I've tried something new in this chapter. Review if you want more chapters of this type!
Disclaimer: I Don't Own Pokémon.
Xxx
Lair of Lairon
"Here goes nothing." Ash breathed, Luxury Ball in hand. He opened it and released his Grass Type, Viper. Viper waved in greeting making him smile. "Hey girl. I'm about to release Lairon. It's the first time we're going to meet him. I want you to be prepared just in case he attacks."
The Grass Snake nodded and stood beside him. Personally, she also didn't think Lairon was going to go ahead with Ash capturing him so easily. There were multiple reasons to that.
One, they hadn't properly battled him. Ash had caught him just to save the Iron Armor Pokémon from Rhydon. If Ash had fought Lairon like Aron and properly captured him, she would've been more positive.
Second, Lairon wasn't too keen to meet new Pokémon or humans. He was pretty territorial and ill tempered. Lairon had attacked them without warning or reason.
Third, Lairon was full of ego. That was something Viper heavily disliked in someone. Lairon was strong and skilled, true, but not enough to be that arrogant. Hopefully Rhydon had smashed some ego out of him.
Those were enough reasons for her mistrust on Lairon. As Ash unclipped the Dusk Ball from his belt, the Unovan Starter resisted the urge to activate Overgrow.
"Here we go." Ash tossed the Dusk Ball, releasing the Iron Armor Pokémon. Viper stared passively as Lairon formed from the energy pooling out of the Dusk Ball, prepared for any sudden movement.
Lairon came out, looking around. Ash waited for him to get familiar with his surroundings. After a few moments, Ash tapped the floor with his foot to get his attention.
"Lairon." Ash began. "My name is Ash Ketchum." Lairon stared at him and growled angrily. Viper tensed up at that. "I caught you in Rock Tunnel after you were dished a beating from Rhydon. Remember?"
Rhydon's eyes flashed with recognition. He remembered the brutal damage that damned Drill Pokémon delivered to him. "I captured you to save you from further hurt."
Lairon evidently didn't see hear that line as he was busy staring at Viper. His mind clicked and he grunted warningly. Viper didn't reply, keeping a trained eye on him.
"I'm on a Pokémon journey to become the very best. I can make you very strong. So strong that you're rival Rhydon won't be able to defeat you ever again." Lairon gave Ash a nonplussed look.
He, a petty human, would train him to make him strong? Talk about irony! He himself was a weakling! Lairon wanted to attack him to test his statement but the Viper's glare stopped him.
"What do you say Lairon?" Ash questioned. "Want to become a part of my team?" Lairon shook his head. No thank you! "Why?" Lairon's look was defining enough. "You don't think I'm strong enough?" He nodded.
Viper taunted that it was Lairon who took a beating from Rhydon, not them. They actually defeated him and captured him! Lairon clearly didn't believe that and added that it was their Bulbasaur who lost against him.
Viper retorted that Bulbasaur was the newest member of their team. If he really wanted to test them, he should try her. Lairon roared, accepting the challenge.
"You wanna fight Rhydon?" Ash questioned. The Iron Armor Pokémon gave a challenging grunt. "Ready Viper?" His snake nodded. "Want me to lead you or you got this?"
Viper pointed to him. She had enough of battling alone. It was time they practiced fighting together! Ash smiled and nodded. "Get ready Lairon! If you lose, you're agreeing with me and will get along with my team. If you win, I'll release you back in Rock Tunnel."
Lairon nodded and boosted up using Iron Defense. Viper used Swords Dance in return. "Overgrow Viper. Let's fight seriously." She nodded and a green glow surrounded her.
Lairon roared and charged.
The battle began.
Xxx
Before Being Captured…
Lairon roared and let out a Metal Sound, making a couple of Geodude and Graveler run. Grunting triumphantly, Lairon rested down on the ground.
No one will enter his territory! If anyone did, they'll have to pay dearly with their life. Lairon wasn't scared of anyone, be it the local Geodude Evolutionary Line or that damned Rhydon!
Lairon grinned as he remembered the last time they had clashed. Rhydon was heavily hurt and had to retreat. Though Lairon pointedly ignored the fact that Rhydon was already hurt from a previous clash.
Once he managed to drive him away from his move, his territory would increase! No one would challenge him then! His territory was big enough but once he amassed his area too, he'll have a fifth of Rock Tunnel!
Lairon wanted to have a lot more than that but even he wouldn't go fight against the territorial Pokémon in the deeper level of Rock Tunnel. The levels where minerals were richer in the soil and tastier. The levels which Lairon wanted.
The Ground/Rock Type winced as he remembered the last time he entered the places. The Onix had damaged him pretty badly. No matter, Lairon would get stronger and then overtake them too!
Onto present matters, Lairon remembered the news his underlings had given him. A trainer was in the vicinity and after one of his underlings. Lairon didn't really care about any trainers as long as they didn't overstep in his territory. If they did, well…
Rock Tunnel wasn't that low on trainer deaths.
Lairon decided to take some rest, a bit tired from driving the weak Geodude from his territory. Maybe he'll have to set an example on what'll happen if anyone entered again.
That'll do it.
With that evil though, Lairon slipped into a power nap.
Xxx
Lairon was woken up by one of his underlings. Lairon grunted angrily and looked at the Aron who looked worried. The Aron quickly informed him that Rhydon was in the vicinity and clearly going after the trainer.
Lairon got up, wanting to see this debacle with his very eyes. The Iron Armor Pokémon saw his Aron still waiting and questioned what else he wanted to say.
The Aron replied that the trainer had captured one of them and would use it for his own selfish purposes. Lairon angrily replied that he failed to see how it bothered him. Clearly that Aron was too weak to defend itself and got captured. He deserved it.
Aron was dismissed and walked away leaving Lairon alone. He made way towards the trainer, wanting to finish Rhydon off once and for all. If the trainer managed to weaken the Drill Pokémon, he'll have a clear shot at him. Then, he'll have all that territory to himself!
Lairon heard some Pokémon conversing and grunted. The territorial Pokémon looked at them and saw not one, not two, but three Pokémon trespassing in his territory!
There was a Snivy, a Bulbasaur, and a Pikachu. No doubt belonging to the trainer. As much as Lairon wanted to reach the trainer first and see him battle Rhydon, he'll have to take care of those three first.
It wouldn't take long.
Lairon let out a Metal Sound making the trio flinch. They spotted him and tensed up for battle. Lairon slammed his feet in the ground, triggering sharp rocks towards them.
They moved out of the way and attacked back. The Pikachu unleashed a Thunderbolt which Lairon endured with a grunt and roared. The Bulbasaur shot forward vines that wrapped around his forelegs; pulling them from under him and making him fall down face first.
The Snivy jumped up and slammed a Leaf Blade in his head making him snarl in pain. Lairon quickly boosted up with Iron Defense and triggered a Rock Slide.
Large rocks fell down making the Pokémon jump away. They also did the job of concealing him. Lairon grinned as the vines retreated and used Dig, disappearing under the ground.
He reached under the Bulbasaur and came out with Iron Head. The Kanto Starter let out a pained cry from the strong attack. The Snivy hit him with Leaf Storm, knocking him out of the sky.
The Pikachu blasted him again with Thunderbolt. Lairon growled at the domination they were showing him. He'll have to be more careful now. As Lairon got up, he heard a shout and shudders run through the ground.
The Snivy and the Electric Mouse locked worried glanced making him grin. Lairon triggered another Rock Slide which they dodged and rushed the Grass Snake.
The Grass Type did not expect the Take Down and was sent flying back. Lairon grinned and was about to follow up when Bulbasaur put a stop to his momentum with Vine Whip.
Lairon turned and unleashed another Roar making Bulbasaur's vines loosen. He pulled the Grass Type towards him which Bulbasaur was able to resist and counter.
This time he was taken by surprise as the mouse burst from under him, delivering a strong Dig followed by Flash. Lairon was temporarily blinded which he used and paralyzed him with Thunder Wave.
Lairon grunted in annoyance at the hindrance as he landed on his back. Quickly jerking himself back on his feet, Lairon unleashed another Stone Edge around him.
The Pikachu was forced to jump back lest get hit and stared at the Iron Armor Pokémon. Lairon strengthened himself again with Iron Defense and sent out two more Stone Edges towards the trio of Pokémon.
The Snivy jumped and unleashed a Leaf Storm that intercepted the sharp incoming rocks and cut them apart. The Bulbasaur unleashed an Energy Ball, hitting the remaining stones.
The pesky mouse covered the distance quickly and blasted Lairon with Thunderbolt, stunning him and then quickly used Flash. Lairon grunted at the sudden light, squeezing his eyes shut tight, and stumbled back.
He was hit by the Pikachu's Iron Tail and stumbled back. Expecting a follow up attack, Lairon quickly used Iron Defense. To his surprise, no attack followed up.
Lairon's eyes opened then and he growled when he saw the Pikachu and Snivy run away. He had half a mind to chase them when the Bulbasaur's Vine Whip got his attention.
Bulbasaur turned to him and prepared himself. He'll deal with those two runaways later. Bulbasaur was his target now. Bulbasaur, being the peaceful pokémon he was, questioned why exactly Lairon attacked them.
Lairon roared back, accusing them of trespassing his territory. Bulbasaur questioned the Iron Armor Pokémon that how exactly they were supposed to know this was his territory.
Lairon shot down the question by replying that it was their headache, not his. Bulbasaur held up a vine, offering a peace sign. He seriously didn't want to fight Lairon over such a silly matter.
Lairon bit back by saying that trespassers must be punished and that was what the trio was. Bulbasaur sighed, shaking his head and replying that violence was never the answer to anything.
Lairon snorted, replying that it was, in fact, the answer to every matter. At least it was for him. Bulbasaur sighed and then fired off an Energy Ball. Lairon was unable to dodge it due to paralysis.
Bulbasaur swung off Razor Leaf towards the dual type who rushed forwards, deflecting them with Iron Head. Bulbasaur growled and fired off an Energy Ball instead.
Lairon didn't pause, breaking through the ball, and tackled Bulbasaur. The Seed Pokémon stumbled back but held his ground, using Mega Drain.
Lairon snarled as the tendrils wrapped around his midsection and began to suck energy out of him. He let out an ear splitting Metal Sound, tearing the Mega Drain apart from the sound and hurting Bulbasaur too.
Lairon slammed into Bulbasaur with Take Down, pushing him back and then triggered a point blank Stone Edge. Bulbasaur was sent stumbling back, hitting the ground hard.
Lairon roared triumphantly and triggered another Rock Slide. Bulbasaur, panting from the damage, summoned a green barrier around him.
Large rocks fell atop them but failed to hurt the Seed Pokémon. The Rock Slide finished and Bulbasaur let the Protect fall. The Grass/Poison Type got up and looked around, trying to spot the territorial Pokémon.
He forgot to remember that Lairon had Dig in his arsenal and paid dearly for it. Sent flying in the air with a Take Down, Bulbasaur was subjected to another Stone Edge upon landing.
Lairon disoriented him further with Roar and then triggered one final Stone Edge. Bulbasaur triggered another Protect, managing to block the Stone Edge, and threw Razor Leaves forward.
Lairon rushed forward, Iron Head deflecting the attacks, and jumped in the air. Bulbasaur's vines wrapped around thin air when Lairon landed on him, his heavy body burying Bulbasaur down assisted with the momentum.
Lairon let out another Metal Sound, wanting to test whether Bulbasaur actually fainted, and grunted triumphantly at the results. Getting off the Seed Pokémon, he quickly headed towards the sound of collisions of Rhydon.
The Snivy and Pikachu were stronger than this plant Pokémon hybrid, Lairon snorted. Hopefully they'll be able to deliver a better challenge to him.
Lairon reached the spot of fighting and saw Rhydon staring down the Grass Snake. His eyes fit on the trainer who was lying on the ground, face petrified. Lairon would deal with him after finishing off Rhydon and the intruders.
Lairon scanned Rhydon and tried to hide his disappointment when he failed to see much damage on the Drill Pokémon. Lairon suddenly remembered about the Seadra that this trainer had. Did Rhydon take care of him too?
That was one less Pokémon to take care of. Lairon wasn't sure he would be able to take down a Seadra too. They were strong aquatic Pokémon.
As Lairon prepared to rush Rhydon, he felt Rhydon's gaze shift to him. The Rock/Ground Type lifted his tail and slammed it down, triggering a Stone Edge aimed towards him.
Rhydon roared challengingly and replied with his own Stone Edge. The two stones met and crashed against the other. Rhydon's Stone Edge broke through, however, and Lairon had to rush forwards with Iron Head.
Rhydon raised his arm and slammed it down on his Iron Head, the Hammer Arm delivering heavy damage to him and breaking his momentum too.
Lairon snarled and was kicked back by Rhydon. Quickly recovering, Lairon eased the damage of the following attacks with Iron Defense and then tried Roar.
Rhydon wasn't fazed so Lairon shifted to Metal Sound. This forced Rhydon to wince a bit and Rhydon dug into the ground quickly. Rhydon snorted and raised one of his feet to trigger a powerful Earthquake that'll surely finish Lairon off.
The Iron Armor Pokémon was ready, however, and slammed into Rhydon instantly before he could prepare his Earthquake. Rhydon was sent stumbling back from the hit and Lairon carried on with Iron Head.
Rhydon grabbed Lairon's body and slammed him on the ground, rushing forward with Bulldoze. Lairon staggered from the heavy blow and Rhydon followed up with Hammer Arm.
Lairon felt his legs give out on him and collapsed. Rhydon grabbed him and slammed him down brutally, kicking him and using Stone Edge for further damage.
Lairon groaned in pain from the brutal hits and saw Rhydon approaching again. His eyes closed and darkness swallowed his vision. He could've sworn Rhydon was taunting him when something light tapped him.
Lairon felt an unfamiliar sensation go over him, sucking him. Lairon was too weak to resist and was sucked into a place not too unfamiliar from his home.
Before Lairon could even understand the sudden changes, he was captured in a Dusk Ball.
Xxx
Lairon vaguely knew that he was summoned from his new home. The thing he knew a lot better than that was that his entire body ached. Rhydon didn't pull any punches on him, sometimes literally.
Lairon briefly felt someone tend to him and cover his injuries sloppily. Lairon tried his best to regain consciousness since it was getting easier by each passing second.
As the pain turned a lot more bearable, Lairon stirred. He was returned to his new Dusk Ball moments later.
The next time he was out was when a Chansey properly tended to him and nursed him back to full health.
Xxx
Lairon stared at the trainer, clearly refusing to believe him or follow his demands. He wanted him to follow his commands and assist him in his journey? Just because he saved him from that Rhydon?
Lairon couldn't help but feel his ego get the better of him at the thought. The Iron Armor Pokémon couldn't believe he had lost so horribly against the Drill Pokémon! That battled went south real quick.
His eyes settled on the Viper and he tensed. Someone will have to pay for all that inconvenience! Thankfully, he had a nice target right in front of him. That darn Snivy.
Lairon lunged at her and the battle began.
Xxx
Viper jumped away, avoiding his Iron Head, and unleashed a Leaf Storm. Lairon quickly boosted his defenses with Iron Defense and endured it with a grunt.
Ash was impressed. Lairon had some serious defenses to take on an Overgrow boosted Leaf Storm from Viper. "Vine Whip! Trip him!" Viper landed down and shot her vines towards Lairon.
Lairon roared loudly making Viper flinch. He rushed forwards, hitting the Grass Snake with Iron Head despite Ash's warning. Viper hit the ground in front of Ash, quickly rolling back up.
Lairon closed the distance again with Take Down. Viper retaliated with her Leaf Blade. The two physical attacks struggled against the other, at a standstill.
Then Lairon used Metal Sound making Viper flinch and hit her hard again. Viper hit the ground hard and Ash's newest capture carried on the momentum with Stone Edge.
"Watch out!" Ash hollered. Viper saw the Stone Edge approaching but was unable to do anything. The sharp stones hit her and sent her flying.
Lairon laughed arrogantly at Viper's defenseless state as the Grass Snake got up, panting. Viper snarled at him, telling him not to get too overconfident.
"Stay calm Viper." Ash told her. "We can do it. I believe in you." Viper nodded and breathed out though her anger nearly resurfaced at Lairon's look.
The Iron Armor Pokémon gave her a chiding look, taunting that Viper was nothing without her trainer. Viper paused, giving him a cold stare. "Stay calm girl." Ash told her. Viper cut off her stare and readied herself.
A strange energy rose above the battlefield, taking the forms of boulders. Viper recognized this strategy before and gestured Ash to stay calm. Ash nodded and gave her free reign.
As the rocks from Rock Slide began to rain down, Viper jumped and unleashed a Leaf Storm all around her. The sharp leaves sliced the large boulders to small piece and Viper landed on the ground, Lairon nowhere in sight.
The ground under her shook and Viper jumped back, an Energy Ball ready. Lairon was not ready for that and got hit on his comparatively weak underbelly.
"Great job!" Viper jumped in the air and unleashed a Leaf Tornado that impacted Lairon hard. The Iron Armor Pokémon utilized Iron Defense wonderfully, managing to avoid the brunt of it.
He then let out another Metal Sound making Viper wince and step back a bit. Lairon dug underground, wanting to avoid getting overwhelmed. Viper looked around warily, wanting to avoid any further damage.
"Grassy Terrain Viper!" The Grass Snake obliged, reaching inside her and drawing the hidden energy out. The battlefield took a greenish tint in response to the attack.
While in Rock Tunnel, Ash had his entire team work on their egg moves. Viper was able to use Grassy Terrain quicker and more efficiently now. Though she hadn't truly unlocked it and needed the push from Overgrow.
Viper's eyes snapped down and she jumped back, avoiding Lairon's Dig. The Iron Armor Pokémon let out an ear splitting Metal Sound as soon as appearing and Viper cringed.
Lairon grinned evilly and set out a Stone Edge, hitting the defenseless Viper and dealing nice damage. Viper recovered as soon as she could and unleashed a Leaf Storm.
Lairon avoided it by digging back into the battlefield. Viper gasped, feeling tired. Ash looked over the battlefield, trying to figure out a way to end it quickly.
If Viper went in too close, Lairon would use Metal Sound. If she played at a distance, Lairon would close in the distance with Dig, Take Down, or Iron Head.
'He's good.' Ash thought through gritted teeth. 'We would've been toast had Rhydon not taken down him first.' Viper felt Lairon approaching again and jumped in the air with Vine Whip.
Lairon burst out just below her and Viper smiled slyly. Twisting in the air, she slapped her boosted Leaf Blade right in his face. Lairon grunted and was thrown down.
Viper didn't let go of the Leaf Blade, twisting and slamming it into Lairon again. The Iron Armor Pokémon let out another Metal Sound due to the close proximity.
Viper pushed through, using Mega Drain. The tendrils wrapped around Lairon's midsection and began to suck energy from him. The heavily boosted Grass Type attack hurt him and Viper pressed on.
Boosting with Swords Dance, Viper began to slash the cave dweller with repeated Leaf Blades. Lairon shut up with Metal Sound and instead went on the defense.
Viper boosted up with Swords Dance again in response to Iron Defense and continued. Lairon pulled himself together and called for a Rock Slide. Large boulders formed and fell around the battlefield, aimed mostly on himself.
Viper jumped back lest get hit and Lairon lunged. His Take Down took Viper by surprise and she skidded back. Lairon blocked the rocks with Iron Head, the silvery sheen around him blocking the rocks, and rushed at Viper.
The Grass Snake narrowly avoided it by twisting to the side and jumped back with Vine Whip. Lairon snarled and unleashed another Stone Edge towards her.
Viper landed down and stumbled. The incoming rocks landed a clean hit and sent her flying back. "Viper!" Ash called out, rushing forward and catching her.
The Grassy Terrain ended and the glow around Viper faded as well. Lairon roared challengingly while Ash cradled the weak Unovan Starter in his arms.
"You did a great job Viper." Ash told as she stirred. Viper gave Ash a disappointed look, no doubt on herself. "Hey, don't worry. You did just fine against him." Viper lips curled in a small smile. "Atta girl." Ash pulled out her Luxury Ball. "I'm returning you to your Luxury Ball now. Rest up."
Viper was sucked in by the golden light. Ash attached the pokéball on his belt and looked at Lairon. The Iron Armor Pokémon was pretty hurt and panting from the damage.
"Before I release you," Ash hollered. "Someone wants to settle the score." Ash threw the normal pokéball and Bulbasaur formed out, glaring at Lairon.
Lairon gave him a nasty grin and chortled about his loss against him in Rock Tunnel. Bulbasaur did his best to not fall to his bait, simply replying with a calm look.
Lairon gestured to Ash and said that he must be really desperate if he had to rely on him of all Pokémon to fight against him. Even that Snivy bitch was better than him.
Bulbasaur simply replied that his trainer believed in him and he won't let him down. Lairon rolled his eyes at the cheesy line, chortling that Viper also said the same thing and then got knocked out real soon.
Lairon added that if Viper didn't stand a chance against him, what chance did a plant Pokémon hybrid have? Bulbasaur exhaled, deciding that was enough.
Bulbasaur shouted to him a challenge. If he lost, then he'll have to join them on Ash's journey. If he won, then Bulbasaur would do anything he asked him to do.
Lairon gave him a calculating look, questioning if Bulbasaur would be his servant for his entire life. Bulbasaur nodded, questioning whether Lairon was prepared for the deal.
Lairon shrugged, replying that it was his funeral. Ash decided that it was high time to begin. "Bulbasaur use Vine Whip!" Bulbasaur unleashed his vines towards the Iron Armor Pokémon who blocked them with Iron Defense.
He then rushed forwards with Iron Head. "Razor Leaf into Energy Ball!" Bulbasaur had tried this method before but decided to give it another try. "Aim for Lairon's feet!"
Now he was talking.
Lairon grunted as the sharp leaves raked across his feet slowing down hi speed. Bulbasaur unleashed his Energy Ball, stopping Lairon completely and making him stumble back.
Bulbasaur's Vines hit his legs, wrapping around them and pulling them out from under him. Lairon dropped down and Bulbasaur began to suck all energy from him using Mega Drain.
Lairon didn't let it occur and used Stone Edge, sending sharp rocks towards Bulbasaur. The Seed Pokémon blasted them with Energy Ball, his vines wrapping tighter around Lairon.
Lairon let out another Metal Sound, wanting to escape this predicament. Bulbasaur endured it much better than Viper, wincing slightly but not letting go of Lairon.
"Great job Bulbasaur!" Ash encouraged. "Use Energy Ball!" Bulbasaur obliged, letting out the attack. It hit Lairon, making him cancel his Metal Sound.
Bulbasaur grunted, questioning how he felt about him now. Lairon was too tired to reply, simply waiting for the Mega Drain to finish him off. Bulbasaur did as he asked, pulling back once he slackened.
"And the deed's done!" Ash announced as Bulbasaur pulled back. "Great job Bulbasaur, don't get worked up now." Bulbasaur nodded, his revenge taken.
Ever since Bulbasaur learned about Ash's injuries in Rock Tunnel, he had been a bit hard on himself. Ash, who had been pretty busy with his injuries and Charmander, didn't know about that until Viper pulled it to his attention.
Ash had approached Bulbasaur on why he felt like that and the Seed Pokémon replied that if only he was able to take down Lairon and reach them faster, Ash wouldn't be in such a condition.
Ash had smiled and consoled him by saying that Lairon actually helped them take down Rhydon and that Bulbasaur's loss didn't affect them that much.
Bulbasaur still wanted his revenge on the Iron Armor Pokémon though. Ash wasn't sure why the normally passive Grass/Poison Type Pokémon was so worked up with a loss.
It was Zeus who told him why exactly. The Electric Mouse Pokémon told him that Lairon was full of ego and didn't want a peaceful ending despite Bulbasaur's tries. He had actually attacked them just cause they accidently trespassed in his territory.
Ash remembered how pissed he got when Gary got too cocky or arrogant and replied that he could relate. But at least Gary didn't attack him. Lairon was worse than him for sure.
Ash promised them that he would give them a chance at Lairon to rid of their frustrations. Bulbasaur was too happy for him to be comfortable with it. After he had promised that he wouldn't go that far for revenge Ash agreed.
But, knowing Bulbasaur's caliber, Ash wasn't sure he'll be able to take down Lairon alone. That's when Viper came into play. She wanted a shot at Lairon too and Ash wanted to battle with her too.
It was a win-win.
"Let's see how badly you roughed him up." Ash joked to Bulbasaur. The Seed Pokémon nodded and they approached the downed Iron Armor Pokémon. Ash decided to ask the question nagging his mind though he already knew the answer.
"So, you're going back to your cave?" Ash questioned the Iron Armor Pokémon as he struggled to get up. Bulbasaur's attacks were no joke.
Lairon growled, remembering the bet he had made with Bulbasaur. Cursing his own loud mouth, Lairon shook his head. "Huh?" Ash asked in surprise. "You're not?" Lairon nodded. "You want to stay with me?"
Lairon nodded grudgingly. "That's a nice change of events." Ash commented. He turned to Bulbasaur who was trying his best to hide his smirk. "Great job Bulbasaur. I hope you've taken your revenge now." He nodded. Oh, he has taken a lot more than just revenge from Lairon!
"I'll send you to Nurse Joy now Lairon." Ash told his Iron Armor Pokémon. "Rest up." Returning him to his Dusk Ball, Ash turned to Bulbasaur. "You too Bulbasaur." Returning his second Grass Type, Ash headed inside the Pokémon Center.
Xxx
Feeling restless at night was when Ash decided he needed to make a move on.
He had wasted what, two months in Rock Tunnel training. Ash couldn't afford to let any more time go to waste. He'll have to begin collecting Gym Badges.
But that came later. Right now, he needed to get a Ghost Type. Ash would fight Erika first, get some TMs, train up, and then challenge Sabrina.
Yes, he was gunning after Sabrina. The Psychic was strong, true, but Ash was confident in his training. His team had expanded quite a bit and though he didn't have any real counters against the overpowered Psychic Pokémon, he'll get them in the form of his Ghost.
After that, Ash could fight Lt. Surge and surely get the Thunder Badge. Viper, Bulbasaur, Zeus and even Lairon all of them had nice counters against Electric Types. Only Oceanus and Skylar would have trouble against them.
That was as far as he had planned. Though the Kantonian was sure his plans would change as they seemed to have from the starting of his journey.
Ash finished packing his bag and slung his bag over his shoulder. "Let's go buddy." Ash told Charmander. The Fire Type was returned to his pokéball and Ash left his room.
"You leaving?" Nurse Joy questioned Ash as he walked down the stairs. The rookie nodded. "Why exactly? Your injuries haven't healed yet."
"I need to get going Nurse Joy." Ash told her apologetically. "I've spent too long in Rock Tunnel and already a week here. I cannot afford losing any more time. I need to collect badges too."
She sighed. "You still have to keep your travelling at a limit." She told him. "Don't push yourself. If you do, you'll end up in a hospital again. Take medicines at the scheduled time. Okay?" Ash nodded.
"You're starting to sound like my Mom." Ash told her teasingly. Nurse Joy smiled.
"Couldn't help it." The two chuckled. "Stay safe Ash. Also, try to have at least two Pokémon out at all times." The rookie gave her a questioning look.
"Why exactly?" Ash asked.
"The route to Lavender Town has a lot of Ghost Types." She explained. "They're starting to act up and there have been reports of attacks. They're normally shy and don't attack. Don't know why they're acting up right now."
"I'll keep that in mind." Ash told her. "Are my Pokémon ready?" Nurse Joy nodded and handed over the trio of different pokéballs. "Thanks."
"Safe journey." She wished. Ash dipped his head in acknowledgement and walked out of the center. It was high time he continued his journey.
Lavender Town, a hotspot for trainers wanting to capture Ghost Types.
One of them being Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town.
Xxx
So we delve a bit deeper in Lairon's perspective! Character development in progress! I have about twenty (Yes, twenty) chapters planned and have a rough idea down. Just need to pen them down. I hope to cross at least 50 chapters by the end of 2020 so fingers crossed guys! Keep the support coming!
Response to Reviews:
Guest: For one, Cynthia isn't a side piece. She's one of the two main protagonists of Conqueror alongside Ash. Second, Ash was still in Rock Tunnel at the time of last chapter so I didn't have much to write about him too. Now that he's out of it and about to make a move, he'll have a lot of chapters on him too.
Issei182: Here comes another update then! You ask we serve!
Snoozing Lurker: She's going to hide a lot of stuff of her journey XD.
UltimateCCC: Yup.
Cobb: Thanks for the review!
Guest123: Yeah. I noticed that a bit too late. I'll adjust it later on. Thanks for informing me of that.
Fandom35: I don't know. I haven't proofread my chapters yet so excuse the errors. I'll rectify any errors I find once I proofread. Thanks for bringing that to light.