S.R: Sorry we took a bit more time with this one after the wifey came back from her month away because of work.
M.R: Real life was a bit more fun for us this last week and a half or so (insert Lenny face here).
S.R: Besides that we also decided to drop some of the planned content i.e. The race with Ash ridding Ponyta.
M.R: Why did we do that? Because we want to hurry up and finish Kanto. Now that doesn't mean we are going to rush, after all we still have a few things to do before even getting to Cinnabar and battling Blaine.
S.R: Also because I'm bored I'm going to make a special shout out to PhoenixWyvern for contributions to the story that will come into play later on. cackles evilly
M.R: Enough rambling let's get to the story.
ASH'S POV
Cynthia and the other female trainer that had found me in the tunnels quickly lead me back to the surface. Due to the fact we didn't really want to draw the attention of anymore wild Pokemon we were silent, only giving out orders to our Pokemon when we did have to fight the wild Kabutops that attacked us in large groups.
It wasn't until we walked back into the base camp for the digging operations that I even learned the name of the trainer with the Bellsprout.
"Thank you for helping find me."
"It wasn't a problem. Oh! Before I forget to introduce myself I'm Jeanette. Jeanette Fisher. Now I think I'll excuse myself while Cynthia scolds you for being so reckless."
As Jeanette walked away she chuckled to herself. Though I groaned when I actually realized what she said. Thankfully when I turned to Cynthia rather than yell at me all she did was wrap her arms around me in a hug. We completely ignored the looks and off hand comments from the adults that were watching us, though I was puzzled when I heard one of them say 'ah, young love'.
Eventually though Cynthia pulled away. Both of us were red in the face from embarrassment, but we ignored it in favor of talking.
"Ash you are one of the few people I've met that's my age that I get along with. Because of that you are one of my closest friends. I don't want to lose a friend, so please don't do something that stupid again."
"It's not like I was taken by that Aerodactyl on purpose."
"Pardon me for butting in, but are you sure it was an Aerodactyl? When your friend Brock came back and told us what happened he told us he couldn't see what carried you away."
"Yeah. Long story short, the excavation process here was disturbing their ecosystem. She hadn't eaten in a while. I know they hunt in pairs, but there was just one. She was really weak, carrying me to her nest before passing away."
"You mean it wasn't even strong enough to hold out till it could eat you?"
"It wasn't planning on that in the first place. You see I can use Aura. I made a connection with the Aerodactyl thanks to Aura and was able to talk with her as we flew. She knew she was dying and wanted me to take care of her egg. See?"
I spoke showing both Cynthia and the Foreman that had joined in our conversation the egg. Both of them looked at it with wide eyes. Since it was special circumstances the Foreman decided we'd keep what happened on the down low and I'd be allowed to keep the egg without publishing what happened.
After the Foreman walked away Cynthia managed to pull herself together, before saying since it was still an egg I had a way to imprint on the Aerodactyl that hatched so it wouldn't be wild and unruly. Then she led me back towards our tent to meet back up with Brock and Pikachu. About the time I was able to see the tent I was tackled by a yellow streak.
"I'm fine Pikachu, no need to worry"
Pikachu just cried out in happiness to see me again. I got bonked on the head by Brock for letting it happen, before Cynthia and I pulled him into the tent to talk in private. I told him and Pikachu about what happened exactly, making Brock look at me somewhat jealously.
"Aerodactyl is a powerful Pokemon, and it's a dual typing. Rock and Flying."
After that I asked Brock about everything he knew about Aerodactyl. We spent the rest of the day talking and planning out how to raise one. Cynthia having decided we weren't going to stick around here at the Grampa Canyon took it upon herself to gather up everything we'd need once we left.
Time skip
We had left Grampa Canyon behind and been traveling towards Fuchsia City for about three days now. Luckily we don't have to go too much further before we can stop for the day.
"According to the map we have about half an hour before we reach Stone Town and can stop for the night."
Brock had said that about fifteen minutes ago so we were all in good spirits. Brock was steadily leading the way while reading his map, Cynthia was fidgeting with her Pokedex probably making some notes about the surrounding area, and I was using my Aura bond with Pikachu. He and I were chatting about changing up the team for a bit before challenging the next gym.
Righting in front of us we saw an Eevee. However before we could even think about battling we saw that it had a collar. Reading the collar we saw that it belonged to someone named Mikey and that they lived in Stone Town.
"Can you understand me Eevee?"
Eevee chirped in reply as it's head shook up and down.
"We're heading to Stone Town, would you like for us to take you back to your trainer?"
Chattering excitedly Eevee jumped around for a moment, leading us to believe it liked the idea. Eventually we had gotten into town and were being lead by Eevee towards it's home. A group of four boys came out to meet us after seeing Eevee. The youngest held his Eevee in a bear hug, while the older three thanked us before arguing over which one was going to give him an Evolution stone for his Eevee to use at a local party. Mikey and his Eevee slowly backed away from the older trio, clearly not wanting to be drawn into the argument. The commotion caused by the three was loud enough that an elderly man came out and bonked each of them on the head with his walking stick.
"How many times do I have to tell you three, it's his decision what happens with his Eevee?! Seriously he is his own person. He doesn't have to follow after any of you and neither does his Eevee."
All three of them mumbled apologizes and called the man gramps before walking off. He turned to us and also thanked us for bringing his grandson's Eevee home. He offered for us to join the family for dinner since it was just about time to sit down to eat. We accepted his offer and spent the dinner sharing stories of our travels.
As dinner was winding down the old man mentioned he used to travel a lot. He said he used to be called an Ace Trainer and was fairly well known in Johto. Becoming interested I asked if he would be willing to have a battle with me.
"You remind me of myself when I was younger, so I'll certainly have battle with you young man."
"I just realized I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Ash. These are my friends Brock and Cynthia."
"It's a pleasure. I'm Blake."
Since it was late we agreed to come back after breakfast so he and I could have our battle. Once that was settled Brock, Cynthia, Pikachu and I went to the towns Pokemon Center and rented rooms for the night. After we split up I debated changing my team up before battling with Blake, but decided against it since I had no idea what Pokemon he has.
The next day
After breakfast we made our way back to Blake's home so I could battle. He smiled warmly as he lead me towards a battlefield that had been set up at the edge of the town. We took up our spots at opposite ends of the field and Brock stepped up to referee.
"Since I issued the challenge I'll let my Pokemon out first… Let's do this Charmeleon."
"Just by looking I can tell you have a strong Pokemon. But strength isn't everything. Come on out Bellossom."
"I may have the type advantage but you've got the experience. It looks like you're confident your Bellossom is strong enough to negate my type advantage anyway. If that's the case I hope you don't mind me being cautious till we know for sure. Charmeleon use Mud Slap!"
"Bellossom, Toxic. You know when."
At the last possible second Bellossom unleash it's attack poisoning Charmeleon before quickly dodging out of the way of the swiping claws.
"Now let's wear it down. Petal Blizzard!"
"Charmeleon use Dig!"
"Bellossom use Protect."
"Cancel that Charmeleon. Come up at a distance with Dragon Rage!"
"Dodge it and use Dazzling Gleam."
"Dig, Charmeleon!"
Unfortunately Charmeleon didn't move fast enough and was hit hard.
"Now while it's recovering let's finish this. Petal Dance."
Charmeleon was caught off guard and knocked out with that move.
"Charmeleon is unable to battle. Bellossom wins." Brock declared sounding slightly surprised.
"Charmeleon you did good. It was just a bad match up for you. Well then I guess it's up to you to turn this around. Come on Golbat!"
"You just saw that type advantages don't necessarily matter."
"That's not why I chose Golbat. Charmeleon's problem is that he wasn't fast enough. Golbat here is a lot faster and has almost as much strength. Let's show them. Golbat use Wing Attack."
Before Blake was even able to blink Golbat had hit Bellossom head on with his attack. Deciding to press the advantage I told him to use another Wing Attack only I told him to enhance it's power with Quick Attack. The combination of moves made Golbat hit even harder, though Bellossom was still able to tank the attack.
"Not bad. Bellossom use Magical Leaf."
"Lead it towards Bellossom then use Quick Attack to get out of the way. Follow that up with an Air Cutter from behind."
This time the combined attacks were enough to make Bellossom falter. Seeing the opening I had Golbat finish it with a final Air Cutter.
"Bellossom is unable to battle. Golbat wins."
"I underestimated you. I'm pretty impressed with your ability to come up with a counter to my Bellossom. But Golbat isn't going to win again. Ampharos, it's your turn to shine."
"Be careful Golbat… Let's try a Poison Fang."
"Wait for it and counter with Discharge"
"Pull back and attack from a distance with Air Cutter!"
"Ampharos, use Thunder."
"Golbat tank it and try using Poison Fang again!"
Golbat did as I asked and began closing in. But at the last moment Blake had Ampharos lash out with a Thunder Punch which caught Golbat off guard. He struggled through the attack and managed to latch onto Ampharos just long enough for the tell tale purple glow to show it had been poisoned.
"I think it's time to take Golbat down. Ampharos use Electro Ball."
"Golbat dodge it and use Leech Life!"
Golbat just barely dodged the electric attack and once again bit Ampharos this time draining a bit of energy. The moment he released Ampharos though Golbat was hit with a second Thunder Punch. This one was a lot stronger and put him down for the count.
"Golbat is unable to battle. Ampharos wins."
"Alright. I don't want to take all day with this battle… Pikachu your up." I spoke as I recalled Golbat. As Pikachu hopped onto the battlefield I praised Golbat for holding out as long as he did.
"Ampharos, use Dragon Pulse."
"Pikachu dodge it, and use an Agility powered Iron Tail!"
Easily dodging the Dragon type attack Pikachu charged forward in a blur. Just as he began to swing his glowing tail at Ampharos Blake called for it to use Brick Break. The two attacks collided, thought the recoil sent Pikachu through the air. Thankfully he didn't take much damage and was ready to go after landing on his feet.
"Let's try this. Pikachu use Dig!"
"Wait until you feel the ground shake, then jump up and use Focus Blast."
Ampharos did just as Blake said, and launched its attack at Pikachu who just barely moved fast enough to dodge. But he didn't get out of the way completely getting grazed on the side right before attacking Ampharos.
"Ampharos, push him back. Use Hidden Power."
"Pikachu dodge it and use Iron Tail again!"
"wait and use a point blank Focus Blast Ampharos."
The power behind Ampharos's attack was enough to cancel out Pikachu's attack and send him flying out of the battlefield. This time Pikachu didn't land easily and struggled to stand back up. Upon seeing how he struggled I forfeited the match and rushed to his side, picking him up gently.
"You did extremely well Ash. It's been years since someone pushed Ampharos that far. If it weren't for that last Focus Blast I have no doubt Pikachu would have eventually worn her down. After you get your Pokemon taken care of come see me again."
Nodding at Blake's words I rushed back to the Pokemon Center and had Nurse Joy look over my everyone. While she was healing them I got a call from Professor Oak.
"Hey Ash I just wanted to let you know Bulbasaur evolved."
"WHAT?!"
"Bulbasuar, Gyarados, and Muk were having a three way battle as part of their training. I came out to see what was causing all the noise and was just in time to see Bulbasaur evolve into Ivysaur."
"That's even more of a reason to do this then. Once Nurse Joy was done checking over everyone I was going to send Wartortle, Gengar, and Growlithe to you and have Bulbasaur sent my way."
"Nurse Joy? Did you have a tough training session?"
"No. I met an older man named Blake. I challenged him to a battle. His Bellossom and Ampharos were able to beat Charmeleon, Golbat, and Pikachu. I forfeited after that."
"That was probably a good call. If it's the same Blake I'm thinking of, then you did very well if you were able to beat just one of his Pokemon. When he was younger Blake was an Ace Trainer and was almost the champion in Johto."
"He did say he used to be called an Ace Trainer. Anyway would you please send Ivysaur my way? I'll send Wartortle, Gengar, and Growlithe to you after Nurse Joy finishes."
"Of course."
"Thanks professor."
"No problem my boy."
With that the conversation ended. If Blake was the same person that the professor was talking about then I was both humbled after battling him, and excited for the future. After all despite only having five badges I was able to take down one of his champion level Pokemon. Eventually Nurse Joy finished checking over my team and returned them to me good as new. Re-arranging my team to how I wanted it I returned to Blake's house.
"The reason I asked you to come see me once again is this" He spoke as he handed me two Pokeballs.
"I've retired from traveling, but those two Pokemon are still young and eager. I want you to take them with you. I caught them shortly after I settled down here with my family. That was about two years ago."
"Are you sure about this?"
"Of course I am. You remind me of myself when I was younger. Besides you have potential. Plus as I said I'm retired and don't travel anymore. These two need that experience to grow and mature to their full potential."
"Thank you for trusting them to me. I promise I'll take good care of them."
"I know you will… By the way Umbreon's name is Artemis. And Espeon's name is Apollo."
After that I chatted for a few more minutes with Blake before taking my leave. Brock and Cynthia were surprised about why Blake wanted to talk but they both agreed that if anyone could met his expectations it would be me.
We began walking and left Stone Town, intending to continue on to Fuchsia City. As we traveled I scanned my two new Pokemon with my Pokedex.
"Umbreon the moonlight Pokemon. On the night of a full moon, or when it gets excited, the ring patterns on its body glow yellow. This Umbreon is female. It's ability is Synchronize. It knows the moves Pursuit, Bite, Quick Attack, Agility, Feint Attack, Moonlight, Hidden Power, Shadow Ball, Protect, Psychic, and Return. This Umbreon doesn't have an egg move."
"Espeon the sun Pokemon. It uses the fine hair that covers its body to sense air currents and predict its enemy's actions. This Espeon is male. It's ability is Synchronize. It knows the moves Psybeam, Swift, Morning Sun, Psyshock, Light Screen, Protect, Return, Reflect, Double Team, Echoed Voice, Dazzling Gleam, and Bite. This Espeon doesn't have an egg move."
After that was done I decided that the next training session would be spent figuring out just how strong they were. After all Blake had been training them. I could tell that just by their move sets. Once I was confident I knew their strengths and weaknesses I would plan what I could work on them with. Despite having my Pokemon train by having a free for all battle royal, I figured it was time to switch back to work out routines to boots base strength, speed, and endurance now that I had new Pokemon to work with.
One thing was for certain though, if they were as powerful as I thought they were I would most certainly use them to my advantage against Koga when I challenged him. Though I was pretty certain Espeon would be a key player in that battle anyway due to type advantage, which is why I once again re-arranged my team.
M.R: I hope you all have notes to study…
S.R: For those of you wondering why, next chapter is "The Ultimate Test" episode but with some twists. Yup that's right it'll be exam time.
ON HAND:
1. Pikachu (m) 2. Riolu (m) 3. Golbat (m) 4. Charmeleon (m) 5. Espeon (m) 6. Umbreon (f)
TRAINEE FIELD RESEARCHER SLOT ADDITIONS:
7. Ivysaur (f)
AT THE RANCH:
1. Pidgeot (f) 2. Gyarados (f) 3. Beedrill (m) 4. Nidorino (m) 5. Muk (m) 6. Wartortle (f) 7. Gengar (f) 8. Growlithe (f)