Chapter 4.
Sometime later he was on the road with Nova, Charmander and Outlaw playing tag. Ash was dressed the same as he was in the center with his hiking boots replacing the sandals. A crack was all he heard before the ground collapsed under his feet. Crying out as his wounds hit the ground hard. His three pokémon landed beside him. Outlaw was suddenly grabbed only for Nova and Charmander to grab onto the metal arm that was attached to the glass sphere.
"Well, well look what we have here." Jessie and James peered over the edge as meowth was left to pull the sphere up.
"Go Breeze." A beautiful silver butterfree with teal eyes and black wings with silver lined appeared looking pissed. "Sleep powder," the powder was fast acting and sent them to sleep. Charmander melted the bottom of the glass sphere as Nova held it up. Outlaw was clinging to the top half to not get burned. With the hole cut it was flipped over and Outlaw was lifted out be breezes psychic. Ash landed there to get the pain under control. When he came back around he climbed out of the hole.
Ash sighed as he lifted his shirt to see his side. It was still clean so it wasn't bleeding. Dropping his shirt he took off his jacket to cheek his arm. All was good. Now he turned to the pit. This could hurt someone. "Go Obsidian." The graveler cheered as he was released. "I need you fill in that pit." Obsidian gain a serious look. He filled it in with chunks of rock and dirt, packed it down. While he was doing that Ash was foraging for fresh berries and found a few apple trees. Breeze and Outlaw dropped apples to him as Nova and Charmander plundered the berry bushes.
Ash turned to Obsidian to give him an apple when he saw him get blasted with a water gun. Frowning in confusion he turned his head to see a young hiker, around 13, greedily staring at the graveler. A seel was by his feet. "What are you doing?" Obsidian bounced in excitement.
"I am going to catch that graveler." Obsidian blinked and looked around.
"You do know he is mine."
"No, I," the boy pointed at himself, "saw him first."
"Obsidian charge beam." Obsidian started to spin his arms in circles. Before he clapped his smaller arms sending the beam into the seel. The seel was knocked out.
"What?" the boy screamed.
"Obsidian is mine and that attack was from his father." Obsidian was rocking back and forth with a giant smile. Breeze landed on his head. "He finally can do the move more consistently." Outlaw climbed up his left arm to sit on his shoulder. Nova and Charmander leaned against his legs. Ash was not impressed with the boy so he lead them away. Leaving the unconscious teem Rocket in the bushes; where they collapsed; and the steaming boy.
As Ash walked through the woods when once again the road gave way. He landed smacking the back of his head. Outlaw was pissed and shot lightning at the squirtles that stuck their heads over the edge. Ash was dizzy but there was no blood. "Have you lost your mind? You could have seriously hurt someone." Pulling him self to his feet he glared up at the edge. "Go pidgeotto." The bird was able to lift him out easily. Outlaw slammed his tail into two of the squirtles the fourth shot a stream of bubbles at him.
"Chu." He ducked and used a tail whip followed by a rain dance. The two squirtles that were standing smirked at him before their vision went white as a thunder came crashing down on them. Outlaw was grinning like mad when Pidgeotto started to peck his head. "Pika, Pika."
"Pid. Pidg." She chewed him out for messing up her feathers. Ash moved forward and dragged the four squirtles to the water and began patching them up much to Outlaw's annoyance. Officer Jenny showed up not to long after.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes ma'am. Just a headache."
"Did you fall into one of their traps."
"Don't know. Team Rocket uses them a lot." Red was not happy after ready his innocent report and threatened to escort him from city to city if it kept happening or he would just tell his uncle. Ash shivered at the treat. He didn't need a babysitter. Shacking his head he focused on patching up the damage Pikachu did. Officer Jenny groaned as she remembered that little detail. "I've got these four taken care of." Which he did.
After they woke and sulked away, he made his way into town to stalk up on supplies. Ash was eating lunch when bombs rained from a meowth hot air balloon. He ran to the cliff to see the leaded squirtle stuck in the sand. "Go Rin, Sapphire." The black beedrill dashed forward and scooped un the squirtle. She set him down when she returned to her trainers side. Sapphire on the other hand was using her speed and scythes to cleave the poorly made bombs in half so quickly she was already to the next when the previous one exploded. Once team Rocket ran out of bombs pikachu brought down the hammer by sending a lightning shock to the fuel supply of the hot air balloon. It of course exploded and lit some of the forest on fire.
"Go Blackice, Outlaw Rain dance." With the falling rain the squirtles sprayed their water guns over and on the fire. Smothering it in water. The leader ended up coming with him three of the squirtles curled into Nurse Joy's side as she berated the towns folks that sold Team Rocket the explosives. Ash had found it funny until Misty started her screeching about the two bug as she, Brock, and Ashton stumbled out of the cave.
"Bugs, get away. Get away."
"Miss. Please calm down." Officer Jenny tried to calm the girl, but squirtle looked at Rin and Sapphire with awe. The two shrugged at one another before settling by their trainer. Ash leaned into Rin's side show her height of 4'08" and she buzzed her wings. "Sir can you please return them?"
"Can't we just leave?"
"Yes. I don't see the harm in it. We already got your statement." Ash nodded and lead the girls away. Seel jumped on his backpack. He was in the town for the night and gone the next day ignoring the small flashy gym.
Ash pulled up the on Dexter. A smile crossed his face as he was really close to the cove. It had a nice beach under the watchful light of the lighthouse. He knew the owner, an old apprentice of Professor Oak, Bill. A few days of sun and surf after some intense training would his team some good. As he followed the path he stooped as a tiny krabby with mean looking pinchers. He was acting big for a tiny fellow.
"My you are feisty aren't you." That claw snapped at him as bubbles froth at the krabby's mouth. "You're not going to let me pass, are you?" Another snap was all he got. "You know I like your fighting spirit. Will you join my team?" The krabby locked eyes with the trainer and saw power behind his eyes. Krabby turned a bit to study Pikachu Strong form. With a click of his claws he sent a wave of bubble into the air. Ash laughed as he caught the tiny pokémon.
The sun was bright when he hit the beach. A large smile had him racing toward the lighthouse. Ash was trying to catch his breath when he reached it and ring the doorbell. The young beta opened the door with a smile "Satoshi." He hugged the boy.
"Good to see you too." Bill lead Ash inside.
"It has been what two years?" Ash shook his head as he sat on the couch.
"Remember you swung by last year for like a week."
"Ah, but that was all business and not a true visit." Bill said with a chuckle. "Would you like some honey tea?"
"Yes, please." Ash relaxed on the couch as Bill fixed his tea.
"So I heard you visited Poké-tech."
"Yeah and let me tell you it was awful." Ash groaned as he rubbed his face.
"I guess at your age any school would be."
"No. They used simulations in place of actual gym battles."
"You're kidding, right?" Bill handed Ash his tea and put a bowel of water down for Pikachu. Sinking in his chair across from Ash. He raised an eyebrow.
"I am afraid not." Ash shook his head before taking a sip.
"You are starting to sound like Dalia each time I see you," He chuckled.
"Ran into Ashton while I was there."
"Really. I guess I shouldn't be to surprised."
"Red said father," Ash growled out the word, "is actually involved in his life." He pouted slightly as he looked into his cup. "Did you know he is two hours younger?"
"Wait. Dalia was married to him for a year before your birth. So that ekans in the grass was cheating on her during that time." He groaned as he leaned back. "That explains why Red has been pissed at him." Bill sat down his cup and looked at his young friend. "How are you feeling?"
"Relieved."
"How so?"
"I used to want my father to show up and want to spend time with me, but after seeing Ashton for the first time." Ash took a deep breath. "I'm glad he removed himself from life before I even knew him." He gave a soft smiled. "He wasn't the nicest boy I've met and he tried to use our father's name. I am happy with who was there for me."
"I am glad you feel that way. It would be awkward to give you this." Bill sat a pokémon ball on the table. "Blue left that here for you." Then he slid a letter across the table, "along with this."
Ash reached for the letter first. Noticing his name was scrolled across the front was in Blue's handwriting. Opening it was a gift card for a store for trainers located in Vermillion city. With an apology from Gray's mother written in side. It was short and to the point, but started with an 'I may dislike your mother' line that had him twitch.
"So?" Bill leaned forward with a tilt of his head.
"It's from Gary's mother. She says 'That while I dislike Dalia, I never meant for you to get hurt. I am sorry. So here is a gift card for Trainers' Luxury. Hope you except my apology. Signed Rosy Oak.' She never liked mom."
"Oh yeah." Bill leaned back and tilted his head back in thought. "She was a jealous one and could not stand your mother being friends with Blue." Ash looked confused. "Don't worry about it. So the poké ball?"
"Is from Blue." Ash took the ball from the table. "Go pokémon." What came out was a strange looking squirtle with red skin, orange eyes, and a black shell with a purple belly. She had a star clipped to her tail and half a clam shell with feathers fanned behind it and a small pink pearl in the shell. "Well, hello there." Only he got a lap full of happy turtle pokémon.
"What a unique coloring. Hey don't you have a few pokémon like that?"
"Yes."
"Are their colors the only thing different about them?"
"What do you mean?"
"Have you heard of Alolan or Galarian forms?"
"No," Ash looked a bit worried.
"That is fine. Alolan forms are from the Alolan region and Galarian are from Galar region." Bill crossed his left leg on his right as he crossed his arms. His right hand scratched his chin in thought. "Along with a different typing, there is definitely a noticeable difference in their looks."
""Looks?" Bill nodded before getting up. When he came back he had a travels guide.
"I picked this up when I travel there to speak to Professor Oak's brother. Nice fellow runs the school there." Bill smiled as he handed the book to Ash. "I'll go find some food." Bill left before Ash could say anything. Ash flipped through the book. The pictures where done well and very beautiful. The pokémon were breath taking. Yet it was the Alolan golem that caught his attention. He remembered seeing it in the cave where he got Obsidian. That would explain some of the electric type moves he could do.
Ash sat back deep in though as he sipped his tea. His fingers sit rubbed the dozing squirtle. She was a sweetheart. It didn't seem that Bill was gone to long, but when he came back he had two plates hot pasta. The food was good, but it was the last pre-made meals that his cook had made for him.
"Bill."
"It's fine. Good food, good company and interesting topics of discussion make a perfect night." Bill smiled. "How long are you staying."
"A week a few days of intense training followed by a few days of rest. The we will be heading to Vermillion city."
"Good choice. Heard there is a contest going on to on the S. S. Anne. You'll have to beat Lt. Surge first."
"Of a League sponsored trip? Could be fun."
"There are some rumors floating around That there is going to a tournament going on for the trainers and many different vendors from different regions selling their wears." Bill said leaning back. "Now about your pokémon. Are there any noticeable differences to their counterparts?"
"Some. Sapphire hasn't grown any. Obsidian looks like actual obsidian."
"Please , let me see them." Bill gave a puppy dog eyes.
"Ok. OK. Just please stop that." Bill beamed. Ash sighed and released Frostbite, Obsidian, Sapphire, Butterfree, and Pidgeotto. Frostbite flew to his shoulder. He has grown to 1'11" and his weight went up 14lbs. Obsidian was now standing at 4'08" and he was 310lbs. Sapphire didn't grow passed 3'05" and weighed 126.5lbs. Butterfree was standing 3'05" and weighed at 69.5lbs. Pidgeotto stood 3'10" and weighed 69.8lbs.
"Oh wow. What have you noted about them?"
"Sapphire, Butterfree, Obsidian, and pidgeotto are from Viridian Forest. Yet she hasn't grown at all since I caught her."
"That as at the beginning of your journey. Heard rumors of sycther being found there."
"Yes."
"Sycther sy scyther."
"What is she saying?"
"That her size is normal for the sycther located in the forest." Ash looked at her. "The location is mainly cut off because of the mountains to the east, west and north and Viridian to the south."
"What about the normal green ones that have been caught there?"
"Scyther."
"Migrating during their breeding season. Then they go back to where they came from."
"Fascinating." Bill whipped out a note book and jotted down what he heard. "Has her blood work been processed?"
"Yes, Professor Oak sent it a week into out travels. There was nothing to worry about health wise. There was a report from Professor Ivy."
"Professor Ivy? Oh doesn't she study the differences that an environment can make?" Ash nodded as he took a sip of tea. "So their typing is the same.
"Yes, but they may have gained new abilities with the slight change in their looks. Obsidian shrugs off water attacks. I think it is because he has a crystal lined body. An Alolan Golem was in the cave that I got Obsidian from and I believe it was his father."
"Flint must have released his Golem to please his wife. She is a water trainer." Bill tilted his head.
"You think he really did that?"
"Don't really know. Some trainers release their pokémon so they can go have families of their own. Did you see another Golem in there?"
"Yes, Obsidian takes after her. So she maybe the reason he was released."
"Have you noticed anything else?"
"Sapphire is faster than normal. Rin, my beedrill, has a highly toxic venom. Frostbite here has lower body temperature. Sparta is very aggressive the other I'm working on."
"Lets see if we can figure it out together while you are here." They spent the rest of te first night going over all his pokémon and his notes. He called up all his pokémon from Oak's lab except Honey.
The next morning. When Ash and his team arrived on the beach the sun was just hitting the sand. Ash was in a full body wetsuit, the fins where attached to his belt. His hair was in a high braided ponytail. Dexter swung around his neck as he jogged through the cool sand. When they were a good distance away from the lighthouse he slowed down. He turned to see several of his pokémon panting Sparta was lagging behind keeping an eye on any stragglers while Pidgeotto soared over the front of the group. Frostbite, Breeze, butterfree where flying close to her.
He stopped dropping his backpack in the sand and set up a little camp. Ash stretch and began a more grueling work out than he normally did. Going through his yoga stretches and he worked through his martial art forms. Pokémon did there own stretches before working on physical ability. Then Ash went around and began to work on their move set and worked with the newer pokémon to get in sync with them.
The end of the day Ash was floating on his back in the ocean Blackice, squirtle, Krabby and Coral were playing around him. Outlaw was surfing or trying to. Sparta and Pidgeotto where racing through the sky. Butterfree and Breeze where in the tree tops. Spore, Frostbite and Jade where dozing in the shade of the tree. Snowdrop, Bulbasaur, Nova and Charmander where sunning in the sand. Rin and Sapphire were meditating. Obsidian was splashing in the water. Until he splashed the two meditating bugs and got chased up and down the beach.
Ash put on a full-face diving mask with a rebreather and dived down beneath the waves. He moved slowly through the water. The scene was beautiful.
A large twisting Coral reef that was teeming with life. Qwilfish, goldeen, and magikarp swam in schools. Mantine and their attached Remoraid where off in the distance glide through the water. Staryu and Shellder where doting the sand. Three starmie was dancing in the sun's rays and the swirling current. A few where more common in Johto, the neighboring region. He reached out his hand to block the light from a hole in the reek. A Horsea popped his head out of the coral reef to look at the boy. It blinked at him and swam out to greet him.
As the sun began to sink Ash saw Tentacool and Tentacruel floated up from the deeper cracks. The pokémon floated around him confused by his appearance. His pokémon gathered close to him. He reached out his hand to the larger tentacruel. It moved to the wrap his hand with a tentacle. Before moving away with the others following. Their gems flashed in a steady rhythm lighting up the darkening water. Ash was pulled with the leader. He could see the sand coming closer. A few cloyster unburied themselves and floating around. Some snapped at him and another stuck his tongue at him.
When Ash was let go he noticed he was near the beach. With a wave goodbye he broke the surface. Sparta cawed spotting him as he soared over the water. Ash squeaked as he was plucked from the water. Looking down he watered as the tentacruel and tentacool floating away. His feet touched the sand his pokémon surrounded him even the ones he was swimming with joined him. He packed up his things and they made their way to the lighthouse.
When Ash walked in he stopped and stared as Bill was in a large kabuto costume. 'Not dealing with this right now.' He moved past with an anime sweat drop. Bill didn't even notice his return. In the large bathroom he worked on cleaning, grooming and messaging his team. Before he took a relaxing bath. Once he was done he moved to the kitchen leaving his team to relax in piles in the living room. Outlaw was on the table mixing the pokéfood as Ash made up lunch. Losing himself to the rhythm he didn't hear Bill starting to panic as he realized he was stuck.
It was sometime later that Bill, no longer in costume stumbled in with Brock right behind him. "Oh, you're back."
"Um Bill, you are having company?"
"No, we just dropped in unannounced."
"I see. I am sorry but I only fixed enough for bill and I."
"Ah that is ok Satoshi. I was letting Brock use the kitchen. Hey Brock looks like you'll not have to feed me after all," Bill laughed.
"So I can still use the kitchen?"
"Of course. I did say you can and since your group is staying the night. It would be cruel of me to let you go hungry, while we eat of food." Bill looked at the younger beta with a raised eyebrow. "My good friend Dalia would kill me for being a horrible host to a couple of kids."
"The food is ready. Can you take them out as I clean up."
"Of course. Did you find everything ok?"
"Yes, thank you. Outlaw can you make sure everyone gets their own bowel?"
"Pika." His tail snapped into a salute before grabbing a lighter bowel. Ash moved to clean up as Brock took the heavier bowel that was for Obsidian out. It wasn't long that he had the kitchen cleaned up and all the food was brought of. Ash and Bill brought out there food leaving Brock to do his cooking.
"Do you know them?"
"They have been following me since Cerulean city." Ash groaned. "Misty, the red head, thinks I owe her a new bike." Bill tilted his head at him. "It was her sister's bike that was destroyed while fleeing a flock of spearow. The League cleared it and Daisy has already taken care of it." Bill nodded before continuing to the table. As they set their food down, Ashton and Misty glared at them.
"Where is our food?" Ashton sneered. Bill glared at the boy that he knew was Ash's half brother. He was really trying not to let the knowledge of who his father is let that cloud his judgment, but the attitude was not helping.
"Well you see. You arrived just as Satoshi finished making the food. It would be rude of me to make him, a guest, fix your food as well." Bill gave a chilly smile as picked up his fork and started to eat his potpie, mash potatoes and sweet peas. It was good and the others didn't have to wait long for their food.
"So how do you know each other?" Brock asked as he sat down their food.
"We met through Professor Oak. Dalia is like a sister to me." Bill smiled, but Ashton snorted. "I have been seeing Satoshi since he was a small little tyke."
"Bill." Ash whined as he slumped down. Bill smiled at him.
"Oh Satoshi-chan, tonight is going to be so exciting."
"What is going on?" he was dragged into the living room in the top of the lighthouse. The others followed.
"Well a large mysterious pokémon shows up annually and he is arriving again tonight."
"Really."
"Professor Oak helped me compile an array of sounds to communicate with him."
"Do you know what he is?" Bill shook his head. 'That was why the Professor was amused this summer.' Ash looked amused.
"Oh can we hear it?" Misty looked excited.
"Sure." The sounds Bill played sounded like music and Misty started to swing around Ashton.
It wasn't long before a loud sound echoed over the water. A large pokémon stepped out of the rising fog. Ash knew what it was as Professor Oak had a dragonite that visits twice a year. It's glowing blue eyes stood out in is black silhouette. His calls where answered by Bill playing the recording. Ash heard something before he saw it. A rocket was heading to the pokémon that was still some distance away.
"Sparta." His fearow shot forward. Brock jumped of the way and noticed the bird pokémon was now standing at 5'11." Way larger than he was before. "Steel Drill." Sparta launched himself toward it with his whole body glowing silver. As he got closer he started to spin tearing through it like it was paper. They exploded behind him. His red eyes locked onto the movement on the cliff. Jessie, James and Meowth where backtracking. With a furious cry he released a hyper beam. Another larger Hyper beam collided with his on the ground causing them to be launched into the air while screaming their motto.
A gentle growl got the fearow to turn. They started to talk amongst themselves. Ash smiled at Bill let him know it would work out. He squeaked as his feet left the ground. Looking up he could see Sparta peering down at him.
"What are you doing?"
"Fearow," was Fearow's answer. He tightened his grip on his trainer's arms just a little bit. It didn't take long before he was face to face with the large Dragonite. "Fearow fear."
"Hello." He waved a little only to be dropped. He could barely make out Bill's scream before it was drowned out by the rushing wind. While his heart seemed to jump into his throat he saw Sparta diving beside him at the speed he was falling. Twisting his body around he wrapped his arms around his Pokémon's neck and pulled his body close to his back. Sparta slowly spread his wings to gracefully rise from the free fall.
Ash was laying on Sparta's back. He looked into the large amused Pokémon's eyes. With a grunt he used his legs to get comfortable in the center of Sparta's back. Now able to sit up he shoved his hair from his face. They spent some time talking before he returned to the balcony and Bill was dragged to face the Dragonite. Ash stretched and made his way to his room.
"Ash." Bill shook the young boy awake. Tired golden eyes looked at him. "We got gifts."
"Bill?" Outlaw sparked at the beta.
"Sorry Outlaw, but look this is Ash's" He placed a navy blue egg on his lap. Ash blinked down at the egg before looking up at Bill who had a pink egg in his arms. "A dragonair snuck into my room and dropped them on my stomach. Ally had to translate somethings for me. So that is your egg and this is mine." Bill left with a bright grin as his espeon followed right on his heels. Ash flopped back and curled around the egg and drifted back to sleep.
When he woke again he ushered everyone through their routine. The rest of the week was nice and relaxing but it was time to move on with his journey. So with a hug with Bill and a call to Professor Oak and his mother he left.
The sun was high when he stepped into Vermillion City. In the open air Café that sat at the entrance of the city he saw a woman 'reading' a paper. She beamed at him and made a motion for him to sit down.
"Satoshi-chan, Honey-chan. Who is this?"
"This is my starter Outlaw."
"Nice to meet you." She smiled at the Pikachu who waved at her. "So, how have you been?" she stood up and pulled him into a hug that he gladly returned.
"I am doing good, Chrissy-chan." He was pushed into a seat as the woman waved for a waitress. Ash looked at the woman she was tan with long wavy strawberry blonde hair and electric blue eyes. She may have worn a business suit but she still had her military issued combat boots on. She sat down with a bright smile. They made small talk as he, Honey, and Outlaw sipped on their drinks. When they saw Misty, Brock and Ashton make their way into the city; Chrissy touched her the mic in her ear.
"Two trainers just arrived on the north side." She smiled and waved him away. With a wave Ash made his way to the center. The center was almost empty with the more experienced trainers using the training grounds. Ash turned his pokémon over for their check ups, trainers when he heard laughing. He looked over to see a boy with his pikachu laughing at Ashton and Misty who had marks on their forehead.
"Richie, Sparky?" The boy's head shot to look at him.
"Satoshi, Honey-chan." "Who is he?"
"This is Outlaw."
"Well howdy Outlaw."
"That was so bad." Both boys smiled at each other and laughed. Before anyone could say anything else a boy with a hurt rattata came in. Nurse Joy took them to the back. Ash and Ritchie looked at each other with narrow eyes. Ashton, on the other hand, rushed out of there once he heard about Lt. Surge with Misty and Brock on his heels.
"Joey?"
"Oh Ash, Ritchie you're here." The boy smiled. Joey was the younger brother of Vermillion Gym top assistant trainer, Michael.
"So, how long have you been working for the Gym?" Ash looked at the Richie.
"Since the beginning of last summer." The boy smiled as his rattata joined a few moments later. Looking like he had just got a bath. Ritchie and Ash moved toward the gym.
Inside Lt. Surge was looming of Ashton with a raichu smirking evilly at his side. Mist and Brock where being backed up by the terrible twins. When the doors opened everyone froze as the two stepped inside.
"Uncle. " The two cried as the bolted forward. Sparky, Honey, Outlaw had jumped of their shoulders.
"Satoshi, Richard." Lt. Surge caught them in a hug. Ritchie whined, but Ash just rolled his eyes as he hugged back.
"UNCLE!" The three yelled looking in shock.
"Their mothers are my younger half sisters."
"Our mothers are fraternal twins" Ritchie said as he slung his arm over Ash's neck.
"How." Ashton demanded. Lt. Surge covered Ash's ears.
"When a man loves a woman."
"What about my innocent ears." Ritchie moaned looking at Surge with puppy dog eyes. Surge just smirked at him as the two trainers snickered.
"Not that."
"Than what?"
"How can she be related to a brute like you." Ashton pointed at Ash.
'He still hasn't figured out I am a boy?' Ash looked at him confused. Lt. Surge threw his head back laughing as he placed his hands on his hips.
"My little sisters did wonderful jobs raising their kids."
"You just sent a rattata intensive care." Misty screamed, causing everyone to blink at her.
"You haven't figured it out?" Ash tilted his head.
"Figure out what?"
"Raichu is all power. So my test is about speed." Surge smirked as raichu curled close to Ash. Honey and Sparky was curled into raichu's side, while Outlaw was standing in front of Ash.
"Test?" Ash rolled his eyes at Ashton.
"Yes. Test I set you up to be so angry you can't think straight. You came straight here from the center after all. Your pokémon are not fully ready for a fight yet. Here you stand to make me pay." Nurse Joy walked in with Joey with his rattata at his heels. Surge got a large smirk on his face. "Hey sweetheart, done for the day?" He pulled Nurse Joy into a searing kiss.
"What," Brock and Ashton screamed. Joey, Ash, and Ritchie gagged.
"Meet my lovely wife, Lizzy Joy-Ketchum." Brock looked depressed at the news.
"Hello. Satoshi, Richard it is nice to see you again. You'll be staying with us, won't you?"
"Yes Auntie Joy." Both said with beaming smile. She nodded with a smile of her own.
"So you here for a gym badge and a chance at a S. S. Anne ticket?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Well, brats you'll have to defeat me on your first try." Surge gave a smirked and made his way to opposite side of the battle field. Lizzy rolled her eyes at her husband and handed her two nephews their poké balls. "You ready, buddy?"
"RAI," Raichu waved his arms.
"Wait, you said Ketchum?"
"I did. I'm Lt. Surge Ketchum, what of it?"
"A boy named Ash." Surge stopped her by holding up his hand.
"Hold it. Misty Waterlily of Cerulean?" She nodded and Surge held up his hand again. "Yeah, well your sister let all Gym leaders know what happened. So your story will not fly with us. Daisy also closed the file on the incident and the bike has been replaced." He shrugged at her with a shake of his head. She was steaming. "So," he turned to his nephews with a smirk, "who is first to fight me?"
"Are you sure Raichu is up for this?" Ash tilted his head as he looked at his Uncle.
"He sure is. Raichu barely got a work out of the last fight." Ashton growled. Ritchie bounced to the trainer box.
"Let's go Sparky."
"Raichu." Raichu jumped onto the field at the same time as Sparky.
"You ready boy." Ritchie whined.
"Why do I get the feeling you wouldn't say that to Satoshi?"
"She is my niece." Ash groaned as he snuggled up to his Aunt's side.
"Alright you Slacker," A woman dressed in Camo stepped forward to the fight side of the field while her male counterpart stepped up to the left.
"Oh come on." Ritchie whined get a smile from the woman trainer. Both Elite Trainers smirked at the boy.
"This is two on two fight. No substitutions. Let see who is stronger the Older unevolved littermate or the younger evolved one." Sparky and Raichu glared at the other. Both shot forward when the battle began Mega punch met mega kick. Raichu smirked don at Sparky and sent a powerful thunderbolt but it didn't do anything to Sparky who smirked back.
"Volt absorb." Lt. Surge raised an eyebrow at Ritchie.
"Iron Tail." Ritchie called to Sparky. Raichu dodged the attack but took the aftershocks. Surge smirked.
"Raichu reverse it." Raichu used heavy hitting punches and kicks. He ended by spinning and slamming Sparky into the floor. Sparky popped to show it was a substitute. Sparky struck Raichu with a Quick Attack. Raichu swung around and got hit in the back again. With a growl Raichu spun and grabbed Sparky and double slapped him several times. Sparky released his bide knocking out Raichu.
"Yes." Ritchie cheered. Surge chuckled as he shook his head. Returning Raichu and throwing another poké ball.
"Round one goes to the brat." Ritchie whined.
"Go electrode." The white and red ball pokémon cheered. "Rollout," the Electrode shot toward Sparky leaving a cloud of dust in his wake. Sparky braced for impact. He rolled once he was hit. Electrode cheered only to be hit by a reversal. Sparky was panting and barely standing after the attack.
"Electrode."
"No electrode." Only for electrode to blow up and knock Sparky out. The crazy pokémon laughed as it swirled around.
"Winner is Ritchie." The woman screamed out.
"Yes. We did it."
"Uncle, what was that?"
"A rare ability that runs in the Voltorb, electrode line. It is called detonate, and it's a chance to explode when it is attacked. The more damage done; the higher the chance."
"You sure it wasn't self-destruct?" Ritchie tilted his head.
"Yes you brat. The ability activates even if electrode is asleep. Besides the stubborn thing doesn't know either self-destruct or explosion."
"How those moves are a staple in their move pool?"
"He didn't want to learn them or is unable to due to the ability. We are still doing tests." Surge said with a shrug. "Now are you ready?"
"You sure?" Ash tilted his head as he looked at his Uncle.
"Cheeky brats; the both of you." Ash giggled and moved to take Ritchie's place.
"Alright, next fight between lt. Surge and the challenger, his niece, Satoshi." The two smirked at the glare they got and waved at him. "Two on two battle and no substitutions. Both ready?" As they nodded, Surge threw out a ball.
"Go Jolteon." The yellow spiked pokémon bounced around the arena.
"Jolt." The pokémon cried.
"Go Butterfree." Everyone's eyes widen.
"Have you lost your mind?" Ash rolled his eyes at Misty. His eyes watched as the Jolteon shot forward when the match started.
"Now." As soon as Jolteon got in Butterfree's range, Butterfree released a blue powder, but still got hit. Jolteon yawn, turning in a circle and laid down going asleep. "Nightmare." Butterfree's red eyes darkened as he glared as a sinister purple aura surrounded Jolteon.
"Jolteon." Lt. Surge watched as Jolteon whimpered as the aura flared slightly and his legs twitched. "Interesting choice."
"Dream eater." A red hue aura surrounded both Butterfree and Jolteon causing the electric type to cry out. Butterfree was back to full health. Jolteon was returned.
"Round one goes to Satoshi." The man screamed out with his arm raised.
"Go Lightning." A Raichu with white fur and blue cheeks appeared. Electric blue eyes looked at the flying bug type. Butterfree waved and Lightning nodded.
"He evolved?" Ash tilted his head as he looked at the white and black Raichu.
"Yes. The stubborn little shit, decided that after 6 years it was time." Surge side stepped a bolt of white Lightning. Ash looked at Lightning with a bit of unease.
"Volt tackle."
"Supersonic." The raichu stopped dead in its tracks as he grabbed his ears at the sound Butterfree made. "Tailwind." The wind whipped up increasing his speed. Lightning glared before releasing a thunder that Butterfree barely dodged. Static sparked off his body as he wobbled in the air. "Confusion." Only he never had time as Lightning slammed in him with a quick attack. Butterfree didn't get up. "Return."
"Second round goes to Lt. Surge. Call out your next pokémon." Ash bit his lip as he looked at Lightning.
"Go Outlaw." Pikachu jumped onto the field. "Nasty plot." Outlaw snickered at something as a bark aura surrounded him. Lightning growled at his own tail. "He is confused." Ash whispered in shock. "Flash team." A violent flash blinded everyone for a few seconds. When it faded there was a bunch of Pikachus on the field.
"Thunder shock." The attack went at Surge instead of Outlaw. Lightning shot forward in a wild charge going through two pikachus.
"Do not let him hit you." Outlaw gave a slight nodded. "Charge." All the copies started to spark. Lightning did another wild charge getting three of the copies. Ash watched as lightning did the same attack a third time taking out four more clones. The raichu was getting tired.
"Go under." Lightning dug into the ground.
"Iron tail." Surge smirked until the attack caused an earthquake. A yellow bolt of lightning shot out of the ground and into his poké ball.
"Winner is the challenger Satoshi." The duo cheered."
"What just happened?" Ashton demanded.
"That was Volt switch. A fast attack and retreat move." Lizzy said as she looked at Surge as he sighed.
"Beaten by two snot nose brats." Surge shook his head as he moved forward. "he used it to escape the shaky ground." He smirked at the two as he took two boxes from the duo. "Here." He tossed them to his nephews. Ritchie got hit in the forehead and Ash almost dropped it making the four adults and their pikachus to laugh. Ash opened the black box with the League crest on top to see the badge in a velvet lined mold and the S. S. Anne ticket pinned to the top. Ritchie cheered as he held up his ticket.
"it leaves to harbor in three days." Surge said with a shrug as he pulled Lizzy to his side. "Now we need to get to the center to check in our pokémon." Ash and Ritchie nodded and they left the other three teens behind.
Dinner that night was a exciting with Chrissy joining them at the house. It was explosive as their pokémon clashed that ended with Obsidian and an older electrode to trying to out explode one another. So all was normal in the house hold with all their neighbors use to the noise.
The next day Ash dragged Ritchie to go shopping. "So Ash. How has your adventure been so far."
"Eventful, that is for sure. We covered that last night. So ae traveling together?"
"Of course."
"Good. Team Rocket is very active it seems like," Ash sighed combing his fingers through the end of his ponytail.
"Knowing our luck it is going to never be dull." Ritchie laughed only to get a shirt thrown into his face followed by two more.
"Go try those on." Ritchie groaned about not needing clothes. "I saw what you packed. Two early summer outfits. Nothing for winter or hotter or dryer climates.
"Fine. Alright you win. I was going to pick up things when I needed them."
"Really. You would have probably forgot I would have." Ritchie blushed at being caught.
"So Ashton."
"What about him?"
"it is weird to think you share the same father."
"Don't remind me. You know he still thinks I am a girl."
"To be fair you do look like one, but that is fairly normal for Omegas. I thought everyone knew that."
"Apparently not. Misty is also under the same impression." Ash said digging through the thick hiker coats. Trainer's Luxury was a top of the line trainer store. Their reputation laid with the quality of their wears. Selling long lasting top quality items made them a top shop for top trainers and those would spread the word through their circles. Trainers could make or break a business as they were always making connections. By the time they left the gift card was emptied and they had a four new set of clothes and Ritchie had a red face, sturdier climbing and new diving gear.