Murcott Island
Ash and his friends arrive on an island called Murcott Island. They gotten off of Voyage's back. "Thanks for the ride Voyage." Voyage cried out with a welcomed smile as Ash returned him.
Now landing on the island, Tracey quickly let Venonat and Marill out of their balls.
"Whoa Tracey you seem eager." Tomo said.
"I've been wanting to visit this island for a long time." Tracey said.
Misty was about to ask why, before a Beedrill suddenly flew by, scaring her. Tracey asks her what was the matter. "A Beedrill and a really big one." Misty stutters.
"Yeah that's why I wanted to come here. This island is famous for having tons of different kinds of Bug Pokemon." Tracey smiles.
"Seriously? Well in that case I'm glad we stopped here." Ash said with a smile.
"Me too. I wanna catch a whole bunch of them, right Growlithe?" Tomo asked.
"Growl!" He barked with a nod.
"What about you Misty?" Tracey asks.
"Oh uh you guys go on ahead I'll just stay here and work on my tan." Misty said nervously.
"You're kidding. Why would you wanna stay here instead of checking out the wild bug Pokémon?" Tracey asked astonished. However, Ash tells him that Misty has a phobia of bug types. "Oh I get it. When it comes to bugs, Misty's a chicken." Tracey joked, before having his foot stomped by Misty, making him cry out.
"Who are you calling a chicken?!" She said in his face, with a pissed off look.
"Uh y-you heard me wrong!" He said fixing his sentence. "I said, it must've been a good thing checkin' for bugs types!"
"Smooth." Ash chuckles.
The group walks down the road with Tracey's Pokémon leading them. Pausing both of them look to the left.
"Did you guys find something?" Tracey looks through his binoculars. "Hey Caterpie." He said seeing a ton of them.
"Caterpie, hmm. I don't think that's for me." Ash said holding his head. Tomo didn't need one either.
"Veno!/ Marill!" Both Pokemon said getting their attention.
"Look out guys! They say something is close by!" Tracey said.
"As long as it's not another Caterpie, I am fine.." Misty said scooting backwards. However coming out of the bushes was a Pinsir. "That's worse than a Caterpie!" Misty screams. Ash and Tomo both already had one each so they refused to get it.
As they left Tracey paused noticing something on the lake. "Wait what's that Pokemon?" Tracey said looking through his binoculars and saw a blue spider Pokemon racing across the water.
"Found something Tracey?" Tomo asked.
"Yeah but I've never seen that before, not even in Johto." Tracey said getting their attention.
Slowly making their way towards it, Ash took out his Pokedex.
PokéDex: "Surskit, the Pond Skater Pokemon. It appears as if it is skating on water. It draws prey with a sweet scent from the tip of its head."
"It's a cute little one." Ash smiles. "But I have never seen anything like that either."
"Surksit, Surksit." Tracey said flipping through a book. "Interesting Surskit is a Pokemon from the Hoenn Region and is a Bug/ Water Type."
Misty looked up. "W-what did you say?"
"Yeah see? Bug/Water." Tracey shows her.
Needless to say Misty had very mixed feelings about this Pokemon. "But-but that's impossible." She said.
"But it's right there...hey Misty why don't you catch it?" Tomo suggests.
"Who? Me?" She points to herself.
"Yeah maybe having a Pokémon like Surskit get over your fear of bugs." Tracey said.
Misty was unsure as looks out at the Surskit racing across the water and when it dives in seconds later it leaps out of the water going high into the air. Time froze as her eyes went big watching it spin. Gasping in amazement Misty watches Surskit stick the landing sealing it. "Oh my.."
"Toge Toge?" Togepi asks.
"What do you say Togepi? You ready for your first Wild Pokemon battle?" Misty asks.
That made it smile happily. "Togeprri!" And hop out of Misty's arma.
Landing on a rock across from Surskit the Pond Skater stops surprised. Misty's first wild battle with Togepi, this should be interesting.
"Togepi use Pound!" Misty said Togepi moved in but Surskit counters with Bubble.
Togepi braces himself from the impact. "Hang in there! Use Charm!" Togepi winks at Surskit causing its defense to go down greatly.
"Pound!" Now Togepi punches Surskit with a great force. Shaking off the damage Surskit started racing around Togepi with Quick Attack. And Togepi was getting dizzy trying to keep up.
"Wow that Surskit is fast." Tomo said.
"By racing on top of the water Surskit avoids any resistance most water Pokémon deal with allowing it to move so fast." Tracey explains.
In doing so, Surskit releases Bubble. "Quick Togepi, get out of the way!" Misty said. Acting quick Togepi leaps onto a stone. Letting the bubbles hit the rock instead. Surskit made its way to charge into Togepi "Now Pound!" Jumping off the rock, Togepi smacks Surskit in the face.
"Surskit!" It squeaked.
"Now Metronome!" Misty said.
Waving his fingers back and forth Togepi made a bright light and a Shock Wave shot out zapping Surksit dealing super effective damage and even more since it was on the water. "SURSKIT!" It cried out before an explosion came up.
Crashing to the shore, Surskit groaned with swirly eyes. Misty throws a ball at Surskit, sucking it inside. The ball wiggled a couple of times on the water, before it clicked.
"Wow..I never thought I'd see the day." Tomo said.
"Misty caught a Bug Type." Ash said equally shocked. This was a shocker for the entire world.
"Toge Toge." Togepi happy at another victory.
Misty holds up the ball. "Misty?" Ash asked. "How you feel?"
"It feels weird. Having a Pokemon that's Bug and Water. Very confused." Misty admits.
"I'll say..but like we said, it could help you with your bug phobia." Ash reassured her.
"I guess." Misty said nervously.
"Don't worry Misty just give it a little time." Ash assures. And Togepi gave in his 2 cents, saying it'll be OK.
"And the screaming needs to stop." Tracey whispers to the boys.
"What was that Tracey?" He got stomped on the door again by Misty. Flinching Tracey held his foot in pain.
"And that's why you keep your mouth shut around Misty." Ash said lecturing him.
"Noted." Tracey groans when he noticed Venonat and Marill going crazy. "What's wrong guys?" Tracey asks when both Pokemon leap up and down saying they found something.
"What's going on with them Tracey?" Tomo asked.
"Whatever it is, it's in that direction." Tracey said looking to where they were looking at before they followed his Pokémon In a small clearing, they gasp to see a Scyther laying on the ground covered in bruises.
"A Scyther." Ash quickly takes his PokéDex out.
PokéDex: "Scyther, the Mantis Pokémon. Its claws are sharp as swords, and it is a powerful flyer. This Pokémon is rarely seen by humans and almost never captured."
"Are you okay?" Tracey asks walking to it. However, it growls at him to stay away.
"It doesn't look very friendly." Misty gulps.
"I have something that'll make you feel alot better." Tracey said offering him a potion.
But just before he could give it Scyther swats him away and leaps back even though he could barely stand.
"Hey we only want to help you Scyther!" Ash said trying to calm it down. Scyther replied by getting into a fighting stance. Ash then reached for his belt.
"What are you gonna do Ash?" Tracey asked seeing Ash enlarge a Pokéball.
"If I catch it, I can bring it to a Pokémon Center." Ash explains his plan. Tracey thought it was a good idea. Ash threw his Pokeball but Scyther whacks it away, suprising them that it still had energy.
"It looks like it's about to attack." Misty whimpers.
"Don't worry we'll stop it." Tomo said getting a Safari Ball out.
"Wait Tomo. It's too weak to fight." Tracey said stopping him.
"Huh? Then how are we gonna stop it?" He asked.
"Like this. Venonat I need you!" Tracey said. Venonat hops out but when Scyther glares it down Venonat got scared. "Stand strong! Use Sleep Powder!" Venonat sprinkles some blue dust onto Scyther. Scyther tries to fly away but was too weak and ends up falling asleep. Tracey threw a Pokéball and caught Scyther instantly. Getting his ball back, they ran the other direction to find a Pokémon Center.
At the Pokémon Center, Nurse Joy and Chansey work on Scyther. "It was so weak, but it just wouldn't give up without a fight." Ash said as he and his friends looked through the window. "It's kind of like it's mad at us."
"More like mad at Tracey, just look how it's looking at him." Misty pointed out. Seeing that Scyther is glaring at Tracey.
"I think he hates you for catching him Tracey." Tomo figured.
"What was I supposed to do? I couldn't just leave it like that." Tracey said.
"We'll..I don't know how to handle something like this." Misty said.
"Chansey take Scyther to the recovery room." Nurse Joy said. Chansey nods walking away.
"I guess the old warrior finally lost the battle for Leadership of his swarm." Nurse Joy sighs.
"Battle for leadership?" Ash said hearing this.
"That Scyther was a leader of its swarm? How could you tell?" Tracey asked.
Nurse Joy explains that an older Scyther gets bruises on its body, meaning its been in many battles in the past and sometimes younger Scyther which are faster than the older one would challenge the latter for leadership. "Sometimes Speed and Power can overcome even the most experienced fighters."
"Then how come Scyther was all alone when we found it?" Misty asks.
"Once a leader is defeated by the victor Scyther, it can never stay in the swarm. Therefore it's on it's own sadly." Nurse Joy said.
"That's it? One loss and it's goodbye? The Kangaskhan were much kinder than that." Tomo said in a huff.
"Kangaskan?" Tracey turns to him.
"Yeah uh you see before Tomo was my brother he uh...was raised by wild Kangaskhan." Ash admits.
"Wait what?" Tracey said totally confused. "How does that even happen?"
"Uh..we'll tell you later it's a complete complicated and mess of a story." Misty said dryly.
"Noted. But what are we gonna do about Scyther?" Tracey asks. Ash figured this sounded like a job for Prof. Oak.
Making their way to the phones Ash dialed up Prof. Oak for help.
"Well Tracey that's a very impressive catch." Prof. Oak said impressed.
"Well it wasn't really a real capture Professor." Tracey said.
"What do you mean? Scyther went into your Pokéball that's a capture." Tomo said.
"Yeah Scyther is technically your Pokemon now." Ash agrees.
"I only did it, because it was injured." Tracey said sheepishly.
"You don't seem very happy. Is something on your mind?" Prof. Oak asks.
"Well Scyther isn't really happy with me since I caught him, and I'm stumped on what to do." Tracey explains.
"I bet it's because Scyther's pride has been injured too." Prof. Oak said. Tracey asked what he means about pride? "If Scyther was just beaten by another Scyther and then captured by you. It must feel pretty lousy." Prof. Oak said.
"Oh geez." Tracey frowns. "I feel like I've messed up by doing a good thing."
"Each Pokemon has its own personality. It's up to you to help Scyther regain his confidence." Prof. Oak said. Tracey thought about the idea.
In the recovery room, Scyther was laying down when Tracey walked in and sat beside him.
"Hey Scyther." He greets him, only to get the cold shoulder treatment. "Scyther." Tracey sighed. "I'm sorry for catching you like that back there, but I just couldn't leave you there injured and weak. It's just not me at all."
"Scyth.." Scyther only muttered, not bothering to eye him.
"But, I know how you feel Scyther." Tracey said to him, trying to console him. "I know how you feel being deserted by your friends."
This got everyone's attention.
"When I was a kid I wasn't very popular with the other ones. I tried to make friends but everyone made fun of me. I spent all my time in books while everyone else was playing." Tracey said. One day I found an interesting book about Pokemon. As I read through it I noticed that Pokemon act the same way people do. Sometimes good and sometimes bad. And the more I read the more I wanted to learn more and more about them."
"Tracey, Is that why you wanted to be a Pokémon Professor?" Misty asked.
"Yeah it was." Tracey nods.
"I don't know what to say." Ash said with mixed feelings. "Being picked on, just because you're different?"
"Life's like that sometimes." Tracey said.
"Yeah it is." Ash sighs touching his face.
Tracey then turns back to the bug type. "Scyther, what I'm saying is you shouldn't let Pokémon like them ruin your spirit, just because you're not needed to them anymore. You just gotta prove them wrong." He said with confidence.
"Scy." Scyther said silently.
"You have to get back up, and fight, prove they shouldn't have turned their back on you." Tracey said.
"So get the new leader to fight Scyther in a rematch?" Tomo asked, figuring that was what Tracey was going for.
"Exactly. If Scyther can heal up and get in a little more training he might be able to win." Tracey nods.
While in bed, Scyther was thinking really hard about what Tracey was saying. With his current strength, he was beaten and kicked out of his swarm, if he wanted any hope of getting the respect back he would have to train harder than ever before. "So what do you say Scyther?" Tracey asked, Scyther slowly nods. Making Tracey smile.
"Let's get to work then." Tracey grins before looking to Ash and Tomo. "Since one of you guys have a Scyther of your own I could use a few trainer pointers."
"OK, I'll get my Scyther up and ready." Tomo nods. While they were talking, no one noticed Scyther feeling a disturbance. Looking to the window, Scyther knew something was off.
Slowly standing up Scyther slashed the window open surprising them.
"Scyther?! What are you doing?!" Tracey gasped seeing Scyther fly out of the window.
"Scyther.." Scyther pants struggling to stand up.
"What happened? Why is Scyther doing this?" Misty asks confused.
"He's trying to challenge the other Scyther leader to a rematch already, but he can't." Ash said. "But he's not ready."
Tracey tries to tell Scyther he needed to be patient, however. Scyther spread his wings and tried to fly but was still worn out and didn't make it very far. "I guess that's show it." Tracey said looking at Scyther with a sympathetic look on his face. "It has a will."
"Will?" Misty asked.
"A Pokémon's will and spirit is what keeps them going forward. And that's what Scyther is doing." Tracey said before looking ahead. "And I gotta see it with my own eyes."
So now they headed towards the direction Scyther was going as well.
In another part of the forest we see Team Rocket with a net full of Scyther and Jessie had a severely destroyed hairdo.
She then laughed wickedly. "So you thought you could get away with cutting my hair did you?!" Jessie said poking them with a branch. "Well now, I'll cut you all down to size!"
"She's lost it.." James grimaced as him and Meowth backed up.
"Yeah well that insanity was how you two caught your new Pokemon." Meowth gulps trying to find the bright side.
Jessie went on about how her hair means the world to her, and it was all thanks to the Scyther it was gone. Her sobbing turned into cackling. "Now it's payback." She said with a creepy look ready to tear the scythes off of the Scyther.
Suddenly Tracey's Scyther leaps in and cuts the net open freeing the Scyther.
All of the Scyther were shocked in seeing their old leader saving them.
"Oh no, we missed one." James gulps.
"It's gonna take more than one more Scyther to scare us." Meowth said.
"Scyther." Scyther glares.
"There!" Looking over Team Rocket saw Ash, Tomo, Tracey and Misty arrive and gasp.
"Huh?" They said.
"What?" Jessie asks and they all burst into laughter.
"Where'd you get the new do?" Misty trying to hold in her laughter.
"Did run into a weed whacker?" Ash laughs.
"More like a butcher if you ask me." Tracey snickers.
"If you ask me it's an improvement." Tomo said holding his sides.
Jessie growing more and more furious by their insults.
"How dare you! You insult my hair prepare for trouble!" Jessie said.
"It used to be there but now it's stubbble." James said however that just made them laugh harder. Even their motto was another insult to Jessie.
"JAMES!" Jessie snaps.
"Hey you have the first line of the motto every time." James whimpers.
"Maybe we should skip the motto this time.." Meowth sweatdropped.
"Go!" Jessie said throwing a Pokeball and from it a Venemoth appeared.
"Venemoth!"
"Here we go!" James said throwing a Pokeball and from it a purple scorpion Pokemon appeared.
"Scorupi!"
That shocked everyone. "They got new Pokémon?" Tomo gasped.
"A Venomoth and what's that?" Ash brings his PokéDex out.
PokéDex: "Skorupi, the Scorpion Pokémon. Skorupi hides itself in the sand and waits for its unsuspecting prey, by gripping it with its tail claws and injecting poison; it will then hold on until the poison takes effect."
"This island is full of Bug Pokémon so we decided to help ourselves to some." James said.
"Now you aren't the special one with the never before seen Pokémon anymore kid!" Meowth said.
"Yeah well in your hands they'll go down easy." Ash was about to give them an ass kicking when Scyther moved in to face them alone.
"Scyther Scy!" Scyther said.
"Yeah you're really scaring me." Meowth mocks.
"What's he saying?" James asks.
"He's saying 'I may not be the leader anymore but I won't let you take them'.", Meowth translates.
"Sounds like these Scyther have had a little scuffle." James said.
"How noble, you come back to the defend the swarm that sent you away." Jessie mocked it.
"How inspiring and sickening." James said with a laugh. The Wild Scyther, including the new leader all look to the elder in surprise.
"Scyther didn't come here to battle for his placement." Tracey said as they realized their mistake. "Just to save his old swarm."
"Even after they turned their back on him, he came to help." Ash said amazed by the loyalty.
"Pika." Pikachu agreed.
"As touching as this is, you're just as weak as these Scyther here!" Jessie said. "Venomoth, use Psybeam!" Venomoth's eyes glowed before releasing a multicolored blast from its eyes.
"Skorupi Pin Missile!" James said as Skorupi fires multiple needles.
"Scyther!" Scyther spins around frequently as wind stirred up and blocked their attacks from hitting him.
"That's Swords Dance." Tracey pointed.
"Good thinking using a move like that to raise his attack." Tomo said but Scyther still appeared tired.
"Skorupi, X-Scissor!" James said as Skorupi leaps up and his claws glowed into an "X" position while Scyther raises his claws and braced himself from the impact.
"Scyther." Scyther cringed.
"Now Venemoth use Bug Bite!" Jessie said as Venemoth flew in with glowing green fangs.
"Scyther! Try a Steel Wing!" Tracey said.
"Scy." Scyther growls as his wings turned to metal. Leaping up he managed to whack Venemoth away before dropping to his knee.
"Scy..ther...Scy.." He pants.
"Scyther doesn't look like he'll last much longer." Tomo said.
"He's fine." Tracey smiles. "He's got this in the bag."
"Venomoth, Whirlwind that little pest!" Jessie said.
"Scyther ride the wind!" Tracey said as Scyther spread his wings and used Whirlwind to give him the boost to fly into the air.
"He's like an air surfer." Misty said amazed.
"Now Slash!" Tracey said as Scyther dives down and slashes Venemoth and Skorupi.
"How can an old geezer be that faster?!" Meowth exclaimed.
"With age comes experience and this Scyther has the most experience of all of them." Tracey said.
Venomoth and Skorupi were easily thrown back in front of their masters.
"Scyther." Scyther pants, but looks back at the boy who caught him and sees his courageous look.
"Now Venemoth!" Jessie said as Venemoth flew in.
"It's about to use Psybeam quick Double Team!" Tracey said as Scyther made multiple copies of itself to dodge the attack.
"Blast every single one until you hit it!" Jessie said.
"Venomoth!" Venomoth obliged and fires it's eye rays around at all of the copies.
"Disperse and confuse it!" Tracey said as all of Scyther's copies scrambled around, avoiding to be caught by the Psybeam.
"Tracey how did you know it was gonna use Psybeam?" Tomo asks.
"One thing about being a Pokemon Researcher is you learn Pokemon do certain things when they want to use different attacks." Tracey said. He's got a good eye.
"Finish it Tracey!" Ash said.
"Now Scyther Slash!" Moving in Scyther slashes Venemoth sending it crashing down next to Skorupi.
"GRRR I've had enough of this!" Jessie said pulling out a bazooka. She was gonna go that far to get rid of them.
"Pikachu Thunderbolt!" Ash said as Pikachu leaped in and zapped them.
Using this chance, Scyther attacks Team Rocket giving them all mohawks. While Meowth gotten his fur cut in the middle.
Screaming Team Rocket grabs their Pokémon and make a run for it.
"One more and I'll be bald!" Jessie screams.
"I don't ever wanna catch another Scyther in my life!" James screamed.
"Me neither!" Meowth said as they ran into the forest.
"You did it Scyther." Tracey said.
"You beat them all." Ash said.
"Scyther." Scyther smiles.
Helping the swarm to the lake they all cleaned themselves up after Team Rocket's trap.
The new Scyther leader walks up to Tracey's Scyther. "Scyther." It said thanking him.
Tracey's Scyther smiled back. "Scyther." The two raised their claws in the air to form their truce.
"The battle helped Scyther more than any rematch ever could." Ash smiles.
"He earned back the respect of his swarm." Tomo smiles.
Turning to Tracey, Scyther nods saying thank you.
"You're welcome." Tracey nods in acknowledgment.
"Tracey, gotta hand it to you dude." Ash pats his shoulder. "You really showed what kind of guy you really are."
"Thanks Ash." Tracey smiles.
"Think you can teach me a few things about Pokemon?" Tomo asks.
"Me too." Misty said.
Tracey was now suddenly popular. "Looks like you've really grown out of your outcasting days, Jr Professor Tracey." Ash smiled giving him a thumbs up.
"Yeah I guess I have." Tracey laughed, feeling embarrassed by the new attention before turning to Scyther. "I know I only caught you to help you but the offer to stay with me is available if you'd like."
Scyther looks up at him and thought back to their battle, their talk back at the Pokémon Center. Scyther would be still defeated if it wasn't for Tracey helping him get past his slow stages. "Scy." He nodded, saying he'll join the team
Tracey smiles calling Scyther back to his Pokeball.
"You've earned that Scyther." Ash said.
"Thanks Ash and now that this is taken care of. What the heck were you talking about when you said Tomo was raised by Kanghaskhan?" Tracey asks.
"Tracey buddy you are in a for wild story." Ash said leading him away. Tomo and Misty also headed after to tell him more of the story along the way as the continued their Orange Island journey.
After facing Misty's fears when battling Surski and helping Tracey's new Scyther regain his pride among his swarm Ash and his friends continue on as Tracey is truly becoming an amazing member of their team.
Mandarin Island
Our group arrived on Mandarin Island South for a quick break from their travels from Ash taking on the next Orange League Gym.
Upon arriving at the island Ash noticed quite a few trainers eager to battle were there so he decided to use this chance to get in some training.
"Go Oni!" Ash said.
"Slow." Oni said facing off against a Butterfree.
"A Slowpoke? This will be easy! Butterfree, Mega Drain now!" The trainer said.
"Oni use Disable!" Ash said as Oni's eyes glowed blue stopping Mega Drain.
"Wha?" The trainer said before shaking his head. "Minor set back, no matter. Use Gust!"
"Free!" Butterfree flapped its wings, creating a super powerful wind attack that striked Oni.
"Oni Water Gun!" Firing a blast of water Butterfree stops Gust and flew out of the way to dodge it.
"Use Confusion!" Ash said. Oni's eyes glowed as it struck Butterfree, and pushed it backwards.
"Hang in there Butterfree! Use Silver Wind!" Flapping its wings Butterfree sent sliver blades of wind flying towards Oni.
"Shadow Ball!" Opening his mouth, Oni fires a ball of darkness as it easily decimates Silver Wind and strikes Butterfree.
"Free!" Butterfree screams flying backwards.
The trainer growled in frustration. "Butterfree, get it together and use Signal Beam!"
Managing to get back into flight position, Butterfree fires a streaky pink beam from its antenna and successfully blasts Oni.
"Slow!" Oni yells tumbling into the sand.
"Come on Oni, something like that can't stop you!" Ash said encouraging him.
"Slowpoke.." Oni cringed, but managed to get on his feet.
"Now Butterfree use Signal Beam one more time!"
"Use Shadow Ball!" Slowpoke fired the dark ball which over powered the beam and hit Butterfree.
"Free!" Butterfree exclaims before descending downwards and hitting the ground. "Free..." It groans having swirly eyes.
"No Butterfree!" The trainer gasps.
"Yes, good work Oni!" Ash cheered
"Slow." Oni yawns.
The trainer returns his Butterfree and runs off.
"Can't believe he won all of those battles crazily fast." Tracey commented.
"Just shows Ash and his Pokemon are improving." Misty said.
"That or these others aren't very good." Tomo guesses.
Ash then bend down to Oni. "Hey Oni, did you ever think about evolving?"
"Slow?" Oni said.
"Yeah Oni should be pretty close to becoming Slowbro." Misty realized.
But Ash shakes his head. "Actually Misty, I got something else in mind."
"Like what?" She asks interested.
"I read about it way back in Stone Town." Ash said. "Slowpoke has 2 Evolutions. Slowpoke and Slowking."
"Slowking?" Tomo asked.
"This is a Slowking." Tracey shows Misty and Tomo a sketch of a Slowpoke standing on its two legs with a shell that resembles a crown latched onto its head. "They're originate in Johto and can evolve when a Shellder bites onto the head of a Slowpoke or if someone trades a Slowpoke holding a King's Rock." Tracey explains.
"Yup." Ash nodded. "And lucky for me." He brings out the King's Rock in question. "They had one for sale in Stone Town."
"Wow good find." Misty said impressed before realizing something. "But wait how are you gonna trade to get Oni back?"
"Glad you asked." He looks to Tomo. "Hey Tomo you still got that Metal Coat I gave you back in Stone Town?"
"Yeah?" He pulls it out.
"Well, how would you like to have your Scyther evolve?" Ash smiles.
"He can?" Tomo asks.
"Yes he can." Tracey nods. "When you trade Scyther with a metal coat they can evolve into Scizor."
He then shows him a sketch of a red Pokémon with a metallic skeleton, big shiny claws and metal wings.
"Whoa, that looks so cool." Tomo said in awe.
"What do you say little guy?" Ash said, feeling he already knew the answer.
"Let's do it." Tomo smiles.
Making their way to the Pokémon Center, Ash places Oni's ball on one side while Tomo places his Scyther's Pokéball on the other of the trading machine.
"Ready?" Ash said.
"Do it." Tomo nods as Ash flipped the switch. On screen they see silhouettes of their Pokémon being swapped to the opposite side and the balls landed. But since it was a mock trade, Ash flipped the switch again and the balls swapped back in reverse.
Now collecting their Pokéballs, the brothers opened them up to show Scyrher holding a Metal Coat and Oni having the King's Rock on his head. Suddenly the two glowed, initiating the evolution process.
Growing greatly in size Oni a huge crown similar to a Slowbro's tail appeared on his head. While Tomo's Scyther turned red with a sleek fast body and his blades turned to pinchers.
"Slowking."
"Scizor."
Ash and Tomo shook hands with pleased smiles. "Pleasure doing business with you."
"Wow that is way different than Slowbro." Misty said.
"Slowking have the ability to do attacks that not even Slowbro can do." Tracey said.
"How do you feel Oni?" Ash asked him.
"Slow." Oni pauses looking at himself before smiling liking it. "Slowking."
"Yeah I like it too." Ash smiled as Pikachu climbed onto Oni.
"Pikachu?" He wonders seeing the evolution.
"Slowking." Oni chuckles.
"So Scizor how do you feel?" Tomo asks as he and Growlithe walk up to him.
"Scizor." Scizor said snapping his pinchers together.
"Growl!" Growlithe panicked and hid behind Tomo.
"It's okay Growlithe. He's not gonna hurt you." Tomo said, calming him down.
"It'll take time for the other's to get used to these new bodies, but I promise you guys. They'll be extra tough now." Tracey said.
"Oh my." Looking over they saw a lithe and curvy woman, whose violet hair has two pigtails and a ponytail. She wears a pair of glasses on her face, she wears a blue jacket, a red shirt, and a black pencil skirt that reveals her legs. She walked in and examine Slowking, Scizor, Pikachu, Growlithe and Togepi. "Such cute and interesting Pokémon."
When Misty saw who the person, she covered her mouth and froze.
"Uh thanks lady...who are you?" Tomo asks confused.
"Tomo!" Misty suddenly snapped at him. "Is that some way to speak to a celebrity?!" Tomo yelps backing up in fear.
"Wait, a-aren't you Lorelei?" Ash asked blown away.
"Lorelei? The Ice Type Pokémon Trainer of the Elite 4?!" Tracey gasped.
"She's my idol!" Misty squeals with stars in her eyes.
"Idol?" Ash asked surprised, before seeing Tomo hiding behind him.
"Ash, Misty is starting to act a little scary." Tomo whimpers.
"Hmm uh excuse me?" Ash calls out but Lorelei snaps out of it and looks over.
"Oh can I help you?" She asks.
"That's what I'm wondering. You kinda just came over here and started admiring our Pokemon." Ash said.
Oh, well my apologies. It's just that I was just examining these Pokémon you all have and I must say they are really extraordinaire." Lorelei said placing a hand on Oni's head.
"Thanks that means a lot coming from you." Ash said smiling.
"Slow." Oni said with a sweet smile on his face.
"Um M-Ms. Lorelei?" Tomo popped his head behind Ash. "I-I'm sorry I said that about you earlier." He said apologizing about his rude comment.
"It's quite alright. I actually find it refreshing if some people don't know who I am. Gives me a little breathing room." Lorelei smiles.
Tracey nudges Misty. "Oh uh...my bad." Misty laughs nervously before Tracey points to Tomo saying she should be saying that to him. "Uh I'm sorry I scared you Tomo."
Smiling Tomo felt much better.
"Uh Ms. Lorelei, if I may ask, what's a member of the Elite 4 doing here in the Orange Islands?" Tracey asked.
"I'm actually here to do a very special battle exhibition." Lorelei said. They asked about it.
"Yes, me and my Pokemon will take on a few select trainers. You're welcome to come watch if you'd like." Lorelei offers.
"Wow, this actually sounds cool to watch. Right guys?" Tracey said.
"An Elite 4 battle? I'm in." Ash smiles.
"Me too." Tomo nodded his head vigorously.
"Do you even need to ask?" Misty smiles. This made the woman smile.
In a stadium near Mandarin Island's beach, everyone were gathered there to watch the battles Lorelei will be taking part in.
"Welcome Pokémon fans to Mandarin Island's stadium! Now I would like to introduce to you one of Mandarin Island's best! The one and only; Lorei of the Elite 4! Her battle demonstration is about to begin! So future Pokémon Masters watch closely and you may learn something!"
In the three battles, Lorelei used Slowbro, Dewgong and Cloyster against her opponents and just destroyed her opponents with one move every time.
"Awesome! 3 straight wins in a row!" Tracey exclaimed in amazement getting sketches of her Pokémon.
"So that's an Elite 4 in action." Ash said in awe.
"Ash I know I say you're best but I think even would struggle against her." Tomo said.
"Oh I definitely would." Ash agreed. Ash isn't a fool, he knows there are Pokémon even stronger than him out there. But trying to beat them is what is challenging and exciting.
"Mr. Lorelei, is there anything you wish to say for the trainers watching this who wishes to challenge you or any other of your Elite associates in the future?'
"Yes, to all you trainers out there if you truly wish to be great you and your Pokemon must be able to become difficult obstacles be they obstacles in front of you or mental obstacles. Only by overcoming those can you truly be amazing." Lorelei said.
"Mental Obstacles." Ash said softly before looking down to Pikachu.
That was indeed a mental obstacle.
Once the exhibition was over..
Everyone was walking with Lorelei on the beach. "Ms. Lorelei, that was breath taking." Misty said.
"You took down all of your opponents with just one attack." Tracey said.
"I never knew being apart of the Elite 4 is so..so awesome!" Tomo smiled widely. "You take down people with ease! That's so cool!"
"No offense but on the battlefield you act very different." Ash said.
"Yes well we all have different personalities, don't we? Like you. Just by looking at that scar people might think right away you're mean or scary, but are you?" Lorelei asks.
Ash froze where he was. "No. No, I'm not like that at all. I don't try to be scary, I'm still human."
"Exactly, and like with Pokemon we all have out different and unique traits. Some may think you're like that but there also some that look at you and don't see that. They see someone who is a fighter and will keep fighting no matter what." She smiles.
"Wow, that's deep." Tracey said.
"T-Thank you." Ash smiles touched by that. He didn't knew that Pikachu was also listening onto this as well.
Deep down he couldn't help but feel bad because it was because of him Ash even has those scars. And Ash was feeling shun from the outer world because of it. All Pikachu wants to do is to make it up to him. No matter how long it takes.
"CHARIZARD STOP!" Snapping out of it everyone looks to the shore and saw a trainer battle but one trainer's Charizard was out of control.
It started blasting Flamethrower here and there around the beach, making everyone run in fear.
"What's going on?!" Misty exclaimed.
"It appears that battle left that trainer's Charizard confused and now it's attacking everything besides its opponent." Lorelei said.
"What do we do?!" Tracey exclaimed. Lorelei was about to get a Pokéball out, but Ash stepped up.
"I'll stop it." He said. Seeing him run down Lorelei watched him with interest.
Ash brings out 2 Pokéballs. "Oni, Ronin! I Choose you!"
"Slowking."
"Sneasel." Both Pokémon said standing across from Charizard.
"Ready guys? We gotta knock Charizard out of that confusion." Ash said.
"Pika!"
Looking over Ash saw Pikachu run down and land next to Ronin."Pikachu?" He asked.
"Pikachu." Pikachu nodded, saying he wants to help.
Ash paused not sure if he wanted to but then he remembered what Lorelei said about overcoming obstacles.
He sighed, but kept his seriousness. "OK, you're in. Don't let me down."
Roaring Charizard flew towards them and breathed Flamethrower.
"Dodge it!" Ash said as all 3 Pokémon jumped out of the way.
"Oni use Psychic!" Ash said as Oni stopped Charizard with ease.
"Pikachu, Thunder Wave!" Ash said as Pikachu sparked up and releases a blue blast of electicty which struck Charizard, paralyzing it.
As Charizard tried break free he became trapped before descending to the ground.
"Now Ronin Shadow Claw!" With a trapped Charizard in one place Ronin leaps in and nailed a powerful strike to the gut.
Charizard exclaimed in pain by roaring loudly. Roaring Charizard released a Fire Blast causing Ronin and Pikachu to scramble out of the way.
"We're sorry Charizard, but you have to calm down!" Ash said.
"Slow." Oni said getting the attention of Ronin and Pikachu. "SlowSlowking." He said telling them a plan.
"Sneas." Ronin nods in understanding.
"Pika." Pikachu nodded.
Charizard flapped its wings to blow them all away.
"Slow." Moving in Oni releases a Water Pulse smashing into Charizard. Pikachu fired a Thundershock onto Charizard. Mixed with the water, it did double the damage. As Charizard fell to the ground Ronin used Icy Wind to freeze the soaked Charizard in ice.
"That should keep him from running wild." Ash said. "Now return it!" He tells Charizard's trainer.
"Charizard return." His trainer said calling him back. "Oh man thanks a lot. That would have been messy."
"Don't worry about it." Ash said. "Though next time, just choose a tamer Pokémon when you battle another trainer."
"Noted. I better get to the Pokémon Center." He said before running off.
Ash sighed relieved before looking to his Pokémon. "Great job you guys."
"Slow."
"Sneasel."
Both Pokémon smile but when Ash looks to Pikachu he hesitated for a second, but that was long enough for Lorelei to see it.
As a treat for Ash's help, Lorelei brings everyone up to her villa up near the top of the island to rest.
"Thank you so much for inviting us over." Misty said.
"You didn't have to." Tracey said being humble.
"I'm glad you could come. It's nice to have company." She nodded.
"We were a little surprised that you offered this." Tomo said.
"Think of it as a little reward for helping that trainer on the beach." She said.
"Well I was just doing what any other trainer would do." Ash said to her.
"Well I'm sure that other trainer really appreciated it." Lorelei said sipping her tea. "But Ash can I ask you something?"
"Sure, what is it?" He asked.
"Do you not like your Pikachu?" Lorelei asks surprising them.
"H-huh? Uh what makes you ask that?" Ash said nervously.
"I noticed that after you and your Pokémon helped that Trainer you were very happy with your Slowking and Sneasel but when you moved to Pikachu you hesitated." She explains.
"You saw it that easily?" Misty asked.
"Yes I did and I have to say I'm curious why. Do you two have a history?" Lorelei asks.
"A little." Ash admits.
"It's..a complicated history." Misty said sheepishly.
"Hmm Ash do you want to keep your Pikachu?" Lorelei asks looking at him with a serious tone.
That made Ash and Pikachu freeze.
"I uh well..." Ash stuttered as he and Pikachu look to each other.
"Yes or No, Ash." Lorelei repeats.
Tomo, Tracey and Misty looked at Ash, both hesitant and nervous on what Ash was going to say.
Taking a deep breath and exhaling, Ash answered her question. "..Yes."
"Pikapi." Pikachu said beyond touched by this.
"Well then Ash I believe that if you truly wish to grow as a trainer you and Pikachu must work together to overcome this obstacle." Lorelei said putting her cup down.
"I've been trying, I'm just..afraid of what I'm getting into." Ash sighs.
"Fear is natural Ash, it's a part of life, but you can't run or hide from it. The only way to get rid of it is to face your fears." Lorelei said.
"But what if I can't do this by myself?" Ash asks.
"Well then it's a good thing you have plenty of friends to help you." Lorelei said gesturing to Misty, Tracey and Tomo.
Ash looks to his friends.
"I know what you're going through Ash. I got your back." Misty nods.
"Toge." Togepi said in agreement.
"I may not know the full story, on you and Pikachu's history. But if you're ready to open up to me, I'll help you in any way possible." Tracey said
"You've always been there for me Bro. I'll be here for you." Tomo nods.
"Growl." Growlithe barks.
Ash, hearing their feedback slowly grows a touched smile on his face. "I love you guys." He said ruffling Tomo's hair.
"Ash I think you might be on your way to being a good trainer. Maybe someday I'll battle you." Lorelei smiles.
"Gee Lorelei, thank you." Ash said, liking the future challenge.
As Lorelei watched them connect she couldn't help but see the potential and promise they all had.
"Pikachu." Ash turns to the mouse. "I'm still looking for us being partners if this can go well."
"Pikachu." Pikachu said.
"Guess we have quite a bit of work ahead of us." Ash said. Hesitant at first, but Ash slowly pets Pikachu's head.
"Cha." Pikachu smiles in delight. Seeing his smile, Ash could see a little bit of Small One. Slowly a soft smile forms on Ash's face as he continued to pet him.
"You seeing this Misty?" Tomo pointed, making her nod.
"Uh huh. Boy do I wish Brock was here to see this." Misty said growing a proud smile.
Thanks to expert help from Elite 4 member Lorelei and his new evolutions Ash is on his way to becoming a better trainer and to competing in the Orange League.
Trovtopolis
The group are now walking down the road in the hot desert.
Ash pants on how he wished they could get out of this heat. "How long until we reach the city?" Misty said.
Walking to the top of hill, Tracey smiles. "We're here!" Following him, they have all arrived to the city of Trovtopolis. They were getting close to Ash's 3rd Orange League Gym Battle.
However, down the road Misty suddenly came to a stop. "Is everything alright Misty?" Ash asks.
"I thought I heard someone scream." Misty said.
"Why would anybody be screaming?" Tracey asked.
"Yeah there's nothing out here." Tomo said. Suddenly they felt the earth below them tremble.
"Huh?" All of them looked down and suddenly they all fell through a giant hole in the ground, screaming.
They all landed on some rubble deep within a cave.
Groaning in pain, Growlithe, Pikachu and Togepi try to help their trainers up.
"Ugh don't tell me Team Rocket is nearby." Ash groans.
"If it was them, then they'd preform their stupid motto above us." Tomo cringed feeling his hurt jaw, but Growlithe licked him, making Tomo smile. "Thanks boy." He pets him.
"Hey guys a little help." Tracey said revealing his upper half was buried under rubble.
"Hang on Trace." Ash grabbed his left leg and Misty held onto the other and they pulled Tracey from it.
Panting for air, Tracey wipes all the dirt off him.
"So if Team Rocket didn't do this I guess we better find a way before anything else falls in." Misty said
"Hey there's a cave over there." Tomo points over to a cavern nearby.
Making their way through the cave they were soon surprised to see the cave was connected to the town sewer system.
"A-are we in a sewer?" Ash asked.
"Sure smells like one." Misty covered her nose.
"Well it makes it easier for us. Sewers are below city level, so we just need to find a manhole and climb back up." Tracey said.
"Keep an eye out for a ladder Tomo. That's how we'll get out." Ash said. Tomo nods as they continued walking none of them noticing something following them.
A small little ringing sound was heard in Ash's ear. "Huh?" He stopped to turn around. Nothing.
Pikachu asks him what was wrong.
"Hmm never mind it's nothing." Ash said
While walking past a tunnel, something flashed past some water, getting the attention of Tomo.
"Growl?" Growlithe asks as Tomo turns to the water.
"I thought I saw something." Tomo said Tilting his head, Growlithe smelled the air for anything.
Suddenly out of the water a giant vine shot out causing Tomo to yelp alerting everyone.
"What's wrong To-what the?!" Tracey exclaimed now seeing it.
"It's a monster!" Misty screamed.
"Growlithe use Ember!" Tomo said as Growlithe fires mini fireballs but the vine goes into the sewer to dodge.
They all ran for their lives but right when they were about to climb the ladder the monster grabbed Tomo's leg.
"Ash!" Tomo screams as he was dragged to the water.
"TOMO!" Ash jumped and grabbed Tomo's by his hand. Ash tried to pull with all his might but the monster wouldn't let go.
"Ash hang on!" Moving in Misty and Tracey grabbed Ash.
"Don't worry Tomo! Look at me! Look at me! You're gonna be fine I promise!" Ash said trying to calm him down but on the inside he was terrified.
"Ash.." Tomo whimpered with tears streaming down his face. Slowly Ash felt Tomo losing his grip.
"No...no! No!" Ash screams as Tomo was yanked out of his hands and into the sewer water. "TOMO!"
Falling back, Misty and Tracey look at the horrified and broken look on Ash's face.
"Ash?" Tracey asked before he seen Ash fell to his knees.
"It took my brother. And I couldn't stop it." Ash sobs feeling like the absolute worst.
"Growl..." Growlithe whimpered seeing his trainer has been pulled away.
"Ash, it wasn't your fault." Misty said trying to calm him down.
"It should!" Ash yelled, with his voice cracking. "It took Tomo Misty! Why couldn't it had taken me instead of Tomo?! Why did it take him?!"
"I-I..I don't know." She said sadly.
"Let's head up to the surface. We can run straight to Officer Jenny and come back with help to look for him." Tracey said.
"Come on Ash." Misty said helping him up. "Pull yourself together, we'll be back for him."
Rubbing his eyes, Ash looks to them. "We don't stop moving until we get there." He looks to the water. I'll be back Tomo.'
"Pikachu." Pikachu tells Growlithe the same thing. Sniffling, Growlithe nodded.
However right before they could leave the manhole opened.
"Huh?" Ash pops his head out they find themselves surrounded by police. "Oh come on!"
At the Police Station, Ash, Misty and Tracey ended up in a cell.
"What the hell just happened? How did we end up in jail?" Ash asked.
"We didn't even do anything wrong. We ended up in there by accident." Misty said.
"Yeah there's something funny about this." Tracey said crossed arms.
Suddenly the door opened to reveal Officer Jenny. "Well you're all free to go now." She said.
"Thank you but why did you guys arrest us in the first place?" Ash asks.
"I'm deeply sorry, but there's lots of speculation going on and strange things have been happening throughout the town." She said when an overweight man in an orange suit walks in.
"I hope you're not releasing them officer."
"Sorry Mr. Mayor, but I am." Officer Jenny said, revealing to the group he was the mayor of Trovitopolis. "These kids were on their way here to get to the Gym on Trovita Island, so their story clears up on their suspicion."
But the man dosen't really trust them, and says to keep them in till next week. Officer Jenny refutes this, saying they haven't been charged for anything.
"Well if that's the law, but I forbid any of you to speak about the creature." The Mayor orders.
"What do you mean we can't say anything about it?" Tracey asked confused.
"My little brother got kidnapped by whatever is down there, I can't just stay silent about it." Ash shakes his head, making Officer Jenny gasp in horror.
"It took a young child?" She asked.
"Yes, we have to get back down there ASAP. I gotta save him." Ash begs.
"Say another word and I'll have you all arrested for endangering public safety!" The Mayor interrupts.
"Public safety? What the heck are you talking about man?!" Ash said.
"You're not the first people who claim to have seen a monster." Officer Jenny said getting their attention.
"Excuse me?" Misty asks. The Mayor begs the officer to not say anything, but she did anyway.
"Mr. Mayor, I'm sorry, but we csnt keep this a secret forever." Officer Jenny said fed up, making the Mayor nervous as she explained to Ash, Misty and Tracey the problem. "We've recently had a number of people who have reported encounters of a mysterious creature, reaching out in the sewers."
"The same thing that we saw?" Tracey asked.
"Yes." Officer Jenny nodded. "So far all it's been is just stolen food, no serious injuries, but the mayor says we have to keep this hidden if people found out about the creature we'd have a panic on our hands because we'd never be able to find it."
"Why not?" Ash asked as they were sitting in the Mayor's Office.
"There's almost 500 miles of sewers under the city and more then 5,000 manholes," Jenny said.
"That's why we have to take action. There's an election next week and if word gets out about a monster I'll be ruined." The Mayor said.
"Hardly seems big if all it wants is food." Misty said.
"But why did it take Tomo?" Tracey asked. "Surely it doesn't think he's food right?" Making Misty nudge him.
"Ixnay on the eatingay." She whispers gesturing to Ash.
Ash was looking more anxious than ever. He was rapping his fingers on the couch. However before he could say anything the door opens to reveal Nurse Joy.
"Mr. Mayor I just heard what you plan to do!" She said. And she didn't look quite happy.
"This is not your business Nurse Joy," the mayor turns, not interested on what she has to say.
"You can't go through with that plan of yours Mayor!" She snapped, but he waves her off.
"Oh go run your Pokémon Center and I'll run the city." He tells her, not caring for the slightest.
"What kind of plan is he talking about?" Ash said to her, trying to get his mind off it.
"Instead of finding the creature so we can study it and find out where it came from, the mayor is planning on sending a SWAT team down to eliminate it." Nurse Joy said said, shocking them.
"Are you insane?!" Ash said.
"You can't just order a Pokemon to be attacked like that!" Misty said.
"Yeah! What if it's an entirely new species of Pokémon?!" Tracey said.
"Any talk of any such plan is merely speculation. There's no proof." The Mayor said.
"Mr. Mayor if there is such a plan it's highly illegal. Not to mention Ash's little brother is down there. We can't risk any harm coming to him either." Officer Jenny said.
"ENOUGH! I am the Mayor and I will choose to do as I see fit!" He yelled out loud, so all those could hear him.
That's when he broke the camel's back as he heard loud slam, making him jump and see Ash slamming his fists on the table, angrily. "So let me get this straight, you would want a some questionable creature killed while also not caring about a kidnapping situation and all you care about is your stupid election?!" He roared, getting everyone to jump at his tone of voice.
Ash was about to lunge at him when Tracey and Misty stop him.
"Ash no!" Misty said.
"Let me at him! I'm gonna knock some sense into this idiot!" Ash snaps.
"Ash if you do that they'll throw you behind bars for real!" Tracey warns.
"But..." Ash growled loudly as he was seething and rage. He gave the Mayor a glare of death while his eyes were glowing blue, making the Mayor flinch at the sight.
At the Pokemon Center, they went immediatly the Prof. Oak.
"Tracey is right, this could very well be a new Pokemon or even one that's undergone a strange mutation." Prof. Oak said.
"That's great Professor but what do we do?" Ash asks.
"There must be some way to stop the mayor from exterminating that creature, along with getting Tomo out of there as soon as possible." Prof. Oak said worried about him as well.
"I don't think so, all he cares about is getting re-elected." Nurse Joy said.
Looking outside they saw campaign posters of the Mayor everywhere he even had a statue of himself. And Ash didn't stop glaring at every single one..but he did ripped a couple in half.
"I keep seeing this logo but what does it mean?" Misty asks pointing to an M symbol.
"Must be his trademark or something." Tracey shrugs. They had to stop the Mayor somehow from going into the manhole.
However it turned out the Mayor had already assembled the SWAT Team and were about to enter.
"We're too late. They're already starting it." Misty grits her teeth.
"That's it. I am gonna kick his ass." Ash cracks his fists about to storm over.
"Do it later Ash, we gotta move." Tracey said holding his shoulder.
He leads them back to Nurse Joy for help. Leading them by the river, she points them to a small entrance.
"Maybe if you get in through here you can find your brother." Nurse Joy offers.
Taking out his Pokedex, Ash immediately clicked around to switch out two of his Pokemon.
"What are you doing?" Misty looked over.
"If we're looking through a sewer, then I'm gonna need the perfect Pokémon for the job." He explains.
Upon entering the sewer Ash opened the Pokeballs to reveal Sparks and Grim.
"Magneton."
"Muk."
"A Magneton and Muk?" Tracey asked.
"Yeah the last time Ash got these two was another sewer incident back in Kanto." Misty said grossing out at the memory.
"Guys. I need you both to help us navigate through these sewers." Ash ordered the both. "Think you can do that?"
"Muk/ Magn." Both Pokemon nod. Sparks lights up the place so they can see clearly and Grim starts searching the water.
Turning a corner, Growlithe sniffs the air and looks in the opposite direction.
"What is it Growlithe?" Tracey asked. "Found something?"
Suddenly Misty felt something tap her on the shoulder.
"What is it Ash?" Misty asks.
"What?" Ash asks seeing he was in front of her.
"Wait if you two are there?" Misty turned around and screamed seeing the vine behind her.
Turning around quickly they saw the vine grab Togepi and Growlithe.
"No!" Misty said trying to save them but the vine yanked all three of them into the water.
"Misty!" Ash and Tracey runs to the water, but there was no trace of anything popping up.
"Grim!" Ash calls out as Grim resurfaced nearby. "They went that way! Help us follow them!"
"Muk!" Grim swims down the watery path as the boys runs after them.
"Muk." Grim said coming to what appeared to be a dead end.
"This can't be it can it?" Tracey asks.
"Hey Sparks can you give us a little more light?" Ash asks.
"Magneton." Sparks lit up and there they saw in the water was a small underwater tunnel.
"Is that where we go to find them Grim?" Ash asked.
"MukMukMuk." The poison type nods.
Looking to Tracey, Pikachu and Sparks all of them took a deep breath before following Grim into the water.
Ash was the first to reach the surface, however just as he was gasping for Ash, a vine was stretched out in his face. Gasping Ash let out a scream when suddenly he was lifted up and placed down on a dry patch.
"What the?" Ash said confused.
"Ash!" Turning around Ash saw Tomo looking at him with a big smile.
"Tomo!" Ash quickly scooped him up in a hug. "Oh man I was so worried about you! Are you alright?!"
"Yeah I'm fine and so is everyone else." Tomo said gesturing to Misty, Growlithe and Togepi.
"We also found our mysterious Pokemon." Tracey said gesturing to a huge Bulbasaur who was next to him.
"A Bulbasaur?" Ash said surprised.
"But it's also twice the size of a normal Bulbasaur, my guess from living down here." Tracey said.
"The Mysterious creature we kept seeing was just Bulbasaur using its Vine Whip." Misty said as the Bulbasaur retracts its vines.
"But how did a Bulbasaur wind up living in a place like this?" Ash said.
"Beats me, but it's not wild, because it's wearing a collar." Tracey points out.
Looking at the collar Ash noticed something familiar about the symbol on it.
Meanwhile up above the sewers...
The Mayor had instructed the SWAT team to cover every single manhole and sewer level with concrete. And despire several objections from Nurse Joy he sealed them up anyway.
Soon the Mayor was in his bath relaxing.
"Now that all that monster nonsense is taken care of I'll win the election in a landslide." He sighs.
Suddenly his bathroom began to shake.
"What?" Suddenly water exploded out from under him as Ash, Tomo, Misty, Tracey and all the Pokemon flooded out of the room with him.
"AHHH!" The Mayor was sent flying out of his bathtub and lands on the ground, groaning.
Looking up he saw all of them looking down at him. "What do you want?" He asks.
"Does this Bulbasaur remind you of anything?" Ash asks pointing to it.
"Bulba?" He looks at the Bell and gasped at seeing the logo on the bell. "That bell, that's my intital!"
We see the Mayor as a child along with the Bulbasaur, which was just a tiny one many years ago. The Mayor had Bulbasaur in a box near the sewer opening.
"Saur!" Bulbasaur cries out.
"Quit your blubbering!" The kid Mayor snapped. "If you're not going to evolve, then what's the point in keeping you?!" He said, saying he wants to release the poor thing. So he places the box on the riverbank and Bulbasaur was drifted down to the tunnel.
"This must be the Bulbasaur I let float into the sewer when I was a little boy because it wasn't evolving." The Mayor said.
"Wait what?!" They said in horror.
"Bulba." Bulabsaur smiles using Vine Whip to pick him up.
"What are you doing?" The Mayor asks.
"How could you do something like that to your own Pokemon?!" Misty said
"And even though you got rid of it all those years ago he's still happy to see you!" Tracey said.
"You're the worst Mayor ever!" Tomo said.
"No. This can't happen now." The Mayor said as a crowd started to form. "They can't see me like this. Tell that thing to put me down."
"It's not a thing it's a Pokemon and you owe Bulbasaur an apology." Ash orders.
"I am the mayor of this city and I will not apologize to a Pokémon!" The mayor said stubbornly.
"Mr. Mayor!" Turning around they saw the Swat team running over.
"Arrest this Pokemon! It's holding me hostage!" The Mayor ordered.
"Prepare to fire!" They all readied their weapons.
"Oh no you don't, Growlithe! Use Flamethrower!" Tomo yelled.
"Growl!" Growlithe breathed a stream of flames forcing them to jump back.
"Fire!" A soldier said.
"Sparks!" Ash said.
"Magneton!" Magneton flew in to protect Bulbasaur but the impact from the shots sent Sparks flying back until it collided with a generator nearby.
"My generator!" The Mayor said showing no care for Sparks.
"Sparks!" Ash yelled in horror.
"Magne!" Sparks said when it began absorbing all the electricity from the generator and began to glow brightly.
"What the?" Everyone looks in shock as Sparks grew larger and rounder in size before turning into a giant UFO shaped Pokemon.
"Magnezone." Sparks said.
"D-Did Sparks just did what I think he did?" Misty gasped. Ash quickly flipping his PokéDex open to see if it's true.
PokéDex: "Magnezone, the Magnet Area Pokémon. It flies through the night sky, often mistaken for a UFO sighting, though it seems to be receiving and sending signals from an unknown source and an unknown purpose. This leads some people to believe that Magnezone came from outer space and that it is being controlled by unknown beings."
"Magnezone!" Glaring at the SWAT Team, Sparks releases a yellow and massive electrical blast from its red pupip as it engulfed all of the men, making them scream in pain as they fly backwards.
"What was that?" Tomo blinked.
"Zap Cannon.." Ash gasped before smiling. His Magnezone just learned a new attack.
The Mayor looked in fright, seeing he was all alone now. His former Bulbasaur growled, seeing what his old trainer was about to do to them and then raised his vines upwards and forcefully slams The Mayor into the ground. "Bulbasaur!"
If you listen closely, you can hear his chin crackling, making him cry in pain. But his punishment wasn't through yet as he looked up to see the boy he really screwed with. In which he was looking down at him with a dark look of evil on his face.
"You know, after a stunt like this, no one will ever vote for a coward like you." Ash said before his glare turned into an evil grin. "And now since you aren't Mayor anymore.." He said as his eyes suddenly glow, frightening the Mayor. "I get to do this!" With a lift of his hand, Ash uses his Psychic powers to lift the mayor up up to his level. "This is for my brother!" He decked the man across the face once and then twice. Making his cheek swole. "And this is for Bulbasaur!" Ash yelled as his fist conmected with the mayor's chin, sending the Mayor flying into his statue nearby.
"Uh Misty, Tomo what just happened?" Tracey asks blown away.
"Hmm been awhile since Ash used his powers." Tomo said.
"Yeah guess we forgot to tell you about those." Misty realized.
Now that the mayor was dealt with, Ash's dark aura was soon deactivated, with a big sigh. "Man that felt good."
"Zone?" His new Magnezone hovered near him.
"Yeah..yeah I'm fine bud." Ash slowly smiles before putting a hand on Sparks. "And that was too cool of you to evolve."
"Magnezone." Sparks's eyes lifted.
"So what are we gonna do with this Bulbasaur no way we're letting him stay with that monster." Tracey asks.
"You know I think I know someone who would love to take care of this one." Tomo smiles.
Meanwhile, back in Pallet Town..
Delia was at the house reading a book on her porch when the phone started to ring.
"Mime Mime." Mimey calls out.
"Who's calling?" Delia wondered and went over to the phones and answered. "Hello? Ketchum residence."
"Hiya mom." On screen, Ash's face appeared.
"Ash so good to hear from you. How is everyone?" Delia asks.
"Pretty good, we had a little scare but everything's fine." Ash said.
"Little scare?" Delia wondered about that.
"You see Mom the reason I'm calling is that we found this fella all alone and abandoned in the sewer." Ash said showing her the giant Bulbasaur.
"That is one big Bulbasaur." Delia gasps. "But wait why don't any of you want it?"
"Because this Bulbasaur doesn't need a trainer. It needs someone to take care of and love it. That's you Mom." Ash said.
"Oh my." Delia said wondering. "Well.." She looks into Bulbasaur's eyes and with her motherly instincts, she saw some sadness, betrayal and loneliness in them. "I guess I can keep him." Delia nods.
Making Ash and Bulbasaur smile hearing this. "You hear big guy, you have a new home now."
"Bulbasaur." The grass type was excited hearing this.
"Now he'll need a name." Ash said.
"How about Saint? Because to have an owner like that you'd have to be one to still like him." Tomo said.
"Hmm, I like it." Delia said approving it, smiling.
"Well Saint you ready to go to your new home?" Ash asks.
"BulbaBulbasaur!" Saint nodded happily.
Taking out a Pokeball, Ash pressed it against Saint before he was sucked inside causing the Pokeball to click.
And Ash sends to home to her. "There you go mom. Oh and before I go, did you happened to get a package?"
"Yes I did." Delia walks away to reveal a beautiful glass vase. "It's absolutely beautiful."
"Since your birthday is tomorrow, I had my friend Mateo from Sunburst Island make it just for you mom." Ash smiles, remembering.
"And with Saint, consider that two early presents from us." Tomo smiled.
"You boys." Delia smiles.
"Happy Birthday mom/Mama."
"Thank you. You two be careful and thank you so much for the thoughtful gifts." Delia smiles.
"It's our pleasure mom. We love you." Ash said hanging up.
"Good call not telling mom what happened to me." Tomo said.
"Are you kidding, she'll kill that fat freak." Ash said. "...not that I'm complaining." He grins having his revenge.
"Is your mom scary when she's angry?" Tracey asks.
"Oh yeah." They all nod instantly. And Tracey was kinda hesitant to meet her in the future.
Outside, they met with Nurse Joy and Officer Jenny. In which they told them that, thankfully next week a new mayor will be announced.
"As thanks for helping us how about I give you kids a ride to the ferry? It'll take you right to Trovita Island." Officer Jenny offers.
"That'd be great." Misty nodded.
After uncovering the mysterious sewer monster and stopping a very corrupt Mayor. Ash and his friends head towards the third Orange League gym.
Trovita Island
We find ourselves on the Ferry towards Trovita island.
As they near the island they were surprised to see many pillars around the island.
"What are those spikes pointing up?" Ash asked.
"They're rocks who formed millions of years ago when Trovita Island rose out of the ocean." Tracey said.
"Those are pretty cool." Tomo said when Misty noticed something under the pillars.
"And look at all those whirlpools." She gasps.
"Yikes, one little slip and we'd be sucked up like spaghetti." Ash cringed.
"Help! Help!" A voice calls out.
Pausing Tomo runs to the edge and looks out gasping. "You mean like her!"
They saw a little girl with a Seel crying for help being trapped in the whirlpools. She screamed before getting sucked under water.
Nearby on the island a teenage boy was running along the beach.
"Mari! Mari where are you?!" He called out. He looks below the cliff and saw a ship approaching the island. And saw a figure hopping off of the boat.
Racing atop the water Surskit swam in and stopped right on top of the girl allowing Misty and Seaking to dive in and grab her.
"Misty!" Ash yelled out while riding on the back of Voyage to come to them. "Bring her here!"
As Misty brought her over the boy never took his eyes off her. "Amazing.." He smiles.
"That was a close call." Ash said taking his coat off and giving it to the girl for her to stay off. "Are you OK uh?" He trails off to know her name.
"I'm Mahri." The girl nodded. "And I'm fine, thank you."
"What were you doing around there?" Misty asked her.
"I was playing on the beach with Seel when the current pulled us out." She explains.
"You have to be careful in the ocean." Misty tells her, making Mahri look up to her. "The sea can be a fun and dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. So for someone your age, you should always have someone to watch over you." She advised.
"Good thing we saw you when we did." Ash said causing her to jump startled and almost fell overboard. Misty quickly helped her steady.
"Careful we can't have you falling back in." Ash said as Mahri adjusts herself.
"I-I'm sorry. I-It's just.." She stuttered.
"Yeah, yeah I know. I'm used to it." Ash sighs. The face. Always the face.
"Ash is quite touchy when someone mentions his face." Misty tells her. "So I wouldn't question it."
"Uh okay." Mahri said as they arrived on the docks to greeted by the boy and a couple others.
"Mahri!" The boy in a white vest and red hair runs over. Mari ran up to the boy and they hugged. "Thank goodness you're ok! Never go swimming alone again." He walks over to them. "I can't thank you enough for saving my sister."
"It was no trouble at all." Ash said but he walked right past him and went to Misty. The boy asked Misty for her name, in?which she answers.
"Misty..you're the most wonderful girl I've ever met." The boy smiled surprising them all, especially Misty. He snapped his fingers and his associates handed Misty a handful of beautiful flowers in bouquets.
"What the?" Ash said surprised when Tracey and Tomo dock.
"Hey Ash what's going on?" Tomo asks as they walked over.
"Uh someone's just appreciating Misty for saving his sister?" Ash said figured
He snaps his fingers and one guy with a boombox played romantic music. "Misty may have this dance?" Misty was surprised by the offer. Before she could answer, the guy took Togepi and places him in Ash's hands. He urged her and takes Misty by the hand and the two began to slowdance.
"Wha?" Tracey asks shocked of what is happening.
"Is he really making a move on Misty?" Tomo asked confused.
"I guess..just Who is this guy?" Ash wondered, finding the boy weird.
"Misty it's clear from the way you saved my sister you're good with Water Types. I would be honored if you could help train the trainers at my gym." He said.
"Wait your gym? Are you the Gym Leader?" Misty asks.
"Is it that surprising?" He smiles.
"This weirdo's the gym leader?" Tomo said not believing it.
"Well my name's Ash and I'm here to challenge you." Ash tells him..but the boy just ignored him and continued to dance with Misty.
"And you're not just a great trainer, you're a great dancer too." He tells Misty.
"Oh well thank you." Misty giggled.
"Uh hello? Didn't you hear me?" Ash said getting annoyed that he was ignored.
"Yeah big bro he came all the way here for a gym battle." Mahri said.
They stopped dancing and looks at them. "It isn't polite to stop a private conversation. You're really being rude."
"Hey pal, I'm not the one being rude here it's you." Ash glared not liking his attitude.
"Hmph." The boy scoffed. "Not rude, the name's Rudy." He introduced himself with a short flamenco dance. "Now what makes you think you can beat me?"
"Because I've already beaten two of the Orange Island Gym Leaders." Ash said showing his badges.
"Well then I would be happy to accept your challenge." Rudy said.
"Good luck Ash. You're gonna need it to beat my brother." Mahri said.
"Hardly. My big bro can wipe the floor with that dumb dancer any day." Tomo said.
However Mahri scoffed with a, "Ha!". Making Tomo turn to her.
"What was that?" His eyes narrowed.
"My big brother is the best Gym Leader in the Orange Islands." Mahri said.
"Not for long. Mine made it to the finals in the Indigo League." Tomo glares.
"Big deal." Mahri scoffed once again. "But guess he didn't win."
"I'd like to see you try and battle. I've bet you've never battled once in your life." Tomo said.
"What?!" Mahri snapped getting in his face. "I bet I can beat you!"
"Oh please! I got way more Pokémon that can kick you and your Pokémon's butts!" Tomo snapped getting her face.
"Oh yeah?!"
"Yeah!"
"Grrr!" The two children growled as their foreheads touched and electricity snapped in their focusing glares.
Rudy looks at this and chuckles.
"Hey normally I give you a challenge but what do you say we try something interesting?" Rudy suggests.
"How so?" Ash asks.
"We have a one on one battle between my little sister and your brother. If your brother wins you can challenge me without having to pass any tests. If Mahri wins you lose." Rudy wagers.
Making Ash and and crew look shocked at his challenge. "Say what?"
"I'm in!" Tomo said before they could react.
"Me too!" Mahri said.
"T-Tomo?!" Ash exclaimed.
"Come on bro, I'm doing this for you!" Tomo urged him. "Besides I can't let some smug goody goody just trash talk you and me and get away with it." He said eyes still not glaring off his opponent.
"Ash are you sure you want Tomo to do this?" Tracey asks.
"I don't think I can talk him out of this. He really wants to beat Mahri." Ash said.
"But if he loses, you can't get your 3rd badge." Misty said worried.
Ash pauses to consider this choice.
"Tomo." Ash said getting his attention. "If you're confident about this, look me in the eye and tell me you can win."
Tomo looked up at his big bro's messed up face and looked dead into his scars and blind eye.
"I can beat her Ash." Tomo said with a determined look on his face.
"Well then...get in there and win." Ash smiles giving him the okay.
Tomo grew a smile and nodded.
On a small arena by the beach Tomo and Mahri faced off.
"So guys has Tomo ever battled another Pokémon trainer?" Tracey asks.
"Aside from Team Rocket.. No." Misty recalled. "Then this means this is gonna be Tomo's first trainer battle."
"Oh man I hope he does well. Talk about pressure." Tracey said
"Relax Trace." Ash tells him looking to Tomo, crossed arms.
"This'll be a one on one battle and the match will be over when either Pokemon is unable to battle!" The ref said.
"Don't get too nervous Mahri just keep your cool and focus." Rudy said.
She nods. "I'll make you proud Rudy." Mahri throws a Pokéball. "Go Seel!"
"Seel." Seel said running out.
"Omanyte I choose you!" Tomo said calling out his water type.
"Omanyte!" The fossil Pokémon cried out.
"A showdown between two water types. The perfect pre battle dedicated to you Misty." Rudy said.
"Oh uh thank you." Misty said.
"Oh barf." Tomo muttered, rolling his eyes.
"Battle Begin!" The ref said.
"Seel use Ice Shard!" Mahri said as Seel fired multiple chunks of ice.
"Omanyte Withdraw!" Tomo said as Omanyte went into its shell increasing its defense.
"Battle Begin!" The ref said.
"Seel use Ice Shard!" Mahri said as Seel fired multiple chunks of ice.
"Omanyte Withdraw!" Tomo said as Omanyte went into its shell increasing its defense. "Now use Water Gun!"
Omanyte fires a stream of water at Seel. "Seep freeze it with Aurora Beam!"
"Seel!" Seel's head horn released a multicolor icy blast that freezes water gun in mid air.
"Omanyte Rollout!" Spinning quickly Omanyte rolls in and smashes into Seel.
"Seel Disable!" Seel's eyes glowed blue and Omanyte's body stopped spinning, making it unable to use Rollout again.
"Oh no." Tomo cringed.
"Ha! Got ya now! Seel Aurora Beam!" Mari cheers as Seel blasts Omanyte.
"Oma!" Omanyte was flopped backwards, and it's attack power was decreased.
"Hang in there Omanyte." Tomo said.
"That's my sister! Come on guys cheer Mahri to victory!" Rudy said as all his workers cheered.
Tomo growled while gritting his teeth, seeing their favouritism.
"Hey Tomo." Ash calls out getting his attention. "Who cares who the favorite is? You got something better, skill. Now go wild." Ash grins.
"Go wild.." Tomo blinks, before understanding his brothers words and grinned back and gave a nod. "Omanyte, get back up and Mud Shot!"
Omanyte stands back up and fired mud balls out of its mouth at Seel.
"Quick Seel, Ice Shard and cancel it!" Mahri shouted.
Ice Shard flew in and pierced Mud Shot causing it to fall all over the sand.
"Water Gun on the mud!" Tomo said as Omanyte blasts water all over and everyone watched as Rudy's beach turned into a giant mud field.
"What are you doing?" Mahri asked confused.
"Changing the field. Hope you're not afraid to get dirty! Omanyte go!" Tomo said as Omnayte moves in.
"Seel Aurora Beam!" Mahri said as Seel fires but Omanyte slides on the mud dodging. "What?!"
"Now Mud Shot!" Leaping up Omanyte blasts Seel with Mud Shot causing it to splash into the mud.
"How'd you like my wild idea?" Tomo smiles. "Now you can't hit us!"
"I get it. Since Omanyte is part Rock Type he can move and slide around on the mud with ease but since Seel isn't then Mahri is in a tough spot." Tracey smiles.
"Now that's thinking wild." Misty smiled.
"He's got her now." Ash said happy to see his little bro's creative thinking.
"Now Omanyte Ancient Power!" Tomo said as Omanyte created giant boulders.
"Seel use Ice Shard again!" Mahri says.
Seel fired Ice Shards but the boulders were too big to pierce and as a result they all came crashing down on Seel dealing super effective damage.
"Seel!" Mahri cried out.
The Disable on Rollout had to be over by now. "Alright now move in for a Rollout again!" Tomo points.
Omanyte got into ball form and spun right towards Seel, who was still trapped in the pile of rocks. Seel tried to get out but Omanyte smashed into it knocking it and the boulders like they were bowling pins.
"Seel!" Seel lands harshly and fainted.
"Seel is unable to battle! Omanyte wins! The challenger wins the qualifier!" The ref announced.
"Oh yeah!" Tomo cheered, having won his first battle. "Omanyte, you rule!" He said picking up the fossil Pokémon.
"Omanyte!" Omanyte cheered with him.
"Whoo!" Ash smiles picking them both up. "Way to go Little Bro! I knew you could do it!"
"Did you see me Ash?! I battled just like you!"
"I did! Way until Mom hears about this!" Ash smiles.
"I lost." Mahri frowns picking up Seel.
Slowly Rudy walks over. "Hey no one starts out great Mahri. You'll get better I promise." He assures.
"You better win that battle Rudy." She tells him.
"Don't worry I will." Rudy nods as he turns to face Ash. "Well Ash I'm a man of my word. Your brother won so for our battle we will each use 3 Pokemon types that you may choose and I'll use the same."
"Alright Rudy then I choose Fire, Electric and Psychic Types." Ash said.
"Not a bad matchup." Tracey said. "Its creative."
"We'll meet at my arena first thing tomorrow. Use this chance to get some rest and prepare." Rudy suggests before turning to Misty. "Misty would you like to join me and Mahri for dinner?"
"Oh." Misty was surprised by the sudden offer. "Well.."
"Oh please Misty. Please." Mahri begs.
"We'd really appreciate if you'd come." Rudy said.
"Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt." Misty said.
"Yaay!" Mahri smiles as she and Rudy walked away with Misty.
"Boy he really likes Misty." Tracey said.
"I dunno what to say about that." Ash said.
"Me neither, but if he fights like his sister you've got that badge won easy." Tomo assures.
"I wouldn't say that Tomo." Tracey warns.
"Yeah he's got experience. This won't be easy." Ash agrees.
"Whatever's he's got Ash, be ready." Tracey advises him.
"I will." Ash nods. 'Fire, Electric and Psychic. Let's see what you got Rudy.'
That night at the Pokemon Center, tons of food was laid out as Ash and Tomo told Delia and Prof. Oak what happened.
"Excellent work Tomo. A trainer never forgets his first win." Prof. Oak smiles.
"Thanks, now I'm up for winning more and more." Tomo said.
"Easy Tomo it's Ash's turn to battle." Prof. Oak chuckles.
"I'm so proud of you Tomo." Delia smiles.
"He's got a big future ahead of him." Ash pats Tomo's head.
"Who knows Ash maybe someday you two will face off in the same league." Prof. Oak said.
"Someday but not for a few more years." Ash said.
"Aww." Tomo whines.
"Prof. Oak, while I got you on the line. Take a look." Ash pulls out the mysterious stone from Sunburst Island.
"Oh my this is interesting." Prof. Oak said.
"What is that?" Delia asks.
"Mateo found it at Sunburst Island. It's the same as these." Ash said showing his pendant and the first stone.
"There's more of them." Prof. Oak said before pausing to think.
"Do you have something?" Ash asks.
"Not me but one of my colleagues might." Prof. Oak said.
"Colleagues?" Tracey asked.
"While I was studying the stone you gave me a couple of months ago, I happened to have message a Professor who lives far away from Kanto in a place called Kalos." Prof. Oak says.
"Hey isn't that where you said that stone was from Ash?" Tomo asked Ash pointing to the blue and red stone.
"From the vendor, yeah. So tell us more Professor." Ash said.
"It's a very special stone that is said that if a special Pokemon holds it they can evolve to much further and more powerful forms. They call them Mega stones." Prof. Oak said.
"Mega Stone." Ash looks at the two stones with wonder.
"New form? So they can look different?" Tracey asked.
"How does it work?" Tomo asks.
"Each stone responds to a specific Pokemon and only that Pokemon." Prof. Oak said.
"So which ones do you have?" Tracey asks. looking at Ash.
"I don't know." Ash said. "Professor, any clue?"
"Hmm they both have different color patterns so that's a clue right there." Prof. Oak taking a few notes on each stone.
"And what about the one I found back in Cerulean Cave?" Ash asked pointing to his pendant.
"Now that's actually not for the Pokémon. That's a Keystone and that's how you can use the mega stones. Without that those stones in your hands are useless." Prof. Oak said.
"Man Ash finding these sure made you lucky." Tracey said.
"Yeah I am." Ash said thinking about it. "Prof. Oak can you do a little digging and see if you can figure out what Pokemon these are used for?"
"I'll see what I can do. I'll even contact the right man for the job for you Ash." Prof. Oak nodded.
"Much appreciated." Ash nods.
"And boys. Keep doing amazing." Delia smiles.
"We will." Ash and Tomo smile.
The very next day...
Ash and Rudy prepare to battle each other on top of one of the island's huge spikes. The spectators, including Misty, Togepi, Tracey, Tomi and Mahri, watch from a hot-air balloon, while one of Rudy's friends provides commentary while riding a Pidgeot.
"And now we begin the battle between Rudy the Gym Leader and Ash the challenger. This will be a best of 3 battle so whichever trainer wins 2 or more battles is the victor." The ref explains.
"You ready Ash?" Rudy asks.
"Absolutely." Ash nods determined.
"Clean his clock Rudy!" Mahri yells out.
"Knock him out Ash, show him who's boss!" Tomo called out.
"So Ash which type are we using first?" Rudy asks.
"This. Go Volcan!" Ash said calling out his fire type.
"Magmar." Volcan said ready for battle.
"Fire type huh? In that case go Ninetales!" Rudy said calling out the evolved fox Pokemon.
"And the first battle will between Fire Type Elements. The challenger has chosen a Magmar while the Gym Leader is using a Ninetales."
"They better be careful and don't fall off that rock." Tracey says.
"They'll be fine, right Misty?" Tomo asked her, but no answer. "Uh Misty?" Tomo looks to her and saw she was wearing a concerned look on her face as she was watching the field.
"Volcan Flamethrower!" Ash said starting the battle off.
"Ninetales dodge!" Rudy said as Ninetales did a graceful spin to dodge.
"Use Thunder Punch!" Volcan leaps up Ninetales with his fist cracking with electricity.
"Pirouette!" Rudy says as Ninetales leaped over Volcan while doing another perfect spin in the air, avoiding the blow.
"Wow that Ninetales can dodge?" Tracey said amazed.
"Is he trying to battle or win a dance off?" Tomo asks.
"You don't know how my big brother battles." Mahri scoffed. "He's not called the 'Flaming Flamenco' for nothing."
"Flaming Flamenco?" They asked.
"Time to bring the show stopper. Ninetales use Extrasensory!" Rudy said as Ninetales released psychic waves.
"Mag.." Volcan cringed in pain being caught in the psychic power.
"Now Quick Attack and stick the landing!" Rushing in Ninetales does a backflip attack before landing in front of Rudy.
"Vol get back up and use Smokescreen!" Ash said.
"Magmar!" He stood up and released a black thick smock from his mouth as it surrounded the field.
As Ninetales tried to move it couldn't because the smoke was too thick.
"Can't dance if you can't see where you're stepping. Low Sweep!" Appearing out of the smoke Magmar sweeps Ninetales' legs decreasing its speed.
"Ninetales, Baby-Doll Eyes!" Rudy says. Ninetales stares at Volcan with its sparkling eyes.
"Mag." Volcan said before falling under the spell and his attack was lowered.
"Sly as a fox, now Use Incinerate!" Ninetales shoots a beam of orange, yellow, red, and black fire from its mouth and into Volcan.
"Volcan!" Ash gasps as Volcan tumbles back narrowly avoiding falling over the edge. "Volcan you okay?" Ash asks as Volcan stood up nodding saying he wasn't ready to give up. "Then use Thunderpunch!" Ash points.
"Dodge it!" Ninetales tries to dodge but thanks to Low Sweep it was a lot slower allowing Volcan's attack to land.
"Now Flamethrower!" Ash said cointinung the assault.
"We'll use Flamethrower too!" Rudy said as both fire attacks clashed creating an explosion.
"Go in for another Thunderpunch!" Ash says.
"Ninetales, Extrasensory!" Volcan charges in with an electric coated fist when Ninetales fires psychic waves.
"Dodge it!" At the last second Volcan leaps high into the air and brings Thunderpunch down on Ninetales.
"Nine!" Ninetales cried out in pain as it flopped to the ground with electicty sparking around its fur.
"Yes! Way to go Ash!" Tomo cheers.
"No Rudy!" Mahri gasps.
"With a sparkling effect from Thunderpunch, that brings Ninetales down and giving Ash the first victory of the match!"
Groaning Ninetales was laying on the ground unable to get up.
"Sorry Rudy guess you couldn't do your victory dance." Ash smirks.
"Hmph. No problem." Rudy said returning Ninetales. "Ninetsles, you've burned me a path to a new idea."
"Now the 2nd round will consist of Electric Type Pokémon!"
"I choose you, Sparks!"
"Go now, my Jolteon!"
Across from each other Jolteon glares down the magnet Pokemon shocking everyone...not literally.
"Wait what is that Pokemon?" Mahri asks surprised.
"That's a Magnezone. A Pokémon that lives so far away from here." Tomo filled her in.
"Pika Pika!" Pikachu said cheering on his fellow electric comrade.
"Well let's see how your giant magnet do well against my Jolteon." Rudy challenges.
"Sparks Metal Sound!" Ash said as Sparks released metal sound waves causing Jolteon's defense to lower.
"Jolten, use Thunder!" Rudy says. Shaking off the attack Jolteon fires a giant of lightning that zaps Sparks.
"Hit it!" Rudy said as one of his guys takes out a boombox and starts playing music.
As Rudy started dancing Jolteon fired multiple Thunders into the air causing multiple lighting bolts to rain down matching the rhythm of the music.
"Magne?!" Sparks exclaimed in confusion.
"Sparks look out!" Ash yelled.
Flying around Sparks tried to avoid the attacks but ended up getting zapped.
"Now one Double Kick at a time please." Rudy flipped his hair. Jolteon jumps high while Sparks was distracted and kicked him two times with his paws.
"Mag!" Sparks yelps crashing down onto the arena.
"Oh man. Because of these lightning bolts Sparks can move like it wants to." Ash cringed.
"While my Jolteon can move however he pleases." Rudy smirks. "Now Jolteon Double Kick!"
"Tri Attack!" Firing a blast of fire, ice and electricity Sparks blasts Jolteon away before impact.
"A little volume if you please!" Rudy snaps his fingers as the volume on the boombox was raised. Making Jolteon's ears perk of its favorite song. "Use Hyper Voice!" Rudy says.
"JOLT!" Jolteon shouts out loud, creating special sound waves into Sparks.
"Pika!"
"Growl!"
"Toge!" All the Pokemon flinch covering their ears.
"Geez what a loudmouth!" Tracey said covering his ears.
"What?!" Tomo said covering his.
"I can see why it's called Hyper Voice!" Misty said covering hers.
"Sparks hang in there!" Ash yelled out.
"Magnezone.." Magnezone tried to regain its float.
"Now Jolteon Electro Ball!" Ruby said as Jolteon created a yellow sphere and launched it.
"Sparks, Zap Cannon!" Sparks releases a yellow beam of electricity from its red pupil at Electro Ball, colliding into it.
As both electric attacks clash both trainers struggled to gain an upperhand.
"Your Zap Cannon is strong Ash, but my Electro Ball gets stronger depending on the difference in our Pokemon's speed!" Rudy said.
Which is true, because Jolteon's speed stat is more larger than a Magnezone! Electro Ball easily passes through Zap Cannon, destroying it in the process.
"Magne!" Magnezone's eyes widened as it made contact and was engulfed in an explosion. "ZONE!"
"Sparks!" Ash gasps as Sparks crashed to the ground with swirly eyes.
"And Magnezone is unable to battle leaving both battlers all tied up!" The ref announced.
"Poor Sparks, never had a chance." Misty said.
"I guess even though it just recently evolved Rudy's Jolteon was still better." Tracey said.
"Ash has to win. He just gotta." Tomo prayed.
"You can do it Rudy just one more!" Mahri calls out.
"And with this the final battle will be Psychic types." The ref said.
"Alakazam I choose you!" Rudy said.
"Oni I choose you!" Appearing on the field two of the smartest Pokémon known to man were ready to battle.
"Alakazam!"
"Slowking!"
"Alakazam vs Slowking? Talk about a tough battle." Tracey said amazed.
"Ash can take him." Tomo said hopeful.
"I dedicate this victory to the amazing girl who saved my sister!" Rudy declares looking at Misty.
Making Misty shocked.
"I knew it!" Mahri giggled. "My big brother really likes you Misty!" Needless to say Tomo and Tracey noticed Misty had a very conflicted look on her face.
And they haven't even heard her cheer for Ash once, throughout the match. Pausing Misty recalls last night. As she had dinner with Rudy and Mahri, she was asked if she wanted to say with them, but she didn't give an answer so Rudy suggested she'd wait until after the battle to think about it.
But that meant leaving her friends behind. All of those adventures would come to an end.
"Alakazam Psycho Cut!" Rudy said as Alakazam created a blade of psychic energy.
"Oni, Power Gem!" The jewel on Oni's forehead glows red and it fires a pale pink beam of energy with a bright white energy around it from the jewel at the Psycho Cut, destroying it in the process. "Now Nasty Plot!"
"Slow.." Oni closes his eyes, and concentrates. "King!" His eyes then snapped open as he was gained a power boost.
"Alakazam use Energy Ball!" Rudy said as Alakazam created a green sphere of energy.
"Oni Psychic!" Ash said as Oni stopped the Energy Ball in midair. "Now throw it back!"
Oni points and sends the ball back into Alakazam, knocking it backwards.
"Fine then, try to hit us again after this! Alakazam!"
"Alakazam!" Doing a series of dance moves Alakazam teleports all over the arena.
"Again with the dancing.." Ash grits his teeth.
"See if you can handle my Teleporting Dance moves. Alakazam Energy Ball!" Alakazam creates another Energy Ball but before he launched he teleported to the side and fires.
"Oni, Shadow Ball!" Ash said. But Oni was too late to react as Energy Ball lands into him.
"Slow!" The super effective move took its place.
"Yes! Keep it going!" Rudy said.
"Shadow Ball!" Oni tries to attack with Shadow Ball but Alakazam dodges them all.
"Now Alakazam, show them who's the real powerful genius with one of your striking Shock Waves!" Rudy said.
"Ala!" Alakazam spins his spoons around his hands as they charge up with electicty. "KAZAM!" And fired an electric blast.
"Protect!" Ash said as Oni made a barrier around him to protect himself.
"Keep going! Push them back!" Rudy said as Oni was being pushed back towards the edge.
"Crud..please stay strong Oni!" Ash says.
"Slowking.." Oni cringed as he tried to keep Protect up.
"This is bad! They're trapped!" Tracey exclaimed.
"What's he gonna do?! If Ash dosen't think of something he's gonna lose!" Tomo feared.
Seeing all their worried faces it was then that Misty realized her choice.
"Come on Ash! Snap out of it!" Misty yells getting their attention. "Don't just stand there! Fight back!"
"H-huh?" Mahri was shocked that she was cheering Ash On instead of her brother.
"Come on! Pull yourself together! You've dealt with tough opponents before! Win this thing already!" Misty said.
Meanwhile Rudy heard everything and looked heartbroken. "Sh-she wants him to win?"
Realizing she was right a serious look appeared on his face.
"Oni break free and use Power Gem!" Using his glowing shell, Oni destroyed Shock Wave.
"Slow." Oni glares ready to win.
(Pokémon Diamond and Pearl-Satoshi's Theme Plays)
"What the?" Rudy blinked. "But-but how? It was struggling not too long ago?"
"Sorry Rudy but me and my Pokemon just got our second wind. Oni use Water Pulse!" Firing a sphere of water it smashes into Alakazam before it could teleport out of the way.
"Kazam!" He exclaimed, making him drop his spoons and lose concentration.
"Don't let up! Shadow Ball!" Creating a glowing dark sphere Oni fires it.
"Alakazam dodge it!" Rudy said as Alakazam leaps out of the way before going for his spoons.
"No way, Oni Psychic and grab the spoons!" Ash said.
"Slow!" Slowking's eyes glowed and made the spoons float in midair right before Alakazam could grab them.
"Ala!" Alakazam gasps.
"Oh no!" Rudy gasps.
"Can't fight without these." Ash said as Oni grabs the spoons and whacks Alakazam with them.
"Utensil or no utensils, I'm not losing this battle!" Rudy said, losing his concentration. "Alakazam, Dynamic Punch now!"
"Oni Zen Headbutt!" With a glowing shell head Oni brings his head back and slams it into Dynamic Punch.
"Push him back!" Rudy said but Ash smirks.
"Gotcha." Ash said when Oni grabs Alakazam by the arms trapping him.
"Alaka!/No!" Both Pokémon and trainer exclaimed.
"Now Shadow Ball!" Ash said as Oni blasts Alakazam from close range.
The crucial impact to the chest, caused Alakazam to be knocked back harshly to the ground. "Alakazam!" Rudy cried out, seeing his powerful psychic type had swirls in its eyes.
(Song End)
"Alakazam is unable to battle! The winner's of the Trovita Island battle are Slowking and the Challenger Ash Ketchum!"
"He did it!" Tracey cheers.
"Badge number 3." Tomo said about to rub it in Mahri's face but Misty stops him.
"Tomo, be the bigger man in this case she feels bad enough." Misty said. He was about to question her when he saw the sad look on Mahri's face.
As much as Tomo wanted to he realized Misty was right and decided to leave this alone.
Later that day, all of them were by the docks.
"You sure I can't convince you to stay?" Rudy asks.
"Thanks Rudy, but I can't leave my friends. We're a team and we stick together." Misty shook her head.
"Asking you to stay here? I sure wasn't expecting that." Ash was surprised by the huge question. "I don't know how I felt if you said yes if it wasn't for you getting my head back in the game."
"But we're really happy you chose to stick with us." Tracey smiles.
"Thanks guys." Misty smiles.
"Well you beat me, I'm proud to present you with the Spike Shell Badge." Rudy said taking out a yellow shell badge that had spikes all around it.
"Thank you Rudy." Ash takes it with pride. 3 down and only 1 more to go.
"Ash you're lucky to have a friend like Misty don't forget that." Rudy said.
"Oh I know. She's had my back since day one." Ash smiles.
And boy was he proud of it.
Looking down, we spot the little ones. "Hey." Tomo walked up to Mahru. "Gotta admit, you're brother is really tough. I can tell why you root for him all the time."
"Yeah but..he lost." Mahri said sadly.
"I know how you felt. When I first saw my bro's first loss, I was sad, but he got better later on. Now look at him." Tomo says. "Almost about to take down the Orange League."
"Sorry I was so rude to you and your brother." Mahri said.
"Well I wasn't the nicest either." Tomo admits.
"Uh Tomo you wanna say something else to Mahri?" Ash asks.
"Uh you battle okay." Tomo said.
"That's what I meant and you know it." Ash narrows his eyes.
"OK, OK." Tomo said defensively and looked to Mahri. "I'm sorry I was rude to you guys too."
"Mahri what do you say?" Rudy asks.
"Thank you." Mahri said.
"Younger siblings am I right?" Ash asks.
"You love them but they are a challenge." Rudy agrees.
"Tell me about it." Ash said.
"Hey!" Tomo and Mahri said causing them all to laugh.
After a tough challenge for both Ash and Tomo, Ash has earned his 3rd Orange League badge and Misty is still apart of the team as they continue on to Ash's last badge and the Orange League.
To be continued...
Sorry this took awhile to get out. Had to celebrate my birthday the other day. Next time is the moment you all have been waiting for. Pokémon 2000. Also made a goof. In this story and the original Tomo was confirmed to be 8 years old. Sorry.
How did you like that I gave Tracey some more background?
Also I'm canceling Ash's Different Quest for a new story coming soon to replace it.
