Happy New Year! The next chapter is also almost completed and will be uploaded till next week! But if I get seven reviews on this one, then I will upload it much quicker! With that, on with the chapter!
Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon.
Xxx
He Goes Bananas!
Yeah Ash…
His heart beat was over the sky at the dream he just had. He was with Leaf and one moment they were playing and conversing and some moments later, she was naked and they were-
Ash felt the weight over his body shift and Leaf's warm body press against him, delivering strange sensations to his lower regions. He shifted a little uncomfortably.
"Huh?" Leaf stirred. Ash kissed her head and gently shook her.
"Hey Leaf, get up." Ash called. Leaf opened her eyes drowsily, taking in her surroundings. "Don't you want to eat noodles today as well?" Ash shook her again.
"Shut up Ash," Leaf told him, grabbing his arm and hugging it. "I never had such a peaceful sleep in quite a while."
"Wow, you should buy me more TMs then." Ash joked. "C'mon, we're going to visit the Dojo today and I need to switch my team around, get Zeus and some others back."
"All of that can wait," Leaf mumbled. "Let me cut the blood circulation to your arm first."
"Very funny," Ash fought more than pulled his arm from her and got up.
"You're no fun!" She pouted.
"Excuse me for my behavior but I like my arm thank you very much." Ash flexed his arm. "Now c'mon! Let's begin our day!"
Xxx
Ash trains for Sabrina
"Okay then, I think you're both ready for this." Ash said and pulled out a purplish TM. Haunter and Luna looked at Ash in confusion. "It's the TM for Destiny Bond. Anpu gave it to me before we left Lavender."
"Why use it now?" Luna asked. "Why not way before when we had more time to practice it?"
"I wanted Haunter to get more control over himself. And you know your reason," Ash shrugged. Luna nodded, that was satisfactory. "I'll return both of you now. Kay?"
Ash returned them back to their pokéballs, Luna to her standard and Haunter to his Dusk Ball. He then quickly attached the TM in its place and Luna's pokéball in the slot.
The machine beeped, copying data off the TM and transferring it to the pokéball. Ash quickly repeated the process with Haunter's Dusk Ball and then released the two.
"Well, how do you feel?" Ash asked both of them.
"Completely normal." Luna told Ash. "Haunter feels completely fine too."
"Well, I would've loved to test this move but you need to be completely knocked for one so…" Ash shrugged again. "We'll find it out later. Till then, Haunter you practice Shadow Orbit. You still haven't gotten it down."
Haunter nodded and zoomed off into his shadow. "What about me?" Luna asked.
"Well, I want you to practice your ESP and telepathy more." Ash told her truthfully. "So, you stay with me. You'll translate what they're saying and convey it to me. Okay?"
"Sure," Luna jumped onto his shoulder. Ash looked over the training field where his team was sorted out.
Zeus and Viper were sparring, the former showing his hard training results and learning a couple of new tricks along the way. Viper was practicing fighting without Overgrow.
Overgrow was starting to become a clutch for her. While it was an ability she could happily access whenever, Viper didn't want to become dependent on it. Overgrow boosted her, yes, but it also made her burn out faster. The drawback was controlled to some extent, but the effect was still present.
Lairon was practicing his Rocky Terrain and finding out new ways to manipulate it further. Besides that, Ash wanted the heavy weight Pokémon to learn Heavy Slam. It would work wonders for him.
Oceanus was practicing Hydro Pump and movement outside of water. Though the Seadra could balance himself on his curled tail, battle on dry land was still troublesome for the powerhouse.
Haunter, Viper, Zeus, and Oceanus or Lairon.
That was Ash's selection for his fight against Sabrina.
"Hey Ashy," Leaf greeted her boyfriend. "How's it going?" Her team was spread out as well practicing amongst Ash's team. Misdreavus stuck close to them though. "Hey Luna," She rubbed the Espeon's head making her purr.
"It's going fine." Ash told her. "Luna and Haunter now know Destiny Bond."
"TM?" Ash nodded. "That's a nice hidden card."
"The others are in front of you," Ash gestured. Leaf looked over the training field, smiling a little at the chemistry Zeus and Viper had.
"You were right to ship them," She chuckled.
"Yeah," Luna mumbled. Leaf looked at her but didn't comment. "Well, I'm not sitting here for nothing! C'mon Ash!"
"You're coming Leaf?" Leaf shrugged.
"Sure, I have nothing better to do anyway." She decided to tag along. The trio walked towards Oceanus first.
"Hey Water Dragon." Luna poked. Oceanus turned around, triumphing his greeting. "He's saying hello Ash,"
"How's it going?" Ash asked.
"Why can't I just form a large pool and swim around it?" Oceanus whinnied.
"Until you evolve into a Kingdra, you have to manage." Ash frowned sympathetically.
"Don't worry! You're strong and can wreck anyone apart anyway," Leaf winked. Oceanus rumbled in pride.
"She's sweeter than you, any chance I can be her Pokémon?" Oceanus asked. Leaf stifled a giggle while Ash rolled his eyes.
"Haha, very funny." Oceanus looked at him suspiciously.
"Wait, you can understand me?" The Seadra asked questioningly.
"That's my doing," Luna's gem flashed.
"Oh, nifty trick. You can control your ESP now?" Luna nodded.
"That's her doing," She gestured to Leaf.
"Won my heart twice in two minutes, amazing." Oceanus simped. Ash rolled his eyes again while Leaf giggled in amusement.
"Never knew you were so… flatterer." Ash commented. Luna scoffed in laughter.
"You don't understand their conversations na, that's why." Luna remarked.
"Okay, not sure how to take that." Ash blinked. "Keep up the work Oceanus, I'll check up on you later." Oceanus nodded. The trio progressed towards Lairon.
"I wouldn't disturb him if I were you," Luna told the two. "He's grumpy today. Actually, he's grumpy all the time."
"He wouldn't attack us though, would he?" Leaf asked warily. Ash shook his head.
"He wouldn't, but why bother him? He's doing what we asked him to do." Luna added.
"Okay Luna, your call." Luna nodded and looked towards the duo of Viper and Zeus. "They're final." The duo progressed to the Electric Mouse and Grass Snake.
"Hey Viper, hello Zeus. I don't think we ever met," Leaf commented, kneeling down towards the Yellow Mouse. Zeus offered his tail to her for a handshake, which she did.
"I wouldn't-" Ash winced as Zeus shocked her in a prank. "Do that if I were you,"
"You're a naughty one," Leaf giggled, picking him up and tickling him. Zeus squealed in the positive sense. "Who's a good boy? Who's a strong boy huh?"
"Why do you look more like my Mom rather than Leaf?" Ash asked as she interacted with Zeus.
"Probably because I've idolized your mom and learned how to play with Pokémon from her." Leaf replied cheekily.
"He's surely enjoying it," Luna commented. She jumped from Ash's shoulder and nuzzled Zeus. "Hey sparky boy,"
"Hi Luna, long time no see," He remarked. Ash winced.
"Yeah, I'll work on that." Ash raised his hands in surrender. "Guilty as charged."
"You better!" Zeus sparked his cheeks angrily. "You translating my speech to him?" Luna nodded. "Whoa! That's sick!"
"I'm much cooler now," Luna added smugly.
"And I'm much stronger!" Zeus teased. "I can run circles around you now, literally."
"Let me get control over my ESP properly and then we'll see." Luna teased back.
"Okay, okay, no need to start a fight right now." Ash chuckled. "Viper, how're you?"
"Good," She replied curtly. "Zeus is a good sparring partner,"
"I'm more than good! Who had more points last time I checked?" Zeus stuck his tongue at her.
"I haven't activated Overgrow yet," Viper warned.
"And you wouldn't." Ash told her. "Remember, this is to help you fight without Overgrow."
"I know, I know." Viper sighed. "You're conveying my speech to him too?" She asked Luna. The Espeon simply nodded.
"Something sparking between you two?" Zeus questioned, reading the tension between them.
"Why would there be?" Luna asked. "Okay guys, you two enjoy sparring. I'll go annoy Haunter now."
"Bubye," Viper shot. Luna didn't bother conveying that. She simply burst over to Haunter.
"Okaaay," Leaf mumbled. "Ash, I want to watch them spar." She winked.
"Sure," Ash understood the reason and nodded. "You guys don't mind do you?" They shook their heads. "I'll go dig up more info on Sabrina. See you," He kissed Leaf on the cheek and walked away.
Viper and Zeus looked at her in surprise. "Yeah, we're together." Leaf smiled brightly at them.
Zeus mumbled that 'What would Cynthia think' to which Viper whipped him. Their spar began anew, Leaf spectating and enjoying their chemistry.
Xxx
"So, this is the Dojo." Ash commented as the two traversed through the hall. Leaf concentrated on the perfectly synced grunts of Fighting Type Pokémon and was impressed.
"The ground is this way," Leaf grabbed Ash's wrist and led him through a turn. "Whoa…" She exclaimed once they reached outside.
The ground was massive! Ash could see a variety of Fighting Types all in perfect sync, punching and kicking the air. In front of them all was their teacher, a bipedal canine like Pokémon with predominantly blue and black fur.
"Is that a…" Ash pulled out his pokedex, aiming it at the Pokémon in question.
Lucario the Aura Pokémon and the evolved form of Riolu! It has the ability to sense the aura of all things. It understands human speech."
"Cynthia also has a Riolu, right?" Leaf asked Ash. He nodded. "Whoa, he's going to evolve into that one day."
"Evolution of a Riolu is not an easy affair," Both trainers jumped as a booming voice uttered. "It requires great effort and patience." The man in question was a bulky man in his early thirties, dressed in Dojo clothes. He looked the two over. "Welcome to the Pokémon Dojo!"
"Hello, my name is Ash Ketchum and this is Leaf Verdant." Ash introduced.
"Pleasure to meet you," Leaf chimed in.
"The pleasure is all mine," He bowed respectfully. "I am the Karate Master of this Dojo, Kiyo. What brings you two here?" He questioned.
"Well, a guide told me that we could get Fighting Type Pokémon from here if we succeeded in defeating you." Leaf began.
"So you came here for the Fighting Type Pokémon." Kiyo hummed in thought. "Which of you desires to beat me in hand to hand combat?" Kiyo asked.
"Wait what?" Ash blinked. "Hand to hand combat?" He sized up Kiyo warily.
"Yes," Kiyo nodded.
"But the guide said it would be a Pokémon Battle!" Leaf protested. Kiyo shook his head.
"Hand to hand combat is the only way." He declared. "Do you have what it takes? Do you want to earn yourself strong Fighting Type Pokémon?"
"Uh…" Ash calculated his chances. "I don't think so, no."
"You are free to roam around and potentially use the Dojo's services." Kiyo bowed to them. "Now, I shall go practice for the P1 Grand Prix."
"Thank you for your time," Leaf bowed back. Kiyo turned on his heel to leave before pausing.
"I have an offer for you," He began. "Prove yourself and you'll get yourselves Fighting Types."
"We're listening," Ash remarked.
"A wild Mankey has been stealing food from the kitchen every night. Stop him, and you have a strong Fighting Type with you." Ash looked at the Lucario.
"Can't your Lucario or any of your tutees get him?" Ash asked.
"A lot of our tutees have failed to tame or capture him. As for intervening ourselves, we simply decided not to. He serves as a test and none have managed to pass as of yet." Kiyo informed him.
"That makes sense," Leaf nodded.
"So, do both of you have what it takes to get Mankey?" Kiyo asked. Ash and Leaf exchanged one look before nodding. "Succeed before sunrise and not a minute later, see you till then."
"Accepted," Ash nodded. Kiyo bowed and left to train for P1 Grand Prix. "Any plans?" Ash asked his girlfriend.
"Mankey are energetic, agile, childish, irritating, and a ticking time bomb." Leaf described. "They love to do pranks but get angry when someone reprimands them for it."
"Okay…" Ash frowned in thought. "If we catch it off guard, and Zeus stuns it with Quick Stun, then-"
"His speed will be crippled and Luna can hold him into submission and knock him out!" Leaf completed for him. "We just need the surprise factor on our side."
"How difficult can it be to capture a Mankey?" Ash scoffed. "Let's go prepare. He appears at night nah?" Leaf nodded. "How about lunch first and then we get our teams?" Leaf lit up at the prospect of lunch.
"You know me too well Ashy!" She pecked him on the cheek. "C'mon!"
Xxx
"There must be something special about this Mankey," Leaf commented, slurping her noodles. "Otherwise they would've captured it by now."
"This Mankey has Vital Spirit as its ability." Ash replied, showing her his pokedex. "That's why it attacks at night." Leaf took his pokedex and read it carefully.
"You're right," She handed him back his pokedex. "We need to check out the kitchen, stake out our camping place, and lay down traps." Leaf picked the napkin up and gently wiped any food off her face.
"You're pretty serious about catching this Mankey," Ash commented, handing his pokedex to the waiter.
"It'll be fun," Leaf replied, fixing her cap and getting up. "I want some action now!"
"Challenge Sabrina with me and you'll get tons of it." Ash chuckled, receiving his pokedex back.
"Yeah, suicidal match ups are not my type of thrills or actions." Leaf retorted. "She's been awfully brutal lately."
"Meh, we'll handle her." The two headed out of the restaurant, heading straight for the Pokémon Center.
"Overconfident much?" Leaf reprimanded. Ash shook his head.
"Confident," Leaf grabbed his hand, interlocking her fingers with his.
"Charming much?" She asked innocently. Ash chuckled at her antics and pulled her in, giving her a kiss. Leaf giggled at that. Ash's pokégear beeped.
Ash checked it quickly before sighing in disappointment. "What happened?" Leaf asked.
"Cynthia, she hasn't replied a single text or call." Ash told her. Leaf felt a pang of jealousy hit her from the inside.
'She's just a friend of his.' Leaf reminded herself. "Doesn't she reply within the hour?"
"Yeah, that's what scares me. She hasn't replied for the last five days." Leaf could see genuine concern shine in Ash's eyes. "What if something has happened to her?"
"She's fine Ash, don't worry." Leaf assured him. "She might've lost her pokégear somewhere. It happens."
"I doubt that…" Ash muttered. "Oh well, she'll reply soon enough." Leaf forced a smile to her lips.
"Yeah," She uttered. Ash looked at her with confusion before grinning.
"Oe you idiot!" Ash chuckled. "She's just my good friend, that's it." Ash pulled her in again and kissed her hair. "You have nothing to worry about,"
"What did I do?" Leaf asked in surprise. "She's my friend too! Why would I ever be jealous of her?" The chestnut haired girl rolled her eyes. "I roamed Saffron with her before you, for your information. She told me about you two's split."
"What did she say?" Ash questioned curiously.
"She was pretty vague about it. Will you mind telling me in detail? Since it's evident you two are still on good terms so it's impossible you separated due to a fight." Leaf stated.
"Did she tell you about the Hidden Village fiasco?" Ash questioned. Leaf shook her head. "Well, long story short we almost died, she almost lost her virginity and dignity, and in the end we got ourselves an Ivysaur and a Squirtle."
"So why did you split?!" Leaf asked, not quite getting it. "Strength in numbers! Duh?!"
"Aunt Sophie." He replied. "She rung my mom and the two decided we would travel separately. I took the blame but it was Cynthia's plan that almost got us killed, mind you. I went towards Rock Tunnel while she went to Saffron."
"So that's the whole story!" Ash nodded. "Why didn't Cynthia tell me all that though? …did she not trust me?" Leaf lamented.
"Maybe she didn't want to tell that to everyone. Only Gary knew-" Ash was interrupted.
"Gary knew but I didn't?!" Leaf asked in shock. "She shared the incident with him of all people but not me?!"
"She must have her reasons," Ash defended her.
"And you're defending her!?" Leaf acted amazed. "Amazing,"
"Leaf, c'mon." Ash chided. "I'm already worried about why she isn't replying, and you just have to do this, don't you." He remarked tiredly.
"I'll talk to her myself," Leaf decided. "You stay out of it Ash or I'll eat you alive!"
"Oh okay," Ash shut up like a kid. Fortunately for him, the duo had reached the Pokémon Center by then. "I'll-"
"Get your team and head over to the Dojo," Leaf said a scowl on her face. "I'll see you there,"
"Okay," Ash gulped. 'Damn, she's really angry,' Maybe he shouldn't have defended a special female friend of his so much against his girlfriend. 'I miss being single! At the very least I didn't have to differentiate between my friends!'
Xxx
"This is the kitchen," A tutee said, gesturing to the large open expanse.
"Thank you," Leaf mouthed and the tutee bowed before taking his leave. "Well, doesn't provide much cover," Leaf commented, hands on her hips as she surveyed the open field.
Only the chief's quarters, where food was prepared and served, provided some sort of cover. The kitchen was almost at the edge of the Dojo, and Mankey could easily jump over the walls, steal food, and dash back outside.
"Mankey can run off into the wild if we don't catch it on time," Ash commented. The dojo was partially in the city while the other half containing the kitchen connected to the wild.
"So we just have to catch it," Leaf rolled her eyes. "Fearow will keep an eye from above, Misdreavus and Haunter can hide in the shadows. They'll signal Zeus when it arrives who'll stun it, and Luna can subdue it with ease."
"You have it all figured out," Ash commented, hugging Leaf from behind. Leaf grabbed his hands and pulled it off her.
"Stay focused," She warned, turning around to face him. Ash grabbed her waist and pulled her close.
"Make me," He lifted her up making Leaf squeal in surprise. He spun with her in his arm making her laugh out in amusement.
"Put me down Ketchum!" She slapped his back to no effect. Ash felt his footing slip and fell down. "Ah!" Leaf exclaimed as she fell on top of Ash, her boyfriend cushioning her fall.
"Ow, you're so heavy!" Ash complained. Leaf rolled her eyes and applied more pressure making Ash cough out.
"Am I?" Leaf asked, lips brushing against his due to the close proximity. Ash stared into her eyes, feeling incapable of replying verbally.
"Uh…" Ash exclaimed when he realized where his hands were. Leaf's face went scarlet when she felt something weird pressing against her. Ash quickly removed his hands from her backside and Leaf quickly got up.
"Ahem!" She coughed loudly. "I'll um go see if I- where he'll-"
"Yeah sure," Ash said, face heating up with embarrassment. 'What the?!' He thought, breathing deeply. Leaf walked-ran away. Ash released Luna, Haunter, and Zeus all out. "Okay guys, so here's the plan…"
Xxx
"All ready?" Leaf questioned, pulling her jacket close to her. Ash nodded, checking his pokégear for the time.
"Haunter is hiding in the shadows at the outskirts of the wall, he'll signal Luna who'll tell it to Zeus." Ash purposely avoided eye contact.
"Misdreavus is in the kitchen, and will tell him when he gets a clear shot. Fearow is at the top." Leaf informed him, also avoiding eye contact. "If Mankey does get away from us, he'll get him before he reaches the trees and foliage."
"Viper is inside the forest, hiding." Ash told her. "She'll get Mankey if all else fails."
"Good," Leaf leaned on a wall, looking at the kitchen from a balcony. "It's about 10; he will be appearing soon enough."
"Let's hope so…" An awkward silence filled the air as they waited for their prey.
"Why are you both so awkward today?" Luna questioned from afar. Leaf sighed and directed her thoughts towards the Espeon. Ash did likewise. "Oh, okay."
"How long are we going to stay awkward?" Leaf groaned. "Can't we just move on from that one incident?"
"Two incidents actually," Ash corrected her. "The Cynthia one and this recent one,"
"Okay, I admit I overreacted at the Cynthia one," Leaf said. "And you got… excited when we got too close. Solved?"
"Yeah sure." Ash mumbled. Leaf rolled her eyes and walked over to him, grabbing him by the collar of his jacket.
"What is it?" She asked, staring him in the eye.
"Uh…" Ash blinked. Leaf's eyes just flashed purple. Did he imagine that or did that actually happen?
"Speak up," She ordered, pushing him against the wall. "What's bothering you?" Ash was a bit surprised by her boldness.
"It's nothing…" He replied. "I just…"
"You want to fuck me?" Leaf asked boldly. Ash hesitated in his reply, making both of their face go scarlet. "Tell me, please."
"…yeah," Ash admitted. "I had a dream in morning and- I'm sorry Leaf." Ash looked down, refusing to look her in the eye.
"Hey," Leaf let go of his jacket collar and cupped his face. "Look at me," Ash did as she said. Leaf's eyes flashed purple again, having a kind of hypnotizing effect on Ash.
"Leaf…" Ash exhaled as Leaf pressed against him, her hot breath washing over his neck. "We shouldn't…" He let out a strained growl as Leaf's leg pressed against his groin.
"I understand Ash…" She whispered in his ear. "Don't feel ashamed," She smiled.
"No…" Ash breathed in and gently pushed her off him, walking away. "Let's just focus on catching Mankey right now." He walked over to the balcony and gripped the railing tightly, looking at the kitchen.
"Okay," Leaf mumbled and stood a little away from him, spectating the wild.
Some undefined time later…
"He's here!" Luna boomed in everyone's mind. Ash woke from his mild sleep trance and looked at the kitchen area. "Zeus, get ready." Leaf whistled and Fearow took to the sky silently.
"There he is…" Ash mumbled. "Mankey," He pointed to a dark shadow jumping into the kitchen area. Leaf walked over to his side, rubbing her eyes drowsily.
'He's here, Leaf…' The slender girl heard the evil voice say. 'Tell your precious Luna now if you want to catch him!'
"He's there!" Leaf told Ash. Luna caught it as well.
"Zeus, charge up." Luna asked. "How do you know that?" She asked Leaf.
"I-" Leaf breathed deeply, grabbing the railing. She could hear the evil voice cackle with amusement. 'Yes, I'm it.' Misdreavus grinned. 'And you are under my influence, now and forever.'
Zeus heard movement in the kitchen area and tensed. Misdreavus signaled the Electric Mouse Pokémon and he burst into Quick Attack. Zeus spotted Mankey and jumped, unleashing a Thunder Wave.
Mankey was unable to dodge the Thunder Wave and got paralyzed, chattering in surprise. Misdreavus erupted from the shadows and blasted him with a Shadow Ball, knocking him into some utensils.
"Get him!" Luna leapt from her position onto a desk and focused, but Mankey was faster. He grabbed a plate and threw it at Luna, hitting her forelegs and making her fall face first.
Zeus unleashed a Thunderbolt, getting Mankey who chattered in anger. He grabbed a bowl and threw it at Zeus who easily broke it with Iron Tail.
"C'mon!" Ash told Leaf who was lost in her own thoughts.
"Y-yeah!" The two dashed down the stairs towards the kitchen where chaos was ensuing. Mankey grabbed a large gallon of water and threw it at Zeus who jumped to dodge it.
Mankey leapt at him with Fury Swipes but Misdreavus blasted him again with Shadow Ball, clipping him and stopping him. Luna regained her bearings by then and tried Psychic again.
Mankey back slapped a Shadow Ball from Misdreavus to Luna who rolled away to dodge it, and leapt at the ghost. He phased through Misdreavus, growling in anger.
Zeus delivered a Quick Tail to his left leg making him fall down but Mankey caught him by the tail, slamming him down. Zeus unleashed a Thunderbolt, forcing Mankey to let go of him. He then erupted in a Thunderclap, blinding everyone present there.
Mankey began to Thrash in Zeus's direction randomly, managing to score some hits even though paralysis was slowing him down. Zeus managed to duck and zoom out of some of the hits, and darted away from under him with Quick Attack.
Luna focused and managed to get the rampaging Mankey. Mankey chittered angrily, sloppy punches and kicking slowing down as Luna suspended him in the air.
"Knock him out!" Ash ordered. Mankey took a deep breath and unleashed a Screech. Everyone there, used to the quiet of the night, was taken by surprise and flinched.
Luna's Psychic faltered and Mankey quickly darted away. "He's getting away!" Ash hollered over the ringing of his ears.
Leaf whistled and Fearow darted down with Aerial Ace. Mankey was struck, and sent flying into the wall signifying the boundary of the Dojo. Fearow quickly took to the air and banked down for another hit.
Haunter emerged from the shadows and grabbed his legs, rendering his movement useless. Mankey tried to Fury Swipes the hands away to no avail. He formed a dark claw over his hand and slashed it at Haunter making him cry out and release him.
He got up, only for Fearow to clip him once again. He grunted, trying to bounce back but paralysis stuck and he fell down. Zeus caught up by then and unleashed a Thunderbolt, Luna and Misdreavus helping with Shadow Ball.
Mankey stared at the incoming attacks with wide eyes, and could do nothing but endure as they exploded against him. By now, the ruckus with Mankey had woken up the entire Dojo and they were coming out to see for themselves what was occurring.
"We got him!" Ash cheered as Mankey struggled to move down there. "Luna! Restrain him! Zeus, get-" Mankey unleashed another Screech making all of them reel back.
Mankey growled in anger, staring at all of them who had attacked him. 'So, like the surprise?' Misdreavus asked Leaf who shivered. She hadn't expected Misdreavus to be it!
"Luna," Ash called.
"On it." Her gem lit up and she focused on Mankey. Mankey growled in anger and a white glow began to surround him. "Okay, that's unexpected."
"He's evolving," Leaf mumbled.
"Guys, don't let him escape," Ash warned his teammates. Almost everyone from the Dojo had gathered over there by now, and was watching the evolution with awe.
Mankey finished evolving, and immediately slashed Haunter with a powerful Night Shade. Hunter reeled back from the attack, and Primeape leapt at Luna next.
"Holy-" Luna jumped away from his Night Slash, firing off Shadow Balls which he kicked away with ease. Misdreavus wisely retreated into the shadows as Primeape looked at her.
Zeus unleashed another Thunder Wave but Primeape jumped over it, aiming at him with a Cross Chop. Zeus jumped away letting him crash down on the ground, but was unable to expect Primeape to roll next to him and deliver another Cross Chop.
"Zeus!" Luna growled and leapt to his defense, tails steeling. Primeape grabbed her by the tails and spun, slamming her down and carrying on with a Night Slash.
Fearow knocked him off Luna with Aerial Ace, giving Haunter enough time to blast Primeape with a Night Shade. Primeape stumbled back and inhaled before unleashing another Screech.
Haunter reeled back, cancelling Night Shade. Primeape grabbed Luna and Zeus and ran towards the wall. "Trip him!" Leaf ordered. Misdreavus Shadow Sneaked below him and grabbed his feet, yanking them from under him.
Primeape fell down and growled in anger, irritated to the maximum level. "Thunderbolt Zeus! I'll take it!" She urged. Zeus's cheeks sparked in preparation.
Primeape rolled back to his feet and threw Zeus at the incoming Fearow, letting him blast the damn bird instead of him, and slashed at Luna with Night Slash.
The Espeon yowled in pain as Primeape threw her in the air and kicked her into Leaf. The brunette gasped, knocked on her butt by the hit. Primeape leapt at Ash and began to swipe at him furiously.
"Ah!" Ash grunted as he became the sole target of Primeape's fury. Luna blasted him away with a rough blast of Psychic, panting. Primeape skidded to his feet, glaring at everyone with anger.
"You okay?" Leaf questioned Ash in concern, kneeling at his side.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Ash got up, staring at Primeape. The Pig Monkey Pokémon let out another Screech and ran in the opposite direction. "Don't let him escape!"
Primeape reached the wall quickly and climbed atop it. Fearow gave a battle cry and knocked him off the wall straight into Haunter's Night Shade.
Primeape was blasted hard, hitting the ground and skidding to a stop. "C'mon!" Ash said and quickly rushed towards the wall. "Luna! A little help!"
"Done!" Luna threw Leaf and Ash both over the wall, walking over to Zeus. "You okay?" She asked, licking one of his bruises. Zeus got up with a wince, nodding.
Primeape spotted Leaf dropping and leapt at her with blinding anger. 'Leaf!' Misdreavus shouted out in alarm.
"Ah!" Leaf uttered as Ash pushed her out of the way, bearing a kick to his side. "Ash!" She called out as Ash hit the ground hard, clutching his side in pain.
A Thunderbolt and Shadow Ball hit Primeape, knocking him away. Primeape growled, screeching again before darting away into the thick foliage.
"He's getting away…" Ash gasped.
"Viper! Your turn!" Fearow shrieked from above, keeping a trained eye on Primeape as he disappeared in the trees.
"You idiot!" Leaf scolded Ash. Ash forced himself to sit up, breathing deeply.
"Ouch," He joked. "You okay?" Leaf rolled her eyes.
"You're the one who took a kick and Fury Swipes directly! Not me!" Ash grabbed her by the back of her head and pulled her into a kiss. "Mnph!" Came Leaf's muffled cry of surprise.
"Relax, I'm fine." Ash told her once they broke the kiss. "Now-"
"Primeape has Viper!" Luna informed them with horror.
"What?!" Ash exclaimed.
"Yes! We need to get her back!" Luna said and darted towards the jungle. Ash got up with a little assist by Leaf and ran towards the jungle as well. Their team followed.
Primeape and Viper…
Viper spotted a… was that a Primeape? She was told only about a Mankey. Regardless, Viper fired off a Leaf Storm, catching Primeape in his path and knocking him off jump.
Primeape growled and leapt at her straight, Viper using Vine Whip to get away to safety. Primeape gave chase, not letting her escape so easily.
Viper did a front flip, letting Primeape pass behind him, and tied a Vine Whip to his feet. Primeape landed, grabbing the vine, and tugged at it. Viper pulled her vine and Primeape dropped down to his butt.
Viper Glared at the Pig Monkey Pokémon, hoping to paralyze him with fear. Primeape glared back and tugged at the vine with all of his strength.
Viper was pulled over to him, surprised at her Glare not working. Primeape punched her back, and, as her Vine Whip loosened, grabbed it and twisted.
Viper slammed into a tree with momentum, Primeape smashing her into another tree and another repeatedly. Viper was slammed down and Primeape Thrashed her hard.
"Luna!" Viper thought in pain. Primeape, thrashing her black and blue, grabbed her by the neck and darted into the foliage.
With Ash and the others…
"Where is she?" Luna asked, looking around frantically. Zeus sparked his cheeks in worry, gazing around. "She was here last time she contacted! Viper!" Luna called out.
There was no reply making her swish her tails in worry. "We'll find her, don't worry." Ash assured his starter. "Did Fearow find anything?" Ash asked Leaf.
"Negative," She replied much to his frustration. "He's searching from above but Primeape has just… disappeared."
"He couldn't have gone far. Guys, scatter out. Do not engage him under any circumstances, inform us first and act only if necessary! Go!" She commanded. Their combined teams separated immediately.
"Look at you go," Ash commented, crouching next to his starter and scratching her behind the ear. "Viper's tough. Don't worry, we'll get her."
"I can't believe we let him escape!" Luna's tail whipped against the ground angrily. "We had him under our thumb! Yet he still escaped!"
"He evolved, we weren't ready for that." Leaf reminded. "Plus, nobody expected him to have Night Slash or Screech."
"We have defeated stronger Pokémon before, like Rhydon, Misdreavus, Mismagius, and Spiritomb. That's not a valid excuse!" Luna argued. Leaf crouched down, picking the distraught Psychic up.
"What's bothering you Luna?" She asked. "Ash, we'll catch up." She grabbed Ivysaur's pokéball and released him. "Go with Ash, we'll follow within moments."
"Sure thing," Ash understood the reason and walked away, Leaf's Ivysaur at his side. Luna looked at Luna.
"Now tell me," Leaf said. Luna sighed before conveying her and Viper's conversation. Leaf blinked, processing all that. "Luna…"
"She acted so cold and uncaring!" Luna cried out. "That's not like her! That's not the Viper I know!"
"She…" Leaf pursed her lips. "Luna, Viper is very hurt. That damned tower wasn't any easy on her. She saw all of her loved ones almost die. That will shake anyone up. And combined with her past…"
"She's so difficult to understand! Why can't she just be expressive and tell us what's bothering her?!" Luna commented. Leaf chuckled.
"Some people don't like to be expressive or open up that much." Leaf told her. "Cynthia is like that. You have to understand her yourself. She might be broken inside but won't let it on."
"…why are they like this?" Luna asked making Leaf smile.
"They are the way they are, we should appreciate them for being themselves, not reprimand them." Leaf said. "Now, let's go find your favorite grass snake before Primeape turns her into a pulp."
"Yeah, let's go." Luna climbed up to Leaf's shoulder and nuzzled her. "Thanks Leaf, you're a lifesaver."
"Ironic," Leaf remarked.
'I'll hate to ruin your poképhile moment but I've found Viper. Want a location?' Leaf heard the evil voice- Misdreavus whisper.
'Gross!' She remarked. 'Where is she? Tell-' Luna jumped off Leaf's shoulder and yowled.
"Misdreavus has found Viper! C'mon!" She burst into a Quick Attack, Leaf running after her.
'I'm always ten steps ahead of you…'
Xxx
Primeape finally reached his resting place and slammed Viper against a tree. The Grass Snake hit it hard, skidding down. She struggled to move, every inch of her body hurting.
Primeape had dragged her and slammed her into many trees in the path. It wasn't as if she targeted him personally! She didn't even hurt him that much! Yet Primeape threw her into the ringer and wrung the cell sap out of her.
Viper gasped, feeling unconsciousness catch up to her. Well, Primeape had already unleashed the anger his species was famous for on her. Maybe he'll leave her alone now.
"Viper!" The Grass Snake jerked out of her semi-conscious state. Great, her teammates were here too! Quite the timing, letting Primeape beat her into oblivion and then showing up.
A part of her was relieved though.
Primeape frowned as two shadowy hands wrapped around his feet. Great! The annoying group of Pokémon was back for more! As he readied a Night Slash, a supercharged bolt of lightning hit him, shocking the living daylights out of him and blasting him off.
A Psychic glow surrounded him, and Primeape was unable to dodge the incoming yellow blur slamming a Thunder Tail into his temple. Dizziness hit the Pig Monkey Pokémon and he struggled to activate Night Slash.
"Now!" Ash yelled. Luna focused and threw the Fighting Type in the air where Fearow slammed a Wing Attack into him. Primeape was knocked back down and Zeus batted him towards Luna with another Thunder Tail.
"This is for Viper!" Luna roared and blasted him with a powerful burst of Psychic energy. Primeape yelled in pain as the super effective hits piled up on him. He hit the ground, struggling to get up.
Luna's gem lit up and he found himself unable to get up. "Zeus, paralyze him. Misdreavus and Haunter, make sure he doesn't escape now." She leapt over to the downed Viper, wincing at her condition. "Damn,"
Viper tried to get up only to fall back down. "Easy," Luna said and used Psychic to help her get up. Viper was placed into a sitting position, gasping in pain. "He really did a number on you," Luna commented, leaning into her teammate and nuzzling against her.
Viper growled, warning her to stay away. Luna licked her cheek in response. "Yeah, yeah, you're real scary right now."
"That's a wrap," Ash commented as Misdreavus and Haunter held Primeape down by his arms and legs. Zeus unleashed his Thunder Wave and scored an easy hit.
"Yeah," Leaf looked at the sky. The dark night sky was beginning to brighten. "We need to get him to Kiyo before-"
'Not so easily,' Primeape's eyes flashed purple and he roared. He formed a Night Slash and struck Haunter hard, rolling over to Misdreavus. The Screech Pokémon vanished into the shadows, smiling all the while.
"What the-" Ash commented just before Primeape kicked him in the chest, knocking him off his feet.
"Ash-" Primeape clutched her by the neck, lifting her off the ground with ease. Luna formed a Shadow Ball but Primeape placed Leaf in the way forcing her to stop.
"Put her down!" Luna growled. Primeape Night Slashed Haunter away, unleashing a Screech. Everyone reeled back at that.
"Ah-" Leaf gasped, face turning blue as Primeape began to crush her windpipe. Her legs kicked the air uselessly as she struggled to get him to release her.
Zeus's cheeks sparked dangerously but Primeape shoved Leaf in the way making him wary of attacking. Luna's gem flickered as she contemplated her options.
"Zeus…" Luna called out privately. "His paralysis will kick in sooner or later. When it does, Iron Tail his hand quickly, and I'll blast him off with Psychic. Haunter, you drag Leaf away from him when we release her."
Leaf's struggles began to slow down alarming them. Luna's tail swished around in fear as she waited for the paralysis to kick in.
'See, that's how fragile you are.' Misdreavus cooed in Leaf's mind as her vision began to darken. 'You cannot save yourself from a mere Primeape yet you threaten me. How ridiculous!'
'Why warn me before if you wanted to kill me anyway?' Leaf thought back. 'Why boost Primeape up?!'
'Because it amuses me!' Misdreavus remarked. 'Soon, you will go unconscious due to the lack of oxygen, and you can't do anything to stop it.'
'But you don't want that to happen do you…' Leaf's kicking and struggling began to cease. 'If you did, you would've killed me a long time ago.'
'I want you alive,' Misdreavus commented. 'But not in perfect shape.' Leaf's eyes drooped and her neck lolled to the side. 'Long Kiss Goodnight, Leafy.'
'You won't succeed Misdreavus…' Luna growled and leapt at Primeape, firing off Shadow Balls. Primeape swung Leaf into the way, giving an opening to Zeus.
"Haunter!" Haunter leapt in the Shadow Balls territory, taking the hits with a grimace. Zeus slammed his Thunder Tail into Primeape's temple once again making him stumble to the side.
Luna focused on his paw and forced it open with all of her might, letting the unconscious Leaf drop down lifelessly. Ash leapt forward, catching her and protectively lying over her.
Primeape spun around, kicking Zeus away, and slashed Haunter out of the way once again. He then rushed at Luna with a nasty Night Slash ready to carve into her.
Luna unleashed a Psychic blast which he cut through with Night Slash. "Oh," Luna was slashed hard and rolled to a stop near Viper. Primeape was upon her, placing her under his paw and unleashing a Thrash.
Viper activated Overgrow, ignoring her aching body, and unleashed a Leaf Storm. Primeape Thrashed against the Leaf Storm, giving Luna ample time to form a Shadow Ball and blast him in the groin.
Primeape cried out in pure agony and stumbled back. Luna formed an Iron Tail and hit the behind of his knee, tripping him. Primeape stumbled and was shocked to the core by an angry Zeus.
"Leaf!" Ash gasped, lightly slapping his girlfriend on the cheek. Leaf remained unconscious. Ash checked her pulse and was alarmed. She wasn't breathing either. 'I need to save her! But how?!'
'CPR,' A voice whispered inside his head. Ash was alarmed. 'Do it or she dies forever!' Ash didn't think twice and began to perform said exercise on her.
"Just get knocked out already!" Luna roared as Primeape grabbed Zeus by his tail and began to wave him around. He threw Zeus against Luna who softened the impact with Psychic.
His eyes turned to Viper who tried to form a Leaf Shield. Viper gasped as Primeape began to charge towards her. She saw him move his arms into a Cross Chop and panicked.
Her Overgrow failed, and so did her capabilities to defend herself. Primeape leapt at her and she shut her eyes in fear. "VIPER!" Viper gasped as she felt a small body slam into her and knock her back against the tree.
Viper opened her eyes to see a flinching Luna atop her, gasping for breath. She looked at her neck where the Cross Chop had struck and winced.
Primeape screeched at them but Fearow dove down, Wing Attacking him away. Primeape was knocked away but managed to clip the avian due to the thick covers of trees and leaves.
Fearow was a large bird, and he was unable to participate much in such a closed off space. When he did, however, he had to pay.
Fearow managed to escape but Primeape got a couple of scratches in, so that had to hurt.
"Y-you okay?" Luna asked her friend, getting up on shaky feet. Viper wanted to scold the Sun Pokémon, she wanted to berate her for jumping in between, and she wanted to whip the hell out of her for attempting such a thing!
"You're an idiot," She thought at last.
"I'll take that as a thank you," Luna smiled at her. Viper, despite herself, couldn't help but smile back.
"Thank you, Luna." She relented. "I'm sorry that- behind you!" Viper pushed Luna out of the way, taking the Night Slash for herself.
"Viper!" Luna screamed as the Grass Snake hit the ground unmoving. She didn't have much time to react, however, as Primeape kicked her and knocked her down. He then formed another Night Slash and began to slash away at the Sun Pokémon.
"C'mon!" Ash gritted his teeth, leaning in on Leaf and pumping her chest. He transferred another dose of saving breaths, hoping to see his girlfriend react.
"Huh?!" Leaf opened her eyes, gasping for air. Ash pulled back, looking at the brunette with grateful eyes. "Ow," Her voice was hoarse, and she clutched her neck in pain.
'You're finally up huh?' Misdreavus commented. Leaf looked over their team and found Ivysaur lying away unconscious. When had he fought against Primeape?
'Stop him! Please!' She requested the ghost. Misdreavus slid over to Luna and Primeape and blasted him off her.
'Down!' The purple glow in Primeape's eyes faded and he dropped unconscious. Ash grabbed a spare pokéball and threw it at the Pig Monkey Pokémon.
"He might pull out another comeback and wreck all of us up," Ash told Leaf. "There's no other choice." Leaf stared at the pokéball which dinged almost immediately.
'What do you gain by hurting all of us so much?!' Leaf thought in anger and helplessness.
'A thrill, sick kick, and love it when you guys lose hope.' Misdreavus replied. 'You better believe me when I say that you guys cannot stand up against me. It's better if you just submit to me Leaf Verdant…'
'Never…' Leaf felt her eyes move against her will to their teams. Luna was unmoving, brutally attacked by the Night Slash, Fearow had just landed down to check up on them, Viper was unmoving, Zeus struggled to move, and Haunter was helping Leaf's Ivysaur to get up. 'You attacked Ivysaur?'
'I could've killed him.' Misdreavus warned. 'But I didn't.' Leaf gulped.
'Promise me you wouldn't hurt them if I…' Leaf asked. Misdreavus smiled evilly.
'As long as you comply with my demands.' Misdreavus replied. 'I'll only possess your body when I desire, and I wouldn't hurt anyone of them nor you.'
'You already hurt all of them,' Leaf whimpered. 'You-'
'I care for them too!' Misdreavus shot back. 'If I didn't, I would've let Primeape break them fully!'
'When did a bloody ghost like you care about mere mortals like us?' Leaf asked in surprise.
'It's… complicated.' Misdreavus replied. 'You don't know me do you?'
'Why would I want to know a ghost who has been terrorizing me since almost half a month and giving me nightmares?' Leaf asked, leaning into Ash's body.
'…just comply with me and nobody has to get hurt.' She stated. 'I will keep Ash safe from any dangers, I promise.'
'Why only Ash?' Leaf wondered. 'Why are you so interested in him?!'
'He reminds me of someone…' Misdreavus said. 'Now, submit.'
'…okay,' Leaf closed her eyes. She felt Misdreavus swoop into her and gasped.
"Hey, you okay?" Ash asked her tiredly. Leaf's eyes opened, pupils flaring purple. "Hey, Leaf? You fine?"
"Y-yeah," She mumbled. Misdreavus floated over to her, acting concerned. "Just aftershocks of nearly dying."
"We got him though," Ash commented, looking at the still pokéball. "And if you're with me, you should get used to dying."
"I don't have to anymore," Leaf mumbled.
"What was that?" Ash asked.
"Nothing," Leaf got up, feeling her body ache. "Let's head back to-" She stumbled, feeling consciousness slip.
"Hey, easy!" Ash gripped her by the shoulders and settled her down gently. "Relax over here; I'll go check up on everyone else." Leaf nodded, feeling her mind spin.
Ash got up and picked up the sealed pokéball. He winced when he looked over Viper and Luna. "Damn," Ash said, pulling out their Luxury Ball and standard pokéball.
Ash returned them and the other members of his team as well, picking Leaf's Ivysaur up and placing him at her feet. Leaf returned her knocked out starter, scowling at the smug Misdreavus.
'You better keep him safe from all this or else…' Misdreavus simply returned to her pokéball.
"Hey, you ready to head back?" Ash questioned. Leaf shook her head.
"I don't think I have the energy left. You'll have to carry me there." Leaf remarked. Ash sat down next to her, feeling tiredness catch up to him as well.
"I thought I almost lost you there," Ash expressed, interlocking his hand with hers. "It was like the Hidden Village all over again."
"You ain't getting rid of me so easily," Leaf smiled, leaning over and pecking him on his cheek. Her voice was still hoarse though, and bruises were evident on her neck.
"I wouldn't assume otherwise," Ash picked Leaf up and crawled over to a tree. "Let's rest a little before returning, kay?" Ash placed Leaf on his lap, hugging her tightly.
Leaf hugged him back, wrapping her legs around his waist. "I'm here Ash, I'm not going anywhere," She whispered in his ear.
"I know, I just…" Ash took a deep breath. "Need some assurance," Leaf smiled and leaned into him tightly.
"I'll happily be your body pillow if you desire," She joked.
"A lucky charm and a body pillow all in one, I'm lucky." Ash mumbled. "Goodnight Leaf,"
"We need to get back though…" Leaf let her tiredness catch up to her as well.
'Goodnight Leafy,' Leaf ignored her sarcastic jab.
Xxx
"You're late," Kiyo commented as Ash and Leaf showed up to him looking hurt and terrible. "And you don't look great,"
"Mankey evolved into Primeape," Ash replied. "We barely got him under control." Ash pulled out his pokéball and offered it to Kiyo. "Here you go, Primeape."
"Keep it," Kiyo replied.
"Huh?" Ash blinked.
"Keep him; we don't have any use for him. He'll be better off with you." Ash blinked. "You wanted a Fighting Type; you got yourself a Fighting Type."
"What about me?" Leaf asked. "I wanted one too!" Kiyo stared at her.
"You should've," He said. "Unfortunately, you didn't."
"What do you mean?!" Leaf asked in anger.
"We don't have a Fighting Type Pokémon for you," Kiyo repeated. "Unless you can defeat me in hand to hand combat…"
"…okay." Leaf replied. "When is the match?" Kiyo stared at her determined brown eyes.
"Leaf…" Ash called.
"You passed," Kiyo clapped his hands and a tutee appeared pokéball and an egg in hand.
"What the?" Leaf asked, completely confused.
"I wanted to test your resolve. If you were worthy of this Pokémon. You are." Kiyo took the pokéball from his tutee and handed it over to Leaf. "The Pokémon Dojo expresses its gratitude and offers this Pokémon to you."
Leaf looked over the pokéball before enlarging it. "Can I check it out?" She asked.
"By all means," Kiyo stepped back. Leaf released the Pokémon within, a primarily brown humanoid shaped Pokémon with an ovoid body.
"A Hitmonlee," Leaf breathed. "They're amazing fighters." She pulled out her pokedex to scan the Hitmonlee.
"Hitmonlee, the Kicking Pokémon. This nimble Pokémon launches lethal kicks from almost any position." It didn't show additional information because Leaf had yet to register it as hers.
"And Ash Ketchum," He took the egg from the tutee. "We saw how much value you give to your team, and how much they value each other. We believe that you may be able to raise this egg the best."
Ash took the egg, a whitish egg with green designs, in his arms. "I won't disappoint you," Ash vowed.
"I'll help you raise it," Leaf smiled at him happily.
"Thank you for trusting us with them," Ash told Kiyo. Kiyo bowed.
"The pleasure is all mine," He smiled. "Now, I would like to take my leave. Students are approaching, and I'm pretty sure you'll like a change of clothes and a shower too."
"We look epic," Leaf commented sarcastically. Ash snorted in laughter.
"Till then, Mr. Ash Ketchum and Ms. Leaf Verdant." Kiyo bowed and walked away, leaving the couple alone.
"I'm going to go get cleaned up, eat something, and then hit the haystack." Ash told Leaf on their way back. "I'm so tired and sleepy…"
"Was I not a good body pillow?" Leaf asked innocently. Ash blushed at the question.
"You were too good." Ash replied cheekily. "I wouldn't mind using that body pillow again."
"Keep acting so sweetly and you'll gain annual subscription for free," Leaf advertised. Ash chuckled.
"I wonder what's in this…" Ash looked at the Pokémon Egg.
"A lucky Pokémon is all I can say," Leaf commented. Ash looked at her with one eyebrow raised. "I don't need to prove how or why. Like Kiyo said, you're team is one strong family. There will be fights, arguments, low moments, but you'll never leave anyone alone."
"Take Viper and Luna for example. Viper was very harsh to her when Luna tried to talk. But today, you could see the worry Luna had when Primeape dragged Viper with him. You could see Luna worry about Zeus when he got thrashed by Primeape. You can see the worry everyone has for Charmander. It," She pointed to the egg. "Is very lucky."
"Leaf…" Ash's voice trailed away. "I don't know how to reply to that," He replied truthfully.
"You don't have to," Leaf winked. "I'm lucky to have you around, you know." She mumbled.
"It's the other way around idiot." Ash grumbled. "Here we are! Dibs on the shower!"
"Hey no fair!" Leaf pouted. "What about Ladies first?" She asked.
"Fine, you use the shower first." Ash mumbled. "I'll go give our team and this egg to Nurse Joy."
"Bring some food while you're at it!" Leaf ordered. Ash rolled his eyes, a trait he had adapted from Leaf. "Please," She made puppy dog eyes.
"Anything for you Leafy," Ash smiled. The two reached the Pokémon Center and briefly parted ways. 'Welcome to the team.' Ash told the egg.
Xxx
Once again, a Happy New Year to all of you! I have another chapter written out which will be uploaded within a week! It features Ash and Sabrina's big battle! Until then, see you!
Response to Reviews:
UltimateCCC: They were never together to begin with.
Reader: Thank you for reviewing so much actually! Glad to have such readers with me!
Megatyrant: My bad.
OblivionKnight: Yeah I myself cannot wait for that chapter XD. It'll be one to remember!