The gang was confronted by an unknown group of people. They called themselves, The Plasma Society. They were dressed as if they were going to a renaissance fair. They called the trainers they had stopped an abomination to the Pokémon. The group looked at them in confusion, as to why they would say such a thing. The Plasma Society claimed that people mistreat Pokémon by keeping them locked up in pokéballs and therefore, the Pokémon are miserable.
The gang argued with the group and said that they treat their Pokémon like they are friends. The society claimed that Pokémon could never be equals with the human race. Due to the fact that Pokémon are superior beings with unknown potential. Ash replied back saying that the potential is to be discovered by people and Pokémon alike. A mysterious man had then approached.
The man was wearing a black mask that only covered his face. He was dressed in a black cloak while wearing a green long sleeve shirt. He had then introduced himself as Voltstien. He mentioned to the group that his goals were to make sure that people and Pokémon were to become equals one day. But for that to happen, trainers must no longer exist and battles should never happen again. Voltstien seemed sure that his vision for the world was the only right one. He wants every trainer to release their Pokémon and set them free. If the Pokémon still decided to travel or stay with the human, it would be their choice and no one else's.
Iris was fuming over the idea of releasing her Axew. She demanded that the opposing group leave them alone and go away. Just then, a hoard of Joltic's flashed right in front of the group. They shot the area with an Elctroweb to prevent fleeing.
"Hey what is the big idea here?!" Tracey demanded.
"We wish for you to release your Pokémon. If you will not comply willingly, we will force you too." A grunt told the boy.
"I thought you guys said you don't want to battle!" Ash yelled out.
"We do what we must to ensure the Pokémon's happiness." Voltstien explained.
"Looks like we don't have a choice here buddy, you ready?" Ash asked his partner.
"Pika!" Pikachu said.
"What is this?" Voltstien questioned.
A battle took place. Pikachu used Thunderbolt over and over again. Mainly to deflect the oncoming attacks from the Joltic's. Pikachu never gave up however, but Voltstien seemed liked he emphasized with the electric mouse. He really cared for his beloved trainer and would go to great lengths to protect him. Voltstien realized that this battle would not do any side any good. Instead he decided to part ways for the time being and heaves word that they would see each other again.
They all rushed back to the Pokémon Center to see if Pikachu is going to be ok. Nurse Joy reassured that Pikachu would be fine in a couple of hours. Ash sat at the waiting table and pondered at what Voltstien was saying. He also thought it was strange that the Pokémon were his and would attack without being given the order to. Pikachu had now recovered and the gang headed back out to their next destination.
Ash was still thinking about what Voltstien was saying, and thought it was best to let the
Pokémon decide if they want to continue traveling with him. The rest of the gang was stunned that Ash even considered the thought. He explained that he did not want his Pokémon to be forced into traveling with him if they did not want to. Lucky for Ash, all his Pokémon were standing by his side and wanted to stay together.
Now the gang decided to take a rest and have lunch together. Cilan asked Iris if she could fetch him some berries and asked Tracey for assistance in prepping the tables for everyone. Iris was pleased to obliged, while Tracey hesitated but still helped. Tracey and Cilan were having a discussion on what their dreams were. Cilan started out by saying he likes to see how Trainers get along with their Pokémon and that is why he became a connoisseur, to help trainers strengthen their bond. Tracey started by saying he was a Pokémon Watcher and became Professor Oak's assistant. Cilan was amused that such a career had so much potential in itself.
Iris came back with some fruit and berries for Cilan to use for cooking. Cilan had prepared a wonderful meal for everyone. Tracey was still hesitant about eating the food, while Ash noticed and asked Tracey to take a step to the side for the moment. Ash then asked what was wrong. Tracey told Ash that he thought it was just going to be the two of them traveling together and now their group has doubled in size. Ash then mentioned that it is ok to have people join in last minute. He even reminded Tracey that that is how they got to know each other so well.
Tracey sighed and realized he was just being selfish and went back over to the group. They all had a wonderful meal together. Tracey was actually found Iris less annoying. He even offered to help train her Axew with her. Iris was not sure as to why he would now offer something like this. But she still took the chance she could at training and they were about to get ready for a practice battle.
Tracey and Iris were getting ready for their training battle. Iris had already sent out her Axew. Tracey thought it would be a good idea to use Frillish for this battle. Tracey never knew how his Pokémon did in a battle scene and thought this would be a good chance to see how it would compete. Since this was more for Iris than it was for Tracey, Iris was given the first chance of attack.
Iris called out for Scratch. Everyone looked perplexed, even her Axew. When Iris saw the effects of her attack, she remembered why the move had no effect on it. Frillish is part Ghost type and normal type moves like Scratch do not work on ghosts. Tracey asked if Axew knew any other attacks. Iris replied saying that Axew did know one other move. However, when she tried to explain why they could not use it, Tracey told her to try it out.
Iris then called for Dragon Rage. Tracey looked excited for this move. Axew was holding in his energy to release the move. Although, when it came time to actually use the move, Axew closed his mouth and a pile of smoke was seen shortly after. Everyone rushed over to see if the tusk Pokémon was alright. Thankfully there did not appear to be any long lasting effects, just a few scratch marks.
Iris called off the battle, saying that Axew is too hurt to continue. Tracey agreed and tried to return Frillish to his pokéball. Frillish did not look pleased and fled away. Tracey ran after his Pokémon with Iris following. They both have managed to get lost in the woods. Tracey and Iris were now traveling in circles trying to find Frillish.
The two of them tried to figure out why Frillish would run off the way it did. Iris suggested that it could have felt jealous. When Tracey considered the idea, he tried to understand why now it would feel this way. Iris reminded Tracey that it joined his team after he sketched the Pokémon, and after that there were no more sketches being made. Frillish just wanted the attention and was not receiving any.
Tracey understood and called out to his Pokémon. Tracey apologized if he had hurt his friend's feelings and wanted to make it up to it. A sudden rainstorm had appeared and the two of them had gone for cover. They had jumped over a hill, but what they were not expecting was a Scolipede taking a rest. The duo had stepped on the Pokémon and woke it up in a rage.
Tracey was going to go for Smeargle, but then remembered that he left his pokéball with the others. Tracey then thought of a backup plan. If Axew could try to use Dragon Rage, one of two things could happen. One option is that the move will work and Scolipede will run away. Or the more likely option is that the explosion will let the others know where to find them. Iris was not a fan of either option, so Tracey said the third alternative is to be eaten by the megapede Pokémon.
Iris knew they had no other choice and ordered a Dragon Rage. The same thing happened, an explosion came about. It did startle the Pokémon but regained its senses and was going for the attack. All of a sudden, a barrage of bubbles came towards the Pokémon. When the two trainers looked up, they saw Frillish using Bubble Beam. The Scolipede then fled the area and left them alone.
Tracey thanked his Pokémon for helping him. Even though the Pokémon crossed his arms and pouted by turning his head. Tracey was attempting to let his Pokémon know that he did not fully understand before what the problem was. But now he fully understands and wants to make amends. Frillish looked back and gave a knowing smile. The rest of the gang had caught up and were relieved that everyone was ok.
When everyone met back at the campsite, they were greeted by someone they had not seen before. This person had the audacity to be eating their food. She introduced herself as Georgia the Dragon Buster. She had come to defeat Iris in a battle. Her goal was to make sure that the people from the village of dragons were defeated at all cost. She had a personal grudge with them, and they had to pay.
Iris claimed that she had no squall with this trainer. Georgia then sent out her Beartic, which used Slash on the table and demolished everything in its site. Cilan screamed out in horror, while the other just got furious at the actions this trainer has just committed. Iris accepted the battle, reluctantly. It was not much of a battle. Georgia won with relative ease and mocked Iris for being a disgrace of a dragon trainer. Iris almost broke down in tears.
Tracey stepped in and said that everyone just needs time and practice to become great. Ash and Cilan both agreed with Tracey. The three of them sent out their Pokémon respectfully. Georgia claimed that this had nothing to do with them and they should stay out of it. Cilan reminded her that she attacked them and destroyed their belongings. Georgia knew there was no going back from this and said that they will meet again.
They all tried to collect as much that was savable. Unfortunately, there was not that could be saved. Iris apologized over and over again. Cilan proclaimed that it was not her fault and should not take the blame for such improper manner as such. The gang has reached a small town known as Veminsa Town. They all had certain things they had to do, so they decided the order of which to do them.
While the gang was in Veminsa Town, Ash noticed a familiar building. It was the Battle Club. Ash was so excited that he ran right over to see if any challengers were ready to fight. The others followed right behind him. What Ash did not expect to see, was a familiar face on the screen of ready trainers. It was Trip from when Ash started his journey in Unova.
Cilan recognized the trainer too. Trip had earned the Trio Badge from Cress in his battle. Iris was curious to meet the young trainer. Lucky for her, Trip had entered the area. Ash greeted the trainer and tried to apologize about their previous encounter. Trip shrugged it off and said that cheaters should never associate themselves around serious trainers like him.
Ash tried to defend himself by saying that Pikachu was in an electric storm and could not control the sudden energy it had. Tracey defended and said that they should have another here to clear things up. Trip agreed and asked to have Don Gorge host the battle, to see if Ash would try to pull another stunt towards an Official League Member. Trip wanted a full battle: 6v6. Ash said that he only had five Pokémon, so Trip sighed and settled for a 5v5 battle instead.
Trip sent out his Servine, with Ash sending out Pidove. The battle seemed like Ash had the upper hand, but Trip utilized Leaf Tornado to block Air Cutter really well. When Pidove went in for the physical attacks, Servine would use Leaf Blade to counter the attack. Since Pidove has not been in many battles lately, Pidove was running low on energy and could not continue to battle. Ash then went for Pikachu.
Pikachu went for Volt Tackle, which surprised Trip that Ash knew how to use electric type moves on a Pokémon instead of the trainer. Servine was also impressed that the Pikachu it despised, battled fairly. Pikachu went in with a Thunderbolt and Servine countered with Leaf Tornado. Both Pokémon collapsed from the collision.
"This battle is getting intense, and it only just begun." Iris whimpered.
"Yes, but Ash's got this. He would not give up so easily." Tracey commented.
"I agree, Ash will go all the way to see what he and his team can do together." Cilan added.
"Ain't that sweat, you got your own fan club. Let's see how they will like it if I use this one." Trip said as he sent out Litwik.
"So cool. I've never seen that Pokémon before." Ash complimented as he sent out his Tepig.
Trip commented that send a fire type against another fire type was an amateur move. Ash retorted saying that types do not always decide the battle. As proof, Ash asked Tepig to use Ember. Litwik did not look like it was phased in the slightest. Trip retaliated by having Litwik use Night Shade. The move did make its mark, and before Tepig could get up: another Night Shade had made contact. Tepig was too injured to continue to battle anymore. Ash then sent out his Oshawott.
Trip then stated that Ash was finally using common sense using a water type on a fire type. He then pointed out that there was no point in continuing the battle. Trip figured that if he still had four of his Pokémon and Ash only had two left, he would have won the battle regardless. Don Gorge then stepped in: saying that it is the trainer code to carry on a battle, despite if you believe you would win or no. don Gorge then stated that Ash is the perfect example of trainer by following that code.
Trip then decided to humor Don Gorge and carry on the battle. Oshawott was instructed to use Razor Shell to cut through Night Shade. Litwik was then hit by the super effective move, but still had enough energy to fight. Litwik then went for Will-O-Wisp and Hex back to back. Oshawott was struck by the combo but still landed a Water Gun, earning him the win. That is until the burn took out Oshawott's last but of health.
Trip then sent out his third Pokémon, Tranquil. Ash was forced to use Gible, which Ash was dreading for the entire battle. The group started to panic when they realized what the situation was. Trip asked how he caught a Pokémon in the region that was native to it. Ash commented that he caught Gible in his travels through Sinnoh. Trip the mocked Ash for only having caught three Pokémon in the region.
Trip then went for the attack and told Tranquil to use Quick Attack. All Ash could do was dodge them. Trip was getting frustrated at this point. He demanded that Ash make a move or else the match would count as a forfeit. Ash then had to explain to Trip of the unfortunate circumstances.
"What do you mean Gible doesn't know any moves right now?" Trip was annoyed.
"Well you see, we came across this Musharna that released this mysterious gas and it powered up disable so now Gible can't use any of his moves." Ash defended.
"This is such a waste of time. Since Gible can't attack, at all, you forfeit the match and I win again." Trip argued, while Don Gorge ha d to agree with the trainer.
"Hey come on, these weren't even my fault." Ash tried to argue.
Trip then mentioned his side of the argument. Ash could not control his Pikachu from their first battle. Thus resulting in Trip getting attacked. Followed by Ash agreeing to a battle with a Pokémon that cannot attack. All of this felt like Trip was being disrespected as a trainer and did not want to be associated with such a trainer. Trip then headed out of the building to continue his travels.
Ash pondered for quite a bit. He had thought about what Trip had said, and agreed that their encounters were not the best. Ash then came to a conclusion, he had to really focus on training his team. That applied to all of his Pokémon, and Ash shared his determination with the gang. To which they shared his excitement and continued their way to Nacrene City.
The gang was out enjoying a nice meal together. Ash was looking at his Trio Badge in depth. He recounted the entire battle beginning through end. All he was remembering was how Gible was able to use attacking moves. After their last encounter with Trip, Ash really wanted to get in as much training as he could.
Ash asked Cilan if he could offer some assistance. Cilan was thrilled to help out a fellow comrade. Ash wanted to start training with Pidove first. Pidove had several weak spots to it. Cilan's Pansage was going to help with that. Pansage knew Vine Whip, so close range attacks like that was good practice. Ash even used Air Cutter as a Counter Shield, just like he did back in Sinnoh. Pidove ended up moving faster than before, while also having an enhanced reaction time.
Ash then pondered at what else the two could work on. Tracey suggested that Tepig could use some kind of training on his offense. After Tepig heard what Tracey said, the fire pig let out an Ember and hit Tracey in the face. Iris tried to scold the Pokémon on how it should not misuse its powers like that. Ash stepped in and commented on how Tepig felt insulted by being called weak, to which the Pokémon sighed in agreement.
Ash still thought it was not a bad idea to get some training in too. An idea then struck Ash. If Gible were to train alongside the other Pokémon, then that may be enough to learn, or relearn, a move. The two Pokémon were getting ready for their practice battle. The two of them charged at each other with full strength.
Tepig kept going for Ember, while Gible continued to dodge. Both sides were getting better with their speed and reflexes. However, Gible was still nowhere close to learning any moves. All Gible did from there was pout and sit on the ground. Suddenly, a new voice could be heard screaming.
The gang looked over and saw a tall women charging right at them. The woman collided with Ash, causing him to fall into a bush. When he had emerged, the lady apologized and asked if they have met a trainer known as Ash. To which everyone pointed at the intended person in question.
"Professor Juniper sent me to give you this." The lady then handed Ash a badge case.
"Oh hey, thanks." Ash happily accepted the gift.
"How are you by the way?" Cilan asked politely.
"My name in Bianca and I too am a gym challenger!" She introduced herself
"Well, my name is Ash, and this is my partner Pikachu. Over there is Tracey, a Pokémon Watcher. She is Iris, and that is Cilan, one of the gym leaders of the Striaton Gym." Ash introduced everyone.
Bianca was simply impressed to see a Pikachu in real life for the first time. She then revealed that she had two badges of her own. Ash commented on how she must be a tough trainer to have already gathered that many badges. Bianca took that as a challenge, to which Ash accepted. Bianca revealed her option as Pignite, the evolved form of Tepig. Ash was going to use Oshawott, but Bianca insisted on facing Pikachu instead. She really wanted to get the chance to battle one herself, so Ash agreed.
The battle was a somewhat lengthy on. Pikachu was using his evasive skills to the test to see how the opponent would react. Pignite did not show any sign of weakness though. Its usage of Flamethrower to avoid Pikachu from attacking was simply marvelous. Ash did find the weakness to their plan. Ash ordered a Thunderbolt to land directly above them. The firewall strategy did not cover attacks from above, so Pignite took a hard direct attack: leaving Pikachu the winner of the battle.
Bianca thought for sure she would have won, considering she had more badges. Iris thought the same thing. This only goes to show, that there are always people out there that can turn any battle to a winning one. Bianca was about to head on out, until Cilan offered her to join them for lunch. Bianca had accepted the offer and all of them were now enjoying a meal together.
Bianca had shared her dream of meeting all kinds of Pokémon out in the world. Bianca wanted to go on this journey so she could learn more about herself. She had mentioned that she wanted to go when she was ten, but her parents did not want her to go yet. Now this was her chance to do so, and she was determined to go all out against anything that would come her way. Ash reminisced when he started his first adventure. The two of them shared stories about what they have seen while on a journey and how they would not change it for a single thing.
Bianca was getting ready to leave when a tiny Pokémon had appeared out from a tree. The pokedex identified the creature as a Minccino. The Pokémon had then taken Bianca's handbag, Ash's hat, Tracey's sketchbook, and Cilan's cooking pot. The gang had then gave chase to the stealing Pokémon, only to have lost it somewhere in the woods.
