Hey there! Glad to see you're still interested in this story. For all of you pokeshipping fans out there, the next chapter will be the one you have waited for. In the meantime, sit back and enjoy the newest addition to the tale. Leave any comments or suggestions you would like. Just don't write anything that would insult my work.
Disclaimer: The only characters I own are Chellsy, her friends, and the GSC
Last time:
Kendrax: You may have won the first round, Ash Ketchum, but you have no idea who you're truly up against.
Part 9: Bonds and Battles
Location: Pallet Town, one week after the attack on the Cerulean gym.
The sun began to rise over the hills that surrounded the quiet town of Pallet. People all over were starting to awaken from sleep and prepare for their daily routine. Kids packed their bags for school while their parents got ready for work. It was just another normal day in the life of Pallet Town. The only difference was that everyone was looking forward to an event that would take place the following week; Ash and Misty's wedding.
In a small house just on the edge of town, the light from the sun shined thru a window on the second floor into the guest room where Chellsy and her friends were all fast asleep. She opened her eyes when the light hit her face, then got up and stretched a bit.
Chellsy: Uh, hey guys, wake up.
Brandon: Huh… what? Is it morning already?
Maggie: Boy, what a great night sleep.
Cory: Yeah… hey, do you guys smell something cooking?
Chellsy: Let's go see.
The four of them got out of their beds and headed downstairs to find Ash and Mr. Mime cooking a big breakfast.
Ash: Morning, sleepy heads.
Mr. Mime: Mime Mime.
Chellsy: Morning dad.
Brandon: Morning Mr. Ketchum.
Ash: Brandon, you don't need to be so formal with me. Just call me Ash.
Brandon: Oh right. Sorry Ash.
Ash: It's okay. Now, who's hungry? I hope you all like pancakes.
Cory: Alright. I'm starved.
They all sat down around the table as Ash placed a small stack of pancakes on each of their plates. As they began to eat, Pikachu ran in from the other room and jumped up onto Ash's shoulder.
Maggie: Hey Pikachu.
Pikachu: Pi-ka-chu.
Chellsy: Hey, dad, where's grandma?
Ash: She had to go get some more things for the wedding, so we actually have the day off today.
Brandon: Alright, a free day.
Ash smiled. The last few days had been a little tiring for all of them. It had only been a week sense the five of them had arrived in Pallet Town to tell his mom that they were going to have the wedding here. The second they told her, she instantly began making plans for the set up and put all of them to work. Most of their free time had been spent getting everything ready. They never complained about it, and the kids even said they were having fun, but between putting together the flower arrangements to constantly rearranging the seating order, they barely had any time to do something for themselves.
Chellsy: So, dad, what are we going to do today?
Ash: How about we all go up to Professor Oak's Lab?
Brandon: Yeah, that sounds great. I'd love to see all of the Pokemon up there.
Maggie: Me too.
Cory: Hey Ash. Do you think I could show my computer programs to Professor Oak?
Ash: Of course. I'm sure he'd love to see them.
Cory: Alright!
Ash: You guys finish up and get dressed. We'll leave as soon as you're ready.
The four of them quickly finished their meals and raced back upstairs to get ready. In no time, they were dressed and out the door.
Ash: Okay, let's get moving.
As they headed up the road to the lab, Ash stole a quick glance at the field in the backyard where the wedding would take place. A pavilion had been set up and decorated with many ribbons and flowers. About 50 chairs had been placed in front of it with a central aisle dividing them down the middle. Everything was coming together.
The group continued their trek thru town, greeting passersby as they went. Eventually, they found themselves at the front steps of Professor Oak's laboratory.
Cory: Wow! It's even cooler in person.
Brandon: What are we waiting for? Let's go in.
They walked up to the front door and waited as Ash rang the bell, but there was no answer. He knocked, but there was still no response.
Ash: Hmm. I wonder if anyone's home.
Chellsy: Try the door. Maybe it's unlocked.
Ash: Alright.
Ash reached for the knob and gave it a turn, which surprisingly worked.
Ash: You were right. It's open.
Chellsy: Let's go.
The five of them stepped inside the main hall and closed the door behind them.
Ash: Hello! Is anyone here?!
Pikachu: Pi-ka-pi-ka!
For a few seconds, there was nothing but silence. Then out of nowhere, a large, purple Pokemon made entirely out of sludge jumped on top of Ash and knocked him to the ground, shouting excitedly at seeing its trainer again.
Muk: Muk, Muk!
Ash: Hey Muk. It's nice to see you too, but could you please get off me.
Muk slowly slithered off of Ash. He then got to his just as Professor Oak came down the stairs.
Professor Oak: Oh, hello Ash. I was out in the field and didn't hear you come in. I see Muk has already greeted you.
Ash: Yeah, he's very affectionate.
Chellsy: Hi, Professor.
Professor Oak: Hi, Chellsy. Good to see you again. Oh, I see you brought some guests.
Chellsy: Yup. These are my friends; Brandon, Maggie, and Cory.
All three: Hello.
Professor Oak: Well, hello there. It's very nice to meet you all.
Brandon: Ditto.
Ash: Hey, Professor. Is it okay if I show these guys some of my Pokemon?
Professor Oak: Of course. They're all out in the yard.
Ash: Okay then. Let's go.
The kids nodded excitedly as he and the professor led them up the stairs and out the back door of the lab to the grounds where the Pokemon went to get some exercise each day.
Maggie: So where are your Pokemon?
Ash: They should be around here someplace.
Cory: Look. I think I see one coming.
Ash glanced at where Cory was pointing to see a large, red and white monkey Pokemon with flames coming out of the top of his head rushing toward them. He shouted joyfully as he skidded to a halt in front of them.
Ash: Infernape!
Brandon: Wow! What a cool Pokemon.
Cory: He looks really tough.
Infernape grinned. It felt nice to be complimented. As the kids continued to admire him, Ash became distracted by a low, rumbling sound. He looked back at where Infernape had just come from to see a stampede of Pokemon headed his way. He then realized that all of them were his: Meganium, Swellow, Snorlax, Blastoise, Tauros, Torterra, Floatzel, Typhlosion, just to name a few.
Maggie: Whoa! Look at them all.
Chellsy: I can't believe it.
Ash: Hey you guys! Over here!
Blastoise: Blastoise!
Swellow: Swellow!
Torterra: Torterra!
The Pokemon hoard stopped and everyone went to check them out.
Brandon: Look at this Torterra. It's really big.
Torterra: Tor.
Cory: Wow! Blastoise's shell is really hard. It's been raised well.
Blastoise: Blast.
Chellsy: All these Pokemon are great, dad.
Ash: Thanks, Chellsy. I'm glad you all like them.
As the kids continued to admire the Pokemon, Ash heard a distant voice calling his name.
??: Hey, Ash!
Ash turned to see Max walking towards them.
Professor Oak: Hello, Max.
Ash: Max! I didn't expect to see you again until the wedding.
Max: I know. I came down early to see if I could help you with anything.
Ash: Thanks, but I think were ok for now.
Max: Okay.
Chellsy: Hey, Max.
Max: Hi Chellsy. Are these all your friends?
Chellsy: Yep. Hey guys, come meet Max.
While Chellsy's friends introduced themselves to Max, an idea popped into Ash's head.
Ash: Say, Max. Don't I owe you a Pokemon battle?
Max: Huh? Oh yeah… Wait! Are you challenging me?
Ash: Well, you are a trainer now, and I'd really like to see what you've got.
Max: Well then, I accept your challenge.
Brandon: You sure about that, Max? You're going up against the Pokemon League Grand Master.
Max: I'm not scared. I'm looking forward to this.
Ash: That's the kind of attitude I like to see. Let's go.
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A few minutes later, Ash and Max stood on opposite sides of a grassy field. Professor Oak and the kids took up seats on a large rock on the field's right side. Cory turned on his laptop as everyone got ready.
Cory: Tectra, activate the battle judge program.
Tectra: You got it, Cory.
In an instant, the computer opened a window showing an image of the battle field as seen thru the webcam.
Professor Oak: My. That's quite the application you've got there, Cory. Did you design it yourself?
Cory: Yeah. This program can make accurate judgments in less than a millisecond.
Maggie: That's Cory for you. He's an absolute genius.
As Cory made the final adjustments to the program, Ash and Max were readying themselves for a major battle.
Ash: Alright, Max. Let's make this a one on one match. You can choose first.
Max: Ok. Let's go, Swampert!
Max threw one of his Pokeballs into the air, which opened to release a large, blue mudfish-like Pokemon with arms and legs.
Ash: So, you chose a Mudkip as your starter. It's certainly been raised well.
Max: Yep. He's my best Pokemon. Let's show them, Swampert.
Swampert: Swamp!
Ash: Sorry, Pikachu. You're going to have to sit this one out.
Pikachu nodded. He knew his electric attacks would no effect on a combination water and ground type. He jumped off Ash's shoulder and ran to join the kids.
Ash: Right then. I choose you!
Ash threw a Pokeball into the air, which sent Lucario straight onto the battlefield.
Professor Oak: Hmm. Lucario vs. Swampert. What an interesting match up.
Ash: Okay Max. You've got the first move.
Max: Ok. Swampert, use Water Gun!
Swampert fired a pressurized stream of water straight at Lucario.
Ash: Dodge and use Aura Sphere!
Lucario jumped out of the Water Gun's path while charging his energy orb. He then launched the attack straight at his opponent at a super high speed.
Max: Mud Shot!
Ash watched as the fins on Swampert's head began to glow orange. Swampert then fired a barrage of mud balls at the Aura Sphere and destroyed the attack before it could hit. As the battle raged on, Cory and Tectra used the battle judge program to record and monitor the fight, analyzing the combatant's maneuvers and the strength of their attacks.
Tectra: These two are really going at it.
Cory: I know. This is intense.
Max: Hydro Pump!
Ash: Dragon Pulse!
Swampert fired a super powerful water blast while Lucario launched a stream of dragonic energy waves. The two attacks met in the middle of the field and exploded on impact, shrouding the field in a thick cloud of smoke.
Ash: Whoa! Not bad, Max. Your Swampert's got a lot of power behind it. But is it fast?
Lucario charged straight thru the smoke and began racing around Swampert at high speeds. It moved so fast that afterimages began appearing where he had been, making it look like he was everywhere at once. Swampert turned his head this way and that way, trying to keep up with his opponent's movements.
Brandon: Oh man. I knew Lucario was fast, but it didn't think it would be this fast!
Tectra: Tell me about it! The readings I'm getting are off the charts!
Max, meanwhile, was trying to figure out what to do. He was sure that Lucario was getting ready for a big attack, so he decided to strike first.
Max: Impressive, Ash, but I'm ready for this. Swampert, use Muddy Water!
Swampert's head fins once again glowed orange as a mixture of dirt and moisture began to develop on the ground around it.
Ash: Uh oh. Lucario, quick, jump!
Lucario stopped running and leaped into the air just as Swampert sent out a wave of dirt colored water in all directions. Lucario landed back on the ground without a single scratch.
Ash: Nice try, Max, but it will take a lot more than that to stop me. Circle around and use Aura Sphere.
Lucario nodded and began to move towards Swampert's backside, but suddenly, he found himself slipping on what used to be solid earth. Ash then realized that Max's intention had never been to hit Lucario with Muddy Water, but to have the attack turn the ground beneath them into a muddy marsh, making it impossible for Lucario to effectively use its speed. Swampert, on the other hand, would feel right at home in this muck.
Max: Swampert, turn around and use Mud Shot!
Swampert quickly did an about face and fired another volley of mud balls at its stumbling opponent. Lucario, too off balance to move out of the way, was hit hard by the ground type attack and fell backwards into the mud.
Maggie: Lucario!
Chellsy: That was some strategy Max came up with, huh Cory?
Cory: Yeah. That was some clever thinking. I hope Lucario's ok, thou.
Tectra: Well, he is part steel type. They have a hard time with ground attacks.
They watched as Lucario picked itself up from the muck, a little battered, but not beaten. Ash, meanwhile, was thinking over what to do next.
Ash: (Max certainly outdid himself with that mud trick. If Lucario tries to run, he could end up sliding all over the place. Wait, Sliding! Maybe we can use that to our advantage!)
Max: Alright Swampert, let's wrap this up. Use Hydro Pump!
Swampert fired another high pressure water stream at its stationary opponent. Ash knew they had just one shot at this.
Ash: Lucario, charge straight for Swampert, now!
All of Ash's Pokemon had the innate sense of knowing what he thinking, and Lucario was no exception. He instantly dashed forward, ducking under the Hydro Pump as he went. He knew he wouldn't slip as long as continued moving in one direction.
Pikachu: Pi-ka?!
Chellsy: What on earth is dad doing?!
Brandon: Lucario's going to get creamed!
Max looked on, confused by Lucario's sudden move. He quickly shook his head to bring his mind back to the battle.
Max: I don't know what your thinking, Ash, but it's not going to work. Swampert, finish this with Mud Shot!
Swampert sent another wave of mud bullets right at the charging Pokemon.
Ash: Now!
Just before the attack hit, Lucario fell onto his back and used the momentum of his charge to slide right underneath the Mud Shot. He continued sliding on the muck as it carried him straight under the confused Swampert.
Max: What the!
Ash: Force Palm!
Lucario quickly charged his fist with aura energy and smashed his palm into Swampert's underside. A burst of energy was released on impact, sending Swampert flying into the air.
Max: Oh no!
Ash: Alright! Lucario, jump up and use Close Combat!
Lucario flipped himself onto his feet and leapt high above the still airborne Swampert, who was trying to regain his sense of balance. He stopped when he suddenly found himself in a shadow, and looked up to see Lucario silhouetted against the bright sun, its arms glowing yellow. Lucario then dived straight for Swampert, and once within range, he began to pummel it with a super fast barrage of punches. In its current state, Swampert was unable to do anything against the attack. Then, with one final punch, Lucario sent Swampert straight back to the ground with a loud crash, sending dirt and mud flying everywhere. Lucario flipped in midair and landed a few feet away from where his opponent now lay unconscious.
Tectra: Swampert is unable to battle! Lucario wins! I always wanted to say something like that.
The kids clapped and cheered. They thought both of them that put up a great fight. Max let out a hearty sigh and called his defeated Swampert back to its ball. He then moved toward Ash.
Max: Well, I sort of thought I'd end up losing, but that was still fun.
Ash: Yeah, thou I think we may have overdone it with the Close Combat.
Lucario: Sorry. Will Swampert be ok?
Max: He'll be fine. He's handled a lot worse.
Ash: In any case, that was a great battle, Max. You're a really good trainer.
Max: Thanks Ash.
Ash held out his hand as a sign of respect, which Max gladly shook. When they let go, Ash suddenly heard clapping behind him. He turned around and saw Misty standing a few feet away.
Misty: Nice job, you two.
Chellsy: Hey, mom.
Ash: When did you get here?
Misty: About five minutes ago. I didn't want to say anything because I didn't want to interrupt the battle.
Ash walked over to her and gave a hug. He then realized that Misty wasn't alone. Standing behind her was a young woman with brown hair and eyes wearing a simple attire of jeans and a white t-shirt.
Ash: Hey, Misty. Who's your friend?
Misty: Oh, sorry. Ash, this is my friend Jamie. Jamie, this is Ash.
Jamie: Hi, nice to meet you.
Ash: You too. Any friend of Misty's is a friend of mine.
The two of them shook hands.
Ash: How long have you two known each other?
Jamie: I met Misty a little while after she became the head gym leader back home. We've been good friends ever sense.
Misty: I even asked her to be Chellsy's godmother.
Ash: Really. That's great.
Chellsy: Mom, Jamie!
Jamie: Hey, Chellsy.
Misty: You having fun, sweetie.
Chellsy: You bet. Come on guys.
While everyone else talked and played, Ash broke away from the pack. Pikachu followed him as he went to speak to Professor Oak. There was something he needed to tell him.
Ash: Professor?
Professor Oak: Yes Ash?
Ash: I need you to get hold of Professors Ivy, Elm, Birch, and Rowan, as well as Scott from the Battle Frontier. I need to talk to all of them as well as you.
Professor Oak: This sounds very serious.
Ash: You have no idea.
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About an hour later, Ash, Professor Oak, and Tracey were sitting in the lab at the main computer, speaking to several people thru a live video connection: Professor Ivy from the Orange Islands, Professor Elm from the Johto region, Professor Birch from the Hoenn region, Professor Rowan from the Sinnoh region, and Scott, owner of the Battle Frontier. Ash had just finished explaining every detail of his encounter with the Grand Shadow Covenant. Needless to say, everyone was quite shocked to hear that they had been attacked, but they kept their silence until he finished speaking.
Ash: That's all I can tell you.
Professor Elm: My word. It sounds like you had quite an ordeal.
Professor Ivy: This is very strange. How could a human use Pokemon attacks. That's supposed to be impossible.
Professor Birch: I don't get it either. We need to look into this.
Ash: That reminds me. I've got something that may help.
Ash reached into his pocket and pulled out a small CD. Before he came to the meeting, he had Cory make a copy of the data he had collected during the battle. He loaded the disk into the computer and Tracey forwarded the data to each of them.
Ash: That information is on two of their members. If we gain anymore data, we'll send it to you immediately.
Professor Rowan: Very good. We'll look over this and see what we can come up with. In the meantime, we'll inform the gym leaders of each our regions and tell them to be on the lookout for these people.
Scott: I'll do the same with the members of the Battle Frontier. You can count on us, Ash.
Ash: Thanks guys. See you at the wedding?
Professor Birch: We wouldn't miss it.
And with that, their images disappeared from the screen.
Professor Oak: Well Ash, we certainly have our work cut out for us on this one.
Ash: I know. Let's just hope we can get thru the wedding in peace.
TO BE CONTINUDED…