Welcome back everyone! Last time we left off, Ash began to wonder how he could get the team in sync with each other while Brock and Janine started to open his eyes about team chemistry and synergy. Anyways, not much else to say other than on to Olivine City!
Ch 9: A Missing Leader
The sun was shining overhead as Ash came to a slight stop. Janine and Brock followed his lead as the three trainers peered down over the cliff they stood atop of. Not too far off in the distance was a rather large coastal city as a large shipping dock was present by the coast. A beach could be seen further down while a large lighthouse was present right between the two locations. Buildings lined the roads throughout the city as the place reminded Ash of Vermilion City a little. Only this place seemed a bit cleaner.
The road they were following twisted slightly away from the cliff before going into an inverse decline. It allowed them to continue on their way without the worry of climbing down the cliff itself, a fact that pleased Ash. Turning away from the not too distant city, Ash continued down the path as he rounded the bend.
"It's just a straight path from here to Olivine City," Brock stated from behind Ash. The Pallet Town native nodded at that, adjusting his backpack. Pikachu leapt from his shoulder, leading the way as he scurried on ahead.
Ash followed slightly slower behind his best friend, keeping pace with Brock and Janine as the various buildings grew in size. A few houses began to line the sides of the road, a few individuals leaving with fishing equipment as Ash wondered if they would be gone for days. Behind them a car horn alerted them to the oncoming presence, the group moving out of the way as an older truck passed by. In the back of the bed were crates of vegetables, Ash figuring they belonged to the nearby farms.
"Once we get into the city let's head right for the Gym," Ash admitted, throwing his hands behind his head. The smell of the salty breeze entered his nostrils, Ash's face scrunching for a second due to the stench of fish that joined it. Coughing, he quickly composed himself before finishing his thought. "The sooner I can schedule my Gym Battle the better. That way I can do nothing but work with Houndour and the others."
"It might be better to stop at the Pokémon Center first," Janine admitted, the girl playfully tapping the back of Ash's head. He chuckled at that, looking over at Brock as the older nodded in agreement. "It didn't take us long to get here, but Croconaw and Houndour should get checked out. Especially with how our training session ended."
"There's no way I could convince you to take them for me?" Ash joked. No one laughed, however, the look of slight annoyance on Janine's face telling Ash the decision had been made. He sighed at that, a little disappointed that he would have to wait to plan for his next battle.
Coming to a slight stop, Ash stared ahead as the city became clearer. Hundreds of buildings were scattered about in a grid like function, the streets creating perfect sectors as different areas of the city could be easily viewed. Closest to them were the various homes and schools of the city as the closer to the ocean they got, the more of a tourist attraction it became. Though one feature he found interesting were the waterways that ran parallel to the city streets, bridges running over them to allow the entire city to remain connected.
"It's definitely bigger than I thought," Ash muttered, scratching his face as he noted a building resting right in the center of the city. The words "Gym" were firmly placed at the top of it, Ash surprised at the rather simple design. If it wasn't for the sign he would have assumed it was just another building. Though the sight of multiple Pokémon Centers didn't go unnoticed by him, the Pallet Town native counting at least half a dozen of them scattered about the city with a seventh one located on the beach.
"Well yeah," Janine admitted, one hand resting on her hip. Using her other hand she planted it against her forehead, peering down at the city. "If Goldenrod City is Johto's biggest city when it comes to shopping and big events like sports, festivals and tournaments then Olivine City is Johto's biggest tourist attraction.
"Between the beaches, local delicacies, and the waterway tours of the city people flock here from all over Kanto, Johto and even as far away as Sinnoh."
"Don't forget the luxury cruises that leave from here for the Whirl Islands. That's always been a big selling point," Brock added in. Ash was surprised by that, not expecting the city to be such a tourist trap.
"Wait, I thought Vermilion City was where cruises left from. I had to go on a harbor cruise while with Surge," Ash asked, the boy starting to walk towards the now overwhelming city once more.
"Vermilion City has cruises, yes," Brock answered, the boy turning his Holocaster on. Typing away he pulled up a small map of a chain of islands. Squinting, Ash counted seven in total though the image made them look pretty small. "But their cruise lines only go to the Orange Islands and less frequently to the Sevii Islands which are sound a little south of Cinnabar Island. So at that point, you might as well save the money and just take a trip to the beaches of Cinnabar."
"You know, part of me worries I'd get trapped on the ocean floor if I took a cruise. Or with my luck I'd end up going on a cruise that's traveling to some old set of ruins with an ancient artifact on board," Ash joked. Though he really couldn't picture himself going on a cruise. Not after how he saw what they were like with Surge. Sure, it was only for a few hours and even then it got interrupted but he didn't want to be at some fancy party for who knows how many days.
"Do you really think something like that would happen?" Janine asked with a bit of laughter. Ash shrugged in response, a childish smile on his face.
With the city right in front of them Ash felt the adrenaline in his body increasing. He wanted to run straight for the Gym but fought back the urges. Instead he slowed his pace, allowing Brock to take the lead as he headed for the nearest Pokémon Center.
Leaning towards Janine he nudged her side with his elbow. The girl turned towards him, tilting her head as Ash began to speak. "If this place is as great as you say, we'll have to do something while here."
Janine smirked at that, nudging him back as Ash flinched at that. "Fine. But don't forget, you lost yesterday so you're paying."
"We'll have plenty of time to explore the city later. With the high influx of trainers who pass through, it's likely Ash won't get a battle for at least a week," Brock stated as he took a quick right. Ash and Janine had to come to a stop, turning down the street as Brock crossed over one of the bridges. Beneath them a small boat was heading out towards the ocean as a family were in it, a few fishing poles set up.
"Really? You think it'll take that long?" Ash whined as the sight of a Pokémon Center entered their view. A group appeared gathered around the backside of it, a commotion happening as Ash craned his neck up to try and get a view of what was happening. "Do we have that much time to waste?"
"It doesn't matter, we don't have a choice. Besides, we'll also need to look into renting a boat to get us to Cianwood City."
"Why what's there?"
"Another Gym," Brock admitted, turning around to show the screen on his Holocaster. Pulling out his Pokégear, Ash looked up the city to see that a Gym did exist there along with a nature preserve further in on the island. "Though I think it'll be great to spend some time in the sun and at the beach. It's summer after all."
"You just want to stare at all the girls, don't you?" Janine asked, Brock nervously rubbing his neck in response. The Fuchsia City native shook her head in disgust at Brock. The older boy didn't respond, instead turning back around as he faced the direction of the Pokémon Center. A line appeared to be forming in the front now, the doors stuck open as people were moving slowly.
"Listen, it looks like I'll be helping Nurse Joy when we get there so just hand me your pokeballs now," Brock stated as he came to a sudden stop. Ash quickly paused his momentum, his face only a few inches away from Brock's back. The Pewter City native removed his backpack, searching around inside of it until he pulled out a white lab coat. Throwing it over his body there was an immediate difference in the air that surrounded him. To Ash he seemed much more serious, the thought of this being the same guy who had just admitted to wanting to watch girls being impossible for Ash.
"What?" he asked while throwing his backpack back on. "It's my responsibility as a medical student to help out Pokémon who are in need of assistance. Plus this way you two won't have to wait in line."
"I think you just want to meet a bunch of young girls," Janine said. Ash nodded at that, Brock slouching his shoulders at that remark.
"I'm serious! If you don't believe me, then so be it. Just wait in line like everyone else," Brock threatened, stomping his foot down as he began to walk away.
Ash was quick to act, grabbing the back of the lab coat and causing Brock to stop. The older boy looked over his shoulder, a satisfied smirk on his face as Ash sheepishly held four pokeballs in his free hand. Janine also had her three pokeballs out, Brock taking all seven of them and depositing them within his pocket. With that the doctor-in-training was on his way once more.
Looking at the Pokémon Center as Brock squeezed past the line, Ash noted that it had only become more packed, those leaving now being forced to use one of the side exits as the main entrance was completely blocked by those waiting to enter. Realizing that it was a good thing they didn't have to wait, he turned his attention back towards the crowd of people gathered behind the building as a roar of applause vibrated through the air.
Taking Janine by the hand he led her towards the crowd, the duo pushing their way through it as they managed to fight to the front. Pikachu was cramped, crying out in discomfort as Ash picked him up off the ground. Resting atop his head, Pikachu appeared more content as the small group finally noticed the excitement was from a Pokémon battle happening.
"End this, Tangrowth, Giga Drain!" a familiar voice shouted. Looking across the field Ash noted two Pokémon breathing heavily, neither of them he recognized. Pulling out his pokedex he scanned the first, a red octopus like creature.
"Octillery, the Jet Pokémon. A Water-Type and the evolved form of Remoraid. Octillery are known to instinctively sneak into rocky holes. It then surprises their opponents by latching onto them with their tentacled feet before attacking with their hard heads."
Not wanting to miss out on scanning the other one, he quickly turned his pokedex towards the hulking beast of vines, its arms outstretched as the red ends expanded into long strands. They snaked across the field, ensnaring Octillery in their clutches as the Water-Type glowed red. The energy surged back down the vines and were absorbed by the beast.
"Tangrowth, the Vine Pokémon. A Grass-Type and the evolved form of Tangela. Using its arms made out of vines, Tangrowth capture and ensnare their prey by extending their arms and draining the energy of whoever is captured in them. If cut off, the arms are known to grow back immediately."
"There's nothing you can do now!" Tangrowth's trainer called out. Ash's eyes widened at the sight of him, standing behind the Grass-Type was none other than Cross. The boy looked confident, hands raised before his body as a toothy grin rested on his face.
Octillery's trainer ordered a Gunk Shot but it was useless, the Jet Pokémon unable to fire the poisonous substance due to the strain from Giga Drain. Sweeping his arm to the side, Cross called out his final command.
"Shock Wave! Release it through the vines!"
Ash blinked at the thought of such a combination, wondering for a moment if perhaps they could do something like that. Maybe they could try to have Pikachu release electricity from an Iron Tail or even Houndour could try to mix a combination of Flamethrower and Smog together.
His thoughts came to an end as blue electricity surged through the vines. It struck Octillery, the Water-Type shrieking in pain until finally its body rested in defeat. Seeing the battle as over, Tangrowth released its hold on its opponent, instead turning towards Cross and happily crushing him.
"Get off me, Tangrowth, I can't breath," Cross wheezed out, the Grass-Type apologetically getting off its trainer. The crowd started to push towards Cross, various trainers raising pokeballs towards the young boy. Despite the surge of requests he appeared calm and collected, recalling Tangrowth into its pokeball before running a hand through his hair.
"Listen, everyone, you'll get a chance to try and take me down later. Right now I need a break," he stated, a cocky grin on his face. It grew in size, showcasing his teeth as he pointed towards the crowd. "It takes a bit out of me when I win sixteen straight battles. Give me a chance to recharge and then we'll go at it again."
"I'll be your first opponent then!" Ash called out. He stepped forward, Janine sighing at his excitement though she followed right behind him. Cross looked in his direction, a genuine smile forming as he laughed out. His arms moved towards his hips, planted firmly as he stepped forward.
"Well if it isn't, Ketchum! Been a while since we last met, huh?" he stated, throwing one arm around the boy's shoulders. Janine remained cautious of the boy, eyes glued onto him as Cross jokingly waved at her. "Tell your friend she doesn't need to be suspicious. Besides, we've got no ill will anymore."
"Yeah, well, I still don't trust you," Janine admitted, the words being carried by her cautious glance. Ash nervously chuckled at that but couldn't blame her. Even if he had no problems with Cross now, he still did some crazy things in the past. Cross released his hold on Ash, shrugging at her words as he pointed at the Pallet Town native.
"Let me guess, you're here for a Gym Badge too?"
"Of course," Ash stated before pulling out his badges. The three that he had earned shined from the sunlight reflecting off of them, a sense of pride swelling up inside of him. Pikachu thumped his own chest proudly, cheeks sparking with electricity. "We're hoping to get our fourth Gym Badge from here. Have you faced the Gym Leader yet?"
"Can't say I have," Cross admitted with a ping of disappointment in his voice. He shoved his hands into his pockets, pulling out five badges. Ash recognized three of them as they belonged to Falkner, Bugsy and Whitney. Though the other two he didn't know.
"Came here with the intent of battling her, but Jasmine the Gym Leader hasn't been taking challengers for some time now."
"How come?" Ash asked, his energy beginning to drop from the news. "I came here specifically for a Gym Badge, otherwise we would have left Ecruteak City and headed east for Mahogany Town."
"There must be a good reason. Gym Leaders can't just abandon their Gym for long stretches of time without a proper explanation," Janine joined in. Cross nodded at that, his finger pointing down past the entire city and towards the lighthouse that rose up over the cityscape.
"Rumor has it that she's been up in that lighthouse. No one can confirm it though since it doubles as a training facility. Only those who manage to clear each level get to access the top, and you need a team of three to compete. Course I'm not good with teamwork so I didn't bother," Cross admitted with a jovial laugh. He slapped Ash on the back, the action causing him to stumble forward for a second before composing himself.
"You and your pals should give it a go, though. You'll make it to the top one way or another."
Ash didn't respond to those words, his eyes moving towards the lighthouse. The rather pristine structure appeared to be fine, no structural damage present as he wondered what might have happened there to cause her to leave her Gym unattended.
"If that's the case, what's your next plan?" Ash asked, his hands unconsciously playing with his zipper. He felt Janine's watchful gaze over him, the boy ending the action as he threw his hands into his pockets. "You going to stick around?"
Cross shrugged, eyes shut as he took a few steps away. A light fit of laughter came from his lips as he opened his eyes. His body was facing towards the exit of the city. He quickly turned towards Ash and Janine, hands in his pockets.
"If the Gym Leader isn't accepting challenges then there's no point in hanging around. Plus rumor has it there's a man in Ecruteak I'd like to meet. Guy's supposed to be real knowledgeable about the Legends of this world."
"You're talking about Bonji, aren't you?" Janine asked. Cross nodded at that, a genuine smile forming on his face. He ripped his hands out of his pockets, the two appendages shaking with excitement. "I'll give you a heads up, though; he's knowledgeable but a bit crazy."
"Sometimes the smartest individuals also come with their own quirks," Cross replied. His excitement died down, the young boy kicking at a nearby rock. "Though even if it's another dead end, I need to learn more. I promised myself that I would do what he couldn't."
"Who's he?" Ash asked, Cross blushing slightly at the question. He quickly laughed it off, throwing an arm around Ash only for Janine to forcibly remove it.
"Forget about it, ok? How about we have that battle now though? I've rested long enough."
The thought of a battle excited Ash, the boy's energy skyrocketing at the idea. Loosening his shoulders he then bent down for Pikachu to climb onto his shoulder. The Electric-Type did as such, crying out happily before nuzzling his cheek against Ash's face. The two laughed at the action before Ash grew serious.
"Pikachu's the only Pokémon with me right now, the others are being taken care of by Brock and Nurse Joy. So, I guess our battle will be a one-on-one then," he admitted.
Cross shrugged at that, moving towards the open battlefield. Ash found it fortunate that no one had moved onto the field during Cross's break but figured no one wanted to get on his bad side. As it was, the moment Cross and himself stepped onto the field a crowd started to form once again. Murmurs passed through those gathered, Ash listening as he heard people sing praises for Cross.
"So, Ash, it'll be one Pokémon each and the winner will be decided when one side can't continue. I don't think we'll need a ref for that but your decision," Cross stated, a pokeball resting in his hand.
The crowd wondered which of Cross's Pokémon it could have been, Ash also unsure if it was Incineroar, Lycanroc or possibly one of the new additions since he came to Johto. He didn't wait to see who he would be battling, instead pointing forward as Pikachu leapt from his shoulder and landed on the dirt field. His cheeks sparked with energy, excited to finally be battling after such a long time. Cross smirked at that, winding up as he tossed the pokeball onto the field.
It erupted with light, the Pokémon landing on the field with a loud thud. The dirt flew up into the air, clouding Ash's vision only for the roar from the beast to blow it all away. Standing opposite Pikachu was a Tyranitar, Ash surprised to see Cross's team having grown so much since the last time they met.
To Ash's surprise, the sand and dirt didn't vanish but instead continued to circulate around the field. He covered his eyes for a moment, Pikachu likewise having a hard time seeing as the sand buffeted his face and body. Cross didn't leave him a chance to adjust, instead punching forward as he issued his first command.
"Tyranitar, we'll start things off with a Rock Slide! Limit their movements!"
"We won't let you! Get on the move with Quick Attack, don't let those rocks hit ya!" Ash shouted, sweeping his arm to the side. Pikachu cried out in agreement weakly, wiping at his eyes as the white aura surrounded his body.
"Pi...KA!" Pikachu shouted as he bounded forward. Tyranitar roared in response, his own body glowing red for a moment before he threw his arms forward. Rocks began to materialize from the sky, landing all around the field as Pikachu was forced to skid to a stop.
One began to fall right for the Electric-Type, Pikachu deciding to jump towards it before bouncing off of the falling rock. Ash cheered for his partner, Pikachu once more out of harm's way only for another round of stones to fall from the sky. This time Ash had a different idea.
"Destroy them with your Thunderbolt! Then we'll give them a taste of their own attack, send the remaining chunks back with Iron Tail!"
"Picha!" Pikachu cried out, jumping into the air and outside of the sandstorm's range. The stones were a few feet away from him as the electricity surged across his body. It launched outwards, shattering the falling stones with ease. Pikachu didn't stop there, his tail hardening as a metallic glow surrounded it. Pikachu swung it forward, striking the rubble from the rocks as they were launched right for Tyranitar.
"Devour it with Dragon Pulse!" Cross ordered, clamping his hands together. A snarl formed on his lips, Ash taking a step back from the issued command.
"That thing must be pretty well trained to have Dragon Pulse," Janine muttered. Ash gulped at that, the draconic energy forming in the stomach of Tyranitar.
A few of the shattered rocks struck his body but Tyranitar appeared unfazed, instead the energy surged from his stomach and up towards his mouth, releasing in one large blast. The energy took the shape of a majestic dragon, devouring the returned Rock Slide before swallowing Pikachu whole. The Electric-Type cried out from pain as the attack clamped down onto him and exploded outwards.
Smoke rose from Pikachu's body, the Mouse Pokémon landing on the ground with a light thud as the sand nipped at his body. Ash bit at his lip, eyes glued on Tyranitar as the beast released a mighty roar. Ash felt the wind of the roar strike him, Pikachu being pushed back slightly.
"Aright, let's turn this around," Ash said, whipping his hat around. Taking a step forward, he pumped his fists upwards. "Get in close with Quick Attack!"
"Stop their movements, Stomping Tantrum!" Cross shouted back, throwing an open palm forward.
Pikachu took off, the white aura trailing from his body. Tyranitar and Cross weren't concerned as Pikachu closed the distance between them. Instead the Rock and Dark-Type stomped his foot, the ground shaking as Ash nearly fell over. Pikachu was tossed into the air, his speed now gone as he began to fall back to the still shaking ground.
Ash didn't waver, instead swinging his arm down towards the ground. "Iron Tail off the ground! Let's send those shockwaves right back!"
Cross blinked at that, Pikachu spinning in midair as his tail began to glow a bright metallic sheen. It slammed against the rippling ground, the impact causing the waves to bounce back from where they came. Tyranitar stumbled from that, falling onto his back as Pikachu landed gracefully. Ash wasn't finished, demanding a Thunderbolt as Pikachu fired off the searing electricity.
The Electric-Type attack scorched through the sandstorm, striking Tyranitar as the electricity coursed through his body. Pushing himself back onto his feet, Tyranitar huffed slightly as a few burn marks ran along his body. Cross laughed a little, Ash joining in as both boys wanted the victory.
"Let's end it now! Focus Blast!"
"If anyone is ending this it's us! Pikachu, supercharge an Electro Ball!"
"Supercharge?" Janine asked, tilting her head. Ash just smirked at the question, too involved with the battle to pay any attention to it.
On opposite sides of the field both Pokémon prepared their attacks, Tyranitar cupping his hands together as a small orb began to form. It grew in size, expanding as his hands were pushed further and further apart until finally a large, green orb sparkled within his hands. For Pikachu the usual sight of an Electro Ball was forming at the tip of his tail. The only difference was the electricity coursing through his body.
It started in his cheeks, sparking as the electricity moved from his face and down his body until it reached his tail. The action caused the Electro Ball to grow in size, Pikachu swinging his tail forward as the larger than usual Electro Ball moved slowly. Tyranitar thrusted his hands forward in response, the Focus Blast soaring for the incoming attack.
The two spheres struck each other, exploding on contact as the fallout knocked both Pokémon onto the ground. The sandstorm was blown away completely, the sight of Tyranitar and Pikachu both on the ground being a revelation for the two trainers. Neither Pokémon moved, exhaustion present in their bodies as Ash smiled softly.
"Guess it's a tie," he admitted, walking onto the field to scoop Pikachu up into his arms. Cross shrugged at that, recalling Tyranitar into his own pokeball. Placing the pokeball away, Cross threw his hands behind his head.
"There goes my winning streak."
"But you tied," Janine pointed out, the group of three moving away from the battlefield as two other trainers finally moved onto it. Making their way to a small table they sat down, Cross pulling a bottle of water from his backpack and drinking it. "It isn't like you lost."
"Ties are the same as losing to me. If you don't have a convincing win then it isn't a true win," he admitted. Ash found himself disagreeing with that sentiment as he thought back to each of his Gym Battles in Johto. All three times he won it came down to the very end. Even with Morty, he had a feeling that if Houndour didn't take down Mismagius then Hoothoot wouldn't have been able to either due to his fatigue at the time.
"But listen, Ash," Cross stated, slamming the bottle onto the table before pointing a finger. "You're entering the Silver Conference and so am I so it's only natural we'll battle again at the tournament. So let's make a deal: next time we battle we'll do it at Mt. Silver! We'll decide our tie there!"
"Sounds good to me," Ash stated, extending a fist forward. Cross curled his finger to complete the fist on his own hand, bumping his against Ash's as they laughed for a moment. "But don't think you'll beat me. We'll settle things once and for all there."
"I feel like you two keep forgetting that Gary could possibly knock one of you out of the tournament before you have a chance to face off," Janine interjected. Ash rubbed the back of his neck at that statement though Cross just frowned.
"There's no way I'll lose to that Oak. Though you might run into him, I saw him around here not that long ago," Cross pointed out. Finishing his water he threw the empty bottle away before standing. Slinging his backpack over his shoulder he stretched slightly.
"I best be on my way. It'll take me probably two days to get to Ecruteak City at the pace I move," he admitted.
"You're leaving already?" Ash asked, standing up. The two stood opposite each other, Janine looking back and forth between them as she leaned against her palm. "There's no rush, right?"
"You're the last one who should be saying that," Janine teased, Ash feeling a light blush appearing over his face. She had a point, he was always in a rush to get to the next city or town.
"Listen, we'll meet again soon. And if you see Gary or Jimmy before I do, tell them the Silver Conference is all mine." Cross gave a small wave, turning away from the table as he walked away. Ash smirked at his rival, keeping silent despite wanting to argue back.
Just as Gary had seemed to have grown, so did Cross. Ash felt reinvigorated by the fleeting presence of his rival, squeezing his hand shut as he pictured the next Gym Battle waiting to happen. Turning towards Janine, he adjusted his hat while his smirk grew bigger.
"Tomorrow let's climb that lighthouse and find that leader!"
Bit of a shorter chapter this time around. Honestly it wasn't originally in the intended outline when I planned Johto out as I wanted this chapter to actually be the proper climb of the lighthouse but while writing out MQ: Loss I realized that it had been a while since Cross showed up. So I decided during the writing process to include a chapter bringing Cross back into things if even for a short bit. So it ended up becoming this chapter which is shorter than the usual ones.
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.
