I want to apologize for the long wait. I've just been busy with going to work a lot and it gets in my time. Not to mention that I may be getting dry eyes which is giving me thoughts of staying away from screens.
I try putting eye drops in, but I'm too squeamish and I know I have to get them in. I'm trying to find a good method to get them in so I don't have to keep dealing with these irritating dry eyes.
If anybody has any ideas how I could try that, go ahead, and let me know. This may be a fanfiction site, but we got to remember we only get one set of eyes in our lives and we need to take care of them. I know I want to take care of them.
But anyways, here is Ash's seventh gym battle with Blaine. Now of course like with Ash's Charizard, he wants a worthy opponent and Charizard may have a good idea on how that can be into play.
Now be warned after the gym battle, the action finally kicks in with the second dark force. The stage will be getting set for when that moment comes in.
Well here is the chapter and I don't own Pokémon.
Cinnabar Island-Big Riddle Inn
After a lengthy turn of events, Ash and Serena got to relax in the hot springs with Pikachu and Munchlax while Rotom Dex was turned off.
Ash needed this after all that occurred with Venusaur. He was still at the Pokémon Center awaiting for the G-Men to come in. Ash was upset that he was going to lose a close friend, despite Venusaur hating him. He isn't sure if he would ever get Venusaur back, but if he does, he hopes that he copes with what has happened.
Ash took a deep breath and figured he shouldn't let this get the best of him. He was strong when he let Butterfree go, and that worked out in the end as he saved his Lapras long before Ash met her. If things worked out for Butterfree, then maybe things will work out for Venusaur.
The only thing Ash should focus on was his upcoming gym battle. After the fiasco in the Saffron Gym, Ash would make sure to have a full team prepared with him and not just have Pokémon with him to spend time. He hasn't decided which three Pokémon he would use, but he did decide the Pokémon he would have on his roster as he did manage to make some rotations. Ash had Greninja, Charizard, Tauros, Lapras, Dratini, and his newly acquired Aerodactyl.
While Aerodactyl proved to be strong, he was new to the group so maybe he shouldn't use him in his gym battle. Maybe his final gym battle, but not this one. Tauros, Lapras, and Dratini got more training in after Sabrina so this time they would be good to go. Ash was mainly leaning on giving Dratini and Lapras another chance and Tauros could possibly partake in the final gym battle. He wasn't how strong Blaine's Pokémon were as he thought about using Charizard to show off his new evolution. But if he didn't seem interested, Ash would give Greninja the green light. He looked over at Pikachu and wondered when he might use him in another gym battle as Serena let him take part in the Cinnabar Island Pokémon Contest.
As Ash soothed in the hot springs, Serena was sitting in the spring next to him. She was wondering how Ash was handling both preparing for a gym battle and the Venusaur fiasco.
"How are you doing Ash?" Serena asked.
"I'm feeling a little better. Not a whole lot better, but a little better," Ash sighed.
The pain of having Venusaur taken away hurt Ash, but the fact that this relationship with Venusaur went violently south is what hurt him the most.
"I just can't get Venusaur out of my head," Ash sighed.
"Well what happened isn't your fault. Venusaur refused to accept his evolution and just his frustrations out on you. I'm sure the G-Men will take great care of him," Serena explained
His girlfriend was right. After all the G-Men help those deeply troubled Pokémon and Lance of the Elite Four is one of their top members. If what Serena says was true, then Venusaur should be in good hands. The question is will he ever see him again.
"Your right Serena, I shouldn't think about Venusaur right now. I should keep my focus on my gym battle," Ash answered.
"That's what I like to hear," said Serena, "Have you thought of who you're going to use?"
"Well I would like my newer Pokémon to redeem themselves after our previous gym battle. They were completely unprepared, but now they got enough training in and they're ready," Ash answered.
"So does that mean Dratini, Lapras, and Tauros?" Serena asked.
"Maybe not all my new ones. Let me figure out how many Pokémon we'll be using and balance it out between new additions with a second chance, and those who are already experienced," Ash answered, "So if it's three, I might go with Dratini and Lapras, and finally Greninja. Unless Charizard is up for a battle."
"Why not use Charizard?" Serena asked.
"Don't you remember Serena, Charizard seems picky with his opponents. He only wants to fight those who are around his level or higher. The problem is that it's hard to know when there's a Pokémon at that level," Ash explained, "Maybe Greninja would be my best bet since Blaine does specialize in fire-types."
"I see," Serena replied.
"And maybe when my last gym battle comes around, I'll give Tauros his second chance and let Aerodactyl make his debut. After all I just got Aerodactyl so I don't want to throw him in right away," Ash explained.
"Well whatever you decide, I'll support you all the way," Serena smiled, "Win this one for Venusaur."
Ash hung his head down after hearing that Pokémon's name again, but then he gave out a small smile. Despite the friction, Ash still cared about him and if Venusaur wasn't so troubled, maybe he would still be rooting for Ash.
"I will," Ash smiled.
Another part of the hot springs
Pikachu didn't hop into the hot springs as he didn't want to chance his electricity suddenly getting loose on accident and shocking them. As Pikachu walked around, he noticed Munchlax sitting there all worried.
Munchlax may have just gotten used to his new daddy, but since the Pokémon lab gave him that egg, he feared that he may get replaced by that Pokémon as Ash's new son. Pikachu has been a brother figure to Munchlax since Ash's adopted him, mainly due to the fact he has always been out of a ball.
"You alright Munchy?" Pikachu asked in concern giving Munchlax that funny nickname.
Munchlax let out a sad sigh. He just hung his head down with the bill of his cap covering his face.
"Honestly, no" Munchlax answered.
"Really," Pikachu snickered, "I found a stash of cotton candy."
Still holding in some sadness, Munchlax gave Pikachu a devastating stare. He wasn't in the mood for jokes.
"Don't lie to me like that," Munchlax barked, "And if there is one, it wouldn't help me with what I'm dealing with."
"Okay," Pikachu sighed, "What is it?"
Munchlax took a deep breath. He wasn't sure what to tell Ash about what he was thinking, or Serena. Pikachu was like him, a Pokémon. He didn't have any family besides his dad, and possibly the Pokémon back at the grotto, but now he had all these Pokémon and Pikachu. If there was anyone Munchlax would consider talking to it would be Pikachu or Greninja.
"You know how Ash got that egg after saving Cinnabar Island," Munchlax told Pikachu.
"Yeah," Pikachu responded.
"Well you know when that egg hatches, a new Pokémon will come in as the baby," said Munchlax.
"Okay, and why is that bothering you?" Pikachu asked.
"Because I'm afraid that once that egg hatches, Ash AND Serena would likely start showering that Pokémon with love rather than me. That means Ash will stop spending time with me and I won't have a dad anymore!" Munchlax cried.
Munchlax started to cry his eyes out. Munchlax feared that once the egg hatches, he would be all alone.
"You're worried that Ash will put you to the side?" Pikachu questioned.
"Pikachu, I already lost one dad to that Siegfried guy, and now I get a new dad only to lose him to what's in the egg!" Munchlax cried.
Pikachu knew what Munchlax was talking about. Siegfried murdered his dad leaving Munchlax an orphan. Ash took him under his care and has treated him like his own son. Ash even thinks he is a better father to Munchlax than how his father was towards him mainly for one reason, he has always been around.
"Whatever is in that egg won't kill Ash," Pikachu told Munchlax in a joking way.
"I didn't say it would kill him!" Munchlax vented.
"It was a joke," Pikachu replied with a sigh as he continued to speak, "Look Munchlax, Ash isn't like that. He loves all of us equally, especially Venusaur, even after he tried to kill him."
"What makes you believe that?" Munchlax questioned.
"When Ivysaur was acting all bitter towards Ash, he still tried to reach out towards him as he was just upset with evolving, no matter what Ivysaur threw at him. Then there was Greninja growing up after the emotional damage from his egg being exposed to Siegfried," Pikachu explained.
"But how does that help me?" Munchlax asked.
"Ash does not have the heart to forget about you or give up on you. When he takes a Pokémon into his care, he gives them all the love and respect," Pikachu explained.
Munchlax took in what Pikachu said. Ash has never been harsh to any of his Pokémon. He has shown kindness and love to every one of them, it's one of the reason he chose to be adopted by him.
"Let me say this, maybe this egg is not a sign that your father-son relationship with Ash will end, but it's a sign that you may want to start growing up and figuring out how you can repay him," Pikachu explained.
"How?" Munchlax asked.
"Well Greninja returned the favor for Ash by wiping Siegfried off the face of the earth with Delphox, and Charizard did Ash a favor by finally ending Venusaur's time of the month even though he's male. As for me, how about helping him and Serena beat Team Rocket on numerous occasions," Pikachu stated.
Munchlax was listening, but he still had no answers.
"So what should I do?" Munchlax asked as Pikachu put his hand on his shoulder.
"Trust me, when the time comes, you'll figure out how you can repay him. But you'll never be able to repay him unless you grow up. When that egg hatches, then you need to start taking responsibility and be a good role model to whatever comes out," Pikachu explained.
Pikachu made a point. Pikachu has been acting like a good big brother to him and when that egg hatches, Munchlax has to give that Pokémon the same respect as Pikachu gave him. But it was happening too fast.
"Maybe I'll just take some time to get used to this," Munchlax sighed.
"Good idea let time pass by and you'll soon come to accept the fact of what is to come," Pikachu said.
Munchlax sat in the hot springs with thoughts running through his head, and for once, they didn't include cotton candy. When it came to Siegfried, he was mostly just running away with the other Pokémon and showed no contribution when he appeared.
Munchlax wondered what he was going to do.
The Next Day
Cinnabar Island
It was about ten o'clock and Ash was now looking for the location of the hidden Pokémon gym. Ash now thought about who he was going to use against Blaine as he did have a full team ready in case he surprised him with a six-on-six with no chance to prepare.
Pikachu and Munchlax were walking together. Ash noticed that the two have been getting close with each other. He never knew about the conversation Munchlax had with Pikachu and the Mouse Pokémon figured he could use some moral support. Munchlax would have to come to his senses and tell Ash the truth sooner than later.
Ash was now thinking about the riddle that mysterious man gave him. The gym was located in a place where firefighters never win.
"A place where firefighters never win?" Ash pondered.
"The volcano," Serena uttered.
Ash turned his head and looked at his girlfriend. She said volcano. Ash turned his head and stared at the big volcano that was the main landmark of this whole island.
"Why a volcano?" Ash asked.
"Think about it, I bet firefighters can't put lava out," Serena answered.
"Are you sure?" Ash asked as Serena just sighed.
"Okay Ash I wanted to wait until you were given a chance to face Blaine, I was speaking with Shauna and it slipped out of her mouth when she mentioned how Trevor and Tierno beat him," Serena explained.
"Why didn't you tell me this?" Ash asked.
"Because I wanted to wait until you got a chance to face the gym leader, and also I want to respect his privacy," Serena answered.
Ash looked at Serena and smiled. That riddle now made sense. There was no way a group of firefighters could put out fires at a volcano.
"It's okay Serena, in fact I'm glad you kept this from me," Ash said.
"Really?" Serena replied.
"Yeah, you didn't want to boyfriend to possibly gain some curiosity and look for an entrance to the gym, would you?" Ash asked with a wink, "Not to mention I could violate Blaine's privacy."
"Thanks Ash," Serena said sincerely.
"But there is still two questions. Why would Blaine want to place his Pokémon gym in a volcano, and where is the entrance?" Ash questioned himself.
"Well despite Shauna's slip up, at least she never gave me an exact spot on where the entrance was," Serena stated.
They circled around the volcano and so far found nothing. They got the location, but they couldn't figure out how to get in.
Munchlax and Pikachu were right behind them with Rotom Dex just following them. They had no idea where to go.
"Got anything Rotom Dex?" Pikachu asked.
"Negative," Rotom Dex answered.
Munchlax got tired and laid back on some rocks. Pikachu looked at Munchlax as he wanted to take a nap. Maybe to clear his mind. Pikachu was about to tell Munchlax to get up until something happened.
Munchlax pushed a rock back and the ground started shaking.
Ash and Serena stumbled on their feet as the ground shook beneath them. They held on to each other for support.
"What's going on!" Serena cried.
"It might be an earthquake!" Ash cried.
"An earthquake!" Serena frantically screamed.
Munchlax hurried back up trying to keep his balance, and he lost his hat during the process. Rotom Dex floated down and used its stubby arms to have Pikachu and Munchlax grab on. The floating Pokedex wasn't able to go high due to the weight of both Pokémon, but enough to keep them off the ground.
Then the ground stopped shaking and everyone looked around to make sure they were alright. Rotom Dex quickly dropped the two Pokémon as the floating Pokedex couldn't muster holding that much.
"Is everyone alright?" Ash asked in a worried tone.
"Pikachu," Pikachu replied.
"Munchlax," Munchlax replied as he grabbed his hat and placed it back on his head.
"I don't know what just happened, data on Cinnabar Island shows this place does not tend to have earthquakes," Rotom Dex stated as it looked around, "But no damage done to the island except for a new cave coming out of nowhere right near us."
"New cave?" Ash questioned.
Ash turned around and saw that there was an opening on the volcano. It was some sort of cave, but it didn't look like the rocks crumbled, it looked more like it was a door that opened.
"I think a secret passage has opened up," Ash uttered.
Rotom Dex looked around and noticed the rocks that Munchlax just laid on before the ground shook. The floating Pokedex analyzed it and saw that one of the rocks was actually acting as a switch.
"If I can recall, one of these rocks acted as a lever. Munchlax was about to lay down and his back must've pushed the rock opening the door," Rotom Dex explained.
"Do you think it goes to the Cinnabar Gym?" Serena asked.
"There's only one way to find out," Rotom Dex told Ash and Serena, "We'll have to enter the cave."
This was a bit nerve wracking. Knowing the gym was located in a volcano, could this have been the entrance to the secret gym?
Cinnabar Island-Volcano
Once they have entered, the gang went down a set of stairs. It was only getting hotter as they were inside a volcano. If Cinnabar Island was hot, then the inside of this cave was going to be a hell of a lot hotter.
"It's getting hot down here," Serena said, "And not in a girlfriend way, in a volcanic temperature way!"
"I know Serena," Ash uttered as he was sweating to death, "Are we heading into a volcano, or did we find a gateway to hell?"
"I go with number two," Pikachu said, "And if I'm correct, I don't want to see that bastard hunter again."
"Still beats Shepard's office," Munchlax muttered.
The temperature got hotter, the moisture got extremely muggy, it was unbearable. Then came a set of double doors. Knowing how hot it had to be down here, Ash wasn't going to touch that door even if his life depended on it.
"So how do we open it?" Serena asked, "If we touch it, we'll suffer burns so bad it could blaze off our skin."
"I don't know," Ash answered.
"So you arrived Ash Ketchum!" a voice boomed as Ash jumped in shock.
"Wait, how do you know my name!?" Ash questioned in horror.
The door finally opened and it revealed a giant room with a pool of lava. There was also a battlefield suspended in mid-air by a link of chains. This had to not only be the base of the volcano, but also the battlefield.
"Could this be the Cinnabar Gym?" Serena questioned.
"You are correct!" the voice hollered.
Everybody looked on the other side to see the same mysterious man who ran the Big Riddle Inn. What was he doing here in this volcano? He had his arms crossed with a smirk on his face.
"It's you," Ash pointed out.
"That's right, and I'd figure I give you another riddle. It isn't a hat, but it keeps your head dry. If you wear one, then you already lost it," the mysterious man said.
"I got it, it's a wig!" Rotom Dex exclaimed.
"The talking TV is correct, the answer is wig," the mysterious man announced as he grabbed his hair.
They all gasped to the man as he pulled off his hair. It actually was a wig all this time. The man was really bald and had gray hair on the sides.
"You were wearing a wig all this time?" Serena asked.
"You got that right. I am the gym leader Blaine," Blaine announced.
What a turn of events. Ash and Serena along with Leaf when she was around were staying with the Cinnabar Island Gym leader all this time.
"Before we begin, I like to thank you Ash for getting that Venusaur under control. Even though it was yours," Blaine said.
"And probably my fault," Ash muttered.
"Don't blame yourself, everyone was okay at the end. When I heard all of those accomplishments with your Pokémon and saved the beach from Venusaur, I'd figure you be worthy of a gym battle," Blaine explained.
Ash smiled at what Blaine said. At least he didn't deem yesterday's events as Ash's fault. Now he had a chance to prove himself to Blaine.
"Thanks Blaine, and I accept your challenge!" Ash exclaimed.
"Very well, if you want the Volcano Badge, you must use your wits and wisdom to defeat three of my Pokémon," Blaine told Ash.
"So it's a three-on-three battle?" Ash asked.
"Correct," Blaine confirmed.
Despite Ash coming prepared with a full team ready, he only needed three Pokémon. He looked at his belt and decided to give the newer Pokémon a second chance. Aerodactyl would get an opportunity soon.
1 minute later
With Blaine standing on the other end of the battlefield, Ash stood there with Serena, Pikachu, Munchlax, and Rotom Dex behind cheering him on. Rotom Dex notices that there is no referee.
"Hey Blaine, shouldn't we have a referee?" Rotom Dex asked.
"Sorry, but there is no where I can place a ref," Blaine confessed.
"Well I can be your ref if you want!" Rotom Dex exclaimed as the screen showed picture of Ash and Blaine with three blank squares.
"Well why not, I accept," Blaine answered as Rotom Dex floated to the side.
Ash smiled at Rotom Dex as it became the ref. Well this was something, Rotom Dex was going to be a referee for a gym battle again, this time the entire gym battle.
"This will be a three-on-three battle between Ash Ketchum and the Cinnabar Island Gym Leader Blaine! If Ash Ketchum wins, Blaine must give him the badge. Only Ash can substitute his Pokémon while Blaine cannot! The battle starts now!" Rotom Dex announced.
Blaine and Ash each got their Pokeballs out. Blaine smirked towards Ash as he was ready to throw his first Pokeball.
"Alright for my first Pokémon, I choose Ninetales!" Blaine yelled as he released a Ninetales.
"Dratini, I choose you!" Ash called out releasing Dratini.
Both Pokémon emerged from their Pokeballs with Blaine using a Ninetales while Ash was going to go against Blaine with Dratini. Unlike his gym battle with Sabrina, Ash got some training in with Dratini, and she was now more experienced. However one question remains, how would Dratini handle a volcanic atmosphere?
"I just want you to know Ash, my Pokémon can handle the heat. Can your Pokémon," Blaine questioned.
"Of course we will, right Dratini," Ash said turning to Dratini.
Dratini gave out a coo as both Pokémon were ready for action. Ash feels confident with Dratini with the extra training, especially since she was strong to fire attacks. But he did have to be careful as Blaine could have other tricks up his sleeve.
"Alright Dratini, let's start things with Dragon Rush!" Ash called out.
Dratini jumped up and darted towards Ninetales. The Fox Pokémon stood there waiting for Dratini to close in, and that's when Blaine surprised him.
"Coming towards Ninetales I see, well let me help with that," Blaine smirked, "Ninetales use Extrasensory!"
Ninetales eyes glowed blue and stopped Dratini in place. Dratini was caught in the grip of Ninetales's Extrasensory. It was almost like a Confusion or Psychic attack as Dratini couldn't move.
"What the," Ash said in shock.
"My Ninetales may be a pure fire-type, but he has some psychic and ghost moves to go with his abilities," Blaine explained as he ordered the next move, "Ninetales, hold Dratini there and use Flamethrower!"
Ninetales opened his mouth and unleashed a monstrous Flamethrower right at Dratini. Dratini couldn't break free of Ninetales attack as Flamethrower hit her dead on. Dratini fell to the ground and was feeling burns all over her body.
"Dratini no!" Ash cried.
"Looks like Ninetales's Flamethrower was strong enough to burn Dratini," Blaine smirked.
Just like that, Dratini was in bad shape. Ash completely forgot about Extrasensory as Shauna's Ninetales was able to use that move. Now Dratini will have to fight through those burns. Well it would've if what happened next didn't happen.
Dratini was starting to show a white glow and the layers from the glow then fell revealing a Dratini free of all burns. Ash stood there in amazement wondering what just happened.
"Dratini, you're alright," Ash said in shock.
"Of course, Dratini's ability! Shed Skin! Allowing her to cure herself of any inflicted status wounds like poison or burn," Rotom Dex thought to itself as it was watching the match.
Dratini was looking good as new. Ash should've known about Dratini's ability Shed Skin, but Blaine thankfully didn't catch onto that. Now remembering that Extrasensory, Ash may want to stick to long range attacks until he can figure out a way to counter that move.
"Now Dratini use Twister!" Ash retorted.
Dratini unleashed a Twister across the battlefield, and it caught Ninetales inside. Ninetales was being twirled around in that Twister until Blaine gave a nod and ordered his next move.
"Break out of that Twister with Quick Attack!" Blaine called out.
The Fox Pokémon used his strength to break out of Twister and charge right at Dratini. The Dragon Pokémon stood there petrified to the fact that Ninetales escaped Dratini's clutches.
"Now use Confuse Ray," Blaine uttered.
Ninetales fired a colorful ray at Dratini. The Dragon Pokémon was starting to feel light headed and feel her head spin and her vision blur. She had no idea what was going on.
"Dratini!" Ash cried.
"Ha, now that Dratini is confused there is no way she can fight properly," Blaine smirked.
Dratini started to move all around the battlefield without a thought of where she was going. Ash was worried that Dratini would either walk into one of Ninetales's attacks or go off the edge and into the lava.
"Dratini get out of it!" Ash called out.
"It's no use Ash," Blaine stated as he saw Dratini wonder in front of Ninetales, "Ninetales use Flamethrower."
Ninetales unleashes a monstrous Flamethrower that hit Dratini dead on. Dratini was feeling damage and burns, but once again her Shed Skin came into play and healed the burns, but it didn't heal the additional damage she took or her confusion.
Dratini was weakly slithering across the battlefield without a thought of where she was going. Then to Ash's horror, he saw Dratini heading towards the edge of the battlefield.
"Dratini look out!" Ash called out.
It was no use as Dratini continued to slither across and get closer to the edge. Ninetales took a look at Dratini and was ready to deliver the finishing blow.
"Wait Ninetales, lets see how this plays out," Blaine told Ninetales.
Blaine may have been in a battle, but he wasn't going to deliver an overkill as he stood with honor. He could have Ninetales finish off Dratini now, but he isn't sure what will happen to Dratini.
"Listen up Ash, once Dratini goes over that edge it's over for her. I recommend you get your Pokeball ready to return her in case she does hurl over. Despite me getting a win, I don't want the opponent's Pokémon to get hurt," Blaine told Ash.
Ash stands there watching as Dratini didn't go over the edge, but she was slithering around it. It was only going to be a matter of time before Dratini made a wrong move and fell into the lava. Ash did grab Dratini's Pokeball, but he wasn't going to return her until she fell off.
Until then Ash still had a chance to reach out to Dratini. Ninetales was coming in closer to Dratini but he wasn't attacking. Serena stood there worried and clasping her hands as Ash needed to do something quick.
"Dratini listen, don't let the confusion take you over! You have to realize you're about to go off the edge! When I rescued you, I was going to help become your friend and help you get strong! Dratini you can do it you can break out of it!" Ash called out.
Dratini heard Ash and what he was saying. All of that light headedness was being replaced with the encouraging words of Ash. He did save her from Team Rocket and promised to help him out. If Dratini didn't want to feel helpless, then she needed to take charge.
Dratini shook her head and came back to her senses. She then sent out a loud coo to Ash indicating that she was alright. Ash smiled when he saw that. Dratini was now focused once more, and he can catch Ninetales off guard.
"Thanks Dratini," said Ash as he smirked, "Now use Dragon Rush!"
Dratini charged right at Ninetales and the Fox Pokémon looked on with shock in her face. Dratini smacked right into her with a fierce Dragon Rush.
"But how," Blaine stuttered.
"Now use Aqua Tail!" Ash retorted.
Dratini was close enough to deliver a fatal Aqua Tail, but Blaine looked on darkly at Ash and Dratini.
"You might beat Ninetales, but he'll deliver one last attack," Blaine uttered, "Grudge."
Dratini hits Ninetales with a water veiled tail knocking the Fox Pokémon back and onto his side. Ninetales was laying on the ground not moving at all as Dratini stood there proudly but feeling a sudden power sap.
"Ninetales is unable to battle, the winner is Dratini!" Rotom Dex announced as the picture of Ninetales turns gray on the screen.
"Alright!" Ash chanted.
Serena was relieved that Dratini escaped from the effects of Confuse Ray and securing her the win. However if Ninetales proved to be a challenge for Ash, who knows what else Blaine has in store for him.
"Return Ninetales, you did an extraordinary job," Blaine said as he called back Ninetales, "Well Ash, the bond you have with Dratini is spectacular. I was sure I got the win right here, but you and Dratini proved yourselves as a team."
"Thanks Blaine, unlike my last gym battle Dratini was actually prepared," Ash told Blaine.
"Coo," Dratini cooed.
"Excellent, but can she handle my next Pokémon?" Blaine asked as he switched Pokeballs, "Come on out Arcanine!"
Emerging from the Pokeball was a big dog like creature who colors resembled a tiger. She had bushy white hair around his face and mane along with a big tail, and the body was orange with black stripes.
"Hold on, I got to do an analysis," Rotom Dex said as it analyzed Arcanine.
#059-Arcanine: Legendary Pokémon
The sight of it running over 6,200 miles in a single day and night has captivated many people.
Rotom Dex now added Arcanine's image underneath Blaine's. According to the data, this was Growlithe's evolved form. Ash can recall taking on Gary's Growlithe back in their battle in Saffron City. Now he was going up against the evolved form. If Gary could prove how tough a Growlithe is, just imagine an Arcanine.
"You up for another round Dratini?" Ash asked.
Dratini nodded her head towards Ash indicating that she was still up to fight. Dratini was standing up (or sticking up) and looked onward at Arcanine.
"Alright then, Dratini use Dragon Rush!" Ash ordered as Dratini charged at Arcanine.
"Well that Dratini has proven to be a fighter, but she is no match for Arcanine," Blaine told Ash, "Extremespeed!"
Arcanine broke through at break neck speed and slammed Dratini in the head. Despite Dratini moving first, Arcanine proved to be a lot faster with Extremespeed.
"Dratini!" Ash cried.
"You're in for it now Ash, beside Arcanine being a powerful fire type, she is also fast. You'll need plenty of wisdom to beat her," Blaine explained as he ordered the next move, "Arcanine use Fire Fang!"
Dratini was lying on the ground as Arcanine charged at the Dragon Pokémon and opened her mouth and chewed on her. Fire was coming from her mouth as Dratini was being burned by the flame.
"Dratini, counter with your Aqua Tail!" Ash called out.
Dratini tried to use Aqua Tail, but something was wrong. There was no water being engulfed from Dratini's tail. Arcanine continued to chew on Dratini with Fire Fang until she finally spat her out and sent her flying to the near edge.
"What happened, why didn't Aqua Tail work?" Ash questioned, "Is the combination of Fire Fang and the volcanic heat so hot that it prevented Aqua Tail from suddenly working?"
"You're wrong Ash, that was actually the work of my Ninetales," Blaine answered.
"What do you mean?" Ash questioned.
"You see, I knew it was a lost cause for Ninetales so before Dratini knocked her out with Aqua Tail, Ninetales used Grudge which would deplete all of her power from the attack that she would finish him. And if I can recall, the move that was a victim of Ninetales's Grudge was your Dratini's Aqua Tail," Blaine explained.
Ash's eyes widened when he heard that. So Ninetales used Grudge on Dratini preventing her from using Aqua Tail for the rest of the battle. Blaine was now looking at Dratini who struggled to get up now.
"Now to end this. Arcanine use Play Rough," Blaine commanded.
Arcanine charged towards Dratini and the Dragon Pokémon's eyes widened. Arcanine was beating up Dratini with her paws. Dratini screamed from the pain as Play Rough was a fairy type move that did more damage to dragons.
"Dratini no!" Ash cried.
Dratini was then slapped across the battlefield back to Ash and her screaming stopped. Dratini was now laying on the ground and she was out cold. Rotom Dex solemnly made the call.
"Dratini is unable to battle, Arcanine wins," Rotom Dex announced as the picture of Dratini turned gray on Rotom Dex's screen.
"Nice work Arcanine," Blaine complemented towards his companion.
Ash couldn't believe what happened. Apparently he knew Ninetales was going to be done for, so Blaine ordered that Grudge in hopes of eliminating Ash's advantage. He also had no idea that Arcanine could use Play Rough which was a fairy-type attack which was a burden for Dratini.
Ash looked down for a couple of seconds and then gave a sad smile pulling out his Safari Ball and returning the Dragon Pokémon.
"Return Dratini," Ash said calling back Dratini, "You did great Dratini, take a nice rest."
Ash clipped Dratini's Pokeball back to his belt and pulled out another Pokeball. That Pokeball consisted of his Lapras. He could use Greninja who was a more experienced water-type, but Ash wanted to give all his Pokémon a chance. After being unprepared last time, Ash knew Lapras was ready for this gym battle.
"Lapras, I choose you!" Ash called out sending out Lapras.
Lapras emerged from the Pokeball giving a loud cry. The Transport Pokémon was feeling uncomfortable with the heat. Despite being a water-type, she was also an ice-type.
"Laa," Lapras uttered.
"I know it's hot Lapras, but you've already dealt with a lot worse. Maybe you weren't prepared for a volcano, but unlike Sabrina, we're prepared for this battle," Ash told Lapras.
Lapras heard the words coming from Ash's mouth and he was right. Lapras already dealt with worse torture than extreme heat. So this should be nothing.
"Laa," Lapras replied with determination.
"That's the spirit Lapras," Ash said.
"So you're going with Lapras," Blaine replied.
"That's right," Ash confirmed.
"I wonder how your Lapras is going to handle this environment. A Pokémon like Lapras isn't suitable for a place like this," Blaine stated.
"Don't underestimate us, we'll find a way. Right Lapras," Ash replied.
"Laa!" Lapras cried out.
It was going to be a tough battle for Lapras with this heat, especially since she could probably only stay in one place and Arcanine was a fast Pokémon. Serena, Pikachu, and Munchlax look onward and wondered how Ash and Lapras could pull this off.
"Let's get this over with," Blaine told Ash, "Arcanine use Flamethrower!"
Arcanine opened her mouth and unleashed a Flamethrower right at Lapras. The Transport Pokémon stood there with her eyes widened. How was she going to get out of this?
"Lapras, look down and use Water Gun to push yourself up!" Ash called out.
Lapras heard Ash and looked at the ground. She opened her mouth and unleashed a Water Gun onto the ground. The attack was powerful enough to push Lapras up into the air and evade Arcanine's Flamethrower. There was also steam coming from the ground due to the effects of Water Gun.
"Now look at Arcanine and use Sing!" Ash retorted.
"Not a chance, Arcanine use Extremespeed!" Blaine ordered.
Lapras was now in the air about to use Sing, but Arcanine was a lot faster and smacked right into Lapras causing her to fall onto the ground.
"Lapras!" Ash cried.
"Sorry Ash, but my Arcanine is too fast," Blaine smirked, "Arcanine use Play Rough!"
As Lapras was laying on the ground, Arcanine dashed over towards Lapras and began to beat her up. The Transport Pokémon was crying in pain as Arcanine proved to be fast and powerful.
"Lapras is in trouble, I don't know if she'll be able to keep up with Arcanine," Serena said in worry.
"Pikachu," Pikachu responded.
"Munchlax," Munchlax muttered.
Arcanine jumped back as Lapras was moaning on the ground. Blaine smirked seeing that the Transport Pokémon never stood a chance.
"Lapras is unable to battle," Rotom Dex announced.
Then Lapras was starting to move, and she was able to push herself back up. Rotom Dex was ecstatic to see that Lapras got back up. At least it wasn't a total beat down.
"Resume the match!" Rotom Dex announced.
Blaine was surprised to see Lapras get back up in a hurry. Ash gave a sigh of relief with a hint of joy. Lapras proved to be stronger than expected.
"Wow, I'm impressed Ash. Your Lapras was able to withstand what my Arcanine gave her, but I'm afraid you may not have a plan for a good counter attack," Blaine explained.
"We admit we may have been caught off guard there, but we're not giving up," Ash declared, "Lapras jump up and use Ice Beam on the ground!"
Ash did some research on Lapras and was able to catch on to the fact that she could use Ice Beam. Something he didn't know the last time she battled. Lapras opened her mouth and fired an Ice Beam all across the battlefield. The field was covered in a sheet of ice and Lapras was now riding across it..
"So you're covering the entire battlefield in ice. It won't work Ash, the ice will melt quickly because of this heat," Blaine stated.
"I'd figure, but it's just enough time to slow your Arcanine down and give Lapras an advantage," Ash declared.
Blaine was right as Lapras was riding on the ice, it was slushing and slushing fast. If Ash was going to act, he needed to act now!
"Lapras use Water Gun!" Ash retorted.
"Arcanine use Flamethrower!" Blaine called out.
Lapras opened her mouth and unleashed a Water Gun. Arcanine was about to open her mouth, but the Water Gun hit her right before she could act. Arcanine was pushed back and skidded to the edge.
"Good work, now use Body Slam!" Ash called out.
Lapras hopped up midair as Arcanine continued to regain his footing. Blaine was giving a smirk.
"Big mistake, Arcanine use Flare Blitz," Blaine told Arcanine.
The Legendary Pokémon was now heating up and as Lapras made contact with her Body Slam, she screamed from the burns from Arcanine's heat, and she proceeded to rough her around with Flare Blitz.
"Lapras no!" Ash cried.
"Face it Ash, my Arcanine is too fast. Lapras can't win unless she were in water," Blaine told Ash, "Now to wrap this up, Arcanine use Play Rough once more!"
Ash hung his head down and gritted his teeth. He was now going to lose two Pokémon to this Arcanine. Lapras was struggling to get up. They had to face it; they were no match for Arcanine. All of that studying on Lapras making her more prepared only to be bested by Arcanine. They could only win if a miracle happened.
Then something came into Ash's head. Rotom Dex showed Ash all the possible moves Lapras knew, but there was one move that questioned Ash. If Lapras were in a helpless situation, Ash could turn to this as a last resort. He never would consider this move if Lapras were his last Pokémon or his opponent was on their final Pokémon to show some honor to his opponent.
If there was a time to use this move, now would be the time. As Arcanine lunged closer, Ash opened his mouth and called out the command.
"Perish Song!" Ash retorted.
Arcanine came closer and Lapras opened her mouth. A dark gloomy harmonic sound pattern was heard through the entire volcano as Lapras sung her dark tune. Arcanine pummeled Lapras with Play Rough and knocked out the Transport Pokémon.
Ash took a deep breath and gave out a small smile. Blaine turned to Rotom Dex awaiting something.
"Make the call that his Pokémon is unable to battle," Blaine ordered Rotom Dex.
"Hold on a second," Rotom Dex smirked.
Arcanine had dread in her eyes and suddenly collapsed on the floor. Blaine turned around and in complete shock, he saw is Arcanine laying on the hot ground.
"Both Pokémon are unable to battle!" Rotom Dex announced as both pictures turned gray.
Ash smiled knowing Lapras used Perish Song just in time. Arcanine heard the song, and he knew Blaine would lose Arcanine. Either she succumbed to Perish Song, or Blaine would recall her. Either way, Ash got two of his Pokémon out of the way.
"Return Lapras," Ash said calling back Lapras, "Sorry things didn't go so well, but you helped me defeat Arcanine. Take a good rest."
Ash clipped Lapras's Pokeball back on his belt as Blaine pulled out his Pokeball to return Arcanine.
"Well done Arcanine, take a nice rest," Blaine told Arcanine after returning her, "Using Perish Song as a last resort knowing the gym leader can't switch Pokémon, smart move."
"Thanks, but if Arcanine were your last Pokémon, I wouldn't have Lapras do that because that would seem to be cheap," Ash explained.
"What a great sense of honor, just like Red," Blaine smiled as Ash just ignored that, "What a way to begin a climax of this battle. Both of us down to our last Pokémon."
"Well I'm ready when you are Blaine," Ash declared.
Serena, Pikachu, and Munchlax were cheering on the sidelines. They were sweating bullets from the intense heat, but they were all on Ash's side in hopes of him winning. Now only one Pokémon separates Ash from his seventh badge, but who is it.
"Now Ash, as the gym leader, I shall reveal my final Pokémon," Blaine announced as she spread his arms out, "I call upon you…MAGMAR!"
The atmosphere seemed quiet until a rumbling sound was heard in the lava. The lava began to move as something appeared to come out of there. There a Magmar burst onto the scene and landed on the hot battlefield.
Things were now starting to heat up. Ash looked upon the Pokémon in front of him. He remembers that Pokémon well from Paul. It was a Magby that evolved into Magmar during their battle on Cycling Road.
"Magmar," Serena whispered.
"Behold Ash, Magmar. This Pokémon is able to live in a volcanic lavas like the lava below us. While you will be on the battlefield, Magmar is free to go in that lava if he pleases without any consequences thanks to his Flame Body ability," Blaine explained.
Ash figured that Magmar would be able to go on and off the battlefield whenever he liked. Before Ash could say anything, a Pokeball began to shake and then the Pokémon revealed itself.
Ash stood there in disbelief to take notice that was his Charizard. Just coming off his battle with Venusaur, he unveils himself in front of everyone. Knowing that Charizard was capable of mega evolving, he now had an accessory on his tail which looked like a tail covering carrying the Charizardite Y.
"Charizard," Ash uttered.
Charizard looked at Ash with determination. He pointed to Magmar indicating that he wanted to take on the Spitfire Pokémon.
"You want to fight Magmar?" Ash asked.
"Yes I do, it's the least I can do after my fight with Venusaur," Charizard answered, "Besides, with the environment were in and the fact that Magmar can withstand lava, I consider this Pokémon a worthy opponent."
"Well, I was considering using you, but you already made my decision final," Ash said, "Charizard, I choose you!"
Charizard stood out and gave out a flamethrower up in the air. Magmar just stood there starring at Charizard.
"So I take it you're going with Charizard. A battle between two fire-types, this is where the battle really heats up," Blaine said.
Rotom Dex now had a picture of Charizard appear underneath Ash and a picture of Magmar appear underneath Blaine. Charizard then pointed towards Ash's wrist which carried his Mega Ring. Ash noticed the gesture as Charizard then pointed to his tail which contained the Charizardite Y.
"Charizard, you want to…mega evolve?" Ash questioned.
"Grr," Charizard nodded.
Ash wasn't sure why Charizard wanted to commit to Mega Evolution in this battle. Charizard did take great pride in his strength wanting to fight Pokémon at his level, but why did he wish to use Mega Evolution to make himself stronger against Magmar?
"Well if that's what you want, then be it," Ash said as he pressed the Keystone.
Charizard was now engulfed in a colorful light as Blaine and Magmar watched in awe. Serena was bewildered as she wondered why Charizard wanted to mega evolve. Did he want to try this form out?
As the light stopped shining, Charizard unveiled himself in his new form. He was now a darker tone of orange with an extra horn on the center of his forehead. He now had fins on his arms as his wings were more jagged shape. His smooth tail was now all rugged as Charizard seemed to resemble a fire wyvern.
"So that's Mega Charizard," Serena uttered.
"Well this is interesting, I knew you had a Charizard, but I didn't think you would bring Mega Evolution into play," Blaine said as he looked at Magmar, "And it looks like Magmar is pleased too."
Then something strange happened. While it was hot in the volcano, it suddenly got hotter and brighter. Rotom Dex felt its circuits warming up wondering where this extra heat came from. Then it came to the floating Pokedex.
"Time out!" Rotom Dex called out, "I think I know why Charizard wanted to mega evolve!"
"Huh?" Ash questioned.
"Sorry Ash, but I'm going to be giving this away to Blaine which might make things good for him, especially since he specializes in fire types," Rotom Dex sighed.
Ash wonder if there was a secret that Rotom Dex was going to give away.
"When Charizard mega evolves into Mega Charizard Y, he gains the ability Drought. Drought acts as Sunny Day raising the power of fire-type moves while weakening the power of water-type moves. Another fact moves like Solar Beam and Solar Blade take less time to prepare," Rotom Dex explained.
Ash was standing there which a surprised look on his face. That's why Charizard wanted to mega evolve. Not to make himself stronger, but to make Magmar stronger too and with most of his attacks being fire-type, it gives him a big challenge.
"Well Ash, it seems despite Charizard getting stronger, you made Magmar's fire attacks stronger as well," Blaine said.
"That's fine with me, Charizard just wanted to make this into a good fight. Just another obstacle to overcome," Ash stated.
"Very well, but I'm going to make that your undoing," Blaine told Ash.
Mega Charizard Y and Magmar both got into their battle stances as things were literally heating up. Despite their raised powers in fire attacks, they still would pack a good defense from them.
"Charizard use Fire Punch!" Blaine called out.
"Magmar counter with your own Fire Punch!" Ash retorted.
Mega Charizard Y and Magmar both have their fists engulfed in flames as both of their attacks meet. Mega Charizard Y and Magmar both try to overpower one another, but Blaine had a plan
"Low Kick," Blaine told Magmar.
Magmar swooped his leg right at Mega Charizard Y's legs knocking him of his feet and laying on his side.
"Are you okay Charizard," Ash called out.
Mega Charizard Y gave out a roar of approval to indicate he was fine.
"Good, use Air Slash on the ground!" Ash called out.
Charizard turns on his back and fires an Air Slash at Magmar which hits him. Magmar is knocked back and sliding on his feet.
"Magmar use Lava Plume!" Blaine commanded.
Magmar brings out a plume of lava which comes right at Mega Charizard Y. The attack hits him direct on, and even though it didn't do much damage due to the fact he was a fire type, it still threw Mega Charizard Y off.
"Now use Flame Wheel!" Blaine called out.
Magmar charges right for Mega Charizard Y with Flame Charge. Ash needed to do have Charizard do something to slow Magmar down.
"Hurry Charizard use Flamethrower!" Ash called out.
Mega Charizard Y opens his mouth and unleashes a Flamethrower, but it doesn't seem to be phasing Magmar. This Pokémon has been able to thrive in lava so using fire attacks seems difficult.
Magmar then rams into Mega Charizard Y and knocks him on to the side. The Flame Pokémon got back up on his feet and stared at Magmar. This Pokémon was pretty tough.
"Magmar use Flamethrower!" Blaine told Magmar.
Magmar opens his mouth and unleashes a powerful Flamethrower. Despite Mega Charizard Y's boosted power and defense, Ash wasn't sure if he could handle it. This Magmar was able to thrive in lava so who knows what that Flamethrower could do. Best option was to counter it.
"Charizard, break it up with Dragon Claw!" Ash retorted.
Mega Charizard Y gets his fists ready and slashes the Flamethrower with Dragon Claw. The attack was broken up. If that Flamethrower was strong, then Mega Charizard Y's Dragon Claw was stronger.
"Now use Fire Blast," Blaine told Magmar.
Magmar opens his mouth and unleashes a burst of fire in the shape of a Japanese star. The attack proves to be a force as Mega Charizard Y was pushed back greatly towards the edge of the battlefield.
"Charizard!" Ash called out.
"I think it's time we put an end to this. Magmar use Flame Wheel," Blaine commanded.
Magmar engulfed himself in flames and charged at Mega Charizard Y and then everyone gasped.
"Charizard!" Ash cried out.
Magmar knocks Mega Charizard Y and himself of the edge to make sure Charizard was out.
"Ash hurry, call back Charizard!" Serena cried.
"If I were you I'd return your Charizard," Blaine told Ash, "Unless you and Charizard wish to be crazy and take your chances in the lava."
Ash looks at Mega Charizard Y's eyes. He wanted to grab his Pokeball and return him, but the looks in his eyes say something. He doesn't want to quit! He wants to prove himself. He rather take his chances in the lava than get called back.
Ash looked down and respected what Charizard wanted. He and Magmar both hit the lava and as the lava splashed, Ash's fists were trembling.
"Ash," Serena choked up.
"Well Ash, that wasn't wise of you. I don't think Charizard can withstand the lava, even with his mega evolved form," Blaine sighed in disappointment as he looked over at Rotom Dex, "Make the call now."
"Right," Rotom Dex said sadly as he gave Ash a disapproving look, "Charizard is…"
Rotom Dex was interrupted by the sounds of bubbling lava. He looked down as if something were about to come out. Maybe it was Charizard pleading for Ash to save him quickly…but it wasn't.
Mega Charizard Y emerged from the volcano in full flight with Magmar in his grips. It was almost like he was good as new. Magmar struggled to break free.
"Charizard!" Ash cried in excitement.
"Unbelievable!" Blaine exclaimed in shock.
Serena, Pikachu, and Munchlax were all cheering Mega Charizard Y on as he got Magmar on the ropes. He went through the volcano opening and started to circle up into the air doing a number of somersaults before he came crashing back onto the ground with Magmar. At mach speed, Mega Charizard Y slammed onto the battlefield using Magmar as his personal cushion.
"It looks like Charizard was able to withstand the lava after all," Serena smiled.
"Yeah, and according to my calculations, that move Charizard just used was called Seismic Toss," Rotom Dex said.
Mega Charizard Y jumps back up on his feet while Magmar gets up as well. Unfortunately, the Spitfire Pokémon was struggling to stand up straight. After a couple of seconds standing off, Magmar collapsed to the ground unable to continue.
"Magmar is unable to battle! The winner is Charizard! Which means the winner of this match is Ash Ketchum!" Rotom Dex announced as Magmar's picture turned gray and Ash's picture overtook the screen with the word WINNER at the bottom.
"Yeah!" Ash hollered as Mega Charizard Y returned to normal.
Ash ran up and gave Charizard a big hug. He didn't care that he was in a dangerous area where lava was right below him, Ash wanted to be with his Pokémon. Ash then realized he was burning up.
"Ow!" Ash cried as he distanced himself from Charizard.
Charizard was just in a pool of lava, so maybe hugging him wasn't the best option. Either way, it was a great way to show how much he cared for him. As for Charizard, he looked at Magmar with an approving smile. He did give him a great match, especially as Mega Charizard Y.
"Well Ash, I wasn't sure what to make of that crazy decision of letting Charizard fall into the lava, but that shows how strong he is and how much he wants to win for you," Blaine acknowledges.
"Wow, thanks Blaine," Ash complemented.
"You're welcome," Blaine said as he returned Magmar, "Well done Magmar, get yourself some rest."
Serena then joined Ash on the platform and gave Ash a kiss on the cheek along with a hug. At least it was safe to hug her.
"You were amazing Ash," Serena complemented.
"Thanks Serena," Ash replied as he turned to Blaine, "Hey Blaine, can I ask you for a favor."
"A favor?" Blaine questioned.
"Yeah, can we please get out of here, this head is driving us crazy!" Ash exclaimed.
Blaine gave a nod of approval. Ash was able to withstand a whole Pokémon battle in a volcano, so he didn't need to be here any longer.
Cinnabar Island-Big Riddle Inn
Ash, Serena, Pikachu, Munchlax, and Rotom Dex were all in front of the Big Riddle Inn where Blaine was about to say something.
"Now I have one more riddle for you. What is always red and has no words? Ha, the answer is a Volcano Badge!" Blaine replied as he gave Ash his Volcano Badge.
Ash looked at the badge and saw that it represented a red flame. Ash only needed one more badge to qualify for the Pokémon League. Ash held the badge in his fingertips and spun around.
"Alright, I got a Volcano Badge!" Ash declared as he showed off his seventh badge.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu exclaimed.
"Munchlax!" Munchlax exclaimed giving the V sign.
"And since you guys have been such great guests, I'm going to give you guys another free night at my Inn," Blaine said.
"Sounds great, thank you," Ash said.
The plan was set. Tomorrow they would depart Cinnabar Island and return to Pallet Town, and then go to Viridian City for Ash's last badge and Serena's entry ribbon. They wondered how they were doing right now.
The Next Day
Pallet Town-Ketchum Household
Though the sun rose in Pallet Town, it was dark and gloomy there as clouds covered the sky. Delia was sleeping in her bed hugging Mimey as she got a call from Ash that he would be coming home soon.
Yellow was staying over as well as she would love to meet her nephew again. She was sleeping in the guest bedroom with her Pikachu, Chu Chu. It was a long time since Ash was home, despite meeting him and Serena on their girls trip to Celadon City. They were considering going to Viridian City with Ash to watch his final gym battle.
Delia did wish that her husband could come over and see how Ash was doing. Ever since he left home five years ago, Ash didn't consider him a father because he hasn't been around. She hopes Red would return someday to explain to Ash what he has been doing.
Truth is for Delia and her sister, Red and Ash have been their only other family. Ever since their parents and sister died, they only had each other. Delia looks at the picture of herself along with her mother Sharon and her father Marcum. She and Yellow lost their parents in a house fire and according to the police reports, the fire was an act of arson.
Stoutland was able to get Delia out and she was able to get her baby sister out. However Stoutland and their parents perished in the fire. The girls were alone and they were taken into a foster home where they would grow up. However, there was never any reports on who started that fire and that the person was still on the loose.
It was unsettling, but not as unsettling as the scene Delia opened her eyes too.
There were a group of men dressed in black wearing red Rs pointing guns right at her. Yellow woke up to the same scene with two men in black with red Rs on their uniforms pointing guns at them.
"Get in the van," the rocket uttered.
Pallet Town-Gabena Household
Grace and Jade were sleeping as they heard from Serena that she would be coming home soon to challenge the Viridian Gym leader for her entry ribbon. Though they just met her in Celadon City, they were glad she was coming home. It has been like forever.
They were thankful to have a daughter who took part in Pokémon Contests like Grace's father. They weren't sure if he should be known as her late father as there was no evidence pointing if he was still alive.
Though Serena had her rebellious attitude growing up, something she may have inherited from Grace, they were thankful she didn't become spoiled like their ex-friend Annie. After she lost the Kalos League, they cut ties with her, but it may have looked more like Annie wanted nothing to do with them. It was for the best for the two women as they became a couple and filled that void of a friend with their daughter.
Even though those memories tend to flood through their heads, they weren't as painful as the sight that was in front of them. Grace, Jade, and Happy looked in shock as four men in black were pointing guns at them. They remembered these men.
"Get in the van," one of the rockets uttered.
Cinnabar Island-Pokémon Center
Ash and Serena bid farewell to Blaine as they were headed off to the Pokémon Center so Ash could retrieve his Pokémon. It was likely Venusaur was no longer there as the G-Men were to arrive on short notice. Ash hoped for the best for Venusaur.
Right now Ash was getting his Pokémon back after they put in a lot of hard work against Blaine.
"Here are your Pokémon," Nurse Joy told Ash as she gave him his Pokeballs.
"Thanks Nurse Joy," Ash replied.
"By the way Mr. Ketchum, you got a message from Professor Oak. He said it was urgent," Nurse Joy said.
"Urgent?" Ash questioned.
Ash and Serena looked at each other with confused looks on their faces. Why would Professor Oak want to give an urgent call to Ash?
Ash walked up to the video phone and dialed the lab. Ash and Serena were wondering what the big emergency was? Soon there was a sound on the other end of the phone, and the two gasped from the sight they saw.
Professor Oak was breathing heavily and was in a state of panic. Ash and Serena looked awfully worried. What was going on there?
"Professor?" Ash questioned.
"I'm glad you guys got in touch with me. Right now we have a crisis on hand," Professor Oak said in panic, "I've gotten all the Pokémon in their balls and I'm having my own Pokémon out for defense."
"Professor Oak, what's going on?" Serena asked in panic.
"I don't have time to explain but follow my orders. Do not come back to Pallet Town, better yet get out of the Kanto Region!" Oak demanded.
Everyone including the Pokémon and Rotom Dex stood there with an alarmed look on their faces. Professor Oak is in trouble and is asking Ash and Serena to get out of the region.
"Why do you want us to leave Kanto?" Serena asked.
"It was Blue who wanted me to give you the message. Just take your Pokémon and head west for Johto before you're discovered!" Oak ordered.
"By whom?" Ash asked.
"I don't have time, and don't worry about your mothers Ash and Serena. Knowing them, they want you two safe," Oak said as he heard more explosions, "I got to go! Get out of Kanto!"
"Wait, who's after us? How are our moms!?" Ash questioned.
He didn't get answers as the screen just went black. This was ominous. Judging by the sound in the background, it almost looked like someone was attacking his lab.
"What's going on?" Rotom Dex asked.
"Something is going on in Pallet Town. I think somebody was attacking. What's worse I don't know the condition of my mother. She might be in danger," Ash uttered as his fists were trembling.
Serena was shaken as well. She knew that her moms may be getting caught in the cross fire of what's happening. She went up to Ash and hugged him from behind.
Ash let out a deep breath as the gesture from Serena did calm him down a little bit. Pikachu and Munchlax walked on over and hugged Ash too.
"I don't care what Professor Oak says, I want to see what's going on," Ash said.
Serena looked Ash in the eyes and locked her eyes with his. Like Ash, her eyes were filled with determination.
"I'll go with you," Serena told Ash.
It made sense since her family was in Pallet Town too.
Out at sea
Ash and Serena both head over to the beach where Ash releases Lapras and Serena sends out her Gyarados. They tell the two Pokémon to head north as they want to get back to Pallet Town as soon as possible.
Both of them were riding their Pokémon with Lapras going at full speed while Gyarados was matching Lapras's speed. Since she was a faster swimmer, she didn't want to leave Lapras in the dust.
The two of them were riding close to each other with Pikachu riding along with Serena and Munchlax sitting on Lapras's shell.
"Hey Rotom Dex, how much further until we reach shore?" Ash asked.
"According to my map, we should be arriving at the shore that brings us near Pallet Town in approximately one hour," Rotom Dex answered.
"Alright, we can't delay. I need to know if my mom is okay," Ash told Rotom Dex.
Then the conversation was cut short by an ominous sound. That sounded like a motor in the sky. Ash and Serena wondered what could that sound be. Maybe it was a boat.
Then to their horrors, they got their answer. It was a black helicopter that was coming towards them. Judging by how it was flying, that chopper didn't look like it was passing by, but more like coming at them.
"Ash, I think that helicopter is coming for us," Serena said worried.
"Alright Serena let's just try and lose it," Ash told Serena, "Lapras get us away from that helicopter."
"You too Gyarados," Serena responded.
Both Lapras and Gyarados began to flee from the helicopter that was coming for them. They tried to outrun it (or outswim it) it was no use. That chopper was too fast.
Then all of a sudden a net came down and covered both the trainers and the Pokemon. They were all caught in the net.
"We're trapped!" Serena cried.
"Not for long, we'll have our Pokemon try to break us out," Ash declared.
Before Ash could even tell Lapras to do anything, an electric shock was brought within the net.
"AHHHHHHHHHH!" Both Ash and Serena screamed in union.
Everyone was being electrocuted by the electric net, and this took a bigger toll on Gyarados and Lapras since they were both water-types, and Gyarados was a flying-type.
Inside the helicopter were Jessie and James as they were the ones operating the net lead by Meowth. Standing behind them was Proton who pointed a gun at them just in case they messed up.
"Sorry," Jessie choked up.
Truth was, it was Proton who assigned them the task of capturing Ash and Serena. Team Rocket was going to be reeling them in after they were finished with their project. Proton had an angry look on his face as it seems that the cloning project didn't go as expected.
"Reel them in," Proton uttered.
Jessie and James begin to fish out the group who were aching in pain from the electric shocks. They were too weak to move.
2 minutes later
This was almost looking like the Safari Zone again. Kidnapped by Team Rocket. Jessie and James went over to their belts and grabbed their Pokeballs and forced Gyarados and Lapras back into their balls. Jessie and James felt dead inside. Deep down they didn't want to do this, but Proton has threatened them.
"Team Rocket," Ash uttered.
"That's right," Jessie told them.
Serena looked at the trio in disappointment. She helps them in Lavender Town and for what, only to attack her and her boyfriend again!
"Sorry guys, but we had to bring you onboard," Meowth told the group.
"Pika," Pikachu weakly said.
"Munchlax," Munchlax weakly replied.
Ash looked over and saw Pikachu and Munchlax now being netted up by James. The two Pokemon were too weak to fight back. Rotom Dex was in the net too, but it was unable to move.
"You don't say sorry to your enemies," Proton muttered.
The trio looked behind to see that Proton put his gun away but was now giving them a death stare.
"You have served your duties and you didn't screw up," Proton told the trio.
"Does that mean…we live?" James asked.
Proton looked around to make sure nobody was around. He didn't want anyone to witness what he wanted to do. He looked and saw that Ash and Serena were barely awake.
The cruel man walked up to Ash and kicked him in the head knocking him unconscious. He then walked up to Serena and kicked her in the head too, knocking her out. The trio cringed when they saw Proton do that. They were just kids, and he abuses them like that.
"Why did you do that?" Jessie questioned in horror.
"So there are no witnesses," Proton answered darkly.
"Witness to what?" James asked.
"You've done your part, you won't be Team Rockets bastards anymore. Now is my chance to let the ocean waste you bastards!" Proton roared.
Jessie felt a fuel burning through her veins. So Proton was going to kill them no matter what. Even if they succeeded, he was going to kill them. Jessie grabbed Lickitung's Pokeball as she wasn't going to go down without a fight.
"I won't let you do that!" Jessie cried as she released Lickitung.
As Lickitung charged for Proton, the evil man drew out his gun quickly and shot the Licking Pokemon. Lickitung's eyes got all groogy and foam came out of his mouth as blood was rapidly coming out of his flesh.
"MY POKEMON!" Jessie cried.
"I had a gun so I win," Proton smirked.
Lickitung collapsed on the floor as blood spilled all over. Jessie's eyes widened in horror as her Licking Pokemon…was dead.
"Lickitung," Jessie choked up.
Proton walked over to Jessie and gave her the boot, which was another term of kicking her out the door. James and Meowth watched in horror as their teammate, no their best friend plunged to her death.
"Jessie!" James and Meowth cried in union.
"Why are you screaming, you're joining her!" Proton exclaimed in an evil tone.
Proton overpowered James and Meowth and shoved them off the helicopter. Both of them plunged into the water. Proton looked over and saw the dead Lickitung. He didn't want a dead Pokemon on board.
Proton pushed the dead Lickitung out the door of the chopper and let it fall into the water. Proton looked down as the chopper rose. He wasn't going to be seeing those failures ever again.
"Giovanni, Ariana, I have just made Team Rocket a much better organization by removing those fuck ups," Proton said as he looked at the unconscious Ash and Serena, "And now, it's time we torture these two to death. They won't be alone as we have some special guests."
Proton was giving an evil chuckle. The bosses were ready to deliver the execution of these two thorns on their side. But first, they wanted to do some business with them, and then bring them in for the kill.
The chopper began to fly away as it was headed for Team Rocket HQ.
Right after Ash wins his seventh badge, Team Rocket hunts him and Serena down and captures them. What are they going to do with them? Why did Team Rocket bring their families into this situation? Giovanni does has some history with Ash's father Red, so answers will come soon.
It looks like the trio is done for unless a miracle comes their way. Unfortunately, Lickitung's fate has been sealed as Proton killed him.
I know we just had an Interlude, but I got another one coming up next which involves Mewtwo, and how the trio was roped into this situation. I just hope it isn't another long wait, but stayed tuned.
Interlude VII-Mewtwo's Awakening