Pokemon: The Conflict Within

by KingFatMan25

Ash Ketchum is an accomplished pokemon trainer but he has one fatal flaw...his lust for revenge. Follow Ash as he hunts down the man who destroyed his life and to see if his family and friends can keep him from making the wrong choices.

3. Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Ash and Leaf made good timing and arrived just outside Violet City within four days of leaving New Bark Town. Leaf had taken to keeping her new Cyndaquil outside of her ball, much to Ash's annoyance. The little fire type had become a major pest to Ash and was constantly shooting embers at him. On night of the fourth day, Ash got the fire set up thanks to a quick flamethrower from Salamence. The teen fixed the meals for the group and sat quietly as he ate. Leaf watched her friend for a while before speaking, "Ashy, who are you going to use in your gym battle?"

Her friend swallowed a mouthful of soup, "Seeing as the gym is known for using flying type pokemon I am for sure going to be using Electabuzz and Dragonair, but for my third pokemon I was considering swapping Alakazam for Rhydon. What about you?"

Leaf smiled and looked at Cyndaquil, "I want to use this little one to see what she can do. For backup I plan on using Meowth and Pidgeot."

Ash thought for a moment before he looked at the small fire type, "You might want to consider your Rapidash instead. He would be a much more reliable fire type."

Leaf rolled her eyes, "I know you aren't much on losing Ash but I have faith in Cyndaquil."

Her friend rolled his eyes before picking up his egg and gently polished the shell. "What do you think will hatch from it?"

Ash smiled lightly, "Who knows…it could be a common Caterpie or something rare like a Gible from the Sinnoh region…though I doubt the Gible."

Leaf giggled, "And what happens if you do get a Gible?"

Ash rolled his eyes, "Then I will raise it to its fullest potential of course."

Leaf giggled at Ash's serious nature. Her friend finished polishing the egg and gently set it back in its capsule before he covered it with a thick blanket to keep it warm. "Whatever you are…you will help me win against anyone who comes in my way."

Leaf watched Ash in silence and shook her head lightly. Cyndaquil looked at her mistress and cocked her little head as if asking, 'are you ok?' The teen smiled at her little fire type and picked her up, "I'm fine Cyndaquil." The starter yawned and snuggled into Leaf's chest before falling into a deep sleep.

*PTCW*

The following morning found our two heroes standing in front of the Violet City gym. Leaf had a bright smile on while Ash had his cloak wrapped around him and a cold stern look on his face. They walked into the gym and up to the front desk where a young woman was working on a computer. She looked up and almost fell out of her chair at the intimidating figure standing in front of her. Her voice was soft and filled with fear, "Is there anything I can d…do for you?"

Ash smiled lightly and nodded his head, "I am here for a battle against the gym leader."

The woman nodded and looked to Leaf who was smiling brightly, "And you miss?" Leaf giggled, "Don't mind Ash he is a real big softy, but yes I am going for my badge also."

The woman nodded and rushed out of the room as fast as her legs would carry her.

Leaf turned and glared at Ash, "Must you be all dark and scary when we are around people?"

Ash responded by pulling his hood over his eyes and nodded lightly. Leaf fell down anime style and groaned. A few moments later the doors to the main lobby opened and a tall young man walked in. He had brown hair and blue eyes along with a kind looking face. He wore a red and purple t-shirt with tan khakis and blue sneakers with yellow markings. At his side was a small black dog with a reddish orange snout and gray marks on its body. Leaf blushed lightly when he smiled her way and walked over to the desk, "Hi there, are you going for a gym badge as well?"

Leaf gulped when she felt a wave of cold air next to her and knew that Ash's psychic powers were being suppressed.

Leaf smiled, "Yes I am. My name is Leaf and this is my best friend Ash. He is also going for a badge." The young man smiled and shook Leaf's hand before turning to Ash. He gulped when Ash slowly turned with his hood still drawn over his face, "Nice to meet you my name is Harrison and I am from the Hoenn Region."

Ash lightly inclined his head. Harrison looked at the cloaked figure for a moment before he snapped his fingers, "I thought you looked familiar, aren't you Eclipse Silverline, the trainer that defeated the Kanto League?"

Ash mentally groaned but answered, "Yes I am but I only go by Eclipse when I am in battle…my real name is Ash."

Harrison smiled, "It is a real honor to meet you Ash I watched your battles and have to say that those were some of the best battles I have ever seen. And how luck are you, having a shiny Charizard as your starter."

Ash shook his head, "My Charizard isn't my starter."

Harrison gapped at this, "Then what is?"

Ash smirked, "If you are ever unlucky enough you will find out." The teen shivered and looked to the back doors when the woman from earlier walked out with a young man with blackish blue hair and blue eyes. His face was handsome and he gave a very cool aura off. He wore a blue kimono like outfit with a lighter blue over coat. He donned black and red wrist bands and shoes to complete his look. The man looked to the group and inclined his head, "So there are three of you now, this is indeed turning into an interesting day. Shall we move to the stadium for our battles? My name is Falkner and I am the Violet City Gym Leader."

Leaf smiled and bowed lightly, "It's a pleasure to meet you Falkner, my name is Leaf and this is my best friend Ash."

Harrison stepped up, "And I am Harrison."

Falkner smiled at them all but especially at Leaf, "I assure you my dear the pleasure is all mine…it isn't everyday that a beauty as rare as you walks into my gym."

Leaf blushed a deep shade of red and stuttered, "T…tha….thank you."

Ash growled in his throat as Falkner walked closer to Leaf than he liked and let his psychic powers go. His eyes flared blue and the gym leader let out a yelp as he found himself lifted into the air and pushed through the doors of his gym.

Leaf rounded on Ash and glared at him when she saw his eyes, "Ash why did you do that?"

Her friend growled in his throat, "He was getting to damn close to you." Harrison suppressed a chuckled as he watched the scene and followed the two into the gym. When they arrived they found Falkner brushing himself off and chuckling lightly, "That was a powerful blast of wind…did you feel it?" The group of teens lightly murmured their agreement.

Falkner smiled, "Alright, seeing as there are three of you we shall each do a two on two pokemon battle for the prize of the Zephyr badge. Who would like to go first?"

Ash inclined his head to Leaf who hugged him, "Wish me luck Ashy."

Her friend smiled at her, "You don't need it." Leaf glared at him and Ash rolled his eyes and kissed her cheek, "Good luck."

Leaf smiled and ran to the other side of the field, "Let's get this battle started, Cyndaquil time to shine!" Cyndaquil burst from her ball and called out with a happy squeal to her voice.

Falkner smirked, "A starter pokemon, then I shall go easy on you, Pidgey time to fly!" A small brown bird with cream colored feathers appeared in the air. "Pidgey start this off with a tackle attack!" The small bird flapped its wings and dove for Cyndaquil.

"Use ember!" The flames on her back flared up and the little mouse opened her mouth and shot out a stream of little flames at the oncoming Pidgey. The bird ran into the flames and called out in pain,

"Pidgey counter with a gust attack and then tackle it!" Flapping his wings hard and fast, Pidgey sent a burst of wind at Cyndaquil and threw him across the field. Not a second later the flying type slammed hard into the Johto starter.

Leaf bit her lip as she watched her newest pokemon struggle, "Alright Cyndaquil it is risky but we have to try it…use Flare Blitz full power!"

Ash's eyes widened as he heard the attack while Harrison dropped out of his seat, "How is that possible?"

Ash shook his head, "It was an egg move." Harrison nodded but looked on in awe as the little fire type let out a yell before her entire body was engulfed in a powerful flame. Falkner looked at his Pidgey, "Alright Pidgey use quick attack and power up your tackle attack!" The bird rushed forward in hopes to end the battle.

Leaf took her chance, "Cyndaquil now!" Her pokemon looked up and saw her opponent bearing down on her and launched from her spot. The two pokemon slammed into each other and the power behind the Flare Blitz caused an explosion the sent both pokemon flying back.

The gym referee put his flags up, "Both pokemon are unable to battle this round is a draw."

Leaf ran over and scooped up her pokemon, "I'm so proud of you Cyndaquil you pulled off your attack." The fire type smiled weakly before her trainer returned her.

Leaf turned back to Falkner who had just returned his Pidgey, "I see I misjudged you…I can assure you I won't make that mistake again, "Dodrio time to fly!" A large brown bird with three identical head landed on the field. Each of the head had on a different expression from, happy, angry, and sad.

Leaf pulled a ball from her belt, "Pidgeot time to shine!" From the ball appeared a large bird that resembled a Pidgey. The crest normally on its head stretched all the way down its back and was bright and colorful. The powerful bird stretched his wings and called out, "PIDGOTO!"

Falkner's eyes widened at the bird before smiling at Leaf, "Beautiful and a talented trainer…that is a grand specimen you have there."

Leaf blushed at this and looked at Ash. Her friend's eyes were narrowed at Falkner and his hair was swaying slightly in a sort of invisible wind. Leaf silently prayed to Arceus that Ash would keep his temper in control. "Alright Pidgeot lets start this off with a tailwind!" The bird flapped his wings and sent up a powerful gust that instantly caused him to fly twice as fast.

"Dodrio let's get an early edge, Tri-attack!" Each of the heads opened its beak and fired a sphere of color…red, blue, and yellow. The spheres transformed into triangles and formed a larger triangle before sailing at Pidgeot.

"Dodge it and use heat-wave!" Utilizing the strong wind currents the bird easily moved away from the attack and started to flap his wings at a furious pace. Pidgeot's wings flared red before he fired off a burst of super heated air, landing a direct hit on his opponent. Dodrio called out in pain before digging its claws into the ground to support itself.

"Counter with drill peck!" All three heads started moving in a stabbing motion as their beaks started spinning at a furious pace.

Leaf smiled, "Perfect. Pidgeot dodge and then use hidden power!" Ash smiled coldly as he heard Leaf's command, "This battle is over."

Harrison cocked an eyebrow causing Ash to sigh and explain, "Hidden power has many different types…it all depends on the raising and power of the pokemon using the attack. Leaf's Pidgeot's hidden power has characteristics of an ice move."

Harrison's eyes widened, "That basically gives you an ace up your sleeve when facing pokemon like dragon types."

Ash nodded as Pidgeot let loose a group of white orbs with a slight blue tint. Dodrio was hit by the orbs and called out in pain, "Dodrio we need to finish this quick use Hyper Beam!" All three heads opened their and fired off three powerful beams of energy.

"Pidgeot use your own Hyper Beam!" Leaf's pokemon opened his beak and fired a large beam. The two attacks met in the middle and struggled for dominance. After a few moments the two attacks combined and caused a massive explosion that sent both flying type pokemon back. The screen of smoke that was present quickly dispersed revealing two exhausted pokemon. Leaf looked worriedly at her pokemon,

"Hold strong Pidgeot we are almost done!"

Falkner smiled at the teen, "You are right we are almost done, Dodrio finish this with tri attack!" The triple colored attack soared at the weakened flying pokemon, "Pidgeot get out of the way!" Her weakened pokemon flapped his wings once and just managed to move out of the tri-attack's path,

"Finish Dodrio off with Brave Bird!" Pidgeot called out and folded his wings into his body before red flames engulfed him. His body took off like a missile and just before he struck his target, his wings opened and the flames turned blue. Dodrio was struck and sent flying from the powerful attack, landing in front of his trainer with swirls in his eyes.

The referee ran over, "Dodrio is unable to battle making Pidgeot and Leaf the winners of this Gym battle!"

Leaf jumped into the air, "We did it Pidgeot!" Her faithful pokemon landed next to her and placed his head on her shoulder, cooing at her touch. Leaf giggled as the feathers tickled her face and neck, "You did amazing Pidgeot now take a long rest."

Leaf returned her pokemon in a beam of red light before she turned to Falkner who was walking over. "Great battle Leaf one of the better ones I have had."

Leaf blushed lightly at the praise, "For winning this battle I present to you the Zephyr badge and an invitation to dinner."

Leaf blushed deeper but was cut off by a low growl from her friend, "She has plans with me already so you can take your invite and shove it."

Falkner smirked, "I'm guessing you are my next challenge?" Ash lightly nodded from under his hood, "Well then let's make this a little more interesting…if you win you get the badge and I remain silent but should I win, Leaf goes on a date with me."

Leaf gulped but then realized that she was the prize in this bet, "Now hold on just a damn minute…I will not be a prize!"

Ash turned to her, "Leaf you aren't going to be a prize to anyone but me. I won't let my best friend be looked down upon."

Ash's friend smiled lightly and felt her heart flutter at his words. "Ash…thank you."

The dark trainer growled as he saw a single tear before he glared at Falkner, "You have just dug your own grave."

Falkner shifted slightly as he felt a cold chill go up his spine, "It seems I'm going to have to show you just what the Johto Region is all about. We do things a little different here and it will cost you…Noctowl time to fly!" A large brown owl with a large u shaped pair of feathers on its forehead appeared in front of the gym leader. It turned its head 180 degrees as it surveyed the room before it settled its eyes back onto Ash.

Said trainer was gently brushing his fingers over his pokeballs as he made his choice, finally landing on one he quickly enlarged it and threw it onto the field, "End this!"

From the ball appeared Ash's Electabuzz with sparks of lightning flashing between his antennas. The referee raised his flags, "Begin!"

Ash wasted no time, "Electabuzz rapid fire thunderbolt…don't let him escape!" The electric pokemon sensed his Master's anger and was only too pleased to help. With practiced ease, he built up a mass of power before launching powerful blasts of electricity in quick succession.

Falkner was caught off guard by the quick attacks and tried to counter, "Noctowl use protect!" The flying type brought his wings in front of him and called out as a bluish-green shield formed around him and took the first couple of bursts.

Ash glared, "Intensify the power." Electabuzz roared as he flared his power and sent a massive burst at the shield. After a two second stand still the shield started to form cracks in it before finally giving way to the sheer amount of power. Noctowl was completely engulfed in electricity and called out in pain before finally going unconscious.

Falkner looked at his downed pokemon with a sense of dread in him which was made worse when Ash spoke, "This isn't my strongest either."

The gym leader gulped, 'If this isn't his strongest then who knows what kind of power he holds.' Falkner returned his pokemon and contemplated his next choice.

*PTCW*

On the sidelines, Leaf was watching on with pride as her best friend and crush defended her. Sure it got old when Ash attacked every guy that looked at her but when it really mattered she couldn't be happier to know that she meant that much to him.

Harrison looked over at the brunette, "Hey Leaf…you know how Ash said that Charizard wasn't his starter? What is?"

Leaf face went serious as she thought about Salamence, "A pokemon that is rare in any region you go to. Ash got him as an egg and raised it to its final evolution. All I'm going to say is that I wouldn't wish anyone to fight him."

Harrison frowned, "That doesn't help me to know what Ash has."

Leaf shook her head, "I won't break Ash's trust…if you want to know you will have to battle him." Harrison nodded and resumed watching the battle.

*PTCW*

Falkner looked at the Electabuzz standing opposite of him and shook off a chill. The pokemon was letting off small bolts of electricity every couple of seconds as it glared at him. The gym leader selected his last pokeball, "I normally don't sound out my most powerful unless I'm forced into a corner like this…Pidgeot time to fly!" A Pidgeot much larger than Leaf's appeared in the air and did a backflip before hovering in place.

Ash looked at the pokemon and then returned Electabuzz, "Alakazam secure my victory." Alakazam landed on the field and held his silver spoons up in a threatening display.

"Pidgeot get in quick and use aerial ace!" The flying type sped off towards the psychic type with streams of white energy flowing off him.

Ash's eyes focused on his pokemon, "wait until the last second before you use protect followed by calm mind." When Pidgeot was almost upon him, Alakazam raised is spoons in a wide arch and a greenish blue shield appeared and slammed into the bird. Pidgeot cried out in pain as he was sent back while

Falkner was in shock as he saw Alakazam glow purple from calm mind, "He didn't say an attack…is he psychic?" Shaking his head Falkner glared at the Alakazam, "Quick attack!" His pokemon charged forward with a cry.

"Counter with thunder punch and power up with another calm mind." Alakazam nodded and thrust his glowing fist at the incoming flying type.

Falkner saw this and yelled out, "Pull up!" The electric attack just missed its target but the sudden maneuver left a big enough opening for Alakazam to quickly power up.

Ash smiled coldly as his pokemon was now ready, "Psychic to hold it in place and finish it with Hyper Beam!" Alakazam's eyes flared blue with power and stopped Pidgeot from moving. He then opened his mouth and an orange orb of energy started forming.

Falkner's eyes widened, "Pidgeot you have to get loose!" His pokemon struggled for all it was worth but to no avail, "Ala…ka….ZAM!" The beam fired at full power, kicking up a cloud of dust in its wake. The beam struck Pidgeot and engulfed him in the powerful attack for a good five seconds before it fell to the ground unconscious. Falkner looked at his pokemon in shock before running over, "Pidgeot return."

He turned to see Ash and Alakazam walking over, both of them glaring hard, "That was a complete waste of my time. What kind of Gym Leader brags about their region and then loses this badly? I will tell you a completely worthless one."

Ash took the badge from the referee, "Make sure you tell the other gym leaders that I'm coming…maybe they will actually use their head and prepare."

Falkner didn't have a chance to say anything before Ash turned and gently grabbed Leaf by the arm, leading her out of the room. Leaf rolled her eyes and waved to Harrison, "By Harrison good luck on your battle." The Hoenn native waved with a confused expression on his face.

*PTCW*

A few hours later found the teens checking into the pokemon center at Bloomingvale. Ash had insisted on flying to the next town to avoid staying in Violet City an longer than was required. The Nurse Joy of the town smiled as the two teens bickered about the boy being rude. Joy found it rather sweet how the young man was sticking up for his friend but had to suppress a giggle at the obvious feelings between them. "I'm sorry you two but we only have one more room available and it's a single bed."

Without missing a beat Ash nodded, "We will take it." The nurse had expected them to argue the situation but handed then the key none the less.

Ash pulled out his pokeballs, "I need them looked after please…the last one stays in his ball."

Nurse Joy nodded, "Understood."

Leaf smiled brightly and handed over hers over as well, "Mine too please and thank you." Ash rolled his eyes at Leaf's emphasis before he turned and walked up the stares with his and Leaf's things.

Leaf groaned, "Don't mind him Nurse Joy…Ash is very complex."

The Nurse giggled, "And cute too, I can see why you like him."

Leaf turned and blushed, "That obvious?"

Joy waved her hand at the girl, "Dear it couldn't be more obvious."

Leaf groaned and walked to her room with a deep blush on. She arrived and found it already open and the sound of the shower running. Ash had placed his things on the table off to the side and had yet to unpack while Leaf's were on the bed waiting for her. She smiled lightly at his thoughtfulness, always giving her the first chance at anything. Ten minutes later the bathroom door opened and Ash walked out in a pair of black shorts with a white band running down the side that had yellow on the sides.

"Bathroom is all yours." Leaf was trying not to gap at her best friend's physic but was failing miserably,

"Leaf you're drooling." His best friend squeaked and ran into the bathroom with her shower items.

Leaf leaned against the door and tried to force her blush away but she couldn't help it. Saying that Ash had become a handsome young man was an understatement. He was rock hard with just the right amount of muscle. His six pack wasn't overly defined but enough so that you knew he had one. The brunette sighed as she stripped and got into the shower all the while trying to get rid of the thoughts over Ash.

*PTCW*

Later that night the two friends had just finished watching TV and eating the pizza Ash had bought. Leaf shifted slightly as she looked at the bed.

Ash caught her uneasiness, "Alright what's wrong?"

Leaf rubbed her arm with her hand, "Who do you want to take the bed?"

Ash looked at her like she was crazy, "Leaf we will share like we always do."

His friend blushed lightly, "Oh."

The dark trainer raised his eyebrow, "Unless you don't want to."

Leaf shook her head, "It isn't that it just feels different."

Ash sat down on the bed and looked at her, "How?"

Leaf shrugged, "I don't know…this is first time we have only had one bed and it isn't exactly the biggest bed."

Ash pulled her down to him and wrapped his arms around her, "Leaf it's just me…we have slept in the same bed since we were kids." For some reason that didn't help the feeling in her chest.

Ash thought for a moment, "Tell you what, if for some reason you feel uncomfortable I will take my things and camp outside."

Leaf looked at him, "Ash I'm not going to make you leave the room."

He chuckled, "then get into bed." Leaf blushed as Ash pulled the blankets back and climbed in with just his shorts on. Leaf hesitantly climbed in and blushed harder when she felt Ash's body against hers'.

He wrapped his arms around her to make sure she wouldn't fall off and kissed the back of her head, "Night Leaf."

The brunette felt her worry wash away when his arms wrapped around her, "Night Ashy."

Chapter 3 is done.

Let me know what you think about the battles and send in any ideas you want for pokemon.

Read and Review.

KingFatMan25