Celadon City Juvenile Detention Facility
It had been around a month since the raid on the Rocket HQ. Damian and several of his fellow rockets were caught flat-footed, and easily subdued, as their superiors had seamlessly abandoned them to the local police force. Most Team Rocket members were taken to the Celadon City Detention Facility for adults, but Damian was only ten years old, which meant that wasn't an option. Instead, he had been taken the the local juvenile detention facility.
For the past few weeks, he had been subjected to all kinds of things he could do without. He was interrogated practically every day by an officer or league official, not that he had much to say. Then there was the bullying and harassment from his fellow inmates. Being a member of Team Rocket gave him some level of credibility and respect, but it didn't stop Damian from getting beat up more than a few times already. His parents didn't even bother to visit, though he was chewed out by his old man over the phone, and basically disowned. My life sucks, thought the sullen boy, laying down in his standard issue prison cell bed.
A knocking on his cell door broke him out of his reflection. "Inmate 24601, someone wishes to speak with you," a generic looking male guard said.
Damian sighed and got up, walking to the cell door. "Another interview with the Celadon Police force?" questioned the boy, as he turned around and hand cuffs were put on through the bars.
"No. Somebody else," said the guard, who opened the cell doors and began to escort his prisoner.
Damian pressed for more information, but the guard offered up nothing else. Soon he was dragged to a familiar interrogation room. Inside was a table and two chairs. On one chair sat a man. He wore an elegant red suit, had a black buttoned up shirt beneath it, and matching black dress shoes. He also had long purple hair and purple tinted shades.
"Thank you officer. I believe I can take it form here," said the man in a polite tone. The officer left without question, shutting the door behind him.
"You're welcome to take a seat young man," offered the still unknown man.
Damian hesitated for a moment, but went ahead and did it anyway. Not like he could lose anything else. "Who are you?" questioned the boy.
"I suppose that is the question isn't it," the man said with a wry smile. "My name is Lucian, and I am a member of the Sinnoh Elite Four."
"What?" a clearly taken aback Damian responded. "Why are you here of all places?"
"I'm here to escort you to Sinnoh," Lucian bluntly replied.
"Sinnoh? Why am I going to Sinnoh?" the still confused boy asked.
"Well, it would seem that the Kanto League believes that certain prisoners cannot safely be held within the region. Team Rocket's influence is deeply entrenched here, which has allowed them to free prisoners in the past through a variety of methods," explained the man. "In fact, I was told that Team Rocket was able to get rid of your original sentence that you earned back in Pallet Town," Lucian casually mentioned.
Damian said nothing, but Lucian didn't seem to mind. "In any case, Sinnoh and Kanto have several treaties with one another and a prisoner exchange is something that falls under that purview. Team Rocket has little to no influence in Sinnoh, which is why you and a few of your older companions will be secretly transported there, and to a variety of other regions for that matter," explained the man.
"Sinnoh huh? Guess it can't be worse than here. Kanto hasn't exactly worked out too well for me," muttered the boy with slight anger. "Any other bombshells you want to drop on me?" asked Damian was a roll of his eyes.
At this, Lucian gave Damian a look of pity, but he removed a folder from his jacket and handed it to the boy. "The Kanto Pokemon League has intervened in your case and made a judgement Damian. The sentence signed by league officials is within that folder. I think you may wish to be alone when you read it, so i'll step outside," said Lucian, who got up and headed for the door.
The man opened it, but turned back before walking through. "I'll be back in ten minutes, and we will be leaving right away. Your possessions have been packed and loaded. For what it's worth, i'm sorry Damian." With that, Lucian was out of the room and the door shut behind him.
Damian looked to the folder in front of him and took a breath, before opening it with his hand-cuffed hands. Several pieces of paper were within, but the top page seemed to say everything he needed to know. What he read changed his life forever.
"Damian Daisuke has been convicted of Pokemon abuse, attempted murder, evasion, and working with Team Rocket. By the order of the Kanto Pokemon League, he is hereby sentenced to remain in a Juvenile Detention Center until the age of eighteen with no chance of parole. At the time he reaches said age, an independent panel will determine if he should be released, or remanded to an adult facility for an additional ten years. He is also prohibited from owning or interacting with any Pokemon for the rest of his natural life. Such is the judgment of the league.
Signature: Charles Goodshow, President of the Pokemon League Confederation
Seeing the words on the paper made it all too real. His life and aspirations were over. Damian slowly allowed his head to fall on the table in front of him, and the boy began to cry.
Fuchsia City Outskirts
It was another beautiful morning in Kanto. Ash, Brock, and Misty had just finished one of Brock's amazing breakfast dishes, and were packing it up. The trio were currently camped out by a waterfall and some trees. Supposedly, the Fuchsia City Gym should be around the area, but the gang had no luck finding the place for the past few days. After cleaning up, they resumed their search.
"Admit it Brock, we're lost," grumbled Misty.
"I admit nothing! The map says there should be some sort of bridge around here, which will lead us to the gym," said the teen, his face buried in the map as usual.
Ash walked on in silence, his thoughts straying back to his encounter with Gary a week ago. He genuinely hoped his fellow Pallet Town native learned something, but with Gary who knows.
"How about you Ash?" Misty asked, snapping him back to the moment.
"How about what Misty?" questioned the boy.
"Can you get your head out of the clouds for once? I asked if you had any bright ideas on how to find this bridge Brock mentioned," explained the irritated girl.
"Sorry Misty. Guess I have a lot on my mind," the boy flushed, scratching the back of his head. "Let's see though. I got it!" exclaimed Ash, calling out a Pokemon.
"Free!" cried out the released Butterfree.
"Butterfree, we are looking for a bridge somewhere around here. Do you think you could fly up above the trees and take a look?" asked Ash.
"Free! Free!" agreed Ash's Bug Pokemon, before flying off into the air.
"Nicely done Ash," praised Brock.
"At least you can use your head when you pay attention," Misty begrudgingly admitted.
It only took a few minutes before Butterfree returned to the trio.
"Find anything buddy?" Ash asked his Pokemon. Butterfree nodded and began flying north, prompting the group to follow. Traveling through some trees, bushes, and other greenery, the gang quickly found themselves in front of an old wooden bridge, which hung high above raging water rapids.
"Well, we found the bridge," deadpanned Ash.
"If by bridge you mean rickety planks put together by rope above a watery death, then yes we found it," sarcastically replied Misty.
"At least my Pokemon and I contributed to getting us further along Misty!" an irritated Ash retorted.
Misty fired back as well. "Yeah, and look where that got us. Nowhere closer to finding this stupid gym!" yelled back Misty.
"HOLD IT!" exclaimed Brock, separating the two. "I get that we are frustrated, but this is not helping. Besides, I think I have an idea this time," smiled the peacemaker. "Go Onix!"
Brock's giant rock snake materialized on their side of the bridge. Thankfully he did not cause the cliff side to collapse with his enormous weight. Ok Onix, I need you to reach across the bridge and use your body to act as a sturdier one above it. You should be long enough," Brock said, eyeballing his Pokemon and the bridge length.
Onix gave a might roar and slid in front of the bridge, before raising itself up high and standing on the tip of his tail.
"Are you sure about this?" Misty nervously asked, worried that Onix may just take a swim. Brock did not answer, but his Pokemon did. Onix fell fell forward and his head landed on the other side of the bridge with a mighty crash, making the group flinch and look away.
Looking back up, they could see a solid bridge formed by Brock's Rock Pokemon.
"Way to go Brock, and you too Onix!" Ash said with a fist pump.
"We're not done yet Ash," warned Brock. "Everyone should cross one at a time and slowly."
One by one, Ash, Brock, Misty, Pikachu, and Espeon made their way across. Butterfree of course glided over Onix and the water.
"Good work Onix. Return," called Brock, summoning his Pokemon back to its Pokeball. Ash did the same for his Butterfree.
"All right, let's keep going guys," Ash said with resolve. The group continued on their way into more foliage. None of them noticed the small purple Pokemon with wide beady eyes observing them from a tree.
Fuchsia City Gym (2 Hours Later)
It took a few more hours of traveling, pitfall traps, and even avoiding some ninja stars, but the gang had finally made it. They were exhausted and paranoid, but they had arrived.
Before them was a large structure with walls surrounding the entirety of the facility. Green tiled roofing fitted numerous white buildings with wooden support beams and slitted wooden windows.
"What kind of a gym is this? It looks more like some sort of compound," commented Ash.
"Are we sure this is even the gym? It doesn't even have a sign, and the place looks abandoned," Misty responded.
"The guidebook isn't much help with a description on the place, but it did say the gym was on the outskirts of the city and isolated," added Brock.
Ash shrugged. "I guess it is worth a look then. We should probably take it slow just in case. I have a feeling there could be some more traps."
The trio and Ash's Pokemon cautiously ventured inside through wooden doors. The inside fit the theme of the place well. The floor was made of a light colored wood, while shoji panels surrounded them at all sides, except for directly in front of them. A plane wooden wall blocked the way.
"A dead end just inside? I don't buy it," muttered Ash.
"I'm with you Ash. It doesn't make sense," agreed Brock with a thoughtful expression.
Meanwhile, Misty had already gone up to the wall and given it a small push. A hidden door was instantly revealed, showing a way forward. "Shall we?" beamed the girl to her companions. Ahead was a hallway with an exit at the end. The gang pressed on walking—
"STOP!" Espeon shrilled with telepathy. Ash's foot froze in mid-air above a seemingly innocent part of the floor, while Brock and Misty froze as well.
"Daddy, back away slowly," continued Espeon. Ash did so, before turning to her.
"What's up Princess?"
"There's something right below where your foot almost stepped. I can sense it," replied the Psychic Pokemon with her paw pointed at the spot.
"Pikachu, break the floor with a small Thundershock," ordered Ash. The mouse sent a minuscule jolt of electricity at the floor, shattering it, and revealing a small Pokemon shaped and colored like a Pokeball.
"A Voltorb," breathed Misty in recognition.
"Lucky your Pokemon recognized something was up or you would have been in for a nasty shock," Brock pointed out.
Ash gulped, thanking his Espeon once again. The trio and the Pokemon made their way carefully around the hidden Voltorb and into the next room. They found themselves in a hallway with two pathways. One to the left and one to the right. Both had a door.
"One of them has to be a trap," Brock said.
"You're right! The one on the right leads back outside and a drop into to the water," confirmed Espeon.
"Left it is!" declared Ash. Lucky for them, no additional traps presented themselves down the left path, and the gang entered what looked to be the final room. It was a long wooden room with a battlefield in the center. Two individuals, a middle-aged man and a young woman, were meditating at the back on pillows. A scroll with an odd symbol hung on the wall behind them.
"You have done well to make it this far and to get past the obstacles inside and outside this place," said the man without looking up. He had a sharp face, spiky black hair, and wore blue ninja attire with a netting undershirt. He also had a red scarf. The girl had purple hair that was tied back in a bun. She also wore a pink scarf, purple wrist bands, and black Ninja attire.
"Who are you and did you set those traps?" Ash asked with an edge.
The man and the younger girl stood up, looking at the group before them. "I am Koga, and I am the Fuchsia City Gym Leader. At my side is my student and daughter Janine. To be clear, we did set the traps yes," admitted Koga without a care.
"We could have really gotten hurt from one of those traps you know!" Misty fired out in anger.
"But you didn't," interjected Janine. "There was never any chance of real danger. My partner and I kept watch from the shadows from the time you arrived at the bridge. We would have intervened if necessary," she evenly responded, as a purple Pokemon with red beady eyes appeared at her side.
"Why put us through these tests then?" Brock asked with curiosity.
"A Gym Leader's duty is to test a trainer's ability to connect with their Pokemon, to make wise decisions, and to overcome adversity. You three demonstrated these attributes to perfection in getting here. Further, I would think that you of all people would understand. Isn't that right Pewter and Cerulean City Gym Leaders?" Koga smiled with a knowing look.
"H-How could you possibly know who we are?" Misty asked dumbfounded.
"A ninja has his ways of gathering intelligence," the man said mysteriously. "However, in this case I received a few phone calls from people who told me you were likely on the way," the man sheepishly admitted, causing the trio to face-fault.
Koga quickly cleared his throat, catching the recovering group's attention. "That being said, I am well aware of who you are as well Ash Red Ketchum. I have also been asked to pass on a message."
"A message?" asked the boy with intrigue.
"Yes. Lance sends his apologies for not contacting you after the events in Celadon City, but he has been very busy as of late. He asks that you continue your journey and he looks forward to seeing you compete at the Indigo Conference," finished Koga.
Ash was thoughtful for a moment, but another question quickly popped into his head. "Why were you in contact with Lance?"
"Father is strongly being considered for a position as a new member of the Elite Four," Janine answered with pride.
The three looked at the man in awe, and Ash was starting to feel like this battle wouldn't be as easy as he had thought.
Koga looked at the worry on Ash's face and gave him a reassuring smile. "Not to worry. I have no plans on using any of the Pokemon I would use in my capacity as a member of the Elite Four. However, if you are as good as Erika mentioned, and yes I did talk to her as well, then I may consider something special for my final Pokemon."
"Right, the battle..." Ash remembered, before looking to Koga with fire in his eyes. "You may know why I am here, but nonetheless, I am Ash Red Ketchum and I challenge you to a battle!"
"I accept. Janine, take your position," ordered Koga, as he walked to his spot on the field. Ash grabbed his position as well, while Brock and Misty moved to the side.
"This will be a 3 on 3 battle between Koga, the Gym Leader, and Ash Red Ketchum, the challenger. At stake is the Soul Badge. A winner will be determined when each of one trainer's Pokemon are unable to battle. Only the challenger will make substitutions. Let the match begin!" declared Janine.
"I will begin," Koga solemnly stated. "Venomoth, we must battle!" A large insect with four purple wings appeared from Koga's Pokeball. It was purple in color and had pincer like teeth as well.
Venomoth is a Bug-Poison Pokemon, which means using Espeon at this stage wouldn't be wise. I could use Haunter, but i'm going to keep him in reserve for that special Pokemon Koga mentioned. Then that means I'll use, "Butterfree, I choose you!" called out Ash.
Butterfree sprang from his Pokeball for the second time that day, but upon seeing an opponent on the other side of the battlefield, he got serious at once.
"Start with Gust Butterfree!" ordered Ash. His Bug Pokemon flapped his wings hard, sending a miniature Tornado towards Venomoth.
"Use Gust as well," Koga calmly responded. The Poison Pokemon obeyed and sent an equally powerful Tornado out. The attacks collided, cancelling each other out, much to Ash's chagrin.
"Psybeam Butterfree!" Purple waves flew from Ash's Pokemon
"Psybeam Venomoth." Similar waves were emitted by Venomoth, neutralizing Butterfree's attack again with a small explosion at the center of the battlefield, creating some smoke.
These copycat tactics are getting annoying, thought Ash with a frown. Koga maintained a neutral expression and did nothing.
Time to put the move I learned from Erika's Pokemon to good use, but i'm going to need a distraction, Ash again thought.
"Use Psybeam once more Butterfree!" called Ash with confidence. The Pokemon did so without hesitation, and Koga countered with the same move, just like before. As soon as the attacks collided, Ash took advantage of the smoke and made his move.
"Dance," whispered Ash to his Pokemon. Butterfree used Quiver Dance, moving back and forth and glowing white. The power up went unnoticed by Koga as the smoke successfully hid Butterfree from sight.
When the smoke cleared, Ash was ready to make his move, but Venomoth was no longer there.
"Gust," called Koga. A small twister struck Butterfree from directly above, sending him fluttering close to the ground. Luckily, his increased special defense prevented too much damage.
"The wise battler takes advantage of any opportunity that is presented to him," said Koga sagely.
Ash sent a sly smile back to the man. "I agree Koga. Butterfree, use Psybeam for a third time!" Ash ordered again. Psychic waves emerged from Butterfree once more at a slightly faster speed, making their way up to Venomoth, who still floated above Butterfree.
Koga sighed in disappointment, but called his counter on cue. "Psybeam." The same waves flew from Venomoth, looking to collide with Butterfree's attack. To Koga's surprise, Butterfree's attack overtook Venomoth's and pressed on into his own Pokemon, dealing super-effective damage. Ash wasn't done yet though. After launching his attack, the boy subtly ordered Butterfree to fly up to Venomoth.
"POINT BLANK GUST!" yelled the boy with fire. A twister flew from Butterfree right into the vulnerable Pokemon in front of him. The second enhanced super-effective attack flung Venomoth away and to the ground. Venomoth did not get up.
"Venomoth is unable to battle. Butterfree is the winner," declared Janine.
A pondering Koga returned his fallen Pokemon, before looking at Ash again. "It seems that you made good use of the earlier distraction as well. Perhaps you picked something up from your previous Gym Battle," the man innocently suggested. Ash's expression gave nothing away and Koga nodded in approval.
"Good. Keep your secrets close. Now, let's see how you do against Golbat!" called out the man, sending a giant blue bat with a large mouth onto the field of battle.
If I call back Butterfree, his stats will be reduced back to their first stage. Best to keep him in and power up some more. Especially now that Koga inferred that he knows what we are doing, internally reasoned Ash.
"Use Quiver Dance," Ash quickly ordered. Butterfree began to up its stats once more, but Koga was not idle either.
"Air Cutter Golbat," called the man. The Bat Pokemon slashed it's wings, sending two razor blade shaped wind gusts right at Butterfree. He was unable to dodge due to his use of Quiver Dance at the moment, so the attacks hit home, dealing super-effective damage. Luckily, the twice-advanced special defense saved Butterfree from being knocked out, but the damage was starting to take its toll.
"Doing ok Butterfree?" Ash asked with concern.
"Free! Free!" asserted his Pokemon with a nod.
"Then let's keep it up! Use Psybeam," Ash started out.
"Double Team," countered Koga. Golbat instantly split into fifteen copies surrounding Butterfree, allowing one copy to take the damage from the psychic waves.
"Now finish with Acrobatics!" followed up Koga. Fourteen copies sped towards Butterfree at the center, intending to deal a super-effective phsyical blow that would end the fight.
There's no way to dodge, but that doesn't mean we can't weaken Golbat, Ash quickly processed. "Spinning Stun Spore!" yelled out Ash.
Butterfree spun in place, emitting spores in all directions, catching the oncoming Golbat directly in the face, but not stopping the attack. Golbat's momentum carried him right into Butterfree and slammed the Bug Pokemon to the ground with super-effective physical damage. Butterfree was knocked out, but he did his job well. Golbat's copies had dissipated and the original stuggled to stay afloat with the paralysis having taken effect.
"Butterfree is unable to battle. Golbat is the winner," announced Janine.
"Good work Butterfree. Return for a nice rest," smiled Ash, calling back his Pokemon.
Ash was about to call out his next Pokemon, but Koga's voice stopped him.
"A well executed strategy. My Golbat is helpless and will likely fall to the Espeon by your side, or the Pikachu on your shoulder. To that end, I do not wish to cause my Pokemon unneeded suffering," reasoned the Gym Leader, before turning to his daughter. "Official, I am withdrawing Golbat from the battle," Koga finished, calling back his Golbat.
"The Gym Leader has withdrawn his Pokemon. Only 1 remains," announced Janine.
Turning back to Ash, Koga now had a look of desire and intrigue on his face. "You really do live up to the high expectations I had for for this battle. Allow me to challenge you with a Pokemon somewhere between those that I normally use as a Gym Leader, and those that I would use as a member of the Elite Four. I wonder if this will alter your strategy?" mused the man. Go Drapion!"
A gigantic purple scorpion with four claw like legs and two apparent pincers coming from his head materialized.
Ash grit his teeth at the site. Another foreign Pokemon! It has to be a Poison Pokemon, but it could have a dual typing as well to counter poison's weakness. As for its moves, i'll just have to play it by ear. Sorry princess, but looks like you are going to have to sit this one out, thought Ash, looking at Espeon.
"I understand. Do what you have to do," Espeon telepathically responded to the look in a soft voice.
"I choose you Haunter!" called Ash, releasing his playful Ghost Pokemon to the battlefield.
"Toxic Spikes," immediately ordered Koga
"Shadow Ball," Ash instructed at the same time.
Drapion fired purple spikes from his pincers into the air, which sunk into the ground beneath where Haunter was floating. Meanwhile, Haunter threw his Shadow Ball, scoring a direct hit on Drapion and exploding in the Pokemon's face.
I have to win this battle, or my next Pokemon will be poisoned as soon as it comes out. Hopefully Shadow Ball did some dama—
Ash's thoughts were interrupted by a roar as the smoke cleared and Drapion stood there, looking no worse for wear.
"It looks like Drapion hardly took any damage at all," observed Ash with some frustration.
"I told you earlier that you should keep you secrets close. I will be doing the same," evenly answered Koga. "Night Slash!" suddenly yelled the man.
Drapion crawled on his claws at a speed greater than Ash thought possible. It's pincers had a dangerous dark glow about them as well, making Ash's eyes widen in realization.
"Stop that attack with Sucker Punch!" quickly called the boy. Haunter vanished and instantly appeared in front of Drapion sending out a dark fist that collided with the half-formed Night Slash, cancelling out the attacks, but sending the smaller Haunter back.
Ash had a good idea on what was going on, but he needed to come up with something fast, or this battle would be over quickly. Time slowed down for the boy as he thinked things through. Shadow Ball's ineffectiveness and Drapion's use of Night Slash indicates a likelihood of a dual dark typing. None of Haunter's attacks will even do a normal level of damage. On top of that, Drapion is clearly a physical attacker that will win in a direct conflict, especially since Haunter hardly has any physical defense. One direct blow from a physical dark move like Night Slash and Haunter will likely go down. I guess i'm going to have to use that move far earlier than I expected. I'll need to let Drapion get close for this to work though. Sorry for doing this to you again Haunter, Ash thought with a mixture of regret and resignation. Time sped back up and resolve filled his face.
"Double Shadow Punch Haunter!" Ash called with a wink. One fist disappeared and the other was launched at Drapion.
"Push forward Drapion with another Night Slash through the oncoming attack and onto Haunter," commanded a collected Koga. Drapion ran forward again, using one of his two pincers to slash through the oncoming fist, while the other was aimed at Haunter. When Drapion got close, the second fist appeared behind the Pokemon, and Ash made his gamble.
"Direct your second fist into the back of the second pincer!" Ash cried out. Haunter's second fist slammed into the second pincer right before it connected with Haunter for the Night Slash. This had the effect of making Night Slash glance off of Haunter's side, instead of a direct impact. Thanks to this and the fact that one pincer was wasted on negating the first Shadow Punch fist, Haunter survived, and floated directly in front of Drapion's vulnerable eyes.
"DESTINY BOND!" Ash yelled with hope.
"NIGHT SLASH AS FAST AS POSSIBLE DRAPION!" Koga responded with intensity.
Drapion may have been stronger and had the type advantage, but Haunter was faster. Haunter's eyes glowed red and his shadow engulfed Drapion's just before the Night Slash struck unimpeded. Haunter flew to the floor with a loud crash, and everyone knew he was done.
All eyes turned to Drapion. For a few seconds, there was an eerie silence. Then it happened.
"Pion!" groaned the giant scorpion, falling forward next to Haunter, and out of the battle.
"Haunter and Drapion are both unable to battle! As the challenger still has a remaining Pokemon, Ash Red Ketchum is the winner!" proclaimed Janine.
The boy sighed in relief, returning his Pokemon with a sad smile. "Thanks for giving it your all Haunter. One of these days we will win ourselves a Gym Battle without you having to sacrifice yourself."
"Well done Ash," Koga said, bringing the boy's attention to him.
"You seem displeased?" observed the Gym Leader.
"I'm happy we won, but this is the second time I've had Haunter sacrifice himself in a Gym Battle. Forcing my Pokemon into pain isn't something I enjoy, even if experience has taught me that sometimes it is necessary to win," frowned the boy.
Koga placed his hand on Ash's shoulder, giving the boy a reassuring squeeze, and looked him in the eyes. "You have a good heart and a sharp mind. Know this though. The key to battle is trust between trainer and Pokemon. If Haunter did not trust you, he would not have obeyed your order. So long as you maintain this trust and your attitude, there is no shame in using such tactics to achieve victory," finished the man.
"Thanks Koga," Ash appreciatively replied.
"Now then. I believe you are owed something," the older man said, backing away and reaching into a pocket on the inside of his clothing. "This is the Soul Badge, and it will serve as proof of your victory here. Take it and grow stronger," Koga said, handing over the pink heart shaped badge to Ash.
Ash took it with grace, pinning it inside his jacket, and foregoing the usual victory pose. Perhaps he would use it again another time, or maybe not. Today, he was just happy to win and learn more about his Pokemon.
Fuchsia City (1 Day Later)
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN A MONTH?" Ash asked in bewilderment.
"I mean what I said kid. The boat left for Cinnabar Island a few hours ago and is scheduled for maintenance once it docks," replied a burly sailer without a care, before walking away.
"You've gotta be kidding me," moaned Ash with his head hung low.
"Cheer up Ash! We are still way ahead of schedule for the Pokemon League. Besides, I hear Fuchsia City is connected to the Safari Zone, which has loads of rare and unique Pokemon," offered Brock.
"There will probably be a ton of amazing Water Pokemon too!" Misty added with sparkles in her eyes.
The boy sighed, but brightened up a bit at the chance of catching some new Pokemon. "I guess you guys are right. Next stop, the Safari Zone!"
END CHAPTER
Another chapter is done. We closed the books on Damian's arc in this story. He was meant to serve as an initial obstacle for Ash, but Ash has surpassed him by leaps and bounds at this point, rendering him useless. Maybe he will come back down the line. That said, I have no plans for it as of now. We also got a Gym Battle in today. Hope you enjoyed it!
Next Time - Ash swaps out some Pokemon, catches a few Pokemon, and runs into the Laramie clan. Some new characters will also be introduced early in the story, and I will change things quite a bit. Review asap and let me know if you have any ideas for Pokemon Ash and the gang should catch in the Safari Zone, other than Dratini!
Guest - Thanks for the reviews! If you read this far, you will see that Damian is now gone. As for Team Rocket, a stronger Ash means more competent opponents and villains. I will not change this.
True Master - Thanks for the reviews! I said this a few chapters back, but Ash will not be catching Squirtle. He can still be a talented like Red without that Pokemon. Besides, I still want it to be unique to Gary. Hope you understand.
I am vegito - Thanks for the review! Glad you liked the last chapter.
Reader - Thanks for the review! I enjoy reading your long reviews, so please keep them coming. I did hint at someone going undercover, but we will see if it is Silver or not later. Hope you enjoyed Janine and Koga. Read on and see if the last part of your review comes true ;)
Jeff - Thanks for the review! I am sorry but Pikachu will not be evolving. Maybe in an epilogue or something way down the line, but even then that is a big maybe.
Today I am recommending a FanFic from a different Anime, which is Naruto. A Mother's Love by lord of the land of fire features a story where Kushina survived the Nine-Tail's attack and raises Naruto. It is one of my favorites and worth the read if you like Naruto.
Remember to review with your thoughts/critique :)
Smell ya later!
PS: My baseball team has been playing like The Electabuzz these last two games in the ALCS...
