Me: I don't own Pokemon, as usual. (laughs crazily)
Chikorita: Chiko, chiko? (What's with him?)
Ash: I wish I knew, Chikorita.
Me: (stops laughing momentarily) Since I'm probably driving all the readers away, I'll let you all know at once-I just watched Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, and the part that always makes me bust a gut is when Ace fights that native, loses and has to endure exquisite pain because of two arrows lodged in his legs! That's why this chapter will have some humor, as well as romance because of the kind deed Ash does, but it should still fit with the storyline-I think. (starts laughing again)
Ash: He's actually scaring me, guys.
Me: (stops laughing again) Okay, I'm better now. "Sissy girl…" (busts out laughing)
Ash: That's it! Pikachu-Thunderbolt attack!
Pikachu: (powers up) Pika…CHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!! (All right…YOU ASKED FOR IT, SO I'M BRINGIN' ON THE THUNDER!)
Me: Reheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeealy? (drops to the ground due to the power of the Thunderbolt)
Pokemon: The Power of Two
Chapter X-Evolution Solution!
"I'll have you know I have the reflexes of a cat, and the speed of a mongoose. Throw it-I dare ya!" –Ace Ventura, Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls
In the previous adventure, Ash and Misty had been informed by Mewtwo that Gary hadn't taken himself out of the picture entirely, and that they might run into him at a critical moment when they wouldn't want him to. With some help from Bugsy, the Azalea Town Gym Leader who Ash faced with the help of Cyndaquil, our heroes were on their way to a cave outside of Azalea Town when they were interrupted by Jigglypuff, the Singing Pokemon who we haven't seen much of since the incident with Snubble! Now, that Jigglypuff has exited stage right, Ash is just moments away from facing Bugsy again before he, Misty and Brock leave once again to hunt down the remaining two Legendary Pokemon…
(Theme song; Fanfare starts as Misty says the name of the episode)
Misty: Evolution Solution!
Ash smirked widely as he prepared to pluck one of his PokeBalls from his side. Despite the previous event with Jigglypuff, and the fact that he and Misty still had to hunt down Suicune and Ho-oh, two Legendary Pokemon, he had promised Liza, Whitney, Bugsy and Falkner matches and he wasn't one to go back on his word.
"How about we have a double Pokemon battle-two Pokemon each, and if one trainer's Pokemon faints, the opponent wins the match?" Bugsy asked calmly.
"I've already been in a match like that-twice, but I'm ready when you are!" Ash replied.
"That settles it-a two-on-two Pokemon battle. Begin the match when ready!" Brock demanded.
"Okay-Scyther, Scizor, go!" Ash gulped as two Pokemon appeared on the battlefield-one, he'd been forced to battle with on numerous occasions during his adventures-and Tracey had that Pokemon as part of his arsenal; the second one, he'd faced once and barely won with the help of Heracross. But Heracross wasn't with him at the moment.
"Think carefully, Ash-one's a Bug-type, while the other one's not only a Bug/Steel-type, but its Scyther's evolved form!" Misty cautioned. Ash gritted his teeth as he finally pulled out one PokeBall.
"I know, Mist. I know. Both are strong against Psychic, which means I can't use Espeon. Against both Scyther and Scizor, I shouldn't even think of sending out Chikorita. Pikachu was taken out by Scyther the last time we battled Bugsy, and I don't have Cyndaquil with me to back me up this time, but…that's it!" Ash pulled out one of his two Heavy Balls, figuring that this match would be a piece of cake.
"I choose Charizard, and I choose…ENTEI!"
"CHARRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!" The two Fire-type Pokemon both simultaneously fired two blasts of fire high in the air! Bugsy had to admit-he was impressed.
"Who knew you had a Charizard and one extremely rare Pokemon on your team-both of who are Fire-types?" Bugsy asked, the smile on his face increased despite the heavy disadvantage he had.
"Yeah, I just woke up one morning and thought to myself, 'Why not go out and find yourself a Charizard and one extremely rare Pokemon no one's ever laid eyes on throughout all of existence?'" Ash cracked, not able to stifle a laugh. Pikachu giggled as well, standing by Ash's side; Misty chuckled lightly while Brock hid a smirk that rapidly appeared and disappeared on his face.
"GO, Charizard, Entei!" Ash yelled confidently. The two Pokemon growled with patience as they both raced out onto the battlefield, side by side.
"Scyther, Scizor, remember the strategy we planned!" Bugsy cautioned.
Ash's eyes narrowed. Bugsy had warned him that he would be a better trainer than he'd been beforehand and his Scizor was living proof! But, he'd told Bugsy that he would also be a better trainer as well-capturing an Espeon and Entei proved that, too. Still, he shouldn't underestimate Bugsy's skills.
"Charizard, Entei, use Tackle attack!" Ash advised. Roaring, both Pokemon rushed their opponents: Charizard was taking on Scyther, Entei was handling Scizor.
"Scyther, Scizor-Double Team!" Ash gasped as both Bug Pokemon multiplied right in front of his own prepared team of Pokemon!
"Don't let 'em fool you! Both of you-Flamethrower!" Ash demanded.
"CHARRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!" Charizard and Entei both fired multiple Flamethrower attacks, eradicating a Scyther here and a Scizor there, but no matter how many they got rid of, two more appeared in its place!
"Pika!" Pikachu gasped in surprise, pleased for once that Ash hadn't sent him out to battle!
"Toge!"
"Brock, isn't this how Ash lost to Efram during that one contest for those Leaf Stones?" Misty asked.
"I'm glad one of us remembered. If Ash doesn't come up with something real fast, Charizard and Entei are really gonna be in a lot of trouble!" Brock warned. Ash, meanwhile, was gritting his teeth in exasperation, struggling to come up with a worthwhile plan to stop the rapid clones from showing up.
"What can I do? No matter how many times Charizard and Entei get rid of Scyther and Scizor's clones, more keep popping up! If there was only some way to-"
"That's it! Entei, use a Fire Blast attack against all of them! Charizard, grab Scyther once Entei does that and finish it off with a Seismic Toss!" Ash declared, the solution to his problem figured out within seconds. Entei then called up all the fire energy in his body, then sent it flying in one gigantic star of fiery energy! The second it hit, all of the Scyther and Scizor clones vanished, leaving a dazed Scyther and Scizor. Grinning, for the first time in a long time, Charizard ignored Ash's order and grabbed Scizor with his hands and spun the Bug/Steel Pokemon around in the air, the Earth shown once more in the background. WHAM! Scizor connected with the ground moments later and Charizard landed gently beside Ash and Entei.
"Scizor is unable to battle. Charizard and Entei are the winners!" Brock said.
"WE DID IT!" Ash whooped excitedly next to Pikachu; Charizard and Entei both fired hot blasts of flame into the sky once more before Ash recalled them back.
"That's one powerful Entei you have there, Ash. If I were you, I wouldn't give it up-not to anybody! And this was a great match." Bugsy said, shaking hands with Ash.
"Thanks. Before I forget, did you run into Efram sometime ago? He wanted to challenge you for a Hive Badge."
"Yeah-he could be after your title, Ash. That Jumpluff may be a Grass Pokemon, but it had great speed and was able to continuously use Double Team to confuse Scyther."
"I thought Efram had a Skiploom." Misty interjected. Ash shook his head, facing his girlfriend at that time.
"Skiploom evolved after our match-not right away, but after a few more battles." Ash explained.
"Now can we go into the Union Cave?" Brock asked grimly. Ash nodded, eager to see what Pokemon they would run into next.
"Good luck, Ash. Before I forget, the Cave's exit may be near Violet City, so be careful."
"Thanks, Bugsy." Ash said while leading Pikachu and the others toward the entrance.
"If you see Efram again, tell him we said hi!" Misty added.
"Pika, pika!"
"Toge-toge-prrrrrrri!"
"Don't worry-I will!"
"Did you hear that? They're going into Union Cave to try to find one of those Legendary Pokemon!"
"I did, and if what the boss said is true, we may need to be on our guard for this one!"
"It's a good thing we decided to backtrack and heal the Pokemon at the Pokemon Center before we came in." Ash muttered, using the flame on the tip of Charizard's tail to see where they were going.
"You mean you wanted to backtrack and heal your Pokemon at the Pokemon Center." Misty retorted, not being able to keep from ribbing Ash like she used to do in the old days.
"You almost make me feel sorry I chose to get this!" Ash pulled out an evolution stone from his pocket, causing Pikachu, Misty and Brock to gasp in amazement.
"You got me…a Water Stone?" Misty felt tears come to her eyes, but she refused to allow them to fall.
"Mm-hmm. Luckily for me, Maizie was able to tell me where I could find them, since they're rare out here in this part of Johto."
Unable to keep them from flowing, Misty let the tears trickle down her cheeks. "Ash Ketchum…this is the nicest thing you've done for me…Thank you!" Misty lunged forward and pulled Ash into a tight hug.
"Now all you have to decide which Pokemon you're gonna use it on-Poliwhirl, or Staryu." Brock said. After Ash wiped her tears off, Misty shook her head and turned back around.
"That decision's already made, Brock-since I already have a Starmie on the team, I can use the Water Stone on Poliwhirl-if he wants to, I mean. Poliwhirl, I CHOOSE YOU!"
"Poliwhirl!" The Water Pokemon exited his PokeBall once again.
"Look what Ash got me, Poliwhirl-a Water Stone! Would you like to use it to evolve into a Poliwrath?" Misty asked sweetly while handing Togepi to Brock. Poliwhirl remembered what had occurred when he'd been forced to battle a Poliwrath during the Seaking Catching competition. He'd almost lost, if it weren't for Misty and the other Pokemon…
Flashback
"So what if you're not as fully evolved as Poliwrath? Lots of great Pokemon aren't fully evolved yet, and you're a great Pokemon! You have strengths Poliwrath doesn't have, and if you do the best you can, they can't ever call you a wimp!"
End flashback
Closing his eyes, Poliwhirl reached out one hand for the Water Stone as it glittered in Misty's hand.
"Stop right there!" two voices chorused. Ash, Misty, Brock, Pikachu, Charizard, Poliwhirl and Togepi all turned to see…not the Team Rocket members they'd been expecting.
"I knew following the twerps in secret would pay off! Now look how close we are to them!" James whispered to Jessie.
"Yes, but we're not there yet, so we should all just keep quiet until-"
"Prepare for trouble!"
"Make it double!"
"Hey, James-that doesn't sound like us." Jessie admitted as she, James and Meowth revealed themselves and not that far from where Ash and co. were.
"That sounds like…Cassidy and Botch!" James said.
"The name's Butch! What are you three nincompoops doing here?!"
"Same as always-to capture Pikachu! What are you and that wimpy Raticate doing here?" Meowth retorted, Wobbuffet suddenly appearing next to him.
"Wobbuffet!"
"The boss figured he'd need more success stories and less laughter, so he sent us to help you out in beating these trainers-" The instant Cassidy turned around, Ash, Misty, Brock and the others were all gone!
"How'd they do that?" James exclaimed.
"Maybe they're magicians secretly and never told us." Meowth mumbled.
"Wobbuffet!"
"It's a good thing those three showed up after all-we were able to make it away safely!" Misty said.
"Don't forget, Mist-you were gonna use that Water Stone to make Poliwhirl evolve." Ash added. Misty nodded and turned back around to her Pokemon.
"You ready, Poliwhirl?"
"Poliwhirl!" Poliwhirl reached for the Water Stone and grabbed it tightly with his gloved hand. Immediately, it started glowing and so did Poliwhirl!
"Ahhhhh!"
"Pika…"
"Toge-toge!"
Poliwhirl grew slightly, but still remained the same. His eyes narrowed a bit, and muscles appeared around his arms. The instant the light faded, Poliwhirl was gone, and the Water Stone disappeared entirely. A brand-new Poliwrath stood in Poliwhirl's place!
"Poliwrath!"
"Congratulations, Misty!" Ash said happily, pulling out Dexter.
"Poliwrath: The Tadpole Pokemon, the evolved form of Poliwhirl. After evolving into this fully evolved version of Poliwag, Poliwrath can now use Fighting attacks, such as Submission or Seismic Toss."
"Way to go, Poliwrath!" Misty yelled excitedly, slapping a high-five with Poliwrath. At that moment, a powerful Hydro Pump attack shot out from the cave and struck Misty, sending her flying to the ground!
"Waaaaa! Misty!" Ash quickly ran over to Misty, worried for her safety.
"Pikachu pi!"
"Are you okay, Mist? Say something!" Ash pleaded, already feeling tears well up in his eyes. Groaning, the young Water Pokemon trainer looked up at Ash and smiled weakly at him before trying to get back up.
"I'm fine, Ash…I think. Now help me up, because I think I know who fired that Hydro Pump!" Misty's caution proved to be right as seconds later, Suicune, the Legendary Pokemon of Water, appeared. Ash rolled his eyes while pulling out Dexter once more.
"Suicune: The Legendary Pokemon. Details about this extremely rare Pokemon are unknown."
"…About this extremely rare Pokemon are unknown, we've heard it a million times." Ash responded cynically. "Pikachu, are you ready?"
"Pikachu!" The tiny Electric-type charged up and looked ready for battle, but Misty stopped them.
"Wait, Ash. I think I should handle this with my Water Pokemon." Ash swiveled around to face his girlfriend with a look of warning.
"You sure?"
"Positive." Ash kept eye contact with her for a while longer before clasping her hand with his and pulling her in for a powerful kiss!
"One piece of advice: Don't underestimate the powers of a Legendary Pokemon! Their powers are truly tremendous." Ash warned under his breath as he turned to recall Charizard, which darkened the area around them and basically, the entire cave. Suicune instantly leaped up high into the air, surprisingly bursting through the rocks above their heads and finding land!
"Suicune wants you to battle in his element-water, so that's why he just burst through the cave with Headbutt!" Brock explained.
"Then let's go! Misty, get that Heavy Ball ready." Ash replied.
"Got it!" Misty pulled out the Heavy Ball and prepared herself for a tough battle.
Now that Ash and his friends have found their way out of the Union Cave, will Misty and her Water Pokemon be able to wash up the competition, or will Suicune prove to be a watery, if not troublesome, Pokemon?
"I can't believe we had to return back to Azalea Town!" Jessie hissed angrily as she, James, Meowth, Cassidy and Butch all exited the Union Cave from where they'd entered in.
"Then, try using a map next time you go in there!" Cassidy retorted. The two women were ready to battle when James and Butch stopped them.
"Don't look now, guys-but if we don't leave, we're gonna be in a world of…" James began, but just like before, he was too late.
"Jigglypuff…Jiggly…puff…Jigglypuff…Jiggly…"