Pokemon is owned by Gamefreak and all Pokédex entries are from Bulbapedia.
"Butts"- Humans speaking
"Butts"- Pokemon speaking
'Butts'- thoughts
"Butts"-Pokedex entries/TV commentary
"Butts"- Telepathy/Aura speech
Taking It By The Horn
At the same time Ash was having his battle with Damian in Kanto, the girl Serena was in her room in Kalos, now sporting much shorter hair. After finishing Rhyhorn Race training for the day (which she absolutely hated, just listen for once, MOM!), Grace had decided to have Serena get a haircut, due to the weather in Kalos starting to get much warmer.
Currently, the girl wore a red coat over a short pink dress adorned with a blue bow, grey knee socks and brown shoes. She was standing in front of a mirror, looking to see how she looked wearing a large purple hat, only to shake her head in disapproval and throw it onto her bed, along with several other hats. As she sat at her table, a knock sounded at the door.
Serena: It's open.
The door opened, revealing Grace and Fletchling, who fle into the room and landed on her head.
Fletchling: Oooh, nice hats.
Grace: Are you going out?
Serena: Maybe, I don;t know… *picks up hats* Hey, Mom. Which one should I wear?
Grace looked between the two hats Serena had left, a small pink straw hat with a black ribbon and a mahogony knitted cap with a puffball on top. Looking between the two, Grace pointed to the puffball hat.
Grace: I like that one.
Serena: Hm….. Okay, then this one.
The bird flew off Serena's head as she then threw the other hat aside, putting on the straw hat.
Serena: What do you think, Fletchling?
Fletching: Aw Seree, you look like a million berries!
Grace: If you already knew, why did you ask me?
Serena: Whichever one you didn;t pick would be the cuter one, that's why.
Fletchling: Concrete logic to me.
Grace: I see…. So, where are you going?
Serena: To Lumiose City's Pokemon lab. *brightly* I'm going to see the professor and get my very first Pokemon!
Fletchling: *gasps* You hear that, Grace!? She's growing up! I… *tears up, sniffles* I… I have to go. *flies off, wavering voice* I have something in my eye- hi-hi-hi~... *hits window* OW!
—-
Back in Kanto, a huge ball opens to release confetti and a flock of Pidove as the crowd within the stadium cheer loudly.
Announcer: Welcome one and all to the opening ceremonies of the Pokemon League Indigo Conference! Here, top trainers and their Pokemon all over Kanto come to prove their skill, strength, and spirit! These hopeful competitors will strive for excellence and victory they will need to nter the ranks of Pokemon master!
In the stands, Misty, Brock, Goh, and Kixx cheer with the rest of them as multiple trainers walk out of the four corners of the stadium.
Announcer: and here they come! Our competitors are proudly entering the stadium, each having proven their worthiness by winning a minimum of eight gym badges!
Misty: Woah, how amazing…
Brock: *points down* Hey look, I see Ash!
The others look down to see Ash walking alongside Cobalt and Green, with the boy sporting a nervous expression. A few spaces behind him walked Wes with Solana and Seleno, also sporting a slightly nervous expression.
Goh: And look, there's Wes!... They seem kind of nervous.
In another group walked Gary, who just held a smirk as he walked.
Brock: Gary sure doesn't.
Goh: Gary?
As every trainer then lined up, Ash looked around, spotting of course Gary, James, and Wes, but also much to his delight, AJ, Marcus; another student from the psychic school, and even Trip. Rveryone looked down to see a man running down the field, holding a torch as he then made it to a starcase leading to a huge torch basin.
Announcer: And here comes the torch bearer, running to light the center torch of the stadium.
Cobalt: Center torch? What's that about?
Ash: *whispers* It's a tradition of the Indigo League. The torch up there is said to be lit by one of Moltres's feathers that burns all the way through the tournament. It's meant to be a sign for trainers to keep going.
Green: Moltres?
Ash: *nods, takes out Pokedex* This Pokemon.
Both of Ash's starters looked, seeing a large yellow bird with a thin neeck and fire bathing its head, wings, and tail.
Pokedex: Moltres, the Flame Pokémon. A Fire and Flying type. When injured, Moltres enters the lava of a volcano, and its fiery temperature helps heal its wounds. They say when Moltres appears, it brings spring with it.
Green: Woah…..
At least, the man makes it up the stairs, holding the torch to the sky.
Man: I declare this Pokemon League... open!
Suddenly, a gust of wind blows by and puts out the flame on the torch….. The scene cuts to the "Please Stand By" screen, where it then shows the man running up the stair, this time shielding the fire with his hand.
Man: I declare this Pokemon League... open!
The man then lights the torch, causing the crowd to explode in cheers…. Only for a second later, he catches fire and burns as well.
Announcer: …Alright then. With that out of the way, we will show the match-ups for the Indigo qualifying rounds! For these battles, each trainer shall use only one Pokemon. Those who win will be able to rise to the other fields and compete within the Indigo Stadium! Now, for the match-ups…..
The large monitor overhead displays over 200 trainer's pictures, which then shuffle across the screen before stopping, showing the qualifier round match-ups under what seemed to be isles catagorized with a water drop, a stone, a leaf, and a snowflake. Ask looked on the screen, spotting his picture under the aisle with the water drop and his opponent…
Cobalt: Holy….
Ash: So… Our first opponent is James.
James: *off-screen* Looking forward to it, Ash.
The boy jumped in fright as he and his partners looked back, spotting James right next to them. However, instead of trying to insult him or call him a twerp, James just tipped his sunglasses before smiling, leaving the three as he went off to prepare for the upcoming battle.
Ash: We have to win… Otherwise, we won;t be able to make it to the next battles.
Cobalt and Green nodded to their trainer as the three walked off, Kestrel in tow. However, this confused Green.
Green: Hey, where's everyone going? I thought we were battling.
Ash: We are. You see, Green, in the Indigo Conference, you don;t start out in the Indigo Stadium. We need to win four battles on 4 elemental fields; those being water, rock, grass, and ice.
Cobalt: And based on that screen, I assume the qualifiers count as one of those battles?
Ash: Mm-hmm.
Misty: *runs up to him* Ash, we saw you! You guys looked amazing!
Ash: Thanks, Mist.
Brock: I'm actually still shocked you have to battle James to qualify for the League.
?: Ain't he part of Team Rocket?
Ash looks behind him, where AJ is seen walking up to them.
Ash: Hey, AJ. Long time no see.
AJ: Great to see ya, Ash. *to Cobalt and Green* Cobalt, Green, you guys look stronger than ever.
Cobalt and Green greet him, though they know he can't understand them.
AJ: So, this Rocket guy's in the League?
Ash: Yeah, but apparently he and his buddies turned over new leaves, so we probably don't have to worry about them pulling anything… *smiles* But what you really should worry about is me winning the League.
AJ: *smirks* We'll see about that. Just try not to get disqualified before you face off against me.
Ash nodded as AJ walked off, just as Goh approached them from behind.
Goh: Hey guys, come on! Wes's match is up first at the ice field!
Goh led the way for them as Ash and his Pokemon hung back, thinking of a strategy.
Green: Alright, we need real insight on James's strategy. Any ideas?
Cobalt: So far, I think his team consists of Weezing, Growlithe, Inkay, and Carnivine.
Ash: It's a really diverse roster, especially with that Inkay being a Dark and Psychic type. But Weezing is probably his most powerful. I think it'd be best if either Psi or Aiden went out against them since Psi could have a type advantage against Weezing and Aiden is one of the most powerful we got. But if he chooses Carnivine or Growlie, we don;t know their movesets… Who could be able to counter them?
Kestrel: *raises* Ooh, pick me! Ooh, me! Ooh!
Cobalt: Ah ah ah sorry, kiddo. You're still too little for a real battle.
Kestrel: *growls* Why can't you let me be myself!?
Green: Because unfortunately for you, we love you And we wouldn't do something as despicable as to send out a baby into a league battle.
As Ash looked at Kestrel, sensing his enthusiasm to battle and the frustration he had now, he thought back to Kestrel's battle with Neptune. Sure, he didn't have many moves, but maybe… Just maybe….
Ash: Actually…. I think Kestrel just gave me an idea.
Cobalt: *nervous* Oh…. I just know I'm not gonna like this.
—-
Meanwhile in Kalos, Serena opens the door to her house, running into the front yard just as Ryley was coming out of his small house, Grace and Fletchling right behind the girl.
Serena: Ryley!
She then approaches the Rhyhorn, kneeling down to scratch his chin.
Serena: Gotta go. Wish me luck.
He nuzzles the girl, which causes her to smile and hug the rock-type's head.
Ryley: You're gonna be great!
Grace: Have you decided which starter you're going to choose?
Serena: *gets up* Yep. But it's a secret… Well, I better go before they run out. *starts leaving* Bye, Mom!
Grace: Don;t forget to practice your Rhyhorn racing!
Serena looks back at her mother as she rapidly sets off to her next destination.
Serena: Oh, don;'t worry! I will!
Grace: Wait, don;t you mean you WON'T!?
Serena: *quickly* Sorry, can't hear you, my future is too loud! I'm gonna go before you process this sentence, okay, BYEE!
—-
After watching Wes's qualifying battle against a trainer wielding a Wartortle, Misty, Ash and Brock broke off from the pair as they made their way to the water field, which was basically a lone platform in the middle of a giant pool. Misty and Brock sat in the stands as Ash, Cobalt, and Green stood on a green platform while James stood on a red platform parallel to them.
Announcer: And now for the second to last qualifier round for the day; it's Ash VS James!
Misty: Both of them are only allowed to use one Pokemon, but which one will they use?
Brock: No doubt James caught some more since we last saw him.
Meowth: *off-screen* And how…
The two jolted in shock as they turned, spotting Meowth next to them, wearing a vendor's outfit and carrying a tray of concessions.
Misty: Meowth!
Meowth: Oh, hey… I was expectin you here, but not here specifically.
Brock: What are you doing here? Where's Jessie?
Meowth: Eh, we got a side hustle as snack vendors while James battles in the league. We may not be criminals no more, but we gotta make that mooolah. *points* And Jess's over there.
At another aisle of the stadium, Jessie is seen with the same uniform and tray as Meowth selling snacks as the Incineroar from earlier doing the same thing by her side.
Misty: Woah… So James really was serious when he said he'd quit?
Meowth: Yep, took us by surprise too when Jess got herself fired… Now are ya gonna by somethin' or not.
Referee: Will both trainers release their Pokemon!
James: *nods* Get ready, kid. This is to show… How far I've come. *throws pokeball* Go, Heracross!
James's Pokeball opened, revealing the large beetle he used in his Cerulean gym battle. Surprised at the sight of this Pokemon, Ash scanned it.
Pokedex: Heracross, the Single Horn Pokémon. A Bug and Fighting type. Heracross takes pride in its horn, which it uses to scoop up and throw its opponent. Its main food source is tree sap.
Green: Bug and Fighting? Now isn't that unique.
Cobalt: So, the best choice would be a Fire, Flying, or Fairy type….
Ash looked to his Lucario, who knew exactly what he was going to ask. Knowing full well this was what needed to be done, Cobalt sighed and nodded, allowing Ash to smile as he threw a Pokeball.
Ash: I choose you, Kestrel!
The ball then opened, revealing the aforementioned Togepi that smiled brightly and gained a determined expression.
Kestrel: You're goin' down, big boy! WOO!
Cobalt: And I now regret this.
Misty: Has Ash lost his gourd?! Why did he send out Kestrel, he's a baby, for Mew's sake!
Brock: Maybe, but then again, Ash trusts his Pokemon more than anything. He must have a strategy.
James: Your Pokemon is adorable, I'll admit. But looks won't be enough to stop me. Heracross, Bulk Up then Aerial Ace!
The beetle gained a red aura as it flexed, its attack raising with every flex as it then flew up, ready to strike with its claws.
Ash: Kestrel, counter with Headbutt!
The young one charged at Heracross headfirst, clashing its attack with his own. However, the attack boost caused Kestrel to be knocked back some, causing Cobalt to growl at the bug.
Ash: We gotta do something about that attack boost…. I got it! Kestrel, use Charm and then Fairy Wind!
Kestrel surrounded himself with pink hearts, spread his arms out and made a cute face at the Heracross, which made the bug lower its guard at the baby.
James: No! Heracross, don't fall for it!
Heracross: But he's so cute…
However, this cuteness didn't last long as Kestrel blew a stronger Fairy Wind at the beetle, kocking it into the water.
James: Heracross!
Announcer: Oooh, and it looks like Heracross has been sent to the great blue by Ash's Togepi! What else can this baby bring to the battle? Well, let's find out!
Suddenly, the beetle flew out of the water, its wings deployed from its carapace.
Cobalt: Woah, that guy's tough.
Kestrel: Doesn't matter! You're going down!
James: We'll see…. Heracross, use Brick Break!
Ash: Kestrel, dodge and use Headbutt!
Heracross lunged to karat chip the Togepi, only for him to roll out of the way and slam his head into Heracross's stomach.
Ash: Now, use Metronome!
James: Metronome?
Green: Uh oh….
The Togepi smiled and waved his fingers in a motion before stopping and opening his mouth, releasing a scream that was accompanied by pink sound waves and hearts that knocked Heraxross out of the air and onto the platform.
Announcer: Ash took a chance with Metronome, but it turned out to reap quite the reward as it allowed his Togepi to unleash a super effective Disarming Voice! But can James climb out from this?
James: Alright, we've stalled for long enough. Let's show our true power…. Heracross, take out that little egghead with Megahorn!
Heracross's large horn glowed green and extended in length before charging towards Kestrel. The Spikeball Pokemon tried to dodge, but Heracross kept following before it slammed its horn into Kestrel and sent the baby flying into a wall before he fell into the water.
Cobalt: KESTREL!
Green had to leap and keep Cobalt from leaping into the water to go after his son as the announcer chimed in.
Announcer: Uh oh! It seems Togepi just took a dive!... Literally! Ash had been lucky with his hits and shown great strategy, but is this where his career ends?
Kestrel had heard everything while he was under the water. He couldn't swim all that good and the water muffled a lot of the sound, but he did understand one thing; If he didn't get out NOW, Ashy would lose the Pokemon League because of him. Ash wasn't his Dad or his Mom, but he was his goddard according to Cobalt and not only that, Ash was his trainer. He had to get out, he had to battle and win, he just had too.
And so, with this determination, he swam as best as he could to the surface. However, his swimming got surprisingly easier with every passing second, thoughhe didn't realize it was because of his more skinny body and newly sprouted wings. As he branched the surface, Kestrel smiled at his now surprised opponent, as did the others.
Ash: Kes…. Kestrel?
Kestrel: *looks back* No worries, Ash…. *thumbs up* I'm back in the game!
Cobalt: Son, you… You evolved!
Kestrel: I what?
Cobalt: Nothing.
The camera then shows off Kestrel's new form as Ash scans him with his Pokedex. He was now white with a red and blue triangular ring pattern on his body, similar to his egg. He now had a relatively long neck, longer legs, three spikes on his head, and a pair of wings on his back, giving Kestrel a vaguely angelic appearance. At the sight of this, Misty and Brock smiled brightly as the crowd let out massive cheers.
Announcer: And look at that, folks! I can guess from the sheer happiness and determination of wanting to help Ash win, the little tyke evolved into a little 'Tic!... Get it? Because…. Because Togetic?
Pokedex: Togetic, the Happiness Pokemon and the evolved form of Togepi. A Fairy and Flying type. Togetic can sense the kindness in other people and Pokémon's hearts. To share its happiness, it is said to fly around the world seeking these people and shower them with "Joy Dust". If it is not with kind people, however, it becomes dispirited and loses energy. This Togetic is level 31, Male, and has the ability, Serene Grace. It knows the moves Fairy Wind, Aerial Ace, Dazzling Gleam, and Metronome.
James: Well, this is interesting. But remember Ash, this battle isn;t over until the first flying friend faints!
Ash: I'll say! Alright, Kestrel, let's try out some of those new moves! Use Aerial Ace!
James: Heracross, you use Aerial Ace too!
Both Pokemon flew a high speed, striking each other precisely and making them both stagger, but Kestrel managed to catch himself just before he hit the ground.
James: Now, Bulk Up!
Ash: Use Dazzling Gleam while he's using Bulk Up!
As Heracross flexed, the Togetic's eyes gained a small glimmer before a large kaleidoscope-like beam fired at Heracross, hitting it just as it finished.
James: 'Dammit… Well we have the Bulk Up and that Togetic must be down some. One more ought to do it.' James, end this with Megahorn!
Ash: Kestrel, one more Metronome!
As Heracross charged with its elongated horn once more, Kestrel waved his newly developed fingers before suddenly stopping, His smile then vanished before being replaced with an angry glare and his eyes turning red. Suddenly, Kestrel let out a loud primal shout as he pummelled Heracross with his hands, legs, wings, and head with the rage of a beast. Heracross began to feel each hit strike him as he was sent back when finally one uppercut sent the Single Horn Pokemon flying before Kestrel spun around and kicked him across the face, sending him flying into the water. As Kestrel landed and wavered his head dazily while he saw Staryu fly above his head, Heracross surfaced, out cold.
Green: No way…was that Outrage?!
Referee: Heracross is unable to battle, the winner is Togetic! And that means, the match goes to Ash Ketchum!
The crowd exploded into cheers as Cobalt and Green congratulated their trainer.
Brock: I…. I can't believe it!
Misty: Kestrel won the match!.. Huh… Maybe he isn't really a baby anymore.
Kestrel: *dazed* Oh, such pretty Staryu~. Twinkle, twinkle~.
Ash: *recalls Kestrel* Kestrel, return. You did amazing out there. Now get some rest.
Announcer: What a turn around, folks! Ash's Togetic started off rocky but managed to pull through with a Metronome'd Outrage! With the boy of Pallet winning this match, he now ascends to the true preliminary battles!
James: *recalls Heracross* Heracross, come back… *sadly* You did your best. Thank you.
With the battle over, James turned around, ready to leave the stadium before Ash stopped him.
Ash: Hey, James.
James: *turns* Hm?
Ash: …*holds hand out* Good battle.
Seeing this, the man smiled and nodded, clasping Ash's hand with his own.
James: You truly are better than me, aren't you?
Ash: I just try to do my best.
James: Then… Keep doing your best, Ash. You're going to go far. I know it.
And with those words, James left the arena with Ash in toe, where Brock and Misty greeted him. The group then broke off from James as the sun set, heading over to heal Kestrel at the Pokemon Center. Though Ash may have one the qualifier round, there's no telling if he'd be ready for the upcoming challenge s at the Pokemon League…. Or the possible ass-beating Cobalt might get for letting Ash use their son in a battle.
TO BE CONITNUED….
—-
Ash's Team
Lucario: Cobalt
Sceptile: Green
Alakazam: Psi
Gengar: Yami
Charizard: Aidan
Inteleon: Azula
Togetic: Kestrel
Rotom: Sparky (at Oak's lab)
Umbreon *shiny*: Blacky (at home)
Lycanroc *Dusk form*: Hunter (at Oak's lab)
Misty's Team
Staryu
Psyduck: Perry
Gyarados: Mel (Malestrom)
Squirtle: Loki
Golisopod: Harold
Butterfree: Alex
Horsea: Jeff (at gym)
Starmie (at gym)
Tentacool: Charles (at gym)
Goldeen: Bella (at gym)
Palpitoad (at gym)
Brock's Team
Onix
Kingler: Neptune
Golbat: Nightwing
Bulbasaur
Croagunk
Mankey: John
Geodude (at gym)
Forrestress (at gym)
Jessie's Team
Arbok
Wobbuffet
Yanmega
Seviper
Incineroar
James's Team
Weezing
Inkay
Growlithe: Growlie
Carnivine
Heracross