Navel Island
As the group continued on their journey through the Orange Islands they were approaching Navel Island the site of Ash's second Gym Battle. As they arrive they look to see a giant mountain on the island.
"Man that's a tall mountain." Ash said in awe.
"I can't even see the top." Tomo said.
"I wonder what kind of badge they have at the Gym there." Misty says.
"I think it's called the Sea Ruby Badge, because it's made out of seashell with a ruby in it." Tracey said.
"I better make sure I have the right Pokémon for this one. I don't think I'll be getting another water gym like last time." Ash said.
When they arrive on the island they look to see it's deserted.
"Where is everyone?" Misty asks.
"You sure this is the right island, Tracey?" Tomo asks looking around.
"Says so on my map." Tracey said looking at it. As they were in confusion of their location, everyone heard Hawaiian music play off in the distance. Turning around they saw a man with brown hair sailing on a windsurfer.
"Hi, I bet you all came here looking for a Gym Battle." He greets them when reaching land.
"Uh yeah." Ash nodded.
"Well you came to the right place. It's nice to meet you, I'm Danny." He introduced himself.
"Hi Danny, I'm Ash and this is my brother Tomo." Ash said.
"Hi." Tomo waves.
"I'm Tracey."
"And who might you be?" Danny asks walking up to Misty.
"My name is Misty."
When Misty introduces herself Danny smiles. "Misty that beautiful name suits you." The boys were shocked at what he just said to Misty. "I've seen many beautiful things in this world, but nothing as beautiful as what's in front of me." Danny said.
"Is it standing behind Misty?" Tomo asks. Ash just shushed him.
"Oh my thank you." Misty blushes.
Danny leads the group through the village as their guide.
"So Danny what's the deal with this place? Why is no one here?" Ash asks.
"Well you see the people of this island are mostly travelers like yourselves. This time a year they all leave their homes to go exploring for a little bit but when things get cold or they've had enough they return here. It's my job to make sure everyone's homes are still here when they do." Danny explains.
"Wow so you're like a caretaker." Tracey said.
"In a way." Danny shrugs.
"I don't suppose there's a Pokemon Center here or a way I can find where the Gym is?" Ash asks.
"We don't have a Pokémon Center but I know where the gym is, right there?" Danny points.
All of them look to see he was pointing to the mountain.
"Uh...is the gym at the base of the mountain?" Tracey gulps.
"Afaid not Tracey, the Gym IS the mountain." Danny corrected him.
"Uh mind if I make a quick call before we head over? Need to check on some of Pokémon first." Ash said.
"Take your time, it's not like the gym can go anywhere." Danny jokes.
"Uh thanks.." Ash said quickly going for his Pokégear and PokéDex.
"Hello this is Prof. Oak." Prof. Oak said answering it.
"Hey Prof. Oak it's me. I'm at the next gym and I wanted to know about the condition of some of my more...mountain type Pokemon." Ash said looking up at it.
"Mountain Pokémon eh? I would say using Rock Types for this one Ash."
"If that's the case he might use one, how's Champ looking?" Ash asks.
"You're Primeape is actually eager to be in more battles Ash." Prof. Oak said.
"Perfect how's Rattle looking he might be helpful too?" Ash asks.
Prof. Oak looks over to see Rattle was under going some tests. "Uh he's a little preoccupied at the moment do you have any other Pokemon in mind?"
"Aw man I was really hoping to put a strong one on my team." Ash said when Prof. Oak noticed Pikachu by the window.
"Hey Ash, what if you gave Pikachu a chance?" Prof. Oak asks.
"P-Pikachu?" Ash said.
"I think Pikachu could be a great help if you gave him a chance." Prof. Oak said.
"I'm not sure about, can't he stay at the lab a little longer?" Ash asks.
"Ash, you said Pikachu wants to redeem himself from his mistake." Prof. Oak said.
"Yeah but..." Ash pauses remembering the last time he tried to battle with Pikachu.
"Just give him a chance." Prof. Oak said.
He sighed. "Alright, I'll try."
"Any other Pokemon?" Prof. Oak asks.
"How about Tinker?" Ash asks.
"Clefable. Why she seemed abit upset about not being in future battles." Prof. Oak said.
"Well wish granted I could probably use her just in case." Ash said.
Switching out Spirit, Wav and Shades Ash swallowed his pride and clicked his Pokedex sending Champ, Tinker and Pikachu to him.
They've arrived at a gate at the foot of the mountain. They opened them up, but saw no arena. Just a normal area, but there was a ski lift.
"Hey look a sign." Tracey walks over and reads it aloud. "Welcome challengers. To all who want to challenge the gym leader the challenger must climb to the top."
"All the way up?" Ash cringed.
"Says here use of any Pokemon will result in immediate disqualification." Misty read.
"You're kidding.." Tomo gulped. "How can you get all the way up there with no Pokémon?!"
"We climb it with our hands." Danny said walking towards it.
"Ash, you know we can try going to another Gym, cuz these rules sound kinda dangerous." Misty said concerned.
"I've never backed down from a gym yet and I don't on anytime soon." Ash said tightening his headband. "Wish me luck."
He walks to the mountain, and Tomo look worried for him.
"Come on Tomo we can watch Ash from the cable car." Misty said.
"But.." He thought about going with him.
"You're too young for this." Tracey said. "Besides, if Ash wants to do this, we have to let him. It's his battle."
Frowning Tomo really wanted to help but he was right. "Hey wait a minute." Tomo pauses. "How is the Gym Leader gonna know if Ash doesn't use a Pokemon to get up that mountain?"
Now that sparked up something in their heads. "H-hey, he's right." Misty said.
"I don't see any cameras." Tracey said looking around.
"And why is Danny going with him?" Tomo said.
"He didn't say he was challenging the gym." Tracey said.
"Then that means..." Misty pauses as they all realized what that meant.
On the mountain, Ash and Danny were climbing up the side.
"You're doing great Ash." Danny said climbing ahead.
"I hope so." Ash grunts climbing up. 'Just don't look down Ketchum, and you'll be fine.'
Mustering up all his strength Ash noticed a large opening up ahead. Grinning he thought he could use that area to rest. Reaching up he tries to grab some rocks but it breaks causing him to slip.
"Woah!" He yelps, falling backwards.
Growling, Ash reached to his belt. "Champ help me-"
"Ash don't!" Danny yells stopping him. "Remember no Pokémon or you'll get disqualified!"
Ash looked shocked, remembering the rule. 'He's right. I can't rely on my Pokémon here..'Struggling to get his grip, Ash climbs back up to the opening and lays down panting heavily.
"That was way too close." Ash pants. And they were only halfway done.
"Alright Ash we're almost there." Danny said.
"What do you mean? The top is still a while away." Ash asks.
"I didn't say the top." Danny said as Ash looked up and his eyes widen to see a battlefield made on the side of the mountain.
"What the?" He stood up. "A battlefield? Here?"
"Congrats Ash you made it to the first part of the Gym." Danny said.
"First part?" Ash asks.
"I didn't explain everything to you Ash. You see the reason I stay while no one else is here is because this is my gym." Danny declares.
"Your gy-!?" Ash gasped. "You're the Gym Leader?!"
"You see some trainers use their Pokémon before they make it to this arena I climb alongside them under the impression I'm a challenger but in reality I'm what makes sure challengers don't cheat." Danny explains.
"No way..and you stopped me from doing that." Ash said.
"If you used a Pokémon I would have made you leave." Danny said.
So it all pretty much made sense.
"Here's how it works Ash. I have three different arenas each with a different field. We will each use one Pokemon for each field. If you can at least two battles you get the Sea Ruby Badge." Danny explained.
"2 outta 3 matches huh.." Ash said before nodding. "Alright it's a deal."
Making their way to the field Ash and Danny faced off.
"Now for this field I'll use Geodude!" Danny said calling out the rock Type.
"And for me, I'm choosing..." Ash said about to reach for Champ's Pokéball, but stopped and thought about something. 'Hang on..on second thought.'
'Ash, you said Pikachu wants to redeem himself from his mistake.'
'Well let's see him redeem himself in this battle.' He thought and threw Pikachu out on the field.
"An electric type? That's a surprise." Danny said not expecting this.
"You said you wish to redeem yourself?" Ash asks the mouse. "Well show me in this Gym Battle."
"Pikachu." Pikachu nods in understanding.
"Well I hope you know what you're doing at this disadvantage Ash," Danny said.
"I'll see for myself too Danny," Ash said.
With things ready, the battle commenced.
"OK Geodude, use Rollout!" Danny said stating the first move ad Geodude began rolling towards Pikachu.
"Pikachu dodge it!" Ash said as Pikachu leaps up dodging it. Geodude turned around and made its way towards Pikachu to ram him.
"Brick Break!" Ash said as Pikachu attacks Geodude with a glowing fist.
Geodude cringed as he stopped rolling. Pikachu then kicks him backwards.
"Geodude, use Mud Sport!" Danny said as Geodude raises its hands in the air and both of them start to glow red-orange. It then slams its hands into the ground, releases a wave of mud. As the wave travels, it leaves behind a trail of slippery mud.
"With that Ash your electric type is even weaker." Danny declares.
"Won't need electric attacks to beat you, Brick Break!" Ash said.
"Use a Mega Punch!" Danny said. When Pikachu went for a punch, Geodude's fist glowed as he collides with Pikachu, but he manages to overpower Brick Break and lands a blow across Pikachu's cheek.
"Pika!" Pikachu screams flying back and tumbling across the arena.
"Now Geodude, Rock Throw!" Geodude punches the ground, making rocks fly at the opponent.
"Pikachu dodge with Quick Attack!" Racing across the field Pikachu dodges the rocks and charges towards Geodude.
"Geo!" Geodude leaps onto a boulder to avoid it.
"Now!" Ash said as Pikachu leaps up and nails him with Brick Break. Geodude fumbled backwards on the rocky floor.
"Now Pikachu use Iron Tail!" Ash said as Pikachu's tail glowed.
"Block it with Mega Punch!" With a glowing fist, Geodude blocks the attack.
Pikachu and Geodude began a punch and tail duel to the death.
"You can beat him Geodude!" Danny said.
Geodude hopped back up and put up a mean battle face. "Geo! Dude!"
"Pikachu get up!" Ash said as Pikachu stood tall and ready.
"Geodude, use Defense Curl!" Geodude braced himself, boosting up his defense.
"Iron Tail!" Moving in Pikachu whacks Geodude but thanks to Defense Curl the attack was lessened.
"Pika!" Pikachu gasps.
"Now Mega Punch!" With a glowing fist Geodude landed a powerful punch to the face.
Sending Pikachu flying. "Pika." Pikachu groans.
"What's a matter Ash? You don't seem that into this." Danny said.
"I-I am.." Ash said half lying.
"Ash, I seen many trainers battle me and you seem motivated when we met but something is holding you back." Danny said.
"Holding me back? What do you mean?"
"You're not coming at me with everything you have. Some part of you is nervous about this particular battle and unless you overcome it you've already lost." Danny said.
That shocked Ash. 'I thought I was battling like a normally do. Scared? What am I scared of?' He thought before looking to Pikachu.
Pausing Ash realized was his and Pikachu's first battle together as a team. And they were dysfunctional. Before when they battled Pikachu ignored or just zapped him instead of their opponents.
And it seems like Ash was kinda nervous that it might happen to him again..
"Pikapi?" Pikachu said looking him in the eyes.
'Erg..come on Ash, what's with you?! How can you battle like this when you're the one acting like a punk?!' He thought to himself, yelling at himself. Clapping his hands against his face Ash snaps himself back into the zone. "Alright,time to get serious." He declares.
"Geodude Rollout!" Danny said as Geodude spun towards him.
"Pikachu jump back!" Ash said as Pikachu leaps back.
"Don't let them get away!" Danny said as Geodude followed but ended up slipping on some mud.
"That mud from Mud Sport!" Danny recalled. "It's making Geodude stop in his tracks!"
"Used your own move against you." Ash smirks.
"Geodude!" Geodude tried steering away from the slippery trail.
"Now Pikachu Brick Break!" Using this chance Pikachu lands a powerful hit to the face.
"Geo!" He exclaimed.
Flying backwards Geodude crashes into the rocks creating a cloud of dust. When the dust clears Geodude was laying on the ground with swirly eyes.
The first match belonged to Ash and Pikachu.
"Yes! Round one!" Ash smiles.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu smiles. Though cheering, the two looked honestly surprised.
"Wow we did pretty good back there, huh?" Ash asks.
"Pikachu." Pikachu nods.
Two former enemies, happily agreeing with the other..this was gonna take a awhile to digest.
"Well Ash you win the first round so now we head to the next battlefield. Your friends will be happy to hear you won." Danny said.
"So where's the second one?" Ash asks.
"At the top. We better get back to climbing. Remember, no help from Pokemon." Danny chuckles.
Ash sighed. "Fine.."
"Pikachu." Pikachu sighs.
"Tell me about it." Ash agrees.
And so the 2 or well 3 of them (Pikachu decided to climb up with them too) are now going up the mountain for the next match.
Up at the top, Misty, Tracey and Tomo were waiting in the snow wearing warm coats.
"It's been quite a while." Misty said.
"Yeah I hope they're okay." Tracey said.
Tomo however stayed silent, really hoping Ash survived this whole crazy climbing routine.
Suddenly two hands shot up startling them as Ash and Pikachu climbed up.
"Ugh finally." Ash groans.
"Pikachu." Pikachu groans as they struggle to climb up the last bit.
"Ash!" Running over they helped him up.
"You guys have no idea what I went through down there." Ash said.
"Ash we know who the gym leader is." Misty said.
"I already know it's Danny." Ash said surprising them.
"How?" Tracey asks.
"Why we battled down there." Ash points downwards.
"Did you win?" Tomo asks as a big grin appeared on Ash's face giving him his answer.
"And you won with?" Misty then notices Pikachu.
"Yeah we won against Danny and his Geodude." Ash said.
"Winning with a disadvantage? Wow that's rare." Tracey said.
"Not with Ash." Tomo said.
"Alright Ash, ya ready for Round 2?" Danny asks.
"You bet I am Danny, where's this next field?" Ash asks.
"Why it's right in front of us." Danny said as if on cue, water began sprouting from the ground all around them.
"Those are hot water geysers." Tracey gasps.
"And that's not all, take a look." Danny points.
From the steam an ice field appears in the middle from the frozen water. "Woah.../Pika..."
"So which Pokémon are you gonna use next?" Danny asks.
Ash stepped up to plate. "I'm gonna use Champ!" He throws out his Primeape on the field. Who exclaimed and did some boxing moves to show he was serious.
"In that case, I'm gonna use Machoke!" Danny said calling out his fighting type.
"Machoke.." Ash brings his PokéDex out.
"Machoke, the Superpower Pokémon. The evolved form of Machop. Machoke's body is powerful enough to never get tired. Its muscles are as hard as steel, and it is capable of lifting extremely heavy objects with only one finger."
"Quite a jump from a Geodude." Tracey said sketching this.
"I know you've been itching for a good fight Champ, so let's make this a good one." Ash tells him.
"Prime." Champ said pounding his fists together pumped.
"Machoke, use Karate Chop!" Machoke's hand glowed running towards Champ.
"Block it and Mega Punch!" Blocking with one arm Champ moves in and nails a punch.
"Now overhead toss!" Ash said. Grabbing Machoke by the arm, Champ throws him with all his might sending him flying.
"Machoke!" Danny said as Machoke heard his command and regains control of his body as he lands ontop of the geyser.
"Dangit." Ash growls.
"Sorry Ash but we have some moves too! Low Sweep!" Leaping in with a drop kick, Machoke swings one foot which Champ blocks but the second kick hits Champ in the knee.
Making him cringe and knocked backwards. "Well we're not throwing in the towel Danny, Champ Aerial Ace!"
"Bullet Punch!" Charging in both Pokémon meet in the middle and clash punches. With a swing, Champ met Machoke in the gut, only for Machoke to land a blow to the head multiple times.
"Vital Throw!" Once Champ hit Machoke he grabs Primeape and slams him to the ground. "Now use Rock Smash!" Danny said. Slamming his fist into the ground Machoke sends large chunks of ice flying towards Champ.
"Champ dodge it quick!" Ash said.
Jumping behind a geyser the hot water melted the ice chunks before they hit.
"These geysers are gonna be an obstacle to get past." Ash grits his teeth. "And this Ice Field is something else."
A hot and cold combination battle.
"Champ Aerial Ace!" Ash said as Champ leaps over the geyser and attacks.
"Karate Chop!" With glowing hands Machoke blocks the attack.
"Fire punch, right hook!" Champ's fist burst into flames as he uses his other hand to punch Machoke in the face.
"Machoke Cross Chop!" Forming his hands into an X Machoke knocks Champ back just as a geyser shot out knocking Champ into the air.
And he lands ontop of one of them.
"Champ!" Ash gasps as Champ fell down. The Primeape groaned as his burns died down on his back.
"Water so hot it can actually inflict burn." Tracey gulps.
"Between that and the ice, Ash has a lot to watch out for." Tomo said.
"You OK Champ?" His pig monkey snarled and pants lightly.
"Machoke use Cross Chop!"
"Slide and use Mega Kick!" Sliding across the ice Champ leaps up and kicks Machoke in the gut.
Making him wheeze in pain. "Now Return!" With an even stronger kick, Champ knocks Machoke into a geyser, which burned his back.
"Hang in there Machoke!" Danny said as Machoke cringed in pain.
Both fighting types were on their last leg.
"Gotta make this last move count." Ash said. "Champ, Close Combat now!"
"Seismic Toss!" As Champ leaps in and nails a few punches and kicks Machoke grabs Champ's leg.
"Prime!" Champ gasps as Machoke leaps into the air before spinning around and around throwing Champ sending him smashing into the ice.
"Champ, no!" Ash gasped and sees Champ lying on the floor, and didn't get back up.
"And it looks like we're all tied up." Danny said as Ash ran to him.
"Champ are you okay?" Ash asks helping him up.
"Primeape." Champ groans apologizing.
"I'm the one who should be saying sorry. I should've trained you abit more before taking the challenge." Ash apologized rubbing his back.
Nearby, Pikachu watched Ash and Champ smile. Even though they lost they were still good friends and eager to fight again.
Now Ash HAS to win the last round if he wants to win that badge.
"So Danny where's the last field?" Ash asks.
"This is the fun part. Down there." Danny points as they looked down the beach.
"You made Ash climb all the way up here just to go back down in the end?" Tomo asks.
"Does this mean he has climb down this time?" Misty said.
"No this where it gets fun. We get to sled down." Danny smiles.
"Sled?" Everyone said confused.
"It's a little side challenge. I do. You and I race down here on sleds and whoever gets there first wins." Danny said.
"Wins what?" Ash asks.
"Nothing really this is just for fun. I find that if challengers and their Pokemon do a little activity before each battle it helps them out. Like how I made you climb the rest of the mountain after our first battle." Danny said.
Ash ponders. "Well, if you it that way then." He then grew a smile.
A few minutes later, Ash and Danny were racing down on sleds.
"Aw man, now I really wished I went with him." Tomo pouted.
"I think I rather take the cable car down." Misty said.
"Come along Tomo." Tracey said taking the wild boy with them.
Racing down the snow, Ash and Danny soon found themselves racing down the rocky terrain.
"Y-y-y-yikes." Ash stuttered.
"Sorry Ash! Eat my dust!" Danny said taking the lead.
"Not on your life Danny.." Ash looks for any of boost to get him im first. Scouting the area, he saw something on the far end. "There!" He moves his sled to the right.
Moving down that path Ash slid up a rock and was launched into the air.
"YEE-HAW!'
At the bottom, Misty, Tracey and Tomo arrive to see Ash racing towards them.
"There he is!" Tomo cheers.
"Now just gotta break!" Ash said beginning to put the sled to a stop.
Turning the sled it grinds against the rocks before coming to a stop just before the water.
"Phew." He sighed relived.
"See? I told you it would be fun." Danny said getting out of his sled.
"I'll say." Ash said getting out. "Looks like I get the first move Danny."
"For our field Ash, it'll take place right here on the beach and for my last Pokemon. I choose you Nidoqueen!" Danny said calling out his last Pokémon.
Nidoqueen bellowed, pounding her chest.
"Alright Tinker I choose you!" Ash said calling out his last transport.
"Fable." Tinker said landing across from Nidoqueen.
"A Clefable! A real Clefable!" Tracey was amazed.
"Wow haven't seen Tinker in action for a long time." Misty said surprised.
Tinker turned away from Ash in a pout and huff. "Fable."
"W-what's wrong Tinker?" Ash asks.
"FableFableFable." She said like she was upset about something.
"Okay I get it, I left you at the ranch too long. I'm sorry." Ash said.
"FableClefable?"
"Yes I really am. And I promise, I'll start using you more in future battles to come. Cross my heart, now are you ready to battle for me?" Ash asks.
With hearing this, she grew a satisfied smile on her face. "Clefable."
"Wow, I didn't knew Pokémon could be dramatic.." Tomo sweatdropped.
"Not that's just Tinker. Total drama queen." Misty sweatdrops.
"Well Pokémon take on different behaviors so I guess this is one of them." Tracey rubbed his head.
"You guys good over there?" Danny asks.
"Yes we're ready." Ash calls out. Now the final match to decide who wins now commences.
"Nidoqueen Ice Beam!" Danny said as Nidoqueen fired a blue beam.
Tinker dodge it!" Ash said as Tinker leaped out of the way with ease.
She happened to jump onto a palm tree. Nidoqueen fires Ice Beam again, but she hops off of it, leaving it to be frozen. Tinker lands her feet onto Nidoqueen, making her stagger back.
"That looked to be Bounce." Tracey said.
"The perfect move for a Pokemon like her." Misty said.
"Nidoqueen, Superpower!" Danny said.
"Keep bouncing Tinker!" Ash said. As Nidoqueen attacked Tinker leaps around trying to dodge all the attacks before leaping in and landing another attack.
"Alright now use Double Team!" Ash said.
"Fable!" Tinker made copies of herself to confuse Nidoqueen.
"Nidoqueen, use Thunderbolt on every Clefable to find the real one!" Danny said. Nidoqueen's horn sparked up as she roared and blasted out electricity at all clones as they died one by one.
"Jump at the last second girl!" Ash said. Before the last clone die, the real Tinker jumped up and dodged the Thunderbolt. "Now Iron Tail!" Tinker's tail glowed metallic before smashing it into Nidoqueen by the horn.
"Poison Jab!" With a poison coated fist Nidoqueen punched Tinker sending her tumbling into the sand.
"Come on Tinker, don't let that gargantuan do that to you!" Ash said. Tinker growled and hopped back upwards. "That's the spirit, now use Metronome!" He said taking a risk.
Tinker waves her hands in the air. "Fable. Fable. Fable. Fable. Fable." When the fingers stopped a powerful Whirlpool appeared in Tinker's hands.
"Whirpool!"
"That's a good move. Not only is it super effective against a ground but Nidoqueen will be trapped." Tracey smiles.
"Clefa!" Tinker throws it at Nidoqueen, and gotten swirled upwards in the process.
"Nidoqueen, Thunderbolt!" Firing a bolt of electricity Nidoqueen destroyed it. "Now Superpower once more!" Roaring, Nidoqueen moves in and delivered a powerful strike nailing Tinker right in the gut.
"Fable!" She screamed from the super effective move.
"If Tinker gets hit by a second one she's done." Misty said.
"Not exactly. Superpower is strong but once it makes contact it drastically lowers the user's attack and defense." Tracey said.
"So Ash has a slight chance, but he's gotta make it good and quick." Tomo said.
"Tinker use Metronome one more time!" Ash said as Tinker waved her hands forward and back but this time a powerful Icy Wind blew in and sealed super effective damage.
Nidoqueen groaned as her body was frozen on the lower half.
"Oh no!" Danny gasps seeing his Pokemon was trapped.
"Now use Bounce!" Ash said. Tinker jumps upwards and kicks Nidoqueen in the face.
Roaring in pain Nidoqueen falls backwards crashing into sand.
"Nidoqueen!" Danny said
"Nido." Nidoqueen groans with swirly eyes.
"Yes! We did it Tinker!" Ash cheers.
"Fable! Clefable!" She cheered hopping.
"Pikachu." Pikachu said amazed how after so long Ash and Tinker were able to win.
"Way to go Ash." Danny walks up to him. "You chose your Pokémon well and you beat me 2 outta 3. Now you really deserve this." He held out a seashell with a red marking and emerald stone in the middle. "The Sea Ruby Badge is yours."
Smiling Ash takes the badge. He was now halfway there to competing in the Orange League.
"That was great." Tracey said.
"All of it was so awesome." Tomo smiled.
"Yeah, but...Danny lost." Misty whined.
"Oh brother." Tomo rolls his eyes.
"Tomo you're still a long way away from thinking like that." Tracey said.
"I had to deal with a lovesick and goofball friend of mine who keep messing with girls." Tomo said deadpan. "I know."
"You don't say." Tracey said.
As they were about to leave Ash looks to Pikachu. "Well Pikachu I had to admit you and I did pretty good up on that mountain."
"Pika." Pikachu nods.
"So uh I guess it's back in the Pokeball." Ash said about to take it out when Pikachu runs up and climbs on his shoulder instead.
"W-what are you doing?" He questioned.
"Pikapi Pikachu." Pikachu said.
"I think Pikachu wants to spend more time out of his Pokeball with you." Danny said.
"Say what?" Ash said to it, in which Pikachu nodded.
"That's a strange request." Ash said not sure if he should do it.
But it could be a test to find their bond to make up for their lost time.
"Well alright." Ash said as Pikachu smiles.
Leaving the island, Ash, Pikachu, Misty Tomo and Tracey wave goodbye to Danny as they head to the next island.
Grapefruit Islands
Sailing through the Orange Islands, Ash was looking up to see Pikachu had taken a seat on Voyage's head as the lookout.
Needless to say it was a little weird traveling with him again.
"Hey Ash?" Tracey asks.
"Yeah?" He turns to him.
"You doing alright? You've been a little quiet." Tracey asks.
"Uh it's nothing Tracey." Ash said shaking his head.
"Look I know I'm not your oldest friend but I can still help you if you need it." Tracey said.
"Well it's..just not used to Pikachu yet." Ash said
"Well I may not know why but I learned that Pokémon are like people which means you don't always become friends right out of the gate. Real bonds take time." Tracey said.
Ash hummed looking up at the mouse.
"Pika? Pikachu." Pikachu points seeing some islands in the distance.
"Hey we're coming across the grapefruit islands!" Tracey said.
"Grapefruit islands?" Misty asks. Tracey nods.
"All the islands are covered with grapefruit groves, they should be getting ripe right about now."
"Ooh maybe if we stop by we can get a few." Ash said.
"I like the sound of that." Tomo smiles.
Little did they know a certain round Pokemon was floating right behind them.
As they docked they looked up in the tree. There they saw grapefruits that were bigger then they're normal size. "Wow, just look at the size of them, they're humongous!" Ash was blown away picking one.
"They're even bigger than normal grapefruit." Tomo said looking at it.
"And I bet they're delicious too." Misty said eager to try it.
"Hold it right there! I got you, thieves!" Looking down the path they saw a girl running towards them with a wooden sword.
"Theives? Wait does she mean us?" Ash realized.
They all panic as she swings the sword at them, luckily Ash was quick enough to grab a hold of it. "Woah woah! Ma'am, we didn't steal anything!"
"Liar!" She snaps.
"No he's not! We literally just got here!" Tomo said holding his boomerang defensively.
"He's right, you gotta believe us." Tracey said as he and Misty backed them up.
"Huh? Oh my goodness I am so sorry." She said lowering the stick. "Lately something has been coming to our groves and taking all the grapefruit."
"I thought Grapefruit grew by themselves." Ash said.
"We didn't know they belonged to anyone, we should've asked." Misty said
"It's okay and no it takes quite a bit of love and hard work. First we wrap them up to keep them warm in the winter, then we spray the trees to keep insects away. Once we weed them we wait for the grapefruit blossoms to grow and finally we bring in Butterfree to help pollinate the flowers. It's a lot of hard work but the results are worth it." She said.
"I can see why after so much work," Tracey figured.
"Ruby!" They heard a man come running to them. "Ruby! The theif struck again!"
"If we hurry we can catch them!" Ruby said as they ran off.
"We should help too." Ash said as they ran after.
But when they arrived they saw tons of grapefruit trees destroyed and empty of all fruit.
"They even tore off the branches.." Ruby was horrified.
"This is disgusting!" Ash said enraged that the hard work Ruby and her fellow associates did were all wasted.
"Who would do such a horrible thing?" Misty asks saddened.
"Hey over here! Bring help!" A worker said as they came over.
"Where are they?" Ruby asks.
"Not "THEY" Ruby, "IT"." The man said pointing to a large lump of a Pokémon eating the grapefruit.
"I-it's a Snorlax!" Misty exclaimed as Ash brings his PokéDex out.
"Snorlax, the Sleeping Pokemon. Snorlax isn't satisfied until it's eaten about 900 pounds of food each day, once it is full it promptly goes to sleep."
"Snorlax eats more than any other Pokémon." Tracey gulps.
"I'd hate to be a grapefruit right now." Misty shudders.
"How did a Snorlax even get on this island?" Tomo asks.
"I don't know but if we don't something it's gonna eat every grapefruit on the island." Ash panics. The men tried to push Snorelax away, but it swatted them away.
"Snorlax does not like being interrupted while eating." Misty said.
"Well then we'll just have to pick all the grapefruit before Snorlax can get to them." Ruby said.
"But there's too many of them on the trees." Tomo said.
"Our Pokémon should help us out." Ash said already giving the idea.
"Scyther use your Slash attack!" Tomo said calling out his bug type.
"Scyther!" Scyther flew in and sliced the grapefruit off the branches.
"Alpha! Razor Leaf now!" Ash said calling out his Venusaur.
"VENUS!" He roared releasing multiple leaves as they slice off Grapefruit to the ground.
"Pazder, Take Down!" He also threw out his Rhyhorn to ram into the trees, making the grapefruit fall out of them.
"Golduck use Confusion!" Misty said calling out her water type.
"Golduck!" Golduck glows blue as he pulls the fruit off the branches with psychic energy.
They soon piled up a huge area of grapefruit. "You guys did a really good job." Tracey said.
"Now Snorlax won't be able to get these." Misty said before the ground rumbled and they see Snorlax running towards them, wanting the grapefruit.
Growling, Pazder decided to stop him by spinning him horn, using Horn Drill and charged.
"Lax!" Using Protect Snorlax deflects the one hit KO.
"It knows Protect?!" Ash gasped.
"As if stopping a regular Snorlax wasn't hard enough." Tracey said as Snorlax pushed them away and continued eating.
"Those aren't yours Snorlax! Alpha, Power Whip!" Ash said.
"Saur!" Alpha wraps a vine around Snorlax's arm and tries pulling him away.
"Ash if we battle and catch it we can still save the grapefruits." Tomo suggests.
"For your sake, I hope you're right. Keep holding him Alpha!" Ash said.
Alpha struggled to pull him away but Snorlax turned around and yanks Alpha to the side sending him skidding across the ground.
"What the? How?!" Ash exclaimed in surprise.
"Snorlax is not happy." Misty gulps.
"Probably because its meal was interrupted." Tracey gulps.
"Saur.." Alpha groaned. "Alpha, return!" Ash said recalling him back.
"Rhy." Pazder said recovering from earlier and charged ramming into Snorlax. However Snorlax flattened him with a Body Slam.
"So not only is it crazy strong it has protect on top of its strong defense." Ash said agitated returning Pazder.
"Do we have any Pokémon that can stop it?" Tracey asks.
"I know, Diamond!" Misty gotten an idea.
"Ash's Steelix?" Tracey asks.
"Hey yeah Diamond might be able to help." Ash agreed.
"Well you better hurry, Snorlax is almost done with the food." Tomo pointed.
Taking out his Pokédex Ash was about to do the transfer when Jigglypuff leaped in.
"Jigglypuff." She smiles.
"J-Jigglypuff?!" Ash, Misty and Tomo exclaimed.
"Jig-" Before it could sing Tomo grabbed the mic.
"No this time!" Tomo yells throwing it as far as he could.
"Puff!" Jigglypuff cried out running after it.
"Tomo what was that about? That was just mean." Tracey said.
"No I'm not the who's mean, that Jigglypuff is." Tomo pointed out.
"It pops up out of nowhere and sings to us, which puts us to sleep, and then it leaves before drawing on our faces." Misty explained.
"It's like Team Rocket and it follows us everywhere." Ash said.
"Pikachu." Pikachu shudders at this. But while they were distracted, Snorlax ate all of the grapefruit and yawned.
"Well look on the bright side. We're on an island so it's not like he can go anywhere else." Misty said looking to Ruby.
"And as long Snorlax can't get to the other islands, the rest of your grapefruit groves are safe." Tracey said.
"That's something to be grateful for." She said abit relieved.
Getting up Snorlax walked to the beach and began flailing his arms around.
"Ash what's happening?" Tomo asks.
"I'm as confused as you are." Ash said when Snorlax ran to the edge.
Leaping into the water everyone looked in shock to see Snorlax swimming the butterfly stroke all the way to the next island.
"I don't believe it, Snorlax can swim?" Misty said.
"Well that explains how it got here." Tracey said.
"Time to go after it." Throwing Voyage out, Ash and his crew went after Snorlax while Ruby was on her speedboat.
"I'll go to our headquarters to tell the others to start picking grapefruit right away!" She said.
"Gotcha!" Ash nodded as she drove away.
Meanwhile on the other island, Team Rocket was helping themselves to the grapefruit as well.
"Talk about lucky." Meowth smiles as they pile up a ton of grapefruit.
"Just what we need to start the day, a nice and healthy breakfast." Jessie sighed happily holding one up.
"You know I remember back home the servants also used to make me candied grapefruit peels." James said.
"Servants eh? That must've been the life." Jessie nudges him, making James abit embarrassed.
"So we're making the fruit into candy?" Meowth asks.
"No we're making the fruit into cash, by selling them." Jessie said.
"Then let's grab as much of these things as we can!" Meowth said.
Running back to the submarine with as much grapefruit as they could carry Team Rocket was met with Snorlax as it neared the shore. Making them freaked out as Snorlax's wave crashes into them.
"What the heck? A Snorlax?" Meowth asks as Snorlax started eating their fruit.
"Hey we stole that first!" James said.
"HEY!" They heard familiar voices and saw the kids coming up to the island.
"Twerps ahoy!" Team Rocket said.
"Don't even think about stealing that fruit!" Misty yells.
"We had them first before Tubby showed up!" Meowth yelled out.
"As if dealing with Snorlax wasn't bad enough we have to deal with them now." Ash groans annoyed.
Now Snorlax began his snacking rampage on the second island.
And while the workers tried to save the grapefruit it was almost impossible to stop Snorlax.
"That thing's getting caught one way or another." Ash growled. "Go Diamond!" He yelled throwing out his Steelix.
Roaring, Diamond landed across from Snorlax telling him enough was enough.
"Snor?" Snorlax turns its head to her.
And suddenly Diamond took the shape of a giant turkey leg.
"Snorlax!" Snorlax's eyes shined as it began to drool, making Diamond have an uneasy look of nervousness on her face. Charging in Snorlax grabs Diamond by the tail.
Making her exclaimed at that, before smacking him downwards with an Iron Tail. "Use Iron Tail again!" Ash said as Diamond whacked Snorlax again.
Diamond growled at the normal type, saying to never touch her again.
"Lax. Snorlax." Snorlax said annoyed.
"Even something as big as a Steelix has to take down Snorlax." Tracey said.
"Normal attacks do little to no damage against Diamond and she has plenty of power! Go Diamond!" Ash said as Diamond charged forward and rammed into Snorlax. Making him crash into a couple of broken trees.
"Hey!" Looking over they saw Team Rocket.
"Stop wrecking the merchandise!" Jessie said.
"Your merchandise? Weren't you trying to steal the fruit not too long ago?!"
"Yeah and we can't if you twerps have Snorlax wreck it and the place!" Meowth yells.
"So call of the snake, cuz we're taking it from here!" James yells.
"No!" All four of them said at once.
"Scram, you're just gonna screw things up like always!" Ash said.
"Hey words hurt you know!" Meowth said.
"Forget their words! Let's just catch it already!" Jessie said.
"Go Weezing! Sludge attack!" James said.
"Lickitung Slam!" Jessie said as both Pokemon came out but their attacks just bounced off Snorlax.
"Snor." Snorlax smashes his head into them severely with a Headbutt attack.
"Pikachu use Thunderbolt!" Ash said as Pikachu zapped Snolax causing to scream in pain for a few seconds before going back to eating.
"Does this thing take ANY kind of damage..?" Ash said annoyed.
"When it's eating it's oblivious to everything else." Tomo said.
"So none of our Pokémon can stop him?" Misty asks.
"If we don't do something it's gonna eat all the grapefruit on all the islands." Misty said.
"That's our cue." James said appearing in a tux. "Ladies and gentlemen, twerps of all ages keep your eyes on the pendulum." James said trying hypnotism.
'Does he really think that parlor trick is gonna work?' Ash thought.
"Keep watch, your eyes are getting heavy. On the count of three you will get very sleepy. One, two three." James snaps his fingers but instead he fell asleep instead of Snorlax.
"Hey! You ain't supposed to be sleepin'!" Meowth snapped at his dumb friend.
"Hey put Snorlax to sleep, that's not a bad idea." Ash said seeing their failed plan, gave him a new thought.
"And it just so happens a Pokemon that specializes in putting things to sleep is on this island." Tomo reminds.
They came to a conclusion, "Jigglypuff!"
"Snorey. It's time to go to beddie bye." Looking over they saw Jessie in a Snorlax costume wearing an apron.
"What is that supposed to be?" Tomo asks.
"I think Jessie's trying to look like Snorlax's mother." Ash cringed.
"His mother.." Even Misty was creeped out.
"That's just wrong." Tracey cringed.
"Pikachi." Pikachu agrees.
As Team Rocket was trying to sing him a horrible lullaby, Snorlax was getting annoyed by the second. He got up and sent them flying into the air with a Mega Kick, making them blast off.
"Well that takes care of them." Tracey said, relieved they're gone.
"In the meantime, let's find Jigglypuff." Misty said.
At the warehouses, Ruby arrives to see all her workers on the ground.
"Oh no!" Ruby gasps.
"Ruby!" Ash said as they ran over. "We figured out a way to stop Snorlax!"
"I'm so glad you got here, Take a look." Ruby points to her fallen workers, who were actually asleep with marker drawings on their faces.
"Only one Pokémon does this." Misty said.
"How long ago did you leave?" Ash asks.
"About a half hour." Ruby said.
"Then Jigglypuff can't be too far from here." Tracey figured. Snorlax was already heading towards the 3rd island, so they had to hurry.
Getting to work all of them set up a quick little stage.
"Now all we need is the star." Ash said.
The ground began to shake, meaning one thing. "Guys, here comes Snorlax!" Tomo said.
"If it eats the grapefruit in the warehouse we'll be ruined." Ruby panics.
They had to get Jigglypuff here, it was now or never! "Jigglypuff! Jigglypuff!" Ash started a chant which the others followed.
From nearby Jiggypuff with its recovered mic saw all of them near stage chanting for her.
"Jiggly? Jiggly." Jigglypuff smiles leaping up on stage.
"There she is!"
"Play that song Jigglypuff!"
"And make it loud!"
As Jigglypuff started to sing everyone including Snorlax was getting tired.
"Wait I can't!" Ash said snapping out of it and running to Snorlax. "Alright Pazder it's up to you!" Ash said calling out his Rhyhorn. "Horn Drill!" His nose horn spinning, Pazder charged up for payback from earlier and leapt at Snorlax.
Snorlax tried to use Protect but Sing caused him to yawn allowing Pazder to nail him right in the gut knocking it out.
"Alright, Pokéball! Go!" Ash throws it and the ball sucked Snorlax in. The ball wiggles and then clicks.
"Yes! We got him!" Ash smiles.
"Rhy." Pazder smiles before he suddenly started to glow.
Ash gasped, he tried to keep his eyes open to see that Pazder no longer stood on his paws but now grew larger and stood on too feet and grew an upper body and tail. The light died down to see a Rhydon in Pazeer's place Pazder roars seeing his new and stronger form.
"Pazder you did it...you...evolved." Ash said before Sing took effect and they both fell asleep.
Once again, seeing her audience not listing to her, Jigglypuff uses its marker and the new colored markers to scribble on everyone's faces for falling asleep.
When they woke up Ash had shown everyone his evolved Pazder and Snorlax at Prof. Pam's lab and far away from the islands.
And decided to name him...Tank. For his indestructible body.
"I can't thank you all enough for saving our grapefruits." Ruby said.
"We're glad we could." Ash said.
"Even so please accept these as a little thank you gift." Ruby said handing him a bag of candied grapefruit peels.
"Thanks Ruby," Misty smiles and feeds one to Togepi. And then to Pikachu. "Here, for a new beginning."
"Pikachu." Pikachu smiles enjoying it.
A worker comes running over. "Ruby you're not gonna believe this, but there are trees growing wherever Snorlax went!"
They saw what the worker said was true. Small tree flowers were starting to sprout. "This is amazing! I've never seen anything like this before," Ruby said.
"Looks like your grapefruit business isn't over yet." Tracey said.
"I guess Snorlax did a good thing with his bad habits after all." Misty said.
"Even so I hope Prof. Oak has a plan to feed Snorlax or he's in trouble." Tomo said.
"And how am I gonna train something like that.." Ash muttered to himself.
"One problem at a time guys." Tracey suggests.
Soon as the sunsets, Ruby and the workers were now saying goodbye to the gang as they sail to their next adventure.
Haruna Island
While traveling through the Orange Islands, at Moro Island, Ash and his friends learn about the history about the Orange League and that Ash had to acquire 4 Gym Badges. So he was almost done.
"So Tracey what's the next island with a gym?" Ash asks.
"That would be Trovita Island." Tracey said looking at the guidebook.
"Gotta say, getting 4 badges instead of 8 was a surprise." Misty said. "You're halfway done."
"And then it's the Orange League." Tomo said.
"I wonder what the Orange League is like when we get there?" Ash wondered petting Voyage, making him cry out with a smile. "You think it'll be like at the Indigo Plateau?"
"I'm not sure, but based on what we've seen I say just be prepared for anything." Tomo said.
"Hmm.." Tracey hummed looking in his binoculars. In the distance he saw quite a few boats heading towards one island in particular that had streamers and balloons. "Hey guys, I think there's a festival going on at that island." Tracey points out.
"A Festival?" That gotten their attention.
"What do you say we take a little break and go check it out." Tracey offers.
"I'm in." Ash smiles.
"Count me in." Misty smiled.
"Ditto." Tomo nodded as Voyage swamd towards the island.
On the island everyone was preparing for the festival when a figure stepped off the boat with a Sandslash.
"Whoa Sandslash looks like we came at a good time." He said. "Slash." It nodded liking the aesthetics.
Walking through the docks they walked right past Voyage as he pulled up.
And were met with two hula women. "Welcome to Haruna Island!"
"And welcome to this year's "Haruna Festival!"
Walking up to them they put leis around their necks. "The Haruna Festival?" Misty asks.
"Oh wow that's what this is? Guys the Haruna Festival is one of the best events in the entire Orange Islands." Tracey smiles.
"It is?" Tomo asks.
"Every year during the time around the Orange League Season, Haruna Island holds a special party for Pokémon trainers who are participating in it when they come nearby." Tracey said.
"I guess that means I'm allowed to celebrate." Ash smiles.
"Does this mean you are competing in the Orange League?" One of the hula girls asked.
"Does this answer your question?" Ash opens his coat to reveal his 2 badges.
Gasping they grabbed his arm. "Follow us." They said excited.
Making him surprised by their sudden grip. "H-hey!" He said being pulled off.
"Ash just got real popular really fast." Misty said as they followed him.
"Are you competing?" A hula girl asks.
"No we're with him." Tracey points.
"Oh you must be his cheerleaders." One of them said, making the others sweatdrop.
"Cheerleaders? Do I look like one of those?" Tomo said.
"I mean we cheer him on, but they don't see us wearing pompoms." Tracey said.
"I am SO not becoming someone like Gary.." Misty mutters.
"Wha?" Tracey turns.
"Don't ask, let's just go." Misty said, not wanting to answer as they entered the festival grounds.
Once in Haruna Town, they all see the biggest party they've ever laid eyes on. There was a parade and stands with Pokémon merchandise, toys, food, you name it.
"Wow, it's just like in the Pokémon League village!" Ash said blown away with excitement.
"Except this is before the competition, not during." Misty said.
As Ash looks around he and Pikachu ended up bumping into the figure and Sandslash.
"Oh man I'm sorry." Ash said.
"It's cool I wasn't looking." He turns and Ash looks to see the trainer was none other than AJ from Kanto.
"A-A.J?!" He gasped.
"W-well now! Ash, is that you?!" A.J was in shocked too.
"Slash?!" Sandslash gasps.
"Wait a minute...is that who I think it is?" Ash points.
"You betcha, this is the same Sandshew from a year ago." A.J smiled proudly.
"It's great to see you again." Misty smiles.
"Misty good to see ya." AJ said when he noticed Tracey and Tomo. "I don't remember you guys."
"My name's Tracey, from New Bark Town and I'm a Jr. Pokémon Researcher."
"And I'm Tomo, Ash's little brother."
"Wow Ash your little group has gotten big." AJ said.
"Thanks so what have you been up to?" Ash asks.
"Well I wanted to compete in the Indigo League but sadly I just couldn't get my 8th before the deadline." AJ explains.
"Aw what?" Ash said saddened. "That's too bad, I would've love to battle you again."
"Same with me, though this time on equal terms." A.J said rubbing his neck.
"What do you mean on equal terms?" Tracey asks.
"You see, when we first met A.J, he runs an unofficial Pokemon gym. And he had a 99 win streak. So going in, Ash beat him with Mystic, that's his Gyarados by the way." Misty explained.
"After I got 100 wins I left to looking for badges to compete." AJ said.
"100 wins? Wow talk about leaving prepared." Tomo whistles.
"A.J trains the most savage Pokémon he could find." Ash recalled seeing them all. "And you know, all his training methods is what inspired me to train mine harder. And I liked how you weren't pulling any stops."
"Well if I plan to become the world's #1 Trainer, I got to show the world that A.J's not playing around." A.J smiled along with Sandslash. "Oh by the way Ash, how's Eevee?"
"Eevee? Oh you mean Evlon?" Ash asks taking out a Pokéball. "Take a look." Opening it, Ash shows Evlon to him.
"Espe!" She cried out.
"Well that's a new one. I've never seen Eevee turn into something like that before." AJ said interested.
"It's called an Espeon and it's a Psychic type." Ash said.
"Psychic Type, boy you trained it well better than I could." A.J whistled impressed.
"Espeon Espe." Evlon greeted Sandslash.
"Slash." Sandslash smiled, saying it was great to see her again.
"So AJ I don't suppose you're here to compete in the Orange League?" Ash asks.
"You ask me?" A.J asks pulling out a case to reveal 3 Gym Badges!
"3?! Oh man I only have 2." Ash said showing his badges.
"I guess I'm one step ahead of ya this time Ash." A.J grins triumphly. "I'm almost done."
Little did they know three small shadows were sneaking around to the food stands. And while the vendor wasn't looking, the food he was preparing was gone.
"What the?!"
"Where'd all my food go?!"
Then at a sunglasses stand, something grabbed onto the lenses on a rack, pulling them out. In one booth something grabbed some souvenir mugs. And something lifted some hats and clothes.
As everyone was freaking out Ash and AJ stopped talking.
"What's going on over there?" AJ asks.
"Something's been stealing my profits!"
"Thieves!"
"Thieves?" The group questioned.
Runnning to it, Ash saw a Growlithe and Gastly running off with a big bag of goodies.
"Look that's the thieves!" He pointed.
"Pikachu stop them!" Ash said.
"Pika!" Pikachu ran in to try and catch when something leaped in forcing Pikachu to jump back.
"Sne." Standing in front of Pikachu was a dark Pokémon with sharp claws and a feather on its head.
"I don't believe it, a Sneasel!" Tracey recognizes it.
"Sneasel?" Ash brings his PokéDex out.
"Sneasel, the Sharp Claw Pokémon. Sneasel are notoriously vicious Pokémon, which are capable of using their claws to make substantial damage on its foes."
"It sounds scary." Misty shudders.
The Sneasel's claws glowed as in a threatening manner at them. "Sneasel.." It snarled at them.
"Pikachu Thundershock!" Ash said as Pikachu fired sparks of electricity.
"Snea!" Leaping out of the way Sneasel dives in with Metal Claw.
"Quick use Iron Tail!" Ash said. With a glowing tail, Pikachu swings it blocking the attack.
That's when Sneasal grins, them forgetting that he has a second claw. His other claw glowed with darkness around it slashes Pikachu with a Shadow Claw.
"Pika!" He cried out being knocked back.
"Pikachu!" Ash gasps as Pikachu fell backwards.
"Quick catch it!" A Townsperson said when Sneasel released a powerful Icy Wind making its escape.
"Damn, they got away again.." A vendor cursed.
"Again? You mean they've done this before?" Tomo asks.
"For weeks those three Pokémon have been causing havoc all over the island." The vendor said.
"Stealing food, our stock, everything. And when it comes to the Haruna Festival, they have a field day."
"That ain't right. Someone needs to knock some sense into those three." AJ said.
"We've tried, the problem is those three are very good at covering for the other and fighting us off." The vendor said.
"I see, they're like one cool gang that cover for each other's back." Tracey said pondering.
"Maybe if we tried to get them away from each other we could have a shot one on one." Ash suggests.
"But we don't even know where they went." Tomo said.
"Not to worry I've got a Pokémon that can cover tons of ground real fast for us." AJ smiles taking out a Pokeball. "Come on out!"
Throwing the Pokeball into the air a Pidgeot appeared. "Pidgeo!"
Ash whistled impressed. "Check out that Pidgeot." He said as he brings his PokéDex out again.
"Pidgeot, the Bird Pokémon. The evolved form of Pidgeotto. Pidgeot's powerful wings are capable of stirring up windstorms in just a few flaps, and it may spread its wings to intimidate enemies."
Taking out his whip, AJ readies it.
"Alright Pidgeot we got an entire island to search and we're looking for three Pokemon together. I want to see those wings flapping!" AJ said cracking the whip and immediately Pidgeot took off.
"Uh wasn't that a little much?" Tracey asks.
"Yeah is the whip really necessary?" Tomo asks.
"Hey that's how A.J trains his Pokémon." Misty tells them.
"What?" Tracey asks shocked. "Isn't that abuse?"
"No way." Ash shakes his head. "Everyone has different ways on training their Pokémon and A.J's no exception. Sure he can be hard on them, but A.J really cares for their feelings and trains them to be at their fullest potential."
"I never do more than what I know my Pokémon can handle." AJ points out.
"Slash." Sandslash nods in agreement.
"He's pretty confident." Tomo said.
"Come on let's see what we can dig up." Misty said as they walked away.
Little did they know Team Rocket was watching the whole thing.
"Wow that Sneasel was something else." Jessie said.
"I know, it's got a real nasty attitude." James agreed. "Ooh we could use something like that."
"I bet the boss would like one of those." Mewoth said.
"Forget the boss. I say we put that Sneasel on our team." Jessie suggests.
"What? Why?" Meowth asks.
"Think about it, with a sneaky Pokémon like that we might actually be winners." James said.
"And those claws are so strong." Jessie said as Meowth looks at his paws insecurly.
"And his claws, did you see that Shadow and Metal Claw?" James asks.
"So powerful." Jessie nods.
"Not as strong as my Fury Swipes." Meowth said. However that just made Jessie and James laugh.
"Please Mewoth you're not even in the same league as that Sneasel!" Jessie laughs.
"You don't even battle!" James laughs.
"What?!" He jumped on the table in anger. "Are you two sayin' that black cat's better than Meowth?!"
"In every way." They both said.
Meowth's face was growing with anger.
"I'LL SHOW YOU UNGRATEFUL JERKS WHO THE BETTER POKEMON IS!" Meowth snaps.
And with that, he ran off after the twerps.
As Pidgeot flew through the air Tracey had his Venonat and Marill helping out with the search.
"So Ash what ever happened to Brock? What's he up to?" AJ asks.
"He stayed behind to work at Prof. Ivy's lab." Ash said.
"Prof. Ivy? Wow talk about a lucky break." AJ said impressed.
"Yeah Pokémon Professors are very exclusive with who they pick to work with them." Tracey nods in agreement.
"Seems as like someone's itching to really get Prof. Oak's attention eh?" Ash turns to Tracey.
Rubbing the back of his head Tracey chuckles nervously.
On the ground, Venonat was using its radar eye sensors.
"Venonat! Venonat!" Venonat said getting their attention.
"I think Venonat found our crooks." Misty said.
Following Venonat they looked through some bushes and what they Gastly, Growlithe and Sneasel in their own little area with all the stuff they stole.
"Bingo, great job Venonat." Tracey whispered.
"If we can find a way to get them apart we can get them." Misty reminds.
"I want round 2 with that Sneasel." Ash said as Pikachu nodded eager for that rematch.
"That Gastly looks pretty tough in my eyes." A.J said as Sandslash sharpened its claws.
"That just leaves the Growlithe." Tracey said.
"I'll go." Tomo said.
"You sure kid?" A.J asks.
"Hey let him." Ash said grinning. "You've never seen my little bro in action."
They were about to move in when suddenly a metal net was shot and dropped down on the three Pokémon.
"Sneasel?!"
"Growl?!"
"Gaslty?!"
"What the?!" AJ gasps when they ran out expecting Team Rocket but saw only Meowth with a remote.
"Meowth?" Tracey said.
"That's right twerps!" Meowth said.
"Wait where are Jessie and James?" Misty asks looking around.
"Ah who needs those backstabbin' morons?" Meowth snarled.
"Those weirdoes are still following everywhere?" AJ sweatdrops.
"It's sad I know." Ash sighs.
"Now if you twerps don't mind, these Pokémon are going right to the boss!"
The net pulls the three Pokemon up into the balloon. And the 3 Pokémon were crying out, wanting to be released.
"Ha Ha Ha! What's the matter Sneasel? Claws not strong enough?!" Meowth mocks.
"Sneasel?" Sneasel glares. "Sneasel Snea."
"Sorry bub but you'll never get outta there!" Meowth laughs when Sneasal uses Swords Dance to increase his attack before using Slash breaking a hole in the net.
"What but that's impo-!" Meowth was cut off by Sneasel kicking him in the gut.
Panting heavily Jessie and James arrive to see Meowth getting up to face Sneasel.
"He took the balloon..for this?" He pants.
"To fail on his...own?" Jessie pants.
Meowth was surrounded by the 3 gang Pokémon.
"Growl." Growlithe growls.
"Gas." Gastly growls when Sneasel held out his hand saying he got this. So the two backed off.
"Listen pal there's only room for one Team Rocket mascot and that's me!" Meowth said using Fury Swipes.
Sneasal blocks him with his Metal Claw.l Swinging his other paw, Sneasel blocks that and kicks Meowth back.
Making him crash into the basket reeling. "Why you!" Meowth leaps out and attacks again but Sneasel whacks him to the ground again and again.
"This has gotta be the most one sided battle I've ever seen." AJ said.
"Agreed..but that Sneasel's something else." Ash said impressed.
"Sneasel!" Firing Icy Wind, Sneasel freezes Meowth's feet.
"Gah, I'm gettin' frostbite!" Moving in Sneasel strikes Meowth with Slash breaking him from the ice and knocking him to the ground.
"Sneasel." It scoffed at that so called "challenge".
"Hey you!" Sneasel looks to see Jessie and James running over.
"No one makes Mewoth feel like a loser except us!" Jessie snaps.
"What are you guys doing?" Meowth groaned getting his head up from the ground.
"Saving you." James clarifies helping him up.
"Why? Don't you want that Sneasel instead of me?" He asks. "You two were going nuts about it."
"Just because we want him doesn't mean we were gonna ditch you." James said.
"You said I was a lousy fighter." Meowth said.
"You are, but you have other skills you dumb cat." Jessie said.
"The Team Rocket Trio is nothing without our annoying little hairball."
"You guys.." Meowth said tearing up.
For a bunch of idiots, each of them still cared for the other's well being.
"Now let's teach that thing a lesson. Go Arbok!"
"Weezing go!" Appearing in front of Sneasel the two Poison types glared him down.
"Growl?" Growlithe asked Sneasel if they should handle the situation.
"Sneas." Sneasel nods as his friends moved in to fight together.
It was Growlithe and Arbok vs Weezing vs Gastly. "Arbok Poison Sting!" Jessie said Arbok fired multiple needles at him.
Leaping out of the way Growlithe bit Arbok's tail. Arbok hissed in pain before bashing Growlithe to the ground to shake him off.
"Weezing Sludge!" James said as Weezing flew after Gastly firing balls of sludge.
"Gaslty!" Gastly disappears and reappeared.
"Weez!" Weezing gasps when Gastly uses Lick hitting Weezing right in the face. Weezing was grossed out and was stiff in the body.
Using this opening Sneasel strikes Weezing with Shadow Claw.
"Arbok, bite that little pup!" Jessie said. Arbok moves in but at the last second Growlithe lets go causing Arbok to bite his own tail making him scream in pain.
Flames surrounded Growlithe and he crashed into Arbok with a Flame Wheel.
"Wow they are amazing together." Misty said impressed.
"Yeah each one of them can fight exceptionally." Tracey said eying their fight.
"Now I really want to catch one." AJ said.
"Sneasal!' Sneasel's claws turned into Shadow Claw and swipes into Weezing. Crashing to the ground both Pokemon groan in pain in front of their masters.
"Weezing and Arbok just can't keep up with those guys." Meowth said.
"And neither can we!" James panics.
"Sneasel!" Sneasel orders.
Releasing Flamethrower, Icy Wind and Night Shade the three attacks smash into Team Rocket causing an explosion.
"Well Meowth, at we went out together." Jessie said.
"In a big ball of fire." James finished.
"Thanks guys." Meowth sighs.
And they all flew off in the distance, "LOOKS LIKE TEAM ROCKET'S BLASTING OFF AGAIN!"
Smiling Sneasel, Growlithe and Gastly cheer at their victory.
"Hey Sneasel!" Ash calls out getting their attention.
"Sneasal?" Turning around they saw the kids from earlier. "Snea.."
"You ready Sandslash?" AJ asks.
"Slash." Sandslash nods determined.
"Pika.." Pikachu challenges Sneasal to a rematch.
"Kabuto I choose you!" Tomo said calling out the fossil Pokemon.
"Sneasal." He tells Gastly and Growlithe to handle those 2.
"Pikachu Quick Attack!" Ash said as Pikachu charged in quickly. And Sneasal battles Pikachu. Sneasal jumped over Pikachu.
"Sneasal!" Sneasel ssaid releasing Icy Wind.
"Dodge and use Thundershock!" Leaping to the side Pikachu zaps Sneasel making him scream in pain.
A.J cracked his whip to the ground. "Sandslash, Rollout!" Rolling into a ball Sandslash spins towards Gastly.
Gastly used Double Team to avoid being hit.
"Don't let him get away!" AJ snaps his whip and Sandslash bounces off a tree and flies back up knocking away all the clones.
"Woah." Tracey gasped seeing Sandslash crash into Gastly. "That Sandslash is quite the spinner." Tracey said impressed.
"Yeah and he was great using that as a Sandshrew." Misty smiles.
Growlithe charges at Kabuto with Flame Wheel.
"Kabuto, Aqua Jet!" Tomo said as Kabuto had water gushing around herself and collided with Growlithe.
The two Pokemon struggle to push each other back but in the end Kabuto knocks Growlithe to the ground putting out the flames.
"Slash attack!" Tomo said.
Kabuto leaps in with glowing claws but at the last second Growlithe uses Dig and burrows underground dodging it.
"Uh oh not Dig.." Tomo clicked his teeth. This was gonna hurt. Bursting out of the ground Growlithe rams into Kabuto dealing super effective damage. "Kabuto hang in there!" Tomo shouted
"Kab." Shaking it off Kabuto glares Growlithe down not done yet.
Growlithe charges at Kabuto with Flame Wheel.
"Kabuto, Aqua Jet!" Tomo said as Kabuto had water gushing around herself and collided with Growlithe.
The two Pokemon struggle to push each other back but in the end Kabuto knocks Growlithe to the ground putting out the flames.
"Slash attack!" Tomo said. Kabuto leaps in with glowing claws but at the last second Growlithe uses Dig and burrows underground dodging it.
"Uh oh not Dig.." Tomo clicked his teeth. This was gonna hurt. Bursting out of the ground Growlithe rams into Kabuto dealing super effective damage. "Kabuto hang in there!" Tomo shouted
"Kab." Shaking it off Kabuto glares Growlithe down not done yet.
Growlithe challenges her as he leaps at Kabuto.
"Sneasal!" Sneasel blasted Pikachu with Icy Wind.
"Pika.." He cringed feeling the ice particles freezing up on him.
"Pikachu break free with Brick Break!" With a glowing fist Pikachu smashes the ice.
"Pikachu!" He went to punch Sneasal, but the little black cat was dodging his advantages.
"Sneasel!" Sneasel counters with Shadow Claw knocking Pikachu back.
"Knock him back with Iron Tail!" Ash swipes his arm.
"Chu.." Pikachu's tail glowed metallic. "PIKA!" He smacks it against Sneasel's face, making it super effective.
"Snea.." Sneasel cringed flying backwards, but flipped back on the ground. "Sneasel Snea.." He said "Now it's time I get seious.."
"Pika." Pikachu said with sparks coming out saying. "Bring it on."
The two charged at each other doing a scratch and biting sequence on each other. Sneasel scratches Pikachu, he would scratch Pikachu. Pikachu bites Sneasel, Sneasal would kick him backwards.
"Pikachu Thundershock!" Ash said as Pikachu released jolts of electricty. Sneasal blocks it by lifting up his Metal Claw to use as a lightning rod.
"Iron Tail!" Leaping in Pikachu smacks his tail against Sneasel's face sending him crashing into a tree.
"Snea!" He cries out in pain, before slumping down.
"Ash now's your chance!" Tracey said.
Ash quickly throws a Pokéball at Sneasal, who sucked him up. Everyone watched as the ball wiggles 3 times before clicking.
"Yes!' Ash cheered. "I've just got me a new Johto Pokémon!"
1 down, 2 to go.
Flying in Gastly flings his tongue trying to hit Sandslash.
"Sandslash, grab that tongue!" A.J shouted. Grabbing the tongue just before impact Sandslash yanks it in.
"Now Night Slash!" Sandslash's claw on his other end glowed dark and scratched Gastly with it.
"Gas!" Gastly screams at the super effective attack.
"Now Rock Tomb!" A.J cracked his whip.
"Slash!" Rocks shoot out and drop down around Gastly lowering his speed and trapping him.
"Alright Sandslash, finish him off with one single strike!" A.J shouted.
"SLASH!" Leaping off of the biggest rock, Sandslash flew downwards at Gastly with an Aerial Ace attack.
Crashing into the rocks from Rock Tomb a cloud of dust appears revealing Gastly with swirly eyes.
"You're mine Gastly!" A.J said bringing out a Pokéball and throws it. The Pokéball tapped Gastly on the head, sucking him up. The ball wiggle three times before finally clicking.
"Yes I've always wanted a Ghost type," AJ smiles
2 down, 1 to go.
"Come on Kabuto! Aqua Jet!" Tomo said as Kabuto launched itself at Growlithe.
"Growlithe!" Growlithe backed up its legs to get ready for a Double Kick.
"Dive!" Diving down Kabuto dodges the attack and rams into Growlithe from an angle.
Making him yelp. Tricky move.
"Slash!" Kabuto leaps in with glowing claws but at the last second Growlithe catches it with Bite. He growled as he began shaking Kabuto back and forth. "Don't back down Kabuto! You are no one's Chewtoy!" Tomo said
While in Growlithe's mouth, Kabuto was striving to bust out, so something happened, her whole body began glowing. Gasping everyone looked in awe as Kabuto grew in size and his arms became long blades. And was knocked out of Growlithe's mouth, the light died down to show a Kabutops. "Kabutops!"
"Well Ash when you're right you're right. Your little bro is tough." AJ said blown away.
"Hell yeah he is." Ash grinned, proud to see Tomo getting stronger.
"Kabutop!" Kabutops yells releasing a powerful Brine attack.
"Growlithe!" Growlithe cried out, flying upwards and onto the ground.
"What move was that?" Misty asks as Ash took out his Pokedex.
"Brine, this power water type attack increases in power the weaker the opponent is."
Hearing the entry made Tomo happy Kabutops learned a new move. "Kabutops, Brine one more time!" Yelping Growlithe tried using Dig again to dodge. "Aim it right down the hole!" Tomo yells.
This time there was no escaping, Kabutops blasted out Brine down the hole. Only seconds later, another hole popped out of the ground like a geyser, with Growlithe flying out at the top.
Crashing to the ground Growlithe groans with swirly eyes.
"Hyah!" Tomo then throws his Pokéball finally as it hits Growlithe. It shook back and forth a couple of times before finally like the other 2, it clicked.
"Yes! We did it!" Tomo cheers.
"Kabu! Kabu!" Kabutops smiles.
"Not bad kiddo." A.J said impressed. "I gotta say, you fight just like your brother here."
"Who do you think taught me?" Tomo smiles.
"Boy wait til the townsfolk hear this. They're gonna love you guys even more." Tracey said.
"Which means we can finally enjoy the festival." Misty smiles. This made the boys smile.
Once they gotten back to Haruna Town, there was an even bigger party. This time, for getting rid of their Pokémon problem.
At the balloon pop game, AJ three darts hitting some when Sandslash fires Poison Sting popping an entire winning them a prize.
"Hey!" He said to the mouse.
"Slash." Sandslash smiles holding his prize.
Misty was over at a koi fishing game.
"Come on." Misty tried to catch it but the net broke and it fell through the hole. "Ugh! I can catch real Pokémon easier than this!"
Togepi then wanted to try. He moved his arms back and forth. "T-Togepi are you about to-" Misty was cut off when Togepi's eyes glowed blue and lifts up a net and got a koi in it easily.
"Beginner's luck." Misty said.
With Tracey he was looking at all of the pretty neat souvenirs they were selling.
"Hmm very impressive." Tracey said looking at some paintings of Pokemon.
"You like?" The painter asked. "Then look at this one, I made this when I was around Madarin Island." He shows him a picture of a beautiful sandy beach. Tracey was marveled at its beauty when something caught his attention on it. Something blue and spiky in the nearby water. "Hey, what's that?"
"Hmm, you know I'm not so sure, it came while I was painting on the beach. It looks like it could be a Pokémon." The painter said.
"Hmm.." Tracey said suspiciously as his eyes were still hung on that one spot. "It looks so..familiar.."
"Mandarin Island isn't very far from here. And let me tell you the real thing is breathtaking." The painter said.
Tracey hands him money. "I'll take it."
Finally Ash and Tomo were at the bottle throw.
"Yah!" Tomo yells throwing the ball knocking down some bottles.
"Not bad, let me show you how a pro does it!" Ash said throwing a ball, making all 3 bottles fall down.
"If only they would let me use my boomerang." Tomo groans in defeat.
However something smacks all bottles at the table at once. Looking over, Ash and Tomo saw it was Sneasal and Growlithe both laughing and grinning at each other.
"Aw man." Both brothers groan in defeat. Beaten by Pokémon, now that had to sting.
"You're a sneaky one you know that?" Tomo asks but Growlithe barks happily and licks him causing Tomo to smile.
"OK I think I like you know." He laughs.
Mimicking Pikachu, Growlithe walks up next to Tomo sticking by his side.
"You wanna be out here with me?" Tomo asked.
"Growl." Growlithe nods.
Tomo looks to Ash for permission. "If he dosen't cause you any trouble, I'll allow it. But remember, he's your responsibility."
"Oh thank you thank you thank you!" Tomo smiles.
"What about you Sneasal?" Ash asked.
Sneasel pauses looking at Pikachu sitting on Ash's shoulder and while it looked comfy he wasn't that into sharing those.
"Sne." He said doing a waving claw motion saying, "Pass".
"If you say so." Ash said when AJ walks over.
"Well Ash you're definitely not the same trainer from Kanto." AJ said.
"Same to you." Ash nods.
"Next time we meet will be at the Orange League, no excuses." AJ grins.
Ash grins too. "Get ready to lose again A.J." Shaking hands both of them sealed their rematch for the future.
Once the party was over everyone was ready to head off and leave the island.
"Goodbye! Good luck to you all!" The Islanders along with the hula girls waved to them.
"And thanks for your help!"
"We hope to see more of you here next year!"
The crew all said goodbye as well as they rode on Voyage's back away from Haruna Island. Ash looks up to Sneasel. "You know Sneasel, those claws of yours really pack a punch."
"Snea." He grins proud of yourself.
"Which is why I think I name you...Ronin." Ash snaps his fingers.
"Sneasal?" He asked confused on why that name.
"You're like a samurai out in the world who didn't had a master to train you to be strong. And that totally fits you." Ash grins.
"Sneasel." Ronin smiles liking that name.
Tomo had Growlithe napping on his lap. "You think A.J would take care of Gaslty?"
"Trust AJ knows how to handle all kinds of Pokemon." Ash assures.
"Trovita Island isn't far you guys. We'll be there in just a couple of days." Tracey says.
"Perfect that gives me some time to train some of my other Pokémon for this one." Ash said
"I just hope the next couple of islands don't give us trouble on the way." Misty said.
"I'm excited. What about you Growlithe?" Tomo asks.
"Growl." Growlithe nods in agreement.
'I won't let A.J beat me just because he just need one badge left.' Ash thought.
With the appearance of an old rival and some new Pokemon. Ash continues on to the next Orange League Gym more motivated than ever to make it in.
To Be Continued...
Sorry for the long wait everyone. Yeah I've been procrastinating. Sorry. But anyways I'm back and first upload in the new year.