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
The Symbol Life
Back in Kanto, the forest remained still and serene. Pidget and Spearow cooed in the air, Rattata foraged for food and just now, a Bellsprout had decided to root itself for nutrients. It just seemed so quiet and peaceful. As if nothing could ruin it…..
That was the case before a small mass began to dig itself out of the ground, blue energy surged forth as it intensified in heat before a large, clawed paw ripped right through the dirt and gripped the ground, allowing the paw's owner to pull itself up. This Pokemon is revealed to be a bipedal, feline Pokémon with primarily white and seafoam fur. There is also a zigzagging black stripe on each thigh and two more stripes on each forearm, small tufts of yellow fur on its chest and a longer tuft on its forehead, a single, lightning bolt-shaped yellow whisker on each cheek, large ears with golden blue eyes, and long, ponytail-like or tail-like bunch of fur extends from between its shoulders.
The Pokemon looked at its hands, amazed and interested by its sudden appearance before it clenched its paws and frowned, concentrating as electricity coated them. It then proceeded to punch a tree, causing a huge lightning blast to occur and a thunder clap to sound out throughout the area. When the flash ceased, the tree is revealed to have turned ito dust as the area behind the tree became burnt and destroyed. Seeing this power, the Pokemon looked in shock at its own power before clenching its paw and smiling before looking up at the sky.
?: I don;t know where you are…. But I'll find you. And when I do….. I. WILL. Kill you…. *growling tone* Capped One…
—-
Back with Ash and his companions, the Magnet Train they were on came fresh out on the other end of the mountains, and the rest of the trip was a breeze. Nearly 300 miles had been covered by the trip's end, and the train came to a slow speed as it elevated on its track and into a yellow brick building that towered over most of the other buildings in the city. The light filtering into the train went from natural to artificial, and the PA speaker came back on inside the train as it slowed down almost completely.
PA: Welcome to Goldenrod City. We hope you enjoyed your trip.
The train stopped completely and the doors slid open, prompting Ash and his Pokemon to excitdely walk out into the fresh air of the Goldenrod Magnet Train station while Gary and Serena followed out. Azula and Kestrel had been recalled due to Kestrel falling asleep and Azula finding out she had a bit of motion sickness… The hard way..People were everywhere, moving back and forth across the terminal. Some boarded the train, others disembarked, and others still traveled up and down escalators.
Various other escalators traveled down into what the signs said was the Goldenrod Subway system, which by the looks of it accepted trains that traveled back and forth across the city as well as underground to other cities in Johto. Essentially, the Magnet Train was the way to and from Kanto, but other trains could take you to the rest of the Region if you so pleased. They rode down the escalator, swamped by groups of people as they spilled onto the main floor, looking outside to see the tall building and the maple trees as they walked out.
Cobalt: So amazing… We're finally travelling to another region!
Serena: so, this is Johto…. It's beautiful.
Gary: Yep, this is Goldenrod City, not only one pof the biggest cities in Johto, but one of the world's biggest cities.
Ash: Hey, Cobalt, Green, your family are nomads. Have you guys ever been to Johto?
Green: Eh… Once when I was little, but I can't really remember.
Gary: Alright, Serena. You run directions, where do we go from here?
Serena: *takes out Pokenav* Says here about a half hour.
Ash: Perfect. How about we get something to eat first, then we can head over?
Gary: *snorts* Typical Ashy-boy. Always thinking with his stomach instead of his brain.
Ash: *angered* What did you say?!
As Gary chuckled, Serena noticed a Pokemon up in the trees. It was a small black bird with red eyes, a broad beak, and feathers on its head resembling a hat. Curious, Serena scanned the Pokemon with her Pokedex.
Pokedex: Murkrow, the Darkness Pokémon. A Dark and Flying type. If a Murkrow is seen at night, it is considered a bad omen, so many people dislike them.
At the sound of the Pokedex, the bird immediately became saddened. He hated being accused of bringing bad luck, since no one wanted to be around him because of that rumor. Seeing the sad look on the Murkrow's face, she looked up and called out to him.
Serena: I don't think you're bad luck. Actually, I bet you're really nice.
Hearing this, the bird gave the girl an avian smile as he looked down to Serena.
Murkrow: You're a nice girl... Would it be okay if I came with you?
Serena: I'd love for you to come with me.
Murkrow: Oh, thank you! *flies onto Serena's shoulder* Oh, I'm so happ- Wait, did you-?
The bird was interrupted as the girl tapped a spare Pokeball she had on Murkrow's head, where he was then sucked in and the ball locked, signaling Serena's first capture.
Serena: Guys! I just caught a Murkrow!
However, only Cobalt and Green congratulated her as Ash and Gary were still bickering back and forth. Later on, the group indeed did get something to eat as they then made their way to the outskirts of Goldenrod after a small brunch. It was a half-hour before noon when the group suddenly found themselves standing in front of a large building that resembled a factory.
Green: Alright, talk to me. Is this the place?
Ash: Well, I can see the Frontier logo over the front door, so I think this is it.
Serena: The map says we're here, so this must be our first stop.
Gary: Finally. For a while, I thought we'd never get here. *to Ash* So, Ash. Here we are…. You ready?
Ash: Not gonna lie here, Gary. I'm really nervous… But I'm confident we can win.
Gary: *smiles, nods* Well then, let's go in and have your battle already.
Ash nods and walks to the front doors and gives it a knock. However, the small group then wait patiently for a moment before it opens to reveal none other than Scott with a welcoming grin.
Scott: Ash, glad to see you made it.
Ash: Scott? What are you doing here?
Scott: As representative of the Battle Frontier, it's my job to meet the trainers here and observe their battles against the Frontier Brains.
Ash: I see.
Gary: Uh… Ash, who is this guy?
Ash: Oh, right. Gary, Serena, this is Scott. He's the guy that told me about the Battle Frontier. Scott, these two are my old friends, Gary and Serena.
Scott: Nice to meet ya.
Serena: Nice to meet you as well, Sir.
Gary: Same here…. So, is the "Brain Guy" for this place here?
?: If you mean Frontier Brain, then yes. I'm right here.
A man then walked out from behind Scott. The man was tall with a bit of facial scruff, light brown hair, and dark eyes. He wore a white coat over a black shirt, beige pants, and a large red hat.
Hat: I'm Noland, the Factory Head, which also makes me the Frontier Brain.
Gary: Well then. Nice to meet you. I'm Gary.
Noland: Likewise. So are you the challenger, Gary?
Ash: No, that would be me. *steps up* I'm Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town."
Ash reaches out his hand to shake Noland's, but the Frontier Brain stares at Ash in shock, confusing the challenger.
Noland: H-hang on, Are you the same Ash Ketchum that made it to the Top 8 of the Indigo Conference of his first year?
Ash: Am I really that famous?
Cobalt shrugs to his trainer as Noland continues to stare at Ash before turning to Scott.
Noland: Why didn't you tell me that's who was coming this way?!
Scott: Oh, I thought it would be more fun to surprise you, Noland. Besides, when have I ever told you who is coming to your factory?
Noland blinks in shock for a moment and sighs.
Noland: That's true.
Scott's smirk grows while Ash and his Pokemon look at each other confused.
Noland: Alright, Ash. Our battle will be a choice battle. But this time, I want whatever yourr strongest Pokemon is to battle me and my partner.
Serena: Oh? And who's your partner?
Nolan: An Articuno.
Ash, Gary, Cobalt, and Green's eyes widen in shock while Serena looks at them, confused.
Serena: Wait a minute. What's an Articuno?
Scott: You mean you've never heard of Articuno?
Serena: No, I haven't. You see, I was bor and raised a bit in Kanto, but Ilived mostly in Kalos. I mean, if he was using Xerneas, that'd be shocking. But I have no idea what Articuno is.
Gary: Articuno is one of the three legendary bird Pokemon of Kanto!
Serena: *surprised* Legendary Pokemon?!
Gary then takes out his Pokedex and types on it, showing Serena an image of a large blue bird with long dark blue tail feathers.
Pokedex: Articuno, the Freeze Pokémon. An Ice and Flying type. Articuno is believed to possess the ability to freeze water vapor and create snow with wings like thin sheets of ice. It's said to inhabit snowy mountains covered in permafrost.
Ash: You have an Articuno?!
Noland: *laughs* No, I'm just good friends with a wild Articuno that lives around this area. Sometimes I like to fly next to it with my plane, and after having a great battle with it against this trainer some time ago, I ask it to be my partner sometimes depending on the challenger. And I think Articuno would agree that battling against a trainer who made it that far in a Pokemon League in their first year.
Ash: Uh...thanks.
Scott: Articuno may be able to fly gracefully, but this Articuno can be pretty fast in battle. My best advice is to choose a Pokemon that can handle its ability to fly and also has good speed. If you don't have a Pokemon that you want to use against it, I can give you a ride to the Pokemon Center nearby so that you can switch one of your Pokemon out.
Ash: Well, would it be okay if I took a moment to discuss first?
Noland: Of course. Take all of the time you need.
Ash: *nods* Thank you.
The boy walked off a fair distance with Cobalt and Green, where the three proceeded to talk.
Ash: Okay, so… What are your ideas?
Green: Here's one. How about we turn around and go home?
Cobalt: What?! But Green, what about the Battle Frontier?
Green: What about us?! Gary's right, there are Pokemon out there we have no idea how to take down, and now our first challenge is a legendary?! We don;t belong in the Frontier!
Ash: Green, calm down… Listen, when you joined us, you said you wanted to help Cobalt become the strongest Pokemon in the world, right? Well, this is part of that process.
Green: This guy has an Arceus-damn Articuno, Ash! That's a legendary Pokemon!
Ash: Well, Aiden took down a Heatran and won. This culd be our only chance of being closer to my dream than ever. Just... trust me, okay? I know we can do this.
Green: ….*sighs* Just…. Please PLEASE be careful.
Cobalt: Don't worry, bro. We got this.
With a sigh from the Sceptile, Ash and his starters approached Noland yet again.
Ash: Alright, let's do it.
Scott: I take it that means you know what Pokemon you're going to choose?
Ash: I sure do, Scott. I trust in my Pokemon. Just need to make some last minute preparations.
Noland: Sounds great, Ash. I'm looking forward to it.
After waiting for about half an hour inside the Battle Factory's battle area, Noland and his assistant, Sergio, see the doors open from the other side of the arena from where they are to find Scott, Ash, Serena, Gary, Cobalt, and Green coming back. The Factory Head grins excitedly while Sergio, Gary, and Serena walk over to the sidelines of the area, and Ash stands on the platform opposite from Noland's with Cobalt and Green by his side. The man in the "H.A.K." shirt looks down at the ledge to see the battlefield far down below him and Noland, showing that the field is designed for flying type Pokemon.
Noland: Are you ready to go?
Ash: ….I am.
Sergio: Okay! The Frontier battle of Facory Head Noland and Ash the challenger shall now begin! Only one Pokemon will be used per trainer and the match will end when either Pokemon are unable to battle! Will both challengers send out their Pokemon!
Noland: Alright! Articuno, I need your strength!
For a couple of seconds, everything is quiet until Ash hears a loud bird cry as an Articuno flies over from the open roof and sores down to hover in front of Noland. Gary and Serena stare at the legendary Pokemon with awe while Ash and his starters look on in amazement.
Green: …..Yep. We're gonna die.
Ash: *throws Pokeball* Go, Aiden!
The Pokeball opens to reveal Ashs Charizard, much to Noland's surprise.
Noland: A Charizrd, huh? Haven't seen one of those in forever. Let's see if you really got into the League legitimately or not.
Ash: Alright, Aiden. This is our first Frontier battle, so be careful, okay?
Aiden: Got it.
Sergio: Let the battle begin!
Ash: Alright, Aiden, let's start things up with Fire Wind!
Aiden then flapped his fings as he used Flamethrower, catching the Air Slash blades on fire.
Noland: Dodge and use Steel Wing!
Articuno's wings turn into steel, and it dodges Aiden's attack before hitting the Charizard in the gut with the attack. Aiden flies into the air, crying in pain, making Ash uneasy.
Noland: Now, Articuno, use Water Pulse!
Ash: Dodge and use Flamethrower!
Articuno summons a ball of water from its mouth and releases it toward Aiden, who dodges and unleashes a stream of fire from his own mouth. This time, Aiden's attack hits Articuno, and it falls toward the ground before quickly regaining its altitude.
Noland: Good hit…. But you're gonna have to do better than relying on Fire-type moves to take down Articuno.
Ash: Duly noted. Aiden, use Dragon Claw!
Aiden flies down to Articuno's level and charges after it, glowing claws at the ready.
Noland: Articuno, use Mist!
Articuno lets out a large cloud of mist and disappears into it. Aiden stops his attack and searches for his opponent in confusion.
Serena: Oh no, this can;t be good.
Gary: Got that right, Articuno's hiding in the mist so it can attack without being seen.
Noland: Now, use Ice Beam!
Ash and Aiden only have a moment to react before blue beams emerge from the mist and hit Aiden. The Charizard cries out in pain as he crashes to the ground with a block of ice attached to his wing.
Cobalt: Oh no, Aiden!
Green: I knew it…. It's hopeless. We're gonna lose.
Scott: That's not good. Even if Charizard's part Fire-type, that Ice Beam really messed up its wing. I'm not sure how Ash is going to pull through with that block of ice on his Pokemon's back.
Ash frowns as Aiden struggles to get up.
Ash: Can you keep going, Aiden?
Aiden manages to get up on its talons and nods at its trainer.
Ash: Alright, then let's show them what you're really made of!
Noland: I'm impressed, Ash. I never expected your Charizard to be this strong. But I wouldn't count on it staying up for long. Articuno, use Steel Wing one more time.
Once again, Articuno's wings turn into steel, and it charges straight toward Aiden. The Charizard stands with its eyes fixed on its opponent while waiting for a command.
Gary: 'This is it. He's gonna use Seismic Toss!'
Ash watches the legendary bird Pokemon charge at his Pokemon carefully before closing his fists and shouting.
Ash: Now, use Flare Blitz!
Without hesitation, Aiden jumps into the air and charges at Articuno with red fire surrounding his body. As the flames then turn blue, the attack melts the ice in his back while the Charizard comes toward his opponent even faster than before. He rams into Articuno, causing it to cry out in pain while the Charizard takes damage as well due to recoil..
Ash: Aiden, don't let up! Use Dragon Claw!
Aiden flies down to Articuno's level once again and flies straight at it with glowing claws at inhuman speed. This time, Articuno is so stunned from the last attack that Aiden's Dragon Claw successfully hits it.
Noland: Articuno, use Ice Beam quick!
Ash: Dodge it and finish it off with Burning Grasp!
Articuno fires another Ice Beam at the Charizard, but Aiden avoids the attack before it charges at Articuno with its claws glowing green as it then covers them in fire with Flamethrower. He then smashes his claws square into Articuno's chest as the Freeze Pokemon shuts its eyes and cries out. Noland stares in shock as his friend plummets to the ground with swirly eyes.
Referee: Articuno is unable to battle, the winner is Charizard! And as such, the match goes to Ash, the challenger!
Ash grins while Serena cheers excitedly from the sidelines and Gary smiles at his friend. Scott nods with a smirk, pleased with the results from the battle. Noland, meanwhile, climbs down to the ground and runs over to Articuno's side.
Noland: Articuno, are you okay?
Articuno: I… The only thing I'm disappointed about…. Is that I never predicted a Dragon-type move to hurt that much…. *smiles* Honestly I think that's an achievement.
Noland: You were great, my friend. Let's get you all rested up.
The man then carries the bird Pokemon out of the arena. Everyone waits patiently until Noland comes back, smirking at Ash.
Noland: Articuno is healing as we speak. I must say that was an interesting battle. Some of Aiden's attacks are not especially harmful against a flying and ice type.
Ash: True, but like I learned back at my battle with Sabrina; typing isn't everything. *pets Aiden's head* That's why I trained my Pokemon to make them strong enough that we can handle flying and/or ice-types in battle. Right, Aiden?
Aiden: Got that right! And I think it paid off.
Cobalt: Got that right!
Scott: Makes sense. *walks over with Gary and Serena* If you train it hard enough, you won't need a type advantage against a strong opponent like Articuno.
Ash: Exactly.
Serena smiled and she tried to hide a blush. She knew this boy was special for a reason and right now, Ash just proved it.
Noland: Well, in any case, you have beaten me and Articuno fair and square….
The man then reaches into his pocket and pulls out what seems to be a small coin engraved with a small symbol.
Noland: Therefore, it gives me great pleasure to present to you the Knowledge Symbol as proof of your victory.
Ash: Thank you.
The boy proudly takes the Knowledge Symbol and puts in the case before putting the case in his backpack.
Ash: So, where to next?
Scott: That would be the Battle Area, where Greta is. Better head to a ferry, because her spot's in the not-too-known town of Stow-on-Side in the Galar region. I just added the location on Serena's Pokenav.
Serena: He's right, I just got it.
Gary: Perfect. Then I guess all we have to do now is head to the Pokemon Center so that Aiden can rest up for the night and then head straight to Galar.
Scott: Now, the best way to head there is by train, then on foot. So, once you get to Postwick or the town you stop on by ferry, where the ferry should drop you off, take the train to Hammerlocke and then it's just a hop and a skip to Greta.
Noland: By the way, as you make your way to the ferry, there's a Pokemon Contest for the Contest World Tour going on in Olivine City. That's actually where the wharf is.
Ash: Huh, the Contest tour… Maybe we should check it out.
Gary: *shrugs* Eh, sure. Why not?
Noland: Best of luck to you, Ash.
Ash: Thanks, Nolan. And.. Can you give my thanks to Articuno for a good battle."
Noland: You bet. Take care, you three.
The three then walk off as they walk out of the Battle Factory and Ash sighs, satisfied.
Serena: Great job, Ash.
Gary: I knew my coaching would pay off. Now we're heading off to Galar! *excited* I've always wanted to go to Galar!
Ash: One down…
Cobalt: Only 5 more to go, then we can find the secret 7th Brain.
Ash: So, Green. Still think we should go home?
Green: Being honest…. Kinda. But seeing Aiden win….. *hopeful* I think we may just have a shot….
TO BE CONTINUED…..
—-
Ash's Team
Lucario: Cobalt
Sceptile: Green
Alakazam: Psi
Gengar: Yami
Charizard: Aidan
Inteleon: Azula
Togetic: Kestrel
Lycanroc *Dusk form*: Hunter
Marowak: Kabu
Rotom: Sparky (at Oak's lab)
Umbreon *shiny*: Blacky (at home)
Serena's Team
Fennekin: Kyubi
Murkrow
Gary's Team
Blastoise
Jolteon