Disclaimer: I don't own pokémon.
Xxx
Viridian Forest!
"Quick Attack!" Ash ordered. Eevee dashed forwards at high speeds toward Pidgey who darted above to dodge it. "Spin around and Shadow Ball!"
Eevee was the strongest Pokémon on his team, Ash knew that much. She was the oldest and had Ash had spent basically half of his childhood with her because of which they had the most synergy among them.
The raven-haired trainer had no doubt he'll built the same amount of synergy, if not more than that, with his other Pokémon as well. It'll take time and tons of grind, but Ash was sure they'll achieve it.
Zeus and Pidgey were young and new to this new arrangement. Zeus was practically a baby, unable to control the element coursing through his veins. It'll take quite the time before he could handle himself properly in a real battle.
Pidgey were docile avian, vastly contrasting their counterparts Spearow. They rarely attacked trainer or wild Pokémon in general, relying on other means of food like berries and defenseless Bug Types. While they did fight back when threatened, they generally avoided it.
The avian was an average battler at most. Ash would have to figure out methods and training drills so the Pidgey could actually fight back well. He had no doubt she would be the ruler of the skies in the near future. He would be there for when it happened.
The avian in question began to swerve left and right to avoid the balls, trying to find a moment to exploit or an opening. Eevee continued to change her pattern of Shadow Balls just as Ash had told her to, not falling into the same cycle.
Even though Shadow Ball didn't harm Pidgey due to her Normal Typing, Ash had told Pidgey to act as if they did. Eevee, as a species, had limited moves to engage in a mid-range fight. In order to train Pidgey in evasion tactics and Eevee for better aiming, this was necessary.
That didn't mean Zeus was left alone though.
The Pichu discharged a blast of electricity towards Pidgey who was unable to dodge in time and got struck. She winced in pain and was incapable of evading the Shadow Balls that struck her.
Zeus was getting a bit better at charging and discharging electricity in a focused manner. Ash wanted to teach Zeus Thunderbolt, a move that was both damaging while not costing much energy. However, he also wanted him to learn Discharge.
Discharge required a lot more electricity than Thunderbolt but the area spread was bigger. Zeus could use it to pin speedy targets and finish them up.
One more reason Ash was having Zeus work on his electricity was because he wanted him to learn Volt Tackle. It was a move only capable of being used by the Pichu evolutionary line only because the baby form, being Pichu, had an extra electricity producing organ.
If Zeus could get used to building charges without its help and hold them on himself enough, Ash was sure Zeus could master Volt Tackle by the time he was close to evolving into a Raichu. Zeus had a lot of untapped potential he wanted to exploit.
Ash looked to the side and found Cynthia practicing on different strategies with her Fenniken. Her starter was focusing on making the Ember more deadly while Nidoran tried to control the small flames with Confusion.
What the blonde hoped to achieve was that Fenniken might be able to pick up Psychic Attacks prior to evolution. When she evolved into Braixen, she would have an added Psychic Typing. The blonde thought that if Fenniken was exploited to Psychic Energy, she might just pick up how to utilize it.
"How's it going?" Ash questioned his partner. Cynthia looked away from her training and found Ash walking towards her.
"It's going great so far. Fenniken's flames are growing hotter bit by bit while Nidoran's Psychic Abilities are being pushed to their max levels." She replied.
"You really sure Fenniken might be able to use Psychic Attacks before evolution?" Ash asked skeptically. It was unheard of.
"Yeah. It's just a theory I have. Besides, it's not costing anything so why shy away from an opportunity." Cynthia shrugged. "If Fenniken already has a grip on her Psychic aspect, she would benefit from evolving later. A pokémon has best control over its natural typing."
"Fenniken are odd pokémon." Ash commented, looking at the Kalosian starter. "I haven't heard of any pokémon that evolves and then gains a Psychic Type. If your theory is correct…"
"Then I may be able to get accepted as a Field Researcher!" The blonde cheered happily. "The youngest trainee to get accepted as a researcher!" She gushed dreamily.
"Focus Pidgey!" Ash chided as the avian was struck again by another Thunder Shock. "What about your theory on Eevee being Normal Types yet being able to use Shadow Balls so adeptly?"
"I don't have a solid one per say," She bit her bottom lip thoughtfully. "But maybe-" She was interrupted as Fenniken unleashed a larger Ember from her maw.
It struck the ground and exploded violently. "That was Flame Burst!" Cynthia exclaimed happily. "Great job!" Fenniken was panting but looked proud. She managed to pull that off! "Keep on working now! Nidoran, try to keep the Flame Burst from exploding!"
The duo nodded and began to practice the new commands. Cynthia looked back at Ash. "You were saying?"
"Yeah." Ash cleared his throat. "Your theory on Shadow Ball." Ever since Ash and Cynthia had met Eevee, a story for another time, Cynthia had always wondered how Eevee could utilize Shadow Ball way better than other moves."
"You know how Pokémon deal more damage if they use a move belonging to their typing?" Ash nodded. "Eevee is a Normal Type yet she can use Shadow Ball, a Ghost Type move. A move of the type she's immune. Eevee shouldn't even be able to feel the energy for it."
"Yet Eevee can. Also, Eevee can evolve into various forms depending on their surroundings. They change types too." Cynthia stopped at that and got a thoughtful look. "All of these point most probably point towards some ancestral evolution but I'm not sure."
"Professor Oak might know something about it. You can try asking him about it." Ash suggested. "We did before but he didn't have much data. Maybe he found something new on it?"
"I should." Cynthia stretched. "I'm feeling tired." She subconsciously adjusted her bangs. They had been training since morning and they also had to get adjusted to the trainer life. It wasn't easy.
"Go eat something. I'll look over the training." Cynthia brightened up at that and, with a thanks, left for the Cafeteria.
Eevee unleashed another Shadow Ball and it narrowly missed Pidgey. Zeus unleashed a Thunder Shock yet the avian dodged it as well. Ash smiled. Pidgey was getting better at evasion. Now it was time for offense.
"Now! Eevee, you try to dodge Zeus's and Pidgey's attacks." Eevee yipped and had to jump out of Pidgey's Quick Attack. Zeus fired off a Thunder Wave from which she barely avoided.
She then winced as Pidgey came back for another Quick Attack, striking her and throwing her forwards. Ash involuntarily flinched as Zeus unleashed a Thunder Shock at the vulnerable Evolution Pokémon.
"Eevee! You can counterattack as well!" Eevee yipped brightly at that. Now he was talking! Immediately, she fired a Shadow Ball that blocked the Thunder Wave and whipped up sand around her. Pidgey had to cancel her strike due to the Sand Attack and Eevee managed to get away on safer grounds.
"That's some potential she has." Ash looked up and saw a tanned man in an orange suit and red tie overlooking the training. "Going toe to toe with two pokémon at once."
"Um… Hello?" Ash tried. The man snapped out of his thoughts and looked down at the trainer.
"Oh, where are my manners." He chided himself. "My name is Giovanni. I'm the Gym Leader of Viridian City." Ash's eyes widened at that. Giovanni, the final test trainers had to clear once they obtained all the other badges.
"My name is Ash Ketchum. I'm on a road to become the very best!" He could have sworn he saw a brief flicker of emotions into the man's usually stoic eyes.
"You will succeed in your dreams kid." Giovanni looked at Eevee, cornered from the repeated strikes from Zeus and Pidgey. "Just don't lose focus of your dreams. Many have failed simply due to that."
"Thanks?" Ash tried. He wasn't used to such philosophical wordings.
"You'll learn kid, you'll learn." Giovanni chuckled. "I believe we'll meet again. Until then." Giovanni walked away leaving a thoroughly confused Ash behind.
"What's up?" Cynthia questioned. Ash snapped out of his thoughts and found Cynthia looking at him strangely, biting a vegetable sandwich.
"Nothing." The raven-haired trainer replied. "Just thinking about something."
"I think that's enough training for one day." Ash nodded and called off his pokémon. Eevee, Pidgey, and Zeus formed up around him. Fenniken and Nidoran also walked over to Cynthia.
"You guys did great! Keep that up and you'll be the strongest in no time!" His pokémon cheered happily at that. "Pidgey, I've already asked Eevee and Zeus about having a nickname. Eevee wasn't concerned for now but Zeus wanted one. So, do you want a nickname?"
Pidgey cocked her head questioningly. A nickname? Seeing her confusion, Cynthia decided to clarify. "A nickname is a name that gives you your own personal identity. For example, if you like to be called Pidgey, you cannot stand out in their flocks but if you have a nickname, you can."
Pidgey nodded happily at that! The trainers chuckled at her reaction and Ash thought one up. "Pidgey, since you will be the Ruler of Skies, I have one particular name for you." Pidgey gestured him to hurry up. "Skylar."
Pidgey considered it before nodding happily. Ash smiled. "Then Skylar it is." The newly nicknamed Skylar flew up to Ash's shoulder and nipped at his ear playfully.
"What about you Eevee? You don't want a nickname?" Cynthia asked, crouching next to her. The Evolution Pokémon considered it. Both of her friends already had one, so why shouldn't she?
Eevee nodded. "Okay Eevee, I'll think one for you and then I'll name you." Ash's starter nodded, satisfied with that. "What's the plan now?" Ash asked returning his pokémon.
"Well," Cynthia bit her lower lip thoughtfully as her duo was returned as well. "We have to refuel whatever supplies we used and cross the Viridian Forest as well. I suggest we leave tomorrow morning."
"I'm feeling tired anyway." Ash stretched. "C'mon then, let's move." Ash and Cynthia walked into the pokémon center and, handing the Nurse at the desk their pokéballs, walked out.
"What do we need though?" Ash asked the blonde. "Do you have a list?"
"I have a rough idea." Cynthia answered. "A few extra pokéballs, something to eat and drink, and some repels."
"C'mon. The pokémon market is just around the corner." Ash and Cynthia walked over to the market and entered it.
"Hello dear!" The lady at the desk spoke up. "How can I help you?"
"We were looking for some pokéballs, a few repels, and something to eat and water." The lady nodded and began to bring out the items.
"Do you have any Net Balls?" Cynthia questioned. The lady thought about it before nodding.
"How many do you want?" The two trainers exchanged glances with each other.
"Six please." Three for each. "Also, reduce the normal Pokéballs from six to four." The Lady nodded and, after sorting everything, looked at them.
"Anything else?" When the two shook their heads, she began to start billing. "1710 pokédollars please." Ash and Cynthia brought out their money and divided the cost.
Handing over the bills, they grabbed their bought supplies and left the market. "That was a steep price." Ash commented.
"Yeah but important as well. No one's ever regretted buying repels and the Net Balls are useful to capture strong Bug Types." Cynthia reprimanded.
"That's true." Ash admitted. "But it also dug a hole in our cash deposits." Cynthia frowned at that.
"We'll recover them soon enough." Cynthia sighed. "What's the plan now? Leaving for Viridian?"
"Tomorrow. Our pokémon are all tired from training so much." Ash replied. "I want to sightsee more of Viridian."
"There's not much here except the Gym. And he only accepts trainers with seven badges to enter unless they're exceptionally strong." Cynthia told him.
"I don't know." Ash mumbled, remembering about his brief encounter with the Gym Leader. "We'll just train a little more then. Remember, the Gym Leader of Pewter is a Rock Type gym."
"We already thought of a way around it." Cynthia reminded. "Eevee can learn Iron Tail and Skylar can use Steel Wing. It's a two on two so you shouldn't worry about sending Zeus in anyway."
"What about you?" Ash asked. "How do you plan to defeat him?"
"I have a strategy in mind for him. Nidoran can learn Double Kick which can be used to defeat his Geodude. About his Onix though, I have my doubts." Cynthia bit her lip thoughtfully. "I'll figure something out."
"Let's plan a route through Viridian Forest." Ash planned. "If we do that, we'll be able to reach Pewter without much trouble."
"Sure." Cynthia shrugged. "It's not like we have anything else in mind to do right now." With that, the duo of trainers walked back to the pokémon center to plan and train further.
Xxx
Viridian Forest, the first test trainers had to go through before they would challenge the first gym leader, Brock of Pewter. Fearsome and imposing as it is, it was safe to say Viridian scared many travelers away.
"Here we go." Ash sighed, looking at the entrance. It was early in the morning, the sun just rising. "Ready to rock?" Ash questioned the blonde besides him.
"Always." Ash released Skylar and Eevee to guard them while Cynthia released her Fenniken. The group of trainers and pokémon entered the forest.
The forest was oddly lively despite the early hour. Many bug types such as Caterpie, Weedle, and the odd Pinsir roamed around, going about their daily business.
"Bug Types are mostly nocturnal." Cynthia reminded Ash. "This is why it is so lively."
"Right." Ash nodded. "Are we on the path?" Cynthia nodded.
"I've memorized it. Besides, we have backup in the form of Skylar." The avian chirped proudly upon her name. They could rely on her!
The first couple of hours in the forest were lively and stress free which the trainers greatly appreciated. It was when the sun was fully above the horizon did the activity increase.
"Whoa." Ash said as a swarm of Beedrill crossed their paths. Ash and Cynthia wisely ducked out of their way, letting them pass. "You were saying?" Ash pointedly asked the blonde.
"Hey!" She complained. "Kanto has more diurnal pokémon than nocturnal you know." She defended herself. Ash ended the argument there, not in the mood.
Eevee suddenly pawed Ash in the face. The Kantonian followed her gaze and found a horde of Beedrill rushing towards them. "What the hell?!" Ash exclaimed.
"Fenniken! Ember!" Cynthia threw a bottle of repel. Fenniken's flames touched the bottle and it exploded violently. The Beedrill stopped dead in their tracks and began to buzz angrily.
Ash and Cynthia looked around and found more and more Beedrill rise and a few white flashes. "Oh no." Cynthia cursed. "We walked right into their territory."
"And attracted more attention by the repel." Ash grimaced. "Now what? We're surrounded!" Ash complained. He called Zeus out as well, the Pichu sparking his cheeks threateningly.
"We fight." Cynthia declared. Nidoran was out in instant, venom dripping from his horn.
"In their breeding grounds?" Ash questioned disbelievingly. "I have a better idea."
"And what is it?" Cynthia asked as the smell of the repel began to waver.
"The path continues in the north, right?" Ash questioned. "On my command, tell Fenniken to unleash a Flame Burst at the north position. We will carve a path and run from there."
"Okay then." Cynthia returned Nidoran back. He wouldn't be of any use against Beedrill anyway. "Fenniken, prepare yourself." The two waited for Ash's command.
"Now!" Fenniken unleashed a Flame Burst that instant. Zeus joined in with his Thunder Shock and Eevee helped with Shadow Ball. The trio of attacks exploded against the Beedrill blocking their north and blew them away. "C'mon!"
Ash and Cynthia dashed from their position at high speeds, the Beedrill at their tail. Skylar slowed down, weaving between the Beedrill and tackling a few away with her Quick Attack.
"Skylar!" Ash called out as his avian began to engage the bugs. The Pidgey perked up at his voice and unleashed a Gust that blew the Beedrill back before using Quick Attack to catch up to Ash.
"Take this!" Cynthia threw another repel, Fenniken blasting it with her flames. Skylar used Gust to spread it further and the Beedrill began to lose grounds.
The duo of trainers ran at high speeds further down the path until their legs gave way. Dropping to the ground, the two panted like mad dogs. Skylar landed in front of Ash, giving him a smug smile.
"That was a lot of bravery and foolishness Skylar." Ash chided. "The Beedrill would've easily killed with you with their poison and mass numbers."
Skylar chirped back defensively. She'd never back down from a challenge no matter what the cost. Ash sighed and scratched her chin consolingly.
"I know you're proud of yourself, I am as well." Ash began in a soothing voice. "But don't bite more than you can chew. Okay?" Skylar nodded.
"Um… Ash?" Cynthia called out. Ash looked up from his avian towards the blonde. "We're not out of the woods yet, literally." Ash followed her gaze and gulped.
Closing in on them was another swarm of Beedrill, stingers pointed towards them. Ash and Cynthia got up, thinking over their situation carefully.
"Fighting them is suicide." Ash mumbled.
"But we cannot outrun them as well." Cynthia added. "We're stuck here." The duo stood, back to back as their pokémon formed up around them.
The Beedrill formed around them, buzzing threateningly but not making a move either. Ash and Cynthia were tense, mind skimming through many ideas but none getting confirmed.
"Thunderbolt Jolteon!" A sharp blast of lightning flew into the horde of Beedrill surrounding Ash and Cynthia, cutting through their density and blasting them away.
Eevee, Fenniken, Zeus, and Skylar all began their assaults as well, taking down the remaining Beedrill with their combined might. The Beedrill, sensing the change in odds, began to flee from the spot.
The duo of trainers sighed in relief, body posture relaxing. "Are you two okay?" Both of them turned to see an athletic beautiful brunette walking towards them worriedly.
"No. We're fine." Cynthia answered. The brunette crouched down next to Jolteon and ran a finger through its fur, not even wincing at the arcs of weak electricity coursing through its fur.
"Who're you?" Ash asked. The girl looked up, sapphire eyes shining with amusement.
"My name is May. May Maple." The girl replied. "Your turn now." She smirked.
"Oh. My name is Ash Ketchum." Ash introduced himself.
"My name is Cynthia Carolina." Cynthia chimed in. "Thanks for the help May. We would've been dead if it wasn't for you." May giggled at that.
"Glad I could help." May replied. "Are you passing through Viridian Forest?"
"Yeah." Ash nodded.
"Mind if I tag along till we get to Pewter?" May asked. "I am a little new to Kanto and don't know the exact route that leads to Pewter."
"Sure." Cynthia beat Ash to the punch. "You don't seem like a new trainer to me though."
"Yeah. It is my fourth year of travelling." May answered while running a hand through her long silky brunette hair. "What about you two? You seem inexperienced."
"That's because we are." Ash retorted. "It's our first month of travelling."
"Oh. Congratulations on turning ten." May smiled. "It's like yesterday to me. The day I started my pokémon journey as well." She shook her head to get rid of the nostalgia. "We should get going."
Ash and Cynthia returned their pokémon and began to follow the brunette. Ash looked around, finding the forest awfully quiet around these parts.
'Must be because of the Beedrill.' Ash thought bitterly. He heard May and Cynthia make idle chat and smiled when Cynthia began to explain her goals.
"That's a great profession Cynthia." May smiled. "Not many pursue being a professor. And those who do end up studying books in labs."
"I prefer to experience the world and find out its wonders this way." The blonde elaborated. May turned her head towards Ash who was just behind them.
"What about you Ash?" May questioned. "What's your goal?"
"My goal is to become the very best." Ash answered. May looked at him with a calculating look.
"I get Pewter will be your first Gym Battle." The duo of fresh trainers nodded. "Once you have all eight badges, let's meet in the Indigo League." She asked the two seriously.
"Sure." Ash vowed.
"Same here." Cynthia nodded. May's stern look softened.
"Let's stop here. You must be tired from walking so much." May spotted a good camping location and walked there. Ash and Cynthia sat on the ground, allowing their aching legs a moment to rest.
"Everyone, come on out." Ash released all of his pokémon. Cynthia did the same and so did May.
"Whoa." Cynthia gasped as she looked over May's team. Ash followed her look and was awestruck as well.
"Impressed?" May questioned with a chuckle.
"Impressed is an understatement." Ash muttered. May's team was well made and carefully balanced.
She had an elegant Gardevoir, a perfect combination of deadly and beauty. Besides her was a Ninetails, fur gleaming from flawless grooming.
May's Jolteon sat around her, taking a nap and appearing quite unthreatening. However, after seeing what it was capable of, Ash wouldn't sell it off as weak.
Then came a strange humanoid like red pokémon who looked like a cross between a chicken and a boxer. Ash realized it must be one of the starters of wherever May was from.
Then came a hyena based grey and black pokémon with sharp canines, growling at Fenniken and Skylar aggressively. A warning hand from May made it walk away though.
The last pokémon was a moth-like Pokémon with two pairs of wings and a purple egg-shaped body. It was perched comfortably on the branch of a tree, fitting into the environment perfectly.
The only reason Ash knew about Gardevoir was due to Gary's older sister, Daisy Oak, also had a Gardevoir. The rest of the pokémon he didn't have a clue about.
"You already know about Jolteon and Ninetails right?" May asked. Ash and Cynthia nodded. "That is Blaziken, my starter." She pointed at the chicken fighter. "That is Mightyena, Dustox, and Gardevoir."
"You have a great team May." Cynthia commented.
"Yeah. That Mightyena looks really scary." Ash added with a shiver.
"Oh he's a real softy." May chuckled. "Just putting that big bad attitude for a first impression." Mightyena whined making the brunette chuckle.
"How far is Pewter from here?" May asked the duo.
"About a week's walk from here." Cynthia told her after briefly checking her map. The blonde spotted Ash looking at her expectantly and quirked an eyebrow.
The Kantonian replied with a pleading look making her exhale. "Can we get some pointers from you May?" The blonde asked.
"Pointers? On what?" May asked.
"Well," Ash began hesitantly. "I want to ask how to make Zeus hold more electricity in charge. Also, Skylar might want an aerial battle against your Dustox."
"And I need some tips on how to train Fenniken more efficiently. Given you have a Ninetails; maybe you have something to help us with." Cynthia carried on.
"Oh." May realized. "I'm not that strong or anything. Really." May spoke up, Ash's and Cynthia's face falling just as she said that. "I'm like you guys, just a little ahead."
"You can still fight against me? Right?" Ash pressed on. He wouldn't miss this moment at all.
"Yeah, sure." May nodded. "Dustox!" The Bug Type fluttered over to her, sitting on her outstretched arm. "We have a battle to do. Ready?" The brunette questioned Ash.
"As ready as I can be." Ash smiled. Skylar squawked challengingly and flew in front of Ash, spreading her wings in an intimidating gesture.
"Dustox, battle at your own terms." May stepped back. "Ash, do you know the proper battling style of her?" Ash thought about it. He hadn't fought at all with Skylar so the accurate guess was no.
"I have trained with her recently but no real battles as of yet." Ash answered. "What are you suggesting?"
"See how she fights." May advised him simply. "Analyze her fighting style and try to incorporate it into yours."
"Oh." Ash blinked. "Okay." He stepped back. "Skylar, fight this like you want to. I won't intervene." Skylar nodded enthusiastically. That bug was going down!
"Okay then. Begin." May sat down on the grass, gesturing Ash to do so as well. The two pokémon began their fight. Skylar sped forwards in a Quick Attack who Dustox easily evaded.
Skylar quickly made a sharp u turn, coming back for a properly executed Steel Wing. Dustox dodged it as well, diving down and letting her pass over. Ash bit his lip as the evasion tactics continued for a while.
"Do you understand Ash?" May questioned.
"Dustox is trying to exhaust Skylar before fighting back." Ash told her. "Skylar has an all offense style. Using her speed and power."
"There's more to that." May chuckled.
"What?" Ash questioned but May didn't reply. Ash looked at the silent dance May and Skylar were going through, one trying to land a strike while the other flawlessly moved around.
Skylar changed tactics suddenly, diving down just as Dustox evaded her. She struck her with a glancing Quick Attack and Dustox floated a little down.
Dustox made a strange sound and three blasts of acidic poison flew towards Skylar. The avian squawked at the sudden offensive attacks and was unable to dodge.
Dustox flapped her wings and a shining silver powder was shed, dropping over Skylar and weighing her down. Ash's mouth was hung open as the Sleeping Powder slowed Skylar down enough for Dustox to land the final blow.
Skylar dropped in front of Ash, unconscious and badly beaten. Dustox fluttered over back to May, landing on her shoulder. "See?" May questioned. Seeing Ash's confused look, she began to elaborate when Cynthia chimed in.
"Skylar might have a full offense style but she also uses strategies." She began. "She doesn't have a complete offense style, she prefers using attacks over strategies."
"That's her downfall." May carried down. "This style is old and very predictable. She can fall victim to any experienced battler who has dealt with these moves."
"What do I need to do then?" Ash asked her. "How am I supposed to adapt my style according to hers if it is faulty?"
"That's up to you to figure out." May chuckled. "However, I'll lend you a single tip." She was amused at the eager look on Ash's face. "Skylar doesn't mind strategies. Try to adjust her fighting style just a little and you have a dangerous pokémon in your hands."
"I'll think about it." Ash said as he began to treat Skylar. "One more question." May looked at him. "What was that move Dustox used in the end?"
"That is her signature ending move." May smiled. "It's a combination of Acrobatics and Aerial Ace. Confusing, deadly, and swift at the same time."
"Can Skylar learn Acrobatics?" Ash asked.
"Yeah. I don't see any reason why not." May shrugged. "Cynthia, I don't know how Fenniken can make her flames hotter. Sorry." She answered her with an apologetic look. "You should ask someone more experienced than me."
"No problem." Cynthia said, hiding the little disappointment in her voice. The brunette turned to Ash.
"About your Pichu, I suggest you make him expend as much electricity you can in a focused strike while training. Then, let him restore it in short periods and hold it inside him. When he cannot store anymore, let him unleash it in a focused move. Increase the quantity stored and expended each time." May told the Kantonian. "Anything else?"
Seeing no question forthcoming, she finally relaxed.
Xxx
"Quick Attack!" Skylar moved around Dustox, trying to approach her from behind. Dustox moved up however. "Up!" Skylar did as he directed but Dustox dodged it as well.
"C'mon Ash!" May called out to him, one hand resting on her hip while the other dangled at her side. "Try to predict Dustox's movements!" Cynthia practiced on her own, Nidoran trying to learn Double Kick while Fenniken was comparing her flames to Ninetails and Blaziken.
Zeus was doing the exercise May told Ash and Eevee was trying to master Iron Tail. She could execute it with a little bit of concentration which might not be provided during a battle.
Ash's eyes narrowed as he tried to see a pattern in Dustox's movements. She moved left, up, down, again left and then right. There was no correct pattern to her! She was unpredictable!
"Finally catching up?" May asked with a smirk. Ash smirked back.
"Gust!" Skylar zoomed just past Dustox and quickly braked herself. Beating her tiny wings, she began to execute the attack.
"Too slow!" May taunted as Dustox Aerial Aced through the Gust into Skylar's midsection. "Dustox! Use Psybeam!" Dustox fired a multicolored beam into Skylar and buried her into the ground.
"Damn!" Ash cursed as the dust settled and Skylar was unconscious. Dustox landed back on May's shoulder calmly, looking at the downed Pidgey.
"You catch up on things quickly Ash but you need to be more sharp and cunning." May told him with a stern look. "You need a lot of preparation if you plan to go against Brock with these skillsets."
The truth stung but Ash knew it was the truth. He crouched down next to Skylar and began to tend to her. May walked over to him, face set up consolingly.
"You'll learn when the time comes." She told him, crouching next to the Kantonian. "You now know what to do. Try to implement it in your strategies."
"What? Being unpredictable?" Ash asked. May nodded.
"Not all of your pokémon will benefit from it, some might even have drawbacks. But remember, everyone has their own style. Skylar's require being unpredictable. Try to make a separate style for all of them."
"I will. Thanks." Ash passed May a small smile.
"Now c'mon, it's time for lunch." She gestured him over. Ash walked over to her, Skylar now recovering from her bruises, only a bit tired. In the middle of eating, Cynthia told the two something.
"We're about to reach Pewter City by tomorrow evening." She began. "Also, there will be trainer battles to manage. So, be prepared."
"You two need the most experience." May spoke up. "I have enough experience to last against Brock while it's obvious you both have a long way to go." She stopped when the two stared at her. "I'm not saying I'm perfect than any of you. Don't get me wrong."
"She has a point." Ash pointed out. "I still have to adjust to Skylar's new battling style and you have to train Nidoran to use Double Kick." He turned to May. "You will continue travelling with us after Pewter. Right May?"
"I've been thinking about it." May admitted. "But then I realized that we would be travelling at different paces. I won't need to train as much as you two. Besides, you need the full experience of travelling."
"We understand." Cynthia spoke up.
"However," May cut in. "I will accompany you till Cerulean City." Seeing their confused look, she continued. "Mt. Moon is a dangerous place to travel through. You'll be safer with me."
"Won't we be slowing you down?" Ash asked uncertainly.
"It doesn't matter." May chimed. "I can catch up on a few days of delay easily. Your safety matters more to me."
"Thanks May." Ash smiled. "We appreciate it."
"By the way, I almost forgot." She looked at Ash happily. "Skylar and Zeus are close to evolving. Skylar will evolve once she gets the push and Zeus will after he manages to gather enough electricity without using his separate organ. Then you can really begin working on Volt Tackle."
"Alright!" Ash cheered.
"Nidoran might take some time." May told Cynthia. "You'll notice it when his poison begins to get a lot more potent. His size will grow larger and he will become more edgy day by day. It's a really delicate period for him."
"I'll be careful." Cynthia smiled. "So, do you think we are ready for Brock?"
"Hell no." May said without missing a moment. "You may beat him with a little bit of luck but better be safe than sorry. We can extend our stay in Viridian for a few days. I'll supervise your training against the Wild Pokémon and the trainers."
"Sure." Ash said, more used to May's bluntness by now. May made it clear she would be giving her honest opinion and not sugarcoating anything.
"I think Skylar can begin working on Aerial Ace once she evolves which might be as soon as today. I'll give you the basic rundowns on Acrobatics as well. Cynthia, Fenniken can learn Flame Charge and Psybeam by now if we work hard enough. She may get the basics down and you can continue teaching her later. About Nidoran…"
"He can learn Focus Energy and Fury Attack. Both make a nice rapid strike move. Nidoran can use it against weak pokémon." May ended. "Zeus can evolve once he has a grip on his electricity and Eevee has a long time before she will evolve."
"How did you keep track?" Ash asked in awe.
"I've been travelling with you for a week. Off course I would keep track of your progress." May chuckled amused. Ash face palmed.
"Yeah. Stupid question." He muttered. Cynthia cracked a smile at his reaction.
"We'll be training after gaining some ground." May told them. "We'll camp early and then train till dinner. Any complains?" None were forthcoming so she settled for her plan. "Good."
Xxx
"Skylar! Quick Attack!" Skylar burst forwards, moving towards Dustox. The Bug/Poison Type ducked down just as Ash expected. "Now!" Skylar switched moves, keeping up her speed with a burst of Quick Attack and then coming down for an Aerial Ace.
"Don't celebrate yet." May warned and Dustox flapped her wings. Purplish powder bloomed around her and Skylar had to alter her course lest get poisoned.
"Blow the powder away! Gust!" Ash called out. Skylar flapped her wings and May smirked.
"You just won't learn." Dustox burst forwards in an Aerial Ace towards Skylar, cutting through her Gust easily.
"Think again." Dustox cut through the Pidgey, buzzing confusedly and then swerving out of control as Skylar slammed into her with a Quick Attack boosted Aerial Ace.
"Bug Buzz! Then Psybeam!" Dustox quickly reoriented herself and a horrendous buzzing filled the place. Skylar winced and slowed down enough for Dustox to land a Psybeam.
"Oh c'mon!" Ash complained. "Can't I catch a break?!" Skylar opened her wings and immediately took to the air.
"You cannot lower your guard down for even a second." Dustox zipped after Skylar, dropping her defensive style for a more offensive one. Skylar squawked as Dustox nearly stuck her with a Psybeam and began to swerve around the clearing making sharp turns.
"Stop!" Skylar dropped her speed and ducked down. Dustox crossed her and Skylar raced after her.
"Bad move." May sang. "Poison Powder." Dustox began to flap her wings, the purplish powder left as a trail behind her. Ash growled at that.
"Power through!" He hollered. May gasped in surprise. "Aerial Ace to power through!" Skylar burst forwards, moving into the Poison Powder and almost striking Dustox. The Bug Type pulled up just in time.
"Giga Drain." Dustox latched onto Skylar's back, biting down on her neck. Skylar squawked in pain as the energy began to get sucked out of her, doubled with the poisoning.
"Quick Attack!" Skylar burst forwards, trying to throw Dustox off but the Bug Type didn't loosen. "Roll continuously!" Skylar turned her beak towards the sky and began to spin.
Dustox began to grow dizzy and had to detach herself from Skylar. Ash smiled as his strategy worked. "Fall back down with Aerial Ace!" Skylar stopped her spinning and quickly moved down.
Gravity coupled with momentum and speed of the Aerial Ace helped Skylar reach Dustox in no time. She slammed into the Bug Type with all of her might and buried it into the ground alongside herself.
"Whoa." May breathed as Dustox was knocked out by the powerful attack. Skylar stood atop her, breathing labored and body aching. Only pure determination helped her stand.
"We did it!" Ash screamed in joy. Skylar passed a proud look to Ash before beginning to glow. Ash looked on, captivated by the sight of his avian glowing.
All the pokémon turned their attention towards her, and Cynthia ran over. Ash watched on to the first evolution of his pokémon. Skylar's body structure grew, wings lengthened in spam, and plumage sprouted from her head.
The evolution ended to show Ash's newly evolved pokémon standing proud. Skylar had evolved into a Pidgeotto. The Pidgeotto shrieked its evolution out to the whole forest and turned to its trainer.
"Hey girl." Ash greeted. "Congrats on your evolution." Skylar nodded and flew over to Ash. Scooping up her trainer in a hug with her larger wings, she nipped at his ear playfully.
"A victory against Dustox was all she needed." May smiled. "Must be feeling proud and ready."
"More than that, she wanted to prove to Dustox that she could beat it without evolving." Cynthia informed them.
"Let's see what the pokedex has to say for you." Ash brought out his pokedex to scan the avian.
"Pidgeotto the Bird Pokémon. Very protective of its sprawling territorial area, this Pokémon will fiercely peck at any intruder and punish any trespasser with its sharp claws. This Pidgeotto is female and knows the following moves: Tackle, Quick Attack, Gust, Sand Attack, Aerial Ace, and Double Team. Egg Move is Sky Attack."
"Those are some powerful moves." May smiled. "About Acrobatics, you'll need some more tutoring. I'm going to go catch up on Eevee and Zeus. You check her for any inconvenience."
Eevee was on her haunches, breathing heavily as she continued to endure Zeus's Thunderbolts. They weren't top notch but they still hurt like hell.
Ash had originally been against this endurance training but May insisted it would increase Eevee's ability to tank hits when the situation required it. Eevee was eager for the training but now maybe she was rethinking things.
"Zeus almost has Thunderbolt down." May commented. "All he has to do is decrease the charging time to as minimum as possible. That can only come by training."
May crouched down next to Eevee and ran a finger through her fur. "I know it hurts girl but you'll be thankful of me training you like that once you reach Lt. Surge. He has a very dangerous reputation."
Eevee huffed. Why worry about the future right now? But Ash said to follow all of May's commands so she had to. Talk about loyalty… Eevee grumbled.
That night during dinner, after trainer and pokémon alike were exhausted, May spoke up. "I think you're ready for the fight against Brock." She said after swallowing her mouthful. "It might not be easy but I think you can pull it off."
"We can reach Pewter by tomorrow." Cynthia read off her map. "In three hours actually if we pick up our pace."
"We still have to face the trainers." May chimed in. "I think I'll handle them tomorrow. You had enough training and battling. Relax before your big day."
"Sure." The duo answered in sync.
Xxx
Ash and Cynthia could only look on in wonder as May destroyed any trainers they came across with her Jolteon alone. The Electric Eevelution Pokémon destroyed any opponent they came through.
The foliage began to thin out, giving way to the less fertile rocky field of Pewter. This showed the sign they were approaching Pewter. Ash was impressed with May's management and leadership qualities. What they thought to be a dreaded trudging through a forest filled with all sorts of horrors turned out to be a simple walk with May's help.
"Are we there?" May asked Cynthia. "I'm beginning to get a little bored with this greenery to be true."
"Almost there." Cynthia told her. The trio travelled in silence, approaching the rocky city of Pewter by every passing second. About twenty minutes later they reached it.
"Finally." Ash breathed. "Pewter City."
"C'mon, we can rest after we reach the Pokémon Center." May told them. The trio wandered around the city before approaching the Pokémon Center.
Going in, May gestured Ash and Cynthia to rest on the couches while she got them a room. They didn't argue. "Finally. We're at Pewter City." Cynthia smiled. Ash typed in a quick message to Delia about his arrival.
"C'mon guys." May told them. "Give Nurse Joy your pokémon. She'll tend to them while we rest." Ash and Cynthia handed over their pokémon and followed May to their room.
Entering inside, they placed their bags down and began to accommodate themselves. "Hey guys." They looked at May. "Mind if I fight Brock first? It may give you an insight on how he battles."
"We don't mind." Cynthia spoke for them. "Now, I'm feeling tired so good night to both of you." The blonde entered the dream realm after saying that, the soft mattress and pillow being the cause.
"You take a nap as well. I'm going to take a shower." Ash nodded and joined Cynthia in the dream realms.
Gym Leader Brock, they are coming to crush you.
And They Just Might.
Xxx
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