Chapter 5: Preparations
Hello and welcome back to the newest chapter. Now as a note I made when I made the original story, here are the main characters official ages for right now: Ash, Lillie, Serena, Leaf, Damian and Gary are all ten years old. Misty is eleven years old and Brock is thirteen years old. Jessie and James are both seventeen years old.
Now as a small warning, there will be possibly scary things at a point in this chapter. I will give a warning just beforehand and a note of when it has ended. It's nothing graphic but there's a reason this is rated T for teens and above. I don't want to terrify younger viewers. I'll discuss the 'thing' at the end of this chapter.
Now if it wasn't obvious yet, I am taking inspiration and some scenes from the Pokémon Manga and will include things from the games. Lavender Tower, Silph Co. and Cycling Road will be featured in this region, the same will be done for future regions from their games. Leaf… actually I'll leave that for now.
By the events of the S.S. Anne, I am hoping to have a collection of which Pokémon belong to who in our main group, Jessie/James, and known Pokémon owned by Leaf and Gary. Also here's a heads up, if a gym leader's team is terrible from the games or anime, I will make the appropriate adjustments. That is true for some Johto gym leaders. At the end of this chapter, if I remember, I will add a list of which movies will be included in this story.
But with that being said, let's get on with this chapter.
When we last saw our heroes, Ash and Serena had just earned their first gym badges. They also had a heart-to-heart and met an older man who destroyed a Magmar. Brock had reunited with his father and now has requested to join our heroes on their journey. Which they accept, with the caveat that Lillie and Misty were okay with it.
Brock thanks them both and then walks over to his several siblings. All nine of them to be exact. He speaks to each of them (Forrest ((Not Harrison)), Salvador, Yolanda, Tommy, Cindy, Suzie, Timmy and the twins Tilly and Billy). As you would expect, this takes a fair bit of time. However, the children do seem to be interested in Flint.
Before they leave the gym, Brock addresses Flint with a stern look "Don't bail on them again. You may be my dad but I won't hesitate to handle you myself if you abandon those children ever again"
Understanding where his son is coming from perfectly, Flint tells him "I won't I promise. Plus while you're gone, I can handle this gym. I still have my rock type Pokémon. My Rhyhorn will do perfectly to help teach younger trainers" he tells him with a smile.
At the mention of the ground type, Serena becomes uneasy. However, Ash seems excited.
The boy interrupts and asks "Can I see your Rhyhorn, please? Plus it'd be great for my Pokédex collection"
Smiling warmly, Flint takes out a Pokéball and tosses it to the ground. Out comes a rhinoceros-like Pokémon with a body covered in grey, rocky plates. Its underside and rear appear smooth, and it has four short legs with two claws on each foot. It has a triangular head with narrow, red eyes, two fangs protruding from its upper jaw, small, triangular openings on the upper sides, and a short horn on the tip of its snout. A spiked ridge runs along its back.
Grinning, Ash scans Rhyhorn, as Dexter says "Rhyhorn, the Spikes Pokémon, a ground and rock type. Rhyhorn runs in a straight line, smashing everything in its path. It is not bothered even if it rushes headlong into a block of steel. However, they may feel some pain from the collision the next day"
A look of almost contempt crosses Serena's face. Not from believing Rhyhorn to be inferior and rubbish but considering she doesn't even bother to scan the Spikes Pokémon with her Pokédex says enough. She has a history with the species and doesn't enjoy them all too much.
(Flashback, past tense, Serena's POV)
My Mum was over by her Rhyhorn again, riding around on it. She was a retired Rhyhorn racer who won several races and a few trophies.
She had got me to wear my own training outfit. A one-piece pink jumpsuit. It had a large pocket down the side of each of my thigh areas. I wore plain black trainers, and the jumpsuit was buttoned from my neck down the front of my torso. My hair had been tied back so as to not allow it to get in my face. Or at least that was the plan.
At least I looked cute in it. Oh, and how could I forget? It had a large pink heart on the right side of my stomach, which was partially overlaid by a much smaller red heart.
Mum is wearing her old track attire as well. Hers was a plain khaki, one-piece jumpsuit as well. Eh, it looked okay, I guess. After Mum had finished what was probably her sixth lap (?), she had come over to me. Smiling, she asked me "Do you want to try and ride Rhyhorn Sweetie?"
I thought about it for several moments and then smiled, and said "Yeah! Let's do it" as I pumped my right fist into the air as if I had accomplished something. Ah, childhood innocence.
We both went over to the resting, spiked Pokémon. He greeted me warmly, once again, with a lick as I stroked his smooth head. Rhyhorn lets out a low squeal to express its excitement. I had grinned, happy to see that Rhyhorn seemed to have liked me. That had bolstered my confidence!
I had tried to climb onto Rhyhorn in my excitement. Now let me lay out the groundwork for why this was dumb. I was fairly short for my age the time which was six. I had no experience with Pokémon riding or at least not personally. However because Mum seemed to have been able to do so; because Rhyhorn seemed to like and trust me; because I was naïve, I climbed onto an unsuspecting Pokémon.
Now as I previously had said, I was short at my age, about three foot, four inches (A/N: or 1.016 meters) while Rhyhorn was fairly big for the species, which I later learned, at about three foot nine inches (A/N: or 1.2192 meters).
Needless to say, it didn't work out. Oh, I managed to get onto Rhyhorn for sure! But as I got on him as I quickly climbed on him, I accidentally kicked him. Now usually Rhyhorn is docile and calm, however, because he hadn't expected me to do that… Rhyhorn started to thrash around.
Because I wasn't secured properly… I was thrown off of him onto the ground. Fairly hard. As you could imagine, I started to cry as I was hurt. However, to the credit of my younger self, I did struggle back to my feet as I tried to help calm him down.
Mum had been trying to do so as well but to no avail. She told me to keep away from him as she rushed over to grab his Pokéball to return him for the time being at least.
I disobeyed Mum. I approached him cautiously despite an ache in my left shoulder from the awkward landing. Oh who am I kidding, any unexpected short fall is awkward. The ground type was still thrashing around and had his face aimed away from me. Even as I spoke, it was if he couldn't hear me. Foolishly or I should say, childishly I had approached Rhyhorn further.
As I laid my right hand against the side of him, in some attempt to calm him down, he sharply threw his body to the side, striking me down once again.
Still, in a blind panic, Rhyhorn reared back and looked as if it would drop onto me.
However before that had happened, someone came running onto the field. Which might I add is typically a big no-no when something dangerous like this happens unless you are properly able to stop the danger. I, of course, had neglected to follow that rule by running up to the 'Spikes' Pokémon. It was a young boy, probably about my age. Dark, raven hair as he got in the way. Which was really stupid.
He could have been severely hurt or worse. He didn't seem to care and stood in front of me as he spoke to the ground type "Hey hey! Calm down Rhyhorn!" that voice!
It was that boy from the Pokémon summer camp. Professor Oak's camp for children with some interest in Pokémon.
However, I had quickly seen that he wasn't deterring Rhyhorn by much. Thankfully Rhyhorn did get spooked as it saw something run over to him as he was dropping down. Which meant that he landed to the side instead of on me. Maybe that was the reason he had been speaking rather loudly towards Mum's Pokémon? Since he of course had to have been aware that he wouldn't have been seen before it could have been too late.
At this point, a red beam came from behind me and struck Rhyhorn. It quickly absorbed him and sucked him away from me and that boy.
I had been extremely scared for not only myself but also for that boy.
Mum had run over to us. The boy sighed a heavy sigh of relief as he turned and offered me a hand. He started to say "Hey Serena, how are you…" but was cut off by my Mum.
She had said "Serena! Why didn't you get away from Rhyhorn as I told you to?" with panic in her eyes as she held the Pokéball in her hand.
Groaning hard as I tried to move my left arm but I struggled as my shoulder was in pain. I gripped it hard with my right arm as I winced from the ache and pain.
Immediately, the boy dropped to his knees and questioned if I needed help to get up.
Almost as if she had finally realised that there had been someone else there with us, she turned her attention to the boy. She narrowed her eyes and asked… well demanded "Who are you? This is private property"
I cut in and answered before he could tell her "This is Ash, that boy who helped me out at the Pokémon Summer Camp when I was scared by the Pokémon, got lost then hurt my ankle. Remember? I told you about him. I got the handkerchief from him"
(End of Flashback, present day, no POV)
It had been true. After the Summer Camp where Serena and Ash had met, the young girl did tell her Mum about the young boy who helped her out. Grace had thought that the boy was a young gentleman and was raised properly for that.
Since Grace had longed to get away from Kalos and her Rhyhorn racing professional career, she moved to Kanto with Rhyhorn and Serena to settle down. While Grace had seemed unsure of where to move to at first in the region, Serena's chance encounter with Ash helped to convince Grace to move to Pallet Town. It was just that was the first time Grace had met Ash at all.
As she comes out of her memory, she sees Ash in front of her, asking if she's okay.
Snapping out of it, Serena with a look of anxiety on her face, responds "Uh" pauses for a moment, then continues "I'm fine Ash, could we leave now please?"
A look of concern crosses his face as he considers the situation quickly. The only thing he can think of which could explain her sudden change in demeanour would be… the mention of Rhyhorn. He thinks to himself 'Of course! It's the Rhyhorn topic. I remember now. She's still shaken up by what happened all those years ago clearly'
Rhyhorn still is Grace's own Pokémon and Serena does love him. However, she has been rather cautious around him for years now. Her fear does seem irrational as it was a mistake but maybe she's afraid of failing again.
Brock chimes in, adding "I just need to go back to my house and collect some supplies and make sure everything is okay for when I leave with you guys"
Grateful to get away from the aforementioned topic, Serena tells him "That will be fine, I am sure that the rest of us can keep ourselves preoccupied until then" she says with a half-smile to the sort-of-former gym leader.
As they all leave the building, Brock leaves with his many… many family members to head back to their house for the time being. They had agreed to meet up at the exit of town in say two hours.
Before Ash and Serena can talk about the girl's situation, they are interrupted. Lillie and Misty come running over to the duo.
Lillie asks with a hopeful gaze, "So how did both of your battles go?"
Now much happier, Serena tells her "Yep we both did!" as she takes out her badge case, opening it to present her Boulder badge. Then continues "I beat Brock last night in a one-on-one battle. Bulbasaur had a great showing against his Geodude"
Misty responds "That's good to hear. Many people like to underestimate Brock, as traditionally he is the first gym leader that many trainers will face. However, I have it on good knowledge that in recent times he has stepped up his game" as she realises that that may have been too much unnecessary information, considering her secret.
Serena catches something as she thinks 'That seemed like very specific information. I never told her if the battle was easy or not. So why would she have commented about him having improved in recent times? It seems like too much was said while technically saying nothing of importance either'
It had to be noted, that despite their bonding in Viridian Forest, Serena still remains on guard with her. She also felt similarly to Brock too however he is an officially recognised gym leader so he had credit for his honesty and to his name.
Lillie, after congratulating Serena, asks "Would it be okay if I hold it please?" as she refers to both the badge case and the badge itself.
Serena, smiling says "Sure! Anything for you Lillie" as she passes over her shiny new blue case.
Taking it, Lillie inspects the outer casing as she sees the red and white Pokéball on the lid of the case. She says "That's rather cute" then looks at the inside of the casing. A black foam sits on the bottom of the casing as it holds seven empty slots. But of course, the more notable feature is the grey-looking diamond badge in the uppermost left slot. Then says "Looks like a greyish-diamond"
Lillie then hands her friend back her gym badge case as their friend speaks up.
Ash jumps in to add "Hey I won as well girls. I did face Brock last night in a one-on-one against Onix but lost. Then I faced him again this morning in a two-on-two battle. This time I used Pikachu and Butterfree and won the battle" as he pulls out his own badge case, forgetting what Serena had done the evening before.
Pikachu adds a small punch to the air and a Pika to remind them that he competed in the gruelling battle too.
Immediately Misty and Lillie as they turn to him, start to giggle hysterically as they gaze upon his case colouring. Ash is confused for a few moments until he remembers the colour of his badge case. Pink.
He blushes from embarrassment as he remarks "Hey, I decided to try out a new style of 'fashion' for myself. Does it suit me?" he asks with a grin.
This only makes them laugh more as Misty inquires "What happened? Didn't they have enough of the blue, black, gold, silver or plain ones?" as she grins in amusement.
Ash's eyes widen as he asks "There were colours other than blue and pink?" as he looks at her in shock.
Serena tells him "You do realise Mr Pokémon gave us two other colour options too right? As she tilts her head in confusion.
Thinking back to the day before, Ash realises that she is correct. He tells her "You did pick one blue and one pink badge case for us. Then gave me the pink one" while his eye twitches as he glances at Serena.
Smirking, Serena tells him "Oh did I? I must have done that by accident then Ash" she shrugs "Well it's too late to change it now"
Before Ash can speak another word, they are interrupted by a familiar voice calling over "Hey Serena was it? It's good to see you again"
Looking over to the source, Serena sees their brown, shoulder-length hair as she recognises the owner immediately. Smiling Serena says back "Yes, it's Serena, how are you Leaf?"
Hearing the female's voice, Ash, Lillie, Pikachu and Misty turn to see the female too.
Leaf answers her "I've been good, we just made it through Viridian Forest and took a break at the Pokémon Center for the night"
Ash asks the honey-blonde female "How do you know her then Serena?" in a rather blunt way even though it wasn't intentional.
As Leaf turns her attention to Ash, she notes 'So it is Ash, it's been a long time since I last saw him. Properly anyway. One day maybe I'll remind him of who I am. Just not yet'
Turning to Ash and the others, Serena tells them "This is Leaf, we met back at the Viridian City Pokémon Center just before Team Rocket attacked"
Ash is the first to greet the brunette as he says "My name is Ash Ketchum, from Pallet Town and this" as he motions to his partner "is my buddy Pikachu"
To this, the electric mouse says "Pika-Pikachu" with a small wave. His way of saying hello or introducing himself.
Misty gives a smile as she introduces herself "I'm Misty, it's good to meet you Leaf"
Lillie gives a small wave of her hand as she says "And I'm Lillie" as she holds her bag tight to protect her friend.
Leaf thinks to herself 'So that's where that strange Pokémon must be. But why doesn't she have it in a Pokéball?'
Leaf knew about Lillie and Nebby due to having watched safely from the sky window what had happened. While her focus was on another Pokémon, from her childhood, Nebby's powers greatly interested her too. She also recognised Misty for who she was, the sister of the Sensational Sisters of Cerulean City. Daisy, Violet, and Lily are also recognised as the gym leaders of Cerulean City.
The brunette is also wondering 'Why don't Ash or Misty recognise me from when we were younger? There was a reason why I didn't get to attend that summer camp, even if everyone's forgotten already'
Leaf then says "Hey guys, I'm Leaf, it's good to meet some of Serena's friends" as she smiles at the group.
Serena then asks "So where are you off to now Leaf?" as she's just happy to see her again after Leaf's disappearance back at Viridian City.
Leaf answers back "I was planning on travelling through Mt. Moon now that my business here is complete" as she gives a small shrug of her shoulders.
Ash asks "Have you challenged the gym already then Leaf?" as he realises he's had his gym badge case in his hand this entire time. Realising as much, he puts it safely in an inside pocket of his still-damaged jacket.
Turning to face Ash, Leaf tells him "I'm not going through the gym challenge. Or at least not this time around"
Confused, Ash asks her "So why are you travelling then Leaf?" as he raises an eyebrow in confusion.
Tutting, Serena tells her companion "Ash that's not an appropriate question to ask Leaf. Besides, maybe you should go get yourself checked out after the accident at the gym" she suggests as Lillie and Misty are surprised by her words.
Lillie asks "Accident? What happened at the gym? Are either of you hurt?" as her brows furrow in concern.
The raven-haired boy rubs the back of his neck sheepishly as he tells them "Well kinda but not really. A scaffolding collapsed during the battle. I saved Serena and did get hit but only barely. It was nothing too serious…" but gets cut off.
Lillie grabs him by his left wrist and tells him "No, no, we're going to the Pokémon Center to get you checked out. Plus I'm sure Pikachu and the others will need a rest too"
Giggling, Serena tells him "Well Ash it seems you've got an appointment now. We'll see yous in a little bit" as she waves them off.
As Serena speaks, Lillie begins dragging Ash off to the Pokémon Center. Pikachu tries to keep up as he walks on behind them.
After they are off, Serena asks "So what should we do while we wait for them then?" as she looks at Misty and Leaf.
Leaf shrugs as she suggests "How about a Pokémon battle?" as she looks at Misty, she asks "Do you want to battle one-on-one, Misty?"
Misty, grinning, tells her "Sure, let's head off to Route two though to keep away from people around here" while often reserved, Misty enjoys having a fun battle every now and then.
As they're walking along, Leaf asks "So why is the sister of the 'Sensational Sisters' from Cerulean City travelling about anyway?" she raises an eyebrow at the tomboy.
Caught off guard, Misty stammers out "Ho-how do you kn-know about that Leaf?"
Hearing this Serena realises where she's seen Misty before. She'd seen pictures on TV, in magazines and in other places where the Sensational Sisters were in public or near their house. Misty always seemed to be in the back however.
Serena points out "I thought that I had seen you from somewhere before. And now that Leaf mentions it, yeah I do remember seeing photos of you around your sisters" as she looks over at the Cerulean City native.
Misty goes silent now as she hears this from Serena.
Serena asks "Is there something wrong Misty?" as she notices her friend's silence.
Realising that Serena is right, Leaf adds "I'm sorry if I touched on a sensitive subject Misty" as she holds a neutral tone and expression.
Shaking her head gently, Misty tells them "Ah, it's fine. It's just that when I left Cerulean City I vowed to come back as an expert water-type trainer. Which, I haven't done too much to master as I only have three Pokémon. At least on me"
Curious now, Serena asks "You have more Pokémon than what you're travelling with? Why not bring each of your available Pokémon with you?" as she raises her left eyebrow in confusion.
As her eyes flicker towards her travelling partner, Misty tells her "Sometimes trainers only travel with some of their Pokémon. Like how you have Bulbasaur, Nidoran and Weedle, or Ash with Pikachu, Pidgeotto and Butterfree. Eventually, you'll have more Pokémon and then will rotate them around"
Serena thinks this information over in her head. It does seem like a good idea to switch up which Pokémon you travel with, at least to give each Pokémon opportunities to grow together.
Leaf chimes in "Trainers are usually only allowed to carry a total of six Pokémon at any one time. Any extra Pokémon will be sent to the Professor's lab automatically" as she keeps her own amount of Pokémon to herself.
Serena then questions "How does that work then? The newly captured Pokéball just… teleports to his lab in Pallet Town? What if you didn't get a Pokémon from a professor?" as her brows furrow in further confusion.
Misty now answers back "That's where it gets tricky. If you don't have a 'home base', then your Pokéballs emit a sort of radar. That radar deactivates nearby Pokéballs of newly caught Pokémon if it recognises similar waves from other Pokéballs"
Blinking as she tries to understand this, Serena asks "How does it do that?"
Leaf lets out a little laugh as she tells the new trainer "She's pulling your leg, Serena. It doesn't work that way. Usually, people carry less than six Pokémon but those who have more, either have a place to send a Pokémon, like a home or are allowed to carry those Pokéballs with the expectation that they only use a limit of six Pokémon"
The blonde female feels her cheeks heat up as she realises she's been messed with.
By now, the trio of females have arrived at Route 2.
The brunette asks "Are you sure you don't want a three-way battle with us Serena?" as she takes her place on one end of an open field to compete.
As Misty goes to take her own place, Serena asks "Is that an option? How would that work?" as she listens out to her fairly mysterious friend.
Leaf answers "Yes, it would work. The rules are the same as any one-on-one match but it's a three-way affair instead. The winner would be the last one standing"
Shrugging her shoulders, Serena responds "Sure, why not" as she takes her own Pokéball out. As she presses the button at the front of the capsule, it enlarges to its standard size.
Leaf also takes her own Pokéball from a compartment in her bag and enlarges it too.
Misty calls out to them both "So are we all ready to begin then?"
Serena gives her a thumbs up as Leaf nods.
With that, the three trainers toss out their respective Pokéballs.
Serena yells out "Let's go Bulbasaur!" as her plant-like dinosaur emerges from the Pokéball.
Misty says "Stand tall, go Staryu!" as the light surrounding the Pokémon fades, the 'new' Pokémon's shape emerges. Staryu is a golden brown, starfish-like Pokémon with five appendages. These five body parts surround a central piece with a red gem-like core.
Leaf, wordlessly, tosses out her own Pokémon as a bird-like Pokémon appears in front of the companions. The Pokémon has two heads and stands on its extended legs. Each head has a long shark beak and two beady black eyes. It has a bristly, down-like covering of brown feathers on its torso and each head. The legs are brown, a female trait, and each foot has four digits ending in a sharp claw. Despite appearing bird-like, it has no visible wings.
Serena takes out her Pokédex and scans both of the new Pokémon in front of her. Dexter lights up as they tell Serena "Doduo, the Twin Bird Pokémon, a Normal and Flying type. Despite not being visible, Doduo do have short wings which are too weak to fly. Instead, they have adapted to hunting, fleeing and moving around by running"; "Staryu, the Star Shape Pokémon, a Water type. Due to how often they are hunted or suffer injuries during combat, they will flee dangerous situations and hide as they allow their red core to generate energy to rebuild their lost limbs. Without the core, however, this is impossible. Their gender is unknown"
Serena takes note of the last comment made by Dexter. With an unknown gender, that meant Staryu would be referred to as a 'they' not he or she.
The Pallet Town resident also comments quietly "Staryu and Doduo both look great. I wouldn't mind having one of either Pokémon of my own eventually" as she observed both of her opponent's Pokémon.
So far, from other trainers, she had seen Pichu/Pikachu, Pinsir, Ekans, Koffing, Spearow, Bellsprout, Venonat, Geodude, Onix, Caterpie/Metapod/Butterfree and Pidgeotto. Some of them looked cute, others scary, but now Serena realises how different all of these species of Pokémon look. With differing types, shapes and sizes, they all had their own quirks about them.
Serena thinks her options through 'Doduo will have the advantage over Bulbasaur while Bulbasaur can handle Staryu. Should I try and take Staryu out first? Or should I leave it be as it could help handle Doduo?'
Leaf shouts out "I guess I'll take the first move then girls. Doduo, attack Bulbasaur with Fury Attack" as the avian Pokémon charges towards the grass type.
Serena tells Bulbasaur to dodge and then to counter with a Tackle. As the bird Pokémon charges at Bulbasaur, the grass type jumps out of the way.
But before the grass type can launch its own attack, Leaf tells Doduo "Doduo counter back with Quick Attack!" so as Bulbasaur turns back to Doduo to throw its own body at the normal type, the latter leaps into the air and turns mid-motion to throw its own weight onto the vulnerable grass type.
This leaves Bulbasaur downed as Doduo retreats off of its foe to remain alert.
The speed of her opponent's Pokémon catches Serena off guard as she says aloud "How did Doduo move that fast? And why not just go with a flying-type attack?"
Serena is so caught off guard, she almost misses Misty ordering "Staryu, use Water Gun on Bulbasaur, from a distance"
As Serena hears this, her eyes widen as she remembers that this was a three-person battle. As she tries to refocus on her other opponent, she watches as a torrent of water approaches her starter Pokémon. Bulbasaur doesn't seem to process this as she tries to bring herself back to her feet.
Before Serena can call out a response, the blast of water strikes her Pokémon in its blind spot at its back. The grass-type recoils as it shouts out in a level of discomfort due to the unexpected attack.
Serena asks her friend "Are you okay Bulbasaur?"
As Bulbasaur brings herself back to her feet she lets out a "Bulba" to say that they can continue.
Noticing Bulbasaur is weakened, Leaf commands "Doduo use Quick Attack towards Bulbasaur" as the words leave her mouth, the bird once again charges at Bulbasaur.
Serena picks up on what Leaf said, 'towards' instead of on or against. Serena says quietly "She's not aiming to attack Bulbasaur, it's a trap to react to leave Bulbasaur vulnerable" as she waits to decide what course of action to take.
Misty didn't seem to recognise what Leaf had said as she calls out "Staryu use Tackle on Doduo"
With that, the water type rapidly approaches Leaf's Pokémon to go in for an assault.
Leaf grins and tells Doduo "Use your momentum Doduo to jump to dodge out of the way" as Doduo jumps up while running. In the air, the flying type is able to throw itself backwards to land back on its feet.
Serena, seeing an opening says "Bulbasaur use Vine Whip on Staryu and throw it into Doduo!"
Having just enough time to recover, Bulbasaur sent out two vines from under its bulb that grabbed onto the unsuspecting water type that was distracted by the display of the normal type.
As the vines envelop the starfish-like Pokémon, Misty says "Staryu, fire off a Water Gun now"
As the water-type Pokémon is lifted into the air, Staryu moves its top appendage to shoot off a burst of water, some of which hits Bulbasaur.
Realising what would happen, Leaf commands "Doduo, block the attack!" as she realises that dodging at that close a distance with no momentum wouldn't allow for a clear counter.
As Staryu is tossed at Doduo, the aquatic Pokémon is still spraying water. As such, Doduo is first hit by a blast of water while the normal type braces for impact. Before the water subsides, Doduo feels Misty's Pokémon slam into its torso.
Leaf calls over "That was an impressive display Serena, you too Misty" as she smiles. Then they notice her smile fade, as she continues "However, let's keep this going. Doduo use Peck on Bulbasaur"
As Doduo recovers, it lunges forward to strike with her beaks but is ever so slightly slower now.
Serena notices this as she tells Bulbasaur to dodge. As the grass type moves out of the flying type's way causing Doduo to miss as it now has its back exposed, Serena realises why the bird Pokémon is slower.
Serena says aloud "Doduo is moving slower now, likely because of her feathers being wet because of Staryu's Water Gun" as she knows that this is the ideal situation for her and Bulbasaur. She commands "Bulbasaur use Tackle on Doduo's leg to weaken it"
As she listens to her trainer's command, the Bulbasaur charges forwards and strikes the normal type at the back of her right leg. As they collided, Doduo drops to one knee.
Leaf's eyes widen at this as she comes to the same conclusion that Serena had. She comments "That water slowed her down, and now she's at their mercy" but doesn't tell Doduo to do anything.
Instead, the bird Pokémon moves on its own to give it a small bit of distance from its opponents though carefully due to its targeted limb.
Misty, seeing this, calls out "Staryu use Water Gun on Bulbasaur" with that her partner aims one of its appendages at Serena's Pokémon and shoots off a torrent of water.
With that Serena realises she focused too long on one opponent again. But she comes up with an idea.
As Serena is about to tell Bulbasaur what to do, Leaf analyses the situation at hand. She knows what is likely going to happen.
Serena calls out to Bulbasaur "Dodge their attack and get behind Doduo…"
Her command is cut short by Leaf saying "Doduo dodge and charge at Staryu"
Due to these simultaneous orders, quite a lot happens rather quickly. Firstly, the grass type moves towards Doduo with the intention of using her as a shield. However as the two female Pokémon are close to one another, the seemingly injured Pokémon moves away with a fair bit of energy. The blast of water strikes the grass starter once again as Staryu readjusted itself as this all happened.
As the water hits Bulbasaur, Doduo runs, safely, off to the side aiming towards Staryu. Even as the flying type runs awkwardly, it still seems to have a good pace.
Misty, seeing this, says "Staryu fire off another Water Gun at…" but before she could finish her command, Doduo seemed right on top of the starfish-like Pokémon and attacked using its injured leg to its side.
This catches Misty off guard as she tries to figure out why Doduo would be using its weakened leg to strike.
Serena, on the other hand, knows why. Watching carefully, Serena thinks to herself 'Doduo is fighting with its damaged leg to avoid putting her weight on that leg' as she turns her attention to her downed partner.
Now with Ash, Lillie and Pikachu at the Pokémon Center.
Lillie, having let go of Ash's arm by now, asks "So you got hurt protecting Serena then?" with a downward glance as she anxiously awaits his response.
He casually responds "Yep. I had one of those fight or flight situations" as he sees the confused look on her face as she looks at him, he clarifies "Meaning a situation where I will instinctually either rush into things, a fight or run away, a flight'
This makes more sense to the white-dressed female as she answers back "That makes sense. So what happened with Brock then?" she questions as she considers that the situation sounds rather serious. Which of course it does, while in an official gym, someone could have been severely hurt.
"He of course apologised, and intended on stopping the battle, however, me and Serena convinced him to let it continue. It worked out and I won" he tells her with a light-hearted grin. He then remembers the other part, telling her "Oh and Brock asked if he could come along with the rest of us. Serena and I agreed as long as you and Misty were okay with the arrangements of course" as he looks expectantly towards her.
Not meeting his gaze, she responds "Sure that will be okay"
Then they hit the Pokémon Center. Metaphorically.
Ash hands over Pikachu and Butterfree to be healed as the boy then explains to Nurse Joy what had happened at the gym.
Nurse Joy tells them "I do have a medical room in the back there, however, I won't be able to help out as after the assault on Viridian City, we are all on high alert"
Ash then questions "Did you also hear about that Magmar attack last night then?"
Confused, the nurse asks "What Magmar attack? Was anyone hurt?"
This leads to confusion from Ash as well as he explains the situation of the night before as well. Joy responds that she hasn't heard anything at all. With that Lillie escorts him into the room. Approaching the boxes and draws that they had been told about, they find a large quantity of what they suspect they may need.
Nervously, the girl asks him to remove his signature jacket. As she does so, she takes note of the damage done to it, with claw markings where Spearow had assaulted him in Viridian City.
Ash obeys her as he carefully removes his jacket and puts it to the side. This reveals his 'Subnoodle' top from the night before. Lillie is aware of the backstory with the whole 'Animal YouTuber' Patterrz, panda stuff and that this was merchandise.
Quickly he rolls his short sleeves up, allowing Lillie to inspect his arms. She tells him "No damage, but fairly dirty Ash"
Ash then tells her "Well what about my back then?" as he immediately pulls off his strange top, putting it to the side. This catches the timid girl off guard by a mile and she quickly blushes in embarrassment. He doesn't seem to notice. Dense and oblivious as always it seems.
Hesitantly, Lillie walks around to his behind and observes his back. She scans it warily as she sees marks across his back. Nothing too bad.
She tells him "It's not too bad. Just more temporary marks is all"
He thanks her as he stands up, ready to leave the room. No top and all.
Panicked, Lillie tells him that he forgot his shirt!
Blushing slightly, Ash says "Oh right! I almost forgot" as he walks back to retrieve his clothing as he puts it back on.
Lillie points out "You did forget to get your clothes back on Ash" as she deadpans.
Lillie thinks to herself 'He is… cute I guess? But so is Serena. Does that just mean that I'm complimenting their appearances? Or is there something else here?'
As the duo head back into the main area of the Pokémon Center, Ash says "I think I'm going to go ring Mum quickly. Do you want to join Lillie?" as he glances at her.
Shrugging her shoulders, Lillie responds "I guess so" as she continues to think about her thoughts about how she views Ash and Serena. Thinking to herself 'Is it normal to think Ash or Serena are cute? I know I'm not normal but are those thoughts normal?'
Once they arrive at the phone booth, Ash dials his Mum's address but receives no response on her end.
Blinking, Ash says "Huh? That's unusual for Mum" as he considers the situation. First, she is left at home alone, she's warning him about keeping away from Team Rocket and now isn't answering his call.
Lillie points out to him "Maybe your mother is out right now Ash" as she thinks more openly than her friend.
Back with Serena, Misty and Leaf as their battle continues.
As Serena watches Doduo attack Staryu, she says "Bulbasaur run at Staryu for a Tackle" as she puts together a calculated plan.
Leaf hears this from Serena and watches Bulbasaur approaches her own Pokémon. She considers her command as she says "I guess Serena is trying to knock Staryu out first and that would leave her Bulbasaur open for me to win" as she gives a small grin at the situation.
Misty grimaces as she tells Staryu to "Use Harden Staryu to guard" as her water type glows briefly as they seem to take the strikes better. If only a little bit better than before.
As Bulbasaur got close to Doduo and Staryu, Leaf calls out "Doduo move out of the way and use Peck on Bulbasaur"
Grinning, Serena tells her partner "Bulbasaur redirect your body towards Doduo and use Vine Whip"
Doduo leaps back to give itself some space. However, as she goes to attack with her beaks, Bulbasaur changes direction as she aims for Doduo. As Doduo is caught off guard, Bulbasaur shoots off two vines at the mid-air normal type and knocks her (or is it them? No seriously, it's a female Doduo with two heads and two brains, so that makes Doduo a 'them' as their species. But does it make more sense for me to say 'they', 'them' or to say 'she', 'her'?) to the ground.
Seeing her own opportunity, Misty says "Staryu use Bubble on Bulbasaur and Doduo"
The pure water type positions themselves at Bulbasaur and Doduo and lets off a flurry of bubbles which connect against their foes.
Serena says to her friend "Bulbasaur take Staryu down with a Tackle!" despite the grass type being pelted by bubbles, she charges through them as she throws her body at the starfish-like Pokémon. As Bulbasaur connects, the water type drops to the ground.
As the grass type moves back, the trainers all see the end result, Staryu fainted on the ground. Its jewel fainter than before.
Taking out her Pokéball, Misty says "Good job Staryu, return" as she aims the device at her partner. Quickly, the water type is engulfed by a red beam and is sucked into their Pokéball. She then thanked her friend before putting their Pokéball in her pocket.
With the water type specialist out, it was more or less a traditional one-on-one battle now between Leaf and Serena.
Doduo has now made it back to her feet as she stares down the poison type as they both await their next orders. Both Pokémon are now panting from exhaustion as the effects of the battle are taking their toll now. To a point where it may only take one or two more strikes to end the battle.
There is a silence across the battlefield as Serena and Leaf stare one another down as they consider their options. Serena watches as her grass type, at a disadvantage is staggered due to the damage she had sustained at this point. Serena knows that one good effective hit would finish her off.
Misty watches now from the sidelines as she wonders who will make the first move.
Leaf's face is unreadable as she can end the battle now but decides to make it fun and extend the battle some more.
Serena says "Bulbasaur get close to Doduo" as she thinks of a new strategy to balance things out.
Carefully Bulbasaur moves closer to her combatant but keeps her guard up.
Surprised, Leaf calls out "Are you trying to end this battle quicker Serena?" as she tilts her head to the side slightly "Thank you I guess, though I could win on my own you know" as she lets her own guard down.
Serena thinks to herself 'She's taking the bait, now all I need to do is time this right'
Smirking, Leaf says "Doduo use Double Kick on Bulbasaur"
With that, the bird Pokémon leaps to deliver its double strike once again.
Grinning, Serena tells her first Pokémon "Bulbasaur dodge and strike its right leg again!"
Leaf's eyes widen as she watches the grass type moves out of the way as Doduo lands on the ground hurt. Then she is powerless as she watches Bulbasaur once again strike the injured leg with another Tackle attack.
Serena then says "Bulbasaur use Vine Whip to throw yourself into the air"
Caught off guard, Leaf is distracted to not react quickly enough as vines extend from the grass type's under bulb and hit the ground hard. With that, Bulbasaur is propelled into the air.
Leaf says "Doduo get up and dodge" as she knows the danger her partner is in currently. The normal type struggles to her feet but is unable to dodge as Serena gives her next command.
Serena calls out "Bulbasaur, hit her with a Slam!" as the grass type throws its small body down onto its opponent full force.
As Bulbasaur connects, the twin-headed Pokémon drops to the ground with Bulbasaur on top. To be courteous, the starter Pokémon moves off of Doduo to reveal the result of the match. Doduo, fainted and was unable to continue.
Both Leaf and Serena rush towards their respective Pokémon.
As Serena reaches Bulbasaur, she envelops her in a hug and says "We did it, Bulbasaur, we won!" as she celebrates.
Leaf pats her Doduo on both heads as she thanks them for their hard work before taking a Pokéball out and returning them to their Pokéball.
The brunette then approaches her friend and extends her hand "That was a good battle Serena"
Misty has now made it to the other trainers as she also presents her hands to her opponents.
Serena then stands up and accepts both handshakes as well. Leaf almost reluctantly accepts Misty's handshake but neither of the girls seem to notice.
Serena responds sheepishly "Thanks that was a tough match. I had to think on my feet"
This receives laughter from them both.
"Hey guys!" they hear a male voice call to them as they all turn. They watch as Ash, Lillie and Brock come towards them.
That's all for now people. I was originally planning to have the Mt. Moon section written here too but due to the nice length of this chapter, I decided to make that its own chapter. It will be different, to an extent to my original version of Mt. Moon.
See what happened in the last version is being saved for a later time in this series. Perhaps for Rock Tunnel? Regardless, I hope yous enjoyed this chapter with the first three-way Pokémon battle.
Also as a small hint of what is to come EVENTUALLY, I have already decided on some events that will take place in Johto. I have a big set of reasons for why Ash, Serena, Lillie, Brock and maybe Misty will be heading to Alola first. However, there will be two journeys through Alola. The first one immediately follows Johto and will encompass the anime style of Alola. The second, down the line will be a revisit to follow a story similar to the games with the trials and what not. Maybe. I do need to decide to be certain though.
All I will say is that their journey to Alola coincides with the end of Team 'Rocket' technically.