Welcome back everyone! Last time we left off, Ash and co were invited by Morty and the Kimono Sisters to visit the Burnt Tower. While there some truths came out, revealing that Janine, Brock and Jessie, James and Meowth were chosen by the Legendary Beasts. Amid it all, the Beasts themselves appeared for a short while. But now the group is off for Olivine City and Ash's next Gym Battle.
Also, I just realized that I kept calling Burned Tower "Burnt Tower" last chapter. So we're just going to pretend that never happened.
Chapter 8: A Struggle
"I already told you, Janine, Bugsy and I returned to the Pokémon Center to inspect some of the samples we found at the tower," Leaf stated with an exasperated sigh. Ash turned towards his childhood friend; the girl being prodded by Janine. Ash shrugged at the interaction, clipping his pokeballs onto his belt as Brock returned the tray that held them to Nurse Joy.
"Uh-huh, sure," Janine replied, a smug smirk on her face. Ash made his way towards the duo as he noted Leaf's bright red face. "How do we know you guys just didn't sneak off to be by yourself?
"No one would have noticed. It's the perfect opportunity to catch up with each other after being apart for so long."
"P-Please, do you really think anything can distract Bugsy from his research?" Leaf asked, brushing her hair back. Her hands appeared to play with her hair, tying it into a ponytail. Looking across the room she pointed to a table that was filled with books. A single table lamp was present as a net appeared to extend over the pile of books. "See!? Even right now he's busy working!"
Ash chuckled at the sight, the boy wondering just how Bugsy enjoyed doing that much research. The sound of a pen writing told him that there was something Bugsy wanted to remember later on. Placing a hand on Janine's shoulder he smiled at his girlfriend, the action causing her to drop the conversation.
"Ready to head out?" she asked, Ash pointing his thumb back towards the main desk.
"Just waiting on Brock to come back. He's just returning a few trays to Nurse Joy," he admitted with a nervous smile. "I'm just hoping he doesn't keep up waiting too long."
"And everything with Morty and the Kimono Sisters?" Janine asked, glancing towards the pile of books. They appeared to move, Leaf vanishing behind them. The Fuchsia City native smirked at that, Ash wondering why she teased Leaf so often.
Ash scratched his cheek at the question, the sound of footsteps telling him that Brock was on his way towards them. "Well, they wanted us to stick around a bit longer to talk. I convinced them to hold off until the next time we returned to the city. Though that was thanks to Brock."
"It was hard to convince them at first," the older boy spoke up. His words told the group of his presence, Ash throwing his free arm around his shoulders as it was Brock's turn to chuckle nervously. "They really wanted to discuss more about Ash's feather and our markings, but I helped explain that we're still learning about it ourselves.
"In the end they agreed to meet up with us when we pass through Ecruteak to head for Mahogany Town."
"They also agreed to give me some notes for my project," Ash stated happily. Him and Pikachu quickly pumped a fist in the air, Janine sighing at the announcement as she shook her head back and forth.
Placing her hands on her hips Janine began to walk away, Ash adjusting his backpack before following her Brock brought up the rear. The doors opened to reveal the sunlight beating down onto the city, Ash yelling out a goodbye to Leaf and Bugsy only to receive silence in return. He figured they were deep in research and let it be as he walked outside.
"Tell me, how lucky are you?" Janine asked, playfully punching his shoulder as they made their way back towards the Burnt Tower. Ash titled his head at the question, Pikachu tapping his chin as he too struggled with the question. If they really thought about it, Ash would argue he wasn't that lucky after everything they went through but she had a point. It felt like he continued to meet the right people when it came to his project.
"Well, if it helps, we turned down the offer at first. Morty was insistent however. Mentioned that his grandfather would have wanted him to help anyone who was accepted by Ho-Oh," Ash admitted before throwing his hands behind his head.
The group continued down the road, noticing the Burned Tower not too far from them. Pausing, Ash pulled out his feather and stared at it, the rainbow color contrasting with the decrepit building. Janine and Brock also appeared to stare at it as Ash remembered the truth about them. For a moment he had considered it weird they kept something like that a secret from him but then he realized that he still had a secret being kept from them.
Placing the feather back he continued on his way towards the west exit of Ecruteak City and towards Route Thirty Eight. A few trainers passed by on their way into the city, Ash listening to bits and pieces of conversations. Unfortunately that was it, unable to piece together much of what they were saying. Instead he turned to Brock, the older boy holding his egg gently.
"Any idea how long it'll take us to get to the next city?" Ash asked, the group finally reaching the western boundary of the town and passing through it. Trees began to sprout up rapidly, the three trainers finding themselves in a forest. Though it was a bit strange, the road actually being paved as fencing ran along the sides of the road as if to stop any chance of cars driving off it.
Further ahead of them the trees gave way slightly, a more open field now present as the fencing veered off to surround it. Ash peered at the area, a thunderous echo coming from it as a cloud of dirt rose over the horizon.
"If we keep up this pace we should be in Olivine by tomorrow morning," Brock admitted, juggling the egg and its case in his arms. He carefully placed his prized egg back into the case, sliding it within his backpack.
A small honk from behind alerted the group to an approaching car. They moved to the side of the road, falling into a single file line as they continued to walk forward. Looking into the open field again, Ash noted that the dust cloud had grown in size. Though it was the sudden shaking of the area that really caught his attention. Nearly toppling over he grabbed ahold of the fencing, Pikachu holding tight to his head as a cry squeaked from his lips.
Brock and Janine both followed his lead, the sudden shaking only increasing as the dust cloud approached them. Then it suddenly stopped.
Now able to stand without support Ash released his grasp from the fence and blinked in amazement. Resting in the field were both Miltank and Tauros as they both ate on the grass. The sight of the Miltank reminded Ash of his failure in Goldenrod City, his fingers curling into a fist. His nails dug into the fabric of his gloves as he tried to figure out a way to defeat Whitney's Miltank.
"I wonder if this field belongs to Moomoo Milk," Brock stated, a hand resting under his chin. Ash tilted his head in slight confusion, Brock now starting their trek up once again. The older boy pulled an old guide book out of his back pocket and immediately flipped it to a specific page.
"They say Moomoo Milk's farm is somewhere along this route so it only makes sense they would own the fields. It might be best to not try and battle or capture the Pokémon here. They've been trained for the dairy world not for battling."
"Never heard of them," Ash admitted sheepishly, leaning against the fence once more to steal a view of the Normal-Types. The Tauros were grazing peacefully while a few of the Miltank began to roll around. A small barking noise alerted Ash to the presence of a Growlithe in the fields, the Fire-Type seemingly keeping it all safe for the Pokémon. "Are they a big deal?"
Janine began to pass him, slapping him on the back of the shoulder with a smirk. Now at the back of the line, Ash followed behind his two friends as he noted the path began to branch out. There was a four-way intersection, stop signs erected as an older truck turned down one of the roads. A farm could also be seen further that way as Ash figured that must have been the place they were talking about.
"Moomoo Milk Farm is arguably the biggest provider of dairy products in not just Johto but also Kanto, Hoenn and Sinnoh," Janine admitted. For a moment they thought about heading towards the farm and inspecting it, but Ash figured they wouldn't be welcome for intruding on them and instead they followed the path that would bring them towards Olivine City the fastest. The pavement broke down, dirt and rocks replacing it as Pikachu scurried ahead of the trainers.
"If you've had any dairy product most likely it came from these guys."
"Huh," Ash said, surprise present in his voice. His head tilted up slightly, staring at the afternoon sky as it was quickly covered up by the encroaching trees. Gone was the sun and now they were basked in shadows from the various tree branches. A small section appeared to be cleared of trees further off the road, a small gravel path leading to it as Ash saw some Geodude and Graveler dig through the ground while a few Psyduck kept the fields watered. An older man appeared to be dropping seeds into the area that the Rock and Ground-Types had dug up before motioning for the Psyduck to spray that section of the field.
"Honestly I never knew that's where it all came from. I figured it was from some place in Kanto."
"Your mom runs a restaurant; didn't you ever help her with unloading the deliveries?" Janine asked as Ash scratched at his cheek. She narrowed her eyes at that remark, Ash lifting his hands up in defense as he began to reply.
"We ordered everything through Leaf's family's store. So I never really thought that they were ordering stuff from elsewhere. Plus my mom grows most of her fruits and vegetables. At least what she can in Pallet Town's climate," Ash explained.
"And where did you think they got their stuff from?" Janine asked with a deep sigh. Ash shrugged at that question, turning his attention back to the path ahead of them. A slight breeze passed through them, the scent of the ocean riding atop it. The smell made him wonder if they were close to the ocean but between the trees and fields he couldn't see far enough to find it.
Instead a small rumble came from his stomach, the noise being covered up by a laugh from Brock. The older boy turned to face his friends, a smile on his face as he rested his hands on his hips.
"Based on Ash's stomach I'd say now is a good time to stop and rest for a bit. We can let the Pokémon out and enjoy the nice weather while I cook up something good for lunch."
"Sounds good to me. Besides I wanted to get some training in," Janine admitted as she stretched her arms slightly. The group moved off to the side, finding a small opening amongst the trees that would work for them. A bit of sunlight managed to sneak through the branches, giving warmth and light to the group as Brock immediately set his table and cooking equipment up.
With a swift movement from all three trainers a large flash of light washed over the area as their Pokémon appeared along the forest floor. Looking at his team he watched as Heracross scurried over to a tree, immediately hitting it with his horn to rip the bark from it. With the bark removed he began to suck on the tree happily. The rest of his team was different, however.
Croconaw had went off by himself, practicing against a tree while Hoothoot hopped along towards him. Houndour stayed by itself, Pikachu doing his best to coax the Fire and Dark-Type into joining the others to no avail. And finally Celebi forced its way out of Ash's backpack, resting atop a tree branch happily as the sun shined on it.
Both Happiny and Sentret looked ready to assist Brock, the latter nearly toppling over only for Sentret to catch her with his tail. Likewise, Janine's team appeared fired up as Venomoth and Golbat took to the skies immediately, the duo clashing as Janine ran towards them. She seemed to be carrying Pineco, the Bug-Type glaring at Ash as he wondered why the small creature appeared to despise him.
"You know, Janine's got the right idea," Ash admitted as he moved towards Houndour. Wrapping his arms around the Dark Pokémon he lifted it up into the air and carried Houndour towards the other Pokémon. The Fire and Dark-Type tried to squirm free but Ash held tight, laughing as the futile attempt.
"Come on, Houndour, it'll be good to work with the others."
Houndour growled at that, laying on the grass once Ash released his hold. Croconaw stopped his training at the sound of the growl, turning towards the resting Houndour. Hoothoot watched on in confusion as Croconaw tried to interact with the Fire and Dark-Type only to be snubbed.
"Guess Houndour doesn't really care for being a team," Ash muttered while scratching his face. "It's weird though, Houndour worked so well with the others before facing that Houndoom. I wonder what happened."
"She had a clear goal back then and was willing to take help. But now she doesn't want to accept help," Janine stated as she walked towards the gathered group. Pineco hopped by her side as Venomoth and Golbat rested atop her shoulders.
"Wait...she?" Ash asked, his eyes darting towards the Fire and Dark-Type Pokémon. "Houndour's a girl?"
"You didn't know?" Janine asked in concern. Houndour began to rise from all the noise and tried to head elsewhere. Unfortunately her path was blocked by Croconaw as the Water-Type held his arms out to keep Houndour from leaving.
"Well...I mean the pokedex usually says it but I never thought to check. I just assumed Houndour was a guy," Ash admitted with a nervous chuckle. Houndour growled slightly at that comment, Ash apologizing to her.
"Looks like you learn something new every day," Janine teased, Venomoth and Golbat flying up into the air. She walked over to her boyfriend, placing an arm around his shoulders as a grin rested on her face. "Now how about we do something new today while Brock is cooking. Let's get Houndour to accept her teammates."
"I thought you said something new."
"Let me finish," Janine stated as she removed her arm from Ash's body. She walked slowly towards her own Pokémon, picking Pineco up. The Bug-Type shook slightly in her hold. "I want to train Pineco in a battle since I feel I've been neglecting it. Though I also think Pineco isn't ready to battle by itself.
"So I propose we have a double battle much like our original training session back in Violet City. This way Pineco gets some real battle experience and Houndour has to work with a partner. And hey, maybe we make it that the loser has to pay the next time we get a chance to go out and relax."
Ash immediately got into the battling spirit from her words, a confident grin on his face as he adjusted his hat. "Sounds good to me. So, who wants to battle with Houndour?"
Ash looked at his various partners, all those gathered raising an arm or wing. However, Croconaw didn't wait for someone to be chosen and instead walked forward. Ash laughed at the Water-Type's action before nodding in agreement. He had a feeling that Croconaw was growing annoyed from his own lack of battling, especially compared to Hoothoot or even the newly caught Houndour.
"Guess it's Houndour and Croconaw then," Ash admitted while taking his backpack off. Placing it on the ground he spared a second to look for Celebi, the baby asleep atop a tree branch. Pikachu scurried over to it, climbing the tree with a Quick Attack before sitting carefully next to the sleeping Pokémon.
"Sounds good. Then I'll have Venomoth partner up with Pineco," Janine stated. Golbat appeared disappointed by the decision but Janine smiled caringly at the Poison and Flying-Type. "You'll get a chance to battle too Golbat. I just think it would be best for Venomoth to battle alongside Pineco right now."
Golbat nodded at that, still disappointed but accepting of the decision. Without another sound the Bat Pokémon fluttered over to a tree in the shade and hung upside down from it. Hoothoot also made his way from the makeshift battlefield and rested underneath his own tree.
"So what's the plan? We battle until one side loses both Pokémon or just until someone loses one?" Ash asked, stretching slightly as Houndour and Croconaw stood before him. The former looked ready to battle alongside the newest addition to the team though his partner was uninterested. Houndour yawned before narrowing her gaze at her opponents, unaware of Croconaw.
"I figured we'll go all out. Once someone loses both Pokémon we'll call it a day," Janine admitted while stretching her arms over her head. Finishing her stretch, the young girl shrugged. "Or until lunch is ready. Whatever comes first."
"Sounds good! But let's actually get this thing started! Houndour, Flamethrower, Croconaw, Water Pulse!" Ash shouted with a sweep of his hand. Croconaw nodded, pushing his hands together as the sphere of water formed between his fingertips. Houndour was faster, however, firing the jetstream of flames right at Pineco. Croconaw launched his Water Pulse, the sphere colliding with Houndour's Flamethrower as they canceled each other out.
Ash sighed silently at the sight, the boy wondering how he could get them to work together. Even if it was just one attack he had a feeling it was going to be a long battle if they couldn't coordinate together. Janine on the other hand wasted no time, the steam from the attack providing her partners with a coverage.
"Let's make them pay for that! Pineco, use Seed Bomb, Venomoth right behind him with a Psybeam! Let's try our new style; Dual blast!"
Ash tried to see where they would be attacking from, the Pallet Town native calling out for the duo to move into a defensive formation. Houndour stayed as she did, sniffing the air for the duo only for the steam to keep them concealed. A hissing noise was immediately followed by a popping sensation, Ash, Croconaw and Houndour looking to the sky as a barrage of glowing seeds rained down from the sky. Houndour and Croconaw were quick to dodge, the duo dancing around the exploding seeds. Each attack blew up upon contact with the ground, dirt and debris being shot around as small craters began to litter the battlefield.
Houndour leapt away from one of the exploding seeds, her foot slipping as it landed partially on a crater. The ground cracked, giving way under her weight as she fell on her side. That was when Ash noticed Venomoth. Or rather he noticed her glowing antenna. Before he could issue a warning two beams of blue and pink energy shot out of and dispersed the steam cloud. Ash called for his Pokémon to dodge, Croconaw enveloping himself in an Aqua Jet and taking to the sky.
The Water-Type danced around the Psybeam heading for him, striking Venomoth in the chest. Houndour was slower, still recovering from her earlier stumble. The blast struck her, the attack doing no damage but instead sending her into the air where she was defenseless.
"Start spinning and release those Spikes!" Janine shouted, her image coming back into view with the steam gone. Ash could hear a spinning sound, the sight of small little objects scattering all around the field as Houndour began her descent. Croconaw circled back around while in his Aqua Jet as he tried to discern the situation.
Houndour touched down on the ground, a whimpering noise coming from her as she jumped from contact with the objects. Ash squinted at them, their presence showing a sharper and pointed design to them than originally thought. Houndour brushed the spikes from her fur, removing the ones stuck in her paws using her teeth.
She growled at the Bug-Type, Pineco appearing unfazed by it all as Croconaw descended from the air. He landed next to Houndour, careful to not step on the Spikes. He appeared to say something to Houndour but the Dark Pokémon ignored him and instead rushed forward.
"Houndour, we're a team! Remember like at the Ecruteak Gym?" Ash called out, hands cupped around his mouth. Houndour ignored the call and instead continued her pursuit. A Smog began to form within her maw, the noxious gas seeping out and covering part of the field. Pineco didn't appear fazed, remaining stationary as Janine sighed out.
"Venomoth, protect Pineco by blowing that Smog away with a Quiver Dance! Pineco, cover Venomoth with a Pin Missile!"
Ash grit his teeth at that, pulling on his hat slightly as Venomoth emerged within the cloud of Smog. She moved gracefully, wings blowing the cloud away as a red aura surrounded her body. She took flight even higher now, her image replaced with hundreds of tiny needles heading straight for a confused Houndour.
"Alright that's enough! Croconaw, help Houndour out. Block that Pin Missile with your Water Pulse!" Ash shouted in annoyance. Houndour was already on the move again, dodging the first round of the barrage only to be cornered by Venomoth. The Bug and Poison-Type began to click her fangs together, the familiar Bug Buzz echoing across the field.
Houndour whimpered from it, her hind legs giving out as the Pin Missile looked ready to strike from behind. Croconaw was ready however, using Aqua Jet to close the distance. Standing behind Houndour he moved the water from his entire body and surged it into his hands. Thrusting forward the Water Pulse drenched the incoming Pin Missile and brought it to a conclusion.
"Houndour, now let's take care of Bug Buzz with our own Flamethrower!"
Houndour nodded, shakily getting back onto her four paws as the fire raged within her mouth. Whipping her head around the Fire and Dark-Type launched off the attack as it seared through the attack. Venomoth looked shocked at the incoming flames as she took flight. The fire however still struck part of her wing, causing her to lose speed amid flight.
"Now that's teamwork!" Ash shouted out, pumping his fist. Pikachu called out from his spot in the tree, Hoothoot also chirping in agreement. "We back each other up and cover our weak spots."
"Two can play like that! Pineco, Gyro Ball!" Janine shouted out. Ash found himself getting into a defensive stance, his left leg stationed a bit behind his right as Pineco emerged on the scene once more. The Bug-Type was spinning rapidly, a small ring now surrounding him as Croconaw quickly threw his hands outwards to try and catch the Bagworm Pokémon.
"Now reverse the spin!"
"What!?" Ash shouted, eyes growing wide as Pineco quickly reversed his spinning. Croconaw had no time to react, the Bagworm Pokémon having gotten past him. Croconaw spun around and was ready to attack. Houndour also had the same idea, jumping around to face the approaching Pineco.
"Wait you guys, don't attack together!" Ash shouted, his eyes noticing Venomoth on her way back to the field. "Stop right now! Get away!"
It was pointless however, Croconaw throwing the Water Pulse at the same time Houndour fired his Shadow Ball. The two attacks were on a collision course for Pineco only for the Bug-Type to leap into the air. The two spheres continued their trajectory forward, skimming right past each other and slamming into their respective partners. Houndour was drenched in water while Croconaw was thrusted backwards from the spectral energy. Both were dazed for a moment, unable to react as Pineco landed right between them.
His body continued to spin, Ash looking over to Janine to see a smirk on her face. "Now to end this! Venomoth, use Venoshock right on Pineco's spinning body!"
"Guys you need to get up! Get out of there!" Ash shouted to no avail. Croconaw was the first to get back up, the Water-Type standing up slowly as he watched the globs of poison ran down onto Pineco. His rotation of spin changed slightly, Ash watching as the silver ring around his body changed direction. Instead of being vertical it now ran horizontally, the Venoshock striking it.
The surge of poisonous goo was split by the spinning and was launched equally at Houndour and Croconaw. The poison burned at their bodies, Ash unable to do anything as Houndour and Croconaw tried to peel it from their skin. Pineco came to a stop, his body now shooting off the barrage of Pin Missile once more as the hundreds of spikes exploded against his opponents.
Smoke began to rise up, Ash unable to see Houndour and Croconaw for a moment as a gust of wind finally blew it away. Sitting there in the field defeated were his two partners, Ash raising their pokeballs slowly.
"Guess we still need to work on actual teamwork," he muttered, a forced smile on his face. Looking at the two pokeballs for a moment he wondered how they would be able to get through to Houndour but decided it would be for another day. The sight of Sentret scurrying towards them told him that the food was ready.
"I wouldn't take it too hard," Janine admitted as she recalled her own partners. "I've been working on double battles with my Pokémon for a while to help cover their weaknesses. Today was just the first time Pineco got to actually battle fully."
"You said it felt like you were ignoring him. How's this his first battle?"
"Well, while we waited for you in Ecruteak City I was battling a few random trainers. Though it was mainly Golbat and Venomoth doing the battling, Pineco still practiced with us. Besides, we still have a lot of work to do to reach our dreams," Janine admitted. Ash smiled at those words, raising the pokeballs for Hoothoot and Heracross while Pikachu stirred Celebi awake. The Electric-Type ran down the trunk of the tree and towards his trainer while Celebi flew over towards his backpack. Ash made his way towards the bag, opening it for Celebi to rest inside it before swinging it over his shoulders.
"We all have a lot of work to do," Ash finally stated as they began to walk back towards Brock and the prepared lunch.
Moving through the forest the group quickly came upon the table that was set up, a bowl of salad resting in the center as smaller bowls sat atop the table. Next to the salad bowl was a tray of sandwiches. On the ground were bowls of Pokémon food, Ash and Janine letting their Pokémon out once more as they moved towards the dishes.
Lunch seemed to go by rather fast for Ash, the boy wondering if he should get back to training for the day. The loss to Janine didn't bother him but it was rather how they lost, neither Croconaw or Houndour were able to get in sync with the other. Though he figured that might have been more on Houndour than anything else. He decided against more training, instead helping Brock with the dishes and breaking down the table. Once ready the group recalled all their Pokémon back into their pokeballs.
With everything broken down the group quickly prepared to continue their trek to Olivine City. Taking off Ash watched the scenery begin to change as the trees gave way to more open fields though this time no fencing. Ash wondered if this also belonged to the farms or if it was just open land. However, he noted the rougher terrain they were walking along, stones lining the way as the elevation began to lower.
The path looked to be dug through the terrain as on either side of them were walls of stone, a few trees littering the top of them. The sound of water running nearby made Ash question again if they were close to the ocean or not. Reaching the bottom of the path the group noted the sky beginning to grow darker, the sign of an incoming storm and decided to stop for the night. Heading off the path, Ash and the others climbed up over a few stones as they came to rest under a group of trees. A loud rumble in the distance told Ash that a storm was fast approaching, their new vantage point allowing him to see further in the distance. Their stone path winded further down the route as a small speck of light could be seen. Squinting Ash wondered if that was Olivine City but turned away as he helped set up camp.
With the tents all pitched Ash sat down, the others joining him as a sigh escaped his lips. Above them he could hear the rain pick up slightly though the thicket of branches limited the water that reached them. Crackles of thunder echoed overhead, Ash wondering how bad this incoming storm was going to be.
"Still thinking about Houndour?" Janine asked, their small fire providing some light. Pikachu was curled up in his lap, Ash petting him slowly as his thoughts drifted back to that battle. He nodded as Janine took a sip of her hot chocolate.
"I wouldn't let it get to, Ash," Brock joined in as he handed a mug to Ash. He smelt the aroma of chocolate rising out of the mug, the warmth feeling nice against his hands as a chill passed over the area. "If you were able to get Fearow to listen, you'll get Houndour to work with the others for certain."
Ash swished the contents of his mug around, pausing to take a small sip. He looked at Brock, but he lacked his usual enthusiasm. After everything he had been through, from leaving Pallet Town for school in Viridian City all the way to his latest Gym Badge he thought he had grown. But in the back of his mind he couldn't shake the thought that he was the same inexperienced kid who angered a flock of Spearow.
"If you say so," Ash finally said. Pikachu cried out softly, Ash smiling at his best friend. "I just thought we were making progress with Houndour, but it doesn't seem it."
"No one gets everything right immediately," Janine added before placing her mug on a nearby stump. Looking into the fire Ash watched the flames reflect from her eyes, a look of understanding present in them. "It's taken me so long to get where I am... At this point my dream seems so far away."
"And you saw firsthand about myself," Brock laughed out. Ash nodded at that but he found himself gripping his mug tighter. "There's no need to get down on yourself over this. You'll figure out a way to get through to her."
"I'm not disappointed or down on myself," Ash admitted. He placed his mug on the ground, his fingers wrapping around each other as he appeared deep in thought. Pikachu tilted his head in concern, Ash ignoring his best friend. A sigh came from his mouth, his fingers releasing their grip on themselves before one hand rubbed at his face.
"I don't know. I just don't know what to do," he admitted. "I thought Houndour was making progress after what happened with Morty but now look at it. You saw, Janine."
"You also need to remember that Houndour hasn't been with you for that long," Janine added. Ash nodded at that, standing up from his spot. Listening to the rain pelting the tree branches above them, he took a few steps towards the path they left earlier.
His eyes trailed down the stony path, a small light flickering off in the distance. For a moment it turned off before immediately returning, the sound of a ship's horn echoing further in the distance. Silence fell over the area as the horn died out, the only noise coming from the rain that fell. Puddles now formed along the path they had trekked earlier as Ash continued to think things over.
"Houndour listened during the Gym Battle and she also seemed worried for Hoothoot but otherwise she does her own thing," he muttered while leaning against a nearby tree. His hand held tightly to his chin, various ideas running through his mind. "Maybe partner her up with Hoothoot, maybe if she takes the lead it would work better. Someone like Croconaw might have mixed poorly with her."
"So, you've started to think about that," Brock stated, his presence making Ash jump. The older boy chuckled at the reaction, moving towards Ash as he took a sip of his hot chocolate. "I wasn't sure if you were ever going to think about your team's chemistry."
"Come again?"
"Chemistry, their makeup. Remember, a Pokémon battle isn't just a series of one-on-one battles but rather it's a combined effort by a team to overcome a challenge. It showed during your battle with Morty but so far most of the time you've only focused on the battle in front of you.
"Winning Gym Badges won't be enough at this point, Ash," he continued on. He leaned against a tree opposite of Ash, a few drops of rain hitting the tip of his head. A stern look rested upon his friend's face, Ash having only seen this look when Brock had faced his father in battle back in Pewter City. "The Pokémon League has each Conference include six-on-six battles to show that the winning trainer helped build a true team and didn't focus on just one or two Pokémon. You'll need to take time to get your team used to picking up everyone's weaknesses."
"So it's like a relay," Ash softly stated. His eyes closed slightly, a small smile on his face as the pieces began to click together. "We've been so focused on just winning our next badge we haven't worked together. Everyone just wants to get stronger and prove their worth. We can't try and sprint forward anymore."
"Well if there's one member of your team that you won't have to worry about it's Hoothoot," Janine joined in, her presence being given away by the sound of a twig snapping. Ash turned further into the wooded area, Janine standing there with Pikachu in her arms. "Hoothoot seems ready to pick up the slack from anyone and give everything he can. Even if he isn't the strongest, he's definitely got the biggest heart.
"Plus, Pikachu won't let things get out of hand. You just need to figure out how Houndour and Croconaw fit in best on the team."
"I think that'll be the plan once we get to Olivine City tomorrow. Schedule a Gym Battle and then focus on getting everyone on the same mindset," Ash admitted. Pikachu leapt from Janine's arms, landing on Ash's shoulder. He quickly nuzzled his face against Ash's the duo laughing from the action as the rain began to slow down.
Staring out at the night sky Ash looked up at the stars, the doubt that had been fostering inside of him beginning to be extinguished thanks to his friends words. His hand shot up towards the stars, closing into a fist as he mentally prepared himself for the next step in this adventure.
And another chapter is finished. Clearly Houndour is causing a bit of a problem for Ash thought she isn't anything he can't handle. It's just the matter of finding her best fit that's a bit harder. Though needless to say he'll eventually figure it out, at some point. But for now it'll be something he needs to keep working on. Especially since his time in Kanto never had him doing much more than one-on-one battling. There were a few cases otherwise like against Paul and Cross but overall he never had to think about the chemistry of his team or planning out the pace of a battle.
Anyways, next time they'll finally reach Olivine City and Ash will get to prepare for his next Gym Battle.
Thank you to everyone who read the chapter and supports this story. Please leave a review letting me know what you enjoyed and how I can improve the story.