"Really, Ash?" Misty said. It was morning and our heroes had stayed overnight in a Pokémon Center. They were currently breakfast when Ash had made a request.
"Yes, Misty," Ash repeated himself, "I was thinking about getting to know my traded Pokémon today."
"Hmmm," Brock hummed in thought, "Well, maybe it's for the best. I mean, you would not want to know what your Pokémon can do when in a battle."
Ash nodded, "And this way, I could know what moves that have."
Both Waterflower and Stone nodded in agreement. After hearing about the traded Pokémon Ash caught, they too were a tad bit interested in what Pokémon he got. His friends nodded and allowed them to stay for as long as their friend needed. After all, the Silver League was months away. Ash had plenty of time to get badges and get new Pokémon.
After breakfast, Ash made his way to the PC and called Professor Oak.
"Hello again, Ash," the professor greeted before being smothered by Muk. "Muk~"
Ash chuckled at the Sludge Pokémon's antics, "Hi Professor Oak and Muk."
Oak was able to get Muk off before dusting himself off, "Ah, much better. I suppose you are calling about your traded Pokémon. I am correct?"
"Yep, Professor. I was wondering if I could see a few at a time today."
"Of course, Ash. Which ones do you want?" Ash thought about it before deciding.
[Rhyhorn, the Spikes Pokémon. Strong, but not too bright, this Pokémon can shatter even a skyscraper with its charging tackles.
Gender: Male
Ability: Lightning Rod
Moves: Stomp, Tackle, Tail Whip, Smack Down, Bulldoze, Horn Attack]
Ash couldn't help but be proud as he scanned his new Rhyhorn. This had been a Pokémon he wanted for his team during their trip to the Kanto Safari Zone. Ironically, the Tauros herd ran by and was caught but now he traded a Tauros for the Spikes Pokémon. Ash patted the back of the rhinoceros-like Pokémon, which was surprisingly affectionate, and even licked his new trainer on the check.
[Ponyta, the Fire Horse Pokémon. It can't run properly when it's newly born. As it races around with others of its kind, its legs grow stronger.
Gender: Female
Ability: Flash Fire
Moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Ember, Flame Charge, Agility, Flame Wheel, Stomp]
Remembering the first time he came across a Ponyta at Laramie Ranch, Ash was careful to develop trust with his equine Pokémon. Turns out, Ponyta was immediately warmed up to her new trainer as the flames did not burn Ash at all. He considered this great and was excited to use her in future battles after some training.
[Doduo, the Twin Bird Pokémon. Doduo's two heads never sleep at the same time. Its two heads take turns sleeping, so one head can always keep watch for enemies while the other one sleeps.
Gender: Male
Ability: Early Bird
Moves: Growl, Quick Attack, Rage, Fury Attack, Pursuit, Pluck, Double Hit]
Speaking of Laramie Ranch, Ash also remembered the Dodrio that other racer/cheater had. But since this is the pre-evolved form, Ash didn't have to worry about three heads... yet at least. The Twin Bird Pokémon was just as affectionate but a bit mischievous at times too. The two heads often rubbed against Ash's chest, loving their new trainer.
[Venomoth, the Poison Moth Pokémon and the evolved form of Venonat. The powdery scales on its wings are hard to remove from skin. They also contain poison that leaks out on contact.
Gender: Female
Ability: Shield Dust
Moves: Bug Buzz, Quiver Dance, Confusion, Poison Powder, Psybeam, Stun Spore, Signal Beam, Sleep Powder, Leech Life]
Knowing Misty's fear of Bug-types, Ash warned her about his next Pokémon. Misty prepared herself and kept quiet as the Poison Moth Pokémon appeared. The moth-like Pokémon hovered around her new trainer before landing on his head, content with the new trainer. Ash just laughed while Pikachu, who was sharing the shoulder at the time, was nearly pushed off. Ketchum, himself, was content with Venomoth which briefly reminded him of Butterfree.
[Kangaskhan, the Parent Pokémon. Although it's carrying its baby in a pouch on its belly, Kangaskhan is swift on its feet. It intimidates its opponents with quick jabs.
Gender: Female
Ability: Scrappy
Moves: Fake Out, Bite, Stomp, Focus Energy, Headbutt, Sucker Punch]
Sending out the Parent Pokémon, Ash took notice of how big the Normal-type is. Pikachu, on the other hand, warmed up instantly for some reason, but Ash didn't mind. Greeting Kangaskhan, the Normal-type gave a bear hug towards her new trainer. Being no stranger to getting crushed due to his experience with Snorlax, Ash just laughed and hugged her back. After being released, he met the joey of his Kangaskhan. The joey was thrilled and was asking for a pick up which Ketchum did, making the baby enjoy his mother's trainer.
[Vaporeon, the Bubble Jet Pokémon and an evolved form of Eevee. Its body's cellular structure is similar to the molecular composition of water. It can melt invisibly in water.
Gender: Male
Ability: Water Absorb
Moves: Water Gun, Swift, Bite, Quick Attack, Water Pulse, Haze, Aurora Beam]
Upon seeing the Water-type Eeveloution, Misty instantly gushed about the beauty of the Bubble Jet Pokémon. Ash's new Vaporeon was very affectionate, rubbing up against his trainer's leg. Ash instantly discovered his favorite scratching area which was behind the head fins, evident in the purr and tail up in the air.
[Jolteon, the Lightning Pokémon and an evolved form of Eevee. It accumulates negative ions in the atmosphere to blast out 10,000-volt lightning bolts
Gender: Male
Ability: Volt Absorb
Moves: Thunder Shock, Swift, Quick Attack, Thunder Wave, Double Kick, Thunder Fang]
Pikachu and Jolteon instantly hit it off as the Electric-types were fond of each other. Admittedly, Ash was wondered if Pikachu would be jealous if he caught another Electric type but he wasn't. Now Ketchum had a few more Electric-types to call on. The Lightning Pokémon proved to be speedy and quite energetic.
[Flareon, the Flame Pokémon. Once it has stored up enough heat, this Pokémon's body temperature can reach up to 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit.
Gender: Male
Ability: Flash Fire
Moves: Ember, Swift, Double Edge, Smog, Bite, Fire Fang]
Flareon was more bashful, hiding behind a nearby rock when he was first sent out. Ash was careful to approach the Flame Pokémon, which proved effective as the fox-like Pokémon soon came to accept his new trainer and the Mouse Pokémon. He also warmed up to Brock and Misty in a slow manner but it was still a process.
[Espeon, the Sun Pokémon and an evolved form of Eevee. It unleashes psychic power from the orb on its forehead. When its power is exhausted, the orb grows dull and dark.
Gender: Female
Ability: Synchronize
Moves: Confusion, Quick Attack, Swift, Psybeam, Morning Sun, Light Screen]
Never having a Psychic-type before, Ash wasn't sure how to approach the Sun Pokémon. Espeon turned out to be just as affectionate and Misty gushed over it as well for her cute appearance. The lilac feline Pokémon nuzzled against her trainer's leg, clearly already in love. Ash was glad but partially wondered if she had developed a crush on Ash-like Chikorita had. Hopefully, she hadn't.
[Umbreon, the Moonlight Pokémon and an evolved form of Eevee. On the night of a full moon, or when it gets excited, the ring patterns on its body glow yellow.
Gender: Male
Ability: Synchronize
Moves: Snarl, Swift, Bite, Quick Attack, Confuse Ray, Assurance, Moonlight]
Finding out that Umbreon is a Dark-type through Ash for a loop. Scrolling through the Pokédex, Ash found what Dark types have the advantage over and weaknesses. The Moonlight Pokémon gave his new trainer a quizzical stare before appreciating his new trainer. His rings flashed excitedly and had a battle-ready expression on his face. Ash just laughed at the antics but promised him a battle when he got the chance.
[Tangela, the Vine Pokémon. Hidden beneath a tangle of vines that grows nonstop even if the vines are torn off, this Pokémon's true appearance remains a mystery.
Gender: Male
Ability: Chlorophyll
Moves: Bind, Stun Spore, Growth, Mega Drain, Vine Whip, Poison Powder]
Having another Grass-type on the team, Ash was thrilled. Plus a Tangela was high on his most wanted Pokémon. Tangela proved to be energetic, bouncing all over the place and snuggling his new trainer. The vine-covered Pokémon also proved to have a knack for wrapping vines around Ash to show his affection.
[Arcanine, the Legendary Pokémon and the evolved form of Growlithe. The sight of it running over 6,200 miles in a single day and night has captivated many people.
Gender: Male
Ability: Intimidate
Moves: Extreme Speed, Agility, Fire Fang, Flame Wheel, Flamethrower, Roar, Bite]
With an Arcanine, Ash was thrilled. He had always wanted a Growlithe and now he had the evolved form right in front of him. Both speed and power made Ketchum excited to use him in future battles. The 'Legendary' Pokémon stood proud and was playful for his size. He acted like his pre-evolved form and was very alert as well.
[Girafarig, the Long Neck Pokémon. Girafarig's rear head also has a brain, but it is small. The rear head attacks in response to smells and sounds. Approaching this Pokémon from behind can cause the rear head to suddenly lash out and bite.
Gender: Male
Ability: Early Bird
Moves: Tackle, Astonish, Confusion, Odor Sleuth, Assurance, Stomp, Psybeam, Agility, Double Hit]
Having the Normal/Psychic-type out, Ash was able to better observe him. Ketchum did stay clear of the rear head as the Pokédex said. Upon further inspection, Girafarig was another alert Pokémon but nuzzled up to his new trainer without a problem.
[Aerodactyl, the Fossil Pokémon. It flew through the open skies over the ancient continent as if they were it's own. When it touched the ground, its walk was weak and slow.
Gender: Male
Ability: Rock Head
Moves: Bite, Ancient Power, Supersonic, Wing Attack, Scary Face, Rock Slide]
When Ash first sent out the Fossil Pokémon, he was nervous. After his previous experience, he did not want to be Pokénapped again. But after releasing it, this Aerodactyl was more timid, seeing how he hid behind a rock. Ash began to pity the young pterodactyl Pokémon, taking a slow approach towards him. The revived Pokémon soon became content with his trainer, even chomping on his head in an act of affection. Ash cringed through the pain but accepted it as Aerodactyl's jaws were not as developed yet it seems.
[Nidorino, the Poison Pin Pokémon and the evolved form of Nidoran male. It's nervous and quick to act aggressively. The potency of its poison increases along with the level of adrenaline present in its body.
Gender: Male
Ability: Poison Point
Moves: Leer, Poison Sting, Peck, Focus Energy, Fury Attack, Toxic Spikes]
Ash, again, had attempted to catch a Nidorino previous at the Kanto Safari Zone but the Tauros herd intercepted the capture. Now he had the male Poison Pin Pokémon with him, giving Ketchum another good Poison-type for future battles. Nidorino proved to be a bit stubborn before eventually liking his new trainer. Sharing a knack for battling, the purple rabbit-like Pokémon was promised a battle and to train hard.
[Scyther, the Mantis Pokémon. As Scyther fights more and more battles, its scythes become sharper and sharper. With a single slice, Scyther can fell a massive tree.
Gender: Male
Ability: Swarm
Moves: Quick Attack, Fury Cutter, Wing Attack, Double Team, Slash, Agility]
Having battled Bugsy's Scyther a few days ago, Ash was excited for the Mantis Pokémon. This was one of his most wanted Pokémon and he finally got his chance. The Mantis Pokémon seemed as if he was battle-hungry which Ash had to tone down at the moment. The green mantis nodded, calming down and getting to know his new trainer. Ash secretly grinned at the idea of getting Scizor but he wasn't sure how to.
[Magnemite, the Magnet Pokémon. It subsists on electricity. As Magnemite flies, it emits electromagnetic waves from the units on each side of its body.
Gender: Unknown
Ability: Magnet Pull
Moves: Thunder Shock, Supersonic, Thunder Wave, Electro Ball, Spark, Screech, Magnet Rise]
With Magnemite on his team, this would be Ash's first Steel type. The Pallet Town native was grateful for this trade as he had never really discovered Steel types before. Now with this knowledge, Ash could handle the type better. And on a side note, Magnemite was very fond of Pikachu too, the Mouse Pokémon emitting electricity as Magnemite does not have a mouth.
[Parasect, the Mushroom Pokémon and the evolved form of Paras. The bug host is drained of energy by the mushrooms on its back. The mushroom appears to do all the thinking.
Gender: Female
Ability: Effect Spore
Moves: Poison Powder, Absorb, Stun Spore, Fury Cutter, Spore, Slash]
Reading the Pokédex, the heroes shuttered (Misty, most of all) at hearing that description. Looking at the Mushroom Pokémon, Ash didn't mind the odd information since Pokémon were unique in their way. He remembers various instances such as the Mysterious Garden where Bulbasaur refused to evolve and the phenomenal Butterfree mating season.
[Skarmory, the Armor Bird Pokémon. Its body is draped in steel armor. It looks heavy, but it can fly at speeds of up to 185 miles an hour.
Gender: Male
Ability: Keen Eye
Moves: Peck, Fury Attack, Metal Claw, Agility, Wing Attack, Slash, Steel Wing, Autotomize]
Skarmory was alert and attentive. The Steel/Flying-type partially had a more serious but gentle behavior, accepting Ash as his trainer. Said trainer was glad to be around such a bird. Finding out more about the Armor Bird Pokémon, the speed it could have was astounding to Ash. A fast but defensive Pokémon could give Ash a new perspective in battle.
[Tyrogue, the Scuffle Pokémon. It is always bursting with energy. To make itself stronger, it keeps on fighting even if it loses.
Gender: Male
Ability: Guts
Moves: Tackle, Helping Hand, Fake Out, Focus Energy]
The small Fighting-type aimed to please. By telling from the current move-set, Ash -with the help of Brock- deduced that the Tyrouge had hatched recently. But the Scuffle Pokémon still wanted to get stronger. Ketchum watched as Tyrouge did a few air punches and kicks. The more Ash watched, the more the trainer recalled his Primeape. He began to wonder how the riled-up simian was doing.
[Dunsparce, the Land Snake Pokémon. The nests Dunsparce live in are mazes of tunnels. They never get lost in their nests—they can tell where they are by the scent of the dirt.
Gender: Male
Ability: Serene Grace
Moves: Flail, Defense Curl, Mud Slap, Rollout, Glare, Screech, Ancient Power, Drill Run, Yawn, Body Slam]
In all honestly, Ash was very fond of the Normal-type. He appreciated the Land Snake Pokémon, the Normal-type energetic with his new trainer. Ketchum couldn't help but wonder if he had not gotten this Pokémon at the first chance he got.
[Shuckle, the Mold Pokémon. It stores berries inside its shell. To avoid attacks, it hides beneath rocks and remains completely still.
Gender: Male
Ability: Sturdy
Moves: Withdraw, Wrap, Rollout, Struggle Bug, Rock Throw, Rest, Bug Bite]
Reading the description, Ash found out Shuckle had a great defense. Ketchum found this fact a bit difficult as he had a straightforward battle style. But he didn't complain. He found it partially great as he needed some defensive counters himself instead of rushing head-on into attacks. The Mold Pokémon himself was quite chipper.
[Sneasel, the Sharp Claw Pokémon. Its paws conceal sharp claws. If attacked, it suddenly extends its claws and startles its enemy.
Gender: Female
Ability: Inner Focus
Moves: Leer, Taunt, Metal Claw, Icy Wind, Fury Swipes, Hone Claws]
The Sharp Claw Pokémon had a serious demeanor but accepted praise nonetheless. With her arms folded, she eyed her trainer as if to assess him. With a nod of approval, Sneasel was fine with her new trainer. Ash, himself, found Sneasel to be an amazing Pokémon with her fast attacks and Dark/Ice-typing, giving Ash his second official Ice-type and Dark-type.
[Mantine, the Kite Pokémon. If it builds up enough speed swimming, it can jump out above the waves and glide for over 300 feet.
Gender: Male
Ability: Water Absorb
Moves: Roost, Water Gun, Supersonic, Wing Attack, Wide Guard, Agility, Bubble Beam, Headbutt]
Seeing the Water/Flying-type got Misty to marvel at the manta ray Pokémon. And to the group's surprise, Mantine was flying right in front of them, not needing a body of water to maneuver. Ash wasn't sure if it was the Flying-type aspect of the Kite Pokémon but he accepted it. The Mantine himself was very fond of Ash, even doing a few aerial tricks that impressed him. Hovering down, Mantine proved big enough to ride on if Ash ever want to surf or fly on.
[Exeggcute, the Egg Pokémon. Though it may look like it's just a bunch of eggs, it's a proper Pokémon. Exeggcute communicates with others of its kind via telepathy.
Gender: Male
Ability: Chlorophyll
Moves: Absorb, Hypnosis, Reflect, Leech Seed, Mega Drain, Confusion, Synthesis]
With the Grass/Psychic-type, Ash... found it odd. Never having a single group of Pokémon -as in a single entity- the Egg Pokémon seemed like it would be difficult to train. But the Pallet Town native welcomed the challenge. If he was to become a Pokémon Master, he would have to endure all the challenges. The egg group accepted Ash as their new trainer all with different personalities. The lead one was authoritative, the one with the broken shell proved to be mischievous, the one with a crack near its eye was battle-hungry, the one with the crack through the eye was gloomy, the one with the crack near its base was joyful, and the one with a crack through its left eye in the back was somewhat bashful.
[Slowpoke, the Dopey Pokémon. It lazes vacantly near water. If something bites its tail, it won't even notice for a whole day.
Gender: Male
Ability: Oblivious
Moves: Tackle, Growl, Water Gun, Yawn, Confusion, Disable, Water Pulse]
Ash didn't want to think of Slowpoke as Misty's Psyduck. The Water/Psychic-type, while naturally lazy, still had potential. Plus if he evolved, he would have a powerful Slowbro on his team. Or maybe even a Slowking but he wasn't sure how to get one. It was hard to tell if the Dopey Pokémon accepted Ash as his new trainer so the boy just agreed to disagree and welcomed the Water/Psychic to the team.
[Sandslash, the Mouse Pokémon and the evolved form of Sandshrew. The drier the area Sandslash lives in, the harder and smoother the Pokémon's spikes feel when touched.
Gender: Male
Ability: Sand Veil
Moves: Crush Claw, Poison Sting, Sand Attack, Defense Curl, Rollout, Fury Cutter, Swift, Bulldoze, Fury Swipes, Sand Tomb]
Ash found the Ground-type Mouse Pokémon very exceptionally with his move-set. The pangolin-like Pokémon gave a smile to his new trainer, wanting him to scratch his quills. Ash obliged and the Ground-type enjoyed it very much. After scratching through the quills, the Sandslash gave a salute of devotion to his new trainer.
[Stantler, the Big Horn Pokémon. The curved antlers subtly change the flow of air to create a strange space where reality is distorted.
Gender: Male
Ability: Intimidate
Moves: Me First, Take Down, Astonish, Hypnosis, Stomp, Confuse Ray, Calm Mind]
The caribou-like Pokémon seemed to be a bit older, possibly a buck from the ranch he was traded from. Ash approached with caution, remembering the powers of illusions Stantler's could perform. The Big Horn Pokémon didn't use such tricks and warmed up instantly to his new trainer.
[Ledian, the Five Star Pokémon and the evolved form of Ledyba. It flies through the night sky, sprinkling sparkly dust. According to some, if that dust sticks to you, good things will happen to you.
Gender: Male
Ability: Swarm
Moves: Supersonic, Swift, Reflect, Safeguard, Mach Punch, Silver Wind, Comet Punch]
Ledian seemed to be an alert Pokémon, ready for anything. But at the same time, he had some curious nature. The Five Star Pokémon found himself buzzing around his new trainer before accepting him. The ladybug like Pokémon even buzzed around Misty but backed away after she freaked out.
[Magikarp, the Fish Pokémon. Famous for being very unreliable. It can be found swimming in seas, lakes, rivers, and shallow puddles.
Gender: Male
Ability: Swift Swim
Moves: Tackle, Flail, Splash]
The shiny Fish Pokémon was not a Pokémon would use for battle. Admittedly, Magikarp is possible one Pokémon he wouldn't use in battles period. Kneeling to the fish's level, Ketchum promised him that when the time is right, he would evolve into a strong Gyarados and take the world by storm.
Now here came the hard part for him. How would he train all of his new Pokémon? And on top of that, what would happen if he were to catch more Pokémon on his Johto adventure. With these thoughts in mind, he asked Professor Oak about his dilemma.
"I understand your concern, Ash" Oak said, "Most trainers do struggle when it comes to catching more Pokémon than just a team of six. However, there is another option."
"What option?" Ketchum repeated.
"Well. Since you won the Orange League, you have the option to extend your limiter," the professor explained.
"Wait? Really?!" Ash was surprised to hear that. He just thought that when you win a league, all you get is prize money, trophy, and enter the Hall of Fame.
"Yes, my boy."
"But... but... how come I never heard about this?" Ash questioned.
"It's not very talked about. Most trainers just agree to have the six Pokémon limit on them."
Ash nodded along. Had he known this, he would have brought Muk, Tauros, and Kingler with him since he hardly used them.
"So what do you say, my boy?"
Ash immediately accepted the idea, "You got it, professor!"
"Good to hear that," Oak said before working on it. It took about twenty minutes and Ash soon could carry nine slots. The Professor informed him that he could only use six in battles though.
"Thanks, Professor!" Ash was glad to find this fact out.
"No problem, so what Pokémon do you want to bring?" Oak asked.
Ash thought about it for a while. Since he had just met his next teammates, he partially wanted to use them. He decided to bring the following: Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Heracross, Squirtle, Tyrogue, Espeon, Sandslash, and Dunsparce.
But at the same time, he wanted them to get some training. Then an idea entered his head, slowly developing in.
"Hey, Professor, could you bring Bulbasaur to the screen?"
"Of course," Oak fetched the Seed Pokémon who waved to his trainer.
"Hey, Bulbasaur! I need you to do me a favor."
"Bulba?"
"I want you to keep everyone in shape. Some training and drills for all my Pokémon, you included. After all, we want to be the best right?"
Bulbasaur nodded before getting a determined expression on his face, "Bulb!"
"I knew I could count on you!" Ash flashed a thumbs up. After all, Bulbasaur was the former defender of the Hidden Village. No doubt he could keep his other Pokémon in check and training.
Ketchum got his current team before waving his Kanto Grass starter and Professor goodbye. He and his friends stayed at the Pokémon Center another night before leaving the next morning.
Even with his new Pokémon, Ash was up to the challenge. If he was to be a Pokémon Master, he had to be stoic and open to any challenges.
A/N: No flames.