..::..
Hello there and welcome to another chapter of Red Eyed Master.
I apologise to those who I did not reply to in regards to reviews or PMs.
The only item I bring up in way of complaints is the whiplash I'm receiving from readers.
MAKE UP YOUR BLOODY MINDS!
I'm getting really pissed off with some of you … first you want me to stop using 'he coughed' or 'said while coughing' and to use something to identify with him as coughing, so I do just that and now THE VERY SAME PEOPLE then chew me out for changing it. I'm losing my patience readers so make up your minds already. T_T
Since others were kind enough to properly comment on the fact that the new way was interfering with the flow of the story, I'm reverting back to the older way … personally I preferred the older way as constantly stopping in between writing to put ** to mark his coughing is annoying to me… and apparently most of the readers.
..::..
My rant over … onto the story!
..::..
I DO NOT OWN POKÉMON!
..::..
"Hello" – Speech
'Hello' – Thoughts
"Hello" – Pokémon speech/Aura/Psychic communication
'Hello' – Pokémon thoughts
[Hello] – Pokédex Entries
:Hello: - Typed Speech
..::..
Ash's Pokémon Team – 8 Slots out of 8 filled:
Snivy – Female – Moves: Tackle, Magical Leaf, Vine Whip, Wrap and Leaf Storm.
Seviper – Male – Moves: Wrap, Lick, Bite, Dig and Poison Tail.
Combusken – Male – Moves: Scratch, Growl, Focus Energy, Ember, Double Kick and Crush Claw.
Froslass – Female – Moves: Astonish, Bite, Shadow Ball, Icy Wind, Confuse Ray and Ice Beam.
Mismagius – Female – Moves: Psychic, Shadow Ball, Lucky Chant, Payback, Mean Look and Sucker Punch.
Pidgeot – Male – Moves: Quick Attack, Aerial Ace, Steel Wing, Air Slash and Gust.
Vespiquen – Female – Moves: Bug Bite, Poison Sting, Gust, Fury Cutter, Pursuit and X-Scissor.
Shieldon – Male – Moves: Headbutt, Rock Blast, Metal Sound, Ancient Power and Iron Defence.
Pokémon at the Laboratory: 4 Pokémon:
Meowth – Male – Moves: Unknown.
Ekans – Female – Moves: Unknown.
Cleffa – Female – Moves: Unknown.
Clefairy – Female – Moves: Unknown.
..::..
Ash, Misty, Brock and their pokémon all enjoyed their day off as they took in the sights and tourist destinations, such as the famous and romantic (if that mattered) Cerulean Cape. During this time however, Ash had been finding his attention swayed by the upcoming delivery from Professor Oak. Ever since he'd learned of the blonde haired beauty's identity as Cynthia of the Shirona family, he found that his mind often drifted to her visage, her blue-grey eyes looking into his red eyed gaze while the temple around them trembled due to the power of the unknown pokémon's power, true, they hadn't really met per say but the idea often tickled his mind 'What if?'
Ever since his errand the day prior and the call home that same night, Brock seemed to be in good spirits as he trotted about, sighing dreamily at the pretty girls whilst Misty was content to be home, at least now she didn't need to deal with her sisters. In fact since the Gym battle, Misty looked as though she'd found her place in the world, though her hugging Ash as soon as they reached the Pokémon Centre left him uncomfortable and both Brock and Misty amused. Ash allowed her the moment though as he knew it was going to happen, she'd been twitching for a hug since he'd put her sisters in their place.
Ash's thoughts were interrupted as they approached the entrance to the Pokémon Centre once more, stepping inside he and his companions were witness to an exasperated Nurse Joy, who appeared to be dealing with an equally distressed delivery Dragonite.
The Dragonite refused to move until she had properly delivered her parcel and stood firm, the problem was the Dragonite was blocking the line to the Nurse's Station.
Ash let a soft smile appear on his face, that particular Dragonite was completely loyal to a fault, and only to Professor Oak and Ash. It was due to Ash's actions that they'd discovered that what the Lab Assistants though was a simple irritation to Dragonite's wing, was in fact a parasite that would've permanently crippled Dragonite. It was Professor Oak himself that had performed the surgery to remove the parasite, and together, both Ash and the Professor saw to Dragonite's complete recovery. Since then, the Dragonite was more than happy to deliver things for the Professor in exchange for living at the Lab's Coral, despite the Professor's offer to remain there for free.
"Dragonite … can you please stop bothering Nurse Joy." Ash chuckled
Dragonite immediately perked up and made a happy grunt before lumbering over to Ash and his friends. Ash could've dodged the incoming bear hug from the affectionate Dragon Pokémon but allowed himself to be pulled into the hug. Dragonite purred in happiness, her wings twitched and her tail wagged in delight as Ash rubbed her head right between the antenna on her head.
"You look well" Ash murmured softly, nodding to himself "I see you found a mate."
Dragonite twitched once more, but her happy grunt confirmed it.
"I'm glad … you were so lonely on your own" Ash commented once more before a mischievous smile made its way onto his face "Was it the Professor's Dragonite? You know that he's had a crush on you since we found you injured by the parasite."
Dragonite whined in embarrassment but after a moment or two, she nodded shyly.
"I'm very happy for you" Ash responded sincerely "Now … have you come to deliver something to me?"
Dragonite saluted in a professional manner, earning a chuckle from those watching on in awe of the majestic dragon type, and pulled out a dossier that had been securely wrapped and handed it to him with a proud huff. Ash smiled once more and petted her head again in thanks.
"Thank you Dragonite" Ash spoke, before he succumbed to another coughing fit, Dragonite was alarmed by it and she whined again as she looked him over, like a protective mother "I'm fine Dragonite, thank you for your concern"
Dragonite nodded and looked expectedly at Ash to put the folder away, once he'd done so she hummed her name to get his attention. Ash looked up to Dragonite with a confused expression on his face, did she need something else? Dragonite stared into Ash's eyes with a scary expression, Ash felt the uncontrollable desire to pulse his Aura in response and did so, this caused Dragonite to rear back in surprise but a very pleased look crossed her face. She turned and pulled a larger, cylindrical parcel that had been secured to her side and handed it over with a serene smile on her face.
Ash took the parcel and pulled a letter that had been attached to it off. He carefully opened the letter and read it.
Dear Ash,
I'm sure by now you've received the Dossier on Cynthia Shirona. There's a surprising lack of information on her personally, besides the standard information: Name, Birthday, etc. etc.
The Dossier has more on her exploits as a researcher and a Pokémon Trainer. I'm actually amazed by this young lady, she's already defeated the first of Sinnoh's Elite Four and battles the Second Member in just under a month's time … you sure know how to pick them eh Ash?
If I'm correct and you're reading this letter, then I'm sure that Dragonite has handed you the larger package as well … if so then: Congratulations! Dragonite recently mated with my own Dragonite and they were happy when Dragonite had two eggs. It was unanimous between the two Dragonite and I that you receive one of them for your journey.
I just know that you can handle a dragon type pokémon Ash, especially now that you've proven yourself capable with a prehistoric pokémon such as Shieldon. Speaking of Shieldon, I'd very much appreciate a chance to observe him soon. Other than that, and your mother reminding you to call and to take your medicine … please continue to do your best and work hard.
Gary has just received his Boulder Badge and will be making his way to Cerulean City soon, apparently the car has been hindered by awful road conditions, but he's content to use the car instead of walking. The pokémon here at the coral have been acting up though … it seems that without you here to play peacekeeper, they like to break the rules. Your Cleffa is a tough little one, she beat up one of the rowdy Rattata that usually cause trouble.
Yours in good health,
Professor Samuel Oak.
P.S. In light of your contribution to the Pokémon Research Community, you've been granted the right to carry a further four pokémon. The rules in which your extension applies are the same with your original carry limit extension and with the stipulation that at least one more paper be submitted by the end of the PLY (Pokémon League Year).
..::..
Ash snorted in amusement at the last piece of information on the letter regarding Cleffa, but it did remind him to check in on her and her mother, and he would do so later but the increase of his carry limit intrigued him … wasn't it just simply … fortunate that his carry limit had increased simply because of his thesis? No … something else had to be in motion here. The Pokémon League Research Division had to have all Capacity Extensions stamped and approved by the League President himself: Charles Goodshow.
Something was happening at the Pokémon League. Ash wasn't blind to the possibilities of Kanto's Elite Four keeping a close eye on his journey because of who his father is but the Pokémon League President? Well, that rubbed itself all over Ash's 'Danger Senses'.
Shrugging mentally, he carefully pulled back the protective wrapping surrounding the parcel. It revealed a state of the art Egg Incubator and inside sat a perfect looking blue egg. It was entirely blue, with a single spot near the top of the egg … it was beautiful and Ash could feel the life inside of it with his Aura. The pulse of life from within the egg reacted to his Aura and it brought a peaceful smile to his face.
"Well, the little one is rather happy" Ash commented to himself, though Misty and Brock, the latter of whom had entered 'Breeder Mode' and was writing down his observations, had heard him.
"I-It's so beautiful" Misty murmured and Brock grunted his own agreement as he continued to write.
"Yes, the life inside of this Pokémon Egg is a reminder that Pokémon are more than just tools for battle." Ash replied with that 'lecture' tone that he often used when explaining something.
Ash heard a brief shuffle and turned to see several young children, they appeared to be on a field trip and they were watching Ash, Misty, Brock and the Dragonite with awe visible on their faces. Ash couldn't resist the chance to impart an important piece of advice onto them and stepped over to them.
"Did you hear what I just said?" Ash inquired softly, at their nod he continued "Remember, you, like this Pokémon egg, are young. When this Pokémon hatches, he or she has the right to choose their own path. That means that if he or she doesn't want to battle, then they have the right to follow that; just like you little ones. Do all of you want to be Pokémon Trainers?"
At some of the children's shaking heads, Ash smiled and continued "See? Not all of you want to become trainers … you chose and they have feelings too. Friendship with your pokémon is what you need. Trainer or not, understanding pokémon is what will keep Pokémon and humans living in harmony."
Ash was rather happy that he managed that little speech without coughing, he got the message across too, as even the few that looked like bullies were deep in thought over it. The teacher smiled and thanked Ash for the little lesson and led the children off to speak with Nurse Joy and Chansey.
Ash turned and thanked Dragonite with an extra careful rub, thus earning another pleased whine from her, Ash bowed before he spoke, "Thank you for this honour … Dragonite."
Dragonite bowed in return before she flew up through the open roof and took off with amazing speeds. Instead of waiting for Misty and Brock to ask what the letter had said, he passed it to them and walked off towards the Video-Phones. He sat down with a sigh and dialled his Mother's number, it rang through and while it was uncommon for that to happen, it might've just meant that she was busy or out … he'd try again later, so instead he dialled the Professor's number.
..::..
Delia Ketchum was not easily angered, she was the type of person that would get along with anyone, unless you hurt those close to her, and Arceus save you if you tried to harm Ash or his Pokémon.
But … right at that moment.
Delia was enraged as she gazed upon the last person she wanted to see … her husband's best friend and otherwise, unsupportive bastard Lance Blackthorn. She heard the Video-Phone ring but remained rooted in spot, for standing there on her front porch was the very person who swore to help her and her family should anything happened to Red.
"What do you think you're doing here?" Delia hissed angrily, it alerted Ekans, who'd been sunbathing beside the house, and she hissed menacingly as well at the intruder. Lance turned and glared at the Ekans, there was something off in his glare and Ekans shrunk back a little, but she remained firm … her duty was to protect her saviour's mother and this man reeked of danger to the snake pokémon.
"Hello Delia" Lance spoke "I … um, I don't know what I can say to justify my lack of support since Red's – "
"Don't you dare" Delia hissed angrily "You don't get to talk about Red and you have no right to just show up out of the blue and expect me to welcome you with open arms."
Lance visibly flinched at the tone in Delia's voice, if there was one person that both he and Red feared most, it was Delia when she was angry.
"I saw Ash's first battle … well the recording anyway" Lance responded after a moment of silence. Delia huffed and turned her face away, but Lance caught the brief flash of curiosity in her eyes.
"It was incredible … Ash predicted Brock's movements and countered them flawlessly with very exotic pokémon. He utilized his Snivy and Froslass efficiently too" Lance spoke "It was also terrifying … your son … Ash … he's far more advanced then Red was at his age"
That shocked Delia, and it showed on her face as she whipped it around in shock. Red was a prodigy as a Trainer when he had just begun his journey, so much so that Gym Leaders were forced to use their stronger teams in order to even stand a chance, and if Ash was even better than Red was …
A shiver went down her spine, she knew that she shouldn't have been surprised at the revelation of Ash's skills but it still sent a shiver down her spine regardless … Lance continued after a moment to allow Delia to absorb the revelation.
"I also just received word that he's responsible for incapacitating and capturing two separate teams that have been confirmed as Team Rocket Units. One unit was destroyed in Viridian City, a two member team … one of them is now permanently handicapped and the other has been institutionalised due to mental trauma caused by shock." Lance appeared conflicted on the issue, on one hand the Team Rocket grunts were singing like Chatots after the incident, and because of the Intel they'd shutdown Team Rocket's Warehouse in Vermillion City … but on the other hand, the damage inflicted upon them bordered on excessive … and if Ash was this uncaring now then what would happen as he grew?
Delia was frozen in shock as Lance explained the first incident "A-And the second in-incident?"
"A forward research team also affiliated with Team Rocket was incapacitated and then retrieved by Officer Jenny and her team in Mount Moon. The Official Police Report mentions that Ash, along with Brock Slate, the former Pewter City Gym Leader and Misty Waterflower, also a registered secondary Gym Leader from Cerulean City were instrumental in releasing the captive pokémon and subduing the perpetrators." Lance promptly replied "Then there's the fact that he's responsible for a Research Team in Pewter City completing their prototype Fossil Restoration Machine … in fact after this I intend to make my way there to resurrect an Aerodactyl from DNA acquired from a piece of amber."
Delia had a mixture of pride and fear coursing through her veins at the accomplishments that Ash had completed. Pride for Ash's skills and strength, not to mention his intelligence, and fear at the danger that he was willingly putting himself through. Delia wasn't a fool, she knew all too well about Ash's Aura Training and the consequences of said training … an Aura Guardian had to be ready at any chance and show no fear in defending pokémon and human alike. It was Ash's complex mind and his training that allowed him to act without emotion and while it unnerved Delia to no end, her precious boy had never lied to her and always … always showed her his true emotions.
It was a hidden desire of hers to see Ash find someone special, whether that was a boy or a girl to share the same relationship with them. A special someone that would help her precious son blossom into the remarkable man that he was already becoming. One that could bear the unspoken pain that Ash so carefully hid away from the world, his pokémon – no, his makeshift family could only help get so far before it became too much … his father had been the same; always bottling everything up and hiding his pain.
Delia's thoughts were interrupted by Lance, who coughed awkwardly and spoke quietly "I guess it was a mistake to just show up without warning … just please remember that I'm here Delia. I'm but a phone call away."
Despite her feelings to the current situation, Delia nodded resignedly in acceptance to the offer. Lance nodded wordlessly before re-mounting his Dragonite and flying away.
"Are you alright Miss Delia?" Meowth asked softly
Delia smiled at the concern clearly evident in the Scratch Cat Pokémon's tone "Yes Meowth, I'm fine … thank you for your concern"
Meowth blushed, he still wasn't used to being praised so genuinely before "Mr. Mime has finished lunch …"
Meowth trailed off but Delia just giggled as it was clearly an 'inconspicuous' nudge to get to the food quicker. Her giggling only got louder when she heard the combined growling of Meowth's and Ekans' stomachs.
"Let's get to lunch then" Delia chirped happily, she needed to be strong for her son, he was embarking on the path of both an Aura Guardian and a Pokémon Trainer, and she supported him 110% … but that didn't quell her inner fears 'What if he disappears, just like his father.'
"Oh Red … where are you?" she whispered miserably "I need you"
..::..
In an unknown location completely covered with a thick blanket of snow and ice, a young looking man with glowing red eyes suddenly looked to the sky … directly in the direction of Pallet Town. He stood there silently before a mental nudging prompted him to turn to face a Charizard that stood proudly, completely unaffected by the wild, snowy winds. The Charizard grunted to the young man and he nodded … he was needed in Sinnoh … something was beginning to move in the shadows, and who or whatever it/they were reeked of danger … far more so than the original Team Rocket.
"Yes Charizard … I was lost in memories" the man responded to the grunting "It was exactly three years ago that I forced my son's power to awaken. I wasn't prepared for it to be so strong though"
Charizard grunted, then roared in response and the man's face adopted a pensive look "I'm aware that he still looks for me, my friend. He'll become what I could not though … a champion of Arceus … I just hope that his Aura remains pure and untainted … unlike like my own."
The Charizard whined softly in response "Yes, I know Charizard … it'll be Ash's responsibility to remove the impure Aura in the world"
The Charizard whined once more but turned towards a large cave network, and proceeded to walk back inside whilst the newly identified father of Ash whispered sadly "That includes my own impure Aura … I just pray that both Delia and my son can forgive my foolishness."
..::..
Professor Oak was enjoying a rare moment of spare time with a hot cup of tea when the Video-phone rang. He sighed sadly but stood and answered the call, he was immediately happy again, when the face of one Ash Ketchum appeared in all of his emotionless glory.
"Ah … Ash my boy, I take it that you received your package?" The Professor enquired cheerfully
:Yes Professor … I'm calling to thank you for the opportunity to raise a Dragon Type Pokémon and to enquire as to Cleffa and her mother, Clefairy:
"They're both in good health my boy" Oak replied "Cleffa is a tough battler already as she's taken on many of the tougher normal types her size"
Ash chuckled, it was made so freely that Oak was genuinely shocked by the simple action.
:Yes, your letter gave me that impression … and Clefairy? Has she shown aptitude for battling?:
"No, she's the mothering type … many of the younger pokémon follow her around and see her as a surrogate mother" Oak chuckled in response
:I see … if it's not too inconvenient, could you please retrieve them?:
"Well … it was my – "
Oak was interrupted seconds later by Ash's further response :If inconvenient … please retrieve them anyway:
This time the Professor openly laughed "Same old Ash … very well, give me a moment"
Professor Oak left the room and called to the two pokémon in question. Mere seconds later, Cleffa and her mother both appeared excitedly at the Video-phone, each of them greeting their trainer happily.
"Hello there, Cleffa … Clefairy" Ash greeted, each with a nod to them "The Professor was just telling me of your exploits"
Cleffa immediately perked up and waved her arms around in an attempt to appear tough, whilst her mother shook her head exasperatedly … Ash just chuckled at their actions.
"I realise that you don't want to battle Clefairy" Ash began, Clefairy appeared ashamed at the statement but Ash continued "Hey, it's alright Clefairy … I won't force you to battle if you don't want to and I certainly don't think less of you for that"
Clefairy cheered happily but Cleffa grew impatient and called her name while pouting like a petulant child.
"Don't worry Cleffa … I was just about to ask the Professor to transfer you over for training." Ash responded but then scolded her lightly with a follow up "And you need to be patient young one, I'm not going to forget you okay?"
Cleffa had the decency to look properly chided, but the spark in her eyes belated her countenance … she was clearly addicted to battling and it wasn't a common trait in her species. The Professor had already predicted the outcome of the conversation and had retrieved Cleffa's pokéball for the transfer.
"I have her pokéball ready for you Ash" Oak chipped in helpfully before returning the eager Star Shape Pokémon and placing the pokéball on the attached transfer pad. Ash nodded and pressed the standby and incoming pokéball pad, activating it on his end. Less than a minute later, Ash had in his possession a very happy baby pokémon that was happily rubbing against his leg.
:Thank you Professor: Ash typed, returning to typing to relieve the pain in his throat :Please inform Clefairy that I will protect Cleffa with my life:
Professor Oak nodded and relayed the message and Clefairy nodded with relief painted on her face. She called her name in goodbye to her daughter and then left to watch over the other pokémon. Professor Oak bid his goodbye and he too, left to enjoy his remaining free time.
..::..
Ash looked down to the affectionate little pokémon and gently petted her head, right in the perfect spot. Cleffa immediately calmed down and all but melted into her trainer's hand. Ash smiled softly before returning the Star Shape Pokémon to her pokéball. He turned to spot Brock and Misty patiently waiting for him to finish, and he approached the duo.
"I think it'd be best to leave now and make up some of the distance to Vermillion City" Ash informed his companions.
Brock and Misty nodded and responded affirmatively to the suggestion, it seemed that they were about to suggest the same thing. They packed their items, had Nurse Joy heal their pokémon and then leave. They were stopped by Officer Jenny as they approached the exit, but she was only there to wish them a merry goodbye.
"Please take care of yourself Jenny" Ash coughed "I do worry about you"
Officer Jenny squealed in delight and hugged Ash extra tightly "You too Ash, take care and stay safe."
The group all bid farewell to Cerulean City and proceeded to leave down the pathed route.
..::..
"Shieldon, wait for the Rattata to close the distance and then use Iron Defence." Ash commanded
Shieldon followed Ash's order to the letter an waited, the Rattata sped towards him with acceptable speed from their species but just as he was about to strike the 'unprepared' Shieldon, he acted. With a cry of his name Shieldon projected his Iron Defence at the last possible moment, this caused the Rattata to be thrown back by the powerful wave of power. Mere seconds later, Rattata was out cold and his trainer worriedly ran to the downed pokémon.
"Rattata, are you okay?" the unnamed trainer asked with concern. Once the Rattata stirred and reassured his trainer that he was okay, the boy continued "Wow, you're really strong … I bet you could even beat AJ."
"AJ, whose that?" asked Misty who was becoming even more impressed at Ash's strategic mind
"Oh, AJ is an unbeatable trainer around here" the boy responded, he then leaned forward and whispered "He built his own Gym and he's declared that once he reaches 100 wins, he's going to take the Gym Circuit to compete in the Pokémon League Finals … but be careful … his pokémon are monsters on the battlefield."
The boy then bid goodbye and left, heading towards Cerulean City to heal his defeated Rattata. Brock hummed in thought and then posed a question to Ash that he clearly knew the answer to "You're going to challenge him … aren't you?"
Ash looked at him with an affirmative look, and Brock sighed, "Of course you are … well let's try to finish this before we set up camp okay?"
Ash smirked confidently and nodded to the ex-Gym Leader. They travelled further down the road an soon came across the makeshift Gym, if Ash had to be honest, he was rather impressed by the miniature fortress before them. Ash approached the intercom installed by the front gate and pressed it firmly.
"Yeah … whose there?" an arrogant voice called through the speaker. Ash let out a disappointed sigh, did all trainers believe themselves to be superior to others?
"I am here to challenge the one they call AJ" Ash simply responded
He heard a snort of derision from the voice but the gate opened to reveal a heavy set boy whose hair resembled that of a Pidgey or a Pidgeotto. He strutted up to the trio and looked them up and down.
"You don't look like much" AJ snorted arrogantly "But you can have the privilege of being my 100th win."
AJ would have been fine if he'd only insulted Ash personally, but the look he sent Misty caused Ash to twitch in irritation.
'This AJ is releasing a disgusting amount of pheromones and he's looking at Misty as if she were a mere piece of meat … oh this imbecile is going down … hard'
Misty shivered, she saw how AJ looked at her and didn't like it one bit, but one glance at Ash told her that he too, didn't appreciate them either. She felt really touched that Ash would defend her like that, but after he tore her sisters to shreds both on and off the battlefield, she'd come to realise just how Ash defended those that were 'his'. She didn't mean that he saw them as possessions, but in more of a familial manner. Misty had come to terms with the fact that her feelings were misplaced in regards to the red eyed trainer, and knew now that he could never be more than a protective brother like figure … and she was perfectly fine with that, in fact … it filled her with a warm feeling that told her that she'd found were she belonged.
"This'll be a 2 vs 2 Pokémon battle" AJ spoke haughtily "You do have two pokémon don't you kid?"
Ash twitched and Brock mentally groaned … the stupid, arrogant brat just had to insult them as a whole group … Ash defended his 'family' and dispatched those who would seek to harm or insult his 'family' with extreme prejudice.
"Acceptable terms" Ash ground out through clenched teeth "I am Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town, and you are?"
"I don't have time for official introductions kid … I'll beat you and your sissy pokémon so quickly that I won't even have to remember your name!" AJ declared
"…" Ash was shaking with rage; it was a symbol of mutual respect and honour to formally declare your name and place of birth in an official pokémon battle "Fine … be it on your own head"
"What was that?" AJ taunted "Never mind … GO Eevee!"
Eevee was a mammalian, quadruped creature with primarily brown fur. The tip of its bushy tail and its large furry collar were cream-colored. It had short, slender legs with three small toes and a pink paw pad on each foot. Eevee had brown eyes, long pointed ears, and a small black nose.
Ash was actually surprised by the state of health that Eevee portrayed. The Eevee had remarkably well groomed fur, and the strength in the tail along with the shine in her eyes it was clearly well raised. He said her because Eevee was clearly a female pokémon for the creamy fur around her neck was slightly puffier than a male of her species would be.
He pulled out his pokédex and scanned the little, brown pokémon, the female voice chiming as it spoke.
[Eevee: The Evolution Pokémon: Because of its genetic makeup is irregular, it quickly changes its form due to a variety of causes.]
Brock, who'd never heard the soft voice of Ash's pokédex before, actually blushed as he imagined the angel whose voice they'd recorded for the device. His dreamy expression was interrupted by an irate looking Misty, who elbowed him in the stomach.
Ash observed the Eevee before him and analysed her form, 'Her legs are stronger than even healthy specimens of her kind, so AJ has relied on speed and muscle strength for training as opposed to Special Attack and Defence, for a normal type pokémon with a smaller body, this training is perfect but an Eevee's genetic makeup doesn't strengthen the muscles as much as other normal types, he's clearly used resistance weights to train her. A possible weakness other than a type advantage … her tail is the best place to attack …'
Ash trailed off, but it was then that he spotted the shift in Eevee's stance 'No … her legs while strong would be the better point of attack. Disrupt her footing and maximizing on the effects would prove far more efficient a method.'
"Come forth Vespiquen" Ash spoke, summoning the Beehive Pokémon to the battlefield "Vespiquen, I want you to concentrate your power to disrupt her footing and unsettle her pace"
"Understood Ash" Vespiquen replied, though it sounded like mere buzzing to the others.
Meanwhile AJ was in shock, 'A bloody Vespiquen … where did the brat get one of those?'
"Eevee … use Quick Attack and then Bite" AJ barked loudly
Eevee responded quickly and shot off towards Vespiquen in a rather good show of speed and power but Ash was prepared.
"Vespiquen, use Poison Sting, anticipate her movements by the air's vibrations and then aim towards the ground to interrupt her Quick Attack." Ash intoned
Vespiquen did just as Ash had ordered; she felt where Eevee's path of attack was taking her and struck with an extremely powerful Poison Sting attack. The attack disrupted Eevee's Quick Attack and caused her to stop prematurely.
"Now use Pursuit, point of attack is the soft tissue above the tail" Ash commanded, wasting no time at all.
Vespiquen disappeared in a show of speed that belayed her large frame and struck with precision, the Pursuit attack hitting exactly where Ash wanted. He internally winced as Eevee cried out in pain as she fell to the hard ground of the battlefield … she didn't get back up.
AJ snarled angrily, he didn't expect the trainer in front of him to be so good. Instead of returning Eevee to her pokéball, AJ cracked a whip and a group of battered Rattata appeared and dragged her away.
"You're lack of care towards your Pokémon is disgusting" Ash hissed, his voice enhanced by the angry Aura pulsing through him, a quick glance showed that Brock and Misty felt the same.
"Who cares? Eevee deserves what it gets … it failed to defeat your pokémon … so it gets no dinner and a tougher weight regime." AJ replied with a shrug.
Ash tightened his fists at AJ's declaration "Then I'm going to enjoy crushing your next pokémon. I will personally see to it that you are relieved of your Trainer's License."
AJ snorted "Like you have that authority kid"
It was Misty's turn to snap and growled at the youth "He's actually a Junior Pokémon Professor; he does have the authority to do so, as long as he has permission from his senior mentor, Professor Oak!"
"Shit" AJ swore under his breath
"Misty, Brock … as my witness as registered Gym Leaders … please contact Professor Oak through my Pokénav."
Brock was quick to act and happily contacted the Pokémon Professor. A short few minutes later, Brock threw the Pokénav to Ash, who then proceeded to discuss the actions of the vile child that stood in front of him … a child that attempted to stop Ash by charging at him. Ash was prepared to defend himself but found that there was no need as Misty had somehow obtained a Mallet, and used said mallet to smash AJ in the back of the head so hard that Ash just knew that the boy would have a particularly nasty bump for a very long time. Misty then wasted no time at all in using AJ's own whip to tie the knocked out boy up.
The Professor was more than happy to agree to remove AJ's Trainer status, after Ash had shown him the tent that was full of battered and bruised pokémon. Most of them hadn't been treated properly and so some of their bones hadn't healed correctly … they'd need corrective surgery and lots of physical therapy to survive. Ash was granted permission by Professor Oak to capture and then transfer them to his Lab to begin their treatment and Ash wasted no time in communicating to them via Aura, and informing them of their choice.
The various pokémon readily agreed and Ash began the process of capture and transfer. Apart from Eevee and another pokémon, Sandshrew … the other pokémon were common Pidgey and Rattata but that didn't matter, as they were all injured.
Sandshrew was a bipedal mammalian Pokémon, its yellow hide was dry, tough, blended in with desert sand, and had a brick pattern, but its underbelly and muzzle was white. Sandshrew had blue, almond-shaped eyes, a pointed snout, and triangular ears with white insides. Its tail was thick and conical. It had two long claws on each foot and three sharp claws on its forepaws, which were used to burrow.
Brock rushed forward to the Sandshrew and instantly began treating the Mouse Pokémon, Ash informed Brock that the Sandshrew was male and was luckily just exhausted, with a minor case of malnutrition and dehydration. The Sandshrew stirred and instantly jumped back away from the humans. That AJ said that the training would make him strong, but all he felt day and night was hunger and pain. AJ constantly whipped the pokémon that he acquired, not captured. The only pokémon that he had officially caught was an Eevee and himself … wait … EEVEE!
Sandshrew suddenly looked around in an attempt to find the little Eevee that had been his only friend, a sibling even. He spotted the Evolution Pokémon being treated by a youth that possessed startling red eyes, and he pushed himself forward to protect his friend. The boy however, anticipated the action and lightly pulsed his Aura; it caused Sandshrew to come to a stop in front of him.
"It's okay Sandshrew … I'm merely treating her wounds" the boy spoke calmly, a soothing sound to the previously hysterical Sandshrew "The one you know as AJ is currently tied up and waiting for a Police Officer to … collect him. He's no longer a trainer and that means that you and Eevee are free."
Sandshrew could scarcely believe it, AJ, his and Eevee's tormentor was being arrested for his abuse, and someone was finally paying attention. His gaze turned to the Aura User's form as he continued to heal Eevee; his unusual red Aura was doing a better job than he thought in healing his comrade.
"You can trust Brock, the one that was healing you" Ash spoke after a minute of silence "On my honour as an Aura Guardian, I swear that he'll only treat you … he won't do anything that will harm you."
Sandshrew turned to the other male human, he was wearing a kind smile and Sandshrew felt at ease when looking at his face. Steeling himself, he approached Brock and sat down in front of him with a childish huff. Brock chuckled at the action, it was like dealing with his youngest brother and sister, they didn't like being treated by Brock either, but they always thanked him when he made them feel better.
Brock spent five minutes wrapping Sandshrew's open wounds, making sure to disinfect and clean them first. Thankfully Ash had an insane amount of medicine that helped ease the pain. By the time Brock was finished, Ash too had finished with Eevee, and she glanced at the trainer that had healed her with Aura.
"Why did you save me?" she asked with a quiet tone "I am weak and I failed to defeat your Pokémon in battle."
Ash snorted with mirth swimming in his eyes "I would have been surprised if you could even land a hit on Vespiquen, but don't worry. You are most certainly not weak, just ill-trained. The one that is no longer a trainer, you know him as AJ, he used a training method that suited a pokémon with longer legs and a muscle tone that is set permanently … you are known as the Evolution Pokémon for a reason little one."
"What do you mean?" Eevee asked curiously "You mean I'm a freak or something?"
Ash's eyes hardened as a memory of Gary flashed before his mind's eye "You are not a freak Eevee. What I meant is that your muscles and cells are constantly changing, preparing your current body for the possibility of evolution at any time. If anything I find that your body's cell structure actually helped the healing process."
Eevee nodded happily, a warm feeling entering her heart, she wasn't a freak and the nice Aura Guardian complimented her. She heard a shuffling and she turned her head to spot a heavily bandaged Sandshrew carefully making his way over. Eevee leapt from her spot on Ash's lap (where he'd healed her) and bounded over to Sandshrew, where she then rubbed her head against the uninjured side of his head.
"I thought AJ got rid of you" Eevee wailed, thick tears rolling down her furry cheeks.
"Shhh, it's okay Eevee, AJ can't hurt either of us now" Sandshrew replied, trying to console the Evolution Pokémon "But I'm worried about what we'll do now … even though he didn't do it often, AJ did feed us and I don't think that we can survive in the wild for very long."
Eevee sniffed and spared a glance to the Aura Guardian and his companions, she watched as the Aura Guardian summoned a snake pokémon that she'd never seen before and asked him, not ordered but asked him to help search for any other pokémon that may be too scared to come out from hiding, not that she that he knew that there were a few Rattata hiding in some bushes to the left of their position.
Eevee turned her gaze back to her friend and saw him staring intently at the taller male that was talking to the female human. She gently prodded Sandshrew to get his attention and tilted her head in question to the Mouse Pokémon. Sandshrew blushed slightly at being caught staring and when Eevee tilted her head he answered the unspoken question.
"I like the tall human, he smells kind and he treated me nicely" Sandshrew answered "I think I might ask to go with this group of humans … I really think that going with them will not only make me strong and evolve, but I just know that with them I'll be well cared for."
Eevee pondered Sandshrew's answer before glancing back at Ash. Finally she nodded and spoke "I agree and I think I like the Aura User, he's kind and he's been completely honest with me so far … he even asked his snake pokémon to look for the pokémon that might be hiding because they're scared."
Minds made up, Sandshrew approached Brock and squeaked to get his attention. Brock looked down in concern "Are you still in pain Sandshrew? Hold on, I'll get you something to help ease the pain …"
Brock began rummaging through Ash's supplies in order to find something to help and Sandshrew realised that he made the right choice; the human asked if he, a pokémon was alright first, instead of speaking down to him. Brock only had a second to respond before he felt one of his pokéballs dropping to the ground; he dropped the bag in shock and turned to see said pokéball rolling around on the ground before it pinged a successful capture. He shakily picked up the pokéball and pressed the release button to summon the Mouse Pokémon back outside. Sandshrew nervously shuffled his feet, was the human angry with him for doing that?
Brock knelt down to Sandshrew's level and simply pet his head gently "Are you really sure about this Sandshrew?"
Sandshrew squeaked while nodding and pressed his head into Brock's palm, it was nice to be rubbed like that. Brock nodded and welcomed him to the team … Sandshrew had already felt more at home then he'd ever remembered being before, except with Eevee.
Meanwhile Eevee had approached the Aura User, Ash, she heard the female call him. She cooed her name to get his attention and once he looked to her she took it as a sign to continue towards him to speak.
"I want to get strong," she simply stated "You can help me … yes?"
Ash frowned at the question "I won't force you to come with me Eevee … I understand your desire to get strong, but I'll only accept you into the family if you're happy to do so"
That was all Eevee needed to know that she, like Sandshrew, had made the right choice. He said family not team and to her, all she wanted was a place to belong. She nodded to herself before looking into Ash's red eyes "I want to be a part of your family … besides, Sandshrew has decided to join the tall human male, I don't want to say goodbye to him … please say that you'll take me with you … please"
Ash's eyes softened and he knelt to pet her head, she found herself being filled with a warmth that made her feel completely safe "I understand Eevee, if you truly want to go with me, I'll gladly accept you into my makeshift family … I just need you to answer one question … are you prepared for tough training, tougher than you can even imagine? I only ask because, judging by the excitement you felt in battle, you enjoy battling correct?"
Eevee eagerly nodded her head "I love battling! I want to battle and get stronger."
Ash nodded "Very well, Eevee … welcome to the family."
Ash pressed his hand to Eevee's head and pulsed his Aura, seconds later she was bonded to Ash and the team, she could feel their emotions and their cries of welcome and she smiled softly … she was home!
Ash took a pokéball from his belt and tapped it to her head, it pinged instantly, proving her acceptance, and Ash just smiled "Do you want to come out or sleep little one?"
"Sleep please" Eevee responded with a tired voice, she was exhausted after all … Ash mentally nodded to her and wished her a good evening.
Misty watched the event pass and couldn't help but feel a little jealous, both Brock and Ash had new pokémon, true they weren't water types but they were little cuties. Misty shook her head, she should be happy not petty … both Eevee and Sandshrew had suffered at AJ's hands (and whip) and they deserved a little happiness, besides, Brock and Ash were the best for the job … she could admit that with her temper she wouldn't have been the best person to care for them … that didn't mean that she couldn't pet the little cuties.
Ash watched as Seviper rounded up the young and scared Rattata, though they were noticeably more comfortable while Seviper was with them at their side. Ash observed the Fang Snake Pokémon as it interacted with the scared and abused pokémon … if he was right then he'd need to talk with Seviper and soon.
..::..
24 hours later we find Ash and his pokémon lightly training, Ash felt that they needed a variety of training types and alternated tough training with light training to help ease the newer team members adjust. He took out his pokédex and scanned his latest two pokémon.
[Cleffa: The Star Shape Pokémon: It is often seen when shooting stars fill the night skies. It's said to arrive riding on a shooting star.]
[This Pokémon is female. It has the ability Magic Guard and the hidden ability Friend Guard. It knows the moves: Charm, Pound, Sing, Sweet Kiss, Copycat, Magical Leaf and Metronome. It possesses the Egg Move: Stored Power. Note that this egg move is currently unusable.]
Ash turned to Cleffa and rubbed her head "A good move set to build on, the fact that you can already use the egg move Metronome is excellent. Most Cleffa have to be Clefairy to use Metronome, and then Stored Power, while a weaker Psychic type move is still useable in terms of strategy … well done Cleffa."
Cleffa bounced happily and Ash spared a chuckle before scanning Eevee, as he'd scanned her before, he just scanned for her move set.
[This Pokémon is female. It has the ability Run Away and the hidden ability Anticipation. It knows the moves: Helping Hand, Tackle, Tail Whip, Sand Attack, Growl, Quick Attack and Bite.]
Ash nodded thoughtfully as he pet Eevee's head, she purred at the touch as he then spoke to her "You have a lot of moves Eevee. Although the moves that you currently know are common to your species, I am impressed that you are capable of using Bite at your age."
"Thank you Ash" Eevee responded happily
"Now that I know where you all stand in the way of skills, I can properly plan your training to give you the best results."
Ash trailed off in thought before he was forced back to reality by Brock who called to let him know that breakfast was almost ready. Ash instructed his little family to make their way to the table, telling them that he'd join them soon. Once they'd left the little clearing Ash calmed his breathing and meditated, it must've been longer than normal as the next thing Ash knew, he was pinning Brock to the ground.
"Sorry Brock" Ash apologized "Interrupting my Meditation isn't conducive to your good health … I cannot differentiate between friend and foe the deeper I get."
Brock just rubbed his sore arm and shoulder, but he waved Ash's concern off, telling him that it was his fault for not thinking about the consequences of interrupting an Aura Guardian's Meditation.
They all enjoyed the breakfast and Eevee more so as she dived into it like a pokémon possessed, Sandshrew was the same … it painted a very unpleasant picture of their previous feeding habits with AJ. Ash sighed deeply before turning his attention to his tea; he popped in the antibiotics and took a long sip, enjoying the calming effect that it had.
Ash spent at least 45 minutes polishing his Pokémon Egg, along with bathing the egg with his Aura, he knew the pokémon would hatch without the added Aura, but the effects were going in his newest Thesis on Pokémon Birthing and Evolution. Ash finished with a last tender rub, earning him a pleased nudging from within the egg, and set about helping to clean the campsite.
"Hey Ash ... can I ask a favour?" Brock spoke as they cleaned the campsite.
"Of course Brock" Ash responded "What can I help you with?"
"I wanted to ask if you could please scan Sandshrew for me. I'm already aware of Geodude's and Onix's move sets but I wanted to properly check Sandshrew's moves." Brock asked
"It's no trouble at all Brock" Ash responded calmly "I'm more than happy to help, we are friends after all."
Brock smiled, Ash had recently become more comfortable with the concept of friendship, and as such, he stopped questioning their status all the time. Misty suddenly perked up and asked if he'd also scan Wooper for her, Ash responded positively and they called their respective pokémon over.
Ash replied with ladies first before scanning Wooper.
[Wooper: The Water Fish Pokémon: When walking on land it covers its body with a poisonous film that keeps its skin from dehydrating.]
[This Pokémon is female. It has the ability Water Absorb and the hidden ability Unaware. It knows the moves: Tail Whip, Water Gun, Mud Sport, Mud Shot and Double Kick.]
Misty was astounded, her little Wooper had amazing potential. Especially since she possessed the egg move Double Kick. Misty started devising plans on how to use this to her advantage as Ash scanned Sandshrew … the pokédex chimed to life once more and spoke with that voice that had Brock drooling.
[Sandshrew: The Mouse Pokémon: To protect itself from attackers, it curls up into a ball. It lives in arid regions with minimal rainfall.]
[This Pokémon is male. It has the ability Sand Veil and the hidden ability Sand Rush. It knows the moves: Scratch, Defence Curl, Sand Attack, Poison Sting, Rapid Spin and Swift. It possesses the Egg Move: Crush Claw. Note that this egg move is unusable until evolution.]
Brock glanced to the Mouse Pokémon in shock "Wow, I didn't know you were so awesome Sandshrew."
Sandshrew blushed under his trainer's praise; he still wasn't used to it after all. Brock knelt down and petted Sandshrew with a cheerful smile on his face. They left to discuss their own training soon after. Ash glanced at the tasks that still needed to be finished before they left.
"I guess it's my job to finish cleaning up." Ash coughed 'Damn … still coughing'
Ash took very little time at all to finish cleaning, and once completed he sniffed the air momentarily. He shifted his gaze skyward and frowned 'Looks like a fog is about to cover this forest, but that's impossible, the natural signs indicate sunny weather, therefore the fog is man-made, and produced by state of the art equipment'
Ash frowned again and closed his eyes. Concentrating on the various maps and routes that he'd memorised before the journey he found the one for the area that they were located in. Running through the various obstacles on the 'inner' map's terrain and following their approximate position, in conjunction with the road and the off road clearing, he readily deduced that the cause was most likely the Pokémon Technical Institute, a wealthy preparatory school, where those that graduated from their 'elite' classes, had a one way ticket to the Pokémon League.
Ash snorted 'Elite? Please … I could finish their curriculum by my eighth birthday.'
Ash then blinked 'Arceus, I'm starting to sound like Gary.'
His inner turmoil was interrupted by shouting that could have only come from Misty. Using his Aura to augment his speed and reflexes, Ash returned his pokémon, picked up the trio's belongings and rushed towards the location that the shouting originated from. He arrived to see a boy being forced by his classmates, judging by their matching uniforms, to answer questions on a treadmill while Misty shouted at them to stop. The classmates sneered at Misty and continued to quiz the poor boy; Ash stepped forward and scared the classmates by somehow materializing right behind them.
"I believe the young lady asked you to stop" Ash managed before coughing, though it had the effect as the boys looked creeped out by the tone.
"F-Fine … class is starting anyway" the lead boy stuttered, before he and the other two fled.
"What did he mean class is starting?" Misty asked curiously.
"He's referring to the fact that we're standing on the premises of one Pokémon Technical Institute or Pokétech for short." Ash replied smoothly. Ash glanced to the boy who was now gasping for breath and held his hand out for the boy to grasp in order to help him stand.
"T-Thanks … I'm Joe by the way" the now named Joe spoke.
The man-made fog suddenly lifted and revealed the Pokétech main building, and Ash snorted with distain at the golden logo that was there for just show. Joe noticed and glared briefly "Why are you glaring? Upset you didn't get in or something?"
Ash turned his emotionless gaze to Joe and took a moment to enjoy the flinch that passed his face.
"Actually I completed the curriculum here when I was eight years old." Ash revealed impassively.
Misty's eyes popped open "A-Are you serious Ash? That's incredible."
"Yeah … incredibly unbelievable, I don't believe you" Joe shouted.
This drew the attention of an instructor that growled at them "Hey … no visitors allowed here … I thought you knew better Joe."
Joe was about to reply when the instructor's eyes fell on Ash, who had removed his hood so that they could see his face.
"M-Mr K-Ketchum sir … I didn't realise it was you" the instructor stuttered nervously.
"Yes, I found myself here by circumstance; now that I'm here though, perhaps I should wander a bit … see what's changed." Ash replied with a cough or two.
"A-Absolutely sir … should I inform the remaining faculty that you're here?" he stuttered once more.
"No, that won't be necessary … Joe here has made me feel completely … welcome" Ash added the final word with a slight smile towards the youth in question, a youth that was now sweating nervously.
Every student knew the legend of Ash Ketchum.
It was two years ago, when an eight year old by the name of Ash Ketchum arrived with the one and only Professor Oak, who had been asked to lecture the older students in Pokémon Evolution. The eight year old had devoured every piece of information in their libraries by the time the Professor was done two hours later. When the eight year old Ash then described their lack of diversity with their information, the now previous Headmaster took it as an insult and offered the eight year old the chance to sit one of their exams to see if it would change his mind.
Ash readily agreed, despite the Professor's not-so-subtle attempt to dissuade the Headmaster, and less than five minutes later, Ash had completed the exam. The Headmaster was dumbfounded when Ash completed a test that took the students at least an hour to complete, so he prepared one from the next year's curriculum … Ash completed it in ten minutes. This process continued until Ash had completed every test both past and present from the Institute … the process took Ash less than two hours.
If that wasn't a slap in the face to the Headmaster, the fact that Ash received 100% in ALL of the tests was. As with most schools, the fact that an eight year old had just graduated their entire curriculum within four hours of being at the school, spread quickly … Ash became a legend at the school but that begged the question why the instructor was so nervous around the boy … the reason? The instructor was the previous Headmaster. The man had resigned, stating that he felt like a failure but Ash informed him that he just needed to interact more with actual pokémon and with less data.
The new Headmaster certainly agreed; that was why they now used 'Battle Simulators' as well as practical battling by using mock battles. The previous Headmaster was re-hired as an instructor and Ash was granted free reign to return at any time … but the previous Headmaster, now instructor remained nervous around the child.
The man bustled off and Ash pulled his hood back on "It would be best for me to remain inconspicuous whilst here."
Misty nodded, even more impressed by her brother figure. Joe on the other hand looked like he was going to faint, there was an unspoken law at Pokétech … knowledge was power and Ash was revered by all students past and present for his knowledge. He'd unintentionally insulted the one person that held more power than his beloved crush: Giselle.
"I guess that I can spare a chance to wander around a little bit" Ash murmured "Though we should wait for – never mind."
Ash paused as Brock appeared seconds later with Sandshrew still at his side, it appeared that Sandshrew wanted to spend as much time as possible with his new trainer. "S-Sorry I'm late … I was training with my team but I tripped when I heard Misty's scream … I uh … kind of knocked myself out."
Brock rubbed his head at the revelation, but was shocked when Ash actually laughed, not a chuckle … but a laugh!
"It's alright Brock, we were just waiting for you to catch up before exploring Pokétech for a bit" Ash responded "Is your head alright?"
Brock nodded, still in shock at Ash's unusual outburst of emotion, but they started to walk towards the main building any way. On the way many students stared at the old group as they walked past the pool area, it was at this point that Misty mentioned that she wanted to let her pokémon out to play in the water somewhere soon, that led to Misty revealing herself as the substitute Cerulean City Gym Leader, and that led Joe to making the mistake of challenging her under the pretence of him being stronger, due to the simulator's results.
Misty annihilated Joe, her Starmie using a single Water Gun to blast Joe's Weepinbell out of the window.
Weepinbell had a yellow, bell-shaped body with a single green leaf on either side. It had a wide, gaping mouth with pink lips. Above Weepinbell's circular eyes was a pattern of three small green spots and small hook-shaped stem.
Joe's Weepinbell fainted before he even hit the window. Joe was shocked by the result … Ash and Brock, not so much, and apparently the school's most 'powerful' student wasn't impressed either. She introduced herself as Giselle, and Ash scrutinized her appearance 'Facial markers … eye shape and hair color is a perfect match … this is the daughter of that business man in Cerulean City.'
Giselle berated Joe for his lack of skill and then attacked Misty's Starmie with her Graveler, Ash was not impressed "You are aware that you've just broken an important Pokémon League Law? Law 17 subsection 8, paragraph 'B' if I'm not mistaken."
Giselle turned to face Ash "I'm exempt from that rule … filthy commoner"
Joe gulped, Misty growled and Brock snapped out of his dream like state.
Ash allowed his eyes to glow stronger and eyed the girl in front of him "A commoner you say? A graduate from this school is a commoner?"
Giselle huffed "Get real kid … like you could be a graduate from this school … only the best get in here."
Ash frowned "Very well then, how about an unofficial 1 vs 1 Pokémon Battle?"
Giselle accepted and they moved to the battlefield. The instructor that had been holding his tongue decided it was best to give Giselle a wakeup call, so he refrained from revealing who Ash really was.
"This will be an unofficial 1 vs 1 Pokémon Battle … standard Pokémon League rules apply … trainers, release your Pokémon."
"Go Cubone!" Giselle cried dramatically, aweing the masses of students with her 'flair'
Ash knew what a Cubone was but for the sake of the show, he scanned the pokémon in question.
[Cubone: The Lonely Pokémon: When it thinks of its dead mother, it cries. Its crying makes the skull it wears rattle hollowly.]
Ash hummed in response to the pokedex's entry … he could already tell that the pokémon was male but that hardly mattered at that moment in time. He could use Snivy to crush her but he thought of using one of his team that he'd been using a lot lately to encourage evolution.
"Come Forth … Shieldon." Ash intoned emotionlessly
The various students and staff that had become spectators, all gasped as Ash revealed his pokémon … after all, aside from the rarity of Shieldon, he was a prehistoric pokémon that most believed to be extinct. Giselle however decided it didn't matter and started off the battle.
"Go Cubone, use Bone Club." Giselle cried out while posing dramatically
'Seriously, what's with trainers and posing … Gary would get on famously with this girl' Ash thought, before ordering Shieldon through Aura "Shieldon … wait until Cubone reaches mid-field before using Headbutt, direct contact necessary … preferably head on."
"With pleasure" Shieldon responded promptly and as soon as Cubone reached the halfway point, he charged, little could stop the charging Shield Pokémon as he surged forward with almost impossible speed.
Mere seconds later, Cubone was sailing through the air back to Giselle, as if he'd been hit by a freight train … close enough, as he'd been hit full on by Shieldon. Cubone was out like a light, the single hit was enough to knock the poor Lonely Pokémon out.
Giselle screamed in frustration, she wouldn't allow this, this nobody to beat her. She screamed as she called her Graveler to the battlefield, completely ignoring the indignant cries of her classmates. Even they knew when a battle was over and Giselle's was most definitely over.
"Use Tackle Graveler" Giselle screamed "Show this nobody his place!"
Graveler surged forward, but both the Rock Pokémon and his trainer forgot one thing … Shieldon was still on the battlefield.
"This farce of a battle has gotten out of hand" Ash spoke to Shieldon, completely unfazed by the pokémon raging towards him "Enough of this … Shieldon use Metal Sound followed by Ancient Power … I know that both are rock type moves but charge forward when using both attacks, Graveler is too slow to dodge either and the Metal Sound will lower his defence enough to do some damage with the follow up attack."
"Understood Ash" Shieldon replied, utterly serious in the situation at hand and once again, he was a blur of speed. Shieldon was almost upon Graveler when something happened, both he and Ash weren't expecting it for some time but it happened nonetheless … Shieldon was engulfed in a brilliant white light that pulsed with power.
The next moment Graveler was being propelled backwards as if he were a pebble … for standing there was a mighty Bastiodon. Bastiodon roared with power and like a bull prepared to charge he kicked up dirt with his front leg.
Ash was actually shocked, once again he'd miscalculated and he was just a little frustrated at that thought. Nevertheless, Ash took out his pokédex and scanned the marvellous pokémon before him.
[Bastiodon: The Shield Pokémon: When lined up side by side, no foe could break through. They shielded their young in that way.]
[New moves learned: Protect, Take Down and Iron Head.]
Ash couldn't stop the almost savage grin that overtook his face, and that, added to his red eyes, caused the spectators to shiver. The staff members finally put the pieces together and they suddenly recognised the youth standing proudly on the battlefield … this could only end badly, as they'd followed the red eyed youth's progress as a Junior Pokémon Professor.
Meanwhile Ash was communicating with his newly evolved pokémon.
"How are you feeling Bastiodon? Any discomfort from the evolution process?" Ash asked with concern, concern that Bastiodon heard and it helped calm the adrenaline that surged through his system.
"I am feeling fine Ash, thank you for your concern." Bastiodon replied, his tone of voice deeper and gruffer than his previous voice "I feel like I can take on the world!"
The last statement was done with a tremendous roar that shook the trees and startled the local Pidgey, but that didn't deter the large pokémon in the slightest. His adrenaline soared, when a still standing Graveler rammed into him … though it looked as though Graveler was nudging him to the onlookers. Bastiodon turned his large head to Graveler and let off a Metal Sound, this caused Graveler to stagger backwards, and the next thing Graveler knew, he was being rammed away and knocked unconscious by a well-placed Iron Head.
Ash wasted no time in walking calmly towards the other side of the field, where a visibly shaken Giselle watched Bastiodon in fear … that pokémon was a monster, a monster that had tossed Graveler aside as if it were nothing at all. She heard footsteps and she glanced upwards to see Ash standing there, blocking the light of the sun and commanding a rather impressive visage.
Ash removed his hood and stared the trembling girl down, he turned his back to her in a sign of disgust, she knew she'd lost her temper and broken the sacred rules that had served as Law since the very first Pokémon League Tournament. She felt disgusted with herself, how could she attack his pokémon like that? True said pokémon was now a towering monster of a pokémon, but that still didn't give her the right.
"I'm sorry" she whispered softly.
Ash could tell that she meant it so he simply sighed "I should formally introduce myself"
Giselle looked up once more and blushed at the image before her, for the boy that had defeated her was still standing there, blocking the light of the sun. It caused his face to be shadowed and gave him a mysterious look … she almost fainted when he told her his name.
"I am Ash Ketchum … of Pallet Town" he spoke
Giselle bowed her head in respect and also shame but Ash gently lifted her head to face him "You are arrogant, rude and utterly condescending of others. But you have the chance to learn from this Giselle … learn well and treat others as you expect to be treated, that includes pokémon. Maybe then you can be as beautiful on the inside as you are pretty on the outside."
Giselle blushed so hard that too much blood reached her head and she fainted with a small smile on her face. Brock and Misty joined Ash as he rubbed Bastiodon's armored head; they congratulated him on his victory and for Bastiodon's evolution. They left soon after as they'd lost too much time at the school. The staff and students all cheering and wishing the trio good luck on their journey.
Later, when Giselle woke from her unintentional nap, she pondered the words of Ash Ketchum. She blushed once more at the fact that he called her pretty, she then decided … no one else would do … Ash Ketchum would be hers.
..::..
Ash, again, watched Seviper as he carefully guided the many younger pokémon around the little village that they'd stumbled on. While Brock and Misty were under the impression that Ash had gotten lost and led them astray from the path, they were dead wrong. Ash had gotten one of his damned gut instincts that led them to the village.
Melanie, the young lady in charge, was swamped by the various pokémon that they'd learned were abandoned and injured by their previous trainers. That was the least of Melanie's problems though, as an unknown virus had passed through the forest that the little sanctuary was located, and she didn't have the herbs needed to brew the antidote/medicine for the toxin. Luckily Ash was a hoarder when it came to herbs and medicines … using his large store of herbs, they were able to cure the infected pokémon.
Ash had discovered that the pull of his Aura was directed to a Bulbasaur, a Bulbasaur that had originally despised his very presence. Though after Ash's selfless actions in providing the ingredients for the cure, the Bulbasaur had warmed to his presence and followed after the red eyed trainer wherever he went.
But that led Ash to this moment, observing Seviper as he carefully watched over the various pokémon. Seviper had been acting strangely lately and Ash had taken the opportunity to observe the Fang Snake Pokémon whilst said pokémon was otherwise preoccupied. Ash watched as the usually grumpy snake pokémon carefully cared for the smaller pokémon, constantly using his tail to distract them from wandering too far from the village, or to stop them from hurting themselves near the water.
'As I thought' Ash concluded 'Seviper battles to get strong but only so he can protect others.'
"Seviper … can you please come over here?" Ash asked the pokémon through Aura, said pokémon was only happy to oblige.
"Yes Ash? Is there something wrong?" Seviper responded whilst he became alert to his surroundings a little more fervently.
"No Seviper … I want you to know that I've been observing you and I understand why you are so determined to get strong" Ash spoke, Seviper tensed but ultimately knew that it was pointless to deny anything.
"So you've noticed that I prefer to protect rather than to fight for fighting's sake?" Seviper responded quietly.
"Yes, I want you to know that as your Trainer, I want to make you happy, if you like I can transfer you to the Professor's Lab. You can take up the mantle of peacekeeper now that I'm gone … that way you can still hone your skills but for the reasons you want." Ash smiled softly as he offered his suggestion, Seviper would forever deny it, but the Fang Snake Pokémon actually shed a tear or two as he agreed fervently to the suggestion "Don't worry though Seviper, I promise to rotate you so that you will still travel on occasion, I won't abandon you … I swear it!"
Seviper wrapped his trainer up in a snake version of a hug but he instantly drew back when Ash nonchalantly added "Besides I saw how you looked and reacted to Ekans … you clearly wish to mate with her and I hope that she reciprocates, though your particularly strong show of power should be enough to prove that you are a worthy mate."
Seviper blushed, well as much as a snake could before bustling off to continue his vigilant watch over the younger pokémon once more. Ash pretended to not notice Bulbasaur as he talked things over with Seviper, after all, Bulbasaur wasn't doing a very good job of hiding but Ash waited patiently for the Seed Pokémon to approach.
"Why would you allow a strong pokémon like Seviper to leave your team?" the Bulbasaur asked, confusion marring his face.
"I won't force my pokémon to battle if they don't want to, besides, they can communicate with me at any time, and if they want to travel with me, I'll rotate my pokémon to suit their needs as much as my own." Ash replied easily "You know … you're a great pokémon Bulbasaur. You stayed and protected these pokémon without any regards to your own desires … I like that kind of loyalty in a pokémon. If you wish to, I offer you a place in my team and family."
Ash left the Seed Pokémon to his thoughts to check on the cured pokémon, they were still feeling weak but after witnessing Ash's actions and his team of pokémon, they were starting to question their reasons for staying in the village. They were supposed to move on once they were healed, but they grew lazy, they took advantage of Melanie's kindness and stayed. They took her focus away from the newly abandoned pokémon and they realised that their actions weren't acceptable.
Then they learned that Ash was an Aura Guardian.
He reminded them that there was a giant world out there filled with good trainers, there were bad trainers too, but not taking a step forward because of one bad trainer was a mistake, they needed to be brave and move forward and make a future for themselves. They took his words to heart and later they shared a sad but fond farewell with Melanie, when she told them of how proud she was; they knew that they were making the right choice.
Those that stayed decided to train with Ash's pokémon in order to allow Bulbasaur a chance to follow his own dreams … to be a strong Venusaur, the strongest there ever was, and with Ash, they knew that he could achieve that dream.
[I know that Bulbasaur never evolved in the original story but I've decided that he will in this story.]
Meanwhile Bulbasaur had already decided that he would leave with the Aura User and his team. He'd come to the same conclusion as the other pokémon, and he was prepared for the gruelling training that he saw the Aura User put his team through, but he could also see the happiness in their expressions as they achieved learning a new way to use their moves or when they perfected another … yes, this Aura User was the only human that he could pick to be his trainer.
Bulbasaur approached Ash while they were having their last breakfast with Melanie and the younger pokémon in her care. He walked up and simply used a vine to gesture to Ash's pokéball belt. Ash got the hint and smiled at the Seed Pokémon, the two shared a moment that would forever cement their bond as trainer and pokémon as well as friends. Bulbasaur didn't fight the capture and was genuinely happy to form an Aura bond with Ash.
Melanie was extremely happy for Bulbasaur, as were the pokémon that had decided to stay and protect the younger pokémon in his stead. Whilst Bulbasaur was making his final rounds and farewells, Ash scanned him.
[Bulbasaur: The Seed Pokémon: For some time after its birth, it grows by gaining nourishment from the seed on its back.]
[This Pokémon is male. It has the ability Overgrow and the hidden ability Chlorophyll. It knows the moves: Tackle, Growl, Leech Seed, Vine Whip, Poison Powder, Sleep Powder and Leaf Storm. It possesses the Egg Moves: Petal Dance and Sludge. Note that these egg moves are unusable until evolution.]
Ash whistled appreciatively at the move set for Bulbasaur, already planning the best way to train the Seed Pokémon. Said Seed Pokémon now stood in front of him, where Ash explained the various training methods that they could use, Bulbasaur smirked at the challenge and simply stated that he'd use them all if Ash thought it was necessary … Bulbasaur became the victim of one of Ash's infamous head rubs after that comment.
They all departed the hidden village with smiles on their faces and Ash with a new family member.
..::..
Ash and his companions were tired, it turned out that the detour to the hidden village had added several extra miles to their path towards the next Pokémon Centre. Despite the groaning, Ash took the time to call his pokémon out and train their stamina by walking with the group by foot, in order to strengthen their legs. Brock thought it was a brilliant idea and used the same method for Sandshrew, while Misty used it for Wooper. Both Brock and Misty soon discovered how far behind their pokémon were in comparison to Ash's team. Ash's team lasted five times as long as their team and they found themselves vowing to up their own pokémon's training.
They were close when Ash stopped suddenly. Brock and Misty looked to him in confusion and were instantly on edge by the contemplative look on his face … that look spelled trouble. The last time he had that look, he led them to the hidden village, where he 'forgot' to mention the traps that were scattered along the way, something that had amused Bulbasaur to no end apparently.
Nevertheless, there Ash stood, gazing intently towards an outcrop of rocks, close to a grouping of trees that appeared to house a flock of Spearow. Without any word, Ash walked towards the furthest rock and there, on top of said rock was a Charmander.
Charmander was a bipedal, reptilian Pokémon with an orange body, though its underside and soles were cream-colored. It had two small fangs visible in its upper and lower jaws and blue eyes. Its arms and legs were short with four fingers and three clawed toes. A fire burned at the tip of the Pokémon's slender tail.
This wasn't just any Charmander though; this Charmander possessed a yellow body as opposed to the original orange tint of the common Charmander. This indicated that the Charmander curled up on the rock was a Shiny Pokémon.
A Shiny Pokémon, like their name suggested, shone each time they were summoned to battle, and their colouration was always different from the common colouration, depending on the species. So in this case, instead of an Orange Charmander, this Charmander was yellow. Ash heard Brock and Misty approach, and then their gasps at spotting the unique pokémon.
"Why do you sit there Charmander?" he communicated via Aura "You appear dehydrated and your body is emaciated … if you have a trainer, then he or she is doing a terrible job."
"You know nothing Aura User" hissed the Charmander in response before his brain caught up with his mouth "Wait … an Aura User? Here in Kanto? How … odd"
Ash chuckled at the comment "Odd indeed, however I am here nonetheless no?"
"True, though I find myself curious … are you the one that was involved with the Spearow Incident near Viridian City?" Charmander enquired.
"Yes I was, in fact involved with that incident … the Spearow harmed an innocent" Ash responded "They reaped the consequences of their actions."
Charmander hummed but nodded all the same "All I know is about the incident was the whispered rumours that an Aura User had appeared in Kanto and was enforcing Arceus' Will. The Laws of the World have been ignored for far too long."
"You seem to know an awful lot about those Laws … I know that Pokémon are born with the knowledge of the Laws but rarely obey them." Ash responded with narrowed eyes "Though your thinly veiled attempt to dissuade my enquiries into your current predicament is a worthy attempt, it is also irrelevant … I wish to know why you are killing yourself by remaining on that rock."
Charmander sighed miserably "My trainer, Damian, he swore to return to me if I tested my resolve and stayed here until he came back … it has already been a week."
Ash's eyes narrowed once more "This trainer … is he a sanctioned trainer?"
At Charmander's confused look Ash immediately explained "That is to say, he has permission to be a trainer, he would require a permit and a sponsor … were you his first pokémon?"
"Yes, I was his first pokémon … I was given to him by one named after a type of tree" Charmander replied
Ash chuckled, "They all share names like that … do you mean to say the one from this region? He would be an older man with short, greying hair"
Charmander nodded to the description "Yes that fits the man's description Aura User."
Ash thought about the situation, on one hand he had a duty to care for this Charmander, but on the other hand, the Pokémon in question was there of his own free will. Sizing up the options he realised that he lacked the necessary data that he needed to make an appropriate decision.
"Very well Charmander" Ash finally spoke "I shall let you remain there, however I shall leave you food to eat. If something changes or I discover something is wrong, then I want your word that you'll obey my command to remove you from that stone and treat you at a proper medical facility."
Charmander acquiesced to the ultimatum and all but scarfed down the food given to him, he realised that the Aura User was the first human other than the old man that had given him to Damien that had actually approached him without ill intention. It actually puzzled the Lizard Pokémon; it was a completely foreign feeling to him.
Meanwhile Ash, Misty and Brock made it to the Pokémon Centre. Misty plopped down onto a chair and moaned with pleasure at sitting on a comfortable chair.
"My legs are so sore" Misty complained "I think they're going numb."
Brock laughed at the comment, but he too, showed signs of being weary as he sat next to her. They both glanced to Ash, expecting him to add his comment in but found him staring worriedly out the large, glass window of the Pokémon Centre.
"Ash, I know you're worried about Charmander" Brock spoke "But he chose to stay there on the rock waiting for his trainer's return."
Ash nodded quietly before he spun on his feet and approached Nurse Joy.
"Hello Joy" said Ash
Nurse Joy smiled at Ash "It's nice to see you again Ash. I would say that it's a surprise, but I'm afraid that Joy from Mount Moon has already advertised your journey."
Ash groaned softly, earning a giggle from the Nurse "Can I help you Ash? You know that I'm always ready to help."
"Yes, could you please check my Pokémon please?" Ash asked with a cough, it in turn worried Nurse Joy, but he reassured her that he had medicine for it and that it was getting better. Joy nodded and scanned his pokémon with her device.
"Your pokémon are in perfect health Ash" Nurse Joy chimed "Though, considering it's your team, I'm not at all surprised by it."
"Speaking of health … do you have any information regarding the Charmander located approximately a mile east of this Pokémon Centre?" Ash enquired
The question earned Ash a soft sigh from the Nurse, but she informed him that what information she had wasn't good. Apparently the Charmander had been tricked by his trainer, but as the trainer in question – Damien, had properly released Charmander, he wasn't able to be charged or arrested. The temperature in the Pokémon Centre suddenly dropped drastically as Ash started to shake with rage, though seconds later, it disappeared completely as Ash inhaled, then exhaled repeatedly. Nurse Joy recognised it as something that she and her sisters had taught him, proper breathing techniques to calm emotions and the heart.
Unfortunately, it was all for naught as a loud voice suddenly exclaimed "Wow Damien … you're the man! Look at all those pokéballs, how did you get so many?"
A horrible sounding voice replied "I'm just that good … with these pokémon; I'll dominate the Pokémon League."
Ash practically teleported to where Damien and his associates were laughing and disturbing the other trainers, Ash stopped his approach however, when the topic switched to the reason of Ash's temper.
"Hey Damien … what happened to that retarded sissy of a Charmander of yours?"
"I released the freak" Damien boasted "The little runt couldn't even beat an Oddish for Arceus' sake, so I made up some test to keep him occupied … I don't care, besides; he's probably dead by now."
Ash had heard enough and slipped into the centre of the group, it surprised them and they all fell back in shock. Ash gripped Damien's jacket and threw him like a rag doll onto the floor. His voice enhanced by Aura finally spoke "Your Pokémon is dying and you joke about it? Where is your honour Damien?"
"Y-You don't s-scare me" Damien stuttered, though the faint smell of urine coming from his pants said otherwise "And y-you can't prove a thing"
"Actually I can" Ash replied with his emotionless tone "I recorded the entire conversation with my pokédex."
Damien shivered but got up off the floor "Then I'll just take your pokédex so you can't report me."
Ash wasn't a fool, the moment Damien grew a spine, he'd already pulsed his Aura. He sensed the other two members of his crew charging him from behind and smirked at Damien.
'Judging from their speed, I predict at least one of them having formal training in defence, the second one has a heavier build so I estimate him to be the weaker of the two. Ah, the one on the left favours his left leg … old injury on his right leg perhaps? Likely conclusion based on the brief analysis: dispose of the heavier built male with a timed strike to the right leg, a downward strike will shatter the knee cap … his leg will heal, albeit painfully. The second boy will be harder to subdue, he shifts his weight evenly between the two … boxer then, brawler type though judging by his stance and the position of his arms. Most effective method of incapacitation will be his shoulders.'
The next few moments were a blur to onlookers. Ash slid his left leg behind into a spin, dodging Damien's wild swing in the process, using the spin to gain speed and power, Ash lashed out with a savage, Aura enhanced strike to the first boy's right knee cap. It shattered and the boy screamed in pain before he was brutally silenced by a follow-up strike to the stomach, the force of which slammed him into the ground.
Ash quickly leaned back to dodge the second boy, he threw his weight back and performed a back handstand, kicking the second boy in the chin, the boy staggered but recovered quickly, a testament to his training Ash thought. Ash was well aware of Damien's attempt to blindside him so while still in the handstand, Ash spun like a Hitmontop into a spinning kick that struck Damien's leg and hit the second boy in the stomach. In a show of strength, Ash pushed himself off the ground and flipped into a palm strike, one that hit the second boy in the chest and propelled him back into the wall, where Misty hit him with her mysterious mallet.
Damien pissed his pants again as Ash turned his gaze towards him "Do you know what I see when I look at you Damien?"
"Screw you … you don't know a thing about me!" Damien snarled angrily
Ash smirked viciously at the boy "Oh … is that so? Well let me see … your hair is dyed to be that hideous shade, the root colour doesn't match your eyebrow's tint. Your facial characteristics are indicative of bones that haven't healed correctly, and that is indicative of a violent upbringing, your reaction to confrontation leads me to conclude that it was likely a male figure in your life … father? No, you're father left you as a child, I can deduce that by the over compensation of your pride … a definite superiority complex tells me that you feel inadequate in real life situations because you held no power at all before becoming a trainer. Your accent is faked as your tone shifts too frequently to be genuine, that shows that you are trying to be someone other than your true self … … and finally; the revelation of your feelings of inadequacy in real life leads me to conclude that your 'testosterone filled' temper is another way you compensate for the fact that you have trouble acting out on your urges, you take that frustration out on your pokémon but that still begs the question of why? I can tell from the fear in your eyes that you want me to stop and I shall, but not before I conclude my final observation of the evidence … you are impotent, your feeling of powerlessness drives your anger and turns that urge into rage … so there you are Damien, can you now honestly say that I know nothing about you little boy."
Ash looked to continue before he was harshly slapped by a shaky Nurse Joy "That's enough Ash Ketchum!"
Ash blinked but nodded stiffly to the Nurse, he spun on his feet and stormed out of the Pokémon Centre, it was going to rain and he needed to get to Charmander. Meanwhile a stunned silent Pokémon Centre watched with baited breath as Nurse Joy contacted Officer Jenny, Damien hadn't stopped whimpering like a child, too scared to move, in case that monster came back … how did he know those things about him? Even he thought that he'd shed the truth about his childhood … that didn't matter now, it was out in the open and he was going to prison any way … the evidence recorded by that demon assured it.
Damien's last thought as Officer Jenny arrived and took him was 'At least I'm safer behind bars than out in the open … I hope to never meet or see or hear of Ash Ketchum ever again!'
Ash described the incident to Charmander, along with providing the Lizard Pokémon with the original evidence recorded on his pokédex. Poor Charmander was beside himself with despair, Ash comforted the fire type and they talked for several hours before the rain began to pour. Ash offered the exhausted fire type a place on his team, after Ash had discovered Charmander's goal of becoming the greatest Charizard to ever live. Charmander accepted easily, they performed the Aura bond and he was captured instantly without any fight.
When Ash stepped into the Pokémon Centre, he was soaked to the bone. He made no real effort to care for his predicament though, as he merely walked to Nurse Joy, offered her Charmander's pokéball and then headed towards his room, this Pokémon Centre didn't have access to the private rooms, so Ash had simply booked a double room to himself and his pokémon. He walked through his door, closed it softly and then locked it securely before he had a hot shower. He released his pokémon, fed them and then immediately went to bed.
His pokémon could feel his emotions through the bond, so the smaller pokémon jumped onto the bed and snuggled in next to him, the action provided Ash with enough supportive emotion to go to sleep.
The next morning Ash didn't feel like training, so he gave his pokémon the day off as well. He prepared their breakfast and then gave them their morning Aura Massage. As his pokémon talked amongst themselves, Ash spent some quality time with his pokémon egg, bathing it with his Aura and polishing it with tender, loving care. After he finished with his pokémon egg, he meditated to help calm his Aura and get control over his emotions once more; he wouldn't lose it like he had the day prior again. He knew that it was a hollow promise because he had the infamous Ketchum temper … it usually revealed itself when pokémon were involved but he still had it.
Feeling more in control then he had for a long time, Ash decided to leave to get human food. He returned his pokémon and unlocked the room to leave, the moment he did, he was face to face with a very angry Misty Waterflower.
"Well?" she demanded.
"Well what?" he countered.
"Do you have anything to say for yourself?" she continued. Ash spied movement and saw Brock standing to the side; leaning on the wall looking like he wanted to be elsewhere, he clearly didn't agree with Misty on whatever it was that had her so worked up.
"I have nothing to say" Ash shrugged "Is there something you want or can I please get breakfast … I used a lot of Aura this morning to meditate."
Misty did not like to be dismissed so quickly, probably due to her parents Ash realised.
"I want an apology" she roared.
"Why … did I harm you?" Ash countered.
"Well, no" she muttered.
"Did I insult you?" he pressed.
"No" Misty ground out.
"Then, in conclusion, I have nothing to apologise for" Ash resolved.
Brock looked to Ash in a curious manner; it seemed that more of the 'Old' Ash had resurfaced. His tight control of his emotion had returned and Brock sighed 'It seems that there was more to yesterday's episode than I thought.'
"Normal people apologise for showing a side of them like you did yesterday" Misty shouted, her face red "But I forgot … you're not normal are you Ash … sometimes I wonder why I put up with you and your freakish gift."
The moment she'd said it, she realised her mistake, Misty had a short fuse and it had been slowly burning for quite some time … and she'd just exploded at the one person that made her feel at peace with herself 'What have I done? I didn't even mean all that … of all the times to have one of my stupid 'speak first, think later' moments … Arceus why now and why to Ash?'
Ash stared blankly at the wall, his face shadowed by his bangs "Are you quite done Miss Waterflower?"
Misty and Brock flinched, Misty due to the empty way he'd said her name, and Brock because he could hear the tone as well.
"I need tea and food … but mostly tea" Ash stated firmly "Please excuse me Brock"
Brock stepped aside so the red eyed trainer could move down the hallway.
Ash muttered a "Thank you" before walking down the hallway in silence.
Brock watched as Ash silently went on his way. He sighed softly as he turned to face a visibly shaken Misty, he knew that she didn't mean the words that she'd spoken in anger, and Ash probably knew that too, he understood more than they could comprehend, but Ash was also emotionally stunted and didn't connect well with 'normal' people as Misty had put it. Ash had seemed detached but in truth he was pained by Misty's words … even Brock could see it on his usually impassive face.
Misty sniffled and Brock returned his attention the orange haired girl that appeared to be almost in tears "W-Why did I say t-that Brock?"
"I don't know Misty … we both know that you can blow up like that … Ash most certainly knows" Brock replied softly "But then again … he knows a lot."
The deadpanned way that Brock stated the last bit earned him a giggle from Misty.
"I should apologise" Misty spoke after a moment of silence between the two
Brock just hummed in agreement to her statement "You need to remember that Ash is emotionally stunted when it comes to human interaction … okay Misty?"
She nodded quietly before they both shuffled their way downstairs. The scene that they arrived to was a dead silent Pokémon Centre, the trainers were awkwardly navigating their way around Ash, doing their best to avoid getting too close to him … all the while Ash was calmly sipping his tea.
Though to Brock and Misty, they could see his irritation at the actions of the 'masses', they spied Nurse Joy as she made her way over and sat across from him. She was embarrassed and spoke a few words, before bowing her head slightly. Her face lit up when Ash responded with whatever he said and she left once more with a smile.
"You can come and sit down you know Brock, Miss Waterflower" Ash said out loud, it startled them but they proceeded to obey and sat across from him.
As Ash returned to sipping his cooling tea, they spotted two antibiotic capsules as opposed to the usual singular one.
"I rotated my pokémon team to make room for the newer members" Ash spoke, anticipating their thoughts "The Professor sent word to me that my doctor has doubled my medicine since my recovery is still taking its time."
"Really, your carry limit is what? 12 pokémon now right?" Brock asked
"Yes, I reached that limit when I captured Charmander last night" Ash responded blankly "I thought it best to leave a slot or two open in case I make further captures."
"Hmmm, good idea Ash" Brock replied sagely "With your current pace and tendency to catch pokémon with problems, it's also prudent to help them get comfortable with you as their new trainer."
"Indeed, I discovered that Seviper prefers to guard and protect more than to battle, so he has been sent to the Professor's Laboratory … he also wished to study Vespiquen and Bastiodon" Ash continued "I informed him that I intended to use Bastiodon for Vermillion City and he was more than happy to wait until later to study him. Vespiquen was also more than happy to be sent to the Professor."
"So that leaves you with two open slots then?" Misty finally spoke, though it was quietly
"Yes, something tells me that I will capture at least one more pokémon later and I'd rather be prepared for any eventuality" Ash replied
"Oh, I see" Misty murmured "Look, Ash I – "
"I know that the words spoken were out of anger and not at all what you intended or meant" Ash interjected "Please understand however, that I am not accustomed to the emotional, social and behavioural tendencies of normal humans. My inability to comprehend these three, apparently important traits leads me to be … difficult? Yes, difficult to get along with … I am making the effort to correct this particular fault in my personality, but I am still finding it a tedious process, trying to understand and communicate on such a … primitive level."
Misty couldn't stop the snort that escaped her at Ash's explanation. She was about to speak. But Ash wasn't finished.
"This being made relevant to the matter at hand, I am finding that it is a … challenge to break through the odd sensation that your words impacted upon me … until I have processed the data from this experience, I believe that I shall continue to remain … cross?" Ash trailed off as he thought about the last term "Brock, can you please clarify … normal people are cross, that is to say angry … when involved in a situation such as this? I'm well aware of the concept of anger, quite familiar in fact, but since this is a situation I am not familiar with, I should remain cross until I am 'over it' as a normal person would say … correct?"
Brock, despite the mood, chuckled "Yes Ash, most 'normal' people remain 'cross' until they get 'over it'.
"I see" Ash responded "Then I shall remain so until a later date, in that time please do not feel saddened by my referring to you as Miss Waterflower instead of Misty. It feels? Yes, feels appropriate considering the events."
Misty nodded in acceptance, she felt a little better now that Ash had explained it but it still saddened her to know that he was angry at her.
"We should leave once you've eaten breakfast" Ash interrupted "I will go and check on Charmander and resupply."
Brock and Misty nodded and left to get their food while Ash, true to his word, restocked his medical supplies and then proceeded to the counter where the Pokémon Centre's Chansey stood. He informed her that he wished to see Charmander and she happily led him to the allocated room.
"Good Morning Charmander" Ash greeted softly "Are you feeling any better?"
"Yes, thank you" Charmander replied with a happy tone of voice "But I know that I'll be perfectly fine when you're around!"
'Another clingy pokémon' Ash thought "That's good, I'm glad that you feel better, I wish to scan you so that I can determine an appropriately levelled training regime for you … do you mind?"
"Not at all Ash" Charmander responded.
Ash nodded and pulled out his pokédex to scan Charmander.
[Charmander: The Lizard Pokémon: The fire on the tip of its tail is a measure if its life. If healthy, its tail burns intensely.]
[This Pokémon is Male. It has the ability Blaze and the hidden ability Solar Power. It knows the moves: Growl, Scratch, Ember, Smokescreen, Dragon Claw and Dragon Rage. It possesses the egg moves: Dragon Pulse and Flare Blitz. Note that these egg moves are unusable until evolution.]
So Damien had attempted to train Charmander since Dragon Claw was taught by a Technical Machine or TM for short.
"So Damien taught you Dragon Claw via TM then?" Ash enquired thoughtfully
"Yes, but he expected the move to just 'work' … he never let me train to best utilize the move." Charmander sighed
"Very well, you should know that your move set is a brilliant starting point. I believe it would be best to hone your skills until you can perform them effortlessly. The simple act of having you master your basic moves will open the path for you to learn higher tier moves with ease upon either your evolution or your own natural ability to learn new moves. The mere fact that you can use Dragon Rage before your evolution to a Charmeleon is remarkable."
Charmander blushed under his new trainer's praise, it wasn't something he was used to after all, and he swore to himself that he'd obey Ash and serve him well. Ash smiled and reviewed his Charmander's medial sheet "You're fit to leave, but training will have to wait for a little while."
Charmander sighed sadly, but he understood. He needed to make a full recovery before he could properly train "Understood Ash."
Ash smiled and pet Charmander's head, using his knowledge of the Kanto starters to rub a pressure point that had Charmander relaxing completely under his hand's ministrations. Ash returned Charmander after a final okay from Nurse Joy, and he met his companions at the entrance.
"Let's go" he declared softly and they all proceeded down the route.
..::..
Ash leapt over the well-hidden trap, Misty and Brock however, did not. He heard the laughter that could only belong to a group of pokémon. Ash pulsed his Aura 'Water Types, five in total with one close to evolution'
"You can reveal yourselves water pokémon" Ash boomed through his Aura.
As he waited for them to realise who they'd messed with, he released Snivy and Bulbasaur and had them use Vine Whip to help Brock and Misty escape their temporary prison.
"I am in no mood for your games" Ash spoke, directing his gaze to the bushes in which they were hidden
The water types in hiding all realised that they were busted, so they leapt out of the bushes and posed dramatically, revealing them to be a gang of Squirtle, with the largest Squirtle acting as their leader.
Squirtle was a small Pokémon that resembled a light blue turtle. It had large brown eyes and a slightly hooked upper lip. Each of its hands and feet had three pointed digits and the end of its long tail curled inward. Its body was encased by a tough shell that formed and hardened after birth. This shell was brown on the top, pale yellow on the bottom, and had a thick white ridge between the two halves.
The interesting fact about this group of pokémon however, was that they were all male. That was uncommon since Squirtle were usually only led by one male, while the others were submissive to that male … these Squirtle however, were all dominating in personality. If that was the case, then their current leader was only leader because he was stronger than the others … interesting; he'd have to ponder the social ramifications of this quirk.
'So it's the leader that's close to evolution' Ash pondered, a smile making its way onto his face 'Interesting'
"You Squirtle have made the mistake of ruining my good mood" Ash commented offhandedly
The Squirtle all flinched as if struck, they knew they were in trouble … a pokémon did not simply attack an Aura User and leave unscathed, the Ancient Laws that governed their world was absolute on the matter … recompense needed to be paid for their mistake.
The Leader stepped forward; he removed his large, pointy sunglasses and bowed to Ash.
"On my honour Sir Aura Guardian, I swear that we did not intend to cause harm" the leader spoke "You can see that the shallow hole and its size negates the chance of permanent injury to those that fall victim … it was meant as a prank."
The last piece was said in a small tone of voice though, he knew for a fact that it didn't matter, prank or not; they set up the trap and it could still harm others.
"You know the Laws … unless you have just cause; you are not to harm those that aren't connected to said cause. My companions and I are most certainly not responsible for your troubles." Ash commented harshly.
The lead Squirtle nodded in understanding "In that case, I take responsibility for the actions of my squad and I."
"A noble action to be sure, but I wish to know how you intend to take responsibility" Ash countered smoothly.
The lead Squirtle actually paused in his response, how was he going to take responsibility … he didn't have much to offer in that regard. An explosion suddenly rocked the ground and Ash raised an eyebrow in question.
"The humans that live nearby belong to a mining settlement" Squirtle supplied "They've been going deeper into the nearby mountain recently by using explosives. It's the reason for our pranking … their actions forced us out of our home, as we lived in a nearby cave until they started to blow up the mountain."
"I see, and have you tried to peacefully resolve this?" Ash enquired
The leader shook his head exasperatedly "No, every time one of those humans spot us, they attempt to capture us. Of the five of us, I'm the strongest and the only one that enjoys a good battle. The others fight to protect them and theirs but I fight to defend them as well, it is my job as leader to protect my subordinates no?"
"Indeed" Ash replied "I propose a compromise … you wish to have a safe place to call home, somewhere where you will have regular meals and can be guaranteed sanctuary?"
"Yes, more than you can possibly imagine" Squirtle instantly replied. He turned to the other four and spoke with them briefly before turning back to Ash "We are prepared to hear your proposal, we owe you that much."
"Very well, I propose that I capture you all" Ash returned, he cut off their protests by continuing "Think about it before you decline … if I were to capture you, then you can't be forced into another's service. You'd receive regular meals from a place I'm sure you're familiar with: Professor Oak's Laboratory. I don't force my pokémon to battle, if you wish to, then by all means, I'll be more than happy to add you to my team's roster and train you to be the best."
The group of Squirtle pondered his words carefully, it sounded like a good deal. The leader added two further conditions though "We will agree to your offer on two conditions … these conditions are non-negotiable."
"They are?" he asked
"I will battle with you, I wish to be strong. The conditions are these; one – the other four won't battle … at all. The second condition is that we don't get separated, no trading, no transfers etc. etc." the Squirtle's leader stated seriously.
"I agree to your stipulations" Ash responded "Though you should be aware that my training will not be easy … I expect nothing but your best."
The lead Squirtle smirked confidently "Bring on your training Aura User … the deal is acceptable … capture us now and get this over with."
Ash nodded and took out his pokéballs, he caught them one by one, much to the shock of Misty and Brock, as they'd only just recovered from the pit that they'd climbed out of with Snivy and Bulbasaur's aid. The duo were still awed by Ash's ability to communicate so freely to pokémon … truth be told they were slightly jealous, but knew that Ash would explain the circumstances later.
Ash finished catching the Squirtle and used his pokédex to identify the Squirtle being sent to the Professor's Laboratory, making sure to keep the Squirtle leader in his party. He decided to leave his last spot open … just in case. He formed the Aura bond and then scanned his newest team member.
[Squirtle: The Tiny Turtle Pokémon: It shelters itself in its shell, and then strikes back with spouts of water at every opportunity.]
[This Pokémon is Male. It has the ability Torrent and the hidden ability Rain Dish. It knows the moves: Tackle, Bubble, Withdraw, Water Gun, Aqua Jet and Bite. It possesses the egg move: Muddy Water. Note that this egg move is unusable until evolution.]
"Well, that sorts that out" Ash commented 'And I just added a potential power house to the family. With access to one of his egg move Aqua Jet and the possibility of unlocking Muddy Water upon what I estimate to be his final evolution into Blastoise, his potential is incredible. He relayed that through the bond and was pleased to know that, like his other pokémon, he was humbled by the praise … it meant that his pokémon were well behaved and not at all arrogant.
He proceeded to explain the conversation and how he became the owner of five Squirtle. He knew that the Professor would freak out … Squirtle were rare as were the other Kanto Starter Pokémon. The chances of meeting either three out in the wild was nigh-impossible.
Ash returned Snivy and Bulbasuar and then took a deep breath "We should continue on … we need to at least reach the halfway mark on the map."
Brock straightened his back "Good point, we can talk about this later"
Misty nodded her agreement and they started to walk down the route, their goal: Vermillion City.
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Phew, that's it peeps. It's an extra-long chapter to apologise for the delay and I hope that it appeases your hunger. I would like to point out a small detail that you may have not noticed … if you would please direct your attention to the Story's Summary, you may now notice the lack of Bianca's name in the pairing. I've merely decided to make the story progress with a single pairing.
Once I get to the Unova Region … who knows, I may change my mind and re-add her character to the pairings … if I feel like it any way. ^_^
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AS ALWAYS: PLEASE READ AND REVIEW!
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\^o^/
