Chapter 8: The School of Hard Knocks
Hello, hello my adoring fans, to my followers, favourites, reviewers, silent viewers and everything in between, it is great to be back! I am writing this IMMEDIATELY following Chapter 7, entry 8, and I'm back in the right head space and mind-set to get this show on the road.
It occurred to me that I THINK I said I would do something at the end of the previous chapter but didn't. This time I will make sure to do what I had intended, something about making notes on some of the Pokémon I will be adding evolutions, pre-evolutions, mega evolutions and regional variants for. Because here's an idea, instead of adding megas and gigantimax forms for the fan favourites who didn't need them (Charizard and Mewtwo), I will be targeting less favourable ones as well. Maybe Parasect, Chimecho and the like. But that will all come LATER down the line. Nothing yet of course, well kinda.
Also I will be changing this chapter from the Squirtle episode to the 'School of Hard Knocks' due to deadlines and because the length of this chapter is rather long without considering that episode. So it will be the next one. But anyways, let's get this show on the road! Entry 9, Chapter 8: The School of Hard Knocks.
Now with our heroes, Ash, Lillie, Serena, Brock and Pikachu on their joint journeys. Each full of discovery and each to their own goals and ambitions.
Well, little did they know, they now had two trainers following them after previous events involving our heroes and the two of them. Perhaps the catalyst for our new antagonists? Who knows?
Ash's goal to become a 'Pokémon Master', whatever that meant. No seriously, what does becoming a 'Pokémon Master' even mean? Winning a regional league? (A/N: well to be fair, here is what the company has said in response to what one is: 'I'm very sorry, but the Pokémon Company does not answer questions of this nature. It is the intent of the Pokémon creators that such questions be left to the imaginations and interpretations of Pokémon fans, adding more excitement and mystery to the Pokémon universe'. So technically… it's an expression that means nothing but has a title)
Of course to the young boy, he knows that even the prestigious honour of becoming a Pokémon League Champion is just one of the steps attributed towards becoming a Pokémon Master.
Serena's goal? While currently she is a trainer, she isn't exactly sure on what she wants to gain from her travels. She seems to have a knack for battling, as seen with Brock, that… Samurai Kid, Misty and AJ. She managed to beat them through her skill, quick thinking and determination. But what would she eventually decide on doing?
Brock, in a fairly similar situation, while having aspirations of becoming the best Rock type trainer, also seemed to be moving towards helping Pokémon in need. So a nurse, or a doctor? Or perhaps something else?
Lillie was on the goal of finding out who she really is. All she knew was that she was dropped off in Pallet Town. No recollection of what happened and that she had Nebby in her bag as well. But that's all she had, well and the clothes she wore. Who was she before? Did she have a family? Is she an orphan? That's some of the stuff she wanted to find out.
As the group was walking, they each had their own conversations happening. Lillie and Serena were at the back talking while Ash and Brock were up ahead with Pikachu resting on the former's shoulder. This was a couple of days after Ash had acquired his newest Pokémon Charmander.
Serena, with Lillie on her right, asks "Are you feeling better today?" as she turns her head slightly to look towards her friend. This had been the first time that the two girls had been able to talk out of earshot of the males since the other night.
Lillie, quietly, responds with "I guess so, I'm still not feeling great about the other day but at least I'm feeling a bit better now. That boy is so nasty and self-centred. I wish he would just go away and never come back" as she keeps her eyes pointed to the ground.
Serena then tells her "Don't let his words affect you. He's probably never going to learn. All we can do is be the better people here and ignore him" however, despite her words, she felt rather different than she let on. She was disgusted by Damian and had a strong dislike of him. However she, deep down in her heart, wanted to believe that there was some small chance of him growing to one day be a better person. But was that likely or even possible? Probably not. There was little chance of someone that nasty ever becoming better.
Lillie then asks out of curiosity "How do you handle what he says?"
Now was the chance for Serena to seem uncomfortable and quieter, as she answers "I try to see the best in people, even when they are just as bad as him. But to be honest? Sometimes I can't handle what he says. That's when I don't know what to do and I retreat inside of my metaphorical shell" as she tries to be as truthful as she could to the other blonde female.
They could trust one another with what they were feeling and that they wouldn't go telling others about what was going on with one another. This gave them a close bond where they could talk to one another about anything. So could Serena talk to Lillie about her 'odd' feelings at the moment? Well that could get awkward, or maybe she should wait until she is more informed and is certain about her… emotions.
Lillie, thinking this all over, then responds "So just ignore people like him? But listen to my friends and family like you?"
Grinning, Serena tells her back "More or less, yes. Bad people will always exist, but you should try to almost always trust the people closest to you"
While with the others Brock asks "So with your next gym badge being in Vermillion City, and being an electric type gym, what is your strategy?" as he looks towards the raven-haired male.
Ash responds "Well, Butterfree and Pidgeotto aren't going to be useful, Pikachu won't be good either. That leaves Charmander, Mankey and Bulbasaur. None are strong against electric types but Bulbasaur would be the 'best' one to use" as he seems to be considering everything when it comes to this upcoming battle. And hopefully no one's life would be on the line in the battle.
Brock, bringing his hand to his chin, says "You're right about that, however you need to remember that plenty of electric types do have access to fire type attacks as well" as he remembers that LT. Surge, the gym leader, has an Electabuzz. A rather powerful Pokémon for a third gym it would seem, except Starmie is better in everything except HP and Attack.
However as they are walking, a group of children, up ahead, come into view. Three formally dressed boys in uniforms are there. One of them is currently running on a treadmill, while the rest of them are gathered around him.
The gang stay quiet and observe what they are seeing. They are all surrounded by a layer of fog, making it difficult to see too far ahead but clear enough to be able to see the children, and of course hear them.
(A/N: Now up ahead we will be using game mechanics, something that I will rarely if ever use in this story. I find it unnecessary to the story, unrealistic and arbitrary)
One of the two older looking students quizzes the runner "What level does Pidgey learn Quick Attack?"
The treadmill runner, seeming exhausted responds "Level thirteen"
Not seeming too bothered, the other older student asks "What is the earliest level, Pidgey can evolve into Pidgeotto?"
Flustered, the student responds "Level… seventeen?"
The first boy then says, annoyed, "No! Level eighteen. Who doesn't know such basic facts on one of the most basic Pokémon here in the Kanto region?" with a glare towards the boy.
Deciding that this seemed to be going 'too far', Ash interjects as he jumps in "Hey, you don't need to treat him like that. He's a bit occupied with that running, and you're drilling him rather harshly"
The second student says "We're just trying to help our peer out here" then quickly leaves with the other older student.
Sighing a heavy sigh of relief, the young boy then tells them "Thanks for that. But they are trying to help me out. I am behind in my learning at the Pokémon Technical Institute"
The boy then hands over a brochure to Brock who reads it.
Now that the boy was off the treadmill, Pikachu starts up said device and manages to keep up with it for the low setting that was being used at the moment.
Brock then leans onto the treadmill as he reads
'The Pokémon Technical Institute.
A boarding school alternative to travelling and collecting gym badges through battles and valid qualification in order to qualify for the Pokémon League. Much of the learning is based off of the student's knowledge, built upon through lessons, textbooks and examinations. We offer a specialized Training Room, an outdoor pool and a Pokémon provided to each student.
Of course we have high expectations of our students, as such there is a strict non-negotiable uniform policy, the ability to hold students back for a term or a year and must be able to pass the necessary entrance exam.
Students will receive a certificate in reference to:
The beginner class has qualifications of a trainer with two badges.
The intermediate class has the qualifications of a trainer with four badges.
The advanced class has the qualifications of a trainer with six badges.
Once a student graduates from Pokémon Tech, they earn a diploma and automatically qualify for Kanto's Pokémon League Conference'
As he finishes off, he closes the brochure and as he moves, he accidentally flips the switch to make the treadmill go even faster. Pikachu barely manages to keep up with it, for a few seconds. Then is sent flying off rather dramatically.
Ash runs over to Pikachu and asks him if he is okay. The electric type, while clearly dizzy and disorientated, puts a 'thumb' up and says "Pika" in an almost drunk sounding voice.
Serena then asks the boy "So what is this an expensive school then?" as she tilts her head to the side. He confirms yes, then Serena asks "What's your name by the way?"
Flustered, and blushing lightly, he tells her "My name is Joe, may I ask what your name is?"
Smiling sweetly, Serena tells him "My name is Serena" then points to each of her friends, saying "Brock, Lillie and Ash"
Joe, looking shyly at her, thinks to himself 'She's so beautiful and radiant. She's kinda like Giselle but much nicer and attractive' as his blush intensifies, not quite realising this as the case.
Brock then knocks him out of his trance as he asks "Why were they doing their 'help' in that way?" as he noticed him taking an interest in Serena, he decided to come to her aid, whether she realised it or not.
Hoping that no one had seen him staring at Serena, Joe tells him "I did know the answers, but I pretended to not know because when I answer correctly, the questions get a lot harder"
Overhearing this, Ash then says "That sounds a lot like bullying and doesn't sound fair. That's some brutal learning method. I want to speak to the student in charge of such a learning method" (A/N: Oh great, he's now going to fulfil the role of a male Karen *sigh*) he seemed intent on putting a stop to this way of 'teaching' students.
Joe then tells him, a little worried, "The head student of my group, the beginner rank, is this girl" as he produces a… photo (A/N: What?) of the girl from his blazer pocket and presents it to them.
As Ash and Brock look at the photo, their reactions are less than… subtle about their attraction towards her. The photo shows a stunning female with exceedingly long brown hair, which goes to about her upper thighs, with curled bangs and a small triangle on her forehead, with matching brown eyes. Her eyebrows are fairly thin, perhaps drawn on? She has a white shirt which are puffed at the arms. Over which is a bluish-green, buttoned up vest, with a darker green skirt on also. Then she has a red bow too. Lastly she has knee length, white socks and black, strapped shoes on.
Much to the chagrin of Serena, Ash seemed mesmerized by the sight of the female. She thinks to herself 'Is he attracted to her?' as she pouts 'Why doesn't he look at me like that? Or…' as she looks at Lillie, who catches her eye and walks over to her.
Lillie whispers to her friend "Hey don't worry about them. It's probably just them looking at a cute girl or something" as she gives Serena a small smile.
Her words didn't have the effect one would have hoped for. Serena whispers back, sadly, "But what does she have that…" but catches herself.
Lillie, seemingly caught off guard by her words, asks "You're jealous as well?"
Serena's gaze snaps towards her, eyes wide, as she asks "What do you mean 'as well?' Are you saying?" with clear confusion in her eyes.
Off to the side of the group and Joe, there are two familiar males. One of them had blue hair, a plain-black hoodie, black jeans and some trainers. The other had light brown, scruffy hair and brown eyes. He had more or less an identical outfit to the first, except having a plain-grey hoodie instead. Jake and Raymond. The bullies whom were with Damian before and had been harassing Charmander.
Jake says to his friend "They're stupid enough to be trying to enter Pokémon Technical Institute?"
Raymond adds in to say "How pathetic. We of course did try it out, but they did like to cheat and didn't accept us as we were too smart for it"
They had both flunked out during their entrance exam and got nothing. Literally the lowest scores in the history of the boarding school. But in their deluded minds, they believed that they were 'too good' for the place and that's why they didn't get in.
They are then interrupted by a third, British-like, voice "What are yous on about?"
They both turn to see their 'friend/ boss' Damian, with a look of anger on his face. The trio had been following the gang since the Charmander incident.
The student then takes Ash and the others into the institute, which was pretty close. If the fog hadn't been there, they likely would have seen it already.
Joe then tells them, as they walked, "It's overall skill as a trainer, not any one battle, which determines whether or not you are successful at Pokémon Tech. Plus even though I am then the weakest student in my class, I am still better than someone with two badges" as he tells them simply.
Serena then says in response "Well Ash and I, have two badges, from Brock and Misty. Both of whom are our friends. Who's to say you would be better in a battle than he or I?" as she seems offended by his off-hand remark.
Joe then, without glancing at the group, comments "I am rather familiar with both of the rock and water type gyms. I usually beat their preferred Pokémon on our simulator. Brock uses Onix and Geodude. Both are weak to grass, water, ice, steel and fighting. Whereas Misty, Lily, Daisy and Violet use various water types like Seel, Shellder, Staryu, Starmie and Goldeen. All fairly easy to handle. All are weak to electric and grass, whereas Starmie has additional weaknesses to bug, ghost and dark. Both are easy"
Brock, quite offended, retorts "I don't feel your 'simulator' accounts for situations in battles" as he crosses his arms.
Joe, glancing over at Brock, says "What do you mean? Type matchups are rather easy ways to tell whether or not a Pokémon is good against another one" as he doesn't seem to be too bothered by the rock specialist's words.
Ash then interjects as he tells Joe "I was able to beat Brock with my Pikachu and Butterfree against his Geodude and Onix"
Joe looks at him in surprise as he asks "How did you manage that? Iron Tail, Hidden Power, Mega Drain?"
Ash, seeming to have gotten the upper hand, tells him with a smirk "None of that… wait Iron Tail?"
Joe, now taking back control of the situation, tells him "Yes, Iron Tail is a common move for mixed or physical Pikachu to use. I figured you would have known that" again a hint of smugness. While Joe may not understand that he is being rude or offensive, it was bothering the group.
Serena then tells him "Okay Joe, let's have a one-on-one battle then" as she takes out a Pokéball.
Glancing over at her, he once again thinks 'She really is adorable and seems ambitious. Maybe I should ask her on a date once I'm done with her' then says to her "I accept. But when I win, you go on a date with myself" as he looks indifferent to her.
This catches the gang off hand. Pikachu comically falls over in surprise.
Ash, feeling annoyed, tells him "You don't get to throw stakes like that in for nothing Joe. That's…" but stops as he feels a hand on his right shoulder.
Serena, with her hand on his shoulder, tells him "I accept. If I win, you need to stop with this arrogant thing you have going for you. And you need to consider becoming a traveling trainer" with a look of disapproval on her face. She sure as hell did NOT want to go on some date with this kid. But she needed to show him.
Joe then waves her off as he asks her "What Pokémon are you gonna use?"
Serena, deciding to play risky and give a certain Pokémon a chance, responds simply "Weedle"
Narrowing his eyes, Joe tells her "I'll play fair and pick Pidgey then" with a smirk. Of course it wasn't 'fair' but whatever helped him it seemed.
They are now in a battle room. Now Ash and Lillie are both concerned for their friend as they watch both trainers send out their respective Pokémon.
Lillie, thinking about her earlier conversation with Serena, whispers to Ash "You know… she didn't like that you seemed interested in that Giselle photo earlier"
Confused, Ash asks her back "What do you mean? Why would she be bothered about that?"
Just as he finishes that sentence, the battle begins. (A/N: BTW, let's address something that is about to happen. If you don't want a small "Spoiler", skip this until you get confused in a minute. Now in the anime, manga and TCG, some Pokémon have exclusive moves that that species of Pokémon cannot get usually. Weedle has two TCG exclusive moves. Just keep that in mind)
Joe tells Pidgey to start things off easy, as he tells her to use Tackle. Serena tells Weedle to dodge. The bird flew at the poison type but the Hairy Bug Pokémon just barely manages to get out of the way. This being the poison type's first battle wasn't exactly a help.
Joe simply raises an eyebrow as he didn't see that coming. He thinks to himself 'Of course, it is possible for Weedle to out-speed a Pidgey, given the right training, potential and nature. Guess she lucked out'
Serena then tells her Weedle to go for a Poison Sting. The little bug sends off a single pin of poison towards the flying type, which Pidgey deftly avoids. Then Joe responds in kind by ordering a Headbutt. The flying type rushes towards Serena's Pokémon before hitting Weedle head on… with its head.
This sends the poison type crashing to the floor on its side. Then Joe told Pidgey to use Tackle. It connected dead on. Weedle laid motionless on the ground now.
Serena, fearing that she had lost, prepares to return her Pokémon, but then Weedle starts glowing. This was… unexpected. It was only Weedle's first battle and it was already evolving? As the light dies down, out emerges a familiar Pokémon Kakuna.
Serena was ecstatic at this news. Of course base bug type Pokémon usually evolve at early levels, like Caterpie, Weedle, Wurmple, Kricketot and Scatterbug but she hadn't been expecting this soon!
Smiling, Serena tells Kakuna to use Harden now. The poison type then shines briefly, seeming to strengthen its defences. Joe, deciding that this didn't matter, tells Pidgey to go for Gust. Serena, having a stroke of brilliance, tells Kakuna to go for a Roll Out to dodge. The bug type then, while on its side, starts to roll away from the wind aimed towards it, effectively dodging the flying attack.
Joe exclaims "What do you mean? Weedle and Kakuna are only supposed to have Poison Sting, String Shot, Harden and Bug Bite. How did your Kakuna use Roll Out?" as his eyes widened in shock at this turn of events.
Grinning, Serena tells him "I learnt a lot growing up, one of which was that some Pokémon can learn techniques that, at first, may not be obvious or learnable but they are technically available"
With that, Serena then tells Kakuna to use String Shot on Pidgey to slow it down. The bug type waits for the flying type to come closer and then sprays off its natural silk string at Pidgey. It connects and seems to catch both of the flying type's wings, this causes it to make an emergency landing. And by that, it hit the ground less than elegantly.
Joe, feeling anxious and now worried, tells Pidgey to use Headbutt once again to take Kakuna off its… feet? Perch? As the, now running, normal type got close to Kakuna, Serena tells her Pokémon to counter back with its own Headbutt. Now thanks to the hardened shell of Kakuna, and Pidgey being slowed down, when the two foes collided, Kakuna is better off for it. Pidgey is sent several steps back from the impact.
Then as a last hoorah, Serena tells Kakuna to go for String Shot again. This surprises everyone, including the spectators, as the poison type shoots off a single shot of string and grips Pidgey. Joe is too distracted as Serena tells Kakuna to toss Pidgey in the air. Kakuna obliges as he manages to shove the flying type into the air. Though to end this off, Serena tells Kakuna to once again use String Shot and slam it into the ground. The poison type does so as it releases another String Shot and slams Pidgey down to the ground. Knocked out.
Joe drops to his knees in shock as he thinks to himself 'I lost? How? I had the type advantage and how did Kakuna use Roll Out and Headbutt? That isn't supposed to be possible. But more importantly… now she won't be going on a date with me' as he looks down to the ground rather downtrodden and less than confident now.
Serena, more impressed with Kakuna than bothered about Joe, goes over to her newly evolved Pokémon and says "That was great work Kakuna! Your first battle and not only did you win, you also managed to evolve. Thanks for your hard work" with a smile as she took the bug type in her arms for a hug.
As the battle finishes, Ash asks once more "What did you mean Lillie?" as he raises an eyebrow towards her.
While keeping her gaze fixated on Serena, Lillie responds "I told you, she didn't like you looking at that girl's photo like you were"
Now with his brows furrowed, Ash questions "But why? She's one of my closest friends, so why would she be bothered by that? And not Brock?"
Lillie, smiling a little, says in a quiet voice "Maybe she likes you?"
This causes Ash to blush profusely as he does try to write this off as illogical. He, believing that she's just pulling his leg, says "Nah that can't be it Lillie. Maybe she's a little jealous?" as he jokes back.
Lillie, finally turning to look at him, remarks "If you believe that… then you don't know our good friend well at all"
Before Ash can muster a response, the sound of clapping can be heard at the door way to the room. As everyone turns to look in that direction… well they all, including Serena and Lillie, are mesmerized by the young girl's beauty. They all knew her as Giselle, the head of the junior class.
She tells Serena, "Good job out there lass, both in your battle and with how you handled yourself" with a smile. The two girls kept one another's gaze for several seconds. To be fair, they were thinking 'She is rather cute' about the other girl.
Before allowing Serena to respond, Giselle turns her attention to Joe as she narrows her eyes before saying harshly "Just because your Pidgey had the type advantage, it didn't mean that it would guarantee win the fight. It's possible that Weedle then Kakuna had more battle experience. But even then it is likely that girl has plenty of experience as a trainer"
Joe doesn't respond as he seems to slouch and become smaller. Metaphorically.
Lillie, thinking to herself 'Why were they both staring into one another's eyes? Is she attracted to that bully? No she wouldn't, Serena's too good of a person. Besides… she's not into girls right?'
Serena then interrupts Giselle as she says "Hey why are you treating him like that? He's a fellow student, so what are you doing, chastising him?"
"Look girl, he couldn't manage to use his apparent knowledge to stand a chance against your Kakuna. He has had previous situations where he lost with a clear advantage" Giselle responds with a slight wave of her right hand as if to dismiss Serena's concerns.
Ash, deciding that he has had enough, bursts in "There is more to training than just 'levels' or battle experience. I have two badges" as he displays his Pewter City and Cerulean City gym badges in his pink badge case.
Raising an eyebrow, Giselle mockingly remarks "Two badges? So just as much, or little, experience as Joe there. But why are you carrying around that pink badge case? That's typically a girl's colour" as she looks at him with a dirty look.
Serena, having been rather offended, counters "I was the one who chose that colour for my close friend Ash. Oh and by the way, my name is Serena, not 'Lass'. Ash, Lillie and I have been on our own journey for the past two months" with a look of defiance on her face.
Giselle, looking at the electric mouse on the floor, comments "Two months and you have yet to train your Pikachu to go into its Pokéball? Maybe your Pokémon are the ones training you instead" with a sneer.
Ash thinking to himself 'Maybe I should try to trick her and teach HER a lesson?' He then tells her angrily "My Pokémon are my friends. I have Pikachu, Pidgeotto and Butterfree and I have a strong bond with each of them" as she glares at Giselle.
Lillie quietly asks "Why is he only mentioning three Pokémon? He has six in total" as she looks on in confusion.
Brock comments back "He may be trying to deceive her for whatever reason. Let's just see where this goes Lillie"
Giselle smugly comments "Only three Pokémon over the course of two months? It's common that most beginners have at least six Pokémon. I have to assume that both of your badges were obtained due to sheer luck. But also between the three of those Pokémon, you got Pikachu as your starter I assume. Odd they are typically hard for beginners to handle" as she lets out a mocking laugh.
This laugh angers Pikachu as its cheeks spark as it shouts "Pika! Pika Pikachu!"
Ash, deciding to play along further and mess around, tells her "Then let's have a battle. I will show you that a bond and skill can out do any 'levels' that yous get taught about" as he stares her down fiercely, not seeming to back down.
Smirking, Giselle agrees, as they replace Serena and Joe on the battle field. This time, Serena, Brock, Lillie, Joe and several other students are sitting down on the stands off to the side to allow for an open battle. It would appear that this battle was going to be a learning curve. But only time would tell if it was for Ash, Giselle or just the spectators. For now, Damian, Jake and Raymond are observing the battle as well from a distance from outside the building where there are large windows in this battle room.
Ash sends out his Pikachu for the one-on-one battle. Giselle sends out her own. From out of the ball emerges a small, bipedal, dinosaur-like Pokémon with a light brown hide that covers most of its body, except for its cream-coloured belly. Two small claws, one on each hand, serve as its thumbs, and one large nail on each foot make up its toes. It has two small spikes on its back and a short tail. On its head, the Pokémon wears a bone skull, as if it were a helmet. Because of this, its face is most covered, except for its triangular black eyes and a small area surrounding them. The skull has two rounded horns on top of its head and a tooth-like point on the lower sides. Under the skull, it has a brown snout. It is holding a bone in its grasp.
Ash, Lillie and Serena each scan the new Pokémon. Although it did bear a resemblance to something that the four had seen previously, in Mount Moon. Dexter tells them "Cubone, the Lonely Pokémon, a ground type. The skull it wears on its head is that of its dead mother. According to some, it will evolve when it comes to terms with the pain of her death. When it thinks of its deceased mother, it weeps loudly. Mandibuzz that hears its cries will attack it from the air"
(A/N: Right and while this has no bearing on the current plot… let me just say… that's dark and heart breaking. If an orphan cries… just imagine being attacked for that :(,)
As the battle starts off, Ash tells Pikachu "Let's do our best here buddy. Looks like electric attacks won't be any use here. But our friendship will be able to work around that" as he smiles to his Pokémon.
Giselle rolls her eyes in irritation at this. She tells Cubone to strike with a Tackle. Almost instantly, the ground type runs towards Pikachu in order to slam against him. Pikachu uses Quick Attack to move to the side out of the way. However this left Pikachu momentarily facing away from its foe. Taking advantage of this, Cubone redirects himself and slams its shoulder/ arm into Pikachu's back with a shoulder tackle.
Ash did try to call out to Pikachu to warn him but Cubone moved too quickly. With the strike, Pikachu laid face first on the ground.
Though, fairly quickly, Pikachu pushed itself onto its feet as he stared the Lonely Pokémon down. Ash tells Pikachu to hit back with a Quick Attack. Pikachu runs towards Cubone, however Giselle orders a Low Kick. With that Cubone side stepped and then kicked Pikachu's feet out from underneath him, once again causing Pikachu to slam down to the ground face first.
This causes Ash to panic as he tries to formulate a strategy which would allow Pikachu to get any advantage. As soon as Pikachu got to his feet again, Cubone struck Pikachu back down, now on his back, with a swing of its bone. Pikachu feeling motivated and rather determined thanks to the constant take downs… pulls out something of a wrestling move. Pikachu pulls his legs, at the knees, up towards his chest and then pushes himself forwards. With just the right timing, the electric type used his momentum to perform a kip-up. This manoeuvre moves Pikachu from his back to now being on his feet.
The Cubone, along with everyone else, was shocked. Pikachu took the opening and immediately struck the bone Pokémon with what usually would be a Double Kick but because Pikachu was winded, it landed as a Drop Kick. Yep another wrestling move. (A/N: Btw, this wasn't the original plan for this match. This just started out as I wanted to do something unique for now).
The kick took Cubone down to his back but quickly transitioned to his side. Pikachu on the other hand fell down after the hit. But Pikachu wasn't done yet. Once Pikachu and Cubone made it back to their feet after maybe fifteen seconds, Giselle tells Cubone to use Double Team. With that, the ground type conjured a group of about ten new Cubone. Ash tells Pikachu to use Double Team as well. The same happens for Pikachu now as about clones of the electric type appeared too.
Serena, decides now to ask Brock "What exactly was that move earlier by Pikachu?"
Brock, turning towards the honey-blonde female, responds "Technically that was a 'drop kick'. Same with how Cubone seemed to use a 'shoulder tackle' then a 'leg sweep earlier'. But that move Pikachu used to get to his feet? That was a 'kip-up'. All four of those moves were wrestling-like moves"
As he was saying that, the clones had been 'fighting'. Or more like if they are 'hit' they vanish. Then it was just back to the real Pikachu and Cubone. Immediately both trainers called for a Double Kick. The two were close, so once more, instead of a 'double kick' it transitioned into twin drop kicks to one another at the same time. This time, since they both had time to recover, they rolled through back to their feet. Pikachu rolled backwards while Cubone used its bone to hop back to his feet.
Pikachu was then told to go for a Quick Attack again. The electric mouse charges towards the bone wielder. Cubone goes to hit another Low Kick/ Sweep however, having already expected this, Pikachu uses its tail to leap into the air and then slams down using its tail striking Cubone on the head. Then as the ground type falls to the floor, Pikachu goes to hit an additional Quick Attack.
But the Lonely Pokémon raises its bone and counters with a Bone Club to block the electric type's body. Then Giselle tells Cubone to hit a Mega Punch. The ground type winds its free arm up and slams it into Pikachu, hard. This sends Pikachu flying back but luckily he lands on his feet.
Giselle tells Cubone to go for a Bonemerang. Cubone throws its bone club at Pikachu. At this, Pikachu swiftly leaps out of the way and charges towards Cubone while low on energy. Pikachu hits a Quick Attack this time successfully. Then now with Cubone dazed, as the bone was heading towards the mouse, he moves out of the way and the bone slams into Cubone.
The ground type is now on his back and not moving. Cubone is knocked out, as Ash is declared the winner.
Ash tells Pikachu, with a large grin, "Well done buddy, you did it" as he runs over to his now weakened partner.
Serena, coming over to them, corrects him "You both did it Ash and Pikachu. That was incredible, and apparently akin to a wrestling match"
Giselle thanks her Pokémon as she returns him. Then walks over to Ash with a look of defeat and sadness in her eyes. She tells them "Well done Ash, you and your starter did rather well together. I am still surprised you only have three Pokémon but that was a great battle and you both deserved it"
Ash, deciding to finally drop it, tells her "Actually I lied before. While I do have Pikachu, Butterfree and Pidgeotto, I also have a Charmander, Bulbasaur and Mankey as well" with a sly grin on his face.
Giselle looks at him in shock as she questions "So why did you tell me you only had three Pokémon before then?"
Brock chimes in to inform her "Because he wanted to see your reaction Giselle. To see how you treat trainers with less experience. And I'll be honest, you come across as a bully" as he stares her down with a look of seriousness.
A cough comes from the doorway to the room as a senior member of, presumably, staff stands there. He is in a suit. He says "Brock there, the Pewter City Gym Leader, is correct Giselle. Now it saddens me to say this, but I am hereby expelling you from Pokémon Tech Institute. Your qualifications are also removed. This is for breaking professional conduct and because of your prior warnings"
Giselle starts to cry as she says "Wait, Mr. Harper, I can fix this, just give me one last chance" as she more or less pleads.
The man looks at her, for thirteen seconds, then has security escort her off of the premises.
Joe goes over to Ash and the others now and says "You know Ash and Serena, both of the battles you showed today made me realise that there is more to Pokémon than just type matchups, evolutions and that stuff. A bond between a trainer and their partners can overcome almost anything. That's why I want to start travelling on my own to be a trainer too"
With that Joe throws away his photo of the attractive Giselle. Only for Serena to covertly pick it up and pocket it.
Now with that done, our heroes and Joe leave the Institute and go their separate ways. Damian and the two stooges had already left by then. However, there was something watching them. A lone brunette. One now set up with a game plan, a tale of revenge.
That's it for now. I had decided to cut this chapter in half with the Squirtle chapter because this one had plenty of relevant plot points that would either overshadow Squirtle's episode or that would overshadow this. Just a precautionary thing for me.
Now as previously mentioned, here are some of the changes I intend on implementing in time:
Pre-evolutions for: Doduo, Lickitung, Kangaskhan, Tauros/ Miltank, Jynx, Aerodactyl, Girafarig, Skarmory, Torkoal, Solrock/ Lunatone/ Minior, Druddigon, Bouffalant,
Evolutions for: Fearow. Golbat, Eevee (other types), Girafarig, Dunsparce, Qwilfish, Delibird, Mightyena, Swellow, Surskit, Volbeat, Illumise, Torkoal, Chimecho, Combee (Male), Swoobat,
Mega Evolutions for: Meganium, Typhlosion, Feraligatr, Slowking, Skarmory, Flygon, Torterra, Infernape, Empoleon, Luxray, Mismagius, Honchkrow, Rhyperior, Electivire, Magmortar, Froslass,
Regional or area variants for: Paras/ Parasect, Psyduck/ Golduck, Onix/ Steelix, Voltorb/ Electrode, Sentret/ Furret, Hoothoot/ Noctowl, Mareep/ Flaaffy/ Ampharos, Yanma/ Yanmega, Girafarig, Raikou, Entei, Suicune, Taillow/ Swellow, Skitty/ Delcatty, Gulpin/ Swalot, Wailmer/ Wailord, Kecleon, Absol, Relicanth, Bidoof/ Bibarel, Cherubi/ Cherrim, Buneary/ Lopunny, Hippopotas/ Hippowdon, Finneon/ Lumineon, Snivy/ Servine/ Serperior, Tepig/ Pignite/ Emboar, Oshawott/ Dewott/ Samurott, Woobat/ Swoobat, Happiny/ Chansey (Not Blissey), Dwebble/ Crustle, Vanillite/ Vanillish/ Vanilluxe, Bunnelby/ Diggersby
Those are just the ones for now. Some may not get anything, some may not make sense right now and that's fine. Anyways I hope yous enjoyed, bub bye!