Alright I am back with some time to write this chapter.
Now for the next couple of chapters there is going to be training and with that some humor.
The chapters with stuff not important to the Pokémon canon will be humorous. Even the serious chapters will have some humor. This series is going to get somewhat darker as I write my stories so I need some humor to balance it, especially in the next story I write in this series.
With that-
Drew: START THE DAMN STORY (Throws a table at author Ichigo style)
UO: (Ducking) 'It's started already' DO YOU SERIOUSLY WANT TO BE LIKE WHAT KUBO IS DOING WITH BLEACH? DO YOU WANT TO LOSE YOUR GIRLS? HUH?
Drew: I'll be good. It's a shame Orihime and Rukia will never know how Ichigo feels about them. I'm glad I have Tori and Gabby right now
UO: I know. A lot of fans feel the same way. Can you do the disclaimer please?
Drew: Sure. UnitedOsprey1991 doesn't own Pokémon, Kamen Rider or anything mentioned in his fic just his OCS. If he did own either or both of them he would be a Trillionaire and a better artist, Ash would have gotten together with Misty, May or Anabel and would be a champion Six times over (counting Orange island and Unova)
UO: Alright smart guy ready to Torture Ash and friends?
Drew: (Evil Smirk) Oh Yeeah
UO: Also can you please review six chapters with now reviews I am getting hits but no reviews. I might have to break out some desperation measures
Drew: Can we use the Teddiursas (Holds up a Teddiursa who is instantly hugged by Gabby)
UO: I was thinking puppies but that will work. Do you want the Teddiursas to get upset thus bringing the momma Ursaring to attack you? THEN REVIEW PLEASE. Constructive Criticism please and no ten word reviews.
With That
UO and Drew: OSPREY…SWOOSH
I own nothing save my OC'S
Dialogue and Pokémon attacks
Thoughts
Yelling and Belt voices
Yelling in head
Spells and other attacks
Chapter 7: Unwavering Loyalty
Location: On the way to Lavaridge Town, Two Days after the last chapter
The sun was just peaking over the mountains in the distance, and shining upon the camp the group set up last night. All were sleeping soundly, dreaming. Brock was dreaming of Nurse Joy and Officer Jenny (at the same time). Max saw all the Pokémon he would train in the future. And of course, Ash was dreaming about being a Pokemon master, but was now dreaming of Misty and May, both of whom doing the same with him.
It was this sight that greeted Drew, Tori and Gabby. They had done light training before the sun came up and were now coming to wake up everyone.
Now, Drew may have had a serious personality, but unfortunately he was also influenced by his father, more so than his mother. So, he decided to imitate a funny scene from a movie he'd seen before coming to this world. He motioned the girls, who giggled quietly, to go over to the two boys while he walked up the slumbering trio, moving Pikachu and Togepi aside quietly.
"Good morning, Hoenn," Drew started quietly, "It's shaping up to be a lovely day, seventy-six degrees, sunny with some nice wind from the Northwest. So it seems like a nice day to laze about, do nothing. Or…you could possibly, I don't know…WAKE YOUR SORRY BUTTS UP! LET'S GO! YOUR TRAINING STARTS RIGHT NOW!" To punctuate his order, Tori cast a water spell on the boys while Drew took a water bucket and poured it on Ash and the girls. The results were obvious.
"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR!?" May and Misty both screeched, as their clothes were soaked through. They covered themselves with their bags, glaring at the boys as if daring them to look.
"Officer Jenny… yeah, go ahead and cool me off, 'cause I'm on fire, baby…!" Brock mumbled.
Gabby sweat dropped and threw a training gi and a towel at him. "Let's go lover boy!"
Max stumbled out of his sleeping bag looking for his glasses. "What happened? And why am I wet?"
"Sorry Max, but we're starting to train today and Drew thought it would be funny to do this," Tori explained with a look over at said trainer, who was now trying to wake up Ash. She tossed Max a towel and a white training outfit.
"Ugh…huh? Why am I wet?" Ash complained, and looked towards the girls. Seeing the girl's clothes soaked through, Ash blushed and quickly covered his nose at the sight with Misty and May, who blushed brightly.
"I think I overdid it," Drew murmured, sweatdropping.
"YOU THINK?!" yelled Misty and May.
Drew sighed and glanced at Pikachu. "Can you shock him please, Pikachu? Girls, go change into the training gear."
Pikachu launched a Thundershock at the wet teen, who jerked out of his stupor and coughed out some dust. "Thanks...Pikachu."
"Okay, when you're done changing, we'll have breakfast. After that, your training begins in earnest. We'll with stretches, so you won't have stitches while working out," Drew instructed, performing some warm-up exercises himself.
So the gang had a light breakfast, before the training started in earnest. As with any first day of training, there were a few incidents.
Training montage of the first day
"Alright! The first thing you're gonna do is train your endurance and legs. See that tree over there?" Drew pointed at a tree in the distance, about the length of a football field away, "You're going to be hauling up to five logs," he indicated a pile of logs next to him, about similar to what you'd see in a fireplace, "Over to that tree, five times, without getting hit. 'Cause I'll be attacking you. You'll start with two if you can handle it. We'll be flinging attacks at you randomly to test your reaction speed." At this, the kids paled. "Alright, so who's first?" he asked with a smile.
They took their turns one at a time. Every now and then, Drew or his girls would fire at them; Ash and Misty were able to dodge most of them, Brock however, was hit a lot. Not because he couldn't dodge them, but when Max or May dodged he ended up being hit by the resulting shockwave. After three hours of being shot at and making a sadist out of Gabby, they were all thoroughly beaten up and tired.
"Okay, get some water guys. We're gonna take a fifteen minute break. After that we'll determine what elements to start training you in."
At this, the teens just collapsed in disbelief.
"Sorry, but you have to get in shape for some of these things. Today we're starting manipulation. Tomorrow, we're starting on learning hand to hand and weapons."
So, after a delicious lunch by Brock and training their Pokémon, they started to learn how manipulate the elements by first unlocking their inner power.
Element training
"Okay, now that we've started working on your physical strength we are going to unlock your inner energy," Drew instructed. The five trainees were seated in a circle, surrounding several items. They consisted of a magnet, a bag of dust, a strange looking seed, a blue gem and other strange items, like a bent spoon and a piece of ice that didn't melt. "The first thing you are going to do is meditate, one at a time, to find your power. When you find it, let it flow through you and expand the energy to the items in the middle. The ones that glow are the elements you're going to train in first."
The five of them immediately went into meditation poses. Ash, being the most adventurous one started out first. As he drifted into the depths of his own mind, he saw a thunderstorm, contained in a small bottle. When he reached out to grab it, the bottle shattered and spread its contents all around him.
"Alright, you can stop!" Drew called out.
When he opened his eyes, Ash saw five of the objects floating in front of him.
Drew raised an eyebrow. "Well now; first one in and we have unexpected outcome."
Ash looked at the items. There was a magnet, a reptilian fang, a bird's beak, a yellow seed and a bag of sand.
"The Magnet means Electricity," Drew explained, holding up the items, "The Miracle Seed means Grass or Wood. The Soft Sand means the Ground element. The Sharp Beak means Flying or air, and last one," here Drew held up a fan, "This one means that there're some Dragon-type moves in your future." This made the rest of the group gasp. "It goes without saying that Ash here is gonna be pretty dang tough."
The rest of the group then tried out what Ash did. Misty had four types: Water, which was no surprise, Ice, which made sense because of the water, Fire, which Ash said was because of her personality, which got him a knock on the head and Flying, which would help mix water and her ice moves.
May discovered three: Fire, which was thanks to her starter, Bug, because of her contest skills and Grass, to which they didn't have a ready answer. Brock got Rock, unsurprisingly, Ground and surprisingly Water, which Brock said was probably from his mother.
Finally Max two got two to start: Flying and Rock. He even got a slight reaction from the Psychic and Dark item, which Drew explained meant, with training he could learn them just as easily as Flying.
With that said the training was over for the day and thus the students collapsed.
"Oh…my body…" May moaned as she struggled to sit up.
"This is worse than being dragged to the mall by my all sisters!" Misty complained from her position on the ground.
"My legs/my arms!" complained Max and Brock, with the former tearing up slightly.
"Help…me!" Ash moaned.
"Oh please, this was only day one. Wait till we get to learn martial arts; they might look fun, but it takes a lot of limb and core strength for them, especially the ones we specialize in," Tori admonished them lightly, "If you think your legs are sore now…you have yet to feel anything."
The gang groaned and those still sitting fell over backwards.
Drew took pity and sighed. "Look, I may be a tough trainer, but it's because I don't want you to get hurt. I want you to protect yourselves and your families."
The group reluctantly nodded at his words.
"Good! Now, to make it up to you I'll cook dinner. Go clean yourselves up; I'll get you when dinner's ready." The pokemon trainers got excited at the prospect of dinner but it only made their bodies rebel in pain.
"Okay, seems like you need some help." Drew motioned to his pokemon. "Hariyama, Marshstomp; help them out."
"You too, Combusken," added Gabby mischievously.
The three Pokémon helped carry the trainers over to their swim gear. There was a lake nearby where they could go to clean off and cool down.
"Ahhh…ahh…ahhhhh!" groaned Ash as the water hit his tired muscles. The others were relaxing nearby, the two girls drawing in on Ash's sides.
"This feels so nice!" May sighed contently, with Misty humming her agreement.
Brock and Max were over on the other side relaxing. The younger boy asked what was on everyone's mind. "Hey guys…do you think this training will help us?"
Ash looked up at the sky. The sun had set and stars were coming out. At this latitude and this far from the cities, they could see stars that they normally couldn't. "If it means protecting my family and you guys, I'd train myself into the ground," he said finally, with an iron conviction in his voice.
"And us," Misty added, swimming over to Ash's right, while May paddled over to his left. Ash blushed a little bit as their breasts, though covered by their bikini top (red for Misty and green for May) rubbed against his arms.
"Yeah, and what about us?" May asked.
Ash looked at their eyes and could see the depth of their souls. He closed his eyes and said just loud enough to hear him honestly, "I would die for you."
The girls had tears in their eyes. They kissed him on the cheek, getting him to grin, and held them tight. Max and Brock smiled at the scene. They all relaxed for about an hour as they discussed their future before getting out and gingerly heading back to the camp.
"Hey guys, glad to see ya up and about!" Drew called out.
"Perfect timing! Dinner is served. I already released your Pokémon," Tori added, giving the Pokémon their food.
"Dig in, there's plenty to go around." Drew had rummaged through Brock's stuff and pulled out some food Brock had stored there. He added some spices he had on hand in his bag.
Ash took one bite of it and it was like a bite from his mother's cooking. "This is pretty good! What's in it?"
As the rest of the camp dug in, Drew just chuckled. "Now that would be telling. Suffice if to say, it's a family recipe. Dig in." They did so, enjoying it just as much as Ash did and traded some stories of their time before they met each other. Afterwards they cleaned up and went to bed. Misty and May leaned in to kiss Ash good night before going into the tent with Gabby and Tori.
"Some girls you have there Ash." Drew said. He took a look at the stars "Beautiful night isn't it?
"Yeah it is. Looking at those stars just makes you think the universe goes on forever." Brock said.
"Do you have sights like this where you live, Drew?" Max asked
Drew sighed. "Yeah, but nowhere near where I live. Most of the area where we live is either blocked by trees or being out illuminated by streetlights. That's what you get, living close to a major city. If I want to go see something like this, I'd have to leave the suburbs."
"Do you like stars?" This time it was Ash who asked.
Drew lit up. "Oh yeah, big time! But because of the math involved, I couldn't do a lot of the physics. And before you ask, we're still students and we aren't even in high school. You guys stop schooling at around ten or eleven right? Well mandatory education is 5-16 years old where we come from. Most go to a higher education and don't finish school until at least 21."
Ash thought about that. 'Schooling until 16? Why? I could barely stand being in a school for five years.' It didn't make sense to him.
"Look Ash," Drew got his attention, "We're twelve or thirteen years old. You have your whole life ahead of you to learn. If we continue on this journey we'll learn so much that it'll make our brains hurt. But I have to know…" Drew then looked at Ash and then Brock and Max.
"All of you…What do you fight for? What is your drive?"
Brock and Max looked contemplative but Ash had his answer.
"I'll fight, not just for me, but for my friends, my family! Those who try 'n hurt them better think twice!"
Drew just grinned. "I wasn't expecting an answer tonight but thanks for sharing. Brock, Max, when you're ready to tell me what you fight for, just let me know, alright?" As the two nodded, he noticed the tent's lights were out. "The girls are asleep. It's best we turn in soon; we start walking with weights on tomorrow." The guys blanched. "Don't give me that look, it's all part of the training regimen; I had to go through it too. When we stop we'll work on other skills. Hopefully we'll be in Lavaridge in about ten days, considering the hike. Good night." With that, he rolled over and clonked out. Likewise, Max, Brock and Ash went to sleep thinking about what he said and the horrors of his training.
In the Tent
"He really did that?" Tori asked Misty. The girls were laughing at each other's stories.
"Yeah…he went to team Rocket and dressed as a girl to get into the Celadon Gym. In the end, after we saved the Gym, he was given the badge. In fact, of all the gyms we went to in Kanto, only Lt. Surge, Koga and Blaine gave Ash their badge after he beat them. Heck, the last Gym was Team Rocket for some reason!"
"Wow you went on some crazy adventures with Ash didn't you?" May asked lying on her sleeping bag."
"Yeah but I wouldn't change for the world. Even after I said I followed him for my bike."
"You too!?" May gasped.
"This I'd like to hear!" Gabby leaned forward, grinning in anticipation.
"Well Team Rocket captured Pikachu this one time and during the attempt to get him back from this magnet, he accidently zapped my bike," May recounted sparsely.
"Man, I hope this doesn't become a recurring theme… But, I don't think it will," Misty assured herself, getting the girls giggling.
"So Tori, Gabby, any thoughts on Drew?" May asked the two off-worlders.
Gabby and Tori blushed slightly, glancing at each other. "We're still kinda young, but right now Drew is not as focused on the relationship front," said Tori hesitantly.
"But what about your feelings?" asked May.
"We know he wouldn't choose," Gabby answered, shrugging, "Besides we also know we aren't the 'princess' for him in the prophecy. He said so himself, but he still wants to care for us. At best, he'd choose none of us to save us the heartbreak; where we come from, there's laws against polygamy." She looked away, eyes damp.
"Do you hope it will work out?" Misty asked.
"Knowing Drew, he'll come up with something," sighed Tori sadly.
With that thought, the girls turned in for the night, leaving them to their thoughts as they slept.
Ten Days Later: Lavaridge Town
After an exhausting, ten-day hike, they finally reached Lavaridge Town. During that time, the kids were made to wear weights on their legs and arms. In addition, they'd begun training in elemental manipulation and hand-to-hand combat.
"Finally…civilization!" May moaned.
"Finally…Nurse Joy!" Brock drawled.
"Finally…DREW HAS COME BACK TO LAVARIDGE TOWN!"
Everyone face-planted when Gabby smacked him on the Head. "Really! You need to stop watching WWE, Drew!" she snapped at him.
"Sorry, couldn't resist," he chuckled sheepishly, rubbing his head.
"Ugh! Whatever!" Tori groaned.
"Look over there!" Max exclaimed, pointing. The group saw a bunch of people buried in the sand.
"Those must be the sand baths! They're warmed by the magma underneath the town; pretty much like dry hot springs," explained Brock thoughtfully.
"Who cares about those? We're for a gym battle!" Ash pointed out.
"Fine Ash, but can we at least relax after the gym battle?" Misty complained.
The group went over to the gym, unaware that Team Rocket had followed after them. They also had another monster sent over by their benefactor.
Flashback before the Fallarbor Contest
"Grrr! there is no way I am to let that girl December or whatever her name is beat me!" snarled Jessie. She growled incoherently. She stomped around in the woods outside Fallarbor Town, mumbling curses.
"Jessie, please, calm down!" James pleaded.
"Yeah, you don't wanna build up your stress before the contest," Meowth pointed out, trying to placate the fuming red-head.
"I don't care! What I want is a plan to get rid of that goody two-shoes!" she growled.
"Perhaps I could be of service," said a mysterious voice. The trio turned to see a tall man in a business suit. His face, however, was obscured by a scarf.
"Who are you?" Jessie asked.
"I am a contributor to chaos. You may call me Glenn. I've seen your plight, and I have a proposal for you." The man said bowing.
"What kinda proposal?" inquired Meowth suspiciously.
To his credit, the stranger seemed entirely unruffled by the feline Pokemon's ability to speak. "A proposal that will benefit all of us," he said smoothly, "One that will clear your debts and our mutual enemies."
"You're talking about the twerps right? What's the catch?" asked Jessie.
"No catch; I will provide with as much as possible to take out those meddling Kamen Riders.
"Jess, I would think long and hard about this," James warned under his breath.
"Yeah this could bite you later," agreed Meowth, equally quietly.
"Forget the consequences! This could be our way to the top! Where do I sign?" Jessie exclaimed with dollar signs in her eyes.
"Here you go and here's my card for getting the monsters. As a show of goodwill, here's your first one." Glenn said as he released Seveperious and a contract which Jessie eagerly signed.
Flashback end
"Those twerps haven't seen the last of us, and our dear friend Slugmus will be the key!" Jessie grinned savagely.
"Yes mistress..." breathed a feminine voice. The owner of it reminded Team Rocket of the pokemon Slugma; a slug made of lava. Unlike the pokemon, this one was standing upright, though hunched over listlessly.
"Hey Jess, look! Hot Springs. We should be taking a break after all that walking we did chasing the twerps," Meowth suggested.
"Ohhh! Why didn't I think of that? Let's go!" With that Jessie dragged her companions to the nearest springs. The slug-thing shuffled after them.
Meanwhile, our heroes had arrived at the gym. When they entered, the first thing they saw was a red-haired girl running around, on fire. "AHHHHH! Help! Help!" The group just sweatdropped, until Tori cast a small water spell on the flaming young woman. "Ohhh…Thanks," she sighed in relief, still steaming faintly, "Man, I dunno what would've happened if you didn't come along. I'm Flannery, by the way."
Before anyone could say anything, Brock suddenly appeared. "The name's Brock, and you my lady are—OWWW NOT MY EARS!" Brock yelled as Max and Misty each grabbed one of his ears.
"You need to cool off!" snapped Misty.
"Anyway…like I said, I'm Flannery! Nice to meet ya."
"I'm Ash from Pallet Town," Ash introduced himself.
Drew indicated the girls with an arm. "I'm Drew, this is Gabby and Tori. A pleasure. Ash and I are here for a gym match."
"Excellent. let's get started!" Flannery chirped.
"Hold it." Brock spoke up suddenly, getting everyone to stop. "Last I heard, a Mr. Moore was supposed to be the gym leader, not Flannery. Furthermore, were you really going to hold it on a non-regulation field?"
Here the poor girl deflated. "He…my grandfather was the gym leader up until a couple days ago. Said something about going on a journey for poetry and left me in charge. As for the field, well…" The group took a good look at the field. It was a wreck. Rocks and potholes everywhere and the field had seen better days, with the ground seemingly caved in everywhere. "I haven't gotten around to cleaning it."
Drew just sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. Then he had an idea. "Guess Brock was right, but that's just another training opportunity. Brock, Max, clear the rocks. Ash and I will fill the potholes. Misty, you and Tori wash the field. Flannery do you have any League Badges?"
"I don't know where they are…" the redheaded girl admitted sheepishly, causing the group to sweatdrop again.
"Okay Gabby, you go help her out. Let's go people, time is money!" The boy clapped his hands for emphasis.
So the group broke apart to their various tasks. Max swung his arms, sending air gusts at the rocks to break them up and blow them towards Brock, who swirled them together with his Earth abilities into a neat pile. Ash and Drew filled up the holes with their bare hands and shovels, figuring it would be a good strength exercise, while Tori and Misty cleared away debris with their Water power, drawing the necessary fluid from a nearby hose.
Meanwhile, Flannery and Gabby searched for the Heat Badges.
"Where did Grandpa keep those badges?" whined the older girl.
"Perhaps I could be some assistance." Asked a voice. The two turned to see a man in his 60's approach them.
"Did you ever think of looking in the safe?" The Old man turned towards the safe.
"Oh so that's where they are? I guess I should be more organized. Thank-you." Flannery said as she opened up the safe. They immediately left for the battle field.
Meanwhile on the field was looking more presentable.
"Good work so far guys! Flannery, I take it you found the badges?" Drew called out as Flannery came into view, to which nodded.
"As soon as we clear the field we're gonna battle!" Ash declared, clenching a fist excitedly.
"One problem: we don't have an official judge or referee," Brock pointed out. At this Drew and Ash fell over.
"You're killing us Brock!" Drew yelled out exasperatedly. Then he sat down. "Ugh, I'm hungry."
"I'll get some lunch for all of us," Tori offered sympathetically.
Drew looked up with a smile. "Thanks Tor, if you need money my wallet is in my bag."
Tori nodded and left.
"Did someone mention needing a judge?" Someone called out. The group looked around to see an elderly gentleman in a referee uniform. "I am from the CPPGJ, or the Committee for Popularizing Pokémon Gym Judging. I was sent by Mr. Moore to help out with the gym. I can see you need some help.
"Thanks, it would be much appreciated." Brock replied.
Just then an explosion happened on the field. When the smoke cleared there stood a red monster along with a familiar evil trio."
(Insert Hoenn Team Rocket motto)
"Team Rocket!" The group yelled out. "Guys, stay back! Ash grab your belt." Drew yelled.
"Ah yes, those pesky belts. Slugmus, entomb them." Jessie snapped her fingers.
"With pleasure…CRUST COFFIN!" The slug monster spewed a sticky material from its mouth-hole, quickly covering the group in a cement-like substance preventing Ash and Drew from activating their belts
"Hahahaha, who's laughing now? Now then, time to grab all your Pokémon."
"Uh Jess, look how many twerps there are."
Jessie did a head count. Indeed, she came up one short. "Hey where's that freckled twerp?" She demanded.
"Hopefully far enough away from you!" Drew yelled.
Just then Tori just walked in. "Hey Drew which pocket were the—What's going on?"
If he could Drew would have face fault. "Forget about that, get out of here!"
"You're not going anywhere! CRUST COFFIN!" The monster spewed more of the concrete substance to try and capture Tori. She dodged and pulled out her belt.
"I'm not leaving any of you! You guys are my friends!" She dodged another attack. "I have the power of the stars! With it, I will fight for what is dear to me!" She whipped out the Sirius card and her driver.
(Start Original Pokémon anime battle music)
KAMEN RIDE
"HENSHIN!" She yelled out putting the card in and closing it.
KAMEN RIDER SIRIUS
Multiple images of her armor shimmered around her and converged, materializing on her body. Tori pulled out her staff and swung it, pointing at her opponent.
"LAVA BOMBS!" the monster screeched, launching a fiery attack at Sirius.
"Neptune's Shield!" the female Rider cried out, stabbing the earth and causing a wall of water to erupt from the ground and intercept the attack. Sirius spun her staff and reached into her spell book, pulling out a card depicting a dolphin. "Looks like I need some aquatic help, and what better animal than a dolphin?" Tori asked rhetorically. She pulled out another card, depicting a gray dolphin and slid it into the driver.
FORM CHANGE: Delphinus
When the light died down, Tori's armor had changed significantly. It had an armored, streamlined look to it, with a dolphin's fin on top of her head and had changed to gray and white. She swung her staff. "Water Slash!" she cried out. She sent a highly-pressurized jet of water from the top of Aquarius at the monster. It connected, knocking it back. Tori took the opportunity to get in close and attack with her staff. "You hurt my friends," another hit "Tried to take my Pokémon!" a knock-down, "And now, you just tried to hurt me!" A stronger blow sank into Slugmus's head. "You. Will Pay!" She flipped a switch on the side of the belt and caused her card to glow inside.
FINAL ATTACK Ride: D-D-Delphinus
Her armor glowed a bit, with her staff transforming into a spear. She hurled it at the monster, who seemingly blocked it, but instead the weapon stuck in the monster's chest. Tori charged at the monster, and drop-kicked the butt of her spear, sending the slug sprawling onto its back. Then she jumped high and did a backflip. She aimed her legs to smash down upon her enemy, crushing it into a rather disgusting paste and creating a huge crater. With the monster destroyed, the tar holding the group together disintegrated. Team Rocket panicked with their trump card gone and started to back away. Ash noticed this and smirked. "I don't think so. Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"
"PIKAAACHUUUUUUUUU!" With a high-pitched cry, the rodent fired a powerful bolt lightning at Team Rocket.
*BOOM!*
"LOOKS LIKE TEAM ROCKET IS BLASTING OFF AGAIN!"
*ping*
"Don't they ever give up?" Drew asked.
"Not since I've known them," Ash replied, sighing.
Drew smiled ruefully, then turned to Tori. "You alright?"
She blushed slightly as she powered down. "Yeah, I'm fine, thanks for asking."
Drew just smiled. "Good, didn't want you hurt."
"Well done young lady, you saved Flannery, and her gym!" called the referee, blowing his cover.
"Thanks—hey! We never told you any of our names!" Tori realized, causing the ref to sweat. Before he could get away his wig and mustache fell off.
"Grandpa!? What are you doing here?" Flannery gasped.
"Well, I was worried about you, so I came back in disguise to see how you were doing. Thanks to these young trainers, it seems you'll do fine," Mr. Moore answered, smiling genially.
"Thanks grandfather. It means so much to me you would say that." Flannery said appreciatively.
Mr. Moore nodded and turned to Drew and Ash. "I understand you want a gym battle? Well why we don't handle it tomorrow. For now how about some time in the sand baths."
The group agreed, especially since they were sore from the long hours of work. So for the rest of the day, everyone (including a reluctant Drew) spent time unwinding in the sand baths.
The next day
The group returned to the gym after a day of relaxing. Flannery and Mr. Moore were waiting for them on the battlefield.
"Okay, who's gonna go first?" Ash asked
Drew took out a coin. "Call it Ash, loser goes first."
"Tails!'
He flipped the coin, catching it as it landed on his palm before slapping it on the back of his other hand. Tails. "Darn, I guess I go first."
Mr. Moore nodded. "Are you ready? It's a three on three battle. Only the challenger can switch."
"One sec," Drew requested. He tossed his hat and jacket dramatically at Tori, who caught it readily. There he stood, in a black undershirt and shorts. He tightened his gloves to prepare for battle "Alright, now I'm ready," he called out, pointing at Flannery.
"Very well, let the battle commence!"
"Go Mag!" Flannery called, tossing out her fire slug Pokémon.
May pulled out her Pokedex to scan it. "Slugma, the Lava Pokémon. Slugma have intensely hot magma which circulates throughout their bodies, carrying nutrients and oxygen to their organs."
"Well, I'll save my Marshstomp for later. Doesn't mean I don't have other Pokémon," the boy commented. He reached for his belt a pulled out a blue ball with his right hand. He folded his arm over his left shoulder and expanded the pokeball. "Let's ride Manectric!" he yelled, tossing it. With a flash, a yellow and blue dog appeared.
"Manectric…"
"Mag, use Flamethrower!"
"Manectric, dodge it and use Shockwave!" Manectric managed to dodge around the fire blast and fired off an electric shockwave from his body. It hit Slugma and caused some damage.
"Not good…Mag, use Body Slam!" Flannery ordered quickly.
"Oh no you don't! Get out of the way, Manectric!" Manectric tried to dodge but the slug hit the Electric type and drove it into the ground. Slugma rolled off, leaving Manectric to shake its body and get its head back in the fight.
"Alright now follow up wi-WHAT!?" Flannery cried out as Slugma shuddered, sparks dancing along its body.
Drew chuckled. "Seems you forgot about Manectric's ability: Static sometimes paralyses the opponent if they make direct contact with an opponent such as with Body Slam. Guess that means I have the edge now. Manectric, finish it with Spark!"
"No! Mag get out of there!" But it was too late, Manectric's attack connected with Slugma and shocked it into unconsciousness.
"Slugma is unable to battle! Manectric is the winner!" Mr. Moore announced.
"Very good Drew, but let's kick it up a notch. Go, Numel!"
"Hm, a Ground-type. Guess I'll need to change tactics. Manectric, return!" Drew called back his electric pokemon.
In the stands
"Wow, that was cool. I wonder what he's going to bring out now?" Max pondered.
"Probably a water-type, knowing its type matchups," Brock observed.
Back on the battlefield
"Let's ride, Swellow!" He called out, releasing the avian pokemon. The group was shocked that he had yet to break out his water-type.
Ash brought out his Pokedex. "Swellow, the Swallow Pokémon. Swellow uses its impressive divebombing speed and its large talons to capture its prey."
"Why wouldn't he use Marshstomp?" Misty mused.
"He thinks there is a stronger Pokémon, so he's probably saving Marshstomp for it," Brock suggested, "Plus, with a Flying-type, it takes away a lot of trouble from ground-type moves."
"Very smart, not that it'll matter. Numel, start off with Ember!" Flannery called out.
"Swellow, dodge it!" Swellow flapped and climbed to escape the fire attack. He dodged most of the embers, getting nicked by the last couple. "Swellow, use Quick Attack, then Peck!"
Swellow did so; the speed of the Quick Attack combined with Peck managed to do some serious damage as the bird pierced the cartoonish camel's side.
"Not good! Numel get in close and use Flamethrower!" Flannery ordered.
"Swellow, get out of there!"
Numel was able to hit Swellow in the wings, making it drop low. "Follow up with Body Slam!"
"Swellow, get up! Come on buddy!" Drew yelled. Numel hit the bird and sent up smoke. When the smoke cleared, Swellow was still moving, but it was now feeling the effects of paralysis.
"Swellow are you okay?" Drew asked concerned.
"Swe—LOW~!" Swellow started to glow with energy.
"W-what's going on?!" asked Flannery in shock. Drew looked to Swellow and chuckled as his pokemon gaming knowledge came to the forefront of his mind.
"Seems like you're having bad luck with abilities, Flannery. This is Tailow and Swellow's ability: Guts. When a Pokémon with that ability gets burned, paralyzed or poisoned, its power doesn't go down. It goes up."
"WHAT!?" The redhead panicked.
"It means that this battle has turned in my favor. Swellow, you good to go?" Drew called out.
"Swe—low…!" it answered, pain showing in its movements.
"Alright, Wing Attack!" The bird pokémon shot through the air and struck the camel. The added firepower from the Guts ability knocked Numel out.
"Numel is unable to battle! Swellow is unable to battle! Swellow is the winner!" Mr. Moore called out as Drew recalled Swellow
Flannery stood there, stunned. She'd thought she could beat Drew; but due to two abilities activating at the last minute, she was down to her last pokemon.
"Ah, don't get so down, Flannery; you're inexperienced, but over time you'll learn how to counter most of the stuff trainers throw at you!" Drew called out to her supportively. "But today, you're going to be giving up two of those heat badges! Let's ride, Marshstomp!" Drew called out, sending out his starter.
"You're right, I can't get down! I'll give it my all! Go, Meg!" she called out, sending out her Magcargo.
"Let's end this quickly; Marshstomp, use Water Gun, then chain it into Mud Shot!" Marshstomp fired a power water attack first, then launched several mud bullets that seemingly combined with the water to create a muddy machine gun. The combined attacks struck Magcargo, who hissed in pain under the combined assault.
"Meg, use Flamethrower!" Flannery yelled out desperately.
The snail fired off a stream of fire to try and counter the barrage. The attack struck Marshstomp, who only shrugged it off with minor scorching.
"Marshstomp, use Tackle!" Drew ordered.
The water type used its strength and speed advantage to hit and knock the snail down.
Before Flannery could order another attack, Marshtomp stood over Magcargo as it struggled to stand. The light shining down on it, combined with it's long arms, combined to cast it in a sinister shadow.
"Flannery, I am giving you an out," said Drew calmly, "Surrender and I won't have to seriously hurt Meg."
Flannery looked at Drew, then at Ash, then at her pokemon. She sighed and nodded sadly. "Alright, I give."
"Magcargo is unable to battle! The winner is Drew and Marshstomp!"
"Good job, Marshstomp!" Drew called, patting him on the back, "I suggest you heal your Pokémon, or get a couple more. I don't think they were hurt that bad, but I think it's best to be on the safe side."
The redhead nodded and went to get some more pokemon, her grandfather following.
Flannery was in a gloomy mood as she headed towards the pokemon holding area. Her grandfather, who had followed her, smiled wryly. "You did the right thing in surrendering, Flannery. I don't know if you could have turned it around. I was right in leaving the gym to you."
"Thanks, Grandpa," she replied, her mood brightening a little. The two came back to see Ash getting himself pumped for their battle.
"Alright, now it's my turn!" he cried excitedly.
"Ash would you relax? We'll let you battle after lunch," Drew snapped, annoyed. The energetic trainer laughed sheepishly in response.
"Some things never change." Misty sighed and May just giggled.
After the group had some lunch it was Ash's turn to battle Flannery under the same conditions.
(Start Hoenn anime battle theme)
"Go Meg!"
"Corphish, I choose you!"
"Ash is already starting out with Corphish, I wonder what his strategy is going to be?" Gabby wondered.
Misty snorted. "Ash? With a plan? Now that's a first."
"HEY, I don't need to hear it from the peanut gallery!" Ash yelled out.
Mr. Moore began the battle in earnest.
"Corphish, use Bubblebeam!" The Water pokemon launched a stream of bubbles from its pincers The attack landed but Magcargo stood firm.
"Mag, use Flamethrower!" Flannery ordered.
Ash responded with, "Corphish, Harden!" The fiery stream struck Corphish, but its hardened carapace minimized the damage.
"Heh, looks like my Corphish is putting up a tougher fight than you expected, Flannery," taunted Ash, making Flannery fume.
"Corphish, end it with Vice grip!"
Flannery frantically tried to come with a way to protect Magcargo. Then an idea appeared that she thanked her grandfather's training for. "Mag, use Reflect!" A barrier popped up and halted the crab's claw, preventing the pincers from closing. "Heh, looks like that attack was stopped cold," Flannery joked.
"Alright, then change it up Corphish, use Crabhammer!" Ash called out without missing a beat. Corphish's claws glowed and he uppercutted the snail. This attack was powerful enough to knock out Magcargo.
"Magcargo is unable to battle. Corphish wins."
"Good job, Corphish, return! Go Treecko!" Ash ordered surprising his friends.
"Why would he be returning Corphish?" May asked incredulously.
"For that matter, why Treecko? It has a type disadvantage," Gabby pointed out.
"Knowing Ash, this is par for the course with his 'strategies,'" sighed Misty.
"This battle is just getting started! Go Slugma!" Flannery yelled, wasting no time in sending out her next pokemon.
"Treecko, go in for a Quick Attack!"
Treecko sped up and dashed at Slugma, only to bounce off the Reflect barrier, which was still in effect.
"Grrr…Treecko get in close and use Bullet Seed!" Ash ordered.
"Slugma use Flamethrower."
The fire attack burned through the seeds and struck the grass type inflicting a burn
"Darn, Treecko return! Go Corphish." Ash quickly said.
"That strategy won't work twice! Slugma, use Yawn!" Flannery ordered, pointing at her pokemon. Slugma opened its mouth and blew a pair of bubbles at Corphish. They popped against its red carapace and appeared to do no damage. But then Corphish became sluggish, eyes drooping, before it fell asleep. "Corphish, no! Come on, wake up!"
After a few seconds of trying, Ash reluctantly called back his pokemon to prevent it being beaten up. "Alright, go Pikachu!"
The electric mouse darted out in a fury.
"Slugma! Flamethrower!"
"Pikachu, use Quick Attack!"
Pikachu used its impressive speed to dodge around the multiple streams of fire before colliding with the Reflect Barrier, cracking and destroying it.
"Not good…Slugma, use Smog!" Flannery called out immediately, finally getting into the swing of things.
Black smoke belched from the snail's covered the field, blinding Pikachu. "Not good. Wait, I've got it! Pikachu, use Thunderbolt on the Smog!"
Flannery realized what he was doing and frantically tried to prevent it by ordering for another Flamethrower. The smog was immediately cleared by the electric attack, exposing SLugma to the fire types surprise.
"Don't even try it! Pikachu, Thunderbolt again!" The attack hit dead-on, the power was too much and knocked out Slugma.
Flannery recalled Slugma and sent out her last Pokémon, Torkoal.
"Alright Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!" Ash called out.
"I don't think so! Torkoal, Iron Defense!" The attack was stopped cold by the turtle's black shell, surprising Pikachu.
"Now, use Overheat!" Torkoal leaned back and launched a huge stream of fire from its mouth, knocking out the mouse in one hit.
Undeterred, Ash sent out Treecko, hoping to do some damage in order to make it easier for Corphish but another Overheat ended that. That left him with a sleeping Corphish.
Flannery smirked, extremely confident in her chances. "Looks like this battle is mine, Ash! Torkoal, use Ember!" The turtle send out multiple sparks, which were considerably weaker than normal but still did some damage to the sleeping water type. Fortunately, it being the opposing type kept it from taking too much damage.
"Not good, Corphish needs to wake up soon!" Brock yelled.
"Only thing saving Ash right now is that Flannery's using Fire attacks after two Overheats," Drew commented thoughtfully, "The fire attacks are weaker because of Overheat's effect dropping its special attack strength, not to mention Corphish being a Water-type."
"Alright, now use Body Slam Torkoal!" Flannery commanded, grinning excitedly.
"Corphish get up!" Ash cried out desperately.
Ash's words finally got through and the Water-type woke up, but it was too little too late. Torkoal slammed heavily into him shell-first, knocking him to the dirt.
'There's got to be a way to get around that Iron Defense…Corphish can't take much more. Wait it's a turtle, so the belly might be less tough than the back!' "Corphish get in close and use Vicegrip!"
"You think I'm going to let you?" Flannery called out. "Torkoal, use Sludge Bomb!"
Corphish took the hits but was able to clamp on to the shell. "Now Corphish, flip Torkoal with Crabhammer!"
"WHAT!?" Flannery gasped.
Corphish struggled but with encouragement from Ash lifted the Fire type off balance and tipped it over on to its back. "Now, while it's on its back, use Bubblebeam!" The red crustacean fired off the water attack and caused enough damage to knock the fire type out.
"Torkoal is unable to battle! Corphish and Ash from Pallet Town are the winner!"
"Alright, we won!" Ash cheered.
"He did it! He did it!" Misty and May cried out joyfully, hugging each other.
"Well, what do you know? His luck doesn't run out," Drew commented as he clapped.
After healing their Pokémon, Flannery held out two Heat Badges. "You guys show the fiery passion and the luck needed for battling. It's my pleasure to award you both the Heat badge."
Both boys thanked her, taking their respective badge. For a moment they looked at them...then Ash did his victory pose while Drew flipped the badge while spinning.
"Alright! we got…THE HEAT BADGE!" they announced in unison.
With that, their Lavaridge adventures were over. But Team rocket and their monsters were still on the horizon. Who was the mysterious Glenn? What will happen in the future? Where is the princess of the realm? All that and more on the Journey of the Dreamer.
Chapter preview:
With four badges each Drew and Ash are ready to take on the next Gym which is May and Max's home gym. In addition there is a contest that seems destined to be haunted. What will happen when a ghost threatened a contest?
Next chapter: Ghost challenge and rumble in the jungle
END OF CHAPTER
Drew: Took you long enough.
UO: I know but I needed research and school is a bummer.
Drew: True that
New powers
Delphinus: The Dolphin In astronomy Delphinus is a faint constellation and is hard to see as it is on the celestial equator but is near some other prominent constellations. For astronomers this is a great place for deep sky objects as in stars and asteroids. Latin for dolphin it has two stories surrounding it. One is that the Greek poet Arion when faced with being thrown overboard sung a last song and threw himself overboard and a dolphin saved him. When Tori takes this form, she can unleash stronger water attacks and can swim underwater like a dolphin.
OSPREY…SWOOOSH
(A/N: edited 5/28 I changed it to this constellation mainly because I have a theme for all the riders. Drew's team is going to be based on the zodiac and the constellations. Gabby has the human constellations and Tori has the animal ones. I changed it to Cetus the Whale which is a large northern constellation. There are two sets north and south.)
A/N: Edited 7/14/13 changed it to a dolphin much more feminine than a whale.
A/N: 2/29/2016: Hired a Beta Reader to go through old chapters.