Chapter Eight
It didn't take long for Ashlyn to figure out why her I-Must-Punish-My-Uncle-Mantis-for-Being-Stupid senses were tingling. In the Pokemon Center there were a lot of Pokemon trainers with their injured partners, many of which appeared to be cases of overkill (not all though, the kid with the Pidgey was kinda asking for it in Ash's opinion, it wasn't even that well trained for crying out loud). Thus, Ashlyn stormed up to the Gym's doors with the other humans following at a safe distance. Storm was on his master's shoulder, ignoring her bad mood. The fact that Misty and Jessie were able to steal and hide her hat when they were at the PokeCenter in an attempt to make her wear more feminine clothing (they had quickly decided after that this was a suicide mission upon seeing the mood she was in) only proved how distracted she was in her anger. But after she was through with her uncle, Bolt was sure that the other two girls were next.
When Ash reached the doors, she threw them open, yelling, "UNCLE MANTIS!"
When Lt. Surge saw how angry his niece was with him he paled and resisted the strong urge to turn and run in the other direction. A bit weakly, he replied, "Good morning, kid, how are you?"
"How am I?" she repeated. "How am I? I'm angry, that's how I am! I heard about what you said to some of the trainers you beat, about evolving Pokemon right away! Do you know the type of message that sends to young, impressionable trainers?!" she yelled, smacking the back of his head.
"Aw, come on, Rosie, it wasn't that bad."
"Wasn't that bad… Wasn't that bad?!"
…Meanwhile, while Ash is releasing her fury…
"So that's what you were talking about," said Lt. Surge's younger Raichu to the older one and the Tripod in realization.
"Yup. He usually tends to piss her off at least once during every visit," said the older Raichu, patting the younger one on the head while the Tripod enjoyed his milk (seeing as there was no popcorn) and the show.
"Hey, you guys mind if I sit with you while my trainer yells at yours?" Bolt asked. He sat down, receiving a nod from the older Raichu. "Thanks. My name is Bolt. What're yours?"
"I'm Thunder Tail, but just call me Tail. The big kitty over there is Tripod, and the younger guy here is Sparkz."
"Nice to mee-ow, that has got to hurt." Sparkz started to greet Bolt but was distracted by the sight of Ash with her legs around Lt. Surge's neck, pulling his ears.
"Oh, trust me, kiddo, she's just getting started," Tripod said with a smirk as the four sat and watched Ash.
...A While Later...
One nuggy, punch to the head, stinging ears, scratch marks and sore neck later, Surge now stood next to his still-steaming niece. Luckily, he'd been able to appease her by telling her she could summon all her Pokemon to the Gym to train.
Misty had gone out to the dock with James to try and catch some new Pokemon while Jessie and Brock went outside to train on land and maybe catch a new Pokemon or two. Ashlyn huffed as Professor Oak's face appeared on the video phone. When he saw the state of the two on the other end, he chuckled. "Ah, I see you two are getting along as well as ever. So, I guess you're going to use the GGTR."
Ash nodded, causing him to chuckle.
"Alright, I'll go get your Pokemon," Oak said before the 'holding' image icon appeared on the phone's screen.
GGTR? Bolt asked.
"The Gym Group Training Rule. While getting a badge is the main reason to go to a Gym, a trainer can ask to use the Gym to train their Pokemon before facing the leader. That's why it's called a Gym. But barely anyone takes advantage of that for some reason. Anyway, the GGTR rule states that, with a Gym leader's permission, a trainer can bring up to 20 of their Pokemon to train at one time."
Okay, that makes sense.
"Alright, got them, Ash," Professor Oak said before beginning to transfer over her Pokemon.
Once he was done, Ash asked the one thing that was on her mind. "Why am I two Squirtle short?"
Professor Oak sweatdropped. "Your mother 'borrowed' them to keep her company and to help her around the house, or at least that's what the note I found where their Pokeballs were said. I still swear her father was a ninja, and when she does things like that it only strengthens my suspicions… Anyway, happy training," he ended before hanging up.
Lt. Surge and Ashlyn shared a blank look. He asked, "You think we should tell him?"
"Nah, let him find out on his own," Ash answered before turning her attention to her Pokemon. "Alright, guys! Listen up, we're here to train, but first I'm going to scan you for levels, known moves, and a few other things."
One by one, Ash went over her Pokemon's growth and abilities. "Okay, it looks like we're doing good, but there's room for improvement. Scyther and Bolt, you two will train your Quick Attacks over on the other side of the room with Blu and Nova who will be practicing Gust. The idea is to work against the wind, which is meant to slow you down. Take a break every fifteen minutes. This should help with speed, stamina, and, in Scyther's case, resistance to Flying-type moves. Remember, both of your are to start at one wall, your goal being to get to the one opposite it. Now let's get to it." The four Pokemon nodded before moving towards the other end of the Gym.
"Krabby, you know the move Dig, so I want you to teach it to Sandshrew and Meowth, okay? Once you feel that both are good enough, use Bubble Beam, Bubble, and Vice Grip so they can practice dodging. " These three nodded as well before getting down to work.
"Charmander, right now, you're one of the weakest Pokémon which I blame your old trainer for, but you'll grow stronger soon, and you're perfect for what I need right now. Dexter says you know the egg move Dragon Rush, and soon you'll learn Dragon Rage too. I want you to take Ini and show her Dragon Rush so that she can get a visual and feel Dragon energy. Then show her your Ember. Seeing how you release that attack should make it easier for her to understand what she should be going for when she tries Dragon Breath. Just stand back when she starts to practice and give her some advice on what she could be doing better okay?" Charmander looked sad at first before beaming with pride and leading Ini off to do as they'd been told.
"I learn mowre, Momma?" Ini asked Ash with big, sparkling eyes before they left looking to Charmander next.
Ash chuckled before patting Ini's head; the little dragon was growing fast. "Yup, you are! Big brother over here is gonna show you a few things, okay?"
Ini cried out in excitement before following Charmander (who looked proud to be considered an older brother) to the outdoor section of the Gym where the others were practicing Dig nearby.
'They grow up so fast.' Ash thought in true Poke-parent form.
Ash then turned her attention to the three Squirtles. "Okay, before I get to you three, I need to know: Do any of you want to evolve?"
The two slightly weaker Squirtles looked marsheepish before raising their hands.
"The two of us want to evolve. I want to be a Wartortle, and she," the flamboyant male Squirtle said, pointing to the only girl of the five, "wants to be a Blastoise. We never really brought up the subject of evolution because… well,wewereafraidofBossandourSquirtleSquadpalsthinkingw edidn'tbelongbecausewewantedtoevolve andtheydidn't. "
Ash blinked, trying to mentally slow down what she had just heard. Luckily, she didn't have to; the lead Squirtle had apparently caught it.
"No way! If you want to evolve, then evolve! It makes no difference to us! We're the Squirtle Sqaud whether we evolve or not! We'll be happy that you're happy!" This little speech sent the other two Squirtles into tearful fits of joy.
Ashlyn smiled at them before turning to see Scyther and Bolt watching, both looking extermely bored. Her eyebrow twitched. "Oi! Since you two seem to think that this training is too easy for you, you guys just volunteered to be my moving targets for the Squirtles' Water Gun, Ice Beam, and Bubble, and for Bulbasaur's Razor Leaf!"
The two gained a Deerling in the headlights look. They really should have known better than to have stood around looking bored.
…With Misty and James…
Both sat at the water's edge with their fishing rods in their hands and their Pokemon by their sides. Misty decided to start a conversation.
"So, James, what's your family like?"
"Nanny and Pop-Pop are really kind, but my parents… Well, I'm having issues with them."
"What type of issues?"
"They want me to marry this girl, Jessabella. I liked her the first time I saw her back when we were little, but I only knew her for a few minutes! The next time I met her, I found out that she is very controlling, always trying to change the way I am and what I do."
"Isn't Jessie like that?"
"No, not at all. Jessie is bossy and a little cruel at times, but she doesn't try to force me to change my behavior to how she thinks I should be. She lets me be who I am and actually doesn't yell at me that much. She and I actually have a lot in common; we both like to wear costumes, we like to make fashionable things, we like sweets, and we want to have good lives."
"Have you ever thought to ask her on a date then?" Misty asked.
A blush formed on James's cheeks. "Well, I have a few times, but I just dropped the thought."
"Well, what are you waiting for?! Go ask her on a date! You guys can go while Ash goes for her Gym Badge," Misty said with a smile.
"W-well, I guess I could ask her tonight."
"Poke."
"Shell."
"Poke?" asked Misty.
"Shell?" repeated James.
The two looked over to see a Slowpoke and a Shellder resting on the docks nearby.
"Wow, a Shellder! I've wanted a Clayster for a while, and now I have a chance to catch it pre-evolution!" Misty said in excitement.
"I notice you didn't say anything about the Slowpoke. Why?"
"Because while Slowpoke is kinda cute, it's called the Dopey Pokemon for a reason. Ow! Why did you slap the back of my head?"
"You should never insult a Pokemon. Even Magikarp will one day be a Gyarados. A Slowpoke when traded with a King's Rock in its possession will evolve into the Royal Pokemon Slowking," James said, showing Misty an info card he had on Slowking. He liked to collect Pokemon info cards.
Soon after that, Misty caught Slowpoke and Shellder. Misty battled Slowpoke with Clefairy and with Shellder… Well, it was more like playing hide and seek/tag with him. James caught a slightly big Magikarp and a Tentacool. Misty and James spent the next few hours talking a little more about what he could do for a date with Jessie, assuming she said yes.
…Meanwhile, with Jessie and Brock…
The two were mostly battling trainers that had challenged them over the course of their training. Brock suddenly got the feeling that some guy he knew was going to get a date soon.
Lucky guy, he thought, sulking and leaving Jessie to wonder why his mood had changed so quickly.
…Later that Night…
Ash was feeling very pleased with the way her day had gone. She had been training with her Pokemon until 3-o-clock. She had then made sure they were all healed and rested up before challenging some of the trainers employed at the Gym, well the ones that where meant to battle the rookies.
Charmander, who Ash mainly used in the battles, had really improved. He faced a Magnemite and, while he'd had some trouble earlier with the Pikachus, he had done his best and learned not only Dragon Rage but Scary Face as well. He could have evolved, but he said he wanted to learn Fire Fang first.
Both of the Squirtles that had wanted to evolve did, and the rest of the team had grown steadily in strength. Meowth had grown able to tolerate Tripod, and Tripod had taken a liking to Brock.
The humans and Pokemon group (Ash had sent back all but Pikachu, Ini, Meowth, Sandshrew, Charmander, and Bulbasaur) were resting in Surge's four-bedroom home. Considering the size of the group they were trying to accommodate, it was somewhat small, but there was more than enough room to move around. There was one bedroom for Surge and his Pokemon, one guest room for the boys to share, a spare bedroom that Ash had claimed as her own a long time ago and shared with her cousin Kate on more then one visit, and another guest room for Jessie and Misty to share for the night. What amazed James, Jessie, Misty, and Brock was the large backyard with the high stone fence complete with barbed wire and cameras. Of course, seeing what was in the yard made them understand the need for extra protection. Along with the two Raichus, two Electrodes, Voltorb, Magneton, Electabuzz, and a Pikachu, was a Jolteon, one of each of Mareep's evolutionary line, an Elekid, a Plusle, two Minun, two Shinx, a Luxio, a Luxray that seemed to be Jolteon's mate, an Emolga, a Galvantula, a pond with three Tynamos, and Audino, Mudkip, and Dodrio. From the look on Ash's face and the greeting they mostly gave her, the group correctly assumed that this wasn't a new sight for her. Well, most of it anyway.
"Okay, Uncle, explain the Audino, Mudkip, and Dodrio," Ash said in a deadpan tone.
"Mudkip evolves into a Water/Ground type Pokemon and will be a good Pokemon to have mock battles with the younger Pokemon. Dodrio helps keep guard of the place while I'm at the Gym and gives rides to small pokekids to keep them happy. Audino basically acts as a babysitter to the younger Pokemon."
His niece's friends could only stare at him as he gave the last reasons, and he pouted and stubbornly looked away at Ashlyn's chuckle.
"Yeah, that sounds like you, Uncle Mantis. Big and tough but has a soft side, even if you try to hide it. Speaking of soft sides, have you asked Emily to marry you yet?"
The question caused Lt. Surge to stutter incoherently in surprise before sheepishly scratching the back of his head. "Um… No…"
"Mantis Lorance Ketchum! You've had that engagement ring for two years now, and the two of you have been dating for seven! From what I've heard from Mom, the two of you have been making lovey-dovey eyes at each other since before I was even born! Ask her to marry you already!" Ash said in exasperation.
The rest of the group had been listening with wide eyes and were left with more than a few questions.
"Mantis Lorance Ketchum?" James repeated.
"Who's this Emily?" came from Brock.
"What, when, and how?" asked Misty.
"It's his real name, but he hates it so he goes by the nickname a ninja buddy, Koga, I think, gave him once," Ash answered James.
"Emily Joy or Nurse Joy of the Vermilion City Pokemon Center."
"What?!" Brock exclaimed.
Ash ignored the fact that Brock's brain seemed to have stopped and answered Misty, "Emily, like some of the older members of the Joy family, treated soldiers and Pokemon in the last war about 19 years ago. Uncle Mantis and Tail, then a Pikachu, were hurt in a makeshift med room when an enemy soldier broke in with his Drapion and Koffing. He tried to take them out while the boys couldn't move. However, he didn't know that Emily earned black belts in several martial arts, or that Chansey was a battling and healing Pokemon. Emily kicked his butt and sent him and his Pokemon running. Emily and Uncle didn't meet again for a long time, but when he first became the Gym Leader and found out that this city's Nurse Joy was Emily, he bought her a pearl necklace and took her out to dinner, and their relationship began to form."
"Aw, that's so sweet!" said Jessie. Misty was always starry-eyed.
"Yup, and that's why tomorrow I'll be taking over the Gym Leader job for the day while Uncle takes Emily out to eat and finally asks the question he should have asked a long time ago!"
"What?!" Lt. Surge resonded in shock.
"You heard me! I know Nora is coming over here tomorrow to give Emily a day off, and you will do as I say! I'm tired of you Spinda-footing around asking the question! Besides, you know Volb and Chu know me well enough that they won't mind listening to my battle commands, and Sparkz seems to like me well enough. I can do it, and I will do it."
Lt. Surge could only sigh in defeat.
Review please!
We own nothing! (Even after all this time, our world take-over plans aren't going so well...)
Because some sort of time frame was mentioned in this chapter, the ages are:
James and Jessie: 17
Brock: 15
Misty: 13
Ash: 10
Also guess who it was that tried to take out Lt. Surge, hint: he likes poison types.