Pokémon: Pallet Town Heroes
Hello again, Sorry for the late update last time... Even though I don't have a schedule. Anyway, I saw my first review. And, nice. Don't know how I would fix it, but ok. I just wanted to say, that Chapters might be slow because I'm trying to build my story on the go. Which is bad. So, after this chapter. I'll be building my story before writing. Even though I have something in mind, it is not concrete. I want it concrete. Also, It seems Oan Glalie has noticed this fanfiction, which is great. Also, check "Festival of Champions" it's a fan manga. It's freaking amazing.
Ash: Power of us Design, Dark blue backpack
Red: Manga look, yellow backpack
Blue: Long sleeve Purple shirt with a necklace, Green sack
Green: Manga look with a white belt, White messenger bag, and White gloves.
Sabrina: Red and black turtleneck, Black jeans with a silver belt. White gloves
I don't own anything, just the "story"
Chapter 2: Step 1.2 to 1.4
When Ash woke up he didn't know what to do. The night was pretty gloomy and because of that, he didn't feel like doing anything. Starly was silently sleeping to his side. He got up and got ready for his day. He would get food for both him and Starly and be on their way. He didn't think that anyone of them would actually travel with him. He came to terms with that late at night. There was no reason too. Green and Ash were going the same way, but she wouldn't travel with him after that incident.
He was in line to get his food and Starly when he noticed Green doing the same. Blasty was with her and happily eating. She was showing video's through a red calculator? He turned away after he didn't want to be expected of being weird. Ash got his food and was walking back to his room. The food for trainers and their Pokemon are free. Hand them your license and your guaranteed free food in the Pokemon center. Though there was the look Nurse Joy gave him after she saw his test score.
"Alright, I need to go straight to Cerulean. I need to get at least one Gym Badge and get stronger. But I could get a Pokemon in Mt. Moon," Ash was thinking about his plan. He wanted some more companions by his side. He wanted Starly to have friends as well. Besides, if he was good enough no one would know. He was good with Pokemon, so he could probably calm the one's that were hostile.
Ash didn't bother looking up and sped to his room. He opened the door and walked up to the sleeping Starly on the bed. He laid down the tray and begun to wake him up. Starly woke and started gobbling his food happily. Like the incident never happened. He smiled as he looked at Starly.
At least one of them wasn't thinking about it.
Green was looking in her Pokedex for the Pokemon in the vicinity. She was also recording the Pokemon around the cafeteria. So much was packed here and she felt herself being overwhelmed by what this device could do. She was petting Blasty and heard him purr with happiness. Green giggled at that. They were able to have these moments together.
As she was eating her alfredo when she noticed the lady, Sabrina, was in the telephone booth. If she was here, then Ash should be nor far behind here. Her eyebrows furrowed at that thought. They didn't exactly go to sleep on the best terms. With him accidentally traumatizing her. Green saw him getting food before leaving quickly. On one hand, she felt bad about this tension and wanted to talk to him. On the other hand.
Blasty was really defensive now.
His eyes always wandered about like if they were in enemy territory. She sighed. At night, she tried her best to explain that everything was fine. He didn't believe her and was always glaring at people and Pokemon that came too close.
It also didn't help she purposely avoided all the birds.
Green decided to buy extra supplies since Mt. Moon was quite big and was said to take multiple days of travel. Two with no stops and more if sightseeing. Cars are bad since the trails were too rocky and unstable for vehicles. It was also said to travel with a group, friends or not. Strong Pokemon dwelled in the area, and that was one of the main reasons the league prohibited anybody who isn't the Elite Four. There have been illegal sights of Team Rocket in the area. So, that was the second reason.
The league. There were so many problems in Kanto and Johto yet she heard nothing about it. Of course, there were press conferences, but the answers were all vague and sometimes deflected by officials. It was frustrating for everybody. She knew about how the local police force and trainers were helping, but that doesn't excuse the League from their lack of action.
They steal Pokemon for their greed, yet all investigations are either blown over or swept under.
Green didn't noticed Sabrina approach her, but Blasty did.
She heard him growl with this defensive ferocity. She turned to face what he was growling at. Sabrina was walking to her table with no hesitation. She deserved it. She was able to stop Blasty and Ash with no problem.
"What do you want Sabrina?"
"Cold, but fair. I was going to ask what are you going to do now?"
"Wellllll... I was planning on going straight to Cerulean City alone."
"But?"
"Whatever you're going to say might be worth something."
Sabrina's face had a surprised expression. Green has a small smug smile. Even though meeting her just last night, she only saw the stoic face. Good to know she had other emotions as well. Sabrina's face then went back to normal.
"I suggest going in a group as the travel pack said too."
"So, you, me, and Ash?"
"That would be Ideal if any more than they would slow us down."
"Hmmm... I don't know. Blasty here is really glaring at you." Blasty was glaring at her the whole time she was here. It was like this was his resting face. Green gave a tiny slap for him to stop.
"Glare any more and your face will morph into that like stome~" Blasty gave a small indignant cry before rubbing his face from the soreness.
Sabrina stared at the duo before putting her hands on her hips.
"So are you in?"
"... Alright I'm in."
"Good. I'll go get Ash and let's be on our way."
Sabrina left without a second thought. As Green watch her leave, she was glad that she didn't get questioned further. She was planning on doing something illegal. Like going into the prohibited area and maybe getting a Pokemon or two. There are more ways to get a Pokemon other than battling after all.
Sabrina sped past everyone to Ash's room. The door was closed. Sabrina didn't want to appear rude, so she knocked on the door. She heard no shuffling nor someone walking toward the door. She tried opening the door, but it wouldn't budge at all.
"Ash? You in there?"
... No response. Now she was a bit worried. Ash, from her experience with him, is excitable and naive. That either means, he is still asleep, or he's gone. Sabrina tried calling out again, and again no response. She bit the nail on her thumb or glove. That idiot was gone. She quickly made her way to the front of Nurse Joy.
"Hey, Sorry to bother you, but have you seen a 10-year-old boy? Blue and white jacket with red and yellow collar and hem, black shirt, a hat with a green triangle or something?"
"huh? Oh yeah, I saw him. He went about 5 minutes ago?" So he left already. That's just great. She had to tell the child of the Mask Man. If they could pick everything right now, they'll catch up to him.
"-He picked up all his essentials and made his way to Mt. Moon... Hey? are you listening?"
Sabrina turned to Nurse Joy as she said, "Yes I heard you." That was a lie.
"Are you traveling with him? I'm worried he'll get into trouble. I saw his license when he got to his room. He has the lowest possible grade a trainer could get. But, if someone like you is traveling with him, I guess he's going to be fine."
"Yes, trainers like that are very troublesome." Sabrina had to deal with them all the time. Why did Giovanni always go for them? They were plentiful but annoying and weak.
Sabrina walked away. She saw Green in the front waiting. Blasty wasn't around, so that meant he was in his Pokeball. Walking briskly to her she grabbed her arm and walked off to Mt. Moon.
"H-hey!? I thought we were wai-" "He already left." "What!?" "That idiot has no patience. So, we have to catch up to him." "Wha- He's gone!" "Yes, Didn't I just say that. Let's go." "ugh, damn it, Ash."
Ash was humming while walking towards Mt. Moon. Starly was flying overhead and around him. He laughed when Starly started acted funny. Starly knew when something was up with Ash. It was like they were lifelong friends. He was excited. As he was walking and squeezing by trainers he finally saw the entrance up close.
There was a police officer in one of those ticket boxes you always see in amusement parks and airports. It seems that Officer Jenny was allowing those with a trainer license to enter. He cringed as he remembers his grade. This feeling was like presenting in front of your class, but you didn't do your work, and the class knew you didn't do your work. But the teacher forces you up there anyway. He had this anxiety after the first class he had with the other kids.
That wasn't going to stop him though. He loved Pokemon more than this fear. That's why he wanted to be a Pokemon Master. So he stepped forward towards Officer Jenny while preparing his trainer license. Then he rubbed his head and waited in line like a normal person.
Looking forwards he could see she was dividing up the trainers into groups. I guess this is normal for all since no one was making a fuss. Soon enough it was his turn. He got his wallet out and took out his license.
Trainer: Ash Ketchum
Place of Birth: Pallet Town
Trainer Class: Trainer
Grade: 65
He gave it to Officer Jenny who took it and placed it in a scanner. She wanted to make sure too so she told him specifically, "Make sure to stay with your group, and go straight towards Cerulean City, no detours." "O-okay I got, no detours." "Good. Why did they have to make the final grade so damn low." She muttered that to herself. Too bad Ash heard her. He didn't do anything wrong, so why did she talk with such derision.
"Hey! You shouldn't judge someone on their grade!" Jenny looked surprised by his outburst and was about to retort.
"Hey! Ash!" Ash looked behind him and saw people speed walking to him. Green and Sabrina. He heard the beep for his license. He quickly took it and turned towards the two girls.
"Hey, uh, good morning."
"Good morning Ash."
"...Yep, good morning. Anyway, I have to get to my group."
"No-no-no. You, are going with us."
'Wha- b- but-" "But nothing!" "Quiet children." Both Ash and Green glared at her. Well, Green did. Ash just stared uncomfortably.
"Hey! you guys are holding up the line." Officer Jenny piped up as they turned to her. Sabrina walked over to her with a purpose. she put her Trainer license for Officer Jenny to take. Jenny grabbed it muttering about rude people. She paled when she saw her license. Huh, what did she see?
"O-okay, uh, yeah, that'll do. Be on your way. Sorry for any trouble." Jenny gave back her license and bowed slightly. Sabrina walked back to the two kids grabbing both of their arms and pass the Arched entrance to Mt. Moon.
Mt. Moon
As the three walked their way through the trail Ash was walking just a bit out there to be not too close to Sabrina and Green. He had his arms out while walking on the edge of the trail. On his left side is a cliff and at the bottom were clusters of the tree that spread far. As for as the eye can see. They were pretty high up there. It was beautiful. The trail they were following went up the mountain before weaving around, up, and down.
"Hey, Sabrina is there any reason the Mountain is like this? I know that it was once a cave with three floors, but now seeing that the guide said to travel not in the cave. I also know that meteors sometimes fall here. So is there... any reason that was given?"
Sabrina turned her eyes away from the map and looked at Green, who is to her side.
"As you would know, there was an explosion 50 years ago. That caused most of the caves and tunnels to collapse. Due to such a massive explosion and subsequent crater, the league has decided to forge a new path for people to safely make their way from one part of Kanto to another. On the other hand, The collapse of tunnels and caves blocked most entryways to the top of the mountain, which was sacred to a lot of indigenous people. It's a rumor that a lot of wild Pokemon around and living had a spiritual connection to that place."
"And with that happening, many Pokemon moved into the mountain as there was now more space for them."
"Was the crater that big?"
"Yes, it was. Many Pokemon like Kangaskhan made their home in that new crater. That crater was big enough for Pokemon that many of them that didn't live here, could take up residence very easily."
"...Wait, why wouldn't the League just clear the caves and open up new tunnels?"
"The caves are unstable if they were cleared out, and opening up new tunnels would bring up the new problem. Team Rocket."
"Wouldn't the League be strong enough to handle it?"
"That depends, The League is strong, but Team Rocket has numbers. Their leader is incredibly smart. he strikes at opportune times. Team Rocket is already stretching them and the government thin."
"Hmm..."
Green looked up to try to see the top of Mt. Moon. When she saw it, she had no way to explain it perfectly. The "peak" was like a dome turned 180 degrees. It seemed that the meteor combined with the rocks and ground and melded. The open reverse dome was a bit smaller than the bottom of the mountain. Given the fact that the impact was huge, The entire mountain melded with the meteor and created this funnel shape with two ends. One was attached to the ground, the other facing the sky. Like two funnels put together with the narrow side attached and melted to another. So, it was pretty big and wide. If what Sabrina said was true, then there was no way to get into the dome-shaped peak. You would have to make new tunnels to get there. Flying wasn't an option for any of them. Particularly strong bird Pokemon flew the skies.
Green shivered at that thought. She thought about it again. Why didn't the Elites handle it? Or at least someone of higher caliber investigates the inner dome and go in? It was perplexing. The government and the League were not the same, yet they worked together, especially if it involved Pokemon.
She turned to Ash who was a bit ahead of them still balancing on the edge.
"Hey, Ash! Get away from the edge!" "Why are you worrying, I'm fine." Green began scolding him, while he deflects the attention. You could tell he was out of it.
"It's not even that steep." "It'S nOt EvEn THat SteEP," Green repeated after Ash. "Hey!" "HEy!" "Stop it!" "StOp IT!" Their faces were nose to nose. Green had a smug smirk while Ash was grinding his teeth.
It stayed like this for a few seconds. "H-hey!" Green jabbed him. "S-stop that!" She jabbed him again. "S-st-stop th- pfff-!" "Stop what? Stop what?" Green smirk turning smile before a full grin with white teeth burst onto her face. Ash tried to protect his sides and body, but that didn't seem to work. He was giggling while trying to talk. "N-no N-not T-t-ther- pfff~!" Ash could barely keep it in.
Sabrina shook her head seeing this. Green saw that Ash was uncomfortable, so she fixed that. She said that they weren't close on the way out of the Pokemon center. Maybe she's building a bridge.
Whatever it is, Ash seemed to be connecting to it, and so is Green.
Sabrina's head perked up. She sensed something coming from inside the mountain. Focusing on it, she was able to sense a group of Pokemon... digging a tunnel? Why that maybe, doesn't matter. They were close by. The trail that wrapped around the mountain was about to have a new tunnel, for the first time in 50 years. The three might be the first normal "trainers" that get to enter the inside of the mountain and dome.
"Green, Ash. Get behind me." Both of them looked at her surprised. Then, Green took Ash's arm and dragged him behind the Lady. As Sabrina prepared to send out a Pokemon. The side of the mountain burst open. A giant dust cloud enveloped the area. Sabrina now has a more clear sense of them knew that the group of Pokemon was injured. She was about to learn only to be cut off. Seeing a pink glow in the dust cloud, she sent out Kadabra. Yellow body, a big bushy tail, whiskers, and a spoon.
Kadabra stared at the pink glow, only to glow himself. Kadabra forced the dust to clear. The three then saw what caused the dust cloud and mini-explosion.
What the pink glow came from was a small pink creature. it had brown horn ears with even pinker blushes. It looked roughed up. What was behind it was a multitude of Pokemon. digletts, butterfries, beedrills, and some that they didn't know.
One was a small green biped creature with a 'fin' on top of its head. It had red eyes with black fang-like markings. A red diamond belly and holes in its body. It looked irritated.
The 'leader', pink and small glared at them and was tensing pretty hard. It could sense the psychic abilities of not only the Kadabra but that lady as well. This deal became bad to worse to horrible. It was his duty to get his community out of danger.
Sabrina had hundreds of plans swirling in her mind. Team Rocket could already get in, but this tunnel could change many things. If the government were to discover this, the operation would fail. She would have to seal this up. She could make an excuse, they would believe her. Sabrina and Kadabra's eyes started glowing in sync and the pressure started becoming heavier. All the Pokemon were tensing.
"Clefairy, the fairy Pokemon. Its magical and cute appeal has many admirers. It is rare and found only in certain areas."
"It's so cuuute!"
"It is! By the way, what is that?"
"This? It's a Pokedex."
"A Pokedex?"
Sabrina stopped before turning and staring at the two newbies. Were they really doing this? Do they have any awareness?
Green and Ash were huddled looking at the red device. Ash in awe at the device he called a calculator. Green was clicking and pressing buttons to learn about the Clefairy. Green was also looking at the situation, but her curiosity got the better of her. Ash was focused on the Pokemon too, but for another reason. Just by looking at them, you could tell they weren't in the best of shape. The scratches and bruises along with this sense of fatigue that they carried.
Ash didn't just see the pain on them, he didn't just see the physical. He knew they were scared, that their hopes were nearly crushed, he could sense it. They just looked about to give up. They felt that this was the worse situation.
Looking even further back at the end of the group was a yellow quadruped with a blue, yellow stomach, brown head, yellow eared animal on its back. It was the weak-willed glare and panting that made it looked vulnerable. It didn't help that the blue animal looked very concerned about the yellow mouse. The yellow mouse looked lost upon seeing them.
Ash decided to do help them.
Pikachu was going to run. Ditch the others and get out of here. Nothing would change in their home. They had to cut their losses and go. The flying Pokemon that surrounded the dome were either with the Nidoking or too busy fighting them off. It felt like a full-blown civil war. They don't know what happened to their mom.
Their mom is gone. They left her. Pikachu failed her again. He put himself and everyone in danger. His mom wouldn't like him abandoning the others, but it was for their family. So, why was he rooted in this spot? They had three humans in front of them. It seemed that only one of them was any danger. The tall lady.
The others were smaller than her. they were around 5 feet. They had Pokeballs on their waist. He growled at that. Were they together with the other humans? They didn't look like it, but appearances can be deceiving.
His checks sparked as the one with the hat got closer. Every Pokemon got ansty.
"Ash! what are you doing!?"
"Trying to help! They're scared!"
He put his hands up in a surrendering manner. His face was kind and soft. He looked inviting. Baby kangaskhan was whispering into his ear about relaxing. Pikachu didn't trust the human. And so did a lot of them. Clefairy, the one who leads them out with the help of the digletts, looked conflicted. Clefairy could sense intentions, from the lady in red, she was a threat. The boy, however, was wearing his emotions on his sleeve. You could see it in his eyes that he cared.
Having two humans with such contradictory emotions made this extremely difficult to choose.
The young boy took off his backpack and opened it and brought out a bottle with a spray attached to it.
"Don't worry. I can heal you. I have plenty of potions in my backpack. You can trust me~"
He stretched his arm out, holding the potion towards them to take. He shook his bag for them to hear the noises. He had plenty.
The most distrustful of them, Larvitar, growled at that. He was stolen just like this. His home was right connected to this region. He got lost and a human just like this wanted to 'help' him out. That's how he got stolen from his family. His dad and mom. When he figured that out, he tried running from them, but he only got so far before they caught him.
Larvitar picked up a pretty big rock. His hand glowed and so too, did the rock. With no one to stop him, he used rock throw.
Clefairy saw an attacking fly past him before panicking. Picking a fight with these people was a bad idea. That lady in red was extremely powerful. Her Pokemon weren't weak either.
Ash saw the rock speeding towards him. With a quick tap of Starly's Pokeball, it opened. The rock was about to collide with his face. Before it was split in half and went wide to both of his sides, missing him. What cut that attack was a wing of steel. Starly looked not angry, but cautious.
Larvitar snarled at that and ran to the front of the group. Pikachu was with him on that, but before the two could continue Pikachu was hit on the head. It was his brother. The baby glared at him that told him to stop. Pikachu looked back towards the group of Pokemon. Clefairy's face begged them to stop. The other Pokemon that mainly did the fighting due to them being older also did. They had no energy left.
Pikachu stopped the electricity flowing through his body. Larvitar only blew air through his nose before stopping. Before Pikachu could stop him, his brother waddled towards the boy.
"Pika! Pika-PikaPi!"
He was ignored by his brother. The baby Kangaskhan waddled to Ash's stretched out arm. He looked at Ash as if they were talking through their eyes.
"Don't worry about it~ I'm fine. Here, use the potion like this."
The brother took the potion out of Ash's hand and waddled back to Pikachu. Pikachu was cautious about the device. He didn't know what it did. He didn't trust the human, but he did his brother.
His brother soon sprayed Pikachu down. He felt better. the feeling of the liquid covering his bruises instantly made him feel stronger. Before you knew it, Pikachu was fully healed.
This motion somehow eased the Pokemon Refugee's nerves. This bottle could ease their pain and fatigue. Larvitar still looked hesitant.
"I got more if you need it." Ash piped in to assure them.
"I do too. I also know how to use a medical kit." Green made herself a part of the conversation.
Sabrina powered down and so did Kadabra. Kadabra looked back to Sabrina. She shook her head and returned him. This might pose a problem. Ash wanted to help these Pokemon, and that brought Green to help as well. They'll be dragged into whatever the Pokemon were dealing with. Whatever that entails, she was dreading it.
With some translating from Sabrina, and Ash just understanding them for some reason, they were able to deduce that their home was in danger. From a group of people and some other Pokemon. How those People got there, Green may just find out.
Green looked at her Pokedex, 20 minutes have passed already. Sabrina ushered them in the tunnel. She had to try a bit more for the Pokemon since that was what they were trying to escape. She sealed up the exit with her psychic abilities, with the help of digletts of course. Ash and Green were giving potions liberally to the Pokemon.
Starly was clear away from Green and not in her view. Starly didn't want to start another fight. Ash looked a bit nervous. It seems that he also didn't want another incident. Sabrina was sitting on the floor as the rest of them but had her eyes closed and arms crossed, lightly tapping her left arm rhythmically.
Green paid no attention to Starly, but the Larvitar. The Pokedex said he came from Mt. Silver or Seyvault canyon. So, seeing one here was surprising. Such a rare Pokemon, oooooh she wanted it.
The Larvitar was clearly irritated by her nagging. It was because of the potion that he didn't yell at her. She was waving to him with such an innocent face that it couldn't mean anything good.
The baby Kangaskhan was playing with Ash and Starly, much to Pikachu's chagrin. Baby Kangaskhan roped in some Digletts and butterfries. Even though the tunnel was a bit narrow, it was still big enough for them to sit by and play with each other. They were so focused on that they w=mad a quite loud ruckus. Sabrina scolded them to not make that much noise.
Clefairy had some of the older Pokemon with him decide on what they would do. They all wanted to go back and be back home. But, due to the other humans and Nidoking, they were unsure about it. They also had inexperienced Pokemon. They would be put in danger. The humans that found them might be able to help. But they were only a few, and the humans in black were many.
Ash looked at the Clefairy and the older Pokemon. He wanted to help them more than anything. He and Starly understood each other, so Starly knew what Ash wanted to do. Starly heard about what they were talking about. Those humans in black. From the brief taking he eavesdropped in, they sounded like those that took him. And if that's true.
There would be hell to pay.
As Starly was stewing and Ash was looking for a way to help, Sabrina was sensing outside the tunnel and ahead. She was on edge. Team Rocket's operation in Mt. Moon was already rough, but if they step in, They might have to scrap it altogether. Or, they could kidnap both. That could bring Ho-Oh's wrath if they took her Rainbow Hero and the Masked Man's wrath as well.
Dealing with Ho-Oh wasn't worth the trouble. The Operation wasn't worth it. She came to that conclusion with all these factors. She could explain to Giovanni why later.
"We'll help you."
Sabrina looked up. Ash was standing up and looking at Clefairy. She looked around and everyone was watching. Clefairy had a hesitant look on his face. How could this human be this confident? Sabrina had to say something.
"Wait Ash, we have to think this through. This is Mt. Moon we're talking about, the place with incredibly strong Pokemon. Even with Clefairy and some others, we would still be at a disadvantage. And what do you gain from this?"
"Who cares if I don't gain anything. I don't need a reason to help someone."
There was a silence that prolonged for quite a long time. Such a basic answer to it all. There had to e something more. No one would do that for something so simple. Pikachu didn't believe him, neither did Larvitar or Sabrina.
Green just sighed and closed her eyes. Ash always butted in when he believed something was wrong. Sometimes it blows up in his face, and sometimes it works. But, in all those times, he never once looked hesitant to help someone out. Of course, he was a kid like Green, so he was bratty and whiny sometimes. that didn't stop his love for Pokemon though.
"PikaPi!" Pikachu growled at him. Challenging him on it. If he actually believed it. He would stand there unflinchingly.
Electricity sparked around him as he charged up. Everyone backed up with Green yelling about stopping this. Ash just stood rooted in his spot. Well, he wasn't smiling that confident smile. Starly was near Sabrina not wanting to be part of this, and he knew Ash would be fine. He was going to try and stop Sabrina if she interfered.
More and more electricity was being produced before Pikachu jumped up and rounded out before shouting and letting sparks fly.
"Piiika-CHUUUU!" The thunderbolt was heading straight for Ash. Not blinking, but sweating a bit. He bit his lip. This was going to hurt. He smiled a bit. He wasn't smart like the others. His grade showed it. How brash he usually is and how fast he trust people also showed it too. What's wrong with wanting to believe others? He knows you shouldn't believe others when they look sleazy, but you shouldn't base on appearance. That's what they all say.
He wasn't as smart as the others, but he wasn't dumb. At least, not dumb enough to get hit on purpose.
Just when the Thunderbolt was about to hit him square in the face. He clumsily took his head out of the way for the Bolt of Lightning to head straight. The Thunderbolt went straight to the exit of the tunnel, from where the Pokemon came from.
Seeing as there was no explosion or fried kid, everyone let out a breath of relief. Ash's face was firm. He lost that smile, but the confidence was still there.
A tense silence stayed within the atmosphere. Ash and Pikachu were staring, well, Pikachu was glaring at him.
Without any signal, Pikachu 'tsked'. before turning away from Ash. Did he really think he could do anything? If he wouldn't stay still and firm on this. He would just run away when the going got tough. He's a coward. Beli-
"You're pretty dumb, you know."
Pikachu stopped. He turned his head and growled. Really? Was he really going to say that? "PikaPi! Pikapika!"
"Was hitting me with lightning going to prove anything? Why does my getting hurt prove what I want to do? That's stupid. I want to help you, not fight you. I know you're in pain, I can see it. But that doesn't give you the right to harm someone else who has nothing to do with it."
Pikachu got less certain.
"You throwing lightning and me not wanting to get hurt for no apparent reason has nothing to do with helping. getting hurt for no reason will not do anything. That does nothing to prove to you that I want to help."
His voice was rooted. It was rooted in the need to help the Pokemon around him. That feeling resonated with Clefairy. He had sensed the emotion. Clefairy has rarely felt anything that solid. It was like a comforting golden glow of warmth.
Pikachu looked less and less certain with each word that Ash has said. Each word hit him in the heart. It was only them in that scene. Pikachu was sweating. His scowl and eyes were wavering.
Ash took a step forward, he took a step back. Ash didn't go any further but instead opened his arms to Pikachu.
"I want to help you. Nothing will change that. Hurting someone to prove their faith is wrong. You don't have to worry. I won't abandon you."
Ash, when saying that, had a smile that was inviting only held what he said. He wouldn't leave them. Pikachu for all the anger and resentment, could not speak. He looked towards his brother. Baby Kangaskhan looked at him. Pikachu didn't know what to do. Why help someone who just attacked you with lightning? He was ashamed.
Pikachu could feel tears welling up in his eyes. He was crying. He gave a short and small laugh only he could hear. He was pathetic, wasn't he? He wasn't the one that almost got hit by Lightning. Even so, he held his head up to see Ash.
Ash was still looking at him. This time, when Pikachu finally looked at him, His smile got wider showing his white teeth.
Pikachu, slowly and a bit clumsily walked into Ash's arms. He let the tears out, finally, he let his tears out. Like a weight finally left him. he felt his brother by his side and the bird, Starly, on his other side. All his rage left, maybe not forever, but right at this moment, he felt relieved and happy.
Larvitar looked on. The look was indescribable, it looked like envy and melancholy at the same time. With something a bit more. Green looked at Larvitar before smiling a bit. She knew that feeling. She knew it quite well. What Ash just did, was something special.
Green crouched down poking Larvitar's left shoulder. Larvitar turned to look at Green.
"You know~. You don't have to be alone. I can help you. Maybe not like Ash there, but I'm willing to listen." Larvitar stared at her before turning away and walking to Clefairy, who was on the other side.
Green sighed before walking to Sabrina to go get Ash. She had a smug grin when she saw Larvitar looking at her before hastily looking away when she caught him.
Clefairy felt hope. He had finally felt hope in this situation. This stalwart boy and his companions could help them. They might be a little group, but they had a chance. the lady in red was dangerous, but only to her enemies. If she was with them, they had a chance.
Sabrina looked on at the group hug. Was this why Ho-Oh chose him. This Sympathy he showed to others? Or maybe it was the empathy? Sabrina had to watch him closely. She noticed Green walking towards her. Looks like they were stepping in.
"Thank you, guys. For sticking with me."
"Well, leaving you to do this by yourself would be trashy. And you did put on a show."
"C'moooonnnn. Don't embarrass me!? I wanted him to feel safe! I didn't do it to put on a show."
"Hehe. I know. I was just teasing you. You did something amazing."
"...Thank you." Ash looked away before looking down at the ground. He mustered some strength before turning back to Green.
"I'm sorry."
"...? What for?"
"For not saying anything before. For making it awkward. For causing you trouble. For mes-"
"Woah! Slow down a bit. What do you mean before?"
"Leaving you two. For the kind of ignoring you and Sabrina a bit. That was mean. I-I-I thought you guys wouldn't want to be near me after the trouble that happened last night."
"The night before? I said it before, but you don't need to apologize... Anymore."
"Y-yeah I know. I just feel a bit... guilty? Still? I don't know how to say it."
Green hummed before closing her eyes and looking up. With her hands on her hips, she thought about it. The group of three and the Pokemon resistance was walking towards the inner dome of Mt. Moon. It excited Green to know they were the few that get to go inside Mt. Moon. Them! Blue and Red would eat it. She came back to Ash with her organized thoughts.
"I can't ease you out of the guilt, You have to do that yourself, but I guess I should apologize as well."
"Huh? Why? You didn't do anything bad?"
"I know I didn't do anything bad. But when I got to Pallet Town for the first time, you were the first person to be kind to me. And I, well, ignored and avoided you, you know?"
"Oh, that! Yeah, that hurt me a bit, but you don't have to worry about it. I already experienced that, usually anyway because of the other kids."
Even though Ash didn't take stock in what he said, Green did. She winced at that. To get rejected by the people you basically grew up with probably hurts. She knew Blue was an ass to him, but Red was nice, kind've? Red was polite, but he surpassed Ash in bullheadedness by a mile. So, he was probably too busy with that.
Ash looked like he wasn't affected by what he said.
He walked up to Sabrina as Green was stewing in her thoughts.
"Hey, Sabrina. I just wanted to say sorry."
"Apology accepted."
Ash paused a bit before hastily speed walking up to her.
"Wait? Seriously!?"
"Yep. Why so surprised? Green said you didn't need to apologize to her, but to me, who you just left, was warranted. And you did. So I accept."
"Why? I mean why want to travel with me?"
"...Because I want to see what you will do."
"What I will do?"
"What you will do. I want to see where you go. I sense something special about you. But that's not the main reason. That connection you have is quite special. And, I guess, You are a bit fun to have around."
"..."
Ash stayed silent, but he was quite happy, really happy. He had a friend to go on an adventure with. He giggled a bit.
"...Wait how old are you?"
"Bold, are we?"
"Y-yeah I guess I am."
"Hmm. 16." She easily lied as she breathed
"...Oh 16?"
"...? Why so disappointed?"
"Well, I maybe wanted a friend to be my age."
"You have Green, don't you?"
"I-I guess I do."
"Plus I don't trust 10-year-olds to fix anything. They would probably make things worse."
"Hey!"
"That's not true!"
Sabrina huffed, "You need someone older to take care of children like you."
"So, you're a mom?" Green snickered as she said that. Ash tilted his head down and walked a bit faster.
"...Hmmm..." Sabrina ignored the comment before saying, "Well, I guess to an immature brat like you, sure. You sure were something back in the Pokemon Center. Oh calm down sweetie~ Mother's here~ You don't have to worry about the big bad bird."
"Hrrk"
"..."
"...What? Too far?" Even though Sabrina said that like out of concern. That smile spoke anything but that.
Green looked at her with some form of blank indignant stare. She saw Ash trying not to laugh a bit, since he knows it was dark. That baby voice Sabrina did make him laugh though.
Green jabbed him in the sides to make him squeak. He stopped laughing.
All this stopped when they saw the light at the end of the tunnel. They were here. In the inner parts of the new Mt. Moon. Inside the crater that the meteor caused. The new habitat that didn't allow humans anymore. Clefairy led the group towards the exit. With a look of determination, he marched forward.
Ash made sure Starly was on his shoulder. He didn't feel like a weight anymore. He also made sure Pikachu and baby Kangaskhan was by his side. Pikachu looked up at him while Ash looked down. He showed Pikachu his smile. He wasn't alone in this. They had everyone. Pikachu gave a less confident smile, but it was a smile.
Together they exited the tunnel into the reverse dome. And what was at the end was more than they bargained for.
They could see the entirety of the forestry plains of New Mt. Moon. They weren't on the plain but apart of the cliffs inside the funnel-shaped mountain. They were a bit up. Just enough to see everything. It was beautiful. From rivers that had no explanation for being here to the trees that covered the plains to the clumps that make the forest.
Ash and Green thought it was breathtaking.
Sabrina sense her compatriots.
Though they were on a cliff, they had no way to get to the plain. That was until Clefairy signaled the Digletts. The Digletts made quick work and made a way down going inwards flowing through the rocks and boulders of the sides. of the New Mt. Moon. Ash was the first to go to the New trail followed by starly and Pikachu with his brother. Clefairy hastily followed with Sabrina. Green looked at the plains from the cliffside. She saw it. The base. No Pokemon base would look that human.
That had to be Team Rockets, no doubt. Stealing Pokemon under everyone's noses would be something they always did. She made the mark in her mind before joining the others.
The doing would be harder than the planning.
"Alright, I saw the base from up there. We'll strike it with all we've got. Team Rocket is probably the culprit. They are notorious for stealing Pokemon or poaching them. That means if we free the Pokemon in their base, we can drive them out."
"You were able to figure all that out? That's amazing!"
"Yup. Now let's go."
Before the two could make a move, Clefairy stopped them. He wanted to make a plan first, jumping head in would make things worse.
"Hey! C'mon! Let's stop waiting!"
"Hold on, we need a plan to actually solve this."
"Can' we walk and plan?"
"Yes, we can, but remember that Pokemon live here, and I don't think they would take kindly to seeing humans. Especially if the only humans they experience are Team Rocket."
Sabrina made sense. They both mulled it over. Seeing her plan was a lot better they went with it.
They needed to hatch a plan.
Nidoking didn't remember when he got this power. All he knew was that he was strong enough to rule. To rule over those that were weaker than him. that was their way of life. The strong stomp on the weak. he didn't remember when he started colluding with those humans in black. But they made him stronger than the rest. That made the rubble finally respect him.
And all he needs to do was to give some of the rubble to the humans and they gave him this power. It felt amazing. He couldn't live without it.
He needed more of this. He felt he could take on mythic and the Gods themselves.
"Pidgeot! Pidgey Pidgeot!"
He looked at his servant who flew to the ground before him and bowed. Pidgeot said that a group of runaways returned. Multiple groups ran, but this was a first. And they brought humans. Those traitors.
Thinking they could take away his power. Thinking that some humans could actually help them. He had to teach them something. He told Pidgeot to get the others. They had some cowards to deal with.
The operation was finally going smoothly. Finally. Sierra could finally relax a bit. Manipulating that particular Nidoking made this a lot quicker. Should've done it sooner. They were able to do some tests about the drugs. Nidoking was the perfect specimen. And, they now had a collection of strong Pokemon just waiting to be subjugated.
"Pff-huuuuh" *CRACK* Yes, subjugated. She sighed to herself as she saw a grunt come in flying, burnt, and knocked out. Of course, what could she actually think about her grunts? They were incompetent. They just had to choose the lowest of the low. Couldn't they just bribe stronger trainers? Seriously, quality over quantity. But, the boss's word is the boss's word.
She could relax while they did a painful job.
*Fffff-BOOOOOOM!* She quickly got up from her chair. That sounded like it came from the testing grounds. What was happening? Was a test going wild? She ran out of her office and squeezed by some tents set up. Some tents were destroyed with the now free Pokemon running wild and causing mayhem.
"Alright! Who did this! You'll pay for messing this! The pain will only increase the more you hide!" Her face was contorted into a snarl with her voice becoming coarse. If it was the grunts, they would pay. It didn't matter if they begged or pledged their allegiance. They were wasting time. Her time.
"It was me. I destroyed it. It felt good."
She instantly turned around to face the perpetrator. She was stunned.
"W-WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!"
It was Sabrina. She had an impassive face. It oozed superiority.
"DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU JUST DID! IF GIOVANNI HEARS THIS YOU'LL BE DE-"
"Giovanni ordered this."
"...What."
"Yeah, he said 'Destroy all progress of Sierra, make her weep and cry to mommy' Don't take my word. Take his word." She still had an impassive face
Sierra was red. She looked like a volcano. Her eyes were popped and wide. You could see the red veins.
"But, no, seriously. He said that it was my planned to go before all others. Of course, not his personal plan, but every other. My plan would lead to the capture of the Rainbow Pokemon, Ho-Oh."
Sierra stopped at that. So this was part of another plan? And she was in the way? Was that what she was? Leading an operation only for it blow because of another plan. A plan to capture something that might not exist. That was bullshit. Mythics and legendaries exist, but only if there was proof, the rest were rumors.
She laughed a quiet one before it got increasingly louder and louder. It was hysterical at the end.
"You Damn BITCH!" Sierra threw out a Pokeball. A flash of white torn through the ball. What came out had curled white horns, White bones on its back, a skull-like oval on the bottoms of its neck. He had a red snout and underbelly. A tail that at the tip was a pointed arrow. On the ankles were chain like bones.
Houndoom growled like a predator sizing up a rival. Like someone taking its territory. It snarled even louder when it saw Sabrina. A filthy psychic.
Sabrina snorted before sending out Kadabra.
"Sabrina, don't underestimate me!"
"I'm not. I'm putting in the effort need to win, nothing more, nothing less."
"rrrrRRRAHHH!" With an angry cry, Sierra ordered Houndoom to attack.
*fffff-BOOOOOOOM* Ash and Green were knocking down any cage or tube they found. Blasty bashed his way through each cage he found. He bit. He blew with water or covered his fist with ice.
Starly was practicing his Steel wing on the cages wearing them down. He was having a blast. ash helped Pokemon that were free get back to their feet and run. Some decided to stay and help their friends that were still stuck. Together and ambushing the Team Rocket grunts made things a lot easier.
Some of those 'friends' didn't budge. They didn't move. Those Pokemon were gone. Nothing would change that.
Ash's stomach churned at that thought. He knew Pokemon and People don't live forever. But this wasn't a way to go. Being trapped and stuffed in these confines would be unbearable. He quickly opened any cages he could and helped carry some Pokemon out. They were heavy, but that didn't matter to him.
Green was ordering and directing the resistance to be the most efficient. Her face was scary when battling. It was the only focus on her mind and she made it work. All the Pokemon followed her orders with this adrenaline. Whether they were impressed or scared, he didn't know.
Green surveyed the area. It seems they got the bulk of the Pokemon out, now they had only single cages that were pulled out and placed somewhere else. After that, they would be done.
*Phwwwwwh-BOOOOM* A loud whistling noise before an even louder crash came from the west. She turned and tensed. The dust quickly cleared and what came out were multiple strong Pokemon. Some were Nidorino and Nidorina. Sprinkled among them were some Nidokings and Nidoqueens. Some were... birds. Blasty would have to take them out first. None of them looked friendly. Most of them had this aura of malice that permeated the air.
Ash was gone. She last saw him taking some injured Pokemon into the woods. He wouldn't back for some time. It was up to her and the Pokemon around them. Most of the Pokemon they saved was looking angrily at them.
This looked like a war. Two armies met in a clearing that was in smokes and cages around. A bird Pokemon dove for her.
"Blasty, no mercy! Ice Punch!" Blasty propelled himself towards the bird and reared back his fist. Ice was soon coated onto it before he launched it. He struck the beak that made a *Craaaaack* and went tumbling down to the ground. The bird Pokemon partially coated in ice was them bombarded by the freed Pokemon. He was gonna look rough after that.
If he's even left.
She turned her head to the rest of the pack and so did Blasty. Her face didn't become a snarl, but her eyebrows dipped down and her face became hard as stone. Like a machine, she gave out her orders to attack.
It seemed that General Green would command a decisive battle against the tyrant's army.
Ash was able to finally rest a bit. He transported the last Pokemon bulk that was injured or subjected to test to some Pokemon 'nurses'. Starly was on the lookout. So was Pikachu, but he usually looked just a bit farther to see something. Or someone.
His mother wasn't part of the caged Pokemon. he heard that some of the cages were placed separately from the bulk, so that gave him hope. But not much. He looked back to the human. He was thankful for him and his companions. If it weren't for them, they would have run from their home.
Now he had to get his mother back.
*THUMP*
The group of Pokemon and Ash looked towards the noise. It was getting closer. Most of the Pokemon that weren't injured were wary of that noise. Only one Pokemon could make that loud noise. It was etched into their minds.
*THUMP* *THUMP* *THUMP* *THUM-THU-THU-THU-TH-TH-THUMP-THUMP-THUMP* *Phwwwwwwwwwwhhhhhhht* *fffffFFFF-BOOOOOOM*
The huddled Pokemon scrambled out of the way. Ash was shoulder carried out of the way by Clefairy. They were too slow and were caught up in the boom. Clefairy and Ash were sent flying to the trees near Starly and Pikachu. Starly screeched as he saw Ash flying on Clefairy's shoulder.
Clefairy was able to land safely and dropped Ash with a thud. "ow." Clefairy looked at the spot that he crashed into. He needed to be ready. His palms glowed pink before he sent the healing pulse into the ground, sending it to his allies. The resistance roared as they were healed. They got up and were ready to fight.
A Dodrio with its three heads charged up to three attacks. One of fire, one of lightning, and one of water. It was charged to its max before letting it run asunder towards the tyrant.
All three attacks coalesce and formed a giant beam.
It was met by an even stronger one.
Hyper Beam.
the two attacks collided rending the ground below obsolete. The ground cracked under the pressure of the two attacks before it became rocks and boulders that flew to the sky. It caused a loud boom that shook. Ash and dust flooded the area.
Ash covered his eyes. He felt Starly on his shoulder trying to clear the dust. Pikachu hugged Ash's leg to not fly away. So did baby Kangaskhan.
After the dust cleared they saw the tyrant
Purple with spikes that went down its back. A longhorn. A white armor stomach. Large mouse ears purple outside, and blue-green on the inside. Sharp teeth with jagged edge jaw. It stood tall and menacing. No pupil was within his eyes. Just sharp white. It felt like his eyes saw nothing, yet saw everything.
Yet no one backed down. They would not cower in the face of a monster.
It stood straight up. It was twice as tall as most Nidoking. 2.8 meters. The anger on his face showed. Letting out an intimidating roar, it made most Pokemon scrambled out of the area.
The only Pokemon could that fight that were left were Dodrio, Clefairy, Pikachu, and Starly. Baby Kangaskhan couldn't fight, so he was hiding. 4 Pokemon and a human boy.
Ash gritted his teeth. Nidoking was terrifying. Starly bristled at him. Pikachu growled and got on all four of his paws. This was payback.
Ash readjusted his hat and smiled a bit. This was his first fight. It wasn't the time to be, but he was excited.
"Alright! Starly, Agility! Pikachu, use Thunderbolt on the ground!" Pikachu was surprised, but Starly immediately did what was commanded. Pikachu followed suit, he jumped up and charged his bolt of lightning before letting it rain unto the ground around Nidoking.
The ground cracked and crashed against each other, causing it to rupture. Dust dilled the area, while Starly built of speed and rushed to Nidoking.
Dodrio gave out a cry and summoned four swords that made her stronger. She then rushed to the Nidokings area using Drill Peck.
Clefairy clapped his hands together giving a boost to Dodrio.
"Starly give him a Steel Wing! Pikachu, Double Team!" Starly rushed before diving and flying up, trying to uppercut Nidoking. Nidoking tilted his head up dodging the Steel wing, or he did the minimal effort too.
Dodrio was now by Nidokings side, before letting her three heads rain upon him. He stepped back multiple times while deflecting or blocking the three heads onslaught.
"Pi-pi-pi-pi-PIKAAA!"
He looked backward and saw 4 Pikachus moving erratically towards him. They all span and somersaulted into the air and letting out stars from their tail.
Nidoking quickly grabbed one of Dodrio's heads and threw him towards the Swift. But, the swift curved around Dodrio's body which collied with the real Pikachu and sent them both crashing down.
The tyrant was caught off guard before trying to block it with his arms. the Swift multiplied by four dragged him back to his original spot. It didn't hurt as much as he thought. He snorted. They couldn't do anything to him.
Ash was surprised. He didn't remember much of Professor Oak's lessons, but what he did know was that the Double team didn't do anything to attacks unless they were made out of the fire, water, or any element that was solid or liquid, the air was tricky, but the clones couldn't harm anyone. They were illusions. So how was Pikachu able to have his clones attack and be damaging?
Ash was brought out of his thoughts due to an explosion.
He looked to where the base was supposed to be. There was a lot of smoke and fire.
"Cle-Clefairy!" He turned back only to see Nidoking rush him.
He had no time. His eyes widen as the giant got closer. There was no escape. He would either be trampled or hammered by Nidoking.
He braced for only to see Starly.
Starly was up high. high enough to be a dot. He tucked in his wings and fell. Free falling with a purpose and a direction.
He pointed his beak towards the Nidoking. Rapidly gaining speed he willed that feeling like before. Sparks of electricity waived off of him. The sparks each time got bigger and bigger.
"Sta-Star-STAAAAARLY!"
Flashes of white came from the spot where Starly was before zooming diagonally towards the tyrant. Fully coated in volts of electricity, he went towards Nidoking. Electricity does not affect ground types. Starly did not care. This was the fastest way to get that monster away from his friend.
Besides, the explosion would affect him, since that's not electricity, but force.
Nidoking turned towards him as he heard lightning and thunder. He instinctually brought both arms back before he glowed with fighting energy. He let loose both of them and used Super Power.
"Starly!"
Clefairy prepared another healing pulse and was dashing towards the three.
Dodrio got up quickly and jumped up to perform a Jump Kick.
Pikachu followed but was looking around for his brother. He wasn't in the bushes.
Both attacks collided that made a shockwave. Clefairy had to regain his self to he didn't get blown away
Dodrio, being a flying type, easily reorganized her position and let was suspended in the air waiting for the perfect time.
Pikachu however, was blown away. He went flying towards team Rocket's base.
Dust and the smell of ash permeated the atmosphere. It was silent. Too silent.
Soon, out of the dust cloud. A small blue light broke through the dust cloud. It went outwards before u-turning towards Clefairy. Ash was below it. Getting carried by claws. It landed somewhat clumsily.
Ash coughed. Dust entered him. He hacks and rubbed his eyes. If he wasn't carried, he would have probably flown to a tree and broke his back.
He looked back towards the blue light. He realized what it was.
The blue light was the same as Green's Squirtle.
It was the shape of Starly before it grew bigger. His tail feathers got bigger and narrowed. That hook feather on his head got bigger as well, making it curl towards his new face. The white part of his looked like a downwards star. His eyes got smaller. A brown spot on his forehead. A dark brown feather overcoat that went from his head to his brown feathers under his overcoat. His chest now sporting a white spot. His friend now had actual talons.
Staravia screeched a roar of anger. He turned towards Ash who was still laying on the ground. Ash stood up hastily. He fully smiled as he saw his friend. This was awesome. A bestial roar interrupted it as Nidoking swung his arm, clearing the dust. He taunted Staravia. So what? Evolving wasn't going to hurt him. Starvia was too weak.
Staravia looked calmly before smiling at Ash. He was ready to fight again.
"Okay! Don't let up! Attack him with EVERYTHING YOU GOT!"
The battle has just started.