Celadon City Scissors Street
For the second time since he entered Celadon City, Ash was being unwillingly dragged to a random business by one of his friends. Today was the day they were supposed to leave the blasted city, and begin the trek to Fuchsia City for Ash's 6th Gym Battle.
The day had started out well enough. Ash woke up early to get him and his team back on track with their normal morning run. He also phoned Professor Oak, assuring the man that he was fine from his ordeal. During the call, he swapped out Pidgeot for Butterfree, hoping Butterfree could help teach Espeon Psybeam. It was just after he got off the phone when Brock came running into the lobby, dragging Misty along the way. Before Ash could get a word out, he also found himself in the aspiring Pokemon Breeder's strong grip.
It turned out that Brock suddenly remembered that his favorite Pokemon Breeder icon managed a shop in Celadon. Naturally, the gang would not be leaving Celadon City today. On the bright side, Ash figured he might learn a thing or two, and Brock had done quite a bit for him and Misty, so the raven haired boy went along with it.
"Hey Brock, is this place what you're looking for?" asked Misty, pointing out a store. The store in question had a long line, spanning almost an entire block. It also had a glass display case, featuring a Jigglypuff and a spiky green little cactus like Pokemon in gaudy outfits.
"Salon La Puff?" Ash read the sign in confusion. "This place looks weird, and what's with all the flashy clothing and makeup on those Pokemon?
"I happen to think they're stylish and adorable," countered Misty with a glare.
"I don't care what either of you think, because that's not the place at all!" interjected Brock, who grabbed his two companions and shoved them along.
The trio only had to walk past a few other stores when Brock finally found what he was looking for.
"THIS IS IT!" exclaimed the teen in glee. The store the gang was standing in front of had a simple glass door and no extravagant displays. Nobody waited to gain entry into this business. On the door was written 'Pokemon Salon.'
"Doesn't look that impressive," muttered Misty.
Brock turned and gave Misty an unnatural look of loathing, before going off on the poor girl. "ARE YOU KIDDING ME! THIS SALON IS HOME TO ONE OF THE GREATEST BREEDERS IN KANTO! WHAT SUSISE CAN DO WITH POKEMON IS OUT OF THIS WORLD!"
"Uh, i'm sure Misty didn't mean to put down your idol Brock," Ash nervously chuckled, acting as the peacekeeper. "In any case, why don't we head inside?"
Heading inside, Ash, Brock, and Misty came upon two women and a Chansey. The older lady, who was watching the other, wore a similar manner of fashion to what was displayed at the previous salon. The younger woman was currently massaging Chansey's temple. She had long dark green hair, wore a light pink shirt, and white pants.
"That should just about do it," the younger girl finished up with a smile.
"Chansey!" the happy pink Pokemon jumped up with energy.
"Susie you've done it again darling. Chansey is positively glowing. I'll be back again next week. Toodles!" replied the older woman, walking out of the Salon with her Pokemon.
Susie let out a sad sigh at that. "With the way things are going, I may not be in business for you to visit next week," she said under her breath, before noticing the trio that had entered her place of business. She put on a forced happy face.
"Hello there! Welcome to my Pokemon Salon. How can I help you?"
"Well Brock?" Ash elbowed the teen.
"R-Right.." stuttered the teen. "Hi Susie. I'm sure you get this a lot, but my name is Brock and i'm a huge fan. In fact, i'm actually an aspiring Pokemon Breeder."
"Oh is that right?" asked Susie.
"Y-Yes." Brock took a deep breath. "SUSIE, I BEG YOU! PLEASE TAKE ME ON AS YOUR APPRENTICE!" shouted out the boy, his entire body stiff.
"But Brock, what about our journey?" Ash asked, taken aback by the radical request.
"Quiet Ash! This is my dream!" sharply retorted Brock.
Susie herself was shocked at the request, even blushing a bit, but she soon recovered. "Brock, I am truly flattered that you consider me worth of teaching you, but i'm still learning myself. I don't think I could possible take on a student," she answered softly.
Brock looked down at this, which the girl noticed. "Besides, soon I may not even have a store to operate from," added Susie.
"What do you mean?" asked Misty.
"I'm sure you saw the new salon that opened up on your way here. Ever since they moved in, my usual customers and tourists have been frequenting Salon La Puff instead," frowned Susie.
"What's so good about this new place anyway?" Ash wondered.
"They have a sense of fashion unlike you!" Misty brought up again.
Ash was about to rejoin the old argument, but Susie spoke first. "She is right to an extent. The new Salon focuses on making Pokemon beautiful on the outside with makeup and clothing, which customers seem to be very into. My Salon focuses on bringing out the inner beauty of Pokemon, increasing their energy with methods like massage and specialized food, and making them happy."
"Vul!" cried out a Pokemon from the back of Susie's shop. The group turned to the sound and saw a small red fox-like Pokemon stretching out on a chair. The Pokemon hopped down, walking up to Susie's side, nuzzling the girl's leg.
"Have a good nap Vulpix? This here is one of my oldest and closest friends," Susie said to the gang, answering the unasked question.
Said Pokemon began sniffing the air, before wandering over to Brock and crying out for something.
"W-What do you want Vulpix?" Brock asked, snapped out of his prior disappointment from Susie's rejection.
"Vulpix says she wants the yummy food you have in your pocket," Espeon added helpfully from Ash's side.
Brock nodded appreciatively and pulled out a glass bottle of treats, offering one to the Fire Pokemon.
"Vul! Vul!" exclaimed the fox in delight, greedily gobbling down the treat, while Brock stroked her fur.
"I'm impressed Brock. Vulpix never eats anything I don't cook, much less lets anyone else touch her," Susie said with approval.
"Oh well, it's nothing really," blushed the teen. "Anyway, I think I might have an idea on how to save your shop," Brock said, changing the subject.
"You do?" Susie asked hopefully.
"People need to be reminded about the benefits your treatments bring. Why not hold a free display outside your shop on the streets, showcasing a treatment on a Pokemon?" suggested Brock.
"That's a brilliant idea! But what Pokemon would we use and how will we spread the news?" questioned the girl.
"Leave that to me," Brock said with a glint in his eyes, before turning to his friends. "Ash and Misty, I am going to need your help."
"What do you need?" Ash asked without hesitation.
"You and Espeon will be key to the demonstration. Espeon's ability to telepathically explain the benefits of the treatment will really sell the idea to the public. Her unusual color will probably help with attracting an audience as well," explained Brock.
Ash looked to his Pokemon. "It's up to you princess. What do you think?"
"Sounds like fun!" the excited Pokemon responded.
"Guess we are in," chuckled Ash.
"So, what do you need me to do Brock?" Misty asked.
"Your job is going to require some cunning. You are going to casually walk all around the street, including the long line at the other place, and talk about an amazing display that will be held in a few hours. Think you can do it?" Brock finished with a raised eyebrow.
Misty's eyes narrowed. "When i'm done with them, the people are going to crowd the store to the max!" declared the girl, before running out of the store.
"Oh Brock, I think we really have a chance!" Susie said with sparkles in her eyes, while pulling the teen into a hug.
Brock fainted.
Celadon City Outside Susie's Salon (A Few Hours Later)
Brock's plan worked like a charm. The storefront was absolutely packed with customers and tourists, eager to see the suddenly popular display, or a rare shiny Pokemon, but they were still there. In the middle of this crowd was a massage table, Susie, Ash, Pikachu, and Espeon. Pikachu rested on Ash's shoulder, while Espeon laid on the table. Brock watched on in pride, while Misty was elsewhere, continuing to draw more people in.
"Ladies and Gentleman, I want to thank you all for coming out for this complimentary display of a massage. Today, we have Ash and his Pokemon Espeon here, who will assist in the demonstration. For those of you who don't recognize this Pokemon, Espeon is native to the neighboring Johto Region. Why don't you say hello?" started Susie with a smile.
"Hey everyone!" waved Ash with a grin.
"Hi guys! Nice to meet you all" rang out Espeon's high-pitched telepathic voice. The crowd gasped in awe at this, but Susie quickly recaptured their attention.
"As you can see, Espeon has the ability to communicate telepathically and will be able to tell us all how the treatment makes her feel. Speaking of, how are you feeling now?" Susie asked the Pokemon.
"Kinda tired. Daddy makes us train hard every morning with long runs," replied Espeon with a pout.
Susie nodded, before turning back to the crowd. "A good training session can certainly help your Pokemon in the long run, but afterwords they will often be worn out. One way to aid in recovery and to increase the long-term benefits is a nice massage. Each Pokemon is unique with their stress points, but they do share a common theme. Most of their stress comes from where they store their power. In Espeon's case, this means the red gem on her forehead. I will now begin massaging the area surrounding the gem to try and release that stress," finished the green-haired breeder.
What followed was a 10 minute display of professional massage techniques, which included several pleasant groans and even a psychic power discharge from Espeon. Susie also managed to do some work on the Pokemon's legs to aid with the recovery from the morning run.
"How do you feel now Espeon?" Susie asked.
"Amazing! I didn't have a headache before, but even then my head is way clearer. I also feel like I could do all that morning running again right now!" Espeon answered enthusiastically.
The crowd muttered and talked amongst one another in approval at this for a few minutes before settling down again.
"If you liked that, I have even better news for you. The truth is, you don't even need a professional to treat your Pokemon with these special massages. You just need a little learning up front and then you can provide the treatments yourself going forward. This is beneficial whether you wish to battle, compete in contests, or just enjoy spending time with your Pokemon. Based on this, I would like to announce a special class I will be offering, which will come with far more demonstrations and knowledge on how to treat your Pokemon personally. You can sign up inside after we finish up with today's demonstration," finished Susie with a smile.
More positive sounds came from the crowd as a result of this spiel, but this time they were stopped by something other than Susie.
"OUT OF THE WAY YOU FASHION IDIOTS!" yelled a feminine, yet male voice. A teenager with long purple hair, who was dressed up in what looked like a cactus suit, pushed through the crowd, dragging Misty by the arm. When he got to the center, he glared daggers at Susie and spoke out.
"SO, YOU WERE THE TALENTLESS HACK THAT SENT THIS RUNT TO STEAL MY BUSINESS!" accused the bizarre teen.
Susie was about to speak up, but Brock stepped forward and beat her to the punch. "No, it was my idea to set up this display. Susie and my friend, who you are holding rather tightly, are innocent! Now let her go!" fired back Brock.
The strangely dressed man focused in on Brock, while shoving Misty to the side. "Well then, be a darling and put a stop to it!"
Brock crossed his arms unimpressed by the demand. "Who are you to tell us to stop?"
"Who I am? I'll tell you! I am Harley, and I happy to run the most fabulous Pokemon Salon in Celadon City. I own Salon La Puff, which is much better than this dump! snarked the boy.
"Take that back!" yelled Brock
"Who are you to stop me?" mocked Harley with Brock's prior words.
Taking a page out of Ash's book, Brock acted rashly and reached for a Pokeball. "I challenge you to a 1 on 1 battle! If I win, you leave now with no questions asked."
Harley smirked and reached for his own. "You are so on. When I win, you will put an end to this nonsense!"
Brock was about to call out his Pokemon but a tugging at his legs stopped him.
"Vul!"
Vulpix was right by Brock's side and her eyes were lit with a desire for battle. Brock looked to Susie, who gave him a nod and an encouraging smile.
"All right then. I choose Vulpix!" Brock called out, and the Fire Fox took a few steps forward on the street. As an aside, the crowd had backed up at this point, giving both participants plenty of room.
"And I choose Cacnea!" yelled out Harley, sending out the same cactus like Pokemon the group had seen in the display at Harley's Salon.
"Man I really got to start studying up more on these foreign Pokemon. Professor Oak better come through on his promise for a National Pokedex once I get all 8 badges," muttered Ash.
Harley got things started first. "Use Poison Sting Cacnea!" The Pokemon raised its spiky arms and fired purple stingers towards Vulpix.
"Stop that attack with Ember!" countered Brock. Fire spit forth from Vulpix's mouth, meeting the Poison Sting in the air and negating the attack.
"Great job Vulpix! Follow up with another Ember!" ordered Brock.
"SUCKER PUNCH!" Harley called quickly with a smirk. Before Vulpix could open her month, Cacnea was right in front of her and delivered a hard blow with a fist fueled by dark energy. The fox was sent spiraling back and landed in a heap in front of Brock.
"Ha! Is that all you got?" laughed Harley.
Brock ignored him, focusing on Vulpix. "Are you ok to battle?"
"Vul!" cried the Fire Pokemon, getting back up.
If I attack again, then he'll use Sucker Punch. My best bet is to use a move other than an attack then, thought Brock.
"Ok Vulpix, use Confuse Ray!"
"USE SUCKER PUNCH AGAIN!" interjected Harley in the same rapid manner. "Wait... Confuse Ray?"
The arrogant trainer realized his mistake too late as Cacnea attempted to deliver another sneak attack, but it failed to land. Meanwhile, Vulpix's eyes flashed purple and a ray shot out, connecting with Cacnea, and confusing it.
"Now Finish up with your best Ember!" yelled Brock.
"Vul!" A powerful flame left Vulpix, heading straight towards the foreign Pokemon.
"DO SOMETHING! SUCKER PUNCH!" freaked out Harley. Cacnea's fist glowed, but this time the poor Pokemon struck itself right before the Ember landed. Cacnea flew back into his trainer, sending both of them to the ground.
"YOU RUINED MY OUTFIT!" screamed Harley in a hissy fit from the ground, while showing no regard for his fallen Pokemon.
"You lost Harley. Now beat it!" Brock replied with a glare.
Harley was about to fire back with another response, but he saw the looks everyone in the crowd was now giving him first. As a result, he called back his Cacnea and stood, brushing himself off.
"Fine! I'll leave for now. Mark my words though, someday, you're going to regret this!" said the purple haired teen with malice before departing the scene.
"Great battle Brock!" praised Misty, walking up to him.
"Yeah, you're the man Brock-O!" added in Ash.
"Thanks guys. We all know that Vulpix carried the load though," smiled the teen, while he bended down to pet the Pokemon. All the while, Susie silently watched Brock and Vulpix in the background.
A Few Hours Later
After the fervor died down, the crowd did eventually disperse. However, Susie managed to sign up several new customers for treatments and her newly offered classes, giving her plenty of funds to stay in business. Ash and Misty headed back to the Pokemon Center for one final night in the city, but not before saying goodbye and wishing Susie well. This time, Ash was committed to making sure they actually left the next day! Susie had asked Brock to stay back.
"Brock, I want to thank you again for everything you did for me today," started Susie appreciatively.
"It was really no—," tried Brock, but he was cutoff.
"No, we both know that is not true, but we can move onto the other reason I wanted to talk to you," smiled Susie.
"D-Did you reconsider about taking me on as a student?" Brock asked hopefully.
"I did think about it throughout the day," admitted Susie. "Then something happened. I saw you battle together with Vulpix. You only met her today, but the way you two synced together made it look like you had been a team for far longer. If I add that together with what you did earlier with your plan and the food Vulpix liked, I come to a sobering conclusion."
"What is it?" nervously asked the teen.
"I can't take you on as a student Brock, because I think you know more than I do when it comes to Pokemon Breeding. In fact, I may just shut down the store in a few months anyway and go on a journey myself. It has clearly done wonders for you," pointed out the experienced Pokemon Breeder.
Yeah, I guess," sighed the disappointed teen.
"Oh don't be such a downer Brock," laughed Susie.
"Vul!" agreed Vulpix, nipping at Brock's leg and smiling at the boy. A small smile appeared on Brock's face as well.
"I guess that brings me to the final thing I wanted to talk to you about?" Susie said with a sorrowful expression.
"What do you mean?" asked a confused Brock.
Susie did not respond verbally. Instead, she pulled a Pokeball out of her pocket and gently placed it in Brock's hands. "This is Vulpix's Pokeball. Like I said before, the two of you showed great teamwork in your battle today. She will benefit far more traveling with you than staying here with me," finished Susie softly.
"Are you sure?" Brock asked gently
"Yes Brock. I am positive," Susie reaffirmed adamantly.
"Then I accept," smiled the boy, who called back his new Vulpix.
"Thank you Brock." To his surprise, Susie brought Brock into another tight hug, which he returned after a moment. This time, Brock did not faint.
Route 16 (1 Week Later)
Ash, Brock, Misty, and their Pokemon finally left Celadon City the day after the events at the Pokemon Salon. For the past week, the group had been traveling towards Cycling Road, which they could take as a shortcut to Fuchsia City. During the trek, all three had gotten in some pretty good training with their Pokemon.
Brock began working with Vulpix, while introducing Cubone to the concept of Pokemon battling. For the most part though, the teen simply tried to connect with his Pokemon, while learning their various likes and dislikes.
Misty on the other hand focused entirely on battle. There was plenty of water along the route, which allowed the future Water Pokemon Master plenty of opportunity to train. To her delight, she had a productive week. Horsea learned Bubble Beam and Agility, while currently working on Twister. Goldeen learned Water Pulse and Aqua Ring. She was also showing signs of an impending evolution. Finally, Magikarp learned Flail! That meant Misty could finally use the Pokemon in battles, which would bring him closer to becoming Misty's dreamy Gyarados. Her other Pokemon focused on improving their current moves and engaged in some mock battles.
As for Ash, his Haunter, Pidgeot, and Krabby remained at the lab. The training with his other Pokemon was going to plan. Just as he hoped, Butterfree was able to teach Espeon how to utilize Psybeam. His princess also learned Morning Sun. Erika's ability to have her Lilligant recover health with Synthesis had really inspired the boy. To that end, Ash had also taught his own Grass Pokemon some similar moves. Not only did Ivysaur learn Synthesis, but it also learned a move called Growth, which raised both Attack and Special Attack. Butterfree had attempted to learn Quiver Dance, but he still needed some more work.
Clefairy learned Moonlight and Cosmic Power during this latest training binge, which kept with the theme of mostly power and defensive boosting moves. There was only one more move Ash wanted her to learn before evolving Clefairy. She was currently working on that now.
Pikachu and Charmeleon focused on refining their current moves and sparring with one another. Their rivalry stayed as heated as ever, and that could be quite literal with Charmeleon at times.
Then there was Tyrogue. Like always, the Pokemon seemed to go above and beyond. He had learned Endure, Counter, and Low Kick in one week! He had also continued to refine his Mach Punch and Vacuum Wave attacks. Ash had him battle against Pikachu and Charmeleon as well. The elemental attacks proved to be a great source of motivation in increasing Tyrogue's speed and evasiveness.
Today, the group had finished training and eaten both Breakfast and Lunch. They were currently strolling through the route on the open road. It had been a largely uneventful day, but that was soon about to change for the trio and their Pokemon.
"Hey, do you guys see that thing running towards us in the distance?" Misty asked, as she peered ahead.
"I think it's a Hitmonchan," responded Ash.
"You would be right about that," added Espeon, whose eyesight seemed to outstrip her human companions. Hitmonchan was currently jogging, while punching its fists forward intermittently from time to time.
"Looks like it's training," observed Brock.
"What for?" wondered Misty.
"That would be for the P1 Grand Prix," a manly voice called out. The gang turned to find a large muscular man in a sleeveless white shirt leaning against a tree with a stop watch.
"TIME!" called the man, which was as soon as Hitmonchan ran even with the aforementioned tree. "Pretty good Hitmonchan. Your getting faster!" praised the man.
"Excuse me sir, but what is the P1 Grand Prix?" asked Ash.
"WHATS'S THE P1 GRAND PRIX?" exclaimed the man in disbelief. "It's only one of the biggest Fighting Pokemon tournaments in the region!"
Ash's interest grew drastically at this. "Really? I have a Fighting Pokemon that I would like to get some more training. Are there still spots for entry?"
"Hmmm... Typically we only allow well-known fighters to participate, but we do have a few spots left. Tell you what, show me the Pokemon you plan on entering and if I like what I see, I will give you a recommendation kid," offered the man.
"Sounds good to me. Come on out Tyrogue!" Ash called out, releasing his Fighting Pokemon.
The man and his Hitmonchan took great interest in this. "A Tyrogue huh. Haven't seen one of them in a while. He looks pretty good though. Yeah, you've trained him real hard for sure," appraised the man with approval.
Tyrogue didn't react to the praise, but it did eye Hitmonchan with a look that almost vowed to prove superiority.
Hitmonchan smirked in response and waved his glove in a 'bring it on' motion.
Neither trainer noticed the sparks flying between the two though.
"I like what I see kid. You and your Tyrogue are in!" smiled the man. "Be at this address tomorrow at 10:00 AM sharp. It's just down the road," finished the man, handing Ash a piece of paper.
"Thanks mister. Say, what's your name?" Ask asked with curiosity.
"The name's Anthony. How about you?"
"I'm—"
"DAD" a voice yelled, interrupting Ash. The group looked and saw a young adult, or older teenage, woman running towards them.
"Lets take a rain check on the name kid. See you tomorrow," quickly said Anthony, before taking off with Hitmonchan.
"WAIT!" called the girl, running out of breath and falling to her knees when she got near the group.
"Are you ok miss?" Misty asked, helping the girl up.
Dusting herself off, the girl gave the group a sad smile and nodded. "I'm not hurt, but I remain disappointed."
"Did you say Anthony was your father?" picked up Brock.
"Yes. Ever since he started entering and winning the P1 Grand Prix, he does nothing but train all year to compete in the event and retain his title. Meanwhile, my Mom and I are at home, wishing he would just spend some time with us," the girl answered despondently.
"Anthony just agreed to enter me in the competition. Maybe I could try and beat him to knock some sense back into the man?" offered Ash.
"Oh would you!" the girl pleaded, taking Ash's hands.
"Er... I'll do my best," the boy nervously responded.
"Great! By the way, my name is Rebecca. Why don't you guys follow me and I can give you a place to stay until the competition starts tomorrow?" smiled the girl, returning the favor for Ash's offer.
Figuring they had nowhere else to stay, the gang happily agreed and followed Rebecca to her home.
Ash and Tyrogue did some last minute light training, honing their moves, speed, and endurance. Other than that, everyone enjoyed a nice evening of sleep on some comfy beds.
P1 Grand Prix (The Next Day)
Ash found himself in a locker room with Tyrogue, and the other 15 competitors and their Pokemon. Espeon and Pikachu had to hang back with Brock, Misty, and Rebecca, as this was a strictly no other Pokemon allowed area. The matches were about to get underway, but as Anthony had explained, they were waiting on a quick speech from the official to go over the rules.
An old man with a black beanie, black jacket, grey t-shirt, and slacks soon walked into the room with what looked to be a scowl on his face. "All right you mooks, settle down and pay attention, because I ain't going to repeat myself. For those of yous who is new, the name is Mickey Goldmill, and I wills be officiating the fights."
"Yeah get on with it Mick," a voice sounded from one other competitor.
"Shad up ya bum!" fired back the old man. "What was I saying? Oh yeah. This will be a 16 man tournament. You lose once and you're out. Fighting Pokemon wills be the only type allowed. Only Fighting type moves will be legal, so don't try and sneak by any elemental kicks or punches, or I will toss your tucus out onto the street! Normal attacks like Mega Punch or Mega Kick are also fine though. A fight lasts until I says it does, a Pokemon is unable to battle, or a trainer throws in the white towel. You louts have any questions?"
"Whose we gonna face?" asked a big burly man near Ash.
"Whoever I tell you to face! Here are the matches," added Mickey, pinning a piece of paper to the wall. "The first two competitors get your lazy bums to the ring. I'll call the rest of yous when it's your turn for a thrashing," chuckled the man, as he headed back out. He was soon followed by two competitors and their Pokemon.
"Uh, is he always that..." Ash couldn't find the word, but Anthony did.
"Ornery? Yeah kid. That's Mickey for you," laughed the older man. "Don't sweat it. Just focus on your upcoming fight and do your best," smiled the man, as he patted Ash on the back and walked away.
Ash and Tyrogue had to wait for quite some time. It turned out that they would be fighting in the last match of the first round. Eventually though, their time came. Walking out of the locker room, Ash and Tyrogue found themselves in a huge room with stands packed to the brim and a boxing ring in the center of the room. Ash had never fought in front of so many people before, but he figured it would be good prep for the Pokemon League, so he got rid of his nerves fast.
Ash stepped behind the red corner of the ring, where Mickey directed him to, and his Tyrogue entered. On the opposite corner stood the burly man who had spoken out earlier and his Machop.
Holding a microphone in his hand, Mickey got things started. "Ladies and Gentleman, we have one last fight in the first round! Fighting out of the blue corner, we have a usual suspect. For the past few years he and his Pokemon have been knocked out of the first or second round. Will they give us their usual sorry performance, or wills they put on a show? Let's find out as we introduce Spider and his Machop!" yelled Mickey, pointing to the spotlighted duo.
Some cheers and jeers followed as the competitor ignored it.
"Fighting out of the red corner, we have a late entry. This kid may be a Rookie, but he has already collected 5 badges on his journey to the Indigo League! Will that experience serve him here, or will he and his Pokemon be going home in a casket? Give it up for Ash Red Ketchum and Tyrogue!"
This time the crowd cheered with polite applause, though Ash could hear Brock, Misty, Pikachu, and Espeon screaming in support, bringing a smile to his face. Tyrogue blocked it all out, already focused on his opponent.
"Pokemon to the center of the ring!" ordered Mickey, and the Pokemon walked up to one another. "Now shake hands, paws, fists, whatever and give me a clean fight." The two shook, each trying to crush the other's hand.
"Step back to your corner... AND LET THE FIGHT BEGIN!" yelled the man one final time.
"Karate Chop Machop!" Spider called out right away.
"Strike first with Mach Punch Tyrogue!" Ash countered.
Machop sprinted towards Tyrogue with his arm coming down in a slashing motion, but Tyrogue's attack took priority. Ash's Pokemon easily dodged the chop and delivered a quick punch to the gut, stunning Machop as the Pokemon clenched its stomach in pain.
"Follow with a Vacuum Wave!" continued Ash. Tyrogue slammed his fist on the floor and a wave of energy pummeled into Machop. The Pokemon was lifted up and thrown out of the ring.
Machop slowly managed to get back up, but it didn't matter.
"MACHOP HAS BEEN THROWN OUT OF THE RING! "THE MATCH IS OVER! GIVE IT UP FOR OUR ROOKIES, ASH AND TYROGUE!" Mickey yelled.
The crowd burst into applause with surprised murmurs and nods of appreciation at the surprising newcomers who ended the match in two quick attacks. Ash smiled and waved back at the crowd, before noticing that Tyrogue was already walking back to the locker room, so he quickly followed. Some of his Pokemon really had attitude, even if it wasn't exactly a problem... yet.
Ash and Tyrogue also managed to win his next two battles. A similar strategy was used to take down a Primeape, and a liberal use of Low Kick dispatched a Machamp. This brought Ash and Tyrogue straight into the Finals against Anthony and Hitmonchan.
Speaking of the finals... "Ladies and Gentleman, welcome to the main event! The finals have been decided! Fighting in the blue corner, is a man and Pokemon who need no introduction. They are your 5 time P1 Grand Prix Champions and they're here to defend their title! Give it up for Anthony and Hitmonchan!"yelled out Mickey.
The crowd roared in approval, as the reigning champs smirked and looked on in pride.
"Fighting in the red corner, is a duo nobody saw coming. These rookies have taken the tournament by storm! Can they unseat the champ and make the impossible happen? Let's find out! Give it up for Ash and Tyrogue!"
An equally loud amount of cheering came from the crowd, happy to see some young blood rise up so far. The Pokemon walked to the center, but refused to shake hands, opting to glare at one another instead, before walking back.
"Looks like a grudge match! Let the battle begin!" yelled Mickey.
"Start off first with a Mach Punch Tyrogue!" called Ash. The little fighter sprinted towards Hitmonchan with his fist pulled back, but Anthony had something to say before the hit landed.
"Use your own Mach Punch to send Tyrogue back!" Hitmonchan was a blur, deflecting the oncoming blow, before delivering a jab to Tyrogue's face. Ash's Pokemon stood his ground, but Hitmonchan wasn't done yet.
"Bullet Punch!" A flurry of punches blasted Tyrogue back, and the Pokemon slammed into his corner of the ring, before sliding down.
"Hang in there Tyrogue!" Ash cried out in concern. The Pokemon got itself back up, spit to the side, and got ready to re-engage.
"Vacuum Palm!" ordered Ash. Tyrogue slammed his fist to the ground, sending a shockwave of energy towards Hitmonchan.
Hitmonchan took the hit like a champ, only sliding back a few inches and showing no damage whatsoever.
"You did good for your first tournament Ash, but good just ain't enough. Finish with Mega Punch!" Anthony said with a cocky look that spoke of an assured victory.
Ash saw Hitmonchan begin to move and its fist reared back. Time slowed down. Once that punch lands, it's over. We can't give up though! Hitmonchan is faster and stronger than Tyrogue, so none of our normal attacks will be enough... but an unusual combo just might do it if Tyrogue can take the hit. I believe in him, thought Ash, whose resolve hardened.
"We're not done yet! ENDURE TYROGUE!" Ash cried out with passion. Ash's Pokemon crossed his arms and glowed right before the punch came. A loud boom echoed in the packed room as Hitmonchan's fist slammed into Tyrogue. When the dust settled, Tyrogue was on a knee, but still conscious. Ash smiled.
"FINISH THIS FOR US WITH A COUNTER ATTACK!" Anthony and Hitmonchan's eyes widened. Tyrogue glowed an angry red and his fist crashed into Hitmonchan with twice the amount of power as the previous Mega Punch! This time it was Hitmonchan who flew back to his corner, slamming his head into the ring, before sliding down.
"GET UP HITMONCHAN!" cried out Anthony in desperation.
"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR!" Mickey called out, kneeling next to the downed Pokemon.
Hitmonchan grabbed a rope on the side of the ring, trying to pull itself up, but he fell right back to his corner, with his strength leaving him.
"THREE! TWO! ONE! YOU'RE OUT!" a bewildered Mickey called as he hit the mat hard with his hand.
"UNBELEIVABLE! THE CHAMP GOES DOWN IN A BEAUTIFUL COME FROM BEHIND VICTORY! GIVE IT UP FOR YOUR NEW P1 GRAND PRIX CHAMPIONS, ASH AND TYROGUE!" yelled out the old man.
The crowd went absolutely ballistic, cheering for their new champions with abandon. Ash had already gone into the ring to check on his Pokemon. To his surprise, Tyrogue showed no signs of injury. Instead, he let himself bask in the triumph of his victory. Guess Tyrogue wanted to take care of business before celebrating, Ash thought, letting out a chuckle, as he joined his Pokemon in absorbing the moment.
Ash was awarded a large trophy for his victory that day. Tyrogue was given a Black Belt, which was said to boost Fighting type moves. He quickly put it on, treasuring it.
Outside the arena, Ash had already been congratulated by his friends and Rebecca, when Anthony and Hitmonchan approached. "Well Ash, you and Tyrogue showed me something special out there. I thought it was over, but you two fought till the end. Congratulations!" smiled the man, offering Ash a handshake, which he accepted.
"Anyway, I have an offer for you. What do you say you leave Tyrogue here with me for a while. Hitmonchan and I could really train him up into a real P1 Grand Prix Champ!" the man exclaimed, much to his daughter's displeasure, not that he noticed it.
Ash did notice though. Looks like it was up to him to set right another wrong between a father and their child. This was the third time this had happened! "Anthony, I appreciate the offer, but the answer is no. Tyrogue and I still have work we need to do," Ash started, looking at his Pokemon who nodded with fire in his eyes. "Besides, I think there is someone else you should be focusing on. Take it from a kid who never knew his father, Rebecca need you!" scolded Ash.
"I-I-I... You're right kid. Rebecca, I haven't been their for your and your mother. I'll do better if you could only give me another chance?" asked the man with sorrow.
Rebecca flung herself into his arms, accepting the apology on the spot. Looking over his shoulder, she mouthed a silent thanks to Ash. The boy accepted it with a nod. Seeing the two happy together was more than enough for him.
END CHAPTER
New longest chapter by far. Harley substitutes for Team Rocket. He will be back in a few regions as you all know. We also had a fun fighting arc inspired by a certain movie franchise with Tyrogue taking Primeape's place. Certain grammar errors were on purpose.
Next Time - We encounter another character that has not been seen since the first few chapters and the gang crosses a familiar road that will give one of our trio a fan-favorite Pokemon.
Dragon Emperor999 - Thanks for the review! Glad you liked the twist with Espeon talking. Figured it would be a cool addition.
I am Vegito - Thanks for the review! Happy you liked the last chapter.
Espeon860 - Thanks for the review! I appreciate the fact that you enjoyed them! Psyduck might happen sooner than you think ;)
Reader - Thanks for the review! Glad you liked the Gym Battle
Today I would like to recommend Dance Dance Revolution by Syrup-Waffle. This story features Ash traveling with Meloetta. I would avoid it if you are opposed to Ash/Pokemon ships, but if not, enjoy.
Remember to review with your thoughts/critique :)
Smell ya later!
