Everyone knows how Ash caught Taillow and Treecko, same thing just with only Ash
"Treecko, Torchic, Quick Attack. Meowth, Pikachu, Iron Tail," Ash yelled. His pokemon followed. Torchic and Treecko started jumping from tree to tree at incredible speeds, and Meowth and Pikachu hit said threes with Iron Tails.
They stopped and Ash signaled that this was enough. Ash sat down as his pokemon rested. They had been working hard. As soon as Ash found out that the Rustboro gym specialized in rock types, Ash had started preparing. Mudkip was the natural choice, and Pikachu would be his backup. Treecko just didn't know any grass type moves, and neither Meowth or Taillow would match up well. He was preparing Pikachu by teaching him Iron Tail and Dig.
Ash raised up a couple poke balls and announced, "Good job. Torchic, Treecko, return." When those two were in their poke balls, Ash pulled out Mudkip's and released his pokemon. Mudkip would be his first Hoenn pokemon to use in a gym battle. Ash announced, "Let's work on the aiming of your Water Gun. Taillow can help."
Ash then started to have Mudkip try to hit Taillow in the air. Most were unsuccessful, and Ash was glad that he was working on it. Mudkip was still young, and needed to be ready for a gym battle. The gym leader must be used to trainers using water types. Especially Mudkip since it is a starter.
Ash now ordered, "Taillow, now you attack, and Mudkip needs to dodge." Taillow would now dive down and Mudkip would jump to the side. Mudkip seems better at defense than offense right now. All his speed made it easy for him to dodge.
Ash watched as Taillow managed to maneuver Mudkip into a tree. Mudkip shot a Water Gun in defense. Taillow turned sideways to avoid it and connected a Peck attack with Mudkip. Ash stopped it there. Mudkip still wasn't used to being attacked. Didn't want to hurt him.
Ash returned Taillow, but Mudkip dodged the beam. Ash frowned, but decided to allow Mudkip to stay out. Ash started to make lunch. It had been three days since he had left Petalburg. He could reach Rustboro in two days if he headed straight there, but he wanted to train some more.
Mudkip was jumping around in his usual hyper self. What caught Ash's attention was when Mudkip stopped and stood completely still. The fin on Mudkip's head was twitching. Ash watched as suddenly Mudkip ran off quickly. Ash called, but Mudkip didn't stop. Ash and Pikachu sighed before they stood up and chased after the pokemon.
Ash was quickly gaining on the tiny pokemon, but Mudkip looked to be heading somewhere. Ash found himself curious and started to slow down to just follow Mudkip. It only took another minute for Ash to arrive in a clearing and see what Mudkip was going to.
There was a group of Poochyena attacking a tiny white figure with a blue helmet and two red horns. It looked vaguely familiar. Ash didn't et a chance to look more when the pokemon started hurling multicolored leaves at the Poochyena. Ash recognized it as Magical Leaf. The Poochyena though were too numerous and many managed to stream past and bite the pokemon.
Ash acted and threw a poke ball before ordering, "Torchic, Mudkip, Pikachu. Ember, Water Gun, and Thunderbolt." His pokemon launched their attacks at the group of Poochyena. The pokemon yelped at the attacks, and Ash now yelled, "Meowth, use Fury Swipes to drive them off."
Meowth then ran forward and started clawing at the dog-like pokemon. They now started to yelp as they ran away. Ash ran up to the motionless figure, and picked it up in his arms. The pokemon was barely a foot tall. White body with two legs and two tiny arms. There was a light blue helmet covering its eyes. There were two orange horns on the helmet, one in front and one in back. Ash now recognized it. It was a psychic type Ralts.
Ash looked in concern as the pokemon opened its eyes. It looked around, confused for a second before it saw Ash. Immediately it became completely alert, and Ash found himself thrown against a nearby tree with a Confusion attack. Ash awkwardly started to stand up due to him being disorientated. He looked at the Ralts and heard an angry voice in his head, Why can't you humans leave me alone? You've tormented me enough with your greed.
Ash watched as the Ralts turned around and walked away. Ash felt a wave of sadness over what it said. Clearly it had been hurt by humans before. Ash had already met many pokemon who had been in similar conditions. It still hurt Ash that humans could truly be so cruel.
Ralts paused at the trees, and looked back before leaving. Ash leaned against the trees as his pokemon gathered around. They looked at him in concern. Ash gave a forced smile before claiming, "I'm alright guys. Don't worry." His pokemon didn't seem convinced, but they played along.
Ash spent several more hours training his pokemon. Pikachu had basically completely mastered Iron Tail, and Meowth was extremely close. All of his pokemon were progressing well, but Ash still felt down. He couldn't stop thinking about Ralts. He could imagine how many pokemon trainers had probably attempted to catch the shiny pokemon. They had probably inflicted a lot of suffering without even realizing it. He wanted to help it, but if he forced his help, it would just become more suffering for the pokemon.
Ash was sitting against a tree when Meowth came over. His pokemon were resting before Ash started dinner. It was starting to get darker. Meowth sat next to him and Ash asked, "What is it, Meowth?"
Meowth looked at the sunset as he claimed, "I'm worried about that Ralts."
Ash nodded, but commented, "Me too, but we can't force help. That would just hurt it even more."
Meowth looked at him and exclaimed, "But you didn't hear the Poochyena. They were talking about revenge and stuff. They meant business. It sounds like they will probably go back and attack Ralts, and Ralts won't stand a chance against those dark types."
Ash nodded. He then claimed gloomily, "But we can't do anything. The only way to permanently solve the problem would be to catch Ralts, but that would be horrible to force it. I wouldn't want to force a pokemon to come with me. Even pokemon I catch in the wild, I always ask to make sure they want to come with me. I just couldn't force any unwilling pokemon."
Meowth grew thoughtful as he considered Ash's reasons. He finally asked, "But what about your Totodile and some of your other pokemon? You just sort of caught them in the wild."
Ash answered, "But they were basically neutral. I caught them because I thought they would be nice additions. If they had expressed that they didn't want to be caught, I wouldn't have. Ralts clearly hates humans, so I can't justify catching her."
Meowth now informed him, "That is just human thought that most pokemon are neutral towards becoming a trained pokemon. Most wouldn't choose it. We sort of view it as a matter of fate. How many times do trainers walk right by pokemon and don't try to catch them? What makes you see a pokemon and decide to catch it? Most pokemon view it like this. I shall live my life how I decide, but if fate decides that I catch the attention of a trainer, and get caught, I'll take it in stride. They hope they are caught by a good trainer, but honestly most think that not being caught would be better. Many pokemon are slightly bitter towards their trainer at first. How would you feel if someone just took possession of you? That's how most pokemon feel. As you know, there are exceptions. Many of your pokemon chose to go with you, and several didn't. I wasn't exactly eager on it, and your Primeape and Charizard made it clear at first. Yet all of us came over in the end. Ralts must have had some bad experiences with humans, but if anything you should prove that humans aren't bad. Usually it is ignorance that causes problems, you might need to view this as an opportunity to stop a pokemon's ignorance." Meowth then stood up and went over to the other pokemon.
Ash watched as he left. Not the smoothest speech ever, but one filled with passion. Ash leaned on the tree and thought. That Ralts could go through her whole life hating humans because of human's not realizing what they were doing. Ash may be able to change that pokemon's view.
Ash shook his head in confusion before standing. He wasn't used to thinking of such things. It seemed like one of those problems where there wasn't any correct answer. He started bringing out the cooking utensils needed. Suddenly he asked his pokemon, "Guys, have you had the feeling that we are being watched?"
His pokemon looked around in confusion. Finally they shook their heads, and Ash looked around. The forest was now dark, and would be pretty easy to hide from human eyes. Ash turned to Meowth and ordered, "Use Flash to light up the forest."
Meowth used the move to illuminate the surrounding trees. Ash walked around as he looked for whatever was watching them. He just couldn't see in the dark good enough for him to find it. Ash stopped by his pokemon.
He yelled, "I know something is there. I don't know why you have been watching us, but come out."
Ash waited for whatever it was to appear. Mudkip sensed vibrations and looked to a certain area. Ash followed his sight and waited. Finally a small figure appeared moving towards the camp. Ash watched as the shiny Ralts appeared.
It walked up to the fire they had made and stood staring at the fire. It did this for a couple seconds, ignoring the curious crowd behind him. Ash was completely confused. He had felt the hatred of humans Ralts had when she communicated telepathically with him. Not only that, but fear. He couldn't think of any conceivable reason it would come straight to his camp.
Unfortunately, I need you help, Ash, Ash heard the feminine voice in his head again.
Ash calmed down and sat down on the opposite side of the fire. His pokemon crowded around him as he asked, "What do you mean? What is the problem, and why me?"
Ralts looked at him, You, for several reasons. All the humans I've met tried to catch me immediately. You let me walk away. Not only that, but you were sad at what I said.
"What do you mean I was sad?" Ash cut in.
The Ralts sighed and pointed out, I am able to sense the emotions of humans and pokemon. I felt your sadness, and I was curious. I followed you today to investigate more. I've been reading your emotions and eavesdropping on your conversations for several hours.
Ash frowned and stated, "You know that invading someone's privacy isn't nice."
Ralts smiled before saying, I've never had reasons to treat humans with anything other than suspicion.
Ash frowned and asked, "So you read my emotions and decided you could trust me?"
Ralts shrugged and commented, As much as I can trust a human.
Ash shrugged as he thought it was probably true. Ash now questioned, "So what is this problem, and how can I help?"
Ralts looked surprised for a second before explaining, I fled the humans into this forest. Naturally, I was unnaturally strong due to being forced to defend myself. When I came, a Poochyena challenged me to a battle. That Poochyena sort of controlled the forest before I came, and wanted to make it clear he was the alpha male of the forest. Unfortunately, I beat him badly despite the type disadvantage. Now he is leading that group of Poochyena and are constantly attacking me.
Ash thought for a second before asking, "Couldn't you just teleport away?"
Ralts shook her head and claimed, I can't leave the forest due to humans, and in the forest they can keep tracking me. Today was only first time they managed to catch me. I've been running out of the energy needed to Teleport. And several of them managed to evolve after the confrontation today. When they find me, I won't come out good."
Ash nodded and finished, "And you need my help to drive them off. So when will they be here?"
Ralts looked shocked. She slowly stated, Yes, they should be here in two hours or so. They'll attack regardless of who is here.
Ah nodded and announced, "Okay, then we have plenty of time fgor dinner. We should be sure to be at our toughest when they come. You can eat too Ralts." Ash then started making the food.
After twenty minutes or so Ash was done and passed out the dishes. That cookbook had done wonders. Now his pokemon dug into the food. Even Treecko jumped down from the tree to eat. Ash placed the food in front of Ralts before going and eating his portion.
Ralts looked at the food suspiciously. It had never eaten anything other than berries, but the other pokemon were enjoying it. Ralts finally took a tentative bite. Ash couldn't see her eyes, but he saw her start to eat it quickly with as much pride as possible. Ash chuckled. Ralts was an interesting pokemon. She obviously had immense pride and distrust of humans, but she was able to trust him enough to seek his help. Ash really hoped she would want to come with him. He would have to show her that humans weren't all bad.
His pokemon were arrayed in a battle line around Ralts. His most adept close quarter fighting pokemon, Treecko and Meowth, were on either side of Ralts. Next were Mudkip and Torchic who were farther away and would be able to launch Ember and Water Gun respectively. Taillow was in a tree, and Pikachu was perched on Ash's shoulder still. This confrontation would only last a minute or two, but they needed to be ready.
Pikachu perked his ears up. The rest of the pokemon tensed, and Ash knew they were here. Out of the darkness came the pokemon. Ash once again found himself looking at the intimidating form of Mightyena. There were five Mightyena with several more Poochyena.
Three of the Mightyena opened their mouths and fired off Shadow Balls. Ralts used her own Shadow Ball, and Ember and Water Gun destroyed the attacks. The Mightyena growled and jumped forward. Ash couldn't see everything, but he knew that his pokemon were holding their own. Pikachu jumped in and started to drop the pokemon left and right.
Ash saw the largest Mightyena battling with Ralts. He figured this must be that alpha male she had been talking about. She had managed to beat it as a Poochyena, but she was losing pretty badly now. Mightyena was just too fast and powerful. Mightyena managed to land a Headbutt attack, and Ralts went flying.
Ash ran forward and tried to grab Ralts. Unfortunately Mightyena had tried to use Crunch on Ralts. The jaws closed around his forearm. Ash let out a short scream before he recovered. Ash lifted up his arm, but Mightyena didn't yet realize its mistake. It was hanging on. The pain was rushing to his head, and Ash lifted Mightyena into the air before slamming it into the ground. It let go with a yelp, but Ash slammed a poke ball into its side before it could get away. Mightyena was sucked into the poke ball. Ash accidentally dropped it as he looked at his arm. It wasn't really bad, but it was bleeding slightly and hurt. He didn't even notice when the poke ball beeped and disappeared.
Without their leader, the rest quickly ran away. None of his pokemon were hurt besides a few scratches. They crowded around in concern over his arm. Ash waved them away and claimed, "It's fine. All it needs is a bandage, and some rest."
Ash sat down and pulled his backpack close with his good hand. He pulled out his bandages and started wrapping his forearm. After using his teeth and hand, he managed to bind it tight enough.
Ralts approached, Thanks for that.
Ash shrugged and stated, "Purely instinct, and it seems I got a Mightyena out of it. I'm gonna sleep now, but you can stay the night. Everyone should sleep some. I'll treat any wounds in the morning."
The night of sleep fully numbed any pain in his arm. It was difficult to move, but he was able to easily make breakfast before anyone else woke up. He announced that it was time to wake up, but it seemed more the smell of food that woke them. They started to dig in. Ash looked at his arm. He hadn't disinfected it yesterday. He quickly unwrapped it and sprayed the bite mark. It sting, but he ignored it as he rewrapped it.
Ash looked up to see Ralts looking straight at him. Before he could ask what was wrong, Meowth walked up. Meowth quickly said, "It's time you kept your promise, Ralts."
Ralts looked at Meowth and replied, I was just going to do that before you interrupted.
Ash frowned and snapped, "What are you two talking about?"
Ralts looked at him, You didn't think I would ask your help with no reward. Overall you are a decent trainer. You proved that even more yesterday. You protected me and agreed to help when it did not benefit you at all. I have decided that I could enjoy training under you. In other words, become your pokemon. But I still value my freedom. So you get one chance. One battle. That is all you get.
Meowth now injected, "She was going to tell you this yesterday before the battle, but you agreed before she could. So she told me, so she would have to fulfill the promise."
Ralts crossed her tiny arms, I refuse to not reward someone for helping me.
Ash blinked in shock. Ralts would give him a battle. He could capture a shiny Ralts. That was almost saying that she trusted me enough to put her future in his hands. Finally a broad grin spread across Ash's face. He jumped up and raised a fist as he exclaimed, "All right. One battle is all I'll need."
Ralts nodded and teleported to the other side of the clearing. Ash looked over his pokemon as he thought. Ralts would be a tough opponent. Mudkip wouldn't work due to her Magical Leaf, and she could probably use Confusion to send ranged attacks back.
Meowth interrupted by pointing out, "Hey twerp, you already got six pokemon on you, and Ralts shouldn't be transferred first. Being differently colored and all."
Ash nodded and thought. He would have to send a different pokemon back. It would have to be a pokemon that didn't need to train. Mudkip would have to stay. Taillow and Treecko, he just caught so they should stay.
Meowth now offered, "You can send me back. I can work on my Iron Tail by myself, and if you catch Ralts, there is translation. Just make sure to pick me up every once in a while. Don't forget about me."
Ash thought. It would work, but he sort of felt responsible for Meowth. Meowth had always been there part of Team Rocket. This might be his last step to having a full new beginning. Ash nodded and returned Meowth. He then touched the button on the poke ball. Now, if he caught another pokemon, this one would transfer.
Ash looked at Ralts seriously. This was a pokemon that he felt he had the responsibility to capture. Ralts would be taught how many good people there were out there. Ash also hesitated though. Never had he caught seven pokemon so quickly. He had always worked with the same sixth. He had actually been angry that some trainers would catch so many pokemon. Valuing quantity over quality. Now he was about to be doing the same thing. No, he would value them all. All would be his friends.
"Treecko, you're up," Ash announced. Treecko looked at him before jumping down from the tree. Treecko stood opposite Ralts. Ralts formed a Shadow Ball and launched it. Ash quickly yelled, "Dodge and Quick Attack. Then start jumping through the trees."
Treecko jumped to avoid the Shadow Ball and darted into Ralts. Ralts got hit with the Quick Attack. Then she glowed blue as she tried Confusion, but Treecko was jumping through the trees. Ralts was trying to focus on Treecko, but was failing. Ash grinned. The speed of Treecko was causing him to move too fast for Ralts to use Confusion. And since Treecko didn't know any long distance moves, Ralts couldn't throw them back.
Ash now commanded, "Pound." Treecko jumped out from behind Ralts and smacked his tail over her head. Ralts was smashed into the ground, and when she finally stood up, Treecko was gone. Treecko had already retreated to the trees again. Ash yelled again, "Come out and use Pound."
Treecko jumped down and prepared to attack again. Right before he hit though, Ralts disappeared. Teleport. Treecko landed on the ground, and Ralts appeared right behind him. Ralts launched a Shadow Ball. Following a desperate command by Ash, Treecko managed to dive out of the way. However he landed awkwardly which slowed him down for a second, Ralts now launched a Magical Leaf.
Ash clentched his fists. Treecko was running from the attack, but it would hit no matter what. Finally the attack connected and Treecko was pushed back several feet. Ash saw Ralts launch another Shadow Ball. Ash yelled, "Take it, and then use Quick Attack."
Treecko crossed his arms as the Shadow Ball connected. Ralts had power, but somehow Treecko raced out of the cloud of smoke to connect a Quick Attack on Ralts. Ralts took it without complaint though and glowed blue. Treecko was constricted by the Confusion. Ralts then hit Treecko with another Shadow Ball and then threw him towards a tree.
Ash called desperately at the limp Treecko, "Come on Treecko. I know you can do it. Use the tree to jump and use Quick Attack." Treecko's eyes opened and he managed to push off the tree into a Quick Attack. Ralts was caught off guard by the attack and slid back several feet. Ash now yelled, "Finish it with another Pound attack."
Treecko jumped into the air and flipped forward to slam his tail into Ralts again. Ralts smashed into the ground and struggled to get up. Ash quickly threw the poke ball. The ball hit Ralts on the head and sucked her in. Ash watched as the ball shook. It kept going far longer than most, and then Ash watched as Ralts broke free.
Immediately Ralts used Confusion and smashed Treecko against the same tree she had been trying to earlier. Treecko slid down weakly. Ralts then used Magical Leaf to start pummeling him. Treecko tried to raise his arms to defend himself, but he was still taking damage. Finally the attack stopped, and Ralts started to create another Shadow Ball which would be sure to end it.
Ash then watched in amazement as Treecko stood up with green energy surrounding him. Ash recognized it as Overgrow. He quickly cursed that Treecko didn't know any grass types. Ash just decided to wing it as he yelled, "Just do whatever you need to Treecko."
Treecko nodded and started to run forward as Ralts launched the Shadow Ball. Treecko looked to be doing Quick Attack, but suddenly started to glow black. He smashed right through the Shadow Ball, and smashed into Ralts. Ralts got flown back with a cry. Ash threw a poke ball which sucked Ralts in. It twitched for several seconds before laying still with a bing.
Ash was in shock and pulled out his pokedex, and pointed it at Treecko who was still glowing black faintly. It beeped before saying, Pursuit, a dark type attack. Ash tucked it away and asked softly, "Did you learn Pursuit so you could win Treecko?"
Treecko nodded and sat down. Pikachu then let out a cry and ran towards the poke ball on the ground. Pikachu flicked it at Ash with his tail. Ash looked up to see he had reacted too late. It was already behind him. Ash reached out desperately and manage to catch it behind his back. Ash sighed as he held the ball in front of him.
Pikachu suddenly started to point at Ash as he started miming something. Ash was confused for a second before bursting out in a grin. He then stated, "A new pose huh. Sounds interesting. So you flick it to me with your tail, and I catch it behind my back. That seems pretty cool. I honestly missed that old pose of mine. So, alright I caught Ralts." He then held the poke ball in front of him. Pikachu used his tail to lift himself off the ground as he put one of his little fists into the air.
Ash looked at the poke ball and stated, "Welcome to the team, Ralts."
He then tucked it in the empty pocket in his belt before thinking. A shiny Ralts. Not a bad trip through a forest. Now he just had to get ready for his gym battle.
Ash caught a shiny Ralts. Treecko learned Pursuit.
Next chapter, Ash catches some more pokemon, he battles the gym leader, and he has a battle with his new rival or old one. Matters how you view it.