Welcome back everyone! I know it's been a while since I uploaded for Master Quest but that's due to a mixture of things. Pretty much I had gotten hired full time at a school system near the end of summer and that took away a lot of time. Before that I had spent the majority of my days searching for jobs, leaving me with little time to sit down and focus on this story. Though I did upload a few smaller things so there's always those if you want to go check them out. Anyways, I'm hoping we'll have a constant upload schedule again. Thank you for being patient.
Ch 2: A Slight Detour
Days and nights seemingly merged together for Ash, the boy unable to differentiate time as he and his friends continued their trek to Ecruteak City for his next Gym Badge. All around him had been nothing but trees as they ventured through the forest for the past few days. Up ahead of them was Heracross, his latest capture having immigrated himself into the group rather seamlessly with the exception of Croconaw. The Water-Type walked next to Ash, arms crossed as he stared at Heracross, the Bug and Fighting-Type oblivious to the look.
Ash chuckled at that, Pikachu patting Croconaw on the back. Slowly their group came to a halt as two paths were now present. Brock stepped forward, the older boy pulling out his Holocaster as he pulled up a map.
"Any luck on which path?" Ash asked, arms resting behind his head. His eyes flittered around the area as he watched his team. Heracross was ramming his horn up against a nearby tree, Hoothoot seemingly copying the action as he struggled against the bark. Croconaw however remained to himself as he repeatedly threw his fists forward in a punching motion. Pikachu just relaxed, scurrying up Janine's shoulder as the girl scratched behind his ears. A content "chuu" escaped from his mouth.
A sigh from Brock brought Ash's attention back towards his friend, the Pewter City native pointing towards the path on their left. "This path will take us to Ecruteak City just like we want. However, the one on the right will bring us back to Violet City and we could stock up on more supplies."
"I thought you said we had plenty of supplies to make it to Ecruteak?" Janine joined in as she walked closer to the two boys. Brock nodded at her question, his finger pointing over at Heracross as the Single Horn Pokémon was now sucking on the exposed tree.
"We had enough supplies until Heracross joined us. That thing has consumed most of the food I had saved."
"Are you sure it was Heracross and not someone else?" Janine jokingly asked. Her eyes moved slowly towards Ash, the boy getting defensive as he raised his hands up. Janine laughed at his reaction, slapping him on the shoulder. "I'm just joking, though it might be best to get more supplies. We don't want to run out of food before reaching Ecruteak City."
"Yeah, but I really wanted to get there soon," Ash replied. He kicked at a rock, the object rolling along the path towards Violet City. Turning away, he raised his three pokeballs slowly and recalled the members of his team. Each of them were returned to their respective pokeball, their bodies glowing red with energy before being sucked into the capture devices.
"Do you really think we need more supplies? What if we ration everything we have?"
"It might get us there. But between you and Heracross we'll be cutting it close," Brock teased as he took his backpack off. Rummaging through it the older boy pulled out their remaining food. It wasn't much, probably enough for two days normally, maybe three if Brock prepared smaller portions.
Ash felt his stomach begin to growl at the sight of the uncooked food, Janine smirking at him as he blushed lightly. Brock nodded at the lack of words from either of them and placed the food away. With a defeated sigh Ash turned towards the path back to Violet City.
That was when he saw a familiar face. Rubbing at his eyes to make sure he wasn't hallucinating; Ash felt a smile come across his face as the sight of Leaf became present. Gone was her archaeology outfit, now replaced with clothes more suitable to travel in. They looked similar to what she had worn in the Orange Islands as a black, sleeveless shirt sat atop her body. The clothing ran along her body, extending down past her hips and slightly covering her blue denim shorts. Black and blue sneakers were placed on her feet, a yellow bag slung over her shoulder as her usual hat was gone. Instead her hair blew softly in the wind as she continued to walk towards them.
"What are the odds I run into you guys here?" Leaf asked with a giggle. Brushing her hair from in front of her face, the girl stopped in her tracks. "Well, that's what I'd like to ask if it wasn't likely. What with you guys heading for Ecruteak City for what I'm presuming is Ash's next Gym Battle."
"That's exactly where we're headed," Brock replied as he lifted his backpack back onto his back. "Though we might need to head back to Violet City for supplies first."
"Did Ash end up eating everything again?" Leaf asked, the girl sticking her tongue out at her childhood friend. Janine laughed at the question, Ash narrowing his eyes at the two girls as they appeared to share a moment at his expense.
"You could say it's half true," Janine admitted as the two girls hugged quickly. "It's great to see you again, though. Heading off to other parts of Johto? And without Bugsy?"
Leaf puffed her cheeks out at that question, hands now on her hips as she looked in the direction of Ecruteak City. "He was supposed to be coming with me to meet up with a specialist in ancient hieroglyphics but got distracted. I could have used the help to decipher these tablets but he's now exploring through Ilex Forest since there was mention of some unexpected activity near the Ilex Shrine."
Ash's eyes trailed off at that comment, resting softly on the backpack that rested against him. Celebi moved softly within it, the creature still not coming out to reveal itself to Leaf. He decided it would be best to change topics, especially since he felt Celebi wasn't ready for another person to meet it just yet. Kicking a rock he moved closer to Leaf, the boy looking at her bag.
"So are the tablets with you right now? Or are they just images you took of them?"
Leaf chuckled confidently, the girl opening her pouch as the pieces of stone could be seen resting in her bag. A few other items such as a pair of gloves, a change of clothes and spare pokeballs rested alongside them. Placing the gloves on her hands, she reached inside and grabbed one of the stone tablets.
"When you're of my stature within that expedition you're allowed to borrow some of the findings," Leaf stated as she showed the tablet to the group.
"You took it without them realizing, didn't you? And you only told Bugsy because you knew he wouldn't get upset, right?" Janine asked, Leaf blushing slightly at the accusation as she rubbed the back of her head. Ash chuckled at the implication of Leaf taking the tablet though his eyes were quickly drawn to it.
Atop of the piece of stone appeared to be a carved image of a bird-like creature, similar to what Ho-oh looked like when he and Pikachu received their prized feather from the creature. Yet the drawing was a bit cruder, most of the details not present as Pikachu went to touch the tablet. Green quickly pulled it away, not wanting anyone to touch it. There was writing beneath it, similar to the markings that were present at the Ruins of Alph. The characters almost appeared to be spelling out something and yet Ash couldn't figure out what it was trying to tell them.
"It just looks like gibberish to me. The symbols seem like letters almost, but they make no sense," Ash admitted as he appeared to be lost in thought. He pointed at the creature at the top of the tablet before continuing. "Though that one looks a lot like Ho-oh, or at least it looks similar to it."
"Yeah, I could have told you that much," Leaf teased as she placed the object away. Closing her bag she placed both her hands behind her back and confidently smirked. "We discovered that tablet along with a few others further in that area we showed you. Our 'experts' managed to decipher that one tablet as holding some information about Ho-oh, but we don't know what exactly."
"That's fascinating. I guess this summer expedition is really paying off for you," Brock stated as Leaf nodded a little.
"Mom and dad are excited for me, though I know mom would have liked me to continue working towards a more battle oriented goal but that's becoming less likely with each passing day," Leaf admitted. Her words caught Ash by surprise for a moment, the boy tilting his head before thinking back to everything. She had always shown a fascination with the past, even choosing to do research instead of adventuring with him and Gary when they were younger. And now she was taking part in this expedition over the prospect of competing in the Silver League. He was proud for his friend for finding her own way.
"Though, speaking of battling, how'd it go in Goldenrod? Did you beat Whitney?"
Ash chuckled slightly at that, rubbing the back of his head now as Pikachu sighed at the question. "Not exactly. I guess you could say I got in my own way.
"But now we're ready to go and take on a new Gym and get back on a winning streak!"
"Don't forget we need to take a detour first because of you and your Pokémon," Janine pointed out. Leaf opened her bag once more, rummaging around before pulling out an old map. Unfolding it, the group could see tape being used to hold it together, a few holes also present as Leaf laid it against the ground.
"Maybe you don't," she pointed out, her finger tracing a path. "So it's still a little out of the way but there's a smaller town closer to Ecruteak City. You would be able to get there before the end of today and it saves you from having to backtrack to Violet City. I was heading that way anyways so you can all come along with me."
"That would actually be great. It would save us a couple days of travel," Brock admitted while Leaf folded her map up. Now decided on their destination, Ash felt his energy pick up. He was ready to get going as Leaf appeared to match his spirit, the two Pallet Town natives leading the way as they trekked towards the wooded area.
Their journey took some time as the group of four passed through the woods. A few different species of Pokémon crossed their path, namely a herd of Stantler as Ash found himself interested in them. Unfortunately his excitement accidently scared them off. Further ahead he saw a flock of Butterfree pass overhead as the group reminded him of his Butterfree. For a moment he couldn't help but wonder what he was up to now. The thought however remained just that as the group continued their adventure across the day.
The sun shined brightly through the trees as morning turned to day. To Ash it seemed like they were never going to reach this town. Then it finally came into view. A small, quiet town could be seen in the distance as the sight of wooden structures were now present in the distance. Thatched roofs clearly stuck out in the horizon as the sight brought extra energy to Ash. He picked up the pace, passing by his friends as he quickly found himself entering the town.
To his surprise, however, it appeared to be mostly deserted as the streets were empty. A few of the buildings appeared to be closed down, windows boarded up and entrances taped off. The road that passed through the center of town was still dirt, a few holes present as a small cart pulled by a Ponyta passed by. An older man sat on it, crops next to him as he pulled on the reins. Ponyta picked up its pace, passing by Ash before the boy could ask a question.
"Well that was rude," Ash stated as Pikachu nodded in agreement. The others finally caught up to Ash, the entire group looking at the disheveled surroundings.
"Are you sure we can get supplies here? It doesn't even look like the citizens who live here have enough to get by on," Janine pointed out, her eyes scanning the area. Seeing a Pokémon Center a little bit away, she pointed towards it as the group decided to head there.
"I know the place was old but it shouldn't be in this condition," Leaf admitted as she pulled out her digital tablet from her bag. She typed away at it, the device unresponsive as she sighed and placed it away. "And with no signal here I can't even find an answer."
"Let's just focus on getting to the Pokémon Center first. I'm sure Nurse Joy will have an answer," Brock stated as they approached the building.
It rested slightly off the ground, built atop of blocks as the outside walls were made of plaster, some wood occasionally running alongside it. Standing at the entrance they noticed the lack of automatic doors, instead Ash grabbing ahold of the wooden entrance and sliding it to the side. Despite barely touching it, the door almost fell off as Ash was quick to grab it. Placing it back, the group moved inside as the area mostly empty as instead of the usual booths and tables that filled the Pokémon Center there were instead a few Komatsu that were unoccupied. A few couches were present on the other side of the small Pokémon Center, but they lacked a television as instead an old radio sat in the corner.
Even the desk that Nurse Joy usually sat behind was different. Gone was the usual computer and in its place appeared to be a large book. Making their way towards the counter Ash stared at it for a moment, the pages filled with names of various Pokémon and what Ash assumed were their trainers' names. A sliding sound pulled Ash away from the book, his eyes looking at the back of the room where a door was sliding open slowly.
"Oh, it isn't usual for us to get travelers," the voice spoke as the door opened to reveal a Nurse Joy. She appeared slightly older than the other Nurse Joys that were seen elsewhere, her hair having a few visible strands of gray hair. Her skin also had noticeable wrinkles as a Chansey moved beside her. "What brings you into our small town?"
"Well, we wanted to pick up supplies but the place seems deserted. I understand that this place isn't on most maps, but I didn't think it would be this bad," Leaf admitted as she handed over her pokeballs. Ash followed her lead as Pikachu leapt from his shoulder and onto the desk. Janine and Brock likewise handed over their pokeballs as Chansey collected them all within a weaved basket.
"It wasn't always like this. Well, it only just got like this," Nurse Joy stated as Chansey brought the basket towards the backroom. Pikachu followed behind the Normal-Type as he slid the door shut slowly. Nurse Joy sighed, resting briefly on the counter before standing straight up once more. "A week ago, maybe ten days, we had some visitors come in. After that things have gone a bit south. Most of the villagers went to deal with them."
"Deal with them?" Janine asked. Brock turned away from the group, one hand now resting under his chin as he murmured. Ash could tell that he was already putting things together.
"Let me guess," he began to say before turning back towards Ash and the others. "This village typically has enough supplies just for itself, right? But if someone were to travel through you'd have enough to share."
"For a day or two. Maybe three max. But it also depends on the number of people," Nurse Joy admitted. She began to twist her finger along her hair, her eyes trailing to the ground. "Myself I've been fine. The people here make sure the Center has plenty of supplies for the injured Pokémon, but the rest of the town isn't as fortunate."
"So in other words, these jerks are wasting all your supplies," Janine stated as a glare formed on her face. The girl punched her fist into an open palm, Ash nodding at the sentiment as he adjusted his hat. "We should give the townsfolk a hand in getting rid of them."
"Please don't," Nurse Joy stated as she turned towards the backroom. Looking over her shoulder for a moment she stopped in her tracks, a small smile on her face. "We appreciate the concern but the villagers are more than capable to deal with a couple hooligans."
With that Nurse Joy walked away, the door being slid shut behind her. Ash took a few steps towards the entrance of the Pokémon Center, his hand now firmly on the door. He gripped it tightly, a few dents becoming visible in the wood before he slid it open. Careful to not break it, he held onto the frame as the others moved closer to him.
"Ash, they don't want help right now," Leaf stated. The girl placed a hand on his shoulder, Ash sighing at her words before turning back towards her and the others.
"But how can we just sit back and do nothing? It seems like every town or city we visit lately has some issue. Azalea, Goldenrod and now here."
"He's got a point, either trouble is following us or we're unknowingly following it," Janine added in as she leaned against Ash's free shoulder. She sighed softly, awkwardly shrugging while still leaning. Her eyes turned towards Ash, a playful smile on her face now. "And based on your track record we still can't tell which it is. Though one thing is certain, they don't want us getting involved."
"Janine is right," Brock stated as he pulled out his Holocaster. The boy tapped at the screen before a map showed up on the screen. Turning the device towards Ash, he detailed a short route they would need to take. "We can't just jump into whatever issues every town is dealing with. It's not right to sit back and do nothing, but Nurse Joy specifically said they could handle. Besides, if they needed help they would ask."
"Still," Ash muttered as he kicked at the wooden floor. His sneaker squeaked against the wood, his eyes now scanning the area as it remained deserted. Off in the distance he could hear a small argument but despite his mind saying to go check it out he remained put.
"I have an idea to keep your mind off of it," Leaf stated with a chuckle. Bouncing around the group she stood before Ash, a playful smile on her face as it seemed infectious. Janine found herself laughing at the smile while Brock shook his head. Leaning in close Leaf winked at Ash. "We'll have our first official battle today. I've been meaning to ask for a while and it seems like you need a distraction."
"What made you want to ask?" Ash asked as he heard the familiar ringing of the Pokémon Center's melody echo softly through the room. The sound of the door to the backroom sliding open filled his ears but he remained facing towards Leaf. "I mean, I figured you weren't big into battling anymore."
Leaf pouted at the comment, placing her hands on her hips before standing straight up. "Gee, why don't you just ruin all the fun. Just because I'm not nearly as good as you and Gary doesn't mean I don't want to battle too!
"I just can't keep up..."
"Aren't you being a bit tough on yourself?" Brock asked as Janine took off for Nurse Joy and Chansey. The Fuchsia City native collected their pokeballs as Pikachu happily climbed onto her shoulder. Ash however remained quiet at Brock's response, watching as Leaf now threw her hands behind her head.
"It might be tough but it's true. I mean, think about it," she started to say, moving back inside of the Pokémon Center and grabbing her pokeballs from Janine with a smile. "My team and I trained extra hard for that tournament on Pummelo Island and yet we stunk it up."
"You made it to the final round of the preliminaries, that isn't too bad," Ash finally pointed out as he too took his pokeballs. "A lot of people lost in the first round. Besides, it ended up being poor luck you lost."
"You can think that, but each of our matches had my partners and I sweating until the end. We're not like Gary and you, battling is natural to you two compared to me. But I'm not ready throw it away just yet," Leaf stated before pointing right at Ash. The boy was taken aback by the action, taking a step backwards and nearly falling. Fortunately Janine grabbed the front of his jacket and pulled him back onto his feet. "So this is my challenge to not just you but myself! Let's have a battle!"
"Well when you put it that way how can I say no?" Ash chuckled lightly as Pikachu leapt over to his shoulder. Scratching behind the ear of his partner, Ash turned away and took a few steps outside. Leaf followed right behind him as both Janine and Brock were quick to pursue the duo.
The small group made their way around back of the Pokémon Center, a small dirt field present. Leaf picked up the pace, taking the far side of the field while Ash took his own place on it opposite her. Janine slowly made her way to what would have been a referee box if it existed, raising a hand before looking at both trainers.
"How's a one-on-one sound? No need to get all tired out so soon," she asked, both sides nodding in response. No words were spoken as both trainers tossed their respective pokeballs out onto the field. Two shots of light erupted outwards, quickly dying down as Heracross emerged before Ash while a Persian stood next to Leaf. It let out a small roar, slowly circling around the field as Heracross stood there happily.
"Oh wow! You caught a Heracross now? Bugsy has one of them back at his Gym, they're pretty strong," Leaf stated as Heracross started to sniff at the air.
"And this one is very gluttonous as well," Brock added in from the side of the field. Ash rubbed the back of his head at that comment. "Though your Persian's coat is so shiny. You've taken a lot of time taking care of it."
"She enjoys her cleanings. Though don't underestimate us, Ash!"
"I would never! Heracross, start off with Horn Attack!"
"Persian block it with Slash!"
The two took off, Heracross lowering his head as his horn gleamed with a white hue. His wings expanded from his backside, allowing him to pick up a small amount of speed while Persian leapt forward. Her claws glowed a bright white before extending. Within seconds the duo collided, Heracross' horn being pushed back by Persian's claw.
"They look pretty even," Brock stated. Ash had to agree with the statement, both Pokémon backing off as Heracross happily tapped his hands against each other. A slight scratch mark was present on his horn, Persian merely licking her paw as Ash tried to read what Leaf's next move was.
The girl failed to give any hint, Ash narrowing his gaze before swinging his arm to the side. Heracross took it as an invitation to move forward, the Single Horn Pokémon rushing towards Persian now.
"Let's hit them quick with your Arm Thrust!"
"Hera!" Heracross grunted in agreement. His arms glowed orange with energy, the aura flowing off of his arms and behind him as Persian stood leisurely. Ash grabbed ahold of his hat, adjusting it slightly as Pikachu called out to him in his ear. Part of him was worried but there was no time to second guess himself, not right now.
Or that was what he wanted to say, his heart rate increasing the moment Leaf's chuckle could be heard. Heracross swung his arm down onto Persian's head, the feline being knocked down onto the ground for a moment only to be lifted right back up from the second blow. Persian cried out in annoyance, her eyes gazing right at Heracross with the intent to kill as Leaf called out her next move.
"Screech!"
The one word command caused Ash to cover his own ears, Persian's maw now open as a deafening scream echoed across the field. Pikachu cried out, falling from Ash's shoulder as he covered his own ears. Even Brock and Janine were affected, the former having a small tear form in her eyes.
Heracross cried out in annoyance from the sound, swinging his arm wildly as Persian leapt atop it. She used the appendage as a springboard, launching herself up into the air as electricity appeared to surround her.
"Quick, brace yourself, Heracross!" Ash shouted as the soundwaves of pain came to a conclusion. Heracross planted his feet into the ground, dust kicking up as the Bug and Fighting-Type spread his wings outwards. He was about to take flight when the attack came forth.
"Mobility is always a pain in battle, but if we control the speed of our opponents then we'll have a shot! Thunder Wave!"
"Meow!" Persian cried out in agreement. The electricity shot out from her fur in multiple waves of blue electricity. Heracross took the sky, though his body was struck by the abundance of the electrical current. There was no pain from the attack, though as he swung his horn out at Persian it was slower. It made contact just as the Single Horn Pokémon wanted, but it was almost as if it provided Persian with a chance to gain momentum.
Being thrown from the attack, the Normal-Type spun around in midair as her body landed against the ground. She immediately pushed off the dirty ground, vanishing for a split second as Leaf called out for an Aerial Ace attack. Ash and Heracross scanned the area immediately, unable to find her before she crashed into Heracross's backside.
The Bug and Fighting-Type was launched down towards the ground as a small dent formed from his impact. Standing back up, Heracross dusted himself off happily as Persian landed opposite him.
"Sorry about that, Heracross, I wasn't expecting a Thunder Wave from them," Ash admitted as he found himself smiling. Despite Leaf thinking she was weaker than him she was giving him a great battle. Wiping a bead of sweat from his check he began to laugh before pointing forward. "Our ability to move around has been greatly reduced but we'll still pull this off! Pin Missile!"
"Cancel it out with Thunder Wave!"
"She's using Thunder Wave to defend?" Janine asked, Brock concurring with her question. Though Ash had a feeling that neither of them was truly surprised by this point. Heracross's horn glowed for a moment before a stream of missiles shot off. Each twisted and spun in midair as they moved in different directions before they all focused on Persian.
The Normal-Type was unconcerned, her fur bristling with electricity once more before the blue shock waves shot out. The combined might of the electricity waves managed to shred apart the Pin Missile as a smoke cloud formed around the field.
That's when Ash shouted for Heracross to take off. Knowing that Leaf would be unable to see them, he wanted some sort of cover to allow Heracross to move freely.
"Screech, wide range!" Leaf quickly shouted, a bit of panic in her voice.
"Not this time! We'll end your annoying sound games! Throat Chop!" Ash shouted with a punch forward. Pikachu copied his action as a purple glow could be seen in the smoke. Persian opened her mouth, the familiar noise echoing outwards as it blew the smoke away to reveal Heracross right before her.
His right arm glowed with a purple haze, ramming it against Persian's throat as the Screech came to a halt. Persian was quick to respond, slashing her claw against Heracross's face as the Bug and Fighting-Type pulled back his attack. His hands quickly covered the scratch mark as Persian created some distance between them.
"So you had one more trick up your sleeve," Leaf teased as Ash threw his hands behind his head.
"You're not the only one with surprises. I didn't think Throat Chop would come in too handy until I saw that Screech. Surge taught me that sometimes it's best to keep your final move a secret," Ash admitted as he thought back to his months of training. It had been tough, but it was slowly proving to be effective. Punching forward once more, Ash opened his mouth to call out his next command.
"We'll end this right here! A continuous Arm Thrust!"
"Not this time, Ash! We're not losing, Aerial Ace!"
Heracross took off, rushing forward as his arms glowed orange. Reaching Persian he swung forward, the Normal-Type vanishing as the attack struck the field. Pieces of grass shot into the air as the breeze blew them aside.
"No way, stop her with Pin Missile! Wide range!"
"Heracross!" the Bug and Fighting-Type replied as he slammed his arms down into the ground. Erecting his horn towards the sky it glowed white before a barrage of energy shot outwards. The Pin Missiles streaked in every direction as they appeared to almost create a barrier of sorts for Heracross. In the distance there was a slight explosion as Persian cried out as she reappeared in the sky.
"Don't celebrate yet, Ash," Brock muttered as everyone watched Persian fall from the sky. Another Pin Missile made its way for the Normal-Type, though Persian quickly recovered. She managed to leap from the Pin Missile, beginning her trajectory for Heracross all over again. This time she weaved between each attack, eyes glistening with a killing look as she readied her claw.
Ash quickly called for another Arm Thrust, both arms raised in anticipation as Persian slammed down against them. The ground shook slightly, Heracross being pushed back from the impact. One leg gave out, Heracross falling to a single knee as Persian continued to push onwards.
"We still have one last trick, Ash!" Leaf called out as Persian reared back her second paw. His eyes opened at that, the claws on it extending as Leaf called out for a Slash attack. Heracross had no way to defend, the Single Horn Pokémon being struck on the side of the face. The blow was enough for him to lose his focus, his arms losing their hold on the Aerial Ace as Persian rammed into his chest.
The impact knocked Heracross backwards, his body tumbling along the field before coming to a rest before Janine. He was motionless as the girl made the call.
"Heracross is unable to battle! The winners are Persian and Leaf!"
Persian collapsed at the announcement, Leaf also falling to her knees as she smiled softly. The girl wiped the pool of sweat from her forehead as she recalled Persian into her pokeball. Ash found himself laughing at the outcome, recalling Heracross before making his way across the slightly damaged field.
"Guess you're better than you think," he remarked, a hand outstretched towards her. Leaf didn't answer, taking his hand as he pulled her back onto her feet. Both Brock and Janine were making their way over to the duo as a few running feet could be heard off in the distance.
"Maybe, but what I said before is still true," Leaf stated as she played with her hair a little. Ash shrugged at that statement. Opening his mouth he was ready to argue it only for an explosion to rock the area.
Dust and small debris passed by, the sound of running picking up as a cloud of dark smoke filled the town. Ash and his friends began to choke on the stench, the boy reaching for a pokeball as Leaf and Janine followed his lead. Tossing it outwards, Hoothoot emerged before the Pallet Town native as Leaf's Natu and Janine's Golbat emerged in the air.
"Hoothoot, try to blow this stuff away!" Ash called out as Hoothoot hopped forward. The Flying and Normal-Type began to flap his wings as best he could, but the attempt provided little relief.
"Golbat, give him a hand," Janine ordered. Leaf likewise called for Natu to help out as the three Flying-Types began to disperse the noxious substance.
As the cloud began to give way, the group made their way out towards the street where they found a few individuals passed out on the street. Ash bit his lip at that, knowing immediately that they were some of the citizens who had gone to deal with whatever issue was plaguing the town. He had a feeling they should have helped before but now he knew they were going to get involved.
"To think they talked such a big game. We didn't even have to try and they were taken down so easily," a familiar feminine voice stated as Ash looked up. Floating above them all was a large Meowth balloon, a familiar group of individuals resting inside of it as they leaned over the edge of the basket. Seeing Team Rocket again brought some annoyance to Ash, or at least seeing them act like this was what bothered him. He heard they had helped out in Goldenrod City so why would they bother a small place like this?
A few of the individuals began to stand again, the group looking weary as they held onto each other to remain standing. Jessie saw it as an act of disobedience, pointing forward as her Arbok opened its mouth. Tiny, poisonous needles shot outwards, the gathered villagers bracing themselves for the impact only for Ash to intercept the attack. Hoothoot and Pikachu were on the move, the latter being commanded to use Reflect as a small barrier emerged before the exhausted villagers. Pikachu moved on his own, launching a Thunderbolt as it seared the incoming assault.
A small explosion occurred from the impact, a cloud of smoke billowing around the area only to be immediately blown away by Janine's Golbat. The action appeared to surprise Team Rocket, the three criminals blinking for a moment before seeing their all too familiar target down on the ground.
"What a lucky day," Jessie stated as she rubbed her hands together.
"I sure say," James added in, a rose now held within his fingers as he sniffed.
"Hip hip hooray," Meowth finished as he leaned over the basket. Pointing a paw forward and towards Pikachu. "Not only do we get ta take over dis village, but also nab Pikachu! I say after dis we celebrate!"
"The only celebrating that will happen will be done by the people living here once you're gone!" Ash called out. He swung his arm to the side, calling for another Thunderbolt as Pikachu allowed it to soar across the open sky. The members of Team Rocket easily dodged it, their balloon floating above the attack as they laughed obnoxiously.
"For a twerp you sure like to play the hero," Jessie shouted out as she tossed a pokeball forward. It spun through the air before opening, light exploding outwards as Granbull landed with a heavy thud on the congested street. It stared down Pikachu, the Electric-Type shuddering for a moment as Ash ran by his side.
"Why even do all this?" Brock asked as he moved next to Ash. The Pallet Town native felt him zippering his backpack up as Ash wondered if Celebi was moving around once more. He was thankful for that as he didn't need the baby to be hurt in this scuffle. "In Goldenrod City you helped us out, so why terrorize a town that can't even fight back?"
"Please, picking on the weak and defenseless is what villains like us do," James replied as he tossed his rose down towards the ground. A vine shattered the rose, the petals dancing on the light summer breeze. The vine continued downwards, penetrating the ground as a creature followed behind it, Victreebel landing next to Granbull as he munched on the few petals that fell before him.
"Sounds more like something only cowards do," Janine shouted out. Ash blinked at how fast Golbat moved, the Poison and Flying-Type right beside Team Rocket's balloon now as it launched off a Supersonic. The soundwaves echoed softly across the air and were prepared to strike the balloon only for a stream of water to break them up.
"Good job, Wooper, old pal," James praised as he patted the head of his little buddy. Wooper cried out happily, spraying another Water Gun at Golbat as Arbok joined in with a Poison Sting attack. The combined attacks forced Gobat to retreat for the moment, landing back on Janine's shoulder as Leaf moved to her side.
"Besides, a good villain knows how to lie, cheat and steal. If we need to beat up on some defenseless fools so be it," James concluded as Wooper inflated his stomach. Exhaling, globs of dirt flew down towards the two girls as Leaf tossed a pokeball forward. Ivysaur emerged on the scene, firing off a Razor Leaf as it sliced apart the incoming Mud Shot.
The mud scattered about, a few drops landing atop Ivysaur but otherwise the attack missed its mark. Dirt and dust began to fill the area again as Natu landed atop her trainer's head. Leaf didn't need to issue a command as the Flying and Psychic-Type began to clear the distraction away.
"Ash, we'll handle things in the balloon. You guys take care of those villagers," Leaf stated as she smirked. Seeing the action, Janine joined in as she cracked her knuckles. Ash nodded at that, adjusting his hat. "I know I said we should have left this to the townsfolk but after this we can't just do nothing. I guess once again you were right."
"I wouldn't say that, but nows not the time to argue," Ash chuckled out as he swung his arm to the side. "Pikachu, Quick Attack!"
"Sentret, help out too! Quick Attack!" Brock commanded as he tossed a pokeball outwards.
The capture device burst open, a stream of white light emerging immediately as Sentret raced beside Pikachu. The two tiny Pokémon danced across the makeshift battlefield, avoiding a Vine Whip from Victreebel before they both slammed into their opposition.
Granbull was the first to recover, jamming her paw into the ground to stop her momentum. Jessie immediately called for a Thunder Fang. Granbull pounced forward, mouth surging with Electricity as Victreebel launched a Razor Leaf.
Sentret was sliced by the sharp blades, flinching from the impact as Granbull closed in on him. The Fairy-Type opened her maw, electricity surging throughout as she prepared to chomp down on Sentret. Pikachu was faster however, ramming his head straight into Granbull's stomach. The attack caused her to stumble backwards, Victreebel keeping her standing up with its vine.
"Jess, fighting on two fronts doesn't seem to be going well," James could be heard. Ash followed his voice, watching as Golbat and Natu were circling the balloon. Wooper continued to shoot off multiple Water Guns but the attack proved ineffective as the two Flying-Types managed to dodge each blast. Arbok slithered to the top of the balloon, firing off a Poison Sting attack. Golbat was struck this time, brushing off the barrage as Janine and Leaf punched forward at the same time.
"Air Slash!" the two girls shouted out. Golbat and Natu raised their wings as two large spheres of energy began to form. James was quick to counter as he called for another Water Gun, the stream of liquid bouncing off of the wind energy. Golbat launched its first, the sphere aimed straight for the basket.
"Arbok, knock it away with Poison Tail!"
"Pikachu, let's help out with a Thunderbolt!"
"Not this time, twerp! Victreebel, wrap Pikachu up with Vine Whip!" James shouted out. Wooper hopped in agreement to the command.
Pikachu's body began to surge with electricity only for Victreebel's lone vine to twist around his body. The electricity building up was lost, Pikachu unable to move as Ash watched Granbull come racing across the location and slam into Pikachu. Wrapping her arms around the Electric-Type, Granbull slammed him into the ground.
Ash called out for Pikachu, though his eyes immediately darted back towards the balloon. A quick callout from Janine gave him the only warning he needed as Arbok swung at the first Air Slash with its tail. The sphere was launched downwards, slamming straight into Victreebel as a cry of concern could be heard from James. Jessie appeared to be indifferent, Meowth yelling at them to pay attention as Natu's Air Slash came for them. The action up above gave Brock the opportunity that he needed, Sentret racing to Pikachu's defense now as he swung an Iron Tail down onto Granbull's head.
Neither of the thieves were fast enough to counter the Air Slash, Meowth now forced to get involved as his claws grew in length. His Fury Swipes was ready, the feline slicing out at the sphere of energy only for Golbat to circle around in front of it.
"Got ya!" Janine teased, sticking her tongue out at the three villains. Jessie glared back at that though Janine just kept the smirk up. Pointing a finger forward she called out her command. "Supersonic!"
"Gol!" Golbat screamed out as the soundwaves from before reappeared. They echoed around the area, slamming right into Meowth and causing him to miss his attack. Golbat flew back above the balloon as the Air Slash slammed into the Normal-Type. Carried backwards by the attack, Meowth and the Air Slash slammed into the balloon as it popped from the impact. Jessie and James immediately grabbed ahold of each other, screaming as their basket fell towards the ground.
Upon impact a crater formed in the street, dust and dirt flying everywhere as Hoothoot kept it from hitting the villagers. Ash covered his face, keeping the debris from striking him as well.
Jessie and James were slow to get back up, the former tossing a dazed Arbok off of him as he stood up. Jessie joined by his side, the woman unaware of Wooper sitting in her hair. Swinging her head around, Jessie accidently launched Wooper backwards as he struck a now recovered Meowth in the face. The two Pokémon fell backwards and back into the basket as Ash and his friends regrouped.
"Still want to continue?" Ash asked, arms stretched out by his side as Pikachu, Sentret, Golbat and Natu circled the villains. Granbull dragged Victreebel back towards their trainers, the former beginning to recover from the redirected Air Slash. Granbull looked unwilling to surrender though Wooper, Meowth and Arbok seemed to be out of it from the crash.
"Please, what kind of villains would we be if we gave up and ran away?" Jessie asked, hands on her hips as James caressed his exhausted Wooper.
"Smart ones?" Janine asked playfully as Leaf laughed at the response.
"They have made a lot of questionable choices in the past," Brock added in as they each prepared an attack. Electricity surged off of Pikachu as he shot first, Ash calling for a Thunderbolt as it seared the collected group of villains.
Sentret was the next, vanishing for a moment only for the ground beneath Team Rocket to break apart, the Normal-Type reappearing as he struck the collected group. A few rocks fell among them as it made escape near impossible now. That's when Janine and Leaf decided to end things, the two girls going for another combined Air Slash. Their two Flying-Types raised their wings, the spheres of energy this time combining into one large attack. With a combined final push they launched the sphere straight for Team Rocket.
"Gran!" Granbull shouted. She tried to stop the attack, standing between it and her trainer but it was futile. Her footing was lost immediately, thrown back by the energy of wind as it crashed down onto the band of villains. An explosion followed suit, the group being launching into the air as they cried out in defeat.
"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!"
"You know, I just realized they never said their motto," Ash muttered as Pikachu ran back to him. His friends recalled their respective Pokémon back to their pokeballs, Ash doing the same for Hoothoot.
"Don't tell me you actually enjoy that thing," Janine muttered as she held a hand to the side of her head.
"I'm with Ash," Brock admitted as he laughed playfully. "It's like a calling card for them, strange as it is, it isn't the same if they don't do it."
"Wait, they still do that motto? Would have been nice to hear it again," Leaf asked as Janine sighed at it all. Her reaction caused laughter to come from the group, Janine quick to join in on it. "Do they still play music with it or was that a one time only sort of deal?"
Ash was about to answer when he heard footsteps from behind him. Turning to face the sound he saw a few of the villagers making their way towards him and his friends, a look of defeat and shame resting on their faces. A few of them looked towards the ground, another kicked a rock as the person in front of them all cleared his throat.
"I don't think we ever met, so I'd like to apologize for you needing to deal with our personal issues," the older man stated. A broken pitchfork rested between his hands, the object broken in two as Ash now began to notice the other tools that were scattered about. "We here try to deal with everything ourselves, but that clearly wasn't the case today. Thank you."
"It's no big deal, really," Ash admitted as he rubbed the back of his head. "We tend to get caught up in stuff like this all the time. It's nothing new."
"Unfortunately," Janine added in before throwing an arm around Ash's shoulders. "Though even if we wanted to ignore it, we couldn't have. Not after we saw how Team Rocket treated all of you."
"Team Rocket...haven't heard that name in years," the older man stated as he dropped part of the pitchfork. With his now free hand he rubbed at the bottom of his chin. "Last I remember they were captured in Celadon City; I'm surprised some of them escaped."
"After everything that's been happening the last year I think more than just a few managed to escape," Brock admitted as he took his backpack off. Walking towards the man he sheepishly asked his next question. "I hate to do this, especially after what Team Rocket just did, but you wouldn't by chance have a few extra supplies to spare would you? We're running low on everything and are traveling to Ecruteak City."
"We really only need about a day's worth of food. Maybe two at most," Leaf chimed in, a small smile on her face as she clasped her hands together. The older villager nodded at that.
"I'd say at least two days, especially with this guy and his Heracross," Janine teased as she poked Ash's cheek. The boy frowned slightly at the action, pulling away from Janine only for the girl to give him a small peck on the cheek.
The action caused Ash to blush, the boy still not entirely comfortable with their new relationship. A few of the villagers laughed at the exchange, Pikachu included as Ash felt Celebi moving around again. He was surprised that it was moving with so many people around, Ash wondering for a second if it was going to reveal itself now. Instead it settled back down, Ash knowing it was too good to be true.
Instead he watched as the older villager led Brock away, the two talking about the types of supplies they needed. The other villagers returned to their daily lives, Ash staring off towards the woods as he wondered when they would reach Ecruteak City. Not just for his next Gym Battle but to learn more about his project.
In the back of his head he wondered what, if any, secrets were kept hidden about Ho-oh. And while he hadn't done much research so far about the mysterious Pokémon he did know there was the Burned Tower he could learn something from, or he hoped. Adjusting his cap once he took one final look in the direction of their next destination before turning away.
Soon, a familiar voice rang through his head, his feather glowing slightly as he felt the heat from it. Ash stopped for a moment, blinking in confusion. He could see Janine looking at him with a bit of concern but he waved it off. There was no need to worry his friends over it.
It wasn't the first time he had heard this voice and he had a feeling it wasn't the last time.
Well, another chapter is finished as the group has run back into Leaf. Still a little bit of easy going adventures for them to start their trip to Ecruteak but clearly things will change eventually for them. How, who knows but you know when Ash is involved in something nothing good comes from it. Regardless, sorry for the long wait between chapters and I hope to get back into a normal update schedule with MQ. Along with MQ there are a few other projects I've been working on namely my little Bea collection of stories which is beginning her time on the Isle of Armor. Elsewhere is a possible Paldea based story to keep an eye out for. I can't guarantee any date for when that might come out.
Anyways, not much to say about the chapter except Ash will not be in Ecruteak next chapter. There's still a little bit more time to go until then. Hopefully you'll enjoy what comes next for him on his journey.
Thank you to everyone who read the chapter and supports this story. Please leave a review letting me know what you enjoyed and how I can improve the story.