Primeape Goes Bananas!
"Hold up, Gary and Leaf have how many Pokemon?!" Ash loudly exclaimed as he couldn't help but overhear Chloe and her father's conversation.
"Gary has over fifty different species of Pokemon and Leaf has approximately thirty of her own." Cerise repeated and Ash felt his heart sink upon hearing those words.
"They even have more Pokemon than I do..." Ash hung his head while Pikachu patted his trainer's shoulder in an attempt to comfort him. Ash didn't want to capture too many Pokemon as it'd be difficult to give them all enough attention, Beedrill and Kabutops were already in need of a major battle as they'd only been in battle against random trainers up to that point! And the number would only increase the more he traversed the world but still it hurt to hear they outnumbered him by as much as they did, heck they probably owned one of each typing by now too!
"Yeah they've definitely got the makings of Pokemon researchers, you should see the notes they passed on about the Pokemon they caught! They're quite informed!" Cerise spoke quite highly of the two. Chloe narrowed her eyes lightly as she hoped her father wouldn't try and push them down that path, she could see the same thing as they all grew up but she kept it to herself as it was best to allow people to make their own decisions when it came to something as big as that!
Ash didn't hear however as he blanked out and just stared at the open route in front of him before clenching his fist as a look of determination crossed his face.
"That does it, we aren't leaving this route until I catch myself a Fighting type!"
"Pika pi!" Pikachu shot his fist into the air as Larvitar let out a happy cry.
"Larvitar!"
Unfortunately the first day's hunt proved unfruitful as Ash hadn't come across any Fighting types!
"We've seen plenty of wild Machop, looking back I probably should have caught one." Ash crossed his arms with a light pout as he and the others sat around the table for breakfast the following morning. Brock placed a box of rice cakes down upon the table and grabbed one before taking a bite from it.
"Surprise, I bought some doughnuts when we visited that Pokemon Center earlier!" Chloe went pale as they were clearly not doughnuts, Ash however reached out without question and was either in the dark about it or just too hungry to care as he stuffed his face. Chloe was about to speak up before clamping her mouth shut as she thought it better to not say anything. "These jelly filled doughnuts are great! Nothing beats a jelly filled doughnut!"
The previous day while Chloe talked with her father and Ash just hanged about to keep her company, Brock wandered off to find some food supplies and came across a food stand which had none other than the Magikarp Salesman stationed at it. "Doughnuts, get your jelly filled doughnuts right here! Only five Pokebucks a dozen!" He called out. In truth the conman knew full well that they were rice cakes, it was just plain easier and quicker to pass them off as doughnuts especially if somebody came looking for the rice cake shipment that 'conveniently' fell off the back of a truck!
"Say those jelly filled doughnuts look great, I'll take a box!" Brock hadn't met the Magikarp Salesman yet so he didn't recognize the man.
"Here you go good sir, enjoy!" The Magikarp Salesman smiled and waved him off after they handled the transaction. Police sirens could be heard in the distance once Brock left causing the Magikarp Salesmen to quickly abandon his food stand as he raced off into the distance!
Ash and the others continued eating and enjoying the rice cakes as a pair of ears covered in white fur emerged from behind a nearby rock, a small monkey Pokemon soon peeked over and watched as his eyes hungrily locked onto the rice cakes. "Mankey..."
"Alright the last doughnut is mine!" Ash reached out for the last rice cake upon Brock and Chloe both having their fill for the morning, however before he could grab it a white blur zipped in front of him and grabbed hold of the rice cake before leaping off into a nearby tree!
"What the heck?!" Ash angrily looked about. "Who stole my doughnut?!"
Pikachu's eyes shifted about before he pointed towards a nearby tree top. "Pika pi!" Ash quickly turned and saw the Mankey laughing at them as it held the final rice cake, tossing it up and down as he gave Ash a mocking expression.
"Key Mankey!"
"That does it, nobody steals my food and gets away with it!" Ash grabbed an empty Pokeball and blindly threw it without giving it much thought, Mankey merely punched the ball with his free hand and sent it flying back towards him!
"Ah!" Ash quickly dived to the ground as it flew towards his face, the ball continued flying through the air before disappearing through a nearby bush. The sound of the Pokeball opening up could be heard followed by a chime a few seconds later indicating that Ash had definitely captured something!
"Krabby the River Crab Pokemon, if it is unable to find food it will absorb nutrients by swallowing a mouthful of sand!" The Rotom Phone read out as the sound of a Pokeball whisking away could be heard behind the shrubbery.
"Well it looks like Ash caught a Krabby." Brock chuckled while Chloe attempted to hold back a light giggle fit at how the capture happened!
"I-I caught Krabby?" Ash gazed towards his pocket for a brief second before springing back to his feet! "Well prepare to join him, Mankey! Pikachu use Thun-hey!" Ash shouted as Mankey swung across the field on a vine and snatched the cap right off his head!
"Mankey?" Mankey looked at the hat before placing it upon his head, the monkey then began dancing upon the branch and cried out in a mocking tone!
"Give me my hat back!" Ash shook his fist up at Mankey only for the monkey to stick out his tongue and slap his butt before leaping from branch to branch as he made his escape! "Rex is going to be so disappointed if he hears I lost that, Grovyle I choose you!"
"Grovyle!" Grovyle burst out and widened his eyes upon seeing Ash without his hat which was quite the peculiar sight! "Gro?"
"Grovyle, a wild Mankey stole my hat, I want you to get it back for me!" Ash hastily explained and Grovyle gave a quick nod, not questioning his trainer any further as he leaped into the air and began leaping from branch to branch as he made his way after Mankey!
"So what is the deal with Ash's hat anyways?" Brock questioned Chloe. He never got an explanation to it but he could tell it was one of Ash's most treasured possessions!
"It all started back at Summer Camp," Chloe recalled. "Ash had just encountered Damian for the first time and prevented him from striking me, he honestly seemed ready to fight for my honor despite them outnumbering him three to one and thankfully Rex showed up at that moment to tell Damian and his goons off before anything happened! Rex then gave Ash his signature cap, one of a kind as he saw the makings of a Pokemon Master in him!"
Brock snapped his fingers. "So that's why I thought his hat looked familiar!" 'And now I know when Chloe started to fall for Ash too!' Brock smirked to himself.
"I've got to get it back, I gave Rex my word that I wouldn't let anything happen to it! If Mankey destroys it it'll look like I'm not a man of my word!"
"Pikachu!"
"Ash, it's just a hat. I don't think Rex cares about it as much as you think he does!" Chloe tried reasoning with Ash as chances were good that Mankey would just lead them all over the forest, going back and forth and getting Ash even further behind than he already was!
"But I do!" Ash clenched his fist. "Come on Pikachu, let's find that Mankey!"
"Pika!"
Grovyle swiftly caught up to Mankey and snatched the hat right off the monkey's head! "Mankey!" The monkey lashed out with an agitated cry, Grovyle's arm blades glowed bright green as he retaliated and knocked Mankey down from the tree to the ground below!
"Grovyle," Grovyle adjusted his twig and smirked lightly before racing across the treetops as he was determined to get Ash his hat back!
Down below the Rocket trio walked through the forest, looking lost and confused as they'd lost track of the twerps after traveling all the way to Viridian City by balloon in order to report to their boss.
"We'll never find them at this rate, we might as well just stake out Saffron Gym and wait for him to eventually show up!" Jessie let out an agitated sigh.
"At least with the check da boss gave us out of gratitude we've got enough money for food, we've just got to find a place to buy some." Meowth spoke however his ear twitched as he heard the familiar peel of a bananas. James let out an 'Eee!' when Jessie and Meowth quickly turned to discover he'd been holding out on them!
"Give us the banana, James!"
"Yeah, no fair hiding it from us!" Meowth shouted.
"No way, you already ate yours this is mine!" James held it out of their reach before the two tackled him to the ground and began scuffling about as they fought over who should get the banana. Mankey dropped down and watched with an amused smirk before his eyes let off a glint as he caught sight of the banana. The monkey Pokemon licked his lips and swiftly reached into the scuffle and yanked it right out before scarfing it down.
"Key, Mankey!" Mankey let out a satisfied cry before burping out!
The rocket trio paused mid scuffle and turned their heads to face Mankey before emitting agitated shouts once more.
"No fair that banana was property of Team Rocket!" James shouted.
"Yeah, don't you know it's wrong ta steal from crooks?!" Meowth hissed. "We ought to teach you a lesson!"
"Way ahead of you!" Jessie swiftly lashed out and struck Mankey with her boot sending the monkey Pokemon flying sky high!
"Mankey!" The monkey let out an agitated squeal as he blasted off into the sky!
"Good riddance, it's honestly good to see somebody other than us blasting off for a change!" Jessie smirked before turning her gaze upwards as she saw something falling directly towards them!
"What on earth is that?" She squinted in an attempt to make out the fast approaching object.
"Prime!" A Primeape descended from the heavens, his fur glowing a bright red color as steam poured from his ears.
"Gah! Jessie you really shouldn't have done that!" James shouted as he and Meowth hugged one another.
"Yeah Jess, you really screwed us this time!"
"Okay I'll admit this was my bad but only this once!" Jessie rolled her eyes began joining in the panicking as Primeape flew towards like a meteorite!
"Primeape!" Primeape's fist became surrounded in a light blue aura as he pulled back his arm before lashing out as he slammed into the ground, his fist created a miniature explosion upon making contact with the Rocket trio, sending them blasting off into the sky!
"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!"
"Wobbuffet!"
"Prime...ape... Primeape..." Primeape breathed heavily as he looked about with an agitated expression, his eyes soon flickering towards the picnic area where that annoying twerp and his Pikachu had been. It was their fault that he felt so much pain and he was gonna make them pay! "Primeape!" He angrily screeched out causing various nearby Pokemon to quickly retreat as he went racing off in the direction of Ash and friends!
"Grovyle!" Grovyle handed Ash his hat shortly upon returning.
"You did it, thanks so much Grovyle!" Ash pulled Grovyle into a tight hug while Grovyle tried keeping his cool persona but failed to hold back a smile. The wholesome moment didn't last long though as Primeape came racing down the path, grabbing a hold of Grovyle before angrily slamming him back and forth against the ground!
"G-Grovyle!" Grovyle cried out before letting out a pained grunt as Primeape hurled him against a rock, knocking the gecko unconscious as Primeape let out a victory screech.
"Primeape!" Primeape's eyes darted about before focusing his attention on Chloe. "Primeape!" He cried before rushing forward, his anger blinded him to the fact Chloe was completely innocent in all of this!
"Chloe!" Ash bravely and rather stupidly tackled Primeape before he could strike Chloe. Chloe shot bright red while Brock couldn't help but tense up, quickly racing forward and pulling Ash away before Primeape could strike his stomach!
"T-Thanks Brock..." Ash focused his attention upon Primeape as he adjusted his hat. "Alright Primeape no more messing around, Pikachu use Thunderbol-"
"P-Pika!" Pikachu cried as he was being tossed back and forth against the ground much like Grovyle, the pain he was enduring prevented him from summoning enough juice to zap the monkey!
"Butterfree save Pikachu with Psychic!" It was just bad luck that Gengar happened to be at Professor Oak's as he'd really be useful right now!
"Free!" Butterfree burst out, his eyes glowing a light blue as he launched Pikachu's unconscious form safely away from Primeape's reach, tossing him into a nearby patch of grass while Primeape's attention turned to Butterfree.
"Prime..." Primeape's eyes glowed bright red as he leaped into the air and pulled back his fist before delivering a Dynamic Punch!
"F-Freee!" Butterfree was knocked out of the sky and shook himself off before regaining his flight!
"Let's try another Psychic, this time on Primeape!"
"Freee!" Butterfree's eyes glowed blue as a similar glow surrounded Primeape, Butterfree launched him up into the air and slammed him hard against the ground! Primeape laid face first in the dirt and Ash threw up his hands while cheering out.
"Alright, way to go Butterfree!"
"Freee!"
"Prime..."
"Unbelievable, he's getting back up!" Chloe fearfully gasped out. Primeape was fuming as he looked even angrier than before! The monkey leaped up and delivered a swift punch, striking Butterfree much harder than he had before and the butterfly Pokemon smacked against the dirt before falling into a state of unconsciousness.
"Butterfree, Grovyle return!" Ash returned both of his Pokemon, placing the balls safely upon his belt before closing his eyes as if he was praying to Arceus. "Please just have him listen to me this one time! Spearow I choose you!"
"Spearow!" Spearow burst out, his wings flapped about as he looked towards his angry opponent. Spearow's eyes widened as he uttered a fearful gulp before taking off into the sky once more! 'Nope!'
"Dang it Spearow!" Ash facepalmed as he began wondering if perhaps Spearow and him just weren't right for each other. "Alright then, Char-"
"Larvitar!" Larvitar leaped in front of Ash before his trainer hastily pulled him back into his arms.
"Whoa there Larvitar, I get you're eager for a fight but Primeape's not the ideal first opponent!" Ash hastily explained, placing Larvitar safely by his side as he resumed his grip on the remaining Pokeball.
"Like I was saying, I choose you Charmeleon!"
"Char, Charmeleon!" Charmeleon growled as he now stood eye to eye with Primeape.
"Primeape!" Primeape aggressively stomped his feet while Charmeleon let out another growl.
"Charmeleon, char!"
"Charmeleon use Smokescreen!"
"Char!" Black smoke began emitting from Charmeleon's mouth, covering the field around the two Pokemon and obscuring Charmeleon from view as Primeape angrily darted back and forth.
"Prime? Prime?!" He angrily screeched.
"Flamethrower!"
"Charmeleon!" Charmeleon opened his mouth as he proceeded to blast Primeape with a long stream of fire! Primeape let out an agitated screech before coughing lightly from the smoke while a light burn mark appeared on his fur.
"P-Prime..."
"Way to go Charmeleon, you burned him!"
"Char!" Charmeleon turned and gave his trainer a thumbs up. "Charmeleon!" However that proved to be a mistake as in that instance, Primeape leaped forward and found him by sheer chance! Primeape uttered an agitated screech before striking Charmeleon repeatedly up close! Charmeleon grunted out and fell face first against the dirt as Primeape leaped away, breathing heavily as he angrily gazed through the smoke.
"Charmeleon you okay?!"
"Lar?!"
"C-Char..." Charmeleon started to stand up but fell face first against the dirt.
"Come on Charmeleon you can do it, we believe in you!"
"Pika pika!"
"You're the only one who can beat Primeape!" Chloe shouted as none of the others apart from Croagunk were properly battle ready.
"C-Char..." Charmeleon's tail ignited brightly as he slowly stood to his feet.
Primeape raised an eyebrow before quickly rushing forward in a blind rage. "Primeape!"
"Char!" Charmeleon blasted Primeape with a massive burst of flame as a bright light could be seen through the smoke!
"W-What's happening?!" Chloe shouted.
"I-I think Charmeleon's evolving!" Brock exclaimed while Ash excitedly looked on.
Charmeleon's skin turned back to it's orange coloring while he began doubling in height, now standing taller than the three trainers as two large wings grew from his back and stretched out! Charmeleon's tail grew longer while the fire burned brighter than before as he continued blasting Primeape with Flamethrower!
Primeape slowly pushed forward in a stubborn manner, his fist raised as he was determined to end this before his body finally gave up on him. Charizard halted his attack as soon as Primeape went down, the monkey now breathing heavily as swirls filled his eyes!
"Charizard the Flame Pokemon, it is said that Charizard's fire burns hotter if it has experienced harsh battles!"
"Way to go Charizard!"
"P-Pika pi!" Pikachu cried out as he raced towards Ash.
"Larvitar!"
"Char!" Charizard roared out and shot a series of flame into the air in celebration of his victory!
"Now we'd better catch him before he wakes up," Ash enlarged an empty ball and tossed it at the unconscious Fighting type, a bright red light engulfed Primeape as he was absorbed into the Pokeball. Everyone watched on with anticipation apart, even Spearow though he was pretending to sleep from the safety of a nearby tree. The ball shook for what felt like an eternity before finally chiming out to announce the capture complete!
"Primeape the Pig Monkey Pokemon, when it becomes furious its blood circulation becomes more robust and its muscles are made stronger but it also becomes much less intelligent!"
The Rotom Phone read out while Primeape's ball disappeared in a beam of white light as it was transported to Professor Oak's lab much like Krabby a few hours ago!
"We should probably call up the Professor." Ash nervously chuckled as Chloe gave a quick nod in response.
"Y-Yeah, probably a good idea!"
"Two captures in one day? That hasn't happened in quite some time, I wonder what else Ash has in store for today!" Professor Oak eagerly reached for the Pokeball as his phone began going off. 'Gotta catch 'em all!' "Oh it can wait a few seconds!" Oak waved it off with a light chuckle.
The ball burst open and Primeape appeared before Professor Oak and Cerise, it's eyes darted about before focusing his attention upon the two Professors.
"Hello there, I'm Professor Oak and this is my assistant-"
"Primeape!" Primeape's eyes shot red as he raced forward causing Professor Oak and Cerise to dive away as Primeape began trashing the laboratory!
"I guess I should have taken that call!" Professor Oak chuckled while Cerise groaned lightly as the two hid beneath a desk in the corner.
And so Ash now owns his first Fighting type! What awaits our heroes as the journey continues?