Me: I don't own Pokemon. Why not? Beats me. I also don't own "Pikachu! (I choose you!)" Never thought I'd use this song in a story before now.
Ash: I'm sure Pikachu will like this chapter!
Pikachu: Pikachu, pika pi! (You can say that again, Ash!)
Ash: By the way, how many chapters have you done on this story?
Me: I honestly don't know-twenty? (grins)
(Ash falls down to the ground in shock)
Me: (laughs) Just kidding! This should be my 12th chapter on this story. I don't know how far I can take this story, though. If I have to, I'll take it as far as the 20th chapter!
Ash: Has anyone told you that you have a tendency to be stubborn?
Me: Almost every day.
Pokemon: The Power of Two
Chapter XII-Going back to Ecruteak
"Things are finally going to get interesting…" –Falkner, Fighting Flyer with Fire
Last time, Misty battled against Suicune, the Legendary Pokemon of Water with Golduck and her newly evolved Poliwrath. Without their knowing it, Togepi secretly used an attack that knocked out the Legendary Water-type and allowed Misty to capture him. Team Rocket almost captured Pikachu, but with the help of all the Legendary Pokemon, Charizard and Espeon, Ash, Misty and Brock were able to save Pikachu and send Team Rocket flying once again. Now, after Ash faces Falkner in a Pokemon battle, our heroes have to hunt down the Legendary Pokemon Ho-oh and save this Pokemon from a troublesome fate…as well as prevent what could be Ash's demise.
(Theme song; Fanfare starts as Ash says the name of the episode)
Ash: Going Back to Ecruteak!
Ash Ketchum, Pokemon trainer who'd placed in the top 16 during the Kanto Leagues, who'd won in the Orange Leagues and who'd barely pulled a successful victory against his rival in the Johto League Championship, was once again back in Violet City, the town where Charizard had helped him win the Zephyr Badge long ago. With his Pokemon Pikachu by his side, his girlfriend Misty who held her baby Pokemon Togepi and his other friend and confidant Brock, Ash searched for the Violet City Gym once more.
"The last time we were here, the Gym was as big as the Indigo Stadium! Where could it be?" Ash asked himself.
"Maybe we're on the wrong side of Violet City, Ash. We could always try just looking around." Misty suggested.
"Or you could just ask an old friend for help in locating the Gym!" a voice yelled out from high above their heads. Gasping, Ash, Misty and Brock all looked up to see Falkner, Leader of the Violet City Gym, back on his restored hang glider with his Pokemon Noctowl by his side.
"Falkner! How you doing?" Ash yelled back up.
"Pikachu!"
"Just fine. I guess you're here for our battle. Hang on-Noctowl and I'll be down in a few minutes!"
Jessie, James and Meowth had returned to Violet City, too. The three members of Team Rocket were busy searching for Ash and his friends.
"I still can't believe the twerps got all three Legendary Pokemon and we got none!" Jessie ranted angrily.
"That shows you one thing about those twerps-they're punctual, if not foolhardy!" James retorted.
"Wobbuffet!"
"Get back in there!" Jessie said, recalling her Pokemon back inside her Pokeball with a look of irritation.
"If we need to find the twerp, he'll want to challenge the Gym Leader again, won't he?" Meowth asked.
"That's right. So, we know where we need to go?" Jessie said. Meowth and James nodded. "Then, let's get going!"
"This match between Falkner, the Violet City Gym Leader and Ash Ketchum, winner of the Johto League Championships is about to begin! Each will use two Pokemon each and the match ends when both Pokemon of either opponent are unable to continue battling. Begin the match when ready!" Brock said.
"I'm ready! I hope you're ready too-ready to be defeated again!" Ash declared confidently, his fist raised in the air.
"Pikachu!"
"I wouldn't count on an easy victory, my friend. Like you, my skills have increased with patience and experience. Observe-GO!"
Ash, Pikachu, Misty and Brock were all shocked to see a Charizard as Falkner's starting Pokemon!
"Well, if you're gonna send out a Charizard, the least I can do is return the favor. I choose you…CHARIZARD!"
"CHARRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!" The Fire/Flying type appeared on Ash's side as well, flame lit and ready for battle.
"So, it's Charizard against Charizard? This should be an interesting start. Fly, Charizard!" Falkner demanded.
"You too, Charizard!" Ash growled, immediately jumping on his Charizard's back.
"Why not? That's the only way you can connect with your Flying Pokemon-to join them in the air!" Falkner said while leaping up to join his own Charizard.
"This is a mismatch-both are too evenly matched! They can't win this round-neither of them!" Brock insisted.
"What can we do?" Misty asked.
"Pika pi…"
"Flamethrower!" Ash and Falkner yelled out.
"CHARRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!" Both Charizard fired blasts of fire at each other. They connected and exploded instantly.
"You can do it, Charizard. Try a Fly attack!" Ash said.
"You heard him-use your Fly attack, too!" Both Charizard flew at each other and struck at the same time, causing extreme damage.
"Okay, Charizard-use your Dragonbreath!" Falkner advised. Ash's eyes narrowed-as did Charizard's-as both Pokemon and trainer tried to gauge the strength of this unknown attack. At the same time, Ash pulled out Dexter.
"Dragonbreath-an attack mostly used by trainers who possess Dragon Pokemon. This attack has a 10% chance of paralyzing the opponent."
Ash grimaced as he realized he and his Charizard were in trouble. Falkner's Charizard opened his mouth wide and sent out bolts of electricity! Ash and Charizard cried out in pain as they were both sent sprawling to the ground!
"Ash-are you okay?" Misty cried out.
"Pika pi!"
Ash and Charizard got back on their feet in time to hear Falkner call out, "Now, Charizard, use Wing Attack!"
"Another Fire attack wouldn't affect Falkner's Charizard at all-Charizard, use your Sunny Day!" Ash countered. Nodding, Ash's Charizard looked up, eyed Falkner atop his own Fire/Flying type and smirked as the flame on the tip of his tail burst up to beyond normal proportions.
"Sunny Day? Quite an impressive attack. The question is, will it work?" Falkner asked, that cynical grin back on his face. Ash's eyes narrowed in irritation, as did Charizard's.
"Power up your Flamethrower, Charizard! Let's see how well they like a taste of their own medicine." Ash advised.
"CHARRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!" Charizard's Flamethrower had nearly been pushed to the limit, but the Pokemon could handle the pressure. Falkner and his Charizard were sent to the ground, but they weren't defeated!
"You wanna play hardball, Ash? Okay-we'll give you hardball. Charizard-Dragon Rage!"
"Counter Dragon Rage with Dragon Rage!" Ash demanded confidently.
At the same time, both Charizard open their mouths wide and balls of fire appear, steadily growing bigger and bigger.
"I think we'd better take cover!" Brock yelled out, grabbing Misty, Pikachu and Togepi and pulling them to a safe position.
"CHARR!!!" Both Charizard-Ash and Falkner's-shoot powerful blasts of fire straight at each other, Ash and Falkner holding their breath with patience.
WHAM! Ash and Charizard were both sent flying backward as they were hit with one Dragon Rage attack…
…Then Falkner and his Charizard were sent skyward once they were hit with the second Dragon Rage attack!
"ASH!"
"PIKA PI!" Both Misty and Pikachu were held back by Brock, insisting that they wait until the smoke clears. Once it did, Ash, both Charizard and Falkner were still standing, but were all badly shaken. The two Dragon-types were breathing heavily, both struggling to stay up…until finally, one Charizard dropped to the ground in defeat, completely drained of energy.
"Ash's Charizard is unable to battle. Falkner's Charizard wins the round!" Brock said reluctantly. Ash held back his tears of resentment. His Charizard had tried his best, he was sure of that. He still had one choice he could make in this match.
"Ready to battle, Pikachu?" The Electric-type hopped up and raced over to Ash's side, his cheeks sparking up with electricity.
"Pikachu! Pika…"
Chorus: Pikachu!
You know that you're the one so-I choose you!
There's no one else I'd rather have here by my side, and you can help me win this fight because we need to face the challenge that's ahead
Pikachu!
You know there is no other-I choose you!
Because you are my brother in this game we play and if we have to go all day so we can leave the other masters far behind!
"Pikachu-start things off with your Agility!"
"Pika! Chu! Chu! Chu! Chu!" Within seconds, Charizard was confused, but only momentarily.
"Knock out that little Lightning Pokemon with your Flamethrower, Charizard!" Ash gasped as Charizard fired a burst of flame directly at Pikachu!
"Pikachu-use Quick Attack, then counter with a Thunderbolt!"
"Pika! Pika…CHUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!" The little Mouse Pokemon used his heightened speed to zip past the Flamethrower then sent out bolts of electric energy at his opponent, instantly knocking him out!
"Falkner's Charizard is unable to battle. Pikachu is the winner!"
"See, Falkner? Pikachu and I have been battling since the beginning, waiting to battle that one strong opponent, and your Charizard was just an appetizer." Ash declared calmly.
"No matter what Pokemon you send out, we'll take it out within minutes, if not seconds!"
"Pikachu!" Pikachu agreed with his best friend, sparking up his cheeks and clenching his fists.
"But, you should also remember this-even great trainers like yourself still has much to learn, especially about the Flying Pokemon. I choose you-Skarmory!"
I've been training all my life, waiting all this time for this moment to arrive, and now that it's here I don't have to fear 'cause there's nothing left to hide
It's me and you and there's nothing that we can't do, 'cause in the Pokemon World, even Masters have to learn-they will always find something new!
"Do you think Pikachu can beat Skarmory, Brock?" Misty asked with a worried tone in her voice.
"Toge?"
"The only weaknesses Steel Pokemon have are Fire Pokemon, and Charizard used up all his energy taking on Falkner's own Charizard, but Skarmory is a Flying/Steel type, so that makes it weak against Fire and Electric! If Ash plays his cards right, he should win!" Brock explained.
"Okay, Pikachu-Agility worked before, so give it another whirl!"
"Pika! Chu! Chu! Chu!"
"You heard the Johto Champion-use your Agility, Skarmory!"
Both Pikachu and Skarmory matched each other move for move, precisely!
"Pikachu-give Skarmory a Thunderbolt right between the eyes!" Ash yelled out as Skarmory took to the skies.
"Pika…CHUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!"
"Swift attack, Skarmory!" Falkner retorted. The Flying/Steel type sent numerous stars at Pikachu, damaging him and weakening him at the same time!
"Pikachu, NO! Hang on-you can win this, I know you can. If Cyndaquil can beat a Skarmory, then you should be able to, too!" Ash's confidence, determination and bravery gave Pikachu the energy he needed to get back on his feet!
"Pikachu!"
Chorus: Pikachu!
You know that you're the one so-I choose you!
There's no one else I'd rather have here by my side, and you can help me win this fight because we need to face the challenge that's ahead
Pikachu!
You know there is no other-I choose you!
Because you are my brother in this game we play, and if we have to go all day so we can leave the other masters far behind!
I will never doubt the dream, as long as you're with me, I know we can reach the top
We're the greatest team this game has ever seen, and we'll never ever stop! (echoes)
"Don't give up, Pikachu. Jump, just like you did against Dodrio." Ash advised.
"Just because that worked before doesn't mean it'll work now. Climb, Skarmory!" Falkner said.
As Skarmory jumped, Pikachu jumped as high as he possibly could, barely making it to the tip of the Flying/Steel Pokemon's beak.
"Now Pikachu-finish Skarmory with Thunder Attack!" Ash growled defiantly.
"Pika…CHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!" The Electric-type summoned up a number of electric bolts within his cheeks, then sent them flying toward Skarmory, forcing the Pokemon down to the ground and causing him to faint.
"Skarmory's unable to battle. The winner of the match is Ash Ketchum!" Brock yelled excitedly, pumping his fist in the air.
"We did it, Pikachu!" Ash cried happily, picking his partner up and twirling him around in victory.
"Pi pikachu!"
"Congratulations, Ash!" Misty said, stopping Ash's victory dance and pulled him into a victory kiss, while Pikachu hopped from Ash's arms and down to where Togepi was on the floor.
Chorus: Pikachu!
You know you are the one-I choose you!
There's no one else I'd rather have here by my side, and you can help me win this fight because we need to face the challenge that's ahead
Pikachu!
It's you and me-I choose you!
You and me forever, yeah!
Pikachu! (continues until end)
Falkner couldn't hide a smile as he recalled Skarmory back to the Pokeball. "There's obviously a lot I have to learn about the resilience of Electric-type Pokemon. You and Pikachu make a great team."
"Thanks, Falkner. Good luck in your future matches." Ash said.
"Pikachu!"
"Can you believe it, Misty? Ash managed to complete two matches between two old friends. Against Whitney and Liza, he never got to finish the match because of the Legendary Pokemon, but with Bugsy and Falkner, he pulled it off!" Brock whispered. Misty nodded in agreement.
"Prepare for trouble-Pikachu's out of steam!"
"Make it double-we're the #1 team!"
"Not again…" Ash groaned with slight anger in his voice as they all looked up to see Jessie, James and Meowth in the stands, supposedly preparing for battle.
"To protect the world from devastation…"
"…To unite all peoples within our nation…"
"…To denounce 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, fight, fight!"
"Wobbuffet!"
"Quit stealing my line! Meowth, that's right!"
"What are you three doing here this time?" Misty said impatiently.
"Simple-we've come to warn you that you twerps may be in even greater danger than you thought possible." James replied. Ash, Misty and Brock were all confused when James had said that.
"What are you talking about?" Ash responded, his anger replaced with confusion.
"An old foe of yours-not meaning us-is in Ecruteak at this very moment, learning all he can know about one extremely rare Pokemon. If he should get it before you…" Jessie stopped at that moment, not even needing to continue on. They all knew what would happen to Ash if anybody else claimed that Pokemon and not him.
"Extreme pain and agony beyond measure. But, is what Giovanni said about me and Ash true-about us being connected by the forces of nature now that we've captured almost all the Legendary Pokemon?" Misty thought, making sure to hide her worry from Ash.
"Why tell us?" Brock spoke up.
"Because no one should have to go through what the twerp went through back in that airship. And the boss even started his own cloning of the Master Ball-"
"You idiot!" Jessie whacked James upside his head in anger. "They weren't supposed to know about that!"
"They weren't supposed to know about Gary's trip to Ecruteak, either." Meowth muttered. Jessie ended up hitting the Cat Pokemon in the back of his head for that.
"I'm surrounded by nincompoops!"
"Wobbuffet!"
"And that must make you the joker!" Jessie mumbled, recalling her Pokemon a few seconds later.
"Makes sense-Gary's the only other trainer from Pallet who wants to become a Master, and he won't let anyone stand in his way, including me. Even though he knows what'll happen to me if he captured Ho-oh, he doesn't care. Question is how Gary got his hands on a Master Ball when Charizard destroyed it back on that airship. Come on-we've gotta get to Ecruteak as fast as possible!" Ash demanded racing off back toward the Union Cave.
"Ash, wait! Don't you think you should heal your Pokemon?" Misty called out. Ash stopped, a tiny sweatdrop on the side of his head.
"Guess you have a point there, Misty."
"Pika pi…" Pikachu let out one of those mushroom clouds as he sighed heavily.
"Think we did the right thing, Jessie?" James asked while making a break for it toward the Gym doors.
"Of course, James. It's like you said-not even the twerp deserved the pain he received on that airship, and if anybody else claimed that Ho-oh, who knows what would happen?"
"Let's get to Ecruteak first and stop that Gary-then the boss'll think we're heroes once we return him and Pikachu at the same time!" Meowth said.
"Rest up, Pikachu…" Jessie whispered.
"The next time we meet, you'll belong to Team Rocket!" James hissed.
Now, Ash is faced with indefinite peril! If Gary claims Ho-oh as his Pokemon, tragedy could befall our heroes! Will they make it to Ecruteak in time to stop Gary before it's too late? Let's hope so!
Gary was still in Ecruteak, but thanks to some new information from the Gym Leader, he was on his way to the Tin Tower, an almost forgotten place in Ecruteak City.
"If Ho-oh is here, then no matter what Pokemon Ash sends to challenge me, he won't stand a chance!"