.—.—.

"So, what's your roster lookin' like?" Gary asked after they'd barbed at each other for another few minutes on the call. "Gramps said you only had three pokemon, what's up with that? Were you throwing with your left?"

Gary and Leaf were too much alike, Ash decided even as he cracked a grin. It was good to talk to his friend again. This had been the longest period of their young lives that they'd gone without seeing each other, much less even talking to each other. "Yeah, three: a pancham, seedot, and graveler. Quality over quantity. Yours?"

"Not bad." Gary admitted. "At least it's not a team of shitty bugs. Enough of those in the Viridian Forest to populate the world over."

"You can complain about bug catchers later. What wimps have you got?" Ash stoked his friend, though he did agree with the notion about the bug catchers.

"I nearly have a full roster actually. Delta, obviously, and a raticate, natu, growlithe, and scyther."

Ash nodded. It was a good combination of pokemon. Versatile with great potential. Though he certainly had questions. "Where did you get a natu? And a scyther?!"

"Jealous?" Gary smirked. "North was migrating south–ironic, I know–and happened to run into me. Delta sniped her right outta the air. Scyther was in Viridian Forest. The things you find when you venture a little deeper into the forest."

And Giovanni told him a skarmory and murkrow were a longshot, yet here Gary was stumbling upon a natu and scyther of all things. Ash only pondered on what could have been for a moment more. "Luck then, shoulda known."

"Bite me, Red." Gary snarked. "I worked my ass off for days in a shitty forest tracking that damn bug down. Do you know how many beedrill tried to sting me?"

"Not enough, apparently. That charm of yours must have warded them off." Ash said. "And tell Delta to bite you on my behalf. Or that raticate of yours, which…really?"

Gary shrugged. "I wasn't planning on catching her–I wanted a persian–but you'd understand if you saw her. I found her trying to sneak off with my ration bars and she is massive. She's up to my chest already and she just evolved."

Ash nearly gaped. The average raticate topped out at about two and a half feet, the largest ones maybe reaching three feet. Gary was tall, for a raticate to reach his chest it had to be at least near five feet tall. This wasn't a case like Greed who was just bigger by nature. On no plane of existence should a raticate be that damn big. "That can't be natural."

"It probably isn't." Gary agreed. "Gramps wants to look her over at some point but she's too damn good to let her off my roster! She wrecked a starmie in the Cerulean Gym without breaking a sweat, not to mention these chumps that challenge me."

"You challenged the Cerulean Gym already?" Ash prompted.

Gary gave him a vain look. "I cleared the Cerulean Gym already. That starmie and seel were nothing to me. The Waterflowers are pushovers. Luckily I got through Mt. Moon before they closed it."

"They closed Mt. Moon?" Ash asked curiously. It wasn't a unique occurrence. Sometimes tunnels collapsed or flooded and the League had to perform maintenance. He did wonder if Leaf passed through it before they had.

"Apparently after that storm down south they put a moratorium on tours and travel through it. It didn't reach up here, so I'm not sure why. You're lucky you went the way of Celadon, otherwise you'd have been caught on the other side."

"Yeah, I guess so. I already got the Rainbow Badge, by the way. I'm near Fuchsia City now, I'll challenge Janine within a few days."

"You're not in Fuchsia yet?"

"Storms held me up." Ash said. "I'm in a smaller place called Stone Town. It's at the base of Evolution Mountain."

"Sheesh, pick it up. You can't be my rival if you're stuck in some dead-end town." Gary snarked at him. "Seriously, it's been about three months already. At least stop into the Safari Zone and fill out your team more. Three 'mons is nothing when you have an extended carry limit, Ashy-boy. You gotta take advantage of those two extra slots you get with Gramp's as your sponsor. You do remember he's sponsoring you, right?"

Mew, he hated that nickname. "Yeah, yeah. Are you one to talk with your five pokemon? That's not even a full roster."

"I have a plan for my future additions, thank you very much. An abra, for one. Can you say the same?" Gary responded triumphantly. He knew that Ash didn't plan his captures with anything more than loose ideas.

Ash hated many things in life, but nothing more than Gary being right. "You're making too much sense. It's unnatural, stop that. Besides, you're going for another psychic-type? Did Natu awaken your third eye?"

Gary shrugged and turned thoughtful. "I planned on getting an abra before I ever left Pallet Town. I'm planning on spending some time looking for one on Route 5 or Route 8. Alakazam are powerful. Catching a natu was a bonus."

Ash supposed he couldn't judge his friend. When Greed and Nut evolved he would have two dark-types on his roster. "Fair enough. Hey, catch a drowzee while you're at it and you'll be on your way to being a specialist."

"Not a bad idea. Not a drowzee though–something about their eyes unsettle me–maybe an exeggcute if I can wrangle it. A meditite too if I can figure out where to get one." Gary said after a moment.

That was not the response he'd expected. "You're actually planning to be a psychic specialist?" Ash asked. Gary had mentioned the thought once or twice when they were younger, but Ash had thought that nothing more than a loose whim. The young Oak had also thought that he'd be a flying-type specialist at one point, so anything was up in the air after that.

Gary nodded. "I was thinking about it, yeah. It's not like I can't catch any other pokemon without it being taboo, Bruno has an onix on his main team and half of Lance's team aren't even dragon-types. Generalists are only common in the lower ranks, Ash, there's a reason most Leagues are composed primarily of specialists."

Gary had a point. The only generalists Ash could think of that had surmounted the League were Cynthia of Sinnoh and Professor Oak. Nearly every other Gym Leader, Elite Four or Champion were type was appeal to it, of course. A trainer with a deep understanding of their team's very being was formidable indeed.

"There are plenty of Rangers and ACE Trainers that are generalists." Ash argued.

"That's why they're Rangers and ACE Trainers." Gary waved his hand in dismissal. "Mostly composed of secondary trainers with no hope to rise in rank. Definitely strong, but not powerful. Do you remember what Mathers used to say about them at the Academy?"

Ash winced. He remembered very well their former teacher's opinions. "Meat shields."

"Exactly." Gary finished. "I'm not knocking you, Ash. There are great generalists out there but they're the minority."

"Do you think I should be a specialist?" Ash asked out of curiosity more than anything. He wouldn't even know what type he would invest in. Dragons would be his first choice but that was out immediately. Champion Lance may have enough birthright and influence to acquire the powerful dragon-types, but Ash certainly did not. The only hope he'd have of getting a dragon would be to shell out mass amounts of cash to the few breeders that dared to handle the powerful pokemon, or traverse into the Great Northern Range. He might travel off the beaten path a bit, but he wasn't suicidal enough to march into the Great Northern Range as a rookie.

By happenstance his specialty would look to be dark-types with both Greed and Nut on his team. Ash found he wasn't opposed to that. Dark-types were not something he'd grown up fascinated by in his youth, but that wasn't necessary. Elite Four Agatha had said she'd expected to be a poison-type specialist in the early days of her career before shifting to her ghost-type specialty.

And, to top it off, his team had made an impression on him. Greed and Nut were irreplaceable. Not to mention there were various other dark-types he'd welcome on his team. He'd never thought about it, but he'd been thinking of capturing various dark-types for months now. Murkrow and houndour among them.

Gary gave an uncommitted grunt. "Up to you. Gramp's never did and he was Champion."

Ash nodded. "What type do you think fits me the best?"

"Honest answer? Bug-types." Gary grinned. "A caterpie fits you perfectly."

He should've known he wouldn't get a serious answer. "Comical." He deadpanned.

"What about you? Any actual ideas besides hoping to stumble upon Mew itself?" Gary asked as he leaned back in his chair. Ash hadn't noticed just how tired his friend looked. Nothing as drastic as huge eyebags, but the droop in his shoulders and the stifled yawn told him all he needed to.

"Kinda?" Ash said with so-so motion of his hand. "I definitely need a few different types. Electric, water, and fire are the most notable, a flier would be good too."

Gary agreed it seemed. "I think so too. With the three pokemon you have now you cover four types. Five if the pancham or seedot evolve."

"When." Ash interrupted quickly. There would be no ifs on that subject. His team would get stronger.

Gary rolled his eyes. "Right, when. Either way, it's not too bad. Could be worse. Bugs are useless for the most part when not looking at something strong like a scyther or fast like a ninjask. The types that are a bit rarer aren't necessary this early on for rookies. Dragons and ghosts and the like. Any pokemon that you have in mind specifically?"

Ash hummed in thought. "For electric-types I was thinking a magneton would be good. Magnezone are powerful and their steel-typing provides some good defense. Pikachu would be good for their speed but Magnezone are just better defensively than Raichu. If I could find an elekid or electrike they'd be great too."

"Boring. They all flock around that Power Station on Route 10 like every other electric-type in Kanto. What's next?"

"For a fire-type I was thinking of a vulpix, but they're only really found at the foot of Cinnabar's volcano. Same with a magby. I know at least one herd of wild ponyta roam on the plains between Fuchsia and Vermillion City. If I can find one, I really like the idea of a houndour."

Gary raised a brow. "Another dark-type?"

"You have no room to judge, psychic specialist." Ash said, unimpressed.

"Fair enough." Gary conceded. "Houndoom are tough pokemon, but the fire-type and dark-type both give 'em a good bit of aggression you'd need to curb. I'd say you'd want a water-type before trying your hand but your graveler would work just as well. That's if you can find a houndour at all. Next."

"I…kinda have no idea what water-types or flying-types to go for." Ash said finally. "Nothing catches my eye."

"Water-types are pretty prevalent everywhere so you shouldn't lack for options, especially with the sea near Fuchsia City. Try the warm waters south of there before you leave. Flying-types are entirely up to you for standards. Pidgeot are good in general, fearow more physical. Dodrio can be strong when trained correctly. Crobat are damn quick. Dealer's choice."

"Skarmory and murkrow are hard to find too." Ash said as he sighed.

Gary gave him a critical gaze. "Something you're trying to tell me, Ash? Houndour and a murkrow? If you wanna be a dark-type trainer just say so."

Ash hummed. "We'll see. I've not even interacted with a dark-type yet. Greed and Nut are both just fighting-type and grass-type right now. Their evolutions will give me a feel for it. Nut at least has been growing recently. His evolution should be fairly soon."

"Just to let you know, dark-types won't save you from my team. My psychics will trounce your babies easily." Gary gloated.

As much as Gary would be the type to think someone would specialize just to try and beat him, Ash saw the joke for what it was. "Damn, you caught on too quickly. Go easy on me?"

"Only if you do the same."

"Never." They laughed together, as they'd done a thousand times before. "Anyway, where are you headed after Cerulean and your abra hunt?"

"After searching for an abra, I'm headed from Saffron to Celadon then Vermillion. Scyther would be my best bet against Sabrina, but I don't think my team is ready just yet." Gary winced. "She'd tear us down."

A fair assessment. Sabrina was terrifying for experienced trainers and rookies both. She was one of the strongest Leaders in Indigo, behind perhaps only Giovanni and Clair. Though that might say more about the freakish power held by the Gates of Kanto and Johto. It had been something of a shock that Koga had been entered into the Elite Four rather than either of those two. Most chalked it up to neither of the Gates having a proper successor.

Sabrina was at least kinder than the Earthshaker or Dragon Queen and would lower her power suitably to her opponents. Ash couldn't wait to challenge the acclaimed strongest psychic in the world for her badge. With his team at his back, he wouldn't lose. The dark-type's immunity to psychics might also help a bit. "Erika is…something. Scyther and Growlithe should be enough for the Rainbow Badge. You'll enjoy Celadon."

A city vibrant, loud and unendingly flooded with obnoxious lights? Gary would fit right in.

"Good to know. What'd she use on you?"

"A paras and gloom." Ash supplied. "Not anything intimidating. Oh, bring something to plug your nose." Gary seemed confused but agreed nonetheless. Ash had been so tempted to let his friend discover that surprise on his own, but couldn't. No one's nose deserved to suffer like that.

"In that case, bring swim trunks to Cerulean. You will get soaked."

Ash laughed at that. "I'll keep that in mind."

Gary yawned as he checked the time. "After Fuchsia, where are you headed?"

"Vermillion." Ash answered. "Graveler is my lifeline for that battle."

"Unimaginative, but if it ain't broke…" Gary yawned again.

Ash stifled a yawn of his own. Those damn things were contagious. It reminded him of the tiredness he had after trekking the Viridian Forest and mining tunnel. That reminded him of something. "Hey, Gary, did you piss off a kid with samurai armor in the Viridian Forest?"

His friend stopped mid-yawn. Gary grinned. "He challenge you too?"

"That damn metapod…" Ash trailed off.

"Can't forget that pinsir." Gary added. "Did he still have that tacky katana?"

Ash smiled widely. "Oh, he had it." At Gary's behest, Ash told him of just what fate befell that sword.

The Oak cackled.

.—.—.

"So, how do you wanna do this? One-on-one? Two-on-two?" Sparky asked as they took to opposite ends of the field. The unrestricted breeze doing its best to ruffle the spikey yellow hairdo the Gym Leader had. The sheer amount of gel that the blonde would need to maintain that look was frightening.

Ash thought for a second. "How about a two-on-two match? A pokemon of yours and one of Rainer's?"

Rainer looked over from where he stood as referee on the side of the field, Mikey beside him looking on in fascination. The Gym's kadabra stood next to the both of them, keeping up the barrier to protect the spectators and the surrounding area. "I'd be alright with that. Sparky?"

"Sounds fun. If Pyro was here we could do three. Eh, whatever. Ready?" The Gym Leader asked as he palmed a hand over his belt. "We won't use our main teams. We have to give you a fighting chance, y'know."

He wasn't offended by that in the slightest. Ash was no match for a Gym Leader caliber pokemon. "Ready as I'll ever be." In response, a crimson light emerged onto the field.

The electric-type that showed was a quadruped feline. Its blue and black fur was coarse and sparked as its tail whipped back and forth. It unsheathed its claws, which also sparked with electricity, as it turned its yellow eyes at him. A luxio.

Ash hummed as he released his own fighter. He had wanted to test out the newbie when a proper opponent was available and Sparky was the perfect opportunity. Graveler emerged in a flash and eyed down the electric-type across from him as it hissed at him.

Rainer gave them a moment to size up their opponents before swiping his arms downwards. "Graveler against Luxio. Begin!"

"Harden, then Smack Down and Rock Throw." Ash commanded. He didn't want to start off with a move like Earthquake or Bulldoze, it was better if luxio was closer for one of those. Luckily, luxio happened to be a more physical attacker than most other electric-types.

"Ice Bite, then Night Slash and Mud Slap." Sparky rebutted.

Graveler shone with a dull silver as Harden took hold, reinforcing his tough outer shell. He took his two upper arms and threw gobs of Smack Down at the approaching feline. Sparky's pokemon dodged the mud skillfully and maneuvered away from the Rock Throws as well. Ash heard Graveler grunt in annoyance as his enemy refused to be hit.

Graveler used his lower two arms to drop down and crush the ground in his grip. The two handfuls of what was once the battlefield hardened as two more Rock Throws barreled at the rapidly approaching electric-type.

Luxio pounced onto Graveler when it got within range. The Rock Throw finally hit it as it lunged. Its maw gleamed with energy as it bit into the rock pokemon's shell. The Ice Bite, Ash realized, was Bite and Ice Fang melded together. Its claws slashed downward with dark-types energy as Graveler thrashed to get it off of him.

The attacks didn't do much to the nigh-impenetrable shell. The strong shocks that coursed through the fur and claws of the lion-like pokemon doing nothing against Graveler's ground-typing. Ash hummed. It was close like he'd wanted.

"Bulldoze then Rollout." He called.

The attack worked better than he expected. Graveler stomped as he finally shook off the electric-type's hold. The move granulated the very ground around the two battlers causing the luxio's paws to sink as it landed. It hissed as it struggled.

"Double Team." Sparky called out.

Ash groaned as multiple versions of Luxio took the field, each one indistinguishable than the last. It didn't help that Luxio had escaped the ground's grasp and was crisscrossing all of its mirages to make identifying the real one impossible. Graveler tucked his arms into his shell and accelerated forward. A second later his shell, worsened by Harden, impacted the real luxio, then twice and thrice. The Pallet trainer blinked in surprise. How had the graveler known which one was the real one? The weight difference on the ground maybe? He'd have to ask his pokemon later.

Sparky seemed surprised as well. It didn't last long though. "Endure, then Rock Assault."

Damn those code words. Luxio blurred forward as Graveler swiped at it with a massive fist. The electric-type quickly swerved on its paws and shot its hind up into the face of its opponent. Its tail impacted Graveler hard with the might of Iron Tail. The two hind legs used Double Kick to strike the ground-type, the fighting-move proving enough to throw the hundreds of pounds of heavy shell backwards a foot.

It was still within grabbing range. "Grab it. Anchor yourself with Rock Tomb then Magnitude." Ash came up with the unorthodox use of Rock Tomb on the spot. He didn't need Luxio getting away because it had been able to unsteady the massive rock-type once again.

Sparky seemed to go rigid as Luxio was constrained by two arms. Graveler let out one, long bellow as he unleashed a furious tremor. Luxio was right at the center of it all, taking the full brunt of the attack without a way to escape. When Graveler finally released its furred body, it was very much down for the count. Sparky recalled his down pokemon with a frown. If he wanted to say something, he held his tongue.

"Luxio is unable to battle, Graveler is the victor. Round one to Ash." Rainer announced before switching with Sparky. "You sure you only have one badge?"

Ash was confused. "Yeah, just the one."

Rainer hummed and threw a pokeball onto the field. Poliwrath whirled its spiral as it appeared and took in the sight of Graveler. The poliwrath, Ash realized, was the same one that he had seen earlier with Greed.

This was a bad matchup for him. Graveler could only take a few hits from concentrated water-type attacks, so he'd need to return those hits tenfold.

"Poliwrath against Graveler. Begin!" Sparky announced.

"Harden and Defense Curl, use Rollout to get closer and then Magnitude."

"Rain Dance, then Water Pulse and Bubble Beam. Dynamic Punch if it gets close." Rainer ordered.

Ash was entirely unprepared for the speed in which his opponent would follow through. The cloud formed above them within seconds and started throwing down rain. The water attacks followed soon after, striking harsher with the reinforcement of the weather. Graveler's Rollout was met with a Water Pulse that slowed the move down considerably. Poliwrath had actually used his Bubble Beam to strike the Water Pulse. The effect had been the orb being ushered forward with enhanced speed and power. A fascinating work around to a move that moved fairly slowly when launched.

Ash noted that for later. Maybe he could use a version of that with Nut's Energy Ball.

Poliwrath hopped to the side as the rock type approached before leaping forward. Its fist impacted the outer shell hard enough to cause a shockwave in the rain around them. The roar of the graveler reminded Ash of a rockslide as Magnitude quaked the battlefield. Poliwrath leaped and hopped to evade it, but even so was still struck by a stray chunk of earth it kicked up. Graveler's Magnitude was an Earthquake all of its own.

"Hydro Pump then Ice Beam. Finish it with Rock Smash." Rainer's calm voice contrasted to the chaos of the field.

Ash paled as Graveler was struck head on by the powerful water attack. As he was covered in the water of both the falling rain and the attacks, Ice Beam struck him. The ice move froze the water that clung and pooled on his shell. Entire chunks of ice froze to his protective shell.

This was Graveler's last hurrah. Graveler was already swaying on his feet, held up by sheer willpower and spite. Ash was confident the poliwrath could take the next attack without permanent injury. "Trap it with Rock Tomb then Earthquake!"

The psychic barriers thickened immediately. The kadabra was joined by a slowbro and exeggutor to layer more barriers over the others. It grew thick enough that Ash could only make out shapes, the multitude of psychic barricades making it seem as if he was looking through stained glass. He felt the ground rumble and shake despite the dampeners that were surely installed. He heard the earth wrench and tear at the command of his pokemon.

A resounding crash was felt and heard from the other side of the barrier. After the world fell still, the barriers were lessened to a viewable level. Ash sighed as he saw Graveler's slumped form. Poliwrath stood near him.

The water-type looked rough. Its blue body was covered in scrapes, cuts and bruises. Some portions of the tadpole pokemon were oozing blood from the embedded shrapnel of the attacks it had been hit with. Rain Dance had peppered out by the time Graveler was recalled. The ground-type gave as good as he got, Ash would give him that.

"Graveler is unable to battle, Poliwrath is the victor. Round two to Rainer." Sparky announced.

"That's a tough pokemon." Rainer said calmly. "Poliwrath is a bit stronger than I was going to use, but that graveler needed a heavier hand. I would classify Poliwrath worthy of a trainer of four or five badges at the stage I had him battling at. Graveler kept up well despite his heavy weakness. You could use him alone in the Fuchsia Gym and roll out with a win."

Ash already knew Graveler was his toughest pokemon, and not just defensively. Greed and Nut were not weak, but alone they were not enough to take on the fury of the rock/ground-type. Together they had been able to knock him down constantly, but that would not hold true if they faced him one-on-one.

Nut appeared into the ruined battlefield with a determined squeak. The grass-type gave the damage on the field a curious look. "It took down Graveler, be careful." Ash said to his partner. The statement made Nut squint at the battered poliwrath. Nothing that had taken down Graveler was to be underestimated.

"Seedot against Poliwrath. Begin!"

"Buff yourself. Leech Seed and Air Cutter. Energy Ball if it gets too close." Ash commanded immediately. "Keep some distance."

"Ice Beam. Get in close then Dynamic Punch and Circle Throw." Rainer retorted.

Ash frowned as the tadpole pokemon took off. It was still quick despite its injuries, but nothing compared to what it had been. An Ice Beam interrupted Nut's attempts to reinforce himself. Buff was nothing more than Harden and Growth together, a technique that was as primitive as it was essential. It was the same technique Nut had come up with himself way back in Viridian City. Nut desperately needed any edge against an opponent of this caliber. Leech Seed was enough to keep the water/fighting-type at a small distance, but it wasn't intent on letting that remain.

"Mist. Close the gap." Rainer said as he examined the seedot closely. "Send it flying."

"Defog." Ash retorted quickly. That flying-type move was proving itself more and more helpful. He made a note to thank Leaf as well as grab a treat for Glide the next time he saw the bird. Rainer frowned as the Mist was negated in the same instant it appeared. Ash couldn't let Poliwrath make itself any more cover to dodge Nut. Already the blue blur was hopping around the ruins left behind by Graveler's Earthquake to throw off the grass-type's aim.

Finally it made its advance. Nut shot off a Leech Seed that managed to find the poliwrath at last. The Energy Ball that followed was met head on by its target. The poliwrath then did something he had not expected and caught it. A further exam saw that the tadpole pokemon wasn't actually touching it, but rather hoverning mere inches away from it as it rerouted the direction of the orb. Ash had to balk as the pokemon did a circle as if throwing a discus and the ball was sent hurtling back to its creator. Nut hit it with an Air Cutter before it could impact him, causing the attacks to implode in the middle of the field. The dust and shrapnel it kicked up blocked the seedot's view as Poliwrath pushed its advantage.

"Back off!" Ash ordered quickly. It was too late as the fighting-type was already on him. Nut was struck hard by the Dynamic Punch and was sent sprawling backwards. He was then picked up and, much like Poliwrath had done with the Energy Ball, began spinning in a circle. The Circle Throw sent the grass-type shooting off violently.

Nut didn't let it go unpunished though. The Energy Ball that struck Poliwrath in its spiral proved that well enough. Still, Ash watched as his partner slumped against the psychic barrier after he landed with a resounding smack. The rookie sighed and went to return his pokemon.

He stopped as the field was enveloped in a blinding white light. Rainer and Sparky watched in silent interest, contrasting to Mikey's excited hoots from the sidelines. Nut's form extended and grew under the glow of the evolutionary light. The pokemon emerged a seedot no longer.

The grass-type had actual limbs now. Two legs and two arms that he flexed excitedly. The hands were enormous compared to the thin arms they were attached to. Similarly, the bulky thighs made the flat feet seem small in comparison. The beige mask-like marking still adorned his face but a large, pointy nose now joined it. A large green leaf now took the spot of where the seedot's stem had been.

Ash felt his face twitch into a smile. "Let's finish this, buddy!"

Nut, now a nuzleaf, grinned (he had a mouth now!) and sent his arms shooting forward. Multitudes of razor sharp leaves shot towards Poliwrath, slicing and stabbing at whatever part they could reach. Razor Leaf, Ash realized, must have been learnt upon his evolution. Sloppy, but he could work with that.

"Ice Beam." Rainer ordered. The water-type specialist smiled at the scene despite the circumstances.

"Razor Leaf to get some cover, then Solar Beam!" Ash commanded, louder than was strictly necessary. No time like the present to see how well evolution would help manage the powerful grass-type move.

The swarm of green foliage appeared and assaulted Poliwrath as it sent the frozen beam of ice-type energy in return. Nut was able to dodge it, his longer and more muscular legs making evasion so much easier.

The Ice Beam only just missed the nuzleaf. Still, the evolution of Ash's pokemon proved itself as Solar Beam was gathered quicker than it had ever been before. As a seedot, the fastest Nut had ever been able to gather and send the powerful grass-type attack was fifteen seconds. Now, it only took five. It was an eternity for any pokemon in the Elite level of battling, but this was far from that. At this stage, a ten second cut made it seem as though it was instantaneous. The bright green streak struck Poliwrath in the center of his spiral.

The tadpole sent one last desperate Ice Beam at its opponent. It was a futile effort as the water-type met the immovable psychic barrier with a collision vicious enough Ash was worried it wouldn't walk straight again. Still, the fighter got to his feet. It took one step. Then another. It faltered on the third step and collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

Ash's face split itself with a grin. He would be lying if he said his cheers didn't drown out Mikey's own. Nut gave his own voice to the celebrations. The Pallet rookie waited as Poliwrath was recalled and the barriers dropped before approaching his newly evolved partner.

He refused to let any last second nervousness slow down his stride. Nut was freshly evolved and new to the dark-type energies that flowed through him, both of which were a notorious combination in the making of a rebellious pokemon. Better to make sure that notion didn't stick.

The nuzleaf looked at Ash as he came to stop in front of him. The trainer gave his pokemon a smile. "You're amazing, buddy."

Nut snickered as he held out his mitten-like fists. Ash laughed as he gave his pokemon a fist bump. "You're taller than Greed now." The teen noted. And taller he was, by about three inches. "He won't like that."

The pokemon gave a laugh that, while itself was not menacing, sent shivers down Ash's spine. A portion of Ash's mind seemed to snuggle itself with energy foreign to him as Nut laughed within his mind. Distortion washed over him as his partner's very being seemed to contrast against the liveliness of the world. Nut made a little sphere in the area that seemed to mute his own thoughts.

Well, that would take some getting used to. Now, to get his pokemon healed up and rations stockpiled. Afterwards, it was onwards once again to Fuchsia City, trekking through mud and gunk.

Suddenly that prospect sounded less than appealing.

.—.—.

Ash heard the bell above the door jingle as he entered the shop. It was a small establishment, humble and welcoming. Nothing compared to a Pokemart or, Mew forbid, the supercenter that is the Celadon Department Store.

An older woman stood behind the wooden counter. Graying hair framed the sides of her face, making her features more prominent. Her eyes met his and twinkled. "Hello, young man! Welcome to this little shop of mine."

"Good morning. Mrs. Alpin? Sparky sent me. He said it was a good place to stock up." Ash told her as he looked at the shelves. Antiques littered the displays, drawing contrast to the food items that couldn't have been more than freshly stocked. "I'm just heading to Fuchsia City. A couple days of rations will be enough."

She clicked her tongue. "Sparky trying to curry some favor? Either way, the trainer rations are near the door there." She pointed a long finger just past his shoulder. "The pokemon feed is on the shelf to your right. Look around if you'd like, I'll be here."

Ash did just that. The rations were picked up first, his and his team's both, before he took his time browsing the displays. The shelves seemed full of the randomest things. One shelf held books of varying authors and genres, and another held wooden figures that had been whittled with precision.

A wooden espeon caught his eye, as did the accompanying figure of an eevee. This town had some obsession with eevees and their evolutions. The brothers, the monument and now these figures. With the history of Evolution Mountain, he supposed he shouldn't be terribly surprised.

Nothing caught his eye as a necessary expense so he just took his rations to the counter. He laid his selections down in front of the older woman and she gave him a smile. Ash was ready to pay and bid her a goodbye but something caught his eye. It looked almost like a walkie-talkie toy that he'd have played with when he was a kid. The lady traced his gaze and grabbed it for him.

"It's a radio." She informed him. "With the radio towers in Goldenrod City and Lavender Town, there aren't many places in Indigo where it can't find a signal. A good idea if you plan on attempting to keep up with the outside world while you travel."

Ash made up his mind and added it to his pile. An up-to-date news broadcast would be a welcome change. Freshly stocked, he was ready for the road. He'd said his goodbyes to the eevee brothers already and was ready to head out. Mournfully, he'd rejected Sparky's offer for a teleport to Fuchsia.

The offer was tempting, tantalizingly so, but Nut needed the time to acclimate to his new form before the Fuchsia Gym. Even if he wouldn't be used in the battle–Ash wasn't sure just yet which members he would use yet–it wasn't just his form that was necessary to get used to either. The newly acquired dark-type was pumping foreign energies into Nut that his buddy had not gotten adjusted to just yet.

Nut's evolution was Ash's first proper experience with a true dark-type pokemon. It took a little getting used to at first. The chill that had rattled his bones the first time the nuzleaf got angry was a unique experience. The aura the pokemon gave off was also different. It was hard to put into words. More alien. With a jolt, Ash realized that his stalker reminded him of that feeling too.

It made sense to a degree. The dark-type, psychic-type, and ghost-type are all connected to the world in strange ways. Ash had read somewhere that trainers with the trio often said the pokemon took up residence in their subconscious to an extent. Psychics mentioned the phenomenon more than any others. The trio could communicate to some level with their trainers. Again, psychics did so more often and with more clarity than the others.

The stalker was likely a psychic-type if its clear communication was any indicator. It still didn't help Ash narrow down its species, but it was better than nothing. Said stalker had actually been quiet as of yet. Even when it hadn't talked to him he'd always been able to sense that it was there. That sense had vanished when Nut evolved. It would return periodically if the nuzleaf was in his pokeball or far enough away from Ash's person.

Greed had taken to his teammate's evolution with gusto. Maybe it was the competition between them, or maybe the panda was affected by the residual dark energy. Either way the pancham was throwing himself into his training. The spars between the two had become near brawls enough times that Ash had to now watch them to prevent that.

Graveler was neutral about Nut's new form. The rock pokemon seemed more annoyed at his own loss to Poliwrath than anything else. It was pushing the rock/ground-type to put more work into his training so Ash saw it was a win.

After two days of traveling through the mud of Route 18, Fuchsia City was finally in sight.

Fuchsia was radically different from the rest of Kanto. Ash had seen the difference in a metropolis like Celadon to a small town like Pallet. Still, Fuschia was unique. The citizens of the city had never lost their traditional roots. The architecture spoke of all the history that the city shouldered.

Black and whites were prominently displayed as the primary colors on most structures. The occasional purples and teals were eye-catching when contrasted against the nearly gray scaled city.

Before the formation of the Indigo League, when Kanto was composed of city-states that vied for power, Fuchsia was looked down upon as dishonorable. Honor and chivalry were held in high esteem in those days. Fuschia was in open plains with only sparse forests and tall grasses around for concealment. It lacked the natural defenses of a city like Pewter or the might of the ancient Saffron mystics. Seclusion was the only factor benefiting the city. So, Fuchsia was the home that gave birth to the shinobi.

The shinobi–or assassins or ninjas, whichever titles one preferred–were the way in which Fuchsia's clans remained unbroken and unconquered from their warring neighbors. Trading in sheer might for stealth worked well. As the history books would say, they learned from nature. They weaved through grasses like an ekans waiting to strike.

They might not be the Wataru of Blackthorn, but the Sekichiku Clan of Fuchsia were still alive and going strong. Elite Four Koga was their shining example. The paragon that expressed their history in every step he took. Ash felt the weight of such a long kept culture the minute he entered the city.

Ash found not a single home above three stories. The Pokemon Center seemed the tallest structure in the area. Even the Fuchsia Gym, which he'd thought he'd spot immediately, was nowhere to be found. Whether it was because he hadn't come across it or because it blended in with the buildings around it he wasn't sure.

There were no bright lights or flashing neons to be found. This was not Celadon. This place was one of the larger cities in Kanto, but it still seemed untouched to the modern vices that prowled the other cities of the region. There appeared to be not even a single light post or electrical wire in sight, though Ash could see some houses with modern lightning. Were they underground? That didn't seem likely but any other options seemed even more farfetched.

Ash grabbed a room at the Center before giving his pokemon over to Nurse Joy to be looked after. He'd used the Revitalization Machine at Sparky's Gym before leaving Stone Town–something he'd thanked the eevee brothers for immensely–but that was days ago. Not to mention that Nurse Joy would be more than angry if he didn't even have Nut looked at after his evolution. The healthcare professional gave him a buzzer to let him know when his team was ready.

Given that his team needed some rest, Ash thought he'd check out the city of ninjas on his lonesome. Not that he wouldn't do that even if he had his team. History wasn't the favorite subject of discussion with his pokemon. Graveler was Graveler, enough said, but at least Greed and Nut would entertain his talks. The both of them couldn't care less about most of it, true, but they listened at least.

Fuchsia City was rather bland. Ash didn't mean to insult the place. Rather, it was just a simple truth. At a glance, nothing remarkable popped out in the city. Subtly was a practice well executed among the shinobi. There was a reason the only tourist destination near the city was the Safari Zone, a reserve that had been formed centuries after the need for the city's stealth was curtailed.

Ash's first stop was dinner. The sun was setting and his stomach was rumbling. The PC's recommendation had given him a more downbeat local restaurant to try his luck at rather than one of the few tourist flavored ones near the harbor. The food he ordered looked to match the city perfectly, bland yet nutritious. Yet, after a single bite Ash was ready for another. High in protein, minimal fat, and portions that were well regulated. Enough to make you full but not encumber you. Fitting for the city of ninjas.

The Pallet Town teen was so taken with his meal he nearly missed the buzzer that was shaking his pocket. When he reluctantly convinced himself to leave and go retrieve his pokemon he gave the chef a glowing review, left a hefty tip, and made his way out.

His team was retrieved without hassle. Nut's evolution had gone swimmingly and the only thing truly hurt on Graveler was his ego. Greed was as hale as ever.

Ash would be lying if he said he didn't want to immediately race to the Fuchsia Gym. He was ready to race across the city to locate and challenge Janine for the Soul Badge, but was stopped by a few factors. The most glaring of which being that the sun had set and wouldn't be coming back up on his demands. Another being he wanted his partners at their full potential for such an important occasion.

The Gym could wait one more night, it wouldn't go anywhere. Tomorrow would be the day he obtained his second badge.

.—.—.

Ash was right, the Gym hadn't gone anywhere. Janine on the other hand…

"She's away?! For how long?" Ash asked the clerk.

The front desk of the Fuchsia Gym–which he'd finally located in the morning with Nurse Joy's assistance–seemed to creak as he leaned on it. The lady behind the desk adjusted her glasses as she shrugged. "Depends on the League's assignment, kid. Could be later today or the end of the week. I just take names and answer the phone." He must have made a face because she scowled at him. "The Gym isn't busy so the League sent Janine on business. Take it up with the Elites."

Ash left the Gym in a foul mood. His team, as well as himself, had expected a battle that morning. Battling the few trainers passing through the city was better than nothing, but not a replacement for a Gym challenge. He let himself spit on the ground outside the Gym as he mentally imagined wringing the neck of the clerk.

The thought gave him some sick satisfaction before Ash shook his head in shock. Where had that come from? He'd never had a thought that violent for something completely out of someone's control. Maybe the road was getting to him more than he thought. A few days in Fuchsia would probably do him some good.

Either way, as annoying as it was to have his goals completely undercut there wasn't anything he could do about it. He figured that training was the best use of the time. Complacency was the death of progress, as Professor Oak would say.

Greed was finally rounding out the elemental punches with Thunder Punch. The panda was able to use both Fire Punch and Ice Punch in tandem consistently and had earned it. Ash administered the TM and let his partner have some space to figure out the new energy. The way the electricity sparked off the pokemon's fist was interesting. It reminded Ash of the Thunder Stone in his backpack.

Nut was starting from the basics of dark-type moves. Some basic dark-type moves would better help him orient himself to his new typing. Learning to control it rather than let it control him. Torment was up first as a fairly simple move. Then Sucker Punch or Payback, whichever the nuzleaf wanted first.

After the two had finished their new moves, they were going to switch into working with each other more often. There were a couple of reasons for it. He wanted the nuzleaf and pancham to work on dark-type moves together, which was a positive of its own, and to also see if the new energy from Nut would rub off on the panda pokemon. It might not be overnight but the supplemental dark-type aura should help his starter along in evolution.

Graveler, injured pride and all, was starting on Rock Polish. The move was simple and would be easily learned, but Ash was excited for the possibilities it afforded. After Rock Polish, Sandstorm was looking like a good addition to the pokemon's offensive heavy movepool. Weather and field altering moves were something he hadn't yet dabbled in and he was excited the possibilities they afforded.

After both of the new moves were perfected Ash wanted to try his hand at some techniques he had in mind for the rock-type.

The rock-type's disdain was clear. He wasn't a fan of a move that wasn't directly shoring up his defense or offense. Something like Rock Polish, which would improve his speed, was looked down upon. Ash figured the boulder wouldn't be a fan of the Dig TM either when they got around to learning it. Sandstorm could at least be spun to make the pokemon see it more favorably.

Ash called the training session to a close after lunch. If Janine did return he didn't want to need to rest his team. If he wasn't able to challenge the Gym then he'd put his mind to something he'd planned on doing that day anyway. He made sure his fishing pole, lures, and license were in good shape and on hand before heading south.

The harbor sat at the seafront of Fuchsia, just barely outside the limits of the city. A few ships sat anchored at the docks. None were large ships, a Seagallop ferry was the largest vessel within the dockyard. There were no massive cruise liners that graced the city when they could instead bypass the feudalistic city and go onwards to Vermillion.

Ash passed the harbor in favor of a location farther down the shore. He eventually passed a breakwater constructed a good distance away, the structure intended to protect against and break up any rogue waves or storm surges. There were some rocky outcroppings a good distance away from the boatyard and past the breakwater that Ash eyed as a good spot that would let his fishing rod reach further. He pulled his cap down to get the noon sun out of his eyes as he shouldered his bag higher and ventured forward.

The wet rocks were hazardous. Ash took his steps carefully so as to not slip on the water covered stones as he rounded the outcroppings. His boots were a life saver with their no-slip soles and water resistant nature. Luckily he didn't stumble on his way.

Ash took a second after reaching the end of the rocks. The view was great. Small waves lapped at the sandy shore and the rocky outcroppings. The foam gathered on the shore as each surf came and deposited it. The sound reminded him of a white noise machine his mother had bought years before.

The teen breathed in the salty breeze deeply before exhaling. Ash was planning on making his cast here, but he smiled as he spotted a far better location further down the shore. A cove that was sheltered by the surrounding crags. He made sure of his footing as he continued on to his new destination.

Finally, after almost losing his balance a hundred times, he jumped down from the rocks and found his feet on stable ground. The sand sunk his boots down with each step he took; no yellow grains found their way into the footwear thankfully. Ash smiled at the scenery. Perfect.

Ash was quick to release his team. There may not be any pokemon in sight but that didn't mean much this close to the sea. That wasn't to mention the dozens of hiding places along the crags and among the stones. He was surprised he didn't already have krabby snapping at his ankles in a cove like this.

Greed immediately made his dissatisfaction known. The sand was finding its way into every crevice of his fur it could get to and his legs were sinking even further than Ash's.

Nut was the opposite. The nuzleaf's feet were wide enough to spread his weight out more evenly. The dispersal gave him the ability to all but glide over the ground without sinking. The wily pokemon seemed to be just as fond of the open sunshine as always. Ash knew Graveler would sooner let his pokeball be thrown into the ocean with him in it than be released in an area he'd assuredly be assaulted by nonstop sandpits, so he elected to spare them both the trouble.

Ash hummed as Greed growled at Nut. A challenge if he'd ever heard one. "Hey, not now. After I cast for a couple hours I'll let you two get a good spar in. Maybe sooner if we catch something early. I want you both to watch my back. Last thing I need is a gyrados biting me in half because you knocked each other out."

Greed rumbled, miffed, but accepted it. The panda was nothing if not loyal. Nut similarly acquiesced to Ash's demand. The grass-type had a new battle hungry streak in him since his evolution but wasn't openly rebellious so far.

With that, Ash shrugged off his bag and dug through it. He pulled out his pen-sized fishing pole and extended it. The red–and of course it was red–pole was almost as long as Ash was tall. His little box of lures and hooks were set beside his bag as he carefully selected which one to use. Lucky that they each came with a little excerpt in the manual about their intended use and best waters to test them in. He picked his lure and attached it to the end of the metallic rod. The medium sized red lure was shaped like a newly hatched magikarp, a favorite meal for most any hungry water-type.

Ash gave a test cast onto the sand to understand the weight. The magikarp lure went flying with only a modicum amount of force behind the cast. Ash smiled. Soon enough he took a step back and let the lure sail through the air. It plopped into the water fifty feet off the shore. Ash sat on a laid out towel as he slowly reeled in and waited for a bite.

He didn't wait long. The line tugged almost immediately. The rod was pulled nearly from Ash's hands because he was unprepared for it. He recouped himself and gave a harsh tug to set the hook. After a minute of fighting the water-type on the other end, Ash reeled the last few inches of line in and examined his catch.

A goldeen. About average size. Not something he was psyched about adding to his team. He winced as it flopped on the line and nearly jabbed him with its horn. Greed huffed as Ash called him over. Without Ash needing to elaborate, the fighting-type knew what his job was. The pancham grabbed the fish as Ash unhooked it. Greed flung the fish twenty feet from the shore. The goldeen disappeared beneath the waves.

Ash gave himself a pat on the back for both a good cast and a catch immediately. "Thanks, bud." Greed huffed.

Ash cast once more and would once again bring in another water-type. It would remain that way for a good while. Each cast seemed to catch another pokemon. Perhaps the diversion of water-types of the coast was to attribute or maybe people didn't fish this particular cove. He'd like to think a little bit of credit was due for his own fishing skills.

What he reeled up was never anything Ash was ready to add to his team though. Plenty of magikarps, goldeen, and poliwag. The occasional remoraid and luvdisc made an appearance too. Ash had to marvel at the sad little wishiwashi he reeled up before letting it loose. Greed was handy in tossing back the more unhappy catches.

Ash was nearly ready to pack up his pole and let his pokemon spar when he reeled in his best catch yet. It was a magikarp. There was nothing special about the fish's species–magikarp being the most common water-type in the world left very little room for any awe –but the color of it was certainly eye-catching.

The golden magikarp reflected the sun as if it was a mirror. It was young; barely big enough to swallow the lure and only a third of the size of a grown magikarp. It was likely why it hadn't been hunted already, it was young enough it hadn't had the chance for any predators to spot its color. If Ash threw it back and gave it a week he expected it would be swallowed whole by any number of carnivorous pokemon.

The rookie hummed as he reached for an unoccupied pokeball from the pocket on his bandelier. He'd be lying if he said he was capturing the fish for its own good. No, that was pretty far from the truth. A golden magikarp–most definitely a carrier of the 'shiny' gene–would sell for a large sum of money. Professor Oak would also want a chance to study it and Ash would refuse the man scarce few things.

As he was about to tap the device to the golden scales of the water-type, it was quickly snatched from his sight. The teen was caught off guard as the thief submerged quickly and he didn't get a proper look at the offender. An instant later Ash was fighting that very something on the end of his pole that had grabbed the magikarp. He growled deep in his throat. That magikarp was his!

The hook was still set in the magikarp's mouth giving Ash the chance to reel it back in. He was fighting this thief with all his strength. And he was losing fairly handily. "Greed! Help me pull!" Ash commanded quickly. "Nut, get ready to hit this thing with an Energy Ball! Greed, Thunder Punch it when we get it out of the water!"

His team lept into action. Greed was quickly at the feet of his trainer and taking control of the fishing pull. It only took the powerful fighting-type one yank to see the magikarp flying from the water with the thief attached to it. Two large pincers were clamped tight onto the white pectoral and tail fins of the water-type, refusing to let go. Vice Grip, if Ash had to guess. The thief was finally forced to drop the fish in its pincers as Nut hit it with a Energy Ball. Its shell took the effective move surprisingly well as the crustacean gurgled angrily.

The red-shelled pokemon sent a Bubble Beam at the nuzleaf in retaliation. Ash gave the attacking pokemon a little bit of credit at that. Bubble Beam was not a move learned easily for most wild pokemon. Most stuck to the easier learnt Water Gun. Greed took that moment to strike it with a Thunder Punch that sent shocks across its shell. The water-type clicked its pincers angrily as it began to slowly back up back to the sea. Not to flee, Ash noted with surprise, but to have a better position to attack from.

Ash's decision was instant. He was capturing this ruffian. He wasn't sure what it was—it very vaguely reminded him of a krabby—but it didn't matter. It was his now. "Nut, cut it off from the water with Razor Leaf! Greed, Thunder Punch again!"

As the Razor Leaf blocked the sea from their newest opponent, Ash took the chance to throw a pokeball at the now flailing magikarp. The golden fish was sucked in without resistance. The unmoving red capture device fell to the sand.

Seeing its meal disappear sent the attacking water-type into a fit. It loosened another Bubble Beam at Nut before scuttling forward and shooting both pincers at Greed. Vengeance shone in its saucer-like eyes. The Double Hit struck Greed in the belly. The pancham growled as he returned the hit with a Thunder Punch on both fists. The crustacean seemed surprised it hadn't done more before it was fried by the electric-type move.

Ash removed another pokeball and tossed it at their downed opponent. It captured the ruffian with a flash of crimson and fell to the sandy beach. A slight tremble and a shake made Ash think it was going to break out. Finally, it fell still with a click.

The rookie grinned. Water-type acquired. Now, time to figure out just what it was.

.—.—.

Ash fell into his pillow with a deep sigh. It had to be him. His newest addition needed introductions, preferably that night. Still, he reached out and squeezed a second pillow tightly. Of all water-types that he could have caught, it was difficult to believe he'd caught one of the very few that Gary would get a laugh out of.

A corphish.

The water-type was a great addition to his roster by all accounts. A tough pokemon with potential that Ash could mold. A stalwart resolve and ambition a trainer could only hope for. Yes, Corphish was a great capture and Ash didn't regret throwing that pokeball.

It was simply bad luck that Corphish's evolution, a crawdaunt, happened to be a dark-type. The only other water/dark-types Ash could think of off the top of his head was sharpedo and its pre-evolution, carvanha. Fortunately it was not the sharp teeth of a sharpedo that had stolen the magikarp from Ash's line. He sincerely doubted Magikarp would be in one piece had it been. As it was, the fish was left in rough shape from Corphish's pincers. Nothing to worry about according to Nurse Joy, so that was good at least.

Ash only let himself rest his head for a moment more before forcing himself from his room. He'd only come up to change from his wet clothes. There was still light outside and he had plenty of things to do. Pick up his newest augments to his team from Joy, call Professor Oak, and then introduce himself to Corphish.

With a groan, he emerged from his room in a fresh set of clothing. Nurse Joy handed him his pokemon and he was off to make that call to the professor. Thankfully it was a quick call. The researcher, unsurprisingly, would very much like to study the golden magikarp. It wasn't hard to arrange a transfer from the Center to the man's lab. Ash let the more experienced man do whatever research he wanted with the fish as long as the Oak agreed to find a suitable buyer for it after he was done. A bargain that they could both appreciate.

Finally, it was time to make a first impression. Well, second first impression.

Greed and Nut stood to his sides as he palmed the ball holding Corphish. Graveler stood a few feet away, watching with poorly hidden interest. The rock pokemon had gotten a run down of the day. As Ash had expected, the rock-type held no love for the sandy beach he'd described but seemed at least passingly interested in the water-type they'd captured. Ash would take it over the pokemon's usual neutrality.

The corphish was released with a flash. The ruffian pokemon gave the area a few slow blinks before seeming to remember what had happened. It didn't do more than raise its pincers. Said pincers were bigger than Ash had thought from a distance, roughly the same size as the pokemon's head. A sign of good health.

The three large spikes adorned the top of its head, their purpose likely to show age or battle prowess for attracting mates. Three pairs of legs, each one for maneuvering in the sea and on rugged terrain, scuttled as the pokemon crept around. The lower halves of its pincers and underbelly were cream-colored rather than the vibrant red of the upper shell that seemed to catch the sun.

"Hello, Corphish." Ash greeted, "I'm sure you remember us." It gurgled. It didn't sound angry just yet, which Ash was glad for. "You're tough. Stronger than most other pokemon around here, right? It's why I didn't see any krabby or kingler on that beach, you took it for your own." The crustacean clicked its pincers together. Pride shone in its eyes at the recognition. A gurgle followed.

Ash hunched down. "Listen, you fought my team. You know they're pretty tough. Join us and I can promise you that I'll help you evolve to be the strongest crawdaunt you can find." The water-type gurgled and blew a small stream of bubbles at the teen. Ash took that as agreement.

Corphish wasn't a complicated pokemon. He was strong and wanted to be stronger. Not a rare attitude among pokemon.

"Introductions are in order then." Greed and Nut approached as Ash beckoned them. "This is Greed, my starter. He's been with me the longest. Nut is the grass-type. He's just evolved and gained the dark-typing like you will someday." Corphish seemed interested as it clicked its pincers in greeting. "Graveler is the rock-type staring you down. He's the newest addition before you. Don't worry about him, he's a grump." Graveler grumbled at the description but remained otherwise silent.

Corphish seemed to examine the team critically. It gurgled and scuttled back and forth glancing at his new teammates before staring back at Ash. "Okay, I'm going to scan you with my Dex quick." The red machine scanned the pokemon in an instant and let the rookie view the information.

Corphish, the pre-evolution to crawdaunt, are some of the hardiest water-types one can find. From saltwater to freshwater and even in polluted or stagnant waters, this pokemon's vitality is something to admire. The pincers of corphish serve many purposes. Weapons that settle most any dispute the pokemon might find itself in, as well as vices to catch any pokemon it deems fit for consumption. Water-types, such as magikarp, are the preferred diet of this crustacean. Large pincers and head spikes, as well as healthy coloring, equate to good power and health and are used to attract mates in the wild.

Corphish and their evolution molt their shell regularly. Immediately after molting, its body is soft and tender. Until the shell hardens again, this pokemon hides in its watery burrows to avoid combat. A healthy molt will immediately be consumed by the corphish for its nutrients. This recycling of lost nutrients, such as calcium, helps to quicken the hardening process of the new shell. It is strongly recommended that trainers with recently shed corphish do not engage in battle with them. Calcium supplements are recommended to further fasten the process, but damage to an unhardened shell can be permanent. All corphish, similar to the krabby-line, naturally have the ability Shell Armor.

Warning: The evolution of this specimen is of the dark-type. Should it prove too difficult to train, contact your sponsor or the Rangers for further information.

This specimen is male and can perform the moves Bubble Beam, Vice Grip, Double Hit, and Razor Shell. It has an egg move; Mud Sport. Its abilities are Hyper Cutter and Shell Armor.

That wasn't bad, not at all. Mud Sport was a welcome surprise. It would help mitigate one of his natural weaknesses in electric-types. Yes, he could work with that. Ash shook his head from his thoughts. He could plan training regiments later. "Do you want a name? Greed and Nut both have one." The water-type thought about it before giving an emphasized snap of its pincers. "I'll take that as a yes. How about Atlas?"

The corphish rejected it immediately. Ash was only slightly disappointed. He'd liked that name for years. He started rattling off any name that came to mind. "Tidal, Brine, Marine, Douse, Tide, Aqua, Tempest, Abyss, Torrent." Ash stopped to breathe after they were all rejected. Maybe Corphish wanted something more personal. "How about Crest? You'll have a pretty prominent one after you evolve. Or Cove after the one you took over?"

The crustacean gurgled loudly and snapped its claws open and closed in excitement. Ash had stumbled into a perfect name. "Cove?" Another excited gurgle. "Okay, Cove it is. Good to have you on board, buddy."

Ash checked over his shoulder. The sun was setting soon, within the hour.

Well, no time like the present to break in the newbie. Not to mention he still owned his team a training session in the dark and Ash wasn't one to break his word.

.—.—.

Cove was acclimating to the team well. The lobster-like pokemon seemed to share the drive and battle lust of his other members. Greed, Nut and Cove were going to wreak havoc when they all evolved. Just one dark-type was a toll he wasn't expecting to bear before obtaining Greed, now he had a future of three dark-types. Cove's evolution was a bit in the future, but Ash just couldn't be sure about Greed's. The pancham hadn't grown majorly since they'd set out from Pallet. Maybe an inch of fur—he needed to get his starter groomed at some point; the pancham would probably enjoy it—but no actual height.

Cove wasn't like Graveler, thank Mew. The rock-type's troublesome introduction was still fresh on Ash's mind weeks later. The thought made him pause in his tracks. Just how long had it been since he left Pallet Town?

A week on Route 1, another week stuck in Viridian, an entire month with just the Viridian Forest and mining tunnel. A few days in Celadon and another few on Route 16. Two weeks on Route 17, then a week on Route 18 and a couple days from the detour to Stone Town. Not to mention the storms that held him up. Now, he found himself in Fuschia City waiting for Janine. Wow, it really was just under three months since he started his journey. How time flies.

It didn't help that he was hitting the longest stretches in the region earlier than other trainers. The central cities of Kanto were often referred to as the Gauntlet. Saffron, the crossroads of the region, led trainers to Celadon, Cerulean, or Vermillion. Each one posed their own challenges to a trainer's career, but together they formed a wall that every trainer needed to surmount.

Most followed the standard Gym Circuit starting in Pewter then moving to Cerulean.

After Cerulean, the rookie trainers moved south. The third gym in the standard rotation had long been Saffron, but Sabrina had curtailed that on her first day as Gym Leader. Similarly, Surge had done the same when those trainers flocked to Vermillion.

Celadon was the agreed upon third Gym nowadays, with most making the trek to Fuchsia afterwards. Erika and Janine were just more appealing targets than the other Leaders. After circling back to central Kanto, those same rookies just might stand a chance against the teams of Surge and Sabrina.

The first badge was always the easiest. The second badge was also, for the general population, not unachievable. But the difficulty increased significantly starting at a trainer's third badge. As trainers, the only easy day was yesterday.

Ash thought about his progress and smiled. He'd come a long way and he wasn't stopping now.

Ash walked the path he'd been pointed toward by the ever helpful Nurse Joy. It was leading him north and away from the limits of Fuchsia City. After a moderate trek, his goal came into sight.

The Safari Zone in Fuchsia's territory was the largest pokemon preserve in the world. The refuge was roughly two hundred square miles of pure wilderness prowled by dozens of Rangers and Ace Trainers. The League protected the Zone as one of Indigo's premier attractions and conservation programs. There were dozens of rare and endangered species inhabiting the area that the League defended zealously. Kangaskhan, lapras, and even the rare dratini could be found in the various areas of the Zone.

Ash had done his research about the Safari Zone. He knew what to expect. A large fee of three thousand dollars to enter with a six hour limit and thirty unique Safari Zone pokeballs. Another thing unique about the refuge was that trainers weren't allowed to attack any pokemon within the borders of the preserve. In essence they threw their allotted pokeballs and hoped they stuck. It was why they were given so many of them. Ash spotted the building that was the welcoming center for the Zone. He entered without a second thought. Immediately he was welcomed in.

"Hello!" A girl behind the front desk greeted him. "Welcome to the Fuchsia City Safari Zone. Are you a trainer?" As Ash nodded she smiled. "Perfect! If you have your identification and payment, I can get you set up with your allotted Safari Balls in a few minutes!"

Ash gave her his license and payment, both he had at the ready, as he looked around the lobby. Large electric screens showed the various areas in the Safari Zone. A prairie area, jungle sector, mountainous territory and much more. The swamps made him laugh considering that was probably the natural state of the area before the League set up the preserve. More screens flash near each sector detailing the potential pokemon typically found in each area. Scyther in the jungle, kangaskhan in the plains, the lakes inhabited by the ever rare dratini or lapras. All were incredibly tempting for Ash to hunt down. However, he only had six hours.

"Alright!" The girl said as she handed back his ID and slid over a sheet of paper. "Quick rules and a waiver to sign then you're good to go. The waiver gives it to you in detail, but I'll give you a rundown. No attacking the pokemon within the preserve, the only reason a pokemon of yours should be out is for self-defense. You're only permitted to use the allotted Safari Balls to capture any pokemon within the preserve. The Safari Zone also reserves the right to confiscate any pokemon part of a limited population or part of a specific breeding program. Currently, that means any kangaskhan, lapras, tangela, lickitung, scyther, dratini or chansey are bound to be confiscated. Everything else is fair game so long as you catch them in accordance with the rules!"

Ash frowned. He wasn't necessarily planning on hunting any of those in particular. Still, they were pokemon he wouldn't mind having. Scyther and dratini were seriously tempting pokemon. Scyther would solve his flying-type conundrum at the very least. He signed his name down quickly as he accepted a pouch full of miniaturized Safari Balls. "Any chance you could point me in the direction of a good place to look?"

The girl reached behind her and withdrew a pamphlet with a map on it. "Here, this can lead you around. Any pokemon in particular?"

"Nothing specifically."

"My suggestion would be to look for a flier in the canopy of the forests or the heights of the mountains. Fire-types like a dozen different areas but try the rocky crags. Water-types are in the lakes and ponds. Grass-types like the tall grasses or the forest. Our newest shipment of pokemon were rehomed to the Safari Zone just a few days ago straight from Galar, so they might be good choices if you find them! Good luck!"

Ash thanked her. He gathered his supplies and quickly made his way to the exit. Without preamble Ash made his journey into the wilds of the Zone.

.—.—.

New chapter is done! Pretty quick, if I do say so myself. Some important story beats this chapter, and a new addition to the team. We'll get to see Cove more later.

The next chapter is going to be an interlude to catch up with someone else other than Ash. Who sounds more interesting, Gary or Ethan? We'll get both of them eventually, but one has got to come first. Let me know what you all think, it might just influence me.

Thanks for reading. Reviews are appreciated! On a time crunch, replies next chapter!