ALTERNATE REALITY STORY 1 - WHAT LEGENDS ARE MADE OF
SAGA 1: THE LEGEND BEGINS
© Copyright 2000 by Flareon
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Pokémon. I wish I did, but I do not. I just write these fanfiction.
^These things^ - Means thought or psychic communication.
'Apostrophes' - Means Pokémon language deciphered into human language.
[Brackets] - Means author notes.
TheseStrangeThings - Means change of scene.
Narrator: "Last time, our heroes met Samurai, the Poké Warrior. Ash caught a Manky as well, his ninth Pokémon. Now, Ash, Misty, and Pikachu ride into Pewter City, home of the Boulder Badge."
Misty's voice: "Episode 4: Gym Leader Brock and the First Defeat!"
Ash sat down on a stone. It had taken ten days to get here, and he was very tired.
Misty: "This city has buildings made of rock. Since Pewter City is near Mt. Moon, they find a lot of Rock-type Pokemon and so its Trainers specialize in it."
A voice: "Pewter City has always been the color of stone. It radiates stone-ness."
Ash, Misty, and Pikachu look down to a guy sitting cross-legged near a shelf full of stones right below Ash. His was tan, wore a beard, and hat a hat covering the eyes of his face.
Ash: "Uh, hi mister. What are you doing here?"
Hooded guy: "Call me Flint. I sell souvenirs. Would you like to buy one?"
Ash: "Um, no thank you. Could you direct us to the nearest Pokémon Center."
Flint: "Sure. (Coming back after walking a little ways) By the way, that will be five dollars for sitting on my rock."
Ash, Pikachu, and Misty fall over, anime-style.
******
Team Rocket was digging a hole. They found the right size in the right place and started digging. The hole was going to be right outside Pewter.
Jesse: "Just wait until that twerp steps into our trap. With that Pikachu, we can hit it big with the boss!"
James and Meowth: "Right!"
They dug harder and soon were finished. It was actually a very nice pit. They put a net over it, then dirt and grass. Then they couldn't find the trap. As they were looking, they fell into it.
Jesse: "What are we going to do?"
James, sighing: "Let's dig ourselves out."
They started digging again.
******
Ash and co. reach the Pewter City Pokémon Center.
Ash: "Nurse? Could you please revitalize my Pokémon for me?"
Nurse Joy: "Sure thing Ash."
Ash: "How do you know my name? And aren't you the Nurse Joy from Viridian City?"
Nurse Joy: "I've heard nice things about you. I'm the cousin of the Viridian City Nurse Joy."
Misty: "Didn't you know, Ash? All of the head nurses in all of the Pokémon Centers on Indigo Island are Joys. Their easy come-by knowledge of Pokémon Physiology runs in the bloodline. They also all look almost exactly the same."
Ash: "Wow. I didn't know that."
Nurse Joy: "Here, Ash. You're Pokémon are fully healed. Please come again."
Ash: "Thanks, Nurse Joy. I will. Great! Now I'm ready to face the Gym Leader!"
Flint, walking up: "Don't tell me you're going to challenge Brock? (Deeply laughing) Huh, huh, huh! You, challenge him? (Deeply laughing again) Huh, huh, huh!
Ash, irritated: "What, you don't think I can do it?"
Flint walked away.
Misty: "Ash, Pokémon Gym Leaders are a lot more powerful than your average Pokémon Trainer! Do you really think you can win? Besides, his specialty is Rock Pokémon. Water is the greatest advantage against that, and you don't have any."
Ash: "Its always the same! Everyone thinks the same way! Everyone these days only thinks about the type of Pokémon. If you don't have the type with an advantage over the other, you don't win. Brock may be a Gym Leader, but I'm Ash Ketchum. There is one me and more than 24 Gym Leaders. My Pokémon can win, no matter what, if I really try. That's what training is all about. Using the power of the mind and friendship to overcome any hardship, any burden. You say Pikachu can't beat one of Brock's rock types? Because electricity is usually ineffective versus rock types? You say Charmander can't beat one of Brock's Rock types, because its fire doesn't hurt the thick layer of rock-hard skin? I hereby declare that I will not leave this town until Charmander and Pikachu each beat one of Brock's strongest Pokémon. That is my solemn oath."
Misty was starting to notice something about Ash. He really stood up for his Pokémon, more than himself. She also felt he would be a Pokémon Master. If it took one year, two years, or fifty years. She realized some of this knowledge came from Pikachu, who was radiating the thoughts like a heater, proud of his Trainer. But she also realized most of it came from her understanding of Ash and of his total dedication to his goal. She couldn't argue. He was most likely right. Most battles were decided before the match when the Trainer picked the Pokémon. But it seemed now to her that that was just a false illusion. Sure, Water could douse Fire, but if the Fire was hot enough, it could evaporate the Water. So what really must happen is trainers get discouraged and start to give up, thinking his Rattata couldn't beat her Dragonite. But if used the right way, Rattata could beat a Dragonite if the trainer knew what he/she was doing very well and really tried. Of course, there were flaws in this, say if the Dragonite Trainer was as skilled, but...a good Trainer would know how to counter every move...there were advantages to being small, and everything had to have a weakness.
Ash: "I'm going. You coming?"
Misty nodded, silent. Ash was slightly annoyed with himself as they walked. He had used the same lines Professor Oak had given him a year ago when he was younger, play-dueling with Professor Oak when he had all but given up when fighting a Jigglypuff against a Gyarados. And, with encouragement and help, he had beaten Professor Oak. He felt silly, him reprimanding a friend a year older than himself. Pikachu hopped onto his shoulder and Misty and him walked across town to the Gym, leaving their bikes at the Pokémon Center.
They found the Gym. It was made of stone and had stone lettering on the top of it. The writing said Pewter Gym. It was a pretty big place.
Ash: "This is it. Wow..."
Misty: "C'mon, let's go in."
Ash: "Right."
They walk in. The place was very dark, and the ground felt smooth to Pikachu's feet. Funny, he suspected it would
be rough, like the surface of a rock.
Ash, projecting his voice: "Hello? Is anybody here?"
A voice: "Yes, Trainer. Would you like a Pokémon match for the Boulder Badge?"
They looked around. A light suddenly lit down on a young man. He had very tanned skin and spiky brown hair. The most interesting part about him was the fact that you couldn't see his eyes. They squinted, only it looked like he had big eyes, because his lashes were so big.
Ash: "My name is Ash, from Pallet. May I ask for an official match between the Gym Leader and I?"
Young man: "My name is Brock. I am the Gym Leader here. Yes, you may request an official match between me and you."
Ash: "Then I do!"
Brock: "I accept. I haven't been getting any real fights since back two days ago when I met that boy, then that girl. This will be a two on two Pokémon match!"
Ash, thinking: ^Just my luck. I'm two days behind. I bet they even have more than twenty different Pokémon. Why do I care, anyway? This isn't a contest. On to the battle!^
Suddenly, two sides of the cave started closing in on them. It was a field studded with boulders. To avoid being crushed, Ash and Pikachu thought psychically to each other and flipped up onto the field with ease.
Ash: "Works for me! Go, Charmander!"
First Brock was in awe someone actually got onto the field. Then when he looked at Charmander, Ash, Pikachu, and Misty saw that Brock seemed like he would start laughing.
Brock: "Don't you know anything? Charmander is weak against my Rock Pokémon ."
Ash: "I made a promise to myself to use my Pokémon that are worst here. Send your Pokémon, Brock!"
Brock: "Go, Graveler!"
Charmander looked up as a rough Graveler appeared in front of it.
Brock: "Graveler, Tackle now!"
Ash: "Charmander! Dig underground now!"
Even Misty was shocked.
Brock: "What??? Charmander can't dig!!"
Ash: "It can if you teach it that, with special help from a Technical Machine from a kid I met in Viridian Forest. While I was training with him in Viridian Forest, he gave me TM #28, Dig. I knew it is good against Rock-types. (Turning to Misty) Misty, weren't you even watching?"
Misty, a little sheepish: "Actually, I was sunbathing."
They looked over to their Pokémon. Charmander was scratching itself, while Graveler was just laying in a crevasse, looking defeated.
Brock: "Oh, no! Graveler, return! Go, Onix!"
Ash and Pikachu gasped. It was a huge rock snake, leering down at them.
Ash: "Go, Pikachu!"
Ash's Pikachu ran in front of the field and started limbering up.
Brock: "It's a Pikachu. How long have you had it."
Ash: "Actually, only 10 days."
Brock: "That's pretty young. Would you like to call off the match?"
He was serious. He saw Pikachu getting ready for its surprise attack. He would buy Pikachu some time.
Ash: "What do you think, Misty? Should I quit?"
Misty looked at Ash. She could see his eyes looking deep into hers, though playfully. She caught on. Pikachu was probably powering up for another attack that was good against Rock Pokémon.
Misty: "Nooo...Pikachu can win. You're just going to have to be really, really clever this time."
Ash, winking: "Oh...okay. Pikachu, Charge yourself."
Pikachu sat down and started charging up. It started to glow like a Flash technique.
Brock, thinking: ^He must be using a really powerful electric attack. But, Pikachus aren't that great Electric Pokémon, and Onix is a Rock-type. We might as well see what he has in mind...^
Brock: "Onix! Bide attack!"
Ash: "Pikachu, Focus Energy!"
Onix looked at Pikachu and Pikachu stared at some part of its body.
Ash: "Now, Pikachu! Use Agility!"
Pikachu started speeding around the room. It was like a flashing ball of light.
Ash: "Pikachu! Use combination attack with Comet Punch and Thunder Punch!"
Brock and Misty: "WHAT??!!"
Pikachu stopped in the middle of the floor. Then it ran towards Onix, which didn't do anything. They could barely see it raising its fist and striking four times. In the Onix. It didn't go through the Onix's skin, but a joint in Onix's body. Then, Pikachu put both paws and both feet in the spot.
Pikachu, deciding to change Thunder Punch to a more powerful attack: "Pika-CHYUOOOU!" 'THUNDER!'
Ash, eyes widening: "Pikachu already knows Thunder?"
Onix's inner body was encased in electricity. But it was so huge! It must have felt like a large jolt, but not quite enough to knock it out. Onix put one last effort into releasing its energy into Bide and it started to fall towards Pikachu. Pikachu was laying on the ground. It was very, very exhausted in its efforts to beat Onix. It didn't move as Onix fell towards it.
Ash: "Pikachu! Return!"
Misty gasped. If only Pikachu had a bout a hundred more volts of electricity. Now Ash had lost. For some reason, Ash stared at the ground for a long time.
In fact, Ash was thinking back to the Game Boy Tournament, where his last Pokémon, an Electric type had been beaten by May's Pokémon, a Rock type. This was quite a blow to him, like deja vu.
Ash, after a long time: "Brock."
Brock: "Yes, Ash?"
Ash, looking up: "Can I fight you again? Tomorrow?"
Brock, giving a thumbs up: "Sure thing. That was the most impressive display I've ever seen. If Onix hadn't been Onix, I wouldn't have won, in any case."
Misty: "That's for sure. Come on Ash, I'm hungry."
Ash: "First, I have to heal Charmander and Pikachu. Wait for me here."
He returned Charmander and threw the Pokéball he had used to return Pikachu. It was still weak. He ran as hard as he could to the Pokémon Center. He healed them while thinking of what he was going to do. Then he left and Flint walked up with him.
Flint: "Come with me."
They came to Flint's apartment. He made them tea.
Ash, bowing his head: "I lost. Brock has good Pokémon and I grew cocky."
Flint: "Brock is very good...though you seem to be better. His talents could take him farther than just a local Gym Leader. Come look at something."
Ash came to the window Flint had come to. Across the street he saw twelve children playing and doing different activities. He saw a mother making food for her children. Then he saw Brock turn around where he thought the mother had been. He was surprised and fell down. Then they left the apartment.
Flint: "See? He is his mother and father to all his brothers and sisters."
Ash: "What happened to his parents?"
Flint: "Well, his good-for-nothing father went on a Pokémon Journey and never came back, while his mother, sadly, passed away a few years ago. He is all they have left now."
Ash: "I better not listen to any more sad stuff. I might not have the courage to face Brock again tomorrow."
Flint: "You're sure you want to face Brock again?"
Ash: "Yes. I have to take my father's legacy of becoming Pokémon Master. If only I could just supercharge Pikachu..."
Flint: "I might have a way to do that."
Ash: "Really? How?"
Flint: "Walk this way."
They arrived at a windmill. It was connected to the river so it could get electrical power when the current pushed against it.
Ash: "All right! We just hook up Pikachu and he'll gain power from the windmill!"
Flint: "But the river is dry. (As Ash fell down) So you, Ash will have to walk on it to get it going. You get up on, and I'll hook up Pikachu."
As Flint hooked up two wires leading to the window to Pikachu's cheeks with electrical tape, Ash climbed through the roof to the top of the mill. As soon as Ash was up on it, he started walking. Pikachu began getting energy. As Flint read the voltage meter and saw Pikachu, he wondered why Pikachu wasn't getting stung by the amount of power flowing through its body. He asked Ash.
Ash, while walking: "Well ya' see, Mr. Flint, Pikachu has been supercharged before, and can now cope with the extra energy."
Pretty soon his voltage meter was the highest it could go. But Ash still walked. It was like Flint's meter was off and Pikachu could get more. Pikachu's hair went on end, it glowed bright white, and a small cloud developed over its head. Flint, spooked, turned off the machine. Ash stopped walking and came back down with a back-flip.
Flint, with a sweat-drop: "I think you might be ready."
******
Misty was still waiting. It had been thirty minutes. Brock had left, and she was cold. Suddenly, she saw a bright figure exit a building. It walked towards her. It grew closer and closer. Finally when it was twenty feet away, she could see it was Pikachu, just like he was back in Viridian City. Beside him was Ash. She ran towards them.
Misty: "Why didn't you come back?! I was worried. C'mon, I'm hungry! Let's get something to eat for dinner."
Ash, remembering: "Oh, dang! I'm sorry. I met up with Flint at the Pokémon Center and he told me about Brock. Then we charged up Pikachu again at an old water mill. The river was dry, but I pushed it."
Misty: "Hey, how does Flint know about Brock?"
Ash: "Hey, you're right! I thought he seemed suspicious. Oh well, a mystery for tomorrow. I'm beat. Let's get a meal and hit the sack."
Misty: "Yeah. We can stay in the Pokémon Center."
They went to a take-out Sbarros. Ash had pepperoni pizza, Misty had Hawaiian pizza, and Pikachu got some fries. He was eating them up when Ash handed him a packet of ketchup.
Ash, psychically to Pikachu: Try this on your fries, Pikachu. Its good. Its not blood, but a vegetable paste.
[By the way: Ash, Misty, and Pikachu can not lie while telepathic. Telepathy is the word we are now going to use for when the talk psychically. Also, if you've seen "Mewtwo's Strike Back" speaking psychically sounds like that. Pikachu's voice psychically is the same tone as his real voice is. *]
Pikachu touched its paw to the packet of ketchup. A second later, Ash's front was covered in red stuff and he just stood there, unblinking.
Ash, after a few moments: "PIKACHU??!! WHY DID YA DO THAT TO ME???"
Misty giggled.
Pikachu, psychically to Ash: I didn't try to! How was I supposed to know a little 'ketchup' packet couldn't stand my paw when I'm electrically charged???
Pikachu's paw was covered in it too. Pikachu started licking his paw clean. Suddenly his eyes lit up and Ash and Misty could feel gigantic hearts in his mind. He slurped it all up and then licked Ash's face clean. Ash was in a lot of pain being shocked by Pikachu's tongue.
Ash, twitching a little, hair sticking straight up: "Ouch. I wanta bath."
Misty, sighing: "C'mon, let's get back to the Pokémon Center."
They got to the Pokémon Center.
Ash: "Nurse Joy? I need to check out two rooms. And could you keep Pikachu for the night, preferably in a glass room?"
Nurse Joy, alarmed: "What is wrong with that Pikachu??!"
Ash: "Nothing's wrong. Please don't try heal Pikachu, it would ruin the machine, and I need it in this condition so I can face Brock's Onix tomorrow."
Nurse Joy: "Well, all right. Here are the keys to your rooms."
Ash, psychically talking to Pikachu: I know you'll probably hate staying in that room, and I'm sorry, but if you could forgive me, I need my sleep for tomorrow morning.
Pikachu, patting Ash's cheek: "Pika, pi pika." 'Of course, I don't mind.'
Pikachu jumped into Nurse Joy's now rubber-covered arms. Ash and Misty went upstairs, said goodnight to each other and plopped into their beds. They brushed their teeth, flossed, used mouthwash, and put on their night clothes. Then both fell asleep immediately. [This shows how tired Ash is, because he usually doesn't go to sleep for a while after he goes to bed.]
They woke up in the morning refreshed. Ash and Misty ate breakfast while Pikachu warmed itself up for its upcoming match. Then they walked towards the Pokémon Gym.
Ash and Pikachu were side by side. Ash had his cap on backwards. Misty strode behind, allowing a respectful distance to the fighting pair.
They entered the Gym. Brock was there. It seemed he had been waiting for Ash because his Onix was already out. He looked very surprised when he saw Pikachu. They nodded to each other and began the match.
Brock: "Onix, go!"
Ash: "Pikachu, I choose you!"
The Onix rumbled out until it saw Pikachu and stopped. Its eyes widened in fear. It remembered this pure-white Pokémon from legends its boulder (mother) had told it when it was a little snake. Still, it started back up and rumbled gamely on, staring at the Pikachu, trying to talk with the Pikachu. This is what Ash heard. He stopped Brock from attacking and listened to what Pikachu translated to him.
Onix: "Rooah? Roroonx?" 'Pikachu? Did you evolve?'
Pikachu: "Pika ch pi. Pi ka ka pi." 'I don't think so. I just feel very hyper.'
Onix: "Niixx? Roughn, ar augnn." 'Are you sure? You look like the fabled Redou, evolved form of Pikachu.'
[We believe this is a real Pokémon. Either that, or its name is Tenchu. I prefer Redou. It is pronounced (rey-doo). You can get it on the Red Version of the Pokémon Gameboy Game. We added the part about it being a messenger of Zapdos. Kinda like Hermes, messanger of the Greek Gods. *]
Pikachu: "Pi??? Pi ka pi pi ka chu?" 'Really??? You mean without the Thunder Stone?'
Onix: "Nix. Rooaghn gnnnoooghn!" 'Right. Redou is reputed to be the messanger of Zapdos, Thunder Pokémon God. He is the third most powerful Electric Pokémon, and he also has some Psychic skills, so he can speak to humans and Pokémon for Zapdos!'
Pikachu: "Pi ka kachu pi." 'I've never even seen Zapdos. I can't be Redou, because I haven't flashed or anything like that. Just gotten really bright."
Onix: "Roughhhnihau!" 'Well, maybe you will some day!'
Pikachu, ruefully: "Pi, pika pi pika ka chu pika." 'Yeah, right. Thanks for the vote of confidence. If I'm still living in a thousand years, maybe I'll evolve. Now, let's battle!'
Ash: "Okay, they're done. Pikachu, Double Team attack!"
Brock: "Onix, Rock Throw now!"
Pikachu became about ten Pikachu. Onix was lucky, because Rock Throw could hit a number of targets. It hit three Pikachus. Ash was even more lucky, because none of the rocks hit Pikachu.
Ash: "Pikachu, Agility!"
Brock: "Onix, use Tackle!"
Onix lurched at Pikachu, but missed. [If you've seen the third battle for Ash in the TV Poke League matches, you've seen Arcanine use Fire Blast at Pikachu. On the screen, Pikachu zooms out of the way so fast, you're not sure if its Pikachu. That's what this round was like.] It got up and shakes of the pieces of shrapnel from the rock it had just Tackled.
Ash: "Pikachu, Double Team again!"
Brock: "Onix! Bide your time!"
Pikachu stopped as Onix stared at it. It suddenly became 30 Pikachus. Misty, Ash, and Pikachu all realized Brock had made a strategic error, for now even if Onix stood Ash's upcoming attack, it had a one in thirty chance of hitting Pikachu now. Ash even allowed himself some puzzlement. Was Brock throwing the match? Or chickening out? Well, first thing's first.
Ash: "Pikachu, Leer at it now!"
30 Pikachus stared without blinking at Onix for a full thirty seconds.
Ash: "Pikachu, Focus Energy!"
30 Pikachus stood still and its eyes narrowed at Onix.
Ash: "Pikachu, combination attack Low Kick and Thundershock, right into Onix's mid-joint, now!"
Pikachu crouched down on all fours and jumped with such speed at Onix, getting away from it was an impossibility. Brock had about 50 sweat-drops on the back of his head. Pikachu struck. The entire building filled with electricity. Onix was laying on the ground, burnt. Brock, Misty, and Ash were all laying behind cover. The ceiling had blown up. They slowly got up.
Brock, rushing to Onix: "Onix! Return! Ash, follow me!"
Brock ran as fast as he could out of the Gym. Ash picked up a pooped Pikachu and ran with half the speed of a marathon runner in the 100-yard dash. Misty quickly got up and followed, definitely not as fast as either, but still pretty fast. No one was in the now-destroyed building to see a huge, sparkling yellow and black bird with a huge beak and huge wings. It peered down into the charred structure, as if it had felt a familiar presence. It looked at the retreating boy, and then the bundle in his arms. It grimaced impatiently as only a 7-foot tall Electric God of Pokémon can. Squawking, it flew back to its island. It could wait another few years, if need be.
Ash quickly overcame Brock, who was running as fast as he could towards the Pokémon Center. It was a little disheartening to Brock that a kid three years younger than him could seem to be jogging while he was running top speed.
They arrived at the Pokémon Center. Brock rushed up to the counter.
Brock, breathing hard: "Joy! My Onix needs help right away!"
Ash, shamefaced: "Gee, Brock, I'm sorry I hurt your Pokémon. I wasn't thinking about Onix. I'm sorry."
Brock, putting a hand on Brock's shoulder: "Ash, its really okay. I expect Trainers to go hard on my Pokémon. Hey, by the way, do you only have two Pokémon? It seems you're the type of Trainer who would have hundreds."
Ash, blushing at the compliment: "Um, you could say I have only two. Um, I mean, I only have nine. This is the eleventh day of my Journey. I only catch one type of each class of Pokémon. Like, I have a Butterfree, and though I could have about 34 Caterpies by now, I just want to raise this one Butterfree. A Trainer was interviewed for the newspaper. He had about 1,000 Pokémon. He said he switches his Pokémon so he can make them all the best they can be. I say that's a load of mouse dung. If he has 1,000 Pokémon, and switched a Pokémon a day, it would take about 3 years for him to use each Pokémon, presumably for six days each. How can you make friends and positive relationships with your Pokémon if they see you for six days, then don't for 1,000? How could the Pokémon even remember who caught them? 150 is a lot easier to manage. And I will have less than that at the end of my journey, because I'm going to have only one type of all of the evolutions the Pokémon can have. See, I'm only going to have one Pikachu, or Raichu, and no other Pikachus or Raichus."
Brock: "You've got a good plan. I couldn't do that, I think, because I specialize in only Rock types. Hey, the reason I called you here with me, is this."
Brock reached into a pocket and pulled out a hexagonal gray pin.
Ash, wonderingly: "Is that the...?"
Brock: "Yep, the Boulder Badge. It is rightfully yours. I must say, Onix never has and probably never will take a beating like that ever again."
Ash: "Thank you Brock."
Ash brought out a Badge case. He placed the Badge inside it. It fit perfectly.
Brock: "Actually Ash, (looking away) to tell the truth, I take more pleasure in raising my Pokémon than making them battle. I don't want to become a great Trainer, I just want to become the World's Greatest Breeder. Ash, I want you to take that Badge and fulfill my dream for me."
Ash: "I will. Thanks again, Brock."
Flint's voice: "Brock, you go follow your own dreams."
Ash: "Hey, wait a minute..."
Flint took of his hat and removed his beard. It was a mirror of Brock's face, only older and with wrinkles.
Brock, eyes narrowing: "My father."
Ash, own eyes narrowing: "So you ARE the good for nothing father that left home and never came back??!"
Flint, nodding: "Yes, I left to become a Pokémon Trainer and I was such a failure I didn't even have the courage to come back to my family."
Ash: "So why did you help me instead of Brock?"
Flint: "I was too embarrassed and ashamed to face my oldest son, the one I let down the most. Now that you have beaten Brock, I've decided to try to make up for those lost years. Brock, go follow your dreams, and mine. I will stay here and look after the Gym and our family."
Brock: "First, I have a few things to say."
Flint: "After all these years I can understand how you might feel about me."
Brock: "Here. (He hands Flint a notepad and pen) Susie likes cereal for lunch; Tommy likes cereal for dinner; the twins sleepwalk at night so you have to tie a bell on their wrists..."
Flint, with sweatdrops: "Slow down! Slow down! I can't write that fast!"
******
Brock, grinning widely: "Ash, are you sure I can come with you on your Pokémon Journey?"
Brock had asked Ash if he could go along on Ash's Journey. Like Ash and Misty, he had a custom-made bicycle. It had a brown background and stripes of fire all along it.
Ash: "Sure I'm sure. Its nice to have a fellow male to bike and talk with."
Misty: "I wouldn't know."
Ash, laughing: "Unless you're really a boy in disguise. (Quieter, still joking) Kinda look like one."
Misty, screaming: "Why, YOU LITTLE!..."
Ash: "Pikachu, let's run for it!"
They don't know this, but ahead, Team Rocket had finally dug their way out of their hole.
Jesse: "I'm glad that's over with."
James: "We've hit rock bottom!"
Misty started chasing after Ash as they headed down the path. Four people ran over Team Rocket, if you include Pikachu.
Meowth: "Correction..."
Narrator: "Our hero race down the path as an infuriated Misty races after him. Maybe Brock will be able to keep them in line. The path is to Mount Moon, the mysterious home of the Moon Stone. What new Pokémon and adventures will Ash, Pikachu, Brock, and Misty find as they explore this creaky crag?"
James, sounding indignant: "Why is it that this author has been making us get trounced by the 'heroes' every single episode so far?! We have feelings too, you know!!"
Flareon, sniffing in a high-and-mighty manner: "Because you have a very important job of providing a plot as the bad-people who try to steal Pikachu. Besides, you never get killed and you always survive, right? End fic!"
Next, a visit to Mount Moon, and Ash and Misty share a romantic little scene. Professor Oak makes an appearance, and the timeline is actually accurate.
{:FLAREON:}
SAGA 1: THE LEGEND BEGINS
© Copyright 2000 by Flareon
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Pokémon. I wish I did, but I do not. I just write these fanfiction.
^These things^ - Means thought or psychic communication.
'Apostrophes' - Means Pokémon language deciphered into human language.
[Brackets] - Means author notes.
TheseStrangeThings - Means change of scene.
Narrator: "Last time, our heroes met Samurai, the Poké Warrior. Ash caught a Manky as well, his ninth Pokémon. Now, Ash, Misty, and Pikachu ride into Pewter City, home of the Boulder Badge."
Misty's voice: "Episode 4: Gym Leader Brock and the First Defeat!"
Ash sat down on a stone. It had taken ten days to get here, and he was very tired.
Misty: "This city has buildings made of rock. Since Pewter City is near Mt. Moon, they find a lot of Rock-type Pokemon and so its Trainers specialize in it."
A voice: "Pewter City has always been the color of stone. It radiates stone-ness."
Ash, Misty, and Pikachu look down to a guy sitting cross-legged near a shelf full of stones right below Ash. His was tan, wore a beard, and hat a hat covering the eyes of his face.
Ash: "Uh, hi mister. What are you doing here?"
Hooded guy: "Call me Flint. I sell souvenirs. Would you like to buy one?"
Ash: "Um, no thank you. Could you direct us to the nearest Pokémon Center."
Flint: "Sure. (Coming back after walking a little ways) By the way, that will be five dollars for sitting on my rock."
Ash, Pikachu, and Misty fall over, anime-style.
******
Team Rocket was digging a hole. They found the right size in the right place and started digging. The hole was going to be right outside Pewter.
Jesse: "Just wait until that twerp steps into our trap. With that Pikachu, we can hit it big with the boss!"
James and Meowth: "Right!"
They dug harder and soon were finished. It was actually a very nice pit. They put a net over it, then dirt and grass. Then they couldn't find the trap. As they were looking, they fell into it.
Jesse: "What are we going to do?"
James, sighing: "Let's dig ourselves out."
They started digging again.
******
Ash and co. reach the Pewter City Pokémon Center.
Ash: "Nurse? Could you please revitalize my Pokémon for me?"
Nurse Joy: "Sure thing Ash."
Ash: "How do you know my name? And aren't you the Nurse Joy from Viridian City?"
Nurse Joy: "I've heard nice things about you. I'm the cousin of the Viridian City Nurse Joy."
Misty: "Didn't you know, Ash? All of the head nurses in all of the Pokémon Centers on Indigo Island are Joys. Their easy come-by knowledge of Pokémon Physiology runs in the bloodline. They also all look almost exactly the same."
Ash: "Wow. I didn't know that."
Nurse Joy: "Here, Ash. You're Pokémon are fully healed. Please come again."
Ash: "Thanks, Nurse Joy. I will. Great! Now I'm ready to face the Gym Leader!"
Flint, walking up: "Don't tell me you're going to challenge Brock? (Deeply laughing) Huh, huh, huh! You, challenge him? (Deeply laughing again) Huh, huh, huh!
Ash, irritated: "What, you don't think I can do it?"
Flint walked away.
Misty: "Ash, Pokémon Gym Leaders are a lot more powerful than your average Pokémon Trainer! Do you really think you can win? Besides, his specialty is Rock Pokémon. Water is the greatest advantage against that, and you don't have any."
Ash: "Its always the same! Everyone thinks the same way! Everyone these days only thinks about the type of Pokémon. If you don't have the type with an advantage over the other, you don't win. Brock may be a Gym Leader, but I'm Ash Ketchum. There is one me and more than 24 Gym Leaders. My Pokémon can win, no matter what, if I really try. That's what training is all about. Using the power of the mind and friendship to overcome any hardship, any burden. You say Pikachu can't beat one of Brock's rock types? Because electricity is usually ineffective versus rock types? You say Charmander can't beat one of Brock's Rock types, because its fire doesn't hurt the thick layer of rock-hard skin? I hereby declare that I will not leave this town until Charmander and Pikachu each beat one of Brock's strongest Pokémon. That is my solemn oath."
Misty was starting to notice something about Ash. He really stood up for his Pokémon, more than himself. She also felt he would be a Pokémon Master. If it took one year, two years, or fifty years. She realized some of this knowledge came from Pikachu, who was radiating the thoughts like a heater, proud of his Trainer. But she also realized most of it came from her understanding of Ash and of his total dedication to his goal. She couldn't argue. He was most likely right. Most battles were decided before the match when the Trainer picked the Pokémon. But it seemed now to her that that was just a false illusion. Sure, Water could douse Fire, but if the Fire was hot enough, it could evaporate the Water. So what really must happen is trainers get discouraged and start to give up, thinking his Rattata couldn't beat her Dragonite. But if used the right way, Rattata could beat a Dragonite if the trainer knew what he/she was doing very well and really tried. Of course, there were flaws in this, say if the Dragonite Trainer was as skilled, but...a good Trainer would know how to counter every move...there were advantages to being small, and everything had to have a weakness.
Ash: "I'm going. You coming?"
Misty nodded, silent. Ash was slightly annoyed with himself as they walked. He had used the same lines Professor Oak had given him a year ago when he was younger, play-dueling with Professor Oak when he had all but given up when fighting a Jigglypuff against a Gyarados. And, with encouragement and help, he had beaten Professor Oak. He felt silly, him reprimanding a friend a year older than himself. Pikachu hopped onto his shoulder and Misty and him walked across town to the Gym, leaving their bikes at the Pokémon Center.
They found the Gym. It was made of stone and had stone lettering on the top of it. The writing said Pewter Gym. It was a pretty big place.
Ash: "This is it. Wow..."
Misty: "C'mon, let's go in."
Ash: "Right."
They walk in. The place was very dark, and the ground felt smooth to Pikachu's feet. Funny, he suspected it would
be rough, like the surface of a rock.
Ash, projecting his voice: "Hello? Is anybody here?"
A voice: "Yes, Trainer. Would you like a Pokémon match for the Boulder Badge?"
They looked around. A light suddenly lit down on a young man. He had very tanned skin and spiky brown hair. The most interesting part about him was the fact that you couldn't see his eyes. They squinted, only it looked like he had big eyes, because his lashes were so big.
Ash: "My name is Ash, from Pallet. May I ask for an official match between the Gym Leader and I?"
Young man: "My name is Brock. I am the Gym Leader here. Yes, you may request an official match between me and you."
Ash: "Then I do!"
Brock: "I accept. I haven't been getting any real fights since back two days ago when I met that boy, then that girl. This will be a two on two Pokémon match!"
Ash, thinking: ^Just my luck. I'm two days behind. I bet they even have more than twenty different Pokémon. Why do I care, anyway? This isn't a contest. On to the battle!^
Suddenly, two sides of the cave started closing in on them. It was a field studded with boulders. To avoid being crushed, Ash and Pikachu thought psychically to each other and flipped up onto the field with ease.
Ash: "Works for me! Go, Charmander!"
First Brock was in awe someone actually got onto the field. Then when he looked at Charmander, Ash, Pikachu, and Misty saw that Brock seemed like he would start laughing.
Brock: "Don't you know anything? Charmander is weak against my Rock Pokémon ."
Ash: "I made a promise to myself to use my Pokémon that are worst here. Send your Pokémon, Brock!"
Brock: "Go, Graveler!"
Charmander looked up as a rough Graveler appeared in front of it.
Brock: "Graveler, Tackle now!"
Ash: "Charmander! Dig underground now!"
Even Misty was shocked.
Brock: "What??? Charmander can't dig!!"
Ash: "It can if you teach it that, with special help from a Technical Machine from a kid I met in Viridian Forest. While I was training with him in Viridian Forest, he gave me TM #28, Dig. I knew it is good against Rock-types. (Turning to Misty) Misty, weren't you even watching?"
Misty, a little sheepish: "Actually, I was sunbathing."
They looked over to their Pokémon. Charmander was scratching itself, while Graveler was just laying in a crevasse, looking defeated.
Brock: "Oh, no! Graveler, return! Go, Onix!"
Ash and Pikachu gasped. It was a huge rock snake, leering down at them.
Ash: "Go, Pikachu!"
Ash's Pikachu ran in front of the field and started limbering up.
Brock: "It's a Pikachu. How long have you had it."
Ash: "Actually, only 10 days."
Brock: "That's pretty young. Would you like to call off the match?"
He was serious. He saw Pikachu getting ready for its surprise attack. He would buy Pikachu some time.
Ash: "What do you think, Misty? Should I quit?"
Misty looked at Ash. She could see his eyes looking deep into hers, though playfully. She caught on. Pikachu was probably powering up for another attack that was good against Rock Pokémon.
Misty: "Nooo...Pikachu can win. You're just going to have to be really, really clever this time."
Ash, winking: "Oh...okay. Pikachu, Charge yourself."
Pikachu sat down and started charging up. It started to glow like a Flash technique.
Brock, thinking: ^He must be using a really powerful electric attack. But, Pikachus aren't that great Electric Pokémon, and Onix is a Rock-type. We might as well see what he has in mind...^
Brock: "Onix! Bide attack!"
Ash: "Pikachu, Focus Energy!"
Onix looked at Pikachu and Pikachu stared at some part of its body.
Ash: "Now, Pikachu! Use Agility!"
Pikachu started speeding around the room. It was like a flashing ball of light.
Ash: "Pikachu! Use combination attack with Comet Punch and Thunder Punch!"
Brock and Misty: "WHAT??!!"
Pikachu stopped in the middle of the floor. Then it ran towards Onix, which didn't do anything. They could barely see it raising its fist and striking four times. In the Onix. It didn't go through the Onix's skin, but a joint in Onix's body. Then, Pikachu put both paws and both feet in the spot.
Pikachu, deciding to change Thunder Punch to a more powerful attack: "Pika-CHYUOOOU!" 'THUNDER!'
Ash, eyes widening: "Pikachu already knows Thunder?"
Onix's inner body was encased in electricity. But it was so huge! It must have felt like a large jolt, but not quite enough to knock it out. Onix put one last effort into releasing its energy into Bide and it started to fall towards Pikachu. Pikachu was laying on the ground. It was very, very exhausted in its efforts to beat Onix. It didn't move as Onix fell towards it.
Ash: "Pikachu! Return!"
Misty gasped. If only Pikachu had a bout a hundred more volts of electricity. Now Ash had lost. For some reason, Ash stared at the ground for a long time.
In fact, Ash was thinking back to the Game Boy Tournament, where his last Pokémon, an Electric type had been beaten by May's Pokémon, a Rock type. This was quite a blow to him, like deja vu.
Ash, after a long time: "Brock."
Brock: "Yes, Ash?"
Ash, looking up: "Can I fight you again? Tomorrow?"
Brock, giving a thumbs up: "Sure thing. That was the most impressive display I've ever seen. If Onix hadn't been Onix, I wouldn't have won, in any case."
Misty: "That's for sure. Come on Ash, I'm hungry."
Ash: "First, I have to heal Charmander and Pikachu. Wait for me here."
He returned Charmander and threw the Pokéball he had used to return Pikachu. It was still weak. He ran as hard as he could to the Pokémon Center. He healed them while thinking of what he was going to do. Then he left and Flint walked up with him.
Flint: "Come with me."
They came to Flint's apartment. He made them tea.
Ash, bowing his head: "I lost. Brock has good Pokémon and I grew cocky."
Flint: "Brock is very good...though you seem to be better. His talents could take him farther than just a local Gym Leader. Come look at something."
Ash came to the window Flint had come to. Across the street he saw twelve children playing and doing different activities. He saw a mother making food for her children. Then he saw Brock turn around where he thought the mother had been. He was surprised and fell down. Then they left the apartment.
Flint: "See? He is his mother and father to all his brothers and sisters."
Ash: "What happened to his parents?"
Flint: "Well, his good-for-nothing father went on a Pokémon Journey and never came back, while his mother, sadly, passed away a few years ago. He is all they have left now."
Ash: "I better not listen to any more sad stuff. I might not have the courage to face Brock again tomorrow."
Flint: "You're sure you want to face Brock again?"
Ash: "Yes. I have to take my father's legacy of becoming Pokémon Master. If only I could just supercharge Pikachu..."
Flint: "I might have a way to do that."
Ash: "Really? How?"
Flint: "Walk this way."
They arrived at a windmill. It was connected to the river so it could get electrical power when the current pushed against it.
Ash: "All right! We just hook up Pikachu and he'll gain power from the windmill!"
Flint: "But the river is dry. (As Ash fell down) So you, Ash will have to walk on it to get it going. You get up on, and I'll hook up Pikachu."
As Flint hooked up two wires leading to the window to Pikachu's cheeks with electrical tape, Ash climbed through the roof to the top of the mill. As soon as Ash was up on it, he started walking. Pikachu began getting energy. As Flint read the voltage meter and saw Pikachu, he wondered why Pikachu wasn't getting stung by the amount of power flowing through its body. He asked Ash.
Ash, while walking: "Well ya' see, Mr. Flint, Pikachu has been supercharged before, and can now cope with the extra energy."
Pretty soon his voltage meter was the highest it could go. But Ash still walked. It was like Flint's meter was off and Pikachu could get more. Pikachu's hair went on end, it glowed bright white, and a small cloud developed over its head. Flint, spooked, turned off the machine. Ash stopped walking and came back down with a back-flip.
Flint, with a sweat-drop: "I think you might be ready."
******
Misty was still waiting. It had been thirty minutes. Brock had left, and she was cold. Suddenly, she saw a bright figure exit a building. It walked towards her. It grew closer and closer. Finally when it was twenty feet away, she could see it was Pikachu, just like he was back in Viridian City. Beside him was Ash. She ran towards them.
Misty: "Why didn't you come back?! I was worried. C'mon, I'm hungry! Let's get something to eat for dinner."
Ash, remembering: "Oh, dang! I'm sorry. I met up with Flint at the Pokémon Center and he told me about Brock. Then we charged up Pikachu again at an old water mill. The river was dry, but I pushed it."
Misty: "Hey, how does Flint know about Brock?"
Ash: "Hey, you're right! I thought he seemed suspicious. Oh well, a mystery for tomorrow. I'm beat. Let's get a meal and hit the sack."
Misty: "Yeah. We can stay in the Pokémon Center."
They went to a take-out Sbarros. Ash had pepperoni pizza, Misty had Hawaiian pizza, and Pikachu got some fries. He was eating them up when Ash handed him a packet of ketchup.
Ash, psychically to Pikachu: Try this on your fries, Pikachu. Its good. Its not blood, but a vegetable paste.
[By the way: Ash, Misty, and Pikachu can not lie while telepathic. Telepathy is the word we are now going to use for when the talk psychically. Also, if you've seen "Mewtwo's Strike Back" speaking psychically sounds like that. Pikachu's voice psychically is the same tone as his real voice is. *]
Pikachu touched its paw to the packet of ketchup. A second later, Ash's front was covered in red stuff and he just stood there, unblinking.
Ash, after a few moments: "PIKACHU??!! WHY DID YA DO THAT TO ME???"
Misty giggled.
Pikachu, psychically to Ash: I didn't try to! How was I supposed to know a little 'ketchup' packet couldn't stand my paw when I'm electrically charged???
Pikachu's paw was covered in it too. Pikachu started licking his paw clean. Suddenly his eyes lit up and Ash and Misty could feel gigantic hearts in his mind. He slurped it all up and then licked Ash's face clean. Ash was in a lot of pain being shocked by Pikachu's tongue.
Ash, twitching a little, hair sticking straight up: "Ouch. I wanta bath."
Misty, sighing: "C'mon, let's get back to the Pokémon Center."
They got to the Pokémon Center.
Ash: "Nurse Joy? I need to check out two rooms. And could you keep Pikachu for the night, preferably in a glass room?"
Nurse Joy, alarmed: "What is wrong with that Pikachu??!"
Ash: "Nothing's wrong. Please don't try heal Pikachu, it would ruin the machine, and I need it in this condition so I can face Brock's Onix tomorrow."
Nurse Joy: "Well, all right. Here are the keys to your rooms."
Ash, psychically talking to Pikachu: I know you'll probably hate staying in that room, and I'm sorry, but if you could forgive me, I need my sleep for tomorrow morning.
Pikachu, patting Ash's cheek: "Pika, pi pika." 'Of course, I don't mind.'
Pikachu jumped into Nurse Joy's now rubber-covered arms. Ash and Misty went upstairs, said goodnight to each other and plopped into their beds. They brushed their teeth, flossed, used mouthwash, and put on their night clothes. Then both fell asleep immediately. [This shows how tired Ash is, because he usually doesn't go to sleep for a while after he goes to bed.]
They woke up in the morning refreshed. Ash and Misty ate breakfast while Pikachu warmed itself up for its upcoming match. Then they walked towards the Pokémon Gym.
Ash and Pikachu were side by side. Ash had his cap on backwards. Misty strode behind, allowing a respectful distance to the fighting pair.
They entered the Gym. Brock was there. It seemed he had been waiting for Ash because his Onix was already out. He looked very surprised when he saw Pikachu. They nodded to each other and began the match.
Brock: "Onix, go!"
Ash: "Pikachu, I choose you!"
The Onix rumbled out until it saw Pikachu and stopped. Its eyes widened in fear. It remembered this pure-white Pokémon from legends its boulder (mother) had told it when it was a little snake. Still, it started back up and rumbled gamely on, staring at the Pikachu, trying to talk with the Pikachu. This is what Ash heard. He stopped Brock from attacking and listened to what Pikachu translated to him.
Onix: "Rooah? Roroonx?" 'Pikachu? Did you evolve?'
Pikachu: "Pika ch pi. Pi ka ka pi." 'I don't think so. I just feel very hyper.'
Onix: "Niixx? Roughn, ar augnn." 'Are you sure? You look like the fabled Redou, evolved form of Pikachu.'
[We believe this is a real Pokémon. Either that, or its name is Tenchu. I prefer Redou. It is pronounced (rey-doo). You can get it on the Red Version of the Pokémon Gameboy Game. We added the part about it being a messenger of Zapdos. Kinda like Hermes, messanger of the Greek Gods. *]
Pikachu: "Pi??? Pi ka pi pi ka chu?" 'Really??? You mean without the Thunder Stone?'
Onix: "Nix. Rooaghn gnnnoooghn!" 'Right. Redou is reputed to be the messanger of Zapdos, Thunder Pokémon God. He is the third most powerful Electric Pokémon, and he also has some Psychic skills, so he can speak to humans and Pokémon for Zapdos!'
Pikachu: "Pi ka kachu pi." 'I've never even seen Zapdos. I can't be Redou, because I haven't flashed or anything like that. Just gotten really bright."
Onix: "Roughhhnihau!" 'Well, maybe you will some day!'
Pikachu, ruefully: "Pi, pika pi pika ka chu pika." 'Yeah, right. Thanks for the vote of confidence. If I'm still living in a thousand years, maybe I'll evolve. Now, let's battle!'
Ash: "Okay, they're done. Pikachu, Double Team attack!"
Brock: "Onix, Rock Throw now!"
Pikachu became about ten Pikachu. Onix was lucky, because Rock Throw could hit a number of targets. It hit three Pikachus. Ash was even more lucky, because none of the rocks hit Pikachu.
Ash: "Pikachu, Agility!"
Brock: "Onix, use Tackle!"
Onix lurched at Pikachu, but missed. [If you've seen the third battle for Ash in the TV Poke League matches, you've seen Arcanine use Fire Blast at Pikachu. On the screen, Pikachu zooms out of the way so fast, you're not sure if its Pikachu. That's what this round was like.] It got up and shakes of the pieces of shrapnel from the rock it had just Tackled.
Ash: "Pikachu, Double Team again!"
Brock: "Onix! Bide your time!"
Pikachu stopped as Onix stared at it. It suddenly became 30 Pikachus. Misty, Ash, and Pikachu all realized Brock had made a strategic error, for now even if Onix stood Ash's upcoming attack, it had a one in thirty chance of hitting Pikachu now. Ash even allowed himself some puzzlement. Was Brock throwing the match? Or chickening out? Well, first thing's first.
Ash: "Pikachu, Leer at it now!"
30 Pikachus stared without blinking at Onix for a full thirty seconds.
Ash: "Pikachu, Focus Energy!"
30 Pikachus stood still and its eyes narrowed at Onix.
Ash: "Pikachu, combination attack Low Kick and Thundershock, right into Onix's mid-joint, now!"
Pikachu crouched down on all fours and jumped with such speed at Onix, getting away from it was an impossibility. Brock had about 50 sweat-drops on the back of his head. Pikachu struck. The entire building filled with electricity. Onix was laying on the ground, burnt. Brock, Misty, and Ash were all laying behind cover. The ceiling had blown up. They slowly got up.
Brock, rushing to Onix: "Onix! Return! Ash, follow me!"
Brock ran as fast as he could out of the Gym. Ash picked up a pooped Pikachu and ran with half the speed of a marathon runner in the 100-yard dash. Misty quickly got up and followed, definitely not as fast as either, but still pretty fast. No one was in the now-destroyed building to see a huge, sparkling yellow and black bird with a huge beak and huge wings. It peered down into the charred structure, as if it had felt a familiar presence. It looked at the retreating boy, and then the bundle in his arms. It grimaced impatiently as only a 7-foot tall Electric God of Pokémon can. Squawking, it flew back to its island. It could wait another few years, if need be.
Ash quickly overcame Brock, who was running as fast as he could towards the Pokémon Center. It was a little disheartening to Brock that a kid three years younger than him could seem to be jogging while he was running top speed.
They arrived at the Pokémon Center. Brock rushed up to the counter.
Brock, breathing hard: "Joy! My Onix needs help right away!"
Ash, shamefaced: "Gee, Brock, I'm sorry I hurt your Pokémon. I wasn't thinking about Onix. I'm sorry."
Brock, putting a hand on Brock's shoulder: "Ash, its really okay. I expect Trainers to go hard on my Pokémon. Hey, by the way, do you only have two Pokémon? It seems you're the type of Trainer who would have hundreds."
Ash, blushing at the compliment: "Um, you could say I have only two. Um, I mean, I only have nine. This is the eleventh day of my Journey. I only catch one type of each class of Pokémon. Like, I have a Butterfree, and though I could have about 34 Caterpies by now, I just want to raise this one Butterfree. A Trainer was interviewed for the newspaper. He had about 1,000 Pokémon. He said he switches his Pokémon so he can make them all the best they can be. I say that's a load of mouse dung. If he has 1,000 Pokémon, and switched a Pokémon a day, it would take about 3 years for him to use each Pokémon, presumably for six days each. How can you make friends and positive relationships with your Pokémon if they see you for six days, then don't for 1,000? How could the Pokémon even remember who caught them? 150 is a lot easier to manage. And I will have less than that at the end of my journey, because I'm going to have only one type of all of the evolutions the Pokémon can have. See, I'm only going to have one Pikachu, or Raichu, and no other Pikachus or Raichus."
Brock: "You've got a good plan. I couldn't do that, I think, because I specialize in only Rock types. Hey, the reason I called you here with me, is this."
Brock reached into a pocket and pulled out a hexagonal gray pin.
Ash, wonderingly: "Is that the...?"
Brock: "Yep, the Boulder Badge. It is rightfully yours. I must say, Onix never has and probably never will take a beating like that ever again."
Ash: "Thank you Brock."
Ash brought out a Badge case. He placed the Badge inside it. It fit perfectly.
Brock: "Actually Ash, (looking away) to tell the truth, I take more pleasure in raising my Pokémon than making them battle. I don't want to become a great Trainer, I just want to become the World's Greatest Breeder. Ash, I want you to take that Badge and fulfill my dream for me."
Ash: "I will. Thanks again, Brock."
Flint's voice: "Brock, you go follow your own dreams."
Ash: "Hey, wait a minute..."
Flint took of his hat and removed his beard. It was a mirror of Brock's face, only older and with wrinkles.
Brock, eyes narrowing: "My father."
Ash, own eyes narrowing: "So you ARE the good for nothing father that left home and never came back??!"
Flint, nodding: "Yes, I left to become a Pokémon Trainer and I was such a failure I didn't even have the courage to come back to my family."
Ash: "So why did you help me instead of Brock?"
Flint: "I was too embarrassed and ashamed to face my oldest son, the one I let down the most. Now that you have beaten Brock, I've decided to try to make up for those lost years. Brock, go follow your dreams, and mine. I will stay here and look after the Gym and our family."
Brock: "First, I have a few things to say."
Flint: "After all these years I can understand how you might feel about me."
Brock: "Here. (He hands Flint a notepad and pen) Susie likes cereal for lunch; Tommy likes cereal for dinner; the twins sleepwalk at night so you have to tie a bell on their wrists..."
Flint, with sweatdrops: "Slow down! Slow down! I can't write that fast!"
******
Brock, grinning widely: "Ash, are you sure I can come with you on your Pokémon Journey?"
Brock had asked Ash if he could go along on Ash's Journey. Like Ash and Misty, he had a custom-made bicycle. It had a brown background and stripes of fire all along it.
Ash: "Sure I'm sure. Its nice to have a fellow male to bike and talk with."
Misty: "I wouldn't know."
Ash, laughing: "Unless you're really a boy in disguise. (Quieter, still joking) Kinda look like one."
Misty, screaming: "Why, YOU LITTLE!..."
Ash: "Pikachu, let's run for it!"
They don't know this, but ahead, Team Rocket had finally dug their way out of their hole.
Jesse: "I'm glad that's over with."
James: "We've hit rock bottom!"
Misty started chasing after Ash as they headed down the path. Four people ran over Team Rocket, if you include Pikachu.
Meowth: "Correction..."
Narrator: "Our hero race down the path as an infuriated Misty races after him. Maybe Brock will be able to keep them in line. The path is to Mount Moon, the mysterious home of the Moon Stone. What new Pokémon and adventures will Ash, Pikachu, Brock, and Misty find as they explore this creaky crag?"
James, sounding indignant: "Why is it that this author has been making us get trounced by the 'heroes' every single episode so far?! We have feelings too, you know!!"
Flareon, sniffing in a high-and-mighty manner: "Because you have a very important job of providing a plot as the bad-people who try to steal Pikachu. Besides, you never get killed and you always survive, right? End fic!"
Next, a visit to Mount Moon, and Ash and Misty share a romantic little scene. Professor Oak makes an appearance, and the timeline is actually accurate.
{:FLAREON:}