Through a bug's life
Was a bug, little bug, hardly there
How he felt, what he dreamed, who could care?
Without any evidence,
(His flaws were many)
He was full of confidence
(Some people haven't any)
Didn't have much common sense
(It's highly over-rated)
He just knew that he'd come through
It's the time of your life so live it well
It's the time of your life so live it well
We may only go 'round one time
As far as I can tell
It's the time of your life so live it well
We may only go 'round one time
As far as I can tell
(He could be wrong about that)
It's the time of your life
It's the time of your life
It's the time of your life so live it well
It's the time of your life so live it well
It's the time of your life so live it well
We may only go 'round this one time
As far as I can tell
It's the time of your life so live it well
Like us all, he started small
Then he grew
When the time came he knew what to do
He knew in order to succeed
(They'd have to work together)
He turned a rock into a seed
(And they were changed forever)
Then they had the strength they'd need
(To get through stormy weather)
Do or die, you gotta try
Isn't it a bit surprising
How one's fortunes ebb and flow
And only to the enterprising
Does the magic fortune cookie go
Believe me
It's the time of your life so live it well!
The time of your life, Randy Newman
Their footsteps raised small clouds of dust as they walked the streets of Azalea Town. Silver was looking left and right nervously, not hampered the slightest by the heat despite his black clothes. Gary and Ash, however, had taken off their vest and sweater and Brock had done the same. Even Misty, who was just wearing a tank top, was sweating.
"What a drought! I wonder how long it was since it last rained here."
"Hard to tell." Silver frowned.
Ash turned to him.
"You sound worried."
"You're right, I am." The group reached the main square so the Ancient explained. "Aside from its Bug Gym, Azalea Town is known for its Slowpoke. The town highly respects them ever since that day many years ago, when a Slowpoke's Yawn ended a drought in the area. Usually, you see a lot of Slowpoke lazing around or playing in the water and hurting one is the best way to anger the locals."
"Well, I haven't seen a single Slowpoke around." Misty frowned. "What's going on?"
"No idea, but their disappearance might explain the drought."
"You are also on that case?"
The group turned to see a Charizard landing in front of them. A brown-haired boy jumped from the Pokémon's back that Ash recognized instantly.
"Red!"
Red looked at the boy.
"You are … Ash Ketchum, right? I remember you from Lance's crowning."
"Yeah. Your fight with Lance was impressive, especially the fight between your two Mega-Charizard. Silver and I had to combine our Aura powers to shield the crowd from the heat burst."
Red turned his head away, both flattered and embarrassed.
"Thank you. I heard you and Gary are powerful Trainers in your own right. Usually, I'd challenge you to a battle, but I'd rather solve Azalea's crisis for now."
"Same here. Where is Bugsy? As the Gym Leader, he should be on it already …"
"Bugsy is at the Ruins of Alph. When he heard about the drought, he sent me there to scout ahead. So, any idea so far?"
Suddenly, Misty's Togepi left her bag and danced on the edge of the fountain. Pikachu sighed. The baby Pokémon was as cheerful as ever. Then his hands started to move.
"Togepi ~ Togepi ~ Togepi …"
Pikachu's eyes widened. Metronome! The little Pokémon glowed softly as energy gathered, then shot to the sky in a burst that gathered the clouds. Misty grinned.
"Togepi's Metronome became Rain Dance!"
"Good." Red smiled. "That should quell the drought for a time. It won't last, though. Only the Yawn of a Slowpoke can fully end the heat wave."
"That's why the locals don't look as happy as they should be." Gary grimly noticed.
Indeed, the people of Azalea Town were looking at the rain with saddened smiles. Pokémon and children gladly ran outside to enjoy the coolness provided by the rain while others used it to refill their stock of water, but it was clear they knew Togepi's Rain Dance was just a meager substitute. Silver looked away.
"There's a place called the Slowpoke Well on the outskirts of the town. It leads to an underground cave where a colony of Slowpoke reside. We should start here."
"Good idea."
They quickly reached the well and used the rope to climb down. The cave was dark and wet, but Red's Charizard didn't mind and used his tail as a torch. Not to be outdone, Ash created a small Aura Sphere he held at his fingertip as an other source of light. Gary quickly sent him a thought that made him smile. Taking the sphere, he raised it at the ceiling and expended it, illuminating the place. It wasn't as bright as Charizard's tail, but at least the group wasn't blind. Misty frowned.
"I don't see any Slowpoke around."
"Yeah." Red frowned. "What in Arceus's name happened to them?"
Silver turned to Ash and nodded. The boy closed his eyes.
"I'll try to use my Aura powers to locate them. Gary, use your own powers to see if you can tense someone's mind aside our own."
Red turned to the group.
"Gary Oak is a Psychic?"
"It's a long story."
The two boy's eyes widened simultaneously. From the face they were making Brock immediately guessed what was coming.
"Ready your Pokéballs." Gary winced. "We've got trouble coming."
Red took a Pokéball and released its host.
"They can come. Gyarados is always eager to use his Hyperbeam."
Umbreon appeared and hissed while Brock released Zubat and Misty called both Vaporeon and Starmie.
"If they want trouble, they're going to find it."
Silver nodded and chose both Blade and Riyo. The Lucario instantly grabbed his sword. Finally, both Fraxure and Chikorita left their Pokéball and stood to Ash's side.
"So, what's ahead?"
"Rebels." Ash frowned. "They're keeping the Slowpoke captive. I sensed Electric, Grass, Dark and Poison Pokémon. There's at least thirty Pokémon down there."
"And half as much Rebels." Gary added. "But they are armed with guns, sticks and bladed weapons. They will go for us while we're focused on taking their Pokémon."
"How much underhanded can you get to reach those extremes?" Red growled.
Ash, Silver and Misty looked at one another.
"They are Rocket Rebels. Do you remember Team Dead Star, the criminal group that killed your father? They are just as bad. Ash and I fought them in the Orange Islands. They are ready for everything … up and including bombing a Gym. That's how Ash's Aura powers first manifested."
Gary grinned and made a rock levitate.
"Well, they're in for a nasty surprise. I'm not just a telepath …"
"There's water around." Misty noticed. "I can use the Tide Pendant to manipulate it."
Brock grinned sheepishly and turned to Red.
"Welcome among the Normals."
Red was looking at the group in disbelief.
"A Psychic, an Aura Guardian, a Water manipulator, an Ancient and a former Gym Leader. This has to be the most ragtag team I've ever seen."
"And the Ancient, the Aura Guardian and the Water manipulator have been together from Kanto." Brock grinned. "I left them during the Orange Islands and Gary joined for Johto. During Kanto, he was Ash's rival and he was catatonic during the Orange Islands."
The group followed Gary and Ash through the tunnels until their reached a small base spotting the distinct red R on a black background that was the emblem of the Rocket Rebels.
"So, what's the plan?" Red asked.
Silver grinned.
"Facing them straight on is too risky. Let's go for the horror show instead …"
"The horror show?"
The Ice manipulator whispered the teens his plan, which was quickly adopted. Gary rubbed his hands.
"This is gonna be fun …"
The plan was soon set in motion. First, Pikachu and Red's Jolteon snuck into the base's power generator and gnawed every cable they could get their teeth on, sending the base into pitch black darkness. Next, Ash, Gary and Silver used the darkness and confusion to enter the base and take many goons in the scariest way possible to panic the others … who would run straight for the exits where Brock, Misty and Red were waiting for them, their entire teams ready to take the Rebels down. Unable to think straight, they easily fell prey to the three Trainers. Ash smiled as he saw Brock duck under a knife and uppercut a grunt, only to kick another in the guts. Knowing how dangerous the Rebels were and how Johto was their region, he had insisted to follow Silver and Ash into their morning routine and learn new fighting skills along. Ash had taught him some of the more powerful moves himself.
Finally, the trio reached the command center. A man was waiting for them.
"Petrel!" Silver hissed.
The sleazy-looking Admin grinned.
"Your little show was impressive. I knew this modus operandi had to belong to Silver Nor Shadow, the Mercenary of Ice."
"I prefer the Ice Wanderer or the Ice Shadow but if that's what you want to call me … So, what's your plan this time? Why did you capture every Slowpoke?"
"My, to cause this drought of course! When he'll see his people in distress, Bugsy will have no choice but to surrender to us along his town, least he wants the precious Slowpoke this town relies on to die. Azalea will be a good start to conquering Johto, one town after the others …"
"How will you kill those Slowpoke?"
"Nu-huh, I know better than to tell you my plans …"
"It won't be needed." Gary grinned. "I read it in your mind. Now I wonder how long you'll last against all three of us."
Petrel paled. Obviously, he hadn't planned on Gary being a Psychic.
"I don't feel like finding out, and I just have the distraction for that! Self-destruct activate!"
On this, he slammed a red button on the control panel. Ash sighed.
"The classical self-destruct button in the underground base. Why didn't I see it coming?"
"Pika!"
The four turned to see Pikachu emerge from under the panel with a handful of cables in his mouth. And, indeed, nothing was happening. This combined to Petrel's bewildered look made Ash want to burst in laugher.
"Didn't see that one coming, huh?" Gary grinned. "After all, wild Pikachu love gnawing electric cables of all kinds …"
Petrel looked at the whole scene for a moment.
"… That's it, I'm outta here. Bye kids!"
On this, he broke the glass window and opened a Pokéball that released a Honchkrow. The group aimed several Aura Spheres and a telekinetically-controlled chair to the Admin, only for a Weezing to appear and cover the area in smoke. Gary growled.
"Does he really think it's going to stop us?"
Unfortunately, the surprise from the attack was enough to give Petrel time. Even with their powers, the trio could tell he was already out of reach. Silver frowned.
"Not good. Petrel may look like a goof, but he is the brain of the Rebels. We let him escape now, we're bound to meet him later in another ugly scheme. And I can't guarantee throwing a wrench in it will go as smoothly as this time."
Gary and Ash nodded silently. The young Psychic then pressed a spot that revealed a hidden case in the panel. A vial of liquid was in it.
"Petrel has given the Slowpoke a poison that is slowly killing them. This is the antidote." He came to a machine that contained a purple liquid and replaced it with the liquid of the vial. "Here. This device keeps the Slowpoke hydrated but mix the poison to the water. Fortunately, both it and the antidote work by skin contact."
Silver turned to Ash and grinned.
"That was a good idea to take a Psychic in the team."
Ash playfully shoved him.
"I took Gary in because he's my friend, not because of his powers!"
In any case, the Slowpoke were safe. As they gathered with Red, Misty and Brock, Red had to wonder.
"You do that often or is it an on-off occurrence? Because the way you carried it out … You did it before, right?"
"We did it before." Brock grinned. "Lance and the other Gym Leaders, and even Giovanni Rocket required out help against them several times in the past. For Johto, Lance asked us to take care of the Rocket Rebels once and for all while we were traveling across the region."
"He helped me get stronger when I thought I had reached my limits." Ash looked down. "Training with him was hard, but it's thanks to him that I was able to go this far in the Indigo Conference. I owed him … and besides, the Rocket Rebels targeted me several times in the past. At Shamouti, Proton nearly knifed me in the heart before Fraxure, then Axew, used his first attack to knock him out. Silver killed him personally."
Red slowly nodded, remembering Lance's tales about the man. Some were downright scary. Misty smiled when she saw the Slowpoke heading toward the exit.
"The drought is going to end. Good!"
"Indeed it is. Thanks for helping my town!"
The group turned to see a teen with lavender hairs and green shorts and vest, who was holding both a bug net and a Pokéball. A Scizor was at his side.
"Anytime, Bugsy." Red smiled. "Though Ash and his friends helped a lot in stopping those Rebels. I didn't think they were involved …"
"We did think about it." Ash looked down . "We've dealt with them before. I knew there was a chance they were behind it."
"Then well-deduced, Ash Ketchum. I guess you and Gary are here for the badge."
"Yep! Red?"
"I already fought Bugsy at the Ruins of Alph. This said, I'm curious to see you and Oak's grandson in a Pokémon battle."
"Alright!"
They left the well under a downpour. Silver was about to use his cape to shield the kids, only for Ash to generate an Aura Shield around them. Both Bugsy and Red were pleased. In the streets, people were laughing and dancing and children and Pokémon were jumping among the puddles. Bugsy took them to his Gym, a big circular greenhouse that hosted many Bug Pokémon. Misty was hiding in Silver's cape the whole time.
"She's afraid of Bug Pokémon." Gary explained to Red.
The girl whined.
"Hurry up and win, you two! This place gives me the creeps!"
Gary sighed.
"On it. You take the first turn, Ash? I went first against Falkner last time."
"Works for me. So, two against two or three against three?"
"Three against three. No, Umbreon, I won't choose you."
Ash grinned, guessing which Pokémon his friend would take. Bugsy nodded.
"So I get to fight Ash first. Alright. Three vs. three, twitching allowed. How does that sound?"
"Nice. Let's battle!"
(Play Metro Music, by David Guetta)
Red leaned against a tree, watching as Bugsy and Ash faced on another.
"Ledian, go!"
Ash looked at the ladybug a moment before taking a Pokéball.
"Chikorita, I choose you!"
The girl appeared, her leaf already swinging. Bugsy grinned.
"A Grass Pokémon? Not that good an idea."
Ash's grin told him what the boy thought of his opinion: nuts. The two looked at one another a moment before the orders came.
"Silver Wind!"
"Magical Leaf!"
The silver bursts of wind collided with the hurricane of glowing leaves and pushed them away. Chikorita chained with Whip Vines, which Ledian dodged by a series of Acrobatics he used to hit the girl several times. Red winced. This was bound to leave a mark. Chikorita shook herself. Since when a petty Flying attack put her off-balance? Besides, Ledian were known for their defensive powers. Their Attack and Special Attack were more on the weak side … unlike hers. She turned to Ash and gave him her fiercest look. The boy nodded, then turned to Bugsy.
"My turn."
Ledian had followed his Acrobatics with another Silver Wind that had scratched the Grass girl but didn't blow her away. Chikorita smirked. Round two: begin. And with an Energy Ball the ladybug caught in the stomach. Bugsy frowned.
"Counter her Magical Leaf with Bug Buzz!"
The buzzing deflected the leaves that were heading to him. The Bug then followed with Agility, which he combined with Double Team. Now there was a swarm of superfast Ledian flying around and giving Chikorita a headache. The girl closed her eyes and turned to Ash.
"Chi-ko! Chi-ko ta ritarita korita!" (Help me! I need your help to catch that bugger!)
Ash nodded. Chikorita was too inexperienced yet to completely fight on her own. Forcing himself to not use his Aura powers, he looked at the swarm, searching for a clue as to which was the real one. Bugsy gave his order.
"Swift!"
A flurry of golden stars hit the girl from everywhere at the same time. The group grimaced. Chikorita fell on her stomach, panting. Ash frowned, his eyes scanning the battlefield in vain … until he noticed some stars were hitting the girl without causing damage. A smile crossed his face. Got him.
"Chikorita, Magical Leaf at two a.m! Make it wide!"
The girl gathered her forces and obeyed, Overgrowth kicking in at the same time. Now, Gary, Misty and Brock also looked worried, but for Bugsy. A tornado surged from Chikorita's leaf and blew away every Ledian in the area Ash had indicated. It included the real Ledian who found himself flying upside down under the burst. By the time he had recovered his balance, the girl had slammed him down with an Energy Ball as big as she was. The Bug rose and rubbed his head, then gasped when he saw his opponent rushing with Leaf Blade. Except Overgrowth had turned the attack into a giant blade of green light. Gary put a hand on his face.
"Here comes the lightsaber. Just like Ash, she never does things in half."
"Her mentor is Clefable." Misty retorted. "Of course she gives everything in a fight!"
The attack sent Ledian crashing straight in a tree, with enough force that the Bug saw Swift stars dancing before passing out. Bugsy looked at the Grass Starter.
"A Chikorita with Leaf Blade? Seriously?"
"Egg move." Ash sheepishly explained. "That's why they abandoned her. She wasn't fit to be a Starter with such an attack."
"I feel her. A good number of the Bug Pokémon in this Gym were abandoned for similar reason. Well, on to the next round. Ariados!"
Ash returned Chikorita and praised her, then took a Pokéball.
"Cyndaquil, you're on! Try doing your best, okay? I won't hold it against you if you lose."
Bugsy looked at the creature. Obviously, the little Fire Starter was inexperienced. It made him regret to have chosen Ariados.
"Alright, we'll take it easy. Ariados, start with Pin Missile!"
Ash frowned. Cyndaquil needed time to power his Fire attacks. For the time being …
"Smokescreen!"
The little Pokémon nodded and covered the area with smoke, starkly decreasing the visibility. Ariados scanned the darkness and threw a series of glowing darts when he saw the smoke move. When a burst of light lit the darkness, Bugsy nodded.
"Poison Jab!"
Ariados's claws lit purple and he ran in the cloud. There was screeching, growling, several briht lights that increased in intensity, then Ariados galloped outside the cloud with Cyndaquil on his tail, the little Starter breathing Embers the spider dodged by jumping aside, nearly stumbling in the process. Bugsy looked at him dumbfounded.
"Please … Don't tell me you're scared by Ember!"
The Ariados skidded aside and screeched angrily.
(Well, it hurts! Damn that brat – Ouch! Bloody sparks! I'd rather face a straight up Flamethrower!)
Bugsy made a face.
"So you don't mind being hit by Flamethrower but Ember makes you running around the field? Seriously …"
Ash was giggling. The situation was just priceless.
"So your Ariados doesn't like Ember? Keep going, Cyndaquil! No, wait, I've got better. Flame Wheel!"
Cyndaquil cheered and turned into a fiery wheel that ran toward the purple spider, which starred at it for a moment before face-clawing (face-palming). Taking its breath, it released a series of Sludge Bombs the Starter slalomed between. Before he could reach him, however, Ariados sent him flying with Psychic. Cyndaquil landed on his head twice before rolling away. The spider hissed. Enough was enough! A chase started between the two, Cyndaquil rolling in Flame Wheel while Ariados was running after him, throwing Pin Missiles and Sludge Bombs at the critter. One of them sent him flying and out of Flame Wheel. Ash grinned.
"Now, Cyndaquil! Flame Burst!"
Cyndaquil's back lit like a torch and a big sphere of flame came from his muzzle, hitting Ariados dead-on and sending little burst of fire across the field. When the fire faded, Ariados was still standing but panting. He looked at his Trainer a moment before rolling on his back and closing his eyes, making clear the match was over as far as he was concerned. Bugsy returned him with a grimace.
"I didn't remember him being so capricious …"
Cyndaquil went to Ash who gave him as many caresses as he wanted. Behind him, the group was laughing.
"This has to be your funniest match so far. Ariados's reaction to Ember was priceless, seriously!"
Even Red was holding his laugh. Bugsy crossed his arms.
"Will you still be laughing with him? Hit the field, Scizor!"
Asl looked at the creature and returned Cyndaquil.
"I will choose Heracross!"
Both Bugs faced one another. Then …
"Bullet Punch!"
"Reversal!"
Scizor dashed toward Heracross who grabbed the pincer and sent the red bug flying. Scizor landed dexterously on his feet and starred at the blue beetle.
"Fury Attack!"
"Bide!"
Heracross crossed his arms and held steadfastly against the flurry of blows landed by his opponent, his body glowing white as he did. Bugsy frowned.
"A tank …"
Heracross gathered the energy born of Bide and focused it in a single punch that sent Scizor flying with a blast and left a dent in the Bug's armor.
"… And one that can pack a punch at that! Well, I guess I have no choice."
The Gym Leader placed a hand on his heart and started to chant.
"Hearts beating in harmony, combine your strengths in a single might! Two beings, one swarm! Mega-evolution!"
Ash paled a little as Scizor started to transform. Second Gym Leader and already a mega-evolution? He looked at Heracross with worry in his eyes.
"You feel like you can handle it?"
Heracross nodded, then hardened his chitin to metallic levels. Iron Defense, Bugsy noted. As if the blue beetle needed to improve his defensive abilities … Well, given Scizor was much stronger in Mega form, maybe he did. Scizor looked more angular and artificial, kinda like a cyborg. A cyborg with giant jagged pincers. Misty thought she would faint and wrapped herself even tighter in Silver's cape. The Ancient unclipped it and watched her curl on her knees, only for Brock to hold her and reassure her the best he could. Ash looked at her and winced.
"Hold on, Mist. I'll try to get Scizor down as fast as I can."
Heracross looked at him, feeling his worry.
"Misty is already scared of Bugs. To her, Mega-Scizor is a nightmare come true."
The beetle nodded and took a stance. Bugsy gave his order.
"Flash Cannon!"
"Protect!"
Scizor opened his pincers and fired a beam of energy that bounced on Heracross's green forcefield. It faded right as the red mantis rushed with Wing Attack. Heracross didn't bulge the slightest, retaliating with a Counter up the jaw instead. Red raised a brow. Ash's teammate was surprisingly efficient as a tank. He saw Bugsy smile and wondered what the Gym Leader had in mind.
"I see … Close range is out of question, it seems. Alright. Scizor, Bug Buzz!"
"Bide!"
Heracross took the attack once more and retaliated with a beam of white energy. The red Bug followed with a series of Flash Cannons that failed to make the beetle move an inch. And it was starting to annoy him.
(Damn it! I am in Mega form and that beetle shrugs off my attacks like it was that of a Caterpie! Alright, let's see how you like this!)
Gathering both pincers together, he charged a new Flash Cannon, much bigger and more powerful than the previous ones. Heracross watched it come and took it without using a single move to protect himself despite the attack looking like a Steel-aligned Hyper Beam. When the light faded, the Bug hadn't moved an inch. His chitin, however, spotted several smoking dents. He opened his eyes to see Scizor rushing at him with Giga Impact. The strength of the blow lifted him and made him land at the edge of the field. Everyone winced, expecting the beetle to fall down.
He didn't. Instead, Heracross softly managed his stomach and looked at his opponent.
(I felt that.)
He turned to Ash and winked. Ash nodded. Time to shift to the offensive. Bugsy looked ill at ease.
"Scizor, Bug Buzz!"
Ash looked at the attack.
"Heracross, move."
The beetle nodded and took flight.
"Nail him with Pin Missile!"
The blue Bug shook his head and deflected every pin with Brick Break. He then landed right in front of Scizor and knocked him back with an Arm Thrust in the chest.
"Chain with Focus Blast!"
Scizor had been caught off guard by the attack and was rising when he saw Heracross dash at him with a blue energy sphere. The blow sent him flying.
"Finish him! Close Combat!"
Heracross took flight and hammered his opponent with lightning-fast blows that nearly tore Scozor's metal chitin apart. Ash grinned. He had won.
"And now … Giga Impact!"
Bugsy gulped. The beetle cloaked himself in golden light, took his opponent, dived to the ground and slammed him there Seismic Toss-style. When the smoke cleared, there was a small crater and Heracross walking away from a red mantis whose metal chitin was seriously crumpled. Bugsy sighed and returned his partner.
(End music)
"Well tried, Scizor. Thanks for your hard work. Now, I have a badge to give …"
Ash looked at his partner and smiled.
"Well done, Heracross. I'm very proud of you. I didn't think you'd be strong enough to take on a Mega Pokémon so early!"
The beetle said nothing. Instead, he placed a claw on the boy's heart and let his feelings flow.
"It isn't a question of can or can't. My True Name … Our Names define what we are. I am able to stand against a Mega Pokémon and hold on against the unfairest odds. It is in me, in my being. Just like Fleeting Flash is faster than any Pokémon. He is a flash that goes on faster than a blink. And I …"
It was a brush of Heracross's heart on his, a feather-light caress that revealed the boy everything about his partner and gave him his most precious gift. Who he was. Unwavering Shield. Ash smiled gently. Pokémon gave various degrees of importance to their True Names. Some gave it to their Trainer as soon as they were friends. Others gave it only under duress or when the situation was dire. Heracross held his True Name as a sacred treasure and only gave it to Ash because he had absolute faith in the boy. Ash smiled, remembering how Pikachu had only given him his True Name after Silver had written a poem that contained it after one of their fights. Gathering his Aura, he wrote in the air.
A cerulean wall
Made strong by the bonds of trust,
Unyielding to fate itself.
Bugsy got a glimpse of it as he came to the boy.
"Well fought, Ash. Here is your reward."
Ash smiled as he took the ladybug-looking pin. The Hive badge. Gary smiled.
"Do you want to send your teammates to the Pokémon Center?"
"No thanks. I can still go for another round. Are you ready, Gary Oak?"
Gary looked at his friend.
"His fight was impressive. It's gonna be hard to do as well as he did but I like a good challenge. Let's do this!"
(Play Fire, by Avicii)
Gary took a Pokéball.
"Ledyba, go!"
Bugsy nodded.
"Yanmega, take flight!"
Ladybug faced dragonfly and cringed. The insect was much bigger than he was, and rather threatening in appearance. Gary mentally reassured his partner. He and Ledyba had trained hard since Falkner. They could win. That's why he made the first move.
"Silver Wind!"
The white streams of wind rushed toward Yanmega who suddenly vibrated her wings at high speed. Bug Buzz effortlessly countered Ledyba's attack and was followed by multiple saws of air born from Air Slash. Ledyba's eyes narrowed. A glowing shield appeared before him that absorbed the saws and fired them back at Yanmega and made Bugsy wince. Light Screen. It seemed Gary's teammates also knew counter moves.
"Doesn't matter. Yanmega, Aerial Ace!"
"Ledyba, Acrobatics! If Bugsy wants to go for Flying attacks, we'll do it too!"
Ledyba took off in a burst of speed, closely followed by his opponent. An aerial chase started between the two, Ledyba hitting Yanmega multiple times while the dragonfly had trouble catching her smaller, lither opponent. But when she hit, the ladybug was thrown off the road. Gary quickly understood he couldn't match the bigger Bug in a struggle of sheer strength. He had to go for long range attacks instead.
"Ledyba, use Swift while keeping with Acrobatics!"
Swift never missed. Ledyba span around and threw multiple stars that hit Yanmega in the wings and chitin. It didn't stop her. Ledyba kept going, trying and nearly managing to out-speed his opponent who was only offset when some stars hit her eyes. Gary grinned. He had found the Bug's weak point.
"Ledyba, combine Double Team with Swift!"
The little bugger obeyed and a hurricane of stars soon assaulted Yanmega who buzzed furiously. Bugsy's eyes narrowed.
"Hold on, Yanmega! Sonic Boom!"
The dragonfly's wings vibrated at high speed, generating several shockwaves that sent the Swift stars flying, destroyed the fake ladybugs and sent the real Ledyba flying helplessly. Seeing her opponent open, Yanmega didn't hesitate. Her eyes glowed brightly and a bright beam of light hit the little Bug, sending him crashing. Gary winced.
"Ledyba … are you alright?"
Ledyba winced, his body scorched by the attack and obviously in pain. Gary took his Pokéball.
"Return. You did well enough as it is."
A red beam came from the Ball … and bounced on the Bug's glowing body. Ash and the gang's eyes widened.
"Ledyba's evolving!?"
Indeed he was. Gary watched as the little critter took on a more humanoid appearance and turned to him with a wink. Got it, the Bug had it covered. Bugsy was surprised too.
"Congratulation for your teammate's evolution. But the fight isn't over! Yanmega, Signal Beam!"
"Light Screen!"
The beam bounced on the shield of light and hit Yanmega back. Gary cheered.
"Go, Ledian! Use Swift on the eyes!"
Ledyba, now Ledian, had much better in store. His fists charged with lightning and he rushed at his opponent, hammering her eyes with punches. Silver nodded in appreciation.
"He learned Thunder Punch upon evolution. And judging by the strength of the attacks, it seems his secret ability Iron Fist has awakened as well."
Ledian charged as much energy in his fist as possible and hit Yanmega between the eyes with a souped up Ice Punch. As a finish, he sent a powerful Silver Wind that left scratches on her chitin and threw her on the ground. She didn't rise. Bugsy closed his eyes.
"One down. Well fought, Gary. That was a nice fight. And well done too, Yanmega."
Gary also returned Ledian after a kind word. He took a Pokéball he blew a kiss.
"Ready for round two?"
"You sure look like! I'm ready too. Foretress, I choose you!"
"And I choose Misdreavus!"
Silver raised his brow.
"Interesting mash-up. I wonder how this fight will play out …"
"Pin Missile!"
The Ancient jumped aside when Misdreavus dodged a glowing pin that nearly nailed him in the ribs.
"Hey, watch where you're sending those!"
Ash turned to him, a smug smile on his lips.
"Want an Aura Shield?"
Misdreavus skidded past the pins and hit the Bug with Return. Foretress rolled away and hissed. The next second, a beam of glowing energy left his cannon. Misdreavus dodged yet again, which caused the attack to nearly hit Silver. Again.
"That's it, I'm setting a shield."
A dome of crystal clear ice soon surrounded the group. Brock noticed Bugsy seemed to have trouble choosing his attacks. Silver sighed.
"I heard he recently became a Gym Leader. People say he has an impressive knowledge about Bugs, but there's a difference between knowledge and experience, and kiddo seems to be lacking the latter. Also, there's the fact Misdreavus has three immunities: Ground, Fighting and Normal. Ground due to Levitate and Fighting and Normal because it is a Ghost. Foretress has good defenses, but the typing of its move pool is somewhat limited. Bugsy already doesn't have a wide array of moves to choose from, and this choice is reduced even further by Misdreavus being a Ghost with Levitate."
Bugsy had opted to harass Misdreavus with Pin Missile and Rock Slide. The little Ghost girl was retaliating with Shadow Ball, all the while using Will O'Wisp as a shield. They hit each other with Gyro Ball and Return several times before Bugsy gave an order.
"Signal Beam!"
"Power Gem!"
A bright beam of light hit an other multicolored beam across the field. Both Misdreavus and Foretress pushed for dominion … and the Ghost girl won. Foretress went flying and recovered in time to dodge a Shadow Ball. He gathered his energy to fire a Solar Beam, but Misdreavus didn't let him and finished him with a good Shadow Ball. Silver sighed.
"Nice fight but, next time, teach your Pokémon to actually aim before you get at it!"
"Your fault for being too close to the battle ground." Gary retorted with a sly grin.
Bugsy took a Pokéball.
"Don't worry. Foretress recently evolved and has trouble controlling his attacks. This one, however …" He threw the sphere and a familiar Pokémon appeared before him. "… is a different story. Here you go, Heracross!"
Gary took a Pokéball.
"Saving the best for last? Good thing I did the same! Blastoise, I choose you!"
Both Pokémon appeared and faced one another. Bugsy grinned.
"You said it was going to be hard to equal Ash's impressive battle. How about we do just that?" Placing a hand on his heart, he began to chant. "Hearts beating in harmony, combine your strengths in a single might! Two beings, one swarm! Mega-evolution!"
Heracross's body glowed and morphed. His horn became longer, his body became bulkier and a kind of curved nose appeared on his face. Silver turned to Misty.
"Do not look."
The girl didn't need to be told twice. Gary's eyes widened when he saw the now mega-evolved Heracross. A feral smile crossed his face.
"That, I can do." He placed a hand on his heart and closed his eyes. Blastoise's body glowed and changed. "Souls answering to one another, bond tempered by time and hardships, unleash now your sealed might! Mega-evolution!"
Blastoise grew in size, his two cannons becoming a single one on his back while two smaller shells appeared on his forearm, also spotting cannons. Both Trainers grinned.
"Blastoise looks cool." Ash noted. "Very cool. I wonder what Mega-Venusaur looks like."
"Thanks!" Gary answered with a blush.
He turned to Bugsy who was ready to make his move.
"Bullet Seed!"
"Flash Cannon!"
Glowing green seeds hit the energy beam and kept it at bay. Suddenly, Heracross jumped, knocked Blastoise away with Megahorn and hammered him with Close Combat. The turtle growled and unfolded his arm cannon directly on the Bug's temple. The Water Pulse that came out not only sent him away but confused him as well. Unfolding and charging all of his cannons, the Water Starter proceeded to machine-gun his opponent with Water Pulses. Heracross answered with a series of Pin Missiles. Every impact created miniature explosions that shook the Gym and scared its inhabitants. Suddenly, a Dark Pulse came out of nowhere and hit Heracross in mid-jump. The beetle growled. When he saw the Flash Cannon coming his way, he raised Protect as a barrier. Blastoise growled.
"Hold on, Shell!" Gary frowned. "You can make it!"
Blastoise growled a thanks and fired an Hydro Pump. Heracross jumped aside, dashed to his opponent and struck with a brutal Megahorn. The turtle gasped. Seeing an opening, the beetle chained with Close Combat that steadily pushed Blastoise away; only for him to grab both of his opponent's hands and blast him at the shoulder joins with Water Pulse. Heracross backed up in pain, which made Bugsy wince. His partner would have trouble using punching moves.
"Hydro Cannons!"
Blastoise bent on all four and charged his main cannon, waves of blue and white energy visible at the entrance. Bugsy looked outright scared, now. If such an attack hit, not only Heracross but he himself would end up hurt. Heracross turned to him and uttered something. Understanding, the Gym Leader took cover while his partner braced himself. The blast sent a shockwave that rippled through the air and sent Heracross crashing against a wall. Gary cheered.
"We did it!"
Then he saw hundreds of Pin Missiles diving on his partner.
"… Or not. Blastoise, Withdraw!"
The turtle hit both limbs and cannons inside his shell and braced himself for the impact while Ash held Gary and generated an Aura Shield over them, effectively protecting him from the Bug-aligned carpet bombing. When the smoke faded, Trainer and Pokémon gasped at the sight of Heracross diving toward them with Megahorn.
"Not again …" Gary hissed. "Blastoise, Dragon Pulse with all cannons!"
Blastoise nodded and charged his cannons with green energy. What came out were three green-shaded dragon mouths that rushed at Heracross and swallowed him whole before exploding. The Bug landed in normal form, his chitin scarred and his eyes closed. Fallen. Blastoise panted and returned to his original appearance. Gary ran to the field and hugged him.
"You were awesome, Blastoise! Thank you! That was an impressive fight!"
(End music)
Ash nodded.
"Sure was! Did you record it, Brock?"
"Both of yours. Delia and Professor Oak are going to enjoy them."
Red nodded with an appreciative smile.
"Indeed, those were interesting fights to watch. Ash's Heracross holding out against Bugsy's Mega-Scizor and Gary's Mega-Blastoise versus Heracross's Mega-evolved form. Congratulation, you caught my interest."
"Then would you like to travel with us?" Ash offered.
Red was surprised by the offer but didn't say no.
"Why not? If you don't mind adding the son of a Champion to your ragtag bunch …"
"The more the merrier!"
Bugsy gladly gave Gary the Hive badge. Misty finally emerged from Silver's cape.
"Is … Is the nightmare over?"
"Totally." Brock grinned. "Gary's Mega-Blastoise swallowed it with Dragon Pulse."
The girl sighed and returned the Ice Aura Master his cape. Silver gently rubbed his back and frowned when he saw Ash's bag shake. Ash opened it and gasped.
"Of course! I received a Spinarak egg some time ago! I was wondering when it would hatch."
"Step back, everyone." Brock ordered. "Ash must be the first person Spinarak sees."
"I know." Bugsy smiled.
He and the others took their distances. The young Aura Guardian took the egg and set it before him, Pikachu at his side. The egg's shell cracked and chips came down from it, revealing a small green spider with black and yellow legs. The critter was big enough to fit in Ash's cupped hands and chirped happily when it saw him. Ash closed his eyes and caressed it, establishing an empathic bond between them. It was a girl as cheerful as Axew when he was born, and even cuddlier. Taking a Pokéball, he released Heracross and mentally told him what he wanted. The girl needed a name. Back when Axew was born, it had been Mightyeha that had done the naming. Ash entrusted the blue beetle to name his new family member. Heracross nodded and took the little Spinarak, who looked at him with curiosity.
Ash felt his partner more than he heard him. Spinarak would be called Soul Weaver.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I know I gave you nothing for Christmas. Sorry, I was busy with my friends (first Christmas away from my family!). And besides, look at this. Can you believe I had to tone down the awesomeness? Seriously, I wanted to finish the chapter with Ash vs. Red and the raid on the Rebels' base was a little different. And Ash's Heracross was going to mega-evolve too but I decided Gary would get it. So yes, I had to hold myself. It was hard. But I'm still happy with it. I always felt Bugsy was a bit underrated as a Gym Leader ... What about you?
- zorro2: thanks for the review! You're right, Silver isn't the sanest person in the world. At the same time, he lost his world, his family (save for his son and daughter), lots of his friends, the ability to travel from universe to universe, a major part of his powers and his people are under constant threat of genocide if the Legendary Council decides they don't want the Ancients/Eans anymore. So, indeed, his reactions can seem disproportionate at times. In fact, he was pretty much an Aura-powered mercenary before meeting Ash and becoming his father figure. Yep, Ash is Silver's morality and emotional failsafe. For the second critisism, I apologise. I am not nearly as good a writer compared to the people out there and I never actually took classes to learn how to write a story. I am basically self-taught and ... well, I'm doing my best, even thought it isn't enough at times.
- Megaman exe: sorry, not yet. Maybe an other celebration ... Though Ash getting Spinarak/Soul Weaver at the end plus Heracross's True Name could count as presents ...
- Alie-yaoi: une française ? C'est inattendu ! Mets-en deux dans le club, je suis aussi française. Et bilingue, comme tu peux le remarquer ;-) Pour le yaoi entre Sacha et Régis, désolé, mais la plupart n'aiment que moyennement, voir même pas du tout alors je ne fais que taquiner la relation. Ca m'amuse ... Et j'espère que ce chapitre t'a plu !
- Golden Freddy: sorry for the errors, my writing skills are still lacking ... and English isn't my birth language, which doesn't help either.
- Nightshadegirl: Cyndaquil will evolve earlier, don't worry. All of Ash's Pokémon will.
- jace norwood: Fraxure will evolve in Hoenn, sorry. And I can understand you mistook his line for a pseudo-legendary. Haxorus has the highest Attack of non-legendary Dragons ... or non-legendaries, period?
- Siggimondo: thank you very much. Yes, training can make people bigger. A good diet is only part of it. Love, friendship, happiness, rage, fear ... No emotion should be underestimated if it becomes powerful enough. And, in this chapter, so much "Holy Sh*****t!" See you next chapter! Good year to you, pal!
- zackattack999: no spoiling the others, thank you very much. (In other words, I can't say anything.) And the brat isn't AJ.
- JediMasterDraco: next time, be careful what you wish for.
- MidnightHunter563: Ash is training Cyndaquil one step at a time because he's still recovering from Charizard's departure and caring for Cyndaquil is kinda a therapy to him.
- dloold87: one more chapter and Entei comes up. I'll try to have it done for my birthday ...
Alright, now I can go work on my Pacific Rim fanfic. I have a chapter to complete and another to start, and fast.
See you soon!