The Pokémon Journey
Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon.
Just to remind everyone who has what Pokémon.
Lita's Pokémon:
On hand- Glaceon(Nova), Vulpix (Hestia), Poliwhirl, Meowth (Stilely), Dratini (Emerald), Rockruff
At the Lab- Cubone, Scyther, Primeape, Shelgon, Pidgeot, Tauros (4)
Ash's Pokémon:
On hand-Espeon, Pikachu, Charmeleon, Oddish, Riolu, Rhydon
At the Lab- Dratini, Alolan Vulpix, Skarmory, Nidorina, Nidorino, Rattata, Muk, Magnemite, Hypno, Gible, Tauros (10), Exeggcute, Litwick, Honedge, Butterfree
Misty's Pokémon:
On hand- Vaporeon, Krabby, Buizel, Lotad, Psyduck, Starmie
At the Lab- Goldeen, Feebas, Shellder, Horsea, Dewgong, Totodile
May's Pokémon
On Hand- Torchic, Butterfree, Ponyta, Absol, Tyrogue, Swinub
With Her Parents: Skitty
The Fire Gym
Ash and Misty looked over the side of the boat as Cinnabar Island came into view. It was almost the exact opposite to the Ice Islands since this island was always warm and had several volcanos in it. "I'm so excited," Ash said as the boat docked. "Let's go right to the gym."
"Let's make sure to get a room first," Misty said laughing at her friend. "The Pokémon center here can get pretty packed due to vacationers and the hot springs."
Misty was right as the Pokémon center on the island was already full. The two frowning at that. Nurse Joy sent them to a hotel run by the gym leader of this Island Blaine. He gave a good discount for trainers there to battle him and she was right. Misty was able to use the money Ash got from renting out his Tauros to cover a room for both of them.
"Your here for a gym battle," the check in front desk clerk said. "First chance Blaine has for two opponents together is tomorrow morning."
"Ah," Ash said. Pikachu giving a disappointed sigh.
"We'll take the times," Misty said and the woman handed her two cards with times on them and a map.
"The entrance to the gym is behind these rocks. It's a walk a bit of hot walk to the center of the volcano," the woman said as she circled the entrance. "Until tomorrow feel free to use our training ground or enjoy our hot springs."
"Thank you," Misty said taking the key to their room and maps as her and Ash went to their room to drop off their bags. "I'm going to hit those hot springs."
"I'm going to do some training," Ash said. The two gave a smile and went their separate ways.
….
"How did training go?" Misty asked seeing Ash coming up to where she was sitting in the hot water.
"Charmelon is doing great. Riolu is good. Rhydon is…. powerful," Ash finished the sentence after thinking for a moment. He was rubbing his neck. "Really powerful."
"Maybe you should use Pikachu," Misty said as Pikachu jumped into the water with her. Pikachu giving off an agreeing sound.
"No, this will work," Ash said. "I'm going to get my bathing suit on and join you."
"Hurry up I'm going to get out and train myself soon," Misty called to him as Ash went to run for the room and Pikachu stayed with Misty. "Tell me the cold hard truth Pikachu. Will Rhydon work?"
"Pika… pikachu," Pikachu said and sort of shook his head.
"That's my fear," Misty said back but knew she couldn't convince Ash not to go through with his plan. Ash had to try and fail or hopefully pull off a miracle.
-Pokemon-
The next day after breakfast, Misty and Ash made their way to the gym entrance. The entrance in itself looking like an entrance to a cave and the two walked through it. The cave getting hotter as they walked.
By the time they got the gym both were sweating. The gym was a platform above the lava of the volcano. There were many fire Pokémon running around the volcano. "Wow," Ash said seeing two Magmars with several Magbys. "I always wanted a Magmar."
"Hard Pokémon to train," a voice said and an old man with a cane came from the other side. "Ash Ketchum, champion Red son and current champion Lance nephew. Five badges currently. Misty Waterflower, future gym leader of the Cerulean Gym. Five badges as well. I knew your dad. He was a good friend."
"Hi, Blaine," Misty said. "Is this safe?" Misty pointed at the lava.
"This is technically an active volcano, but no one knows why it's also stable. It hasn't erupted in hundreds of years and shows no signs of it. No need to worry we are safe. Misty, your first." Blaine said.
Misty took a step forward as Blaine took a step as well. The fire Pokémon hanging around the gym seemed to know to step back. Ash seeing the two Magmar take their Magby away from the center battle field. There was a floating referee robot and it was the first time Ash and Misty had seen the tech. "This will be a three on three battle. No substitutions allowed," the robot announced. "Begin."
"Know just because you're an old friend daughter I won't go easy on you and water not going to give you an easy win. Not here in this heat and not against me. Five badges so I think I will use," Blaine said turned to the Pokémon "Ninetales."
A Ninetales came running from the side and jumping in front Blaine. Misty took out a pokeball and released Krabby. "Krabby," the little Pokémon called out.
"Let's start this out with a flamethrower," Blaine said and Misty countered with a water gun. The water gun and flamethrower met and the flamethrower overpowered the water gun. Krabby barely had time to dodge it. Getting it on the side.
"Whoa, what was that?" Ash asked.
Misty got it though. The heat of the volcano was making fire moves and Pokémon more powerful while weakening water moves and water Pokémon. She couldn't rely on water moves to defeat the fire Pokémon. "Use water gun into the lava," Misty said confusing everyone as the water gun hit the lava and then started to turn into steam. Making the filed hard to see. "Metal claw up close and then bubble right away."
The group couldn't see what happened but heard a fight and some flashes of light. After a moment the steam wore out and Misty had to smile. Ninetales clearly took both hits. Krabby was injured as well so Ninetales must have countered. "Fire spin," Blaine said a ghost of a smile on his face.
"Harden," Misty said knowing there was no time to dodge. Krabby glowed as Ninetale sand it's fire came in and threw Krabby back. Krabby was knocked out. Misty took out her pokeball and returned the Pokémon as the robotic referee declared Krabby unable to battle. "You did well." Misty looked at Ninetales knowing a good hit with a strong water move even in these conditions would take the Pokémon out. "Take a rest." Misty took out Buizel.
"Water gun," Misty called out and Buizel let out a water gun that Ninetale dodge and responded with a quick attack. "Buizel, used quick attack and water gun at the same time. Running around the field."
Buizel started running around the field at speeds and releasing a water gun attack. Even with the heats the field filled with water hitting Ninetales from multiple directions before it was evaporated into gas. When Buizel was done running Ninetales was struggling to stand and then fell down. Buizel celebrating his victory as Blaine returned his Pokémon.
"Pansear," Blaine said and a monkey like Pokémon can onto the field. "Let's start this with fire punch."
"Use quick attack," Misty said the two attacks colliding. The two Pokémon taking the hit and moving back. Misty realizing she had not trained Buizel up with a lot of moves. A mistake she could be regretting now. Ice beam would do little to the fire Pokémon and the only water move he had was water gun. "Quick attack and water gun again."
"Oh, don't think I am falling for that one again. Fire spin," Blaine said Fire can around Pansear and the water hit into the fire. The fire and water turn into steam again making it hard to see. "Get in close with scratch."
"Counter him with tackle," Misty yelled out and while they could not see what was going on they heard attacks. By the time the steam cleared both Pokémon were unconscious.
"Both Pokémon are unable to battle," the robotic referee said. "Choose your last Pokémon."
Misty returned Buizel thanking the Pokémon before taking out Starmie ball. Releasing her starter onto the field. "Magmar," Blaine called out to the Magmar family. The smaller of the two Magmar left her spot and came onto the field. Ash looking over at the other. Larger, definitely male. Probably too powerful to use against someone with 5 badges. Ash wouldn't be surprise if this was a Pokémon not allowed in gym battles at all. Ash did know Blaine had a Magmortar somewhere though and Ash looked around wondering if that fire Pokémon was watching somewhere in the volcano.
"Start it off with water gun," Misty said and Starmie used water gun. The water hitting Magmar who just put an arm out to stop it.
"Flame wheel," Blaine said and fire came around Magmar.
"Dodge," Misty said Starmie stopping water gun and dodging the flames. "Rapid spin."
"Fire punch," Blaine said as Starmie hit with rapid spin and Magmar hit back with fire punch.
"Use psychic on the lava," Misty said and saw Blaine raise an eyebrow as Starmie used psychic and the lava came up and onto the field hitting into Magamr.
"That's not going to do much," Blaine said but Misty had switched Starmie to ice beam. The ice hitting into the lava. Blaine released what Misty was doing as the lava mixed with the ice beam creating a hard shell around Magmar feet and the steam hitting into Magmar. "Get out of there." Blaine realizing the attack was hurting Magmar who jumped away. "Flame thrower."
Flames headed at Starmie who took the attack. "Psybeam," Misty said and the psybeam hit back at Magmar. "Follow it with swift." Starmie used swift just as it was done using psybeam. The two attacked hitting.
Afterward the two Pokémon stood face to face for a moment before Magmar fell over. "Magmar is unable to battle. Gym leader is out of useable Pokémon. Challenger wins," the robotic referee said.
"Very good Misty," Blaine said returning Magmar to a pokeball. Misty doing the same for Starmie. An employee of the gym came up behind him and he handed the three pokeballs to her. "Not many people figure out how to use water Pokémon inside a volcano where they are weaker. I felt like I was battling your father again for a moment." Misty smiled. That was the highest compliment Misty could feel like he could give her. "Your badge will be waiting at the front desk. Hand over your paper and the front desk will confirm you only used water Pokémon. You may stay and watch Ash's battle. An employee can take your Pokémon to the hotel Pokémon center."
An employee came from behind surprising Ash and Misty took her three pokeballs and gave it to him. Ash noticing a couple of fire Pokémon were cleaning up the field and left it when the field was done. Misty walking to where Ash was standing and Pikachu jumping from Ash to Misty. "Good luck," Misty said to him as he went to take his spot where Misty had been.
The robot referee said the same rules it did for Misty's battle. Ash taking out a pokeball and releasing Riolu. "Growlithe," Blaine said and Ash was surprised as a Growlithe jumped onto the platform. Ash wondering where all these fire Pokémon were that Blaine could just say their names and they appeared. Ash knew fire Pokémon could take a lot of heat but being in the lava seemed to much. He wondered if Blaine had secret other platforms for his Pokémon under this one for them to play.
The battle began with Growlithe using fire fang which Riolu was unable to dodge. "Mega punch," Ash said and Riolu used mega punch hitting back at Growlithe. Growlithe falling back a bit.
"Take down," Blaine said and Growlithe ran at Riolu.
"Jump on top," Ash said and Riolu jumped up and got on top of Growlithe.
"Knock it off," Blaine said and Growlithe started to try to knock Riolu off of him.
"Use metal claw," Ash said and Riolu used metal claw while on Growlithe back. Groliwthe howling in pain for a moment before getting Riolu off his face. Growlithe was clearly more injured than Riolu.
"Bite," Blaine said and Growlithe went to bite at Riolu.
"Mega punch," Ash said again and Riolu used the punch as Growlithe bite. The two attacked hitting and afterward Growlithe fainted.
"Growlithe is unable to battle," the robotic referee said. "Gym leader choose your next Pokémon."
Blaine returned Growlithe as Riolu got up. He was a little banged up but definitely able to continue battling. "Fletchinder," Blaine said but instead of appearing from the sides or before Ash heard a noise above and down came a bird.
"Uh oh," Ash said knowing Riolu still had no idea how to fight against a flying type. "Endure."
"Peck," Blaine said back as Fletchinder pecked at Riolu.
"Metal claw," Ash said and Riolu used metal claw, but Fletchinder flew up. Riolu jumping trying to get at it.
"Flame charge," Blaine said and flames appeared around Fletchinder and the attack hit into Riolu. Riolu was not looking bad as Fletchinder flew back up. Plus he was frustrated. "End this with aerial ace."
Fletchinder used the move and Ash didn't know what to have Riolu do but yelled doge. That didn't work and Riolu fainted. Ash returning the fighting type and saying a thank you. "Charmelon," Ash said letting out the fire starter.
"This will be interesting," Blaine said. "Flame charge."
"Flame thrower," Ash said and was impressed by how large the flame thrower was. The volcano was increasing Charmelon power like it did all fire Pokémon fighting here. The two attacked collided and both Pokémon went off with barely a scratch.
Blaine gave a smile as he ordered a steel wing and Ash had Charmelon respond with an iron tail. The two attacks meeting again. this went on for a while as neither Pokémon seemed to get the upper hand but both started to seem to get injured and tired. "Dragon breath," Ash finally said and the dragon type move hit into Fletchinder. The fire bird had enough and finally fainted.
"You good to continue?" Ash asked Charmelon who looked over at his trainer and gave a nod. He was definitely tired but he wanted to continue. So, Ash smiled and nodded.
"There's not many who have the guts to use a fire type against me," Blaine said taking out a pokeball and that surprised Ash. All his other Pokémon he just ordered from inside the volcano. "This little guy I have bene training for a while. Let's see what your Charmelon makes of him. Torkoal."
Ash had never seen this Pokémon. It was some type of fire turtle. Steam coming out of his nose and back. Ash was kind of disappointed he was not going to battle a Magmar. "Lava Plume," Blaine said and a large amount of fire hit into Charmelon. Pushing him back. After it was done Ash saw a flame around Charmelon. He was burnt.
"Iron tail," Ash said and the iron tail hit into Torkol. The Pokémon was not fast but it's high defense didn't seem the steel move did much. Torkol responding with a body slam. Charmelon used dragon claw which did seem to hurt Torkol a bit and then moaned as burn hurt him.
"End this. Rapid spin," Blaine said and Torkol used the rapid spin hitting into Charmelon. And that was is. Charmelon was out.
Ash returned him. "You did great," Ash said taking out his last pokeball. "Rhydon." The large rock Pokémon came out with a roar. "Let's start with hammer arm." Rhydon ran at Torkol but used horn attack instead. "Rhydon I said hammer arm." The Pokémon didn't listen though as it continued attacking Torkol who used protect.
Blaine expression changed as Rhydon rampaged through the field attacking Torkol, not listening to Ash, and destroying the field. Blaine using several attacks to weaken Rhydon but the Pokémon was strong. Blaine clearly had enough when Rhydon damaged one of the supports keeping the battle field up. The field lowering a bit.
"That's it. Torkol, we're going to end this. Getting in close and use self-destruct," Blaine said. Torkol went towards the Rhydon and once close a large explosion came from him. Rhydon took the attack and was knocked out. Torkol was knocked out as well.
"Both Pokémon are unable to battle. Both gym leader and challenger are out of useable Pokémon," the robotic referee said. "This gym match is a tie." Ash returned Rhydon as Blaine returned Torkol.
"Never put a Pokémon in battle who you cannot control," Blaine said his fury obvious. "That's irresponsible to humans and other Pokémon. There could have been more serious injuries." Blaine took a step back. "You can schedule for a rematch in a few days' time. Either have Rhydon under control or use another Pokémon. If that happens again I will not allow a third rematch in this gym."
Blaine walked out of the gym and an employee asked both Misty and Ash to leave as they needed to get the field fixed. "Rematch?" Ash asked. "But it was a tie."
"Gym leader gets to decide if a tie equals a badge. Blaine is not giving you one," Misty said and Ash pouted.
….
Later that day the two were sitting at dinner. Misty had gotten her rewards for winning earlier. "Griffin gave you a badge for a tie. Loren gave Lita," Ash complained.
"Ash, there's nothing you can do about it," Misty said. "Look the hotel is covered until your rematch." Ash had scheduled a rematch for a few days. "We can work on getting Rhydon under control, but I think we also need to consider alternates. Blaine threat was not in vain. If you do something he would consider dangerous like releasing a Pokémon you have no control over he can ban you from the gym. Pikachu and Espeon are good ideas for alternates." Pikachu was sipping at a ketchup battle and Espeon was out and eating as well. Ash gave a nod. "And you also have that metal bird. That might be a good one to use."
"Planning battles," a new voice said and a chair was pulled up to the table and the two turned to see Paul joining them. "I just beat Blaine myself."
"So, did Misty," Ash said smiling at the man. Ash had thought of him as a jerk at first but he was growing on Ash.
"We should battle some time," Paul said. "So, I guess you're the rematch." Ash nodded. "The one who release a Pokémon that went wild." Ash sighed. "First Beedrill now a…"
"Rhydon, and he's different from Beedrill. I will get him under control," Ash said.
"I can help if you want. Show you some of my training techniques," Paul said.
"You're not leaving?" Misty asked.
"St. Anne is leaving Vermillion City and going to come up this way. Take on more passengers and my big brother surprised me with tickets," Paul said. "He's kind of a big deal in Hoeinn." Ash wanted to know who it was but decided not to pry. "I'm staying here until I can get on the St. Anne. Going to enter their on board tournament and then a month vacation before getting my final badge."
"Wow, Misty…." Ash started.
"Not even if you sell a Tauros or two," Misty said knowing how much those tickets were.
Ash pouted but gave a nod. "Thanks Paul. I'll take you up on training together," Ash said holding out a hand. "Friends."
"Something like that," Paul said shaking the hand. "I want you powerful for when we really have a rematch. Let's see if your dad's strength was inherited." Paul gave them a smile and got up leaving them alone.
"Not sure what to think of that," Ash said and Misty gave a nod not sure herself.
Post Chapter Note: well I hope you liked this chapter.
REVIEW
Karry Master OUT!