Sunny Town Pokemon Center
Ash was currently sitting in front of a video phone, and yet he was not talking to anyone. Instead, Ash was in deep thought regarding his upcoming Gym Battles at Fuchsia City and Cinnabar Island. The boy believed he was adequately prepared for the upcoming battle at the Poison Pokemon Gym, but he had severely neglected training key members that would be useful for the Fire Pokemon Gym. The problem with this is that Cinnabar Island is only a boat trip away from Fuchsia City, so he needed to get started right away. Krabby was an obvious choice and so was Ash's new Shellder, which had been transferred to Professor Oak's lab when he caught her earlier that morning.
Then there was that deal Brock and I made, Ash thought with a frown. The older teen had agreed to trade his Graveler for Ash's Haunter back and forth to prompt an evolution for the two Pokemon after Ash won his 7th badge. Ash had to admit that he had severely neglected Haunter after the Gym Battle in Saffron City. Haunter would have to be brought back and put under a strict training regime.
"Well, time to shakeup the team," muttered the boy aloud, as he made the call.
"Hello there Ash!" the smiling face of Professor Oak appeared over the line.
"Hey Professor Oak! How are you doing?" kindly responded the boy.
"Good my boy. Just research as usual you know. Thanks for asking. Now, why have you decided to call me this morning?" enquired the old man.
"I'm getting close to my Gym Battles at Fuchsia City and Cinnabar Island, so I would like to switch up my team," answered Ash.
"Sound reasoning," approved the professor. "Who would you like to bring along? Remember, you can hold up to seven Pokemon."
"Well, there are three Pokemon that I can't really ever see myself traveling without for the foreseeable future," admitted the boy with a chuckle. "So, I am going to keep Charmeleon, Pikachu, and Espeon on hand. As for my other Pokemon, Butterfree will be useful against the Poison Pokemon at the Fuchsia City Gym thanks to Psybeam. Krabby and Shellder need to be trained up before the Cinnabar City Gym as well," explained Ash.
"And your last Pokemon?"
"Send over Haunter. I plan to evolve him with Brock's help after the Cinnabar Gym and need to train him more before that happens," requested Ash.
Professor Oak nodded, heading outside to grab the requisite Pokemon not already with Ash, before returning with the Pokeballs a few minutes later. "Alright, the Pokeballs are placed in the transporter, please place the Pokemon you will be sending my way in yours."
Ash did so and the transaction was soon complete. "Thanks Professor Oak! Please remind my other Pokemon to keep up with their training," asked the young trainer.
"Of course," chuckled the man. "If there anything else I can do for you today?"
Ash was about to reply with a negative, but a thoughtful looking Misty popped into the corner of his eye, giving him an idea. "Actually, hold on a minute Professor Oak. Hey Misty, come over here for a moment!" Ash yelled out from his seat.
The confused girl walked over to the video phone, while an intrigued Professor Oak watched on. "Misty, this is Professor Oak. Professor Oak, this is Misty," Ash quickly introduced the two.
"Now, Misty is having some issues with a new Pokemon. I was hoping you would be willing to help professor?" Ash pleaded.
"I'm always happy to help a trainer and their Pokemon," smiled the man. "That is, if it is ok with you young lady?"
"Oh, yes that would be great! Thank you sir, and thank's Ash for setting this up," Misty said, sending Ash a grateful look as he walked off.
Hopefully Professor Oak has an idea how to deal with the mystery that is Misty's Psyduck. Can't focus on that though. Time to pack up and get ready for some training, thought the boy.
Gringey City Alleyway (The Same Day)
Rolling blackouts plagued the dilapidated Gringey City. Local pollution had drawn in countless Grimer and Muk, who were clogging up the hydroelectric generators at the local Power Plant. Pokemon that depended on key life support were in dire straights, and the same could be said for people at the local hospital. Lucky for them, a young boy and his nicknamed Pikachu would soon save the day. However, there were those that always took advantage of a good crisis. Two individuals were currently doing so in an abandoned alleyway.
"So, some associates of mine indicated that you were looking to join our organization?" asked a spiky blue haired man in a trench coat.
"Yes. I was told by friends that this could be a good way to make some quick cash and to enjoy certain other benefits," grinned a young adult male with long red hair that covered his face. He was also growing a beard and wore baggy clothes at the moment.
"Perhaps," responded the representative, not giving anything away. "However, certain elements have made things far more difficult for my organization as of late. We can't just let anyone in. After all, if those elements were to infiltrate the organization, that would be very bad for business," warned the man.
"But?" pressed the applicant, hoping for a way in.
The blue haired man smirked. "But, if an eager young man such as yourself were to prove himself resourceful and willing to do what needs to be done, exceptions could be made.
"What do I need to do?" asked the red haired man in a serious tone of voice.
"The local Pokemon Center is currently experiencing blackouts due to issues at the Power Plant. According to my sources, Nurse Joy remains busy keeping a few Pokemon that are on life support alive. Meanwhile, security forces have been diverted to the Power Plant in an attempt to solve the issue. My organization cannot take advantage of the situation due to those aforementioned pesky elements. However, if a certain outside party were to go to the Pokemon Center right now, they would have an easy time acquiring several specimens that my organization could put to good use," explained the man with an evil grin.
"I understand," the applicant said softly.
"Good. There will be another representative here in 24 hours to meet you. Do not be late!" ordered the blue haired man, before heading out of the alleyway in one direction. The applicant walked down the opposite path.
This is despicable, but I don't have a choice. I must get inside Team Rocket at any cost, the man thought, heading to the Pokemon Center to do what must be done.
Route 18 (A Few Days Later)
Ash, Brock, and Misty were currently traveling through the mountainous Route 18. Fuchsia City and the local Gym, which was said to be hidden somewhere on the city outskirts, were drawing ever closer. Brock pointed out a mountain in the distance, indicating that the group should find the Fuchsia City Gym somewhere on the other side. The gang was pretty tired though, so they decided to to make camp in a clearing full of soft dirt that was surrounded by some trees. After everything was set up, Brock got started on dinner, while Misty and Ash got down to some additional training, much like the past few days.
Misty enjoyed a very productive conversation with Professor Oak back in Sunny Town. The knowledgable Professor Oak suggested that Psyduck learn Calm Mind to get his headaches and powers under control. Sadly, it was not a move that Psyduck could learn conventionally. So, she made plans to buy the TM at the Poke Mart in Fuchsia City. In the meantime, Misty diverted her attention to other Pokemon.
To her delight, Goldeen evolved into Seaking in a mock battle held with Seel. The Sea-Lion Pokemon was also getting close to mastering Ice Beam, which would be a nice upgrade from Aurora Beam. Starmie was working on upgrading Bubble Beam into Hydro Pump, but there was still quite a bit to do on that front. Horsea and Magikarp were pit against one another to provide battle experience. Horsea now knew Bubble, Twister, Agility, and Dragon Breath. It was currently pushing itself to learn Bubble Beam. Magikarp of course continued to use flail, unable to do anything else. Maybe he was close to evolving, but Misty couldn't tell. As for Psyduck, the Pokemon was left to watch the training with his blank stare. Misty hoped that he was absorbing some knowledge from watching the rest of her team train.
Meanwhile, Ash had also been training his Pokemon pretty hard. Aside from his normal spars with Charmeleon, Pikachu focused on mastering Thunder Wave. A good move to disable opponents with speed. Ash had Charmeleon learning a more offensive move. Dragon Rage was a move that dealt a set amount of damage, but it was also a good stepping stone for the more powerful Dragon Pulse. Ash figured Charmeleon probably would not learn the latter until he evolved though.
Ash's primary Pokemon for the upcoming Fuchsia City Gym Battle, Espeon and Butterfree, were holding mock battles, focusing on psychic type attacks. The boy wasn't too concerned with their preparation though, so he largely left the two on their own. Instead, Ash's main focus had been dedicated to the other three Pokemon he had with him.
Ash planned on his Ghost Pokemon to participate in the Fuchsia City Gym as well. His Poison typing would offer up some resistance and he could use the experience. To that end, Haunter was in the midst of learning Shadow Ball, Sucker Punch, and Destiny Bond. The first move would allow Haunter to deal damage from a distance far easier, instead of just relying on the Shadow Punch strategy they had previously used. Ash was inspired by Harley's Cacnea and its use of Sucker Punch back in Celadon, even if the guy himself was a creep. In any case, it would suit Haunter's playful nature nicely. The last attack was a desperation move, but he would use it if necessary. When Ash started his journey, he probably would never have considered doing such a thing. Needless to say, his experience with Team Rocket had jaded him a bit, making him a bit more willing to employ certain strategies. If Haunter could master these moves and get in a few battles, the boy was confident that he would be ready to evolve after Ash won his 7th badge.
Speaking of the 7th badge, Krabby and Shellder were also hard at work. Krabby kept up with the endurance training pretty well, but Shellder was still adjusting since she was new. Ash had Krabby working on Crabhammer and Guillotine. Crabhammer would grant the Pokemon a strong physical water type attack, while Guillotine could be used to end a battle in an instant if an opponent was caught off guard. Ash also held out hope that Krabby would evolve before his battle at Cinnabar Island. Time would tell.
When Ash caught her, Shellder already knew Withdraw, Supersonic, and Icicle Spear. Not a bad start, but the lack of water type moves was concerning. This was something Ash had gotten to work on rectifying immediately. As a result, Shellder was working on Razor Shell, Brine, and Whirlpool. Ice type moves were important, but with the Cinnabar Gym coming up soon, Ash figured they could wait.
The gang was continuing their evening routines as normal when the ground began to tremble.
"What's making the ground shake?" Misty asked aloud in curiosity.
"I don't know, but whatever it is, it's getting closer," an alert Brock called, trying to prevent his stew from spilling over.
"Espeon, can you sense anything?" Ash asked the his psychic princess.
"Lot's of small Pokemon, and they're coming fast. Look out!" warned Espeon in her high telepathic voice.
The warning was not enough. Countless round brown log shaped creatures blazed into and through the camp. Brock was sent to the ground, the night's dinner covering him. Misty, Ash, and their Pokemon experienced similar fates, besides Haunter who laughed at the whole fiasco. Lucky for everyone, the small Pokemon left as soon as they came, moving on elsewhere in the mountains.
"Ugh. I'm covered in mud and dirt," a downed Misty complained.
"At least you're not covered in dinner," retorted Brock, who had already gotten back up and washed himself off a bit.
Ash didn't join in the moaning fest. The boy got up quick enough, but his focus was directed towards the disappearing Pokemon. "Those were Diglett and Dugtrio. They seemed to be in a hurry too. Guys, I think something may have spooked them," Ash said aloud in a serious tone.
"Y-You don't think it's heading this way do you?" Misty spoke with fear.
"I don't know, but i'm going to find out!" Ash asserted, calling back his Pokemon, other than Pikachu and Espeon.
He was almost out of the clearing, but a hand on his shoulder stopped him. "Ash, rushing into things without thinking has gotten you into trouble before. Think about it," strongly advised Brock.
Ash turned back and offered the teen a smile. "Don't worry. I'll stay out of sight. If you don't hear from me in 30 minutes, get help."
With that, Ash and his two Pokemon disappeared into the trees, heading in the direction the Diglett had fled from. The boy took his time, making sure to stay low and covered by the greenery. About 15 minutes in, Ash began to hear voices and other noises. He could see an opening ahead so he slowly crept forward and peeked his head out. Several men in hard hats along with strong Pokemon, like the Machamp evolution line, permeated the area. They were carrying pieces of equipment and working on what looked like a Dam. Ash moved back several feet into the trees with his Pokemon.
Kneeling down next to them, he whispered. "Ok guys, this doesn't look to be dangerous, but we'll be safe just in case. Pikachu, you are the fastest one on the team. Run back to Brock and Misty and bring them. Espeon and I will wait here."
"Pika!" affirmed the yellow mouse, before running off.
Ash and Espeon waited in silence for a while. Soon enough, his friends and Pikachu returned. The boy quickly explained the situation and they all cautiously walked out to the construction sight. Spotting a heavyset man in a hardhat yelling orders at a few other people, the gang figured he was in charge, so they walked up to him.
"Excuse me sir, but what's going on here?" asked Ash.
The man turned and answered in a jovial tone, indicative of a good mood. "I'm happy to tell you. We are working on the construction of a new Dam."
"Did you happen to see any Diglett or Dugtrio pass through here?" asked Misty.
The man's face instantly turned into a scowl. "Yes! I've been dealing with those pests for the past few days. The delays and setbacks they caused were numerous," wailed the foreman, but he soon brightened up. "That seems to be behind us though. Some trainers we called in just finished driving them off. The boy with the Wartortle was especially helpful. Thanks to him and the others, we can finally get back to work!"
Misty grew angry and was about to retort, but Ash beat her to it, while Brock held the girl back. "What trainers?" asked the boy with narrowed eyes.
The foreman pointed over to a bus and some tents, off in a corner of the work-sight, before heading back to yell more orders.
"Why didn't you let me rip that guy a new one Brock?" a frustrated Misty asked with her arms crossed.
The teen sighed. "Look, I agree that driving off those Pokemon from what was probably their home is wrong, but what would you have accomplished? The Pokemon are long gone and you would have gotten us thrown out," explained Brock.
"Well it would have been worth it! Isn't that right Ash. Ash?" Misty and Brock turned to see Ash, Espeon, and Pikachu walking towards the tents. "That boy," muttered the girl, as she and Brock pursued him.
Getting close to the area where these so called "trainers" were, Ash started hearing voices again. He listened carefully, picking up something familiar about one in particular.
"It was no big deal girls. A trainer of my caliber could handle some Diglett and Dugrtrio any day of the week," bragged the voice. Giggles and praises followed.
"No way," an eavesdropping Ash said to himself. He burst through the tent and his fears were confirmed. "GARY?"
A spiky brown haired boy with a blue shirt, yellow and green necklace, and blue pants looked up with a smirk. He also happened to be surrounded by several gorgeous girls.
"Well, if it isn't little Ash from Pallet. What are you doing here? It must be a coincidence since they only called in the best for this little project. You know, people like me," boasted Ash's hated rival.
By now Brock and Misty had also entered the tent, but Ash paid them no mind. "What do you mean by that Gary?" Ash asked with anger.
"Come now Ash. I'm the best trainer in Pallet. You're dead last," laughed Gary.
Ash was about to boil over, but a pertinent piece of information he had learned from Professor Oak popped into his mind. "Dead last huh? Well, tell me something Gary. How did a dead last manage to win a Gym Badge from Saffron City when the best couldn't," smirked Ash back, as he opened his jacket to show his badges.
Gary frowned for a moment, but quickly regained his confidence as he pulled out his own bade case. "You must have gotten lucky loser. In any case, you're still behind. Get a load of this!" Gary opened up his case revealing six sparkling Gym Badges, including the one from Fuchsia City.
"I'm sure you got half of those from second-rate Gyms!" responded Ash with a glare and some hidden envy.
Gary scoffed in response, while his girls laughed.
"Hey Ash, aren't you going to talk to him about the Pokemon?" Brock whispered in his ear. Ash turned red at this, having completely forgotten that was his original intention. Gary also did have a way of side tracking him.
"Hey Gary, I know you're a jerk, but how could you drive off those Pokemon from their home?" accused the boy.
"Lighten up Ashy boy. They'll find somewhere else to live and be fine," shrugged off the boy.
"That was vile and cruel!" a furious Misty interjected towards Gary.
"Whatever. Come on girls. It's starting to smell too much like loser around here," smirked the boy as he and his fan club exited. Ash wouldn't let it go though, and chased after him.
"Brock, we need to stop him before he does something stupid!" Misty urged, tugging on his sleeve. Unfortunately, Brock was is no position to help, as he was currently drooling from when Gary's female companions walked by him and out the tent.
"Oh brother..." muttered Misty.
Outside the tent, Ash chased Gary and grabbed a hold of him, forcing the boy to turn around.
"What now?" asked the irritated rival.
"Gary, what you did was wrong, but I can't change the past. Instead, i'm going to teach you a lesson. I challenged you to a battle!" declared Ash as he stared Gary straight in the eyes.
"Why would I give you the time of day Ash?" questioned the boy with amusement.
Ash reached into compartment of his backpack and pulled out the white half of a broken Pokeball. "Remember this Gary? This is from the day you tied with me at the river when we were kids. If you consider a tie good enough, then walk away. I do not," finished Ash, still holding the broken ball.
Gary gave the ball a dirty look, remembering that day with shame. "Very well Ash. I'll give you your battle," Gary said with restrained anger The two stepped back and stood opposite one another on the dirt, far from the tents and the construction.
"Three on three?" suggested Ash.
"Fine by me," replied Gary.
Once again, Brock and Misty came upon the scene late.
"Looks like a Pokemon battle," observed Misty.
"Yeah, but I don't wanna get between those two," Brock added, looking at the two boys who radiated passion.
"I'll take it easy on you and go first Ashy. I choose you Nidorino!" called out Gary, summoning a spiky four-legged purple Pokemon. It also had a horn on its head.
Ash was going to be all business here. No mercy. "Espeon, time to battle," the boy said emotionlessly. His princess stepped forward from his side and stood opposite Nidorino, and the battle began.
"Quick Attack," started Ash. Espeon sprinted at once, heading straight for Nidorino.
Never seen that Pokemon before, but charging in is such an amateur move, especially against a Pokemon as powerful as my Nidorino, thought Gary with a smirk. "Meet it head on with a Horn Attack," Gary lazily responded. Now Nidorino began a charge, putting its head down and leading with the horn.
Cocky idiot, thought Ash. "Stop and Psybeam!" quickly ordered Ash. Espeon halted in place and waves of psychic power oozed from her gem.
"JUMP OUT OF THE WAY NIDORINO!" Gary responded with surprise and concern.
Too late! By the time Nidorino looked up at hearing his trainer's words, the attack had already arrived. Psychic waves battered Nidorino, dealing super-effective damage and sending the Pokemon flying into the air.
"Follow up with Swift!" continued Ash. Yellow stars flew into the air, again striking Nidorino, and sending him flying even higher. This time, Ash said nothing and let Nidorino crash into the ground in front of Gary.
Gary was momentarily stupefied, but his ego wouldn't let him accept defeat yet. "Return Nidorino. You got lucky with that rare Pokemon of yours, but I'm not exactly sure where a loser like you got it," spat out the boy.
"My daddy is not a loser!" angrily screeched Espeon. Ash knelt down and stroked her back, calming his princess down. "Relax. Gary is not worth your anger princess. Return."
Espeon gave one final glare at Gary, before walking away out of the battlefield. Gary found himself surprised again, but this time by the telepathy.
"Gary, Snap out of it! This time, i'll go first," Ash barked out, bringing his rival back to the moment. "Pikachu, time to battle!"
"Pika! Pika!" cried the yellow Pokemon, jumping from Ash's shoulder and onto the battlefield.
"All right Ash, time to play the type-advantage game myself. Go Graveler!" Out popped the heavy Rock Pokemon, landing on the battlefield with a thud.
"Rock Blast Graveler!" Gary began. Graveler rapidly pounded the ground with one foot, causing a boulder to jump from the ground, which he then punched out towards Pikachu. The Rock Pokemon did this is rapid succession.
Ash was not phased. "Agility. " Pikachu gained speed, weaving through the oncoming boulders with ease, as he sprinted in Graveler's direction.
"Iron Tail!" followed up Ash with a blank expression. Pikachu continued at a high speed with his tail now glowing and leaped at Graveler, turning his body in the air.
"Not this time Ashy! Use Rock Smash to counter!" Gary called out with a smirk. Pikachu quickly wiped the smirk off Gary's face, dodging the fist with an additional spin and pounding Graveler with a successful Iron Tail, pushing the Pokemon back with super-effective damage. Graveler still had fight in him though and Gary wanted to make mincemeat of the annoying mouse.
"STOND EDGE GRAVELER!" Gary yelled with a good amount of frustration. The Rock Pokemon again slammed his foot into the ground, but this time with a different effect. Sharp stones shot up right below Pikachu, or where Pikachu had been anyway. Ash and his Pokemon were faster once again.
"Double Team," the boy had instantly replied. Stone Edge struck a copy of Pikachu, as 14 other images of the yellow mouse surrounded Graveler
Gary growled at yet another failed attack. "I'm getting sick of that Pikachu Ash! Time to put both of you in your place with an attack you can't dodge!" the boy yelled.
Ash chuckled, but said nothing, inspiring even more anger in his rival.
"EARTHQUAKE!" ordered Gary
"Leap high into the air!" countered Ash.
Gary's Pokemon jumped up and slammed back into the ground, causing seismic vibrations and the ground to shatter all over the battlefield. About 10 of the 14 Pikachu images successfully leaped above the attack, while 4 were wiped out.
Seeing his Pokemon high above Graveler, Ash went in for the killing blow. "Use your downward momentum for a high powered Iron Tail!" shouted the youth.
10 copies of Pikachu reached their peak and then angled themselves towards Graveler with a spin, tails glowing a bright silver once more, as they descended with great speed.
Had Gary not been riled up, he might have considered a sacrificial strategy to take Pikachu down with Graveler, but his agitated state prevented any clarity of thought, so instead he opted for a more direct route.
"ROCK BLAST!" Graveler obeyed and fired rocks towards the oncoming Pokemon, taking out 5 Pikachu copies, but not the original.
Pikachu's attack hit home, and Iron Tail made impact on Graveler's face, crushing the Rock Pokemon into the ground with a loud bang, prompting dust to cloud the area.
When the dust settled, Pikachu was walking back to Ash, and Graveler was knocked out in a crater.
"Good work Pikachu," Ash nodded to his Pokemon in approval.
Meanwhile, Gary wordlessly called back his Pokemon, looking at the Pokeball in his hand with bewilderment. "I-I can't lose to Ash," quietly muttered the boy to himself. Looking across the field of battle, he saw Ash nodding to his Pokemon. No! I still have my partner and strongest ally, Gary thought as resolve filled his features.
"Play time is over Ash. I choose you Wartortle!" Gary sent out a dark blue Pokemon with a light brown shell, fluffy ears, and a fluffy tail.
"You know Gary," Ash started conversationally. "If I still had the mindset from the start of my journey, I would probably call out my own starter to try and prove mine is better than yours, or something stupid like that. Unlike you though, I know better than to engage in idiocy like that now. Pikachu, let's finish this," Ash finished coldly.
Pikachu was a bit surprised, assuming his trainer would follow the normal swap routine, but he didn't complain, and walked back onto the battlefield to face Wartortle.
Gary ignored Ash's jibe on the outside, but internally he was seething. "Bubble Beam Wartortle!" A stream of bubbles flew from Wartortle's mouth, heading for Pikachu.
Ash didn't even order a command this time, and Pikachu still dodged with ease, jumping out of the way.
Gary called for the attack over and over, while Pikachu continued to dodge. Ash and his Pokemon were strongly reminded of another battle that Ash had on his first day as a trainer.
Eventually, Gary stopped, noticing that his Pokemon was beginning to tire. I've got to stop that rat somehow, because there is no way we will win if I can't land an attack, and Wartortle is getting tired... I think I may have something. Try this Ashy, Gary thought snidely.
"Use Ice Beam Wartortle, and aim it all over the battlefield!" Gary ordered. His Pokemon obeyed and a beam of ice shot from Wartortle's mouth, covering the battlefield.
Ash wasn't an idiot though and knew exactly what Gary was doing. "Trying to slow down Pikachu? Smart," admitted the boy.
Pikachu now struggled to simply stand on the slippery battlefield, while Wartortle had clearly had some practice fighting on ice, and had no issues doing so.
"It doesn't matter if you know what I'm doing. Try dodging this! HYRDRO PUMP!" A huge torrent of water burst from Wartortle's mouth, heading for Pikachu at a high velocity.
Time slowed down as Ash watched the attack get closer to his seemingly helpless Pokemon. There's no way to dodge thanks to Gary's strategy, but that doesn't mean we are helpless. We will attack instead. Still, how can we take advantage of the oncoming water... Water? Duh! This battle is over, Ash thought with a small smile, as time sped back up.
"FULL POWERED THUNDERBOLT STRAIGHT AT HYDRO PUMP!" yelled Ash with victory in his eyes. Pikachu stopped trying to move and stood his ground, facing the attack without fear.
"PIKACHUUUUUU!" cried out the yellow mouse. Intense volts of lightening left Pikachu's small body and collided with Hydro Pump. Just as Ash wanted, the lightning quickly surged through the water and back to its source.
Pikachu and Wartortle were hit at the same time. The electrified Hydro Pump sent the mouse flying back out of the battlefield and into a tree. Pikachu slowly slid to the base of said tree. At the same time, powerful lightning coursed through the already tired Water Pokemon, making it cry out in pain, as he lit up like a Christmas tree. The conductive nature of water doubled the attack power, making things even worse for the poor creature. When the attack ceased, Wartortle fell forward, occasionally twitching as sparks emitted from his body, but otherwise not moving.
Pikachu opened his eyes and struggled to his feet, but he got there. Thanks to months of endurance training, battles, and traveling, his ability to take a hit had greatly increased. The Pokemon walked with pride, before jumping up to his normal spot on Ash's shoulder. Both trainer and Pokemon shared a smile, before shifting their eyes to the sight ahead of them.
Gary was on his knees in disbelief, staring at his injured Pokemon. Ash felt a small amount of pity, but the feeling was dominated by his disgust for Gary's treatment of the Diglett and Dugtrio, and Gary's attitude in general. He approached the boy with slow purposeful steps, Espeon following behind him.
Gary looked up to see his rival staring at him from above. "H-How?" asked Ash's rival.
"Hard work, routine, and a strong love for my Pokemon," answered Ash evenly, before he sighed. "Gary, you have the potential to be great you know?" Ash offered, surprising his rival whose eyes widened at the admission.
Ash's expression quickly hardened again and he pulled out his half of the broken Pokeball once more. "However, if you continue to rest on your laurels and reputation, you will fail at the Pokemon League, and beyond!" warned Ash. The raven haired boy threw his Pokeball half down to Gary and turned away.
"As of now, I don't consider you a rival, so I don't need it anymore. Do something about it, or don't. I don't really care anymore," finished Ash, walking away with his Pokemon.
Brock and Misty followed him wordlessly, neither really knowing what to say. The three made their way back to their camp, aiming for a good night's sleep before another day of travel.
Gary POV
Gary watched his rival, well maybe ex-rival, walk away with his friends. His fan girls were silent. Then he turned his eyes to his fallen Pokemon.
"Are you ok Wartortle?" Gary asked with concern, as he crawled over to him.
"Tortle," weakly cried the Pokemon with a half smile, which Gary returned with relief.
"Good. Return for a nice rest," softly said the boy, calling back his Pokemon. Gary stood up and looked at the girls.
"Get lost! I have to rethink the way i've been doing things and you guys will hold me back," declared the boy.
"But Gary..." weakly protested one of the girls.
"NO! Leave now!" reaffirmed the boy with an arm pointing towards their red car. Sensing his resolve, the girls walked to the vehicle and took off.
Gary ensured they drove out of sight, and then walked over to what Ash had left him. Bending down, he picked up Ash's half of the broken Pokeball.
"You better watch yourself Ash, because next time, things will be different!" vowed Gary, squeezing the ball broken capsule with intensity.
END CHAPTER
This one took a while, but at 5,500+ words, I like to think it was worth the wait. We had our official first rival battle of the story. Ash crushed Gary here, but it will have a big impact on his rival, especially come time for the Pokemon League. There was also a small scene featuring a certain someone trying to gain access to a certain organization.
Next Time - Ash takes on Koga in his 6th Gym Battle. We may catch up with another character as well. I will try to get this out soon, but my love of baseball and my team in the ALCS will likely serve as a distraction.
Espeon860 - Thanks for the review! Good guess with Gary. He will be back down the line. Any predictions for the next chapter?
Guest - Thanks for the review! Yes, I remember that cringe episode where Brock's mom decorates the Pewter City Gym. In this FanFiction though, I will say she died, because that is not going to happen here lol.
I am vegito - Thanks for the review! Glad you liked the chapter.
Reader - Thanks for the review! I am always happy to consider good suggestions. As you saw, I made use of one earlier in the chapter with Misty and Psyduck. Keep them coming please. Not planning on Slowpoke. Espeon will be Ash's only Psychic Pokemon until deep into Johto as of now. I am not sure I will do the Dark City episode, but I am planning on the Eevee brothers episode. No eggs right now. Espeon is still only 1 or 2 months old after all lol!
Guest - Thanks for the review! This is based on the Pokemon Anime... Ash Ketchum and the power of friendship is deeply ingrained into the story. Sorry if you do not like that, but it is part of the story. As for Kingler, well Ash will also have a Cloyster.
This week, I am going to shout out a source of information I use for this story quite a bit. Serebii is where I look up the anime episode summaries, Pokemon moves, route information, and more. It is a great resource!
Remember to review with your thoughts/critique :)
Smell ya later!
