking you did it!" Misty squeals as they go total fangirl causing the boys to cover their ears.
"Ugh, when will this end?" Tomo groaned.
"Hopefully soon." Ash groaned.
"Return for now Tentacruel." Marina said withdrawing it. "Now then, come on out! Psyduck!" She throws out the yellow duck.
"Psyduck!"
"Whoa you have a Psyduck too?" Misty gasps.
"Oh you got one as well? My Psyduck is trained well on offense and defense." Marina grinned. "So let's see you try and break it!"
"Let's try! Seaking Megahorn!" Misty said as Seaking swam in.
"Psyduck, Protect!" Marina said as her Psyduck created a barrier which blocked off Megahorn. "Now Confusion!" She instructed as Psyduck's eyes glowed and trapped Seaking. With a swipe of its hands, Seaking was flung backwards harshly.
"Seaking use Water Pulse!" Misty said as Seaking fires a blue orb.
"Use Brick Break!" Psyduck's fist glowed brightly and punched the water ball, making it exploded with water raining down in the proceds. Psyduck also didn't stopped and planted a punch onto Seaking.
"King!" Seaking screams crashing into the water.
"Seaking!" Misty gasped. When she resurfaced, Seaking had swirls in her eyes.
"And just like that, we're all tied up." Marina said.
Misty returned Seaking. "You did more than great Seaking. Get some rest." Misty said.
"Gotta say Marina can battle." Ash said watching the blunette. "She's giving Misty a run from her money."
"What's she gonna use to battle Psyduck?" Tracey asks interested.
Marina looks over and saw Ash looking at her and giggles before waving at him. A little surprised, he just waved back.
"Alright my turn. Go Squritle!" Misty said calling out the Kanto starter.
"A Squirtle?! Ooh I always wanted one!" Marina said with a "eeh!"
"I don't suppose either of you have any earplugs?" Ash asks not sure how much longer he could take this.
"Squirtle, use Rapid Spin!" Misty said.
"Psyduck Brick Break!" As Squirtle spun towards Psyduck his fist glowed bright as he whacked Squirtle like a volleyball.
"Now use Amnesia!" Psyduck had "?" All over its body before increasing its Spec. Defense.
"Squirtle Water Gun!" Using this opening Squirtle blasts Psyduck with a stream of water.
"Send it back with Confusion!" Marina said as Psyduck conduct's the water straight up in the air towards Squirtle.
"Get in your shell!" Misty said as Squirtle dived for cover and was poured on by his own water.
"Use Fury Swipes!" Swimming in Psyduck scratches Squirtle's shell multiple times.
"Scald!" Misty said. Popping his head out Squirtle blasts Psyduck from close range with boiling hot water.
"Psy!" Psyduck cried in pain, being knocked backwards. And felt the burn marks.
"Water can be really dangerous when used right. Sometimes it can even burn you." Misty smirks.
"Scald.." Marina growls.
"Now Squirtle Rapid Spin!" Spinning in Squirtle rams into Psyduck making him skid back.
"Psyduck, push him back harder!" Marina said.
Struggling Psyduck applies pressure and starts to win this contest of strength.
"Squirtle! Water Gun Psyduck in the face!" Misty said as Squirtle fired a blast of water into Golduck's face.
"Psy!" Psyduck screams doing a belly flop right into the water causing everyone to cringe.
"Not a perfect dive.." Tracey grimaced.
"That's gotta hurt." Ash said.
"Psyduck! Are you OK?!" Marina calls out.
"Psy." Psyduck groans resurfacing with swirly eyes.
"Alright! Squirtle, you did it!" Misty cheered.
"Squirtle Squirt!" Squirtle smiles.
Marina picked up her Psyduck. "You did your best Psyduck, get some rest OK?"
"Psy." It groaned.
"Looks like you're down to your last Pokemon Marina." Misty said.
"Maybe but I saved the best for last." Marina smirks.
"Well bring it, I can handle anything you give me now!" Misty said confidently.
Marina was about to call out her last Pokémon when suddenly a large wave came in and Team Rocket's submarine burst out of the water.
"Huh?!" Misty exclaimed.
"What's that?!" Marina exclaimed.
"Get out of the way!" Ash yelled out to them. As a giant wave came crashing down and washed them all away a net shot out and grabbed something.
"Wow I can't believe it worked!" Meowth said.
"Hmm you know maybe it's easier to catch Pokémon if we don't recite the motto first." Jessie said.
"Maybe so." James said.
"Hoist up the net and let's see our catch!" Meowth said as they see Marina's Psyduck and Tentacruel in a net. "Huh what's them?"
"Where's the twerps Kabutops and Omastar?" James asked. The others were all in a tree because of that wave.
"Is everyone okay?" Tracey groans.
"Define okay." Ash groans.
"Tentacruel?! Psyduck, where are you guys?!" Marina calls out.
"Squirtle!" Misty calls out, but sees her Squirtle in a hole of the tree and pulls him out. "Are you OK Squirtle?!"
"Squirtle." Squirtle groans.
"Marina Team Rocket has your Pokemon." Tracey points.
Making her gasp as they hurried off of the tree.
"Don't worry, we'll get'im back for you." Misty tells her.
"Thanks for the offer, but I can get my Pokémon back myself." Marina said throwing a Pokéball. "Go, Starmie!" Her own Starmie spun in the water.
"I'll help too Marina! Psyduck help her!" Misty said calling out her duck Pokemon.
The two swam towards Team Rocket while they were arguing with each other about their missed targets.
"Why did we go through all this trouble to end up with a Tentacruel and a Psyduck?!" James asks.
"Don't yell at me, this wasn't my idea!" Jessie said.
"Then who's was it?!" Meowth said.
"YOUR IDEA FURRBALL!" Jessie and James roared at him as they were arguing once again, until they see Psyduck.
"Psy!" Psyduck said.
"Get lost! We already have one of you!" Meowth said.
"Psyduck!" Psyduck yelled out with glowing eyes.
"Huh?" Meowth said as he was lifted up into the air with Confusion. "Hey put me down! Put me down right now!" He swiped his hand downwards and throws Meowth away. "Help me!" Meowth screams smashing into the sub.
Suddenly Starmie flew in and knocked Jessie and James into the sub as well.
"PSY!" Psyduck throws them all onto the beach
"Ugh that was the worst ride ever." James said as they all crawled out groaning.
"Hey! Those are my Pokemon!" Marina said running over. However they stopped her, so they can do their motto.
"You better give back Marina's Pokemon right now you stooges!"
"Take them we don't want them." Jessie scoffs.
"Common Pokemon like these two aren't even worth our time." James scoffs.
"You mean I can have them?!" Marina said.
When Jessie was about say yes, Meowth stepped in. "Hold it! To get these back, you twerpie gotta give us your Fossil Pokémon!" Meowth points to Ash.
"What?!" He snapped.
"Good idea Meowth." Jessie said.
"You do have a brain." James smirks.
"You must be out of your minds if I'm handing them to you!" Ash said.
"What are you gonna do twerp? You attack us and you risk hurting her Pokemon as well?" Meowth laughs.
Ash growled. "I'm gonna kill that cat.."
"Tentacruel, Psyduck try to break out of that net!" Marina tells them, but they couldn't. "What's wrong with you two?"
"They must be too weak from that battle to do anything." Misty realized.
"Then I'll just have to get them out myself!" Marina said running over.
"Marina are you crazy?! Stop!" Ash yelled.
"Arbok go!" Jessie said calling out her snake Pokémon.
Stopping her in her tracks as Arbok was in front of her. "Can't you see we're negotiating? Now back off!" Jessie said.
"Not until you give my Pokémon back!" Marina refused to move.
"Stubborn little brat. Have it your way! Arbok, take care of her!" Jessie pointed as Arbok leaps at Marina, making her freeze in fear.
"MARINA!" She was suddenly tackled out of the way, making Arbok miss.
"Huh?" Marina's eyes widen to see Ash was on top her having been her savior.
"Are you okay?" Ash asks as Marina's face turned red and she giggled.
"I am now." She smiles.
Ash admitted to her having guts before glaring at Team Rocket. "Now you want my Fossil Pokémon, well here they are! Shredder, I Choose You!" He yelled throwing Kabutops out to face Arbok.
"Kabutops!" Shredders said readying his claws.
"Now's our chance, we can't let it get away!" Meowth said.
"Arbok use Poison Sting!" Jessie said as Arbok fired multiple needles coming Shredder's way, but Shredder takes it like a champ and dosen't even block them.
"You can take it Shredder! Now use Slash!" With glowing claws, Shredder charges in and slashes Arbok. The knockback was so strong, he was sent flying into their submarine.
"Now cut Psyduck and Tentacruel free!" Ash said as Shredder slices the net to pieces.
Psyduck and Tentacruel fell, but with his quick speed, Shredder grabbed ahold of them and placed them safely near Marina. "Tops."
"No! Now we have nothing to trade!" Jessie gasps.
"Which means you're out of here." Ash said. "Shredder." He motions.
"Kabu." Shredder said ready to finish them off causing them to whimper.
"Hydro Pump!" Ash said as Shredder released a powerful torrent attack sending Team Rocket smashing into their sub causing it to explode.
"WE'RE BLASTING OFF AGAIN!" They screamed disappearing into the sky.
"Tentacruel! Psyduck!" Marina said running to her Pokemon.
"You would think Team Rocket would know Poison attacks do hardly any damage against rock types." Tracey said.
"They should but don't." Tomo shook his head.
"That was really crazy going in against them blindly Marina." Ash tells her.
"Sorry I was just so worried about my Pokemon I didn't think about anything else." Marina admits sadly.
"Well yeah it was reckless...but to go out of your way to save Pokémon like that..that's what I call brave." Ash smiling at her impressed.
"Really?" Marina said surprised.
"It takes guts to do what you just did, you're pretty amazing Marina." Ash said.
Marina's blush on her face grew a little bit more. "O-oh you're just saying things.." She said with a embarrassed laugh.
'I don't know if I should tell him or not but man Marina has it bad for him.' Misty thought.
You can say that Again.
"Now what do you say we finish our battle?" Tomo suggests causing Misty and Marina to smile.
They went back to their original stand places. "I'm ready to finish things off Marina!" Misty said.
"Time to see who's the better Water Pokémon Trainer!" Marina said.
"And I'm sticking with Psyduck!" Misty said as her Psyduck gets in the water.
"And I'm using Starmie." Marina said as Starmie leaps down ready to win this.
"Psyduck, Fury Swipes!"
"Starmie, Swift attack!"
Psyduck leaps in to attack but Starmie spins quickly firing multiple stars. "Now use Bubblebeam!" Starmie fired a stream of bubbles which knocked into Psyduck even more.
"Psyduck Confusion!" Misty said as Psyduck stops the bubbles in midair.
"Starmie, Rapid Spin" Marina said as Starmie blocks the bubbles by spinning.
"Now Aqua Tail!" Leaping in Psyduck slams his glowing blue tail into Starmie knocking it into the water.
"OK Misty try this! Starmie use Thunder Wave!" Starmie sparkled up and blasted Psyduck with an electrical blast, paralyzing him.
"Psy..." Now Psyduck could barely move.
"Psyduck!" Misty gasps.
"You can't dodge this next one! Starmie Power Gem!" Starmie's jewel glowed brightly before firing a powerful blast that smashed into Psyduck.
"Shoot, now Misty is stuck." Tracey said getting a good sketch on this.
"She's gotta find a way to slow down Starmie or break free of the Thunder Wave." Tomo cringed.
"Don't worry guys, Misty won't throw in the towel that easily." Ash reassured them. "She'll think of something."
"Psyduck Disable!" With glowing blue eyes Psyduck prevents Starmie from using Power Gem again.
"Now use Confusion!" Psyduck tried lifting up Starmie.
"Psyduck isn't the only one with Psychic powers, Starmie use Psyshock!" Marina pointed. Starmie forms a ring of purple masses of energy in front of its body. Starmie then fires the masses at the Psyduck, one after the other.
"Don't give up Psyduck!" Misty said as the Psychic attacks clashed and both Pokemon tried to overpower the other.
"HYU~!"
"PSY!"
Both Water Pokémon roar in determination but when Psyduck lands a hit Starmie rams into Psyduck sending him crashing into the water.
"Psyduck!" Misty gasped.
"Yes, I win!" Marina cheered, thinking the match is already decided.
Suddenly a bright light shined from underwater surprising everyone.
"I-is that P-Psyduck?" Misty gasped softly.
"What's happening?" Ash asks when suddenly a shadow was swimming to the surface.
Bursting out of the water everyone looks to see a Golduck land on the nearby rocks.
"GOLDUCK!" It roared doing a flexing pose.
"Psyduck evolved!" Misty smiled widely.
"I can't believe it, 2 evolutions in one day!" Tracey said surprised.
"That's our Misty. She's getting even more tough." Tomo said smiling as Ash agreed.
"Golduck!" Golduck now jumped back to Misty and gave her a thumbs up.
"Alright Golduck, let's win this together!" Misty said. "Use Confusion!"
Surrounding Starmie with psychic energy Golduck sends Starmie crashing into the rocks.
"Starmie hang in there!" Marina said Starmie struggles to get back up. However the head gem onto Golduck's head started glowing.
"Gol.." Before it began morph into an orange color.
"What's Golduck doing?" Ash asks.
"I-I think Golduck is trying to use Hyper Beam!" Tracey gasped.
"Starmie quick Signal Beam!" Marina said as Starmie fired a powerful multi colored beam.
"Golduck, fire your Hyper Beam now!" Misty said.
"GOLDUCK!" Golduck roared before blasting the Hyper Beam from his gem, which easily overpowered Signal Beam. When Hyper Beam hits home Starmie falls into the water with a blinking gem meaning it was done.
"Starmie!" Marina went to check on Starmie.
"Alright! Golduck, we won!" Misty cheered hugging him. Making him one happy Pokémon.
"Golduck! Golduck!" He cheered, happily alongside her.
Returning Starmie, Marina met Misty with a smile. "That was a great match, and you did a great job. You're a great Water Pokémon Trainer Misty."
"Thanks Marina, but I was really lucky when Psyduck evolved when he did." Misty admitted. "If it wasn't for Golduck, you would've won instead."
"Good job Misty." Ash said as the boys applaud them.
"That was one cool battle." Tracey said.
"It was so close I couldn't tell who was gonna win." Tomo smiles.
"Guess I still have a ways to go before I can be considered a Water Pokémon Master." Marina said.
"No way that's my dream too." Misty smiled happily. "And I gotta agree with you, I may me good now, but not the best." She said petting Golduck. "I want to catch and master the arts of Water Type Pokémon as much as I can, so I can be one of the best there really are out there."
"Me too..I guess that makes us rivals then." Marina said looking to her with a sharp grin on her face.
"Look forward to round 2." Misty smiles.
The two shook hands, signifying their new rivalry.
"So Marina where are you off to next?" Ash asks.
"I think I'll stay here awhile before planning on where else to check out on the other Islands." Marina said. "What about you?"
"Me? It's off to Navel Island for my next Gym Battle with the Orange Crew." Ash tells her..
"Navel Island? Well you're in luck it's not too far from here." Marina said.
"Thanks Marina, and good luck to you." Ash said smiles.
"You too Ash." Marina said giving him a peck on the cheek for luck causing his eyes to widen.
"U-uh huh..?" He blinked with a blush on his face.
"That's for saving me twice, See ya again Ash." Marina winks before leaving.
"Uh...what just happened?" Ash asks confused.
"I..Have no idea." Misty said pretending not to know, as she didn't know what to say except. 'Damn Marina.'
This day was full of surprises, a new friend, new evolutions and for Ash the most surprising of all...a crush.
To Be Continued...
Hope you all loved the next chapter. Sorry about the wait, something was going wrong with Fanfiction. I couldn't upload until I saw a Desktop setting on my phone.
Also my Fanfiction Reader app isn't downloading, updating or searching stories for me. So someone tell me what's going on.
How do you guys like that the first Island Gym Battle? I'm thinking since people didn't like this series because of the Gym Battles weren't actual battles, just minigames. We've decided to change it to battles with a spin in them. Only 2 of these needed changing.
And decided to give Ash another Mega Stone. (You can thank Cloud4012 for that.)
And FINALLY Misty and Togepi getting battling and development instead of waiting seasons later. Let's be honest, some other characters deserve some spotlight other than Ash.
And remember back in May when I told you all that I got beaten up by some guy? Well he came back to say he was sorry to me, and we're good now. That just goes to show that people can change during tough times like these. For better or worse.
Anyways, this was the last update for 2020! We made it through a terrible year. I pray to God 2021 is better...
So everyone don't forget to Fav, follow and review for the next update.
HAPPY NEW YEAR AND 2021, HERE I COME!