Before you get the pitchforks, I need to make a bunch of excuses for not updating through the summer. I was enrolled in a Christian Summer Camp, and they took our phones away. However, I realized a terrifying reality: Californian Christians are too pretty, like, I swear, I was the only ugly person in that camp. Everyone else was so shiny and skinny and believe it or not healthy. When I walked into the camp I was greeted by gorgeous people in bikinis who had amazing bodies and shirtless guys who had solid ads. See what I mean? Dangerous. So, it's been a while but I shouldn't forget my shoutouts. JustaSkip, Yami Nova, Arkinstone, neaucleareactor5. You guys make me wanna update, so thank you for the motivation, I needed it. Don't be a stranger, let me know how you feel about the chapter through the reviews. Let's begin.

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Greed and fear of loss are the roots that lead to the tree of evil.

Chapter Nine

Legolas was nothing like his namesake. The grass type was the incarnation of greed and ambition. He didn't just want an island, he wanted to be not just the strongest of his evolutionary line, but the strongest grass type. Which was alright I guess, but the little shit absolutely despised training. Apparently, he saw it as a form of torture and humiliation. He hated the exhaustion and he didn't see the benefits of training. Or, in other words, he didn't see the results. He was bred to be beautiful and strong, so he didn't know of hardships yet since the only pokemon he ever battled were baby ones like him.

He actually reminded me of myself when I was in high school, my brothers teased me about how the only muscles I had were in my arms from violin practice and my pride couldn't let it go. So, I spent valuable time for violin practice to gain not just abs but thunder thighs as well. Of course, I absolutely hated the countless exercises and sweating. Even breathing hurt during the time but I started to enjoy it once I saw my progress, or in other words, checking out my body in every mirror I crossed paths with.

So, I just needed to show Leggy how much improvement could be made through the training. But that takes time and consistency, not even counting the effort made in it. Hm, that'll be later, we still need to get to know each other more properly.

Sauron was out with me scanning for an opponent, he was almost buzzing with eagerness and excitement. We were both trying to look for someone to battle with, but a lot of the people around us weren't trainers of our level since the gym in this city didn't battle noobies who didn't have any badges. I wanted Frodo and Legolas to watch Sauron battle so that they might become inspired, well I wanted Legolas to be motivated since Frodo wouldn't oppose battling, but I wanted to train him more before I have him battling.

If Sauron truly wanted to battle then I guess we might have to battle an older trainer, who knows, maybe we might learn something. If I could get an accurate measure of Sauron's battling skills then I would know how to train him properly.

It was already seven in the evening so we might need to reschedule the battle tomorrow, so I turned around ready to head back. We could battle tomorrow morning and train while we were back on the road, maybe we encounter even more trainers tomorrow as well.

Except, just as I turned around, there was a certain someone in front of me. The leader of Team Rocket himself.

We stared at each other, and then stared some more. The man didn't really cut a striking image, he was too uncertain and he seemed almost hesitant and nervous. Was it my face? I wasn't that ugly, I swear.

Finally, the man cracked and blurted out the exact thing Sauron and I were looking for.

"Do you want to battle?" His eyes slightly widened but he didn't take back his words.

Smirking, I glanced at Sauron who didn't even need to voice his agreement, his single eye seemed to almost speak an entire conversation. "Hell yeah!"

And so, my first ever battle will be against the Gym Leader of Viridian Gym and Team Rocket Leader, Giovanni. I really should be careful of what I wish for.

#-#

I wasn't expecting us to walk back to the Viridian Gym, the silence between the three of us was almost suffocating. I was used to Sauron being quiet but when you're taking a stroll to get your ass kicked by a crime leader with said crime leader, things tend to get a little awkward.

Was Giovanni in the anime this awkward? He seemed like the typical evil bad guy but the man in front of me looked like he wanted to run far far away. Discreetly, I held my hand up to my mouth and exhaled. My breath didn't stink that bad, it smelt, but it wasn't nasty enough for a crime boss to run for the hills. Hmm, maybe he isn't a crime boss in this life?

Ugh, I was starting to get a headache from all of this thinking. I can't wait till I can go to sleep and relieve the entire day's stress. Especially because of the special treatment we were getting, I mean, Giovanni only battled people who had a badge from every major gym in the country, and here he was challenging some nobody with not a single badge under their name.

` Sauron finally reached out to my mind to say something wise and old and Dumbledore or Gandalf-like. Of course, he had to since he was my "advisor". Sometimes, he seemed more like a grandpa than a dangerous ghost.

"Some Warriors look fierce, but are mild. Some seem timid, but are vicious. Look beyond appearances; position yourself for the advantage."

Basically, he was advising me not to underestimate Giovanni, which I wasn't stupid enough to do. I swear, this sword must be looking up motivation and wise quotes off of the internet, since everything he says sounds like it comes from an anime or book.

I simply gave Sauron a nod as a response and our journey continued without any more words.

Finally, we reached the gym. Giovanni seemed to straighten up once he saw the comfort of something familiar to him, and with each step, he got more confident. I guess it was time for our battle.

When we walked in, I saw the same grunt who handed me Snivy earlier. Giovanni waved for him to follow and we walked into the battle area. Giovanni walked towards the end of the arena and I walked to the one closest to the door.

The grunt from earlier walked up to me and asked for my name and hometown. I had to ask him to repeat his question a few times since he kept stuttering. Why was everyone so nervous around here? Was I mistaken for this place being the capital for Team Rocket? Even so, there was no way in hell I was going to take Legolas and Frodo out for this battle, there were too many uncertainties and I didn't want Giovanni to see them since they were rare starters.

The grunt took the spot of the referee and called it out, way more confidently than before since he wasn't looking at us, "This is a battle between the challenger, Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town, and the defender, Gym Leader Giovanni. The battle will be one-on-one, with no substitutions from either side. The battle will end when one side is unable to battle. Are both sides ready?"

Giovanni faced me and we both called out a yes for the referee.

Smiling, I gestured for Sauron to get onto the field. The sheer excitement in the air could be cut with a knife, or sword in our case.

"Let's dance."

#-#

Here's the Pokemon Ash has and their moveset.

(Male) Aegislash (Sauron): Swords Dance, Iron Head, Shadow Ball, Close Combat, Sacred Sword, and King's Shield.

(Male) Charmander (Frodo): Growl, Scratch, and Ember.

*Frodo has Prolonged Evolution Disorder which as the name states, he will not be a Charizard until MUCH later. However, think of it like this, slow and steady will win the race or battle in his case.

(Male) Shiny Snivy (Legolas): Overgrow, Tackle, Vine Whip, Attract, and Leaf Tornado.

If you have any questions please let me know and let me know why you guys think Giovanni is so nervous about Ashy Girl. And as usual, please let me know how I can improve my writing. I just noticed that seems to cut out a few things I put in like dollar signs and some people I tag.

Thanks for reading!