.Pokémon Journey: XYZ

Hey guys Paradox here and welcome to Chapter 104 and Chapter 21 of XYZ. This one's gonna be a favorite for me, mainly because the anime episode is one of my favorites although it was a major c*block since the Dance episode. But enough about me complaining. For this chapter, expect something similar with a lot more romance on it.

Enjoy the show.


"Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care."- Theodore Roosevelt


Chapter 104: Taking a Sick Day

"You two have a lot of gall." Serena and Rene stare a screen as an angry Palermo. They heard that she had been trying to get in contact with them for three days. "It's been three days since the Master Class. Surely you're not still sore over it?" Rene asked. " You would be too if you were dealing with every technical issue. Everyone is wondering where the true Kalos Queen is." Palermo said. "I understand. You have had a trying time lately." Rene said. "If you could shed a bit of self respect Rene, May I please have a moment with your student privately." Palermo asked. "It's okay Rene." Serena agreed. Rene respected Serena's wishes and left back to the group.

"Now if it were up to me, you would be bar from competing indefinitely." Palermo said as Serena felt unhinged from her threat. "Why would you give up something so precious. Something you work so hard for only to hand it back!?" Palermo demanded. "Because...because I have other priorities. Other things I want to do. Other places to explore. And I hope you would consider that I'll be returning one day. This is only temporary." Serena said. "Well if that's the case. You have one year. If you're not back by the next Showcase season, your title is vacant and your reign is through!" Palermo said. "Do we understand each other!?" She continues.

"More than you know." Serena glare daggers at the screen. "Just so you know, I didn't doubt your ambition to win, but you're still have rough edges to smooth out." Palermo said. "That's a matter of perspective and we are done." Serena said than hung up. Serena sighed, Palermo has only given her one year to come back. Still one year was plenty of time considering the Kalos League was just mere months away. However if she does come back, there's no doubt Palermo will try to make her life a living hell.

"You ready to leave?" Rene asked. "Yea, let's go." Serena said as the girls walk back to the lobby where the group was.


After a full day of traveling on Route 19, the gang set up camp for the night by a river. After dinner, Ash decides to train with Greninja and Pikachu while standing in the river. "Okay tell me why are you training in the river." Drake asked. "We're taught to train in any conditions right. Water is just an occupational hazard." Ash said. "Pikachu use Electro Ball." Pikachu then charges up and fires a ball of electricity at Greninja.

Greninja retaliated with Night Slash, cutting the the Electro Ball in half and splashing into the river, soaking all three. "You got it!" Ash said. "They surely got it but I don't think Ash does." Drake said. "That's enough Ash, you'll catch a cold if you stay in there." Serena said as she toss him a towel. "Don't worry I'll be fine." Ash said as he drys himself when suddenly his nose began to inch until he finally sneeze. "Oh boy. This is not gonna go well." Drake said.


The next morning

"So how long do you think he'll be like this." James asked. "No more than a second." Jessie said as she held a pail if water and dump it on Meowth. Meowth hiss loudly as he tries to roll all over the grass to dry himself. "What was that for!?" Meowth hissed. "It's time to get up you. Today's the day we finally catch Pikachu." Jessie cheered. "You mean you woke me up from a good dream just for something that may not happen?" Meowth asked. "That dream is just cheap imagination. This is reality and today we will catch Pikachu." James said.

Suddenly a loud cord shatter Team Rocket's ear drums as they frantically try to block out the noise. "What is that racket!?" Jessie cried. Then they heard a loud howl and screech and look above them. On the cliff above was a boy around a twerp's age with a real punk rock theme from head to toe.

He had light brown hair cut into a Mohawk, his face was painted white with some yellow in the center, black on his eyes and red to resemble Pikachu cheeks. For wardrobe he wore an all black leather rock outfit from a vest to rip leather pants to black boots with yellow ascents on them, the same also applied to his fingerless gloves. In his hands was a Pikachu theme guitar he strum and on his back was a small amplifier that was also Pikachu base. By his side was a Pikachu with its fur comb to a Mohawk like his trainer.

"Did some say Pikachu?" The boy said as he struck a cord. "If you're looking for the greatest Pikachu crew in the world. Look no further than the great Electric Duo. The name's Jimmy and this is Spike." The guitarist spoke as his Pikachu rocked our. Team Rocket however was rocked out as they couldn't understand this kid. "I understand there's talk about a strong Pikachu." Jimmy said. "Well we have no Pikachu here kid." Jessie said. "I see, I don't suspose you could point in the direction of this strong Pikachu." Jimmy asked. Team Rocket was skeptical but if it meant for this ear buster to be out of their hair...then.

Clemont finally finish breakfast and the table was set. Everyone was up and about expect for Ash. "How is Ash not up yet?" Drake asked. "He's been quiet all night." Serena said. "Bonnie, could you go get him?" Rene asked as Bonnie nodded. Bonnie approach the tent Ash was staying, at the same time Ash, still in his night time wear, came up. "Ash you're up, breakfast is ready." Bonnie said.

"Ohh, it's ready, it's ready." Ash said groggily. Ash then slowly walked towards Serena. "Ash are you alright?" Rene asked when she notice that something's wrong. Ash didn't respond and collapse on his knees while grasping Serena's hand, surprising her. "I..." Ash rasped. "Honey what is it?" Serena asked. "I.." Ash struggle to say. Serena could only look intensely as Ash was losing focus.

"I..Iron Tail, Pikachu." Was all Ash could say until he finally collapse on his backpack. "Ash!" Drake rushed over. "What's wrong with him?" Bonnie asked as Serena felt Ash's forehead. "It's bad. He's burning up." Serena said. "Must've got a fever from last night. The price of training in a river." Drake said. "Not now Drake, we gotta get Ash back inside." Rene said as Drake and Serena carried Ash back to the inside of the tent. "Gently now." Drake said as he and Serena lower Ash back into his sleeping bag.

"He's still. We need water from the stream to cool him down." Serena said as Drake rush outside. In the meantime, Serena fanned him with a rag and try to wash off Ash's sweat from his head.

"So what do we do?" Bonnie asked. "What else? We can't go anywhere until Ash is better." Drake said. "To make matters worse, we don't have any medicine to treat him." Clemont said. "Is there a Pokémon Center nearby?" Rene asked. Drake checks his Pokewatch's map function but couldn't find a Pokémon Center for miles but something else was near. "There isn't one for miles but there's a small town with a clinic nearby. We can get what we need from there." Drake said. "Me and Bonnie can go." Clemont said. "Why not Drake, he's got Pidgeot so he can get there and back faster." Rene asked. "On the contrary, we may something else that's not at the clinic. There are special herbs and berries for treatment in the forest, it's twice as far but with Pidgeot, I should be able get back sooner." Drake said. "Sounds like a plan. I'll stay and help Serena take care of Ash." Rene said.

After Drake, Clemont, and Bonnie left, Rene went inside the tent as Serena was putting a wet rag on Ash's forehead. "Okay, everyone's gone to get some medication." said Rene. "Well I kept his temperature regulated. Just hang on honey, help is coming soon." Serena whispered as Ash was sound asleep. "He'll be fine. Guardian Knights have a beyond normal functioning immune system." Rene said. "Sure right after your minor healing factor." Serena said, her focus never taken off Ash. "He'll be okay. I promise." Rene said.

Suddenly they shook scared from a sound of a guitar rift playing outside. "What the heck is that!?" Rene questions as Serena, Rene and their Pokémon went outside. Outside they saw some punk kid playing on his guitar with a Pikachu imitating him. "Howw-dy there!" Jimmy said. "Hey." Rene said unamused. "Who are you suspose to be?" Serena asked. "I'm glad you ask. The name's Jimmy and this is my buddy Spike. Together we are the Electric Duo." They posed but leaving Rene and Serena dumbfound. "We travel across the land giving contests, seeking to become the greatest Pikachu duo in the world. We have recently heard of a strong Pikachu in these parts, owned by a one Ash Ketchum." Jimmy said as he set his sights on Pikachu.

"Ahh, here he stands ready to give us the battle of our dreams. Is one of you Ash Ketchum?" Jimmy said. "He's inside." Serena responded. "Excellent, bring him before us and we can have the greatest rock and roll battle of alll timme!" Jimmy yells as he plays a loud solo enough for Rene and Serena to cover their ears. "He's gonna wake Ash up!" Rene shouted. "Jimmy okay okay! We'll get Ash. Just...stop playing." Serena surrenders.

Once retreating back to the tent, Serena and Rene needed a plan to deal with Jimmy. "I am about this close to taking that punk's guitar, turning it sideways and sticking it so far up his keister that the tip will come out of his mouth!" Rene yells. "Let's not resort to violence Rene, there has to be a reasonable solution." Serena said. "Well I hope you're not crazy to actually sending Ash out there. He's not capable to battle much less stand." Rene said. "I know that. There's just has to be another way." Serena said as she takes the towel off Ash's head as he slept. "I'm surprise he slept through that loud rift." Rene said. "Ash has always been a heavy sleeper, most of the time." Serena said when she peak at Ash's fold clothes. There she hatch a plan. "I got it." Serena said as she took Ash's shirt.

After Rene heard the plan, she was waiting outside with Pikachu. "This is never gonna work." Rene groaned, thinking that Serena lost her marbles. There out of the tent came Serena, dressed in Ash's clothes. "Hi there, I'm Ash Ketchum and I heard you wanted to battle me." Serena tried speaking in a deep tone. "You bet you are. You and your Pikachu against us. No other Pokémon. What do you say?" Jimmy offered. "You got a deal." Serena responded. Rene however was dumbstuck, either Serena's plan is going off without a hitch or this maybe the most oblivious kid in Kalos.

"Ah, there we go." Clemont said as they exit the clinic. "Quick Clemont, Ash is counting on us." Bonnie said as they preceded back to camp.


Serena vs. Jimmy: One on One

"We'll go first, Spike use Thunderbolt." Jimmy's Pikachu jumps up and fires a bolt of lightning at Pikachu. "You use Thunderbolt too." Pikachu stays still as he expels out a bolt of lightning to cancel out his opponent's attack. "Use Quick Attack." Spike took a running start and rush out towards his opponent. "You Use Quick Attack as well." Both Pikachu went full speed at each other, only to bump their heads at each other and rebound off.

"We're just matching each other's moves. We got to come up with some kind of strategy." Serena said. "Think Serena, What would Ash do?" She pondered. "Use Thunder Punch." Spike rushes downward with an electrified fist. "Use Electro Ball." Not to give Spike a chance to close in, Pikachu shot a ball of electricity at Spike. The Thunder Punch connected to the opposing force and caused an explosion, which cause Spike to rebound back. "Use Dig." Using its tail, Spike drills into the ground to hide from Pikachu's view.

"Think Serena, You've seen Ash battle dozens of times, Surely he's come up with a strategy for Dig." Serena said as plunders in deep thought. Then she remembers one time, Ash's Gym battle with Clemont at the Lumiose Gym, he had Pikachu use Iron Tail on the surface to cause seismic vibrations to focus Bunnelby up. "That's what I'll do."

"Pikachu use Iron Tail on the surface." Serena said as Pikachu seem to remember the trick as well and use a steel tail to slam on the ground as hard as he can, causing seismic vibrations and forcing Spike out of his hidy hole. "Again Pikachu." Rushing now with full force, Pikachu use Iron Tail once more and slam Spike back down to the ground.

"You Good Spike." Jimmy asked as Spike nods. "This, this is the battle of ages!" Jimmy cheered. Serena could only smile but inside gossip that this plan was going off without a hitch. "There's plenty more where that came from." Serena spoke.

"Come on Clemont, we're almost there." Bonnie yells as she and Clemont were running back to camp. Going through the shrubbery, Clemont and Bonnie saw Ash apparently up and about. "Is Ash all better?" Bonnie asked. "This early, an impossibility." Clemont said as they walked near where the tents are placed. There they saw what seem like another impossibility or more like a joke. "Hey isn't that." Bonnie asked.

"Pikachu use." "Hey Serena." Serena froze when she heard Bonnie's voice. "Why are you." Bonnie stopped when Serena began to shirk like a banshee. There was an awkward moment until Bonnie broke the silence. "Why are you." Bonnie was interrupted once more when Serena shirk once more, creating another awkward moment.

"Is there a problem here?" Jimmy asked. "Uh nope, uhh give me a moment." Serena said nervously as she and Rene went to Clemont and Bonnie. "Well I must say you guys took quicker than I expected." Rene said. "Thank but...what exactly is going on here?" Clemont asked. "I'll let you explain since it's your plan." Rene said to Serena.

After explaining the whole Jimmy situation, Clemont and Bonnie seem to grasp the idea. "Okay I think I get it." Clemont said. "You must feel extremely comfortable in Ash's clothes Serena." said Bonnie. "Look you guys get inside and treat Ash. We'll handle Jimmy." Serena said. Clemont and Bonnie nod as they head inside Serena's tent to treat Ash.

"Are you all done conversating?" Jimmy asked. "Yea we are. Let's continue our battle." Serena said as Pikachu step forward. "Are you sure that's enough?" Bonnie asked. "Yes, let's just cross our fingers." Clemont said as he serve Ash a spoonful of medicine and made him shallow.

"Use Thunderbolt." Spike jumped up and discharge a bolt of electricity at Pikachu. "Match him with Thunderbolt too." Pikachu stay stationary as he shoots a bolt of lightning to match Spike's, canceling each other out. "Let's keep up the pressure, use Quick Attack." Spike rushes in at great speed to match Pikachu. "You Use Quick Attack too!" Pikachu attempts to match Spike's attack with the same move. But before both could connect, something came in between of them.


Out of nowhere, two robotic arms stretched and grasped both Pikachu out of the air. "What the!?" "What is this?" Both trainers questioned as they heard laughter. Pulling off from a truck, Team Rocket parked and set themselves on top of the trailer.

"Ha Prepared for trouble."

"And make it double."

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people within our nation."

"To announce the evils of truth and love."

"To extend our reach to the stars above."

"Jessie"

"James"

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight."

"Meowth that's right."

"Wobbuffet."

"Hey its you guys." Jimmy said. "How do you know them!?" Rene asked. "They told where I would find you guys." Jimmy said. "Well these guys hang around like a bad smell." Rene said. "Well these smells hangs around for the big one. And boy we struck big." Meowth said. "Double the Pikachu, double the power." James said. "Double the success too. We hate to be a stick in the mud but we gotta run. Ciao." Team Rocket said as Wobbuffet attempts to hit the gas.

But suddenly an Aura Wave strikes the front left tire, popping it. "Hey who ruined our ride!?" Jessie asked. Everyone turned back towards the tent where Ash was standing find in his sleep wear and Staff in hand. "Wait if the twerp's there then..." James said as he settles the differences between the two. "It's the twerpette In men's clothing." James said. "Is she cosplaying?" Meowth questions. "What do they mean by that?" Jimmy asked. "Ummm...the truth is, I'm not really Ash Ketchum." Serena said as she took off the hat and let her hair dropped.

"Wait you're a chick?" Jimmy exclaimed as Serena could only smile. "Then who is Ash Ketchum?" Jimmy asked. "That's him, hey Ash you're gonna need this." Serena said as she flicks Ash's cap over to him. Ash caught his cap flawlessly and puts it on. "One more twerp doesn't mean anything. We still have both Pikachu in our hands." Jessie yells.

Suddenly a quick sharp swipe manage to cut the piping connecting the limbs, destroying them and freeing both Pikachu. "What was that!" Team Rocket cried as they hear a loud bird cry from above. Mounting off Pidgeot, Drake drops to the ground to join the group. "Glad we didn't miss the party." Drake smirked as Team Rocket was getting more nervous.

"Surprised to see you up and about." Drake said. "You can thank Clemont and Bonnie for that." Ash said. "I got these guys. Hey Jimmy, wanna help?" Ash asked the punk kid, who was surprised by his request. "Uh, s-sure." Jimmy accepted. "Uh oh. I don't like the look of these." James squeaks out. "Together then." Jimmy asked. "Yes." Ash said.

"Pikachu Thunderbolt now." Both trainers called as both Pikachu rushed and jumped high and fired a bolt of electricity that merge together. Once striking was more than enough to explode the rig and sent Team Rocket on their way.

"Well we managed." Jessie said.

"We tried." Meowth said.

"And in the end, it still didn't pay off." said James.

"WE'RE BLASTING OFF AGAIN!" Team Rocket yells as they once again fly away to the horizon.

"Guess that's about it." Rene said as everyone caught their breath. "Not so fast." Jimmy than turn his attention to the group. "I didn't appreciate being lied to." Jimmy crossed his arms. "What does he mean by that?" Drake whispered to Rene. "Just let us handle it." Rene responded. "I'm sorry, you see Ash here has been sick all day today." Serena explains. "Well don't suspose we could have a rematch and this time with the real Ash Ketchum." Jimmy asked.

"Sure suspose we owe you that much. First things first though." Ash said as he turns to Serena. "As much as you look adorable in my clothes sweetheart. Could I have them back." Ash whispered as Serena nods. "Give us a few minutes." Serena smile as they head back inside their tent. "Wait, she was in his clothing?" Jimmy asked. "Uhh yes." Rene groaned at the kid's obliviousness.

A few minutes later and Ash was all dressed in his clothes and facing Jimmy and Spike on the field


Ash vs. Jimmy: One on One

"We'll let you guys make the first move." Ash said. "With pleasure, Spike use Thunder Punch." Spike jumps up with a charge electric fist. "Counter with Iron Tail." Pikachu jumps and meets them head on with a steel tail that neglects the electric move.

"Use Dig." With its tail, Spike burrows deep underground waiting to launch a surprise attack. Ash knew the trick to force Spike but instead choose to be patient. "Wait for it. Use your senses buddy." Ash said as Pikachu's ear were perking up. Suddenly Pikachu felt a rumbling below his feet. "Quick retract backwards and use Quick Attack." Just as Spike jumps out, Pikachu flips backward and rushes in with a glowing aura and striking Spike, forcing it back.

"Use Thunderbolt." Spike quickly reacts and fires a Thunderbolt at Pikachu. "Use Electro Ball." Pikachu hurls a ball of electricity at the Thunderbolt to cancel it out. "Use Quick Attack." Spike rushes in once more to close in. "Dodge it." Pikachu dodges quickly by jumping as high as it can. "They have no move to dodge in the air. Use Thunderbolt." Spike calls out a bolt of lightning and shoots it at Pikachu.

"Let's take it. Use Volt Tackle." Letting velocity be its ally, Pikachu gathers momentum until an electric veil covers him. Merely absorbing the Thunderbolt and riding it like a current, Pikachu closes in until finally impacting on Spike. "Spike!" Jimmy calls as smoke covers his sight. Once the smoke disperse, Spike was unconscious.

"Spike is unable to battle, Pikachu wins and the match's go to Ash." Clemont said.


With the battle over, the sun was setting and the gang invite Jimmy and Spike over for dinner. "Wow this stuff is delicious." Jimmy said as he cramps more food in his mouth. "I agree. Clemont you outdone yourself this time." Ash said with a mouthful. "Well thanks I guess." Clemont smiled.

After dinner, Jimmy and Spike decide it was time to leave. "Despite today, you guys are alright. Especially you Serena." Jimmy said as Serena just blush lightly. "To show my respect, here' a fine tune." Jimmy said as he plays a hard rift, causing the others to laugh softly.

After Jimmy and Spike, this leaves the group alone. "Well now what." Bonnie asked. "It's late already, we'll stay here and move out tomorrow." Drake said as everyone got settle into their tents.

Inside, Ash was back in his sleep wear when he saw Serena in his sleeping bag. "You know, that was a very noble thing you did." Ash said. "I thought we agree there was nothing we wouldn't do for each other." Serena said. "So is there an occasion you're in my sleeping bag?" Ash asked as he opened it up to see a surprise. Serena was in her pink bra and panties but was also wearing Ash's blue shirt on top. "Wow." Ash gasped. "I assume you like it." Serena smiled. "I gotta say blue looks great on you." Ash said. "Don't convince me, Red is still my number one color." Serena said.

Ash smile as he took off his undershirt and join his beloved in the sleeping bag. "I love you." Ash said. "I know you do honey." Serena smiled as they inched closer and their mouths connected. A heated moment lead to another and Ash was nimbling on Serena's ear as the latter gasped in ecstasy. The lovely couple join together in the night and await tomorrow as the Journey continues.


Done everyone, well I must say this ended steaming. Here's Chapter 104 and I hope you guys enjoyed that. So onto some news, both good and bad. Good news first is that I'm done with finals and out of school for the Winter so I do have some time on my hands to work.

Now the bad news is that something started awhile back. Lately the keyboard of my tablet has been acting up while I'm working but it's only happening on the Website version of Fanfiction, like what's with that? I don't know if it's happening to other writers or is it just me. Luckily there was an alternative and now I'm working from the App version instead. It's only a matter of getting used to it but wish me luck on it.

Now for the next chapter based on the anime timeline, you guessed it Alain comes back and Ash once again must test the limits of his link with Greninja. I'll guarantee you'll all enjoy it.

Leave a Like, Comment and don't be a stranger. All are welcome. This is Paradox signing off. Goodbye.