A.N.- Here is the next chapter, enjoy. I'm rather happy with the outcome. I've had a difficult year with college (survived 2nd year) and working.
I have decided to change up the pairings in order to maintain the timeline. Besides that, does anyone notice that real animals are hardly depicted in the anime version of Pokémon? I'm curious, does that mean they eat Pokémon? I've heard my roommate say something about Tauros Steak, Farfetch'd being a delicacy and Magikarp and Milktank milk…
I point this out because a reviewer pointed out that it should be fried Pidgey not fried chicken so please, a definite answer WOULD BE GREEEATTT!
Also I did some changes to make Ash better, I hope you like it. Hint: I gave him a Gible for those people who were complaining, a shiny Gible so no more complaining.
ALSO GO WATCH POKÉMON ORIGINS, FEATURING OUR FAVORITE KICKASS CHAMPION RED WITH HIS CHARIZARD!
Chapter 5:
"There must be evil so that good can prove its purity above it."
"You sure about this?" A dark skinned boy with short pointy hair and squinty eyes asked his counterpart as they stood in front of the Saffron City Gym, it resembled an unusual dome-shaped building, which was also famous for the study of PSI phenomenon.
"Relax, I've done my homework on the gym. Type disadvantage won't be an issue." His traveling partner scowled at his friend, though he did find it disconcerting that the trainers who'd lost to Sabrina all mysteriously disappeared but he felt suitably prepared for this.
He'd left Lavender Town immediately after acquiring his new Ghost-type Pokémon due to the creepiness the town gave him. It would seem that Ghastly, Haunter and Gengar were prankers and Ash didn't know whether to jump up with excitement or fall down and cry due to the impending escpades coming from the three ghosts-types. They were proving to be quite a handful to deal with.
Dressed in black jeans, a black t-shirt and a white sleeveless hoodie, the gym doors swung open as Ash stepped into the building. "I'm here to challenge Sabrina for the Marsh Badge."
As he neared the tunnel exit the chants became louder, almost deafening as he was soon greeted with a familiar sight of a Pokémon arena.
"Here we are folks, the most anticipated match of the first knock out round, ALEC KETCHUM OF PALLET TOWN VERSUS WALLACE OF SOOTOPOLIS CITY!" The announcer boomed into his microphone as the crowd became wilder and even crazier.
Slowly walking into the arena, clad in a fitting black suit with a narrow black tie, Alec halted his steps as he arrived at the middle of the field and watched as his opponent draw closer.
Wallace was content on bathing in the adoration of his fans as he waved and blew kisses at his rather large section of female adherents once entering the field. The Sootopolis city native was dressed in his signature turquoise and white outfit with purple pants along with a white cape.
As he stopped in the middle of the arena facing his long time friend and opponent, he smiled attempting to break the chilling ice. "Never thought we'd be meeting so soon in this competition."
Alec's face remained unresponsive as his piercing blue eyes remained fix on his opponent, then without giving a reply he turned around and walked to his side of the arena.
"Ehyaya…Still the same cold shoulder." Wallace sighed and shook his head as he, too, walked towards his side of the field with a smirk on his face. Up above the crowds, in the VIP section of the crowd, the Elite Four, as well as the Gym Leaders of the four regions surveyed the two combatants.
"Such disrespect…" An elderly woman dressed in a white coat, brown scarf and a black skirt remarked disapprovingly.
"That little punk said my Infernape fell below his 'expectations.' I'm going to burn that prick to a crisp next time!" A trainer dressed in a yellow short sleeve shirt, black pants secured by a red belt with a head of red hair that resembled an Afro fumed as the memory came into his mind, eyes burning with fire.
"Give it a rest Flint, he did curbstomp you pretty easily." The trainer sitting next to the Sinnoh Elite 4 member smirked, he had spiky electrifying blonde hair and was wearing a blue coat, black shirt and dark pants.
"Shut up Volkner! At least I lasted longer than 15 minutes! And whose side are you on anyways?" Flint retorted as his best friend merely raised both hands in a surrendering gesture.
"But the fact remains, no one has ever beaten Alec Ketchum in an official, recorded match nor has anyone ever forced him to reveal all six Pokémon in a single match." A calm voice responded and Flint with Volkner shot their attention to a man standing near them with purple eyes hidden behind oval-shaped glasses with shoulder length purple hair, dressed in a black shirt, dark red suit with black polished shoes.
"Oh it's you Lucian." Flint greeted his fellow Elite Four friend with a little less enthusiasm than usual.
"Bertha, Flint, Volkner." Lucian master of Psychic and member of the Sinnoh Elite Four greeted simply.
"There's a lot of people here, more than I thought." A green haired trainer wearing orange pants, a black sleeveless shirt with orange trim approached the group.
"Any match that involves Alec Ketchum will guarantee attention everywhere at any time, Aaron. Everyone wants to beat him, not that I can't sympathize with the sentiment" Lucian replied in a matter-of-fact tone as he kept his eyes focused on the battle.
Below them, they watched as a blue canine quadruped Pokémon with a spiky yellow mane on its head with yellow tufts of fur on its haunches and around its front feet deftly dodged several forceful jets of water that were shot towards it.
"Manectric, Discharge!" Alec announced. His Manectric gave a loud roar as electricity covered its entire body.
"Walrein, use Blizzard to halt the Electricity! Follow up with Earthquake!" Wallace said as the blue walrus like Pokémon inhaled deeply and released jets of ice just as Manectric expelled the several bolts of blue electricity that was surrounding its body with a cry.
"Use quick attack to escape." Alec followed up and his Manectric disappeared with a flash. Explosions were then ensured as the beams of ice met the bolts of electricity causing a violent reaction.
Walrein then slammed its front two limps hard against the floor, making the ground tremor shakily. When the smoke cleared, the rocky terrain randomly chosen at the start of the match was leveled.
"Manectric use Giga Impact!" The Electric-type Pokémon then sped towards its opponent, its body surrounded by purple energy.
"Divert its, route! Walrein, use Aurora beam! Use ice beam on the floor to slow it down!" Wallace said as his Pokémon opened its mouth and a multicolored orb appeared, it then proceed to fire the beam at the oncoming Manectric as well as shooting beams of ice on the rocky terrain, covering the majority of field to solid ice.
To Wallace's amazement, Alec's Manectric quickened its pace even more, altering its pacing and direction as sparks of electricity formed a second layer on its body before it rammed into his Walrein, the force powerful enough to sent the walrus Pokémon flying back.
"Walrein is unable to battle, Manectric wins!" The referee declared, raising a flag after noting the swirls in the Pokémon' s eyes. On a large screen, the portrait of Walrein dimmed, signaling that Wallace only had five Pokémon left.
"That was a Volt tackle combined with Giga Impact, how did you…" Wallace muttered as he as stared at his opponent on the opposite side of the field who had his arms crossed and an ever-cold look on his face.
"If my eyes aren't wrong, that was a Giga Impact combined with Volt tackle…" Karen remarked softly as she and the rest of the Kanto Elite Four looked on, she was dressed in a strapless yellow top that showcased her midriff and white pants that ended at her knees along with a pair of yellow heels.
"There's no such thing as perfection, yet we fight on…longing that one day, we might come close to it. Such is our fate." Lance said, causing the people around him to focus on the Dragon-type trainer.
"That's what he said to me." He added. Karen merely hummed as Lorelai was in deep thought.
"What are your thoughts on this battle Lance?" Bruno rumbled as he surveyed the field. "Wallace might be a lot stronger than the average trainer but I don't think that it will be enough, considering who he's up against." Lance responded tilting his head as Wallace sent out his Gyarados onto the field below them, dancing side-to-side initiating its Dragon Dance.
There was something else Lance didn't tell his fellow Elite Four members, solely because he considered Alec a friend even though it was not exactly mutual, Alec had explained once that the reason why he fought so hard, grinded himself with his training to the point of where people would call it insanity just to maintain his title was that he made a promise long ago. He was preparing against someone that will eventually face him some day.
"Use Dragon Rage!" Wallace said and the giant sea serpent arched its head back before unleashing a large ball of fire towards Alec's Manectric.
"Use Wild Charge to dodge it." Alec commanded. Electricity covered the body of Manectric as it evaded the attack like a bolt of lightning and reappeared at the side of the field.
"Follow up with Thunderbolt!"
"Don't let it! Counter with Hyper Beam!" Blue electricity surrounded Manectric, similarly Wallace's Gyarados widened its powerful jaws and a ball of golden energy formed. The two attacks were released violently and collided with each other, crackling and sizzling. Both Pokémon refused to bow down as they attempted to push the opposition's power back. The friction and force caused a huge explosion and smoke flew everywhere.
Ash couldn't help but shudder as he reached the battle arena in the Saffron Gym. It was dark, pillars supported the ceiling on both sides, the only source of light came from two torches. The person who guided them their had left as soon as they reached the arena.
Ash focused in front of him and gulped as he saw an average height woman in her early twenties or so with long dark green hair, clad in a long sleeve red shirt and long, skinny black pants along with knee length black boots. She had absolutely no emotion on her face at all but that wasn't what made the hairs on the back of Ash straighten.
The thing that creep him out was the little girl that she held in her arms, he didn't know if it was a doll or something else. "Sabrina, I'm here to challenge you to a battle."
"I accept." Sabrina retorted coldly as she floated from her chair towards the other end of the arena, facing Ash.
Both Brock and Ash's eyes were wide like plates but were shaken out of their stupor as the little girl Sabrina had in her arms giggled and said in a surprisingly child-like voice, "If we win then you two will have to be my friends."
The way the little girl emphasized the word 'friend' made Ash shiver inside, his spine was tingling from the cold sensation.
"Alright." He responded in a neutral tone.
"This will be a 1 on 1 battle." Sabrina said. "Are the terms acceptable?"
"Yes." Ash responded, a Pokéball in his hand.
"Kadabra, you're up." Sabrina said and the little girl she held in her arms tossed the Pokéball it held into the arena. A flash of light and out appeared a yellow, humanoid Pokémon.
It had two large, pointed ears on top of its head, a red pentagram on its forehead, wide cheeks leading to a thin snout. It had narrow deep-set eyes and extending from its snout are two mustache- like tufts of fur. In its right hand was a silver spoon.
Surveying the opponent, Ash made a decision and tossed a Pokéball. "Haunter, this is up to you." And out came his Ghost-type Pokémon, which cackled with a face-splitting grin on its face.
"Kadabra attack with Psychic." Sabrina said in a monotone voice.
Kadabra's eyes glowed blue and Haunter was surrounded by a matching blue aura and was thrown against a pillar only to phase through it. Haunter then appeared back on the field with a mocking laugh, sticking out his tongue. Ash merely felt amused by his Pokémon's 'charismatic' behaviour.
"Haunter, let's return its gift with Shadow Ball." A ball of black energy formed in Haunter's hands and it launched it straight at Kadabra.
"Kadabra, teleport." Sabrina said in a more emotional voice as her eyes glowed orange, making Ash swallow uneasily.
"Hit it with confusion ray when it appears!" Ash countered. A ball of orange energy materialized in Haunter's hand, pulsating as the ghost-type Pokémon calmly surveyed the arena. As Kadabra appeared, Haunter shot the ball of orange energy in its palm at its opponent who could only widen its eyes at the surprise. Kadabra's eyes glowed red as it struggled to stand still.
"Finish this with Shadow Punch!" Ash said and raising one of its hands which was crackling with purple energy Haunter punched the air directed at its opponent and sent a black colored transparent fist with purple static energy that slammed into Kadabra, sending it backwards furiously. Kadabra fell forward after hitting the wall and fainted with swirls in its eyes. Ash could not deny that the move was super effective.
"We did it, great work Haunter!" Ash gave his Ghost type a thumbs up but cringed as Haunter appeared before his face and while grinning, opened its mouth and proceeded to lick his trainer on the face with its tongue. Ash felt his face losing all senses of touch after his friend's generous congratulatory gesture.
Before he could recall it, Haunter suddenly materialized in front of Sabrina. Ash gulped, knowing several possibilities his playful Pokémon could be up to.
"How…" Sabrina asked softly with wide eyes. Looking up, she was stunned to find Haunter making all sorts of faces at her.
Ash and Brock were holding each other rather tensely, hoping that retribution from the Psychic Gym leader would be fast and painless.
Haunter pouted when it saw that its funny faces weren't good enough for this tough customer. It clap its hands as an idea formulated in its mind and reaching behind him, pulled out a small bomb that resembled those in comedy shows lit the fuse.
Ash and Brock were hugging each other even tighter with pure terror on their faces, both had turned blue from fear as they foresaw their impending doom. The bomb exploded and slowly as the smoke clear, Ash had his eyes clamped tight when suddenly he heard laughter.
Opening one eye, he looked over at where the laughter originated and his jaw dropped. Sabrina, who was devoid of all emotion during the course of their battle was laughing uncontrollably though she was covered in smoke and dust and did he daresay that her laughter was actually pleasant to hear?
Slowly, Ash and Brock released each other, clearing their throats uncomfortably while Pikachu was laughing at his trainer.
~0~
"That was…strange." Brock commented as they came out the Saffron City department store after restocking their supplies.
After receiving the Marsh Badge from a friendlier Sabrina, the two waved goodbye to her and her parents, after witnessing their particular heart tugging family reunion.
"You're telling me." Ash said tiredly as he wobbled his way back to the Pokémon Center. The two had decided to continue their journey at the morning.
Just as they were to about to return to the Pokémon Center, the two saw huge crowds drawn at an enormous television screen that was situated at the exterior of the Saffron City Department Store.
"What's everyone looking at?" Brock asked, intrigued.
"The Champions League, Champion Alec is facing off Wallace." A bystander informed him and every bit of fatigue in Ash's bones dissipated as his eyes became alert and shot towards the enormous screen and sure enough, there he was. A head of chestnut-brown hair, ocean-blue eyes and looking as serious as ever was his older brother. Next to him was a particularly fierce looking Manectric.
Ash was instantly fixated on the match he watched his brother's Pokémon dodged a Hyper Beam, leaping towards Wallace's Gyarados and opened its mouth and an orb of yellow electricity formed before it was fired in the form of a pulsating beam of blue electricity which caused its target to roar in pain as it was struck by electricity.
"Ouch." Ash muttered and his eyes widened as Wallace's Gyarados was finished off with a crackling Wild Charge. The referee then raised a flag, and the crowd grew wild.
Ash's smile disappeared when he saw the camera panned towards his brother and he did not see any sign of elation or happiness. There was a time where his brother wasn't like that. He was still quite young when the incident of Celadon City happened. It was a night like no other, he and Pikachu were reading a book about Legendary Pokémon in the living room when their house phone rang. His father had taken it and Ash had never seen his father lost all the color on his face.
"Ed, what's wrong?" Delia asked, coming out of the kitchen.
"Delia, stay with Ash! Team Rocket's attacked Celadon, They say Alec's right in the middle of it." Edward yelled at his wife as he sprinted into the backyard and released his Flygon before mounting it and speeding off into the skies towards Celadon.
Ash was a bit confused but his eyes widened with recognition as his mother quickly switched on their television and he saw the emergency news, the camera panned to where a Dragonair, Swampert, Gyarados, Aggron and a Salamance all trying to put out the burning flames on a building that resembled a flower with the flower of a Gloom as a roof.
"Minutes ago, it is reported that recent Hoenn league champion Alec Ketchum has rushed into the burning Celadon City Gym…Gym Leader Victoria is still missing. According to eyewitnesses, it is believed that Team Rocket is the cause behind this chaos in Celadon…"
Since that night, Ash never saw his brother smile again to another person. His parents never really outright told him the reason of his brother's sudden transformation and whenever he asked, they would change the subject. Ash returned his focus to the large television screen.
His brother had returned his Manectric and unclipping another Pokéball from his belt, tossed it onto the field. With a flash of light, out came a pale green sauropod-like Pokémon. It had two stamen-like protrusions sprouting from the top of its nose, each tipped with its own anther. A large beautiful pink flower with a yellow central pattern and white tips was wrapped around its neck. Its large yellow amber colored eyes were filled with determination and confidence.
A nine-year-old Ash stared in awe as he watched his older brother command his Pokémon with ease at Oak's ranch, each Pokémon trained in pairs as Alec would point out improvements or flaws as he walked. Pikachu was currently practicing with Alec's Eevee.
Even though a trainer was only suppose to have six Pokémon with him or her, Alec never forgot those he placed under the care of Professor Oak. Routinely coming back to make sure they retained their focus and their hunger in case he decided to call on them.
"Your endurance is still not up to par, Manectric." Alec pointed as he reached his Manectric and Tyranitar. Manectric lowered his head a bit.
"We'll work on it later, the both of us…you want to rise to new heights…don't you?" The Manectric shot his head up and growled in fierce affirmation.
Alec nodded and walked on before stopping and turning back with a smirk, "Nice Discharge though…" And he walked off, leaving a slightly more upbeat Manectric who then scowled at the Tyranitar it was facing when it heard a snicker.
"Meganium, use Razor Leaf on those practice dummies." Alec's Meganium surveyed the moving dummies and gave a cry as it swung its head and multiple sharp leaves flew out from the flower on its neck. It frowned as it hit almost all the moving dummies but not all.
"Try again, this time try imagining where the targets might move to." Meganium nodded and readied itself for another round.
"Salamance, use steel wing. Charizard, do the same." Alec commanded and the two dragons, one aqua blue in color and the other primarily black as opposed to its usual orange color of its species took off into the skies with thunderous roars.
Ash's eyes widened as he saw his brother suddenly clutch his left arm in pain, dropping to a knee. Ash had seen it happening before, after his brother had returned home following the incident at Celadon. It was always his left forearm, which was bandaged up to the elbow and while it wasn't noticeable to many but at times Ash would catch his brother holding his left arm with a slight grimace on his face.
Jumping past the fence, he ran to his older brother as fast as his tiny legs could take him. "Big brother!"
"I'm fine Ash…Gardevoir, please take my brother back behind the fence." Alec grunted as he stood up, still holding his left arm.
Ash wanted to protest but was soon teleported back behind the fence. "This is for your safety. Little one." Alec's Gardevoir said to him.
"Big brother, he's in pain." Ash whispered as he surveyed his older brother, who was now shouting out commands and pointing out areas which both Salamance and Charizard's needed to improve on as the two battled it out in the skies, neither showing mercy nor quarter towards each other.
Scene change
"It's not looking well, at this rate…he will never be able to stand on his own, let alone train Pokémon anymore." Ash was stunned as he heard the doctors murmuring to their parents about the diagnosis.
Beside him, his older brother's eyes were wide with shock as he processed the news. Poor Ash nearly collapsed under the weight as his older brother lost his footing.
Pushing himself to the wall, all Alec could do was murmur "Never train Pokémon anymore…never…never…"
"Finish this cat and mouse game! Hit it with Solarbeam!" Alec commanded and with a loud cry, the sunlight gathered around its neck was released from its mouth in a large, ground trembling blast of pure white energy.
"Whiscash, use dig!" Wallace called out.
"You did exactly what I thought you would do." Alec said. Wallace's eyes were wide, as the Solarbeam wasn't aimed at his Pokémon but directed at the ground, totaling the arena and his Whiscash was flushed out into the air.
"Leaf Storm now." The flower around Meganium's neck glowed green as it released a cyclone of glowing razor sharp green leaves, its opponent could barely react as it was trapped in a twister of knife like leaves. Ash's mouth was agape as he saw the speed and ferocity displayed by Meganium from the large television screen.
"Wow…" The referee signal that Whiscash could no longer battle and the screen panned towards Alec and Meganium again amidst the loud, deafening cheering in the arena.
"You haven't changed one bit after all these years eh?" Wallace sighed as he returned his Pokémon as he stared at his opponent. Despite what he had just said, the truth was that out of Alec, Steven and himself. Alec changed the most drastically over the years and it was often not for the better. He first noticed his close friend's change of attitude ever since that day at the hospital.
"How long will you be here?" Wallace enquired as he took a seat in a comfortable chair in the private hospital suite, a side from his friend who merely gazed up at the ceiling from his large bed that was pulled upright with an aimless look on his pale, skinny face framed with his chestnut brown hair. An IV was attached to his right arm.
"I don't know…no one will tell me...since I got here." Alec responded quietly as he took a sideways glance at a large nearby window, it was a 180-degree contrast to the interior of the hospital as he looked longingly onto the green park and the sunshine, which only served to brighten the color of the grass and trees.
At the edge of the large bed on the table were some Pokémon magazines. Wallace saw their titles and his anger grew, "The Demise of a Rising Star? First Loss for League Champion."
"They aren't exactly wrong?" Alec's soft voice broke the silence as Wallace forcefully trashed the magazines.
"Stop saying things like that! This isn't like you at all. The Alec I know would never back down…from anything...where did he go?!" Wallace replied, shocked by his friend's admission of defeat.
"He died in the fire!" Alec's suddenly screamed out, followed with a pained grimace as he lowered his voice . "I'm not an idiot…I know when it's a lost cause…the way no one meets my eye or the subtle looks of pity."
Silence then filled the room. The door then opened, revealing a doctor who held a clipboard with a nurse, following them were Alec's parents.
"I'm sorry…get better soon…" Wallace said and after giving a slight bow to Mr. and Mrs. Ketchum, left the room, closing it gently behind him not noticing his friend's fist tightening.
The referee then signaled a fifteen-minute break and both contestants left the arena, amidst the lively chatter and cheering. It was 3-0 to Alec and Wallace knew that his chances of winning were slim. And it wasn't due to being at a disadvantage due to facing the powerful electric or grass types Alec had sent out but rather the fact that Alec had already figured out his lineup and the strategies he would use with a particular Pokémon before the match had even started.
On the contrary, Wallace himself did not have much information on Alec's lineup, the price to pay for exploiting himself in contests and other matches. His hand was shaking slightly as he reached for another Pokéball. He couldn't explain it, this pressure as he looked up and saw Alec's merciless blue eyes glaring back.
~0~
"He's doing well isn't he, Veronique?" A serene young woman with short dark hair and green eyes spoke softly as she readied her bow while a radio broadcast the live match commentary of the Champion League knockout match.
She had ditched her usual kimonos and red headband as she was dressed in a cream-colored blouse and a loose black skirt with a Beautifly hair clip. Standing in the peacefulness of the enormous backyard behind her mansion, Erika smiled as she released the arrow and saw it hit the target.
"Saur." Her companion growled in agreement making the Celadon Gym Leader giggle.
Standing not too far away from Erika was a squat, four legged Pokémon with bumpy, bluish green skin with small, circular red eyes. Additionally, it had three clawed toes on each foot while the bud on its back bloomed in a large pink, white spotted flower. A thick brown trunk surrounded by green fronds while a seed was present in the center of its flower supported the flower.
After shooting all her remaining arrows, Erika noticed her large companion's rather pensive look after hearing the radio's announcement of the date. Putting aside her bow, Erika walked over and gave the Venusaur a large hug.
"It's okay… I miss big sister too." She said softly.
"Saur…Saur?" The Venusaur murmured, sounding hopeful.
"I'm sure he'll be happy to see you again…now, let's go cheer him on Veronique." Erika reassured her companion and after retrieving her arrows and bow, walked back towards her home with Veronique lumbering beside her. As she turned on her large television in the living room, Erika couldn't help but take a walk through memory lane.
"You don't need to feel obligated to visit me every week Erika." Alec quietly informed his guest who sat demurely on the sofa close to his bed, clutching to his left forearm. He stood still, standing with his back faced to her.
"I'm not feeling obligated, I want to." She responded, green eyes boring into the back of his pajama top.
"Mom and Dad wanted to see you when they heard the news…" Erika started.
"I'm glad they didn't." Alec replied, turning around, his grayish blue eyes stared into her green ones.
"Alec…" Erika said softly.
"It's better they don't come to visit me…seeing me will only give them a painful reminder of what they lost… they deserve better." Alec replied, turning his head sideways.
"They never thought about you like that!" The soft sobs and her unfamiliar forceful tone forced Alec to albeit unwillingly, turn to face the young woman.
"You rushed into the fire, not caring about what might be in there!" Erika's outburst stunned him, "…and brought sister out even when you got hurt…you gave us enough time to say good bye." Alec was rooted to the floor as she approached him.
Gently, Erika raised her hand to his cheek and made him look into her eyes. "So please…don't give up. Live."
~0~
Pale turquoise eyes surveyed the arena field as a man in his 20's with light steel blue hair and dressed in a dark outfit with purple trim.
"Steven, you're awfully quiet." A woman dressed in a purple dress with blonde hair asked.
"I'm fine, Glacia. Just observing the match." Steven Stone responded at the Hoenn Elite Four member before focusing his attention at the match between his two closest friends. Wallace had sent out his strongest Pokémon, Milotic while Alec stuck with Meganium.
Steven slowly approached the lone figure clad in light blue hospital pajamas sitting on a wooden bench on the roof of the hospital that had an exceptional view surrounding it.
"Congratulations on beating Sidney, it was… an interesting match." Alec said without turning his head, the wind blowing gently against his chestnut brown hair.
"If you call winning 6-1 interesting." Steven smiled slightly as he stopped at the bench and took a seat next to his friend.
"You snuck out again." He asked rhetorically.
"Neither the doctors nor nurses will allow me to leave the room…you can imagine the boredom…" Alec replied, staring into the distance with a faint smile, his condition evidently worsened due to the dark circles around his eyes.
Steven noticed a ring on his friend's finger but decided wisely to not ask about it as he spoke, "So how did you get up here? I imagine they must be extremely vigilant."
At the question, a Gardevoir with orange eyes, blue hair and arms materialized next to his friend.
"Very clever." Steven laughed as he regained his bearings quickly.
The two trainers watched the distant sun setting on the horizon, bathing everything in its wake in an illuminating orange glow.
"Over the phone you…mentioned a cure?" Steven asked quietly.
"My parents got in touch with medical specialists in Sinnoh and Unova regarding to my…condition," Alec started, "They believe that an operation is possible…but the chances of surviving it aren't optimistic..."
Steven honestly didn't know what to say, he knew his friend's illness was serious but this was something he did not expect or wanted to hear.
"It's not ideal…but if I do nothing…" Alec continued in a monotonous voice as he tiredly raised his shaking right arm, "it won't be long until I lose all senses in my limbs."
The two were silent until Steven spoke, "You're going to triumph over it…and we'll have that battle...on the largest stage in the world." With that, Steven stood up and stuck out his hand.
Alec eyed his friend for a moment before very slowly, rose up from the bench and shakily raised his own, shook it with the slightest hint of a smile on his tired face. "Deal."
Steven was brought out from the memory as he watched a Solar Beam collide with an Aurora Beam, blinding everyone in the arena.
"It continues to surprise me…to think that boy was so close to never being able step into a Pokémon Arena again a few years back…his willpower is immense." Drake, Master Dragon-type trainer and the highest ranked Hoenn Elite Four member commented.
Steven had to silently agree as he watched the fight, Alec was always very adaptable in his style of battling. Attack and defense were perfectly balanced yet it could sway in either extreme without sacrificing the other completely. Each move was calculated three steps prior of making it and used the minimum of energy to maximize the amount of power exerted.
Steven could hear the crowds cheering as he readied himself for the final step in fulfilling his promise to a friend. He took a glance at his watch, "You should be fighting right this moment as well, I imagine." He said as he tightened his fist and walked up the stairs, bright light ahead of him and with it the cheering grew louder.
He steeled himself as he stood at the opposite end of the Hoenn champion, his hand found its way to a Pokéball as his opponent did the same.
Meanwhile, at Saffron City, Ash's focus was completely taken in by the spectacle on the large screen in front of him as both Alec and Wallace recalled their fainted Pokémon back. It slightly unnerved him as he took a sip of his juice, the strength and desire for victory emanating from the two Pokémon was overwhelming even from an electronic screen. It was not something that the average trainer could instill into their Pokémon.
"I'll have to compliment you for doing enough damage to knock out Meganium, it has been a while since she has had a decent challenge, since you have gave it your all…I'll do my best to reciprocate sentiment." Alec began eyeing his opponent with the same indifferent look.
"You know what to do…Lucario" He tossed the Pokéball out onto the field and with a white flash of light out came Alec's first Pokémon and his most loyal companion.
The audience, both live and watching from their televisions were in shocked as the man holding the title of 'the strongest trainer in the world' sent out his starter that was said to be as strong if not stronger than a legendary Pokémon.
In the audience, Steven's eyes were wide with shock at the move. Lucario has not been sighted after his friend's ascension to the throne of Kanto & Johto since Alec often ended his battles without revealing all six of his Pokémon. It was the same with him and Metagross.
Ash could only smile as he tucked his hood over his face as Pikachu jumped onto his shoulder as the two turned away and headed towards the exit of Saffron City.
"Brock, we're moving on." He informed his traveling companion.
"You don't want to finish watching?" Brock asked, confused.
"Nope." Was all that came from Ash as the two departed and continued on with their journey.
As Ash walked on, he smiled. He was bubbling with excitement as he aimed his prospect of one day reaching the same heights as his older brother.
~0~
"Where are they taking big brother?" A young Ash asked his parents as they were ushered out of his older brother's hospital room by the nurses.
"Well, the doctors have come up with a solution that will make Alec healthy again." Said Delia as she bent down and placed her hands on Ash's shoulders.
"That's awesome!" Ash cried as his father ruffled his dark, untamable hair with a faint smile. The door swung open and out came Alec clad in a simple hospital gown, lying on a stretcher.
"Big brother, it's gonna be okay…mom says you will be alright. And I can train along with you!" Ash said enthusiastically to his brother. Alec could only give Ash a tired smile.
~0~
Alec calmly recalled Lucario as the referee signaled his victory. As a sign out of respect for an old friend and one of the few trainers he approved, he calmly strode to the center of the arena as Wallace did the same. Nothing was said as Alec held out his hand; it was not needed as Wallace shook it.
As Alec turned away and left the arena, Wallace looked up into the skies and smiled.
Before Alec disappeared into the tunnel, his eyes met Steven's. The contact only lasted for a second before the champion of Kanto & Johto resumed his pace and disappeared into the dark. The continued applause and rowdy cheering from the audience was dampened by Alec's mind as he slipped into a particular memory.
"Mr. Ketchum…are you ready?" A nurse asked.
"As much as I'll ever be." He responded and was stretchered towards the operating theater. Before the doors, he pat the small green fox Pokémon that had jumped onto the stretcher.
"You can't follow me past this point, Leaf…" The Leafeon whined and pouted, its ears down.
"Leaf…" Even in a rather dire condition, Alec Ketchum still commanded the respect of his Pokémon as Leafeon relented sadly, its ears dropping and hopped down from the stretcher as Ash's Pikachu attempted to cheer it up.
"Mom please stop crying…or I'm afraid that I'll join in too." Alec quietly said to his sobbing mother as he gave her a tight hug.
"Oooh…right. Sorry" Delia stroked her son's faded chest nut brown hair, "My baby…so brave." She brushed her lips on the forehead of her eldest son.
"Not you too Dad…for Arceus' sake." Alec spotted his father, obviously holding in his emotions as he held his wife.
"Yes…I know it must be surprising to discover your father is capable of tearing up…know that we are her for you so fight and triumph, my son." Edward took his son's hand and clutched it tight.
"I will…give it my all." Alec promised, sealing the oath.
"We have something for you…" Edward told his son and handed his son his PokéNav.
The screen turned on and Alec saw all of his Pokémon calling out to him from Professor Oak's lab. A night before his surgery date, he was visited by all his friends as a surprise. That and his Pokémon did it as the chestnut brown haired teen began to feel his eyes moistening.
"Don't keep them waiting too long." His father said. Footsteps could be heard as Alec spotted Erika clad in a simple yellow knee length dress and Wallace in his 'fabulous' white outfit. The two gave slight bows to Delia and Edward who responded in kind.
"Thank Arceus, I thought I was going to be late," Wallace breathed out with relief, "And if you're wondering about Steven, he's right here." Wallace pulled out a tablet and Alec could see his silver haired friend, Pokéball in hand and looking more serious than usual.
"I see." Alec responded with a smile.
"So you have to fight your hardest too. Arceus knows how you two won't take anything lying down." Wallace shook his head. Alec laughed lightly at that.
"Alec…"Erika started as she approached her idol.
"It means a lot, you being here." Alec replied. Erika blushed lightly as she shook her head, her black hair without the restriction of the usual headband danced with the motion. "Not at all…please…come back."
"I will" A response Erika was too happy to hear as she could spot the determination, absent for so long was finally back in his tone when she kissed him on the cheek. The nurses then informed them that it was time and thus, Alec was carted passed the double doors as the sign above it that read 'Surgery in progress' was turned on.
Alec settled comfortably in his limo, head resting back. "You should be training hard now huh Ash? I look forward to seeing you at the Indigo League." He smiled.
The days past as Ash and his companion Brock closed in onto the next gym located in Celadon City. Ash had been steadily training his team, teaching them new moves as well as strengthening their existing attacks.
So far his team consisted of Pikachu, Charmander, Gible, Pidgeot, Growlithe, Haunter and Vaporeon. Ash wanted to switch his Pokémon around, so he decided to temporarily send Squirtle and Bulbasaur back to Professor Oak's.
Since Pikachu never, ever went into its Pokéball, Ash technically was using six Pokémon. Pikachu had mastered Iron Tail, a feat that Ash was giddy about. Now all the rock-type Pokémon would be in for a surprise.
Gible was learning at an unnatural rate that even amazed Brock as it became proficient with using Dragon Claw and Dragon Rush. Now Ash was trying to teach it to use Draco Meteor and Flamethrower, both had backfired spectacularly against the young trainer with the small shiny land shark Pokémon laughing at his trainer.
Charmander was getting serious in its training, having found a rival with Gible as the two prideful Pokémon competed against each other. Ash never allowed the two to hurt each other of course, but he did use their rivalry to motivate them.
Regarding to Charmander's training, Ash knew the effects of being abandoned by its trainer could inflict deep mental wounds so he did the best to remind the fire lizard Pokémon that he would be here if it needed him and that talking always helped. It was not perfect but the two were getting there as Charmander mastered Fire Fang, Flame Burst, Flamethrower, Fire Blast and Fire Spin and was currently working on Dragon Rage and Inferno.
Pidgeot was the calm, mature figure of the group, with Fearow transferred to Professor Oaks it finally got to bask in his trainer's full attention as the only flying Pokémon in Ash's arsenal. It had mastered Gust, Wing Attack, Air Slash and Hurricane in succession.
They were working on Giga Impact, Steel Wing and Hyper Beam currently and Ash was in no rush as the techniques to mastering the three attacks were difficult to learn.
Growlithe was a very energetic and dare Ash say it, heartwarming companion. The puppy Pokémon was incredibly loyal and obedient and Ash had a lot of fun training along with it. It now knew Ember, Crunch, Flame Wheel, Fire Fang, Flame Burst, Flamethrower, Heatwave and Fire Blast. The last two moves Ash had in mind were Outrage and Flare Blitz.
Haunter was a different story compared to Growlithe, it was just as strong but their attitudes were polar opposites. Evident from the tricks it played on Sabrina, Haunter loved to play and screw around. Ash had forgotten how many times he had released Haunter only to receive a giant, wet, muscle-paralyzing lick to the face. But he couldn't blame Haunter as its playfulness was a part of its identity and he had to admit, using Mean Look to wake Brock up was somewhat satisfying.
Additionally, Haunter now could use Hex, Nightmare, Dark Pulse, Destiny Bond and Shadow Claw. It was close in mastering Dream Eater.
Last but not least, Vaporeon strengthened its Hydro Pump, Aurora Beam, Scald and Ice Beam. Recently, it had mastered Blizzard, Giga Impact and its hidden ace: Shadow Ball. And like Growlithe, it was very affectionate towards its trainer.
Ash had learned a lot from watching his older brother as a child, often asking questions and writing them down when he watched Alec's Pokémon train. His notes were very detailed and often drove Delia insane, his mother had often told him that if the same passion were injected into his school homework, he would be the smartest kid in school.
All in all, his team was very well rounded and he was proud of every single one of his Pokémon. Celadon City could be seen in the distance as Ash approached it with unhidden excitement.
"Wow look at this place, it's still as massive as the last time I was here." Ash exclaimed as he peered at the towering skyscrapers. It had been a long time since he was at Celadon City but that was ages ago.
"Yeah and it'll be a bit more convenient with so many restaurants, Pokémon Center and a big chance of seeing pretty girls." Brock said, sighing dreamily and slipping in his own fantasy world. Ash could only smack his hand to his face and shook his head.
As the neared the Pokémon Center, Ash groaned as he saw a familiar red convertible and a certain brunette with spiky hair clad in a purple outfit.
"Well, well, well…if it isn't little Ashy Boy." Gary Oak tsked with his usual arrogant smile.
"Gary…you're looking awful chirpy." Ash drawled, determined not to let Gary get to him.
"Why wouldn't I be? I got my Rainbow badge from Erika, tough fight mind you, and now I have four badges." Gary replied as he revealed his case of four badges.
"Congrats." Ash clapped sarcastically.
"And how many badges have you got, hotshot?" Gary asked.
"Three." Ash replied simply.
"That's so like you, Ashy-boy playing catch-up. Better step it up a notch or I'll be beating Alec before you." Gary said in a confident tone.
Ash couldn't help but burst out laughing, he laughed so hard that he was clutching his stomach. The thought of Gary beating his brother, it brought tears of laughter from his eyes. Now it was Gary's turn to be irritated.
"Whatever makes you sleep at night, Gary…beat my brother, that's the funniest joke I've heard coming from you." Ash, still giggling, waved his hand in farewell as he entered the Pokémon Center, ignoring the fuming Gary Oak outside.
~0~
Ash was still in an upbeat mood as he finished registering at the Pokémon Center, having gotten the last laugh against his rival this time. It seemed to be a day filled with comedy as Brock, self proclaimed Casanova, attempted to woo Nurse Joy but a mighty sloppy wet lick from Haunter ended it before it could even start. Leaving Brock wincing on the floor with a disapproving look on his face, Ash approached the electronic beverage vending machine and bought a can of orange soda.
He gave half to Pikachu, who gratefully accepted. He drank it like a man dying of thirst and let out a satisfied sound as he crumpled the can and tossed it into the trash.
Suddenly the power went out as the lights of the Pokémon Center darkened. It has caused quite a commotion as Ash heard people shouting and desperately getting out of the dark since the Sun was still out.
"Oi, oi, oi… get up Brock." Ash said under his hood, kicking the older boy in the feet.
"Huh?" Was all Ash got as Brock got up and held his head. "What's going on?"
"Power seems to be out." Ash crossed his arms. The two found Nurse Joy talking on the sole phone in the building that did not run on electricity.
"What's wrong, Nurse Joy?" Brock asked as the duo approached her.
"It's horrible. The Grimer and Muk infestation has gotten so bad in the water system that they are blocking all the water needed to run the Power Plant. This side of Celadon City will be completely dark until the Grimer and Muk problem is dealt with."
"I suppose you can't transfer the Pokémon in store here somewhere else?" Ash asked.
"No, the transfer system and back up generation both use electricity powered by water so it won't help. Our gym leader Erika went down to ward off the Grimer several times but there are just too many."
"No power means I can't battle the gym leader, and that means I'll be lagging behind Gary" Ash thought and his eyes brightened as he snapped his fingers.
"I'll go down there and get rid of the Grimer, Nurse Joy." Ash said. "Can you do that? The power plant is quite far away from the actual city." Joy asked with faint hope.
"I have confidence in my team, yes." Ash responded.
"Alright, but be careful, other trainers have tried to deal with the Grimer but ended up missing." Joy responded and quickly pointed out several entrances to the sewers on Ash's PokéNav that led to the power plant outside of town.
~0~
Meanwhile, Erika was racing out of her home and against the wishes of her parents as she ran to the nearest sewer entrance. She was clad in a white blouse and dark blue skirt as the kimono she usually wore would only be a nuisance.
Damn the Grimers and Muks, she was more than a match if she were facing them alone but there were so many lurking under the sewers. The sound of a horn snapped her out of her daze in the powerless streets as she saw a black limo pull by.
The tinted window slid down, revealing one Alec Ketchum.
"What are you doing out on the streets, Erika?" The Champion of Kanto asked.
"A large group of Grimer and Muk has caused a black out in this whole area of Celadon City, I'm heading down to the sewers to stop them." Erika responded.
"You're not going down there alone," Alec responded, seeing Erika about to protest, added "And that isn't up to discussion…Bill, wait here."
"Sir? Sir?" His chauffeur asked as his boss opened the door and stepped out of the vehicle.
"I'm not some defenseless damsel, I've been down into the sewers before, and I'm perfectly capable of protecting myself." Erika protested but was ignored as she trudged after him. Alec lifted the lid leading down to the city sewers.
"Uuuugh…that stench, sludge for sure. No way a normal sewer smells this bad." Alec made a note to himself as he started to make his way down into the darkness.
"Alright, it's clear." He called back up and Erika started making her way down. Just her luck, she missed the next step and slipped as the ladder was more slippery than she had remembered, causing the Celadon gym leader to fall.
And it was just her luck that she fell straight into Alec's arms as he caught her with ease.
"I'm sorry, you said something about protecting yourself? Well that was very damsel of you…" Alec teased.
Erika turned her head away, not wanting him to get the satisfaction of seeing her blush as he sat her on her feet.
"Now, let's do something about this darkness," Alec said as he pulled out a Pokéball from his belt, "Sableye, use Will-O-Wisp to light the place up."
The bipedal Pokémon with a dark purple body, pale blue gemstone-like eyes and a red gemstone on its chest as well as two blue gemstones on its back and another one red appeared from its Pokéball. It nodded as ghostly blue fire appeared around its body.
"Come out Scizor." Erika threw the Pokéball and out came a bipedal, insectoid Pokémon with a red exoskeleton with gray, retractable forewings along with a kite shaped head with three blunt horns extending above its forehead and dark yellow eyes.
"Be on your guard, we're closing in on Grimer and Muk territory." Erika informed it and it nodded as it realized the seriousness of the situation.
Meanwhile, at another section of the sewers, Ash and Brock worked their way through the dark, stinky area. Using Charmander and their flashlights, they navigated effortlessly through the sewers.
"Sableye, finish them with Night Shade!" The ghost Pokémon fired a focused black beam of energy from it's eyes that collided against each of the five Grimers it faced, knocking them out unconscious.
"Scizor use Flash Cannon! They're not stopping us!" Erika commanded as Scizor raised its pincer and a concentrated silver energy that it had gathered fired, the powerful silver beam of energy downed the Grimers that surrounded the Pincer Pokémon.
"C'mon…we can't be far now." Alec said as he grabbed Erika's hand and the two plus Sableye taking point in front and Scizor guarding their rear sped past the unconscious Grimers.
At another part of the sewers, another battle had finished as Charmander, Pikachu and Brock's Geodude were victorious. After navigating the maze like sewers for a 'while,' Ash and Brock arrived at the sewer door.
Thinking that it must be an exit, Ash bust through only to find a narrow hallway with an empty waterway beside it. What was even stranger was that the lights were not out in their current area.
"This must be the Power Plant. The trail we followed might lead to where the water gets to the generator." Brock started.
"If we continue on this path," Ash realized looking at the older boy.
"We just might find out what's blocking the water or should lead to the generator." Brock finished and the duo picked up their speed.
"There's something that's been bugging me." Ash commented quietly as he walked.
"What?" Brock asked, curious.
"Where are all the workers… and back in the sewers, the water level although filthy is normal." Ash wondered.
"Hey, you're right. If something is clogged, sewers should have been flooded…but then that means that…" Brock was suddenly alarmed.
"Someone intentionally switched off or sabotaged the flow of water to the generator." Ash concluded darkly. As they rounded a corner, Ash came face to face with a group of people that he had hope to never see again. The black uniforms with the infamous giant red 'R' in the middle with matching colored caps. Team Rocket.
"What in the…!? What are these kids doing here?" One exclaimed.
"Lucky us, more nosy trainers that don't understand the concept of not pryin' into other people's business." The second one rasped.
"So, Team Rocket is behind the power shortage of Celadon City." Ash blamed.
"How clever of you, twerp…yes we are." The third drawled.
"Why?" Ash asked.
"It doesn't concern you kiddo." The fourth replied.
As the grunts all pulled out their Pokéballs, Ash saw a black figure dropped down from the second deck, smashing his elbow directly on top of the first grunt's head, taking advantage of the sudden confusion and smashed the second and third grunt's head against each other. The last grunt was dealt with as he was grabbed by the mysterious assailant by the scruff of his uniform and lost conscious as he was slammed against the railing with a loud 'CLANG'
This cue two more grunts who came rushing in but were halted in their footsteps as a grinning Sableye materialized in front of them that froze them with Mean Look and both grunts fell unconscious to the floor as it opened its wide jaws filled with razor sharp teeth and gave them a slow, tormenting lick to the face.
"It's certainly been a while, boyo" Ash instantly recognized the voice in front of him as the figure slowly turned around.
Blue eyes met hazel and Ash found himself staring at his inspiration, his ultimate goal.
"Big brother? What are you doing here?" Ash exclaimed, still in shock.
"A little bit of community service." His older brother replied, motioning his hand at the unconscious Team Rocket grunts he knocked out.
"That's one way of saying it." Erika commented as she leapt down gracefully next to the Champion of Kanto. "I took care of the three above us."
"There's bound to be more, Team Rocket have been laying low for a while…to make such a daring attack in bright daylight." Alec muttered.
"The power shortage isn't due to the Grimers and Muk in the sewers, the flow of water was switched off." Ash inputted.
"Yes, that's what I believe but why?" Alec murmured.
"I suppose we'll find out soon enough." Erika informed him and as she turned her focus to Ash she smiled politely. "Hello Ash, you're here for the Rainbow Badge I suppose?"
"Yeah…after this situation is solved, can I battle you Erika?" Ash asked.
"Of course." Erika promised.
Ash nodded and scowled when he noticed Brock had gone all gooey eyed on the Celadon City gym leader. An uppercut to the chin quickly fixed it as Brock fell to the ground with a thud.
"Interesting choice of companion you have there…should mom be worried that her precious baby boy's innocence being tainted?" Alec observed.
"Shh—Ssshut up, I know girls exist alright?...Mom gave me 'the talk'" Even under the dim light, Ash had turned tomato red as Alec smirked.
Turning his attention to Brock, he said "You must be Flint's son."
"Yes sir, I'm Brock." Brock responded as the two-shook hands.
"Thanks for looking out for my little brother when I cannot." Alec thanked the dark skinned trainer, ignoring the outraged 'Hey' from said little brother.
"It's no problem. I've got siblings of my own, it comes naturally." Brock said as Ash grew more irritated with being ignored.
"Can we get this over with now?" Ash protested.
"One way to find out…Sableye, scout on ahead and knock out everyone with the Team Rocket insignia. Be creative." Alec commanded and Sableye was all to happy to obliged as it was literally dancing with delight.
"I can help, Haunter assist Sableye." Ash tossed out his own ghost Pokémon that appeared with flash. Haunter had the widest, face splitting grin on its face as Sableye informed it of their mission, both Alec and Ash watched as the ghost duo phased into a section of the wall.
"What have we created?" Both trainers thought with dread. As the four reached the end of a hallway after navigating through the unconscious Team Rocket Grunts on the floor, Alec opened the door and they were surprised to see a lot of people tied up. Ash realized that they must be the power plant workers and missing trainers.
"Alright, Sableye you can stop trying to demonstrate Dream Eater." Alec crossed his arms as his Sableye pouted.
"Haunter…" Ash warned as Haunter as it tried to hide the prank bomb it got from Arceus knows where.
"Whaa….Champion Alec…" A trainer mumbled as he stared at the man in front of him. That got the others' attention quickly, as their eyes widened. It was not everyday that they got to see a legend in the flesh.
"Team Rocket, they have taken over the control room…the generator." A worker managed to bite out as Ash untied him. He turned to see Alec finishing his conversation on his PokéNav.
"I've informed Officer Jenny...she'll be sending down her people." Ash nodded as they went on about releasing the rest of the prisoners.
After reassuring them that their Pokémon would be returned to them safely, Brock volunteered to stay behind just in case.
Traversing the maze like corridors, the trio was led to a large, high ceiling room with two large generators in the center. Between it was a Drowzee with collar clasped around it's head with wires that extended to a machine that connected the two large generators. Ash noted that there were a lot of Magnemite and Magneton that were constantly using their electric energy to power the generator.
"So that's how they've been take advantage of the electricity, using Drowzee's hypnotic powers." Ash murmured.
"Quite so." A feminine voice confirmed with confidence as the trio looked up at the level above them.
"Domino." Alec said the name as if were poisonous. The leggy blonde clad in a feminine version of the Team Rocket uniform smirked as she stared straight in to the eyes of the Kanto Champion while leaning forward on the railing.
"What does Team Rocket get out of cutting down Celadon City's power supply?" He asked frostily.
"So cold…What have I done to deserve such cold treatment?" Domino pouted.
"Answer the question." Alec demanded, his mood growing fouler by the second.
"Ooooh, so rough…that's my favorite thing about you." Domino said in a tone that sparked fire within Erika. The Celadon City gym leader did not like this woman one bit.
"The reason for cutting down Celadon's power supply is simple, to funnel power to our bases with the purpose of conducting our various…experiments-"
"Sableye use Shadow Ball on that Drowzee!" Alec commanded as Sableye formed a black ball of energy that it shot at its target.
"So rude...Drowzee, deflect it with Confusion." Domino commanded as Drowzee focused its attention at Sableye and raising its hands, stopped the pulsing dark orb. Alec was unfazed as the redirected Shadow Ball phased harmlessly through Sableye.
"Growlith use Flamethrower. Haunter target Drowzee with Dark Pulse." Ash tossed the Pokéball and as soon as the puppy Pokémon came out, opened its mouth and shot a powerful shot of fire at its intended target. Haunter shot a beam of nasty purple circles from its mouth.
Drowzee again used Confusion to send the fire attack back towards Growlithe which dodged it easily by leaping back and Haunter merely gleefully teleported away from its own Dark Pulse and back next to Ash.
"Drowzee keeps redirecting our attacks." Ash growled out as next to him Alec pulled out another Pokéball.
"Sableye, your timing must be impeccable…Ash, unleash the strongest attack you've got for Haunter when Sableye strikes" Alec informed his brother who nodded and Sableye who seemed to understand what his trainer was about to do as it informed Haunter.
Alec shared a glance with Erika who pulled out another Pokéball.
"Gardevoir, use Psychic!"
"Espeon, strike with Psychic!" Alec's shiny Gardevoir and Erika's Espeon appeared with a flash and at the same time and surprised the weary Drowzee with an overwhelming force as it was knocked back off its feet from the combined psychic energy of the two Psychic-type Pokémon.
"Now! Sableye"
"Go Haunter!"
The two ghosts were ready as they shot a combined Shadow Ball, which successfully slammed into Drowzee, causing it to collide into the wall.
The Team Rocket grunts were astounded but as they recovered, they found themselves staring at a particularly enraged Meganium and Venasaur as they were doused with a heavy dosage Sleeping Powder.
Alec spotted a blonde and black blur escaping as he threw another Pokéball. "Manectric, restore power to the generators. Gardevoir, teleport me up to the second level."
The discharge Pokémon appeared with a howl and obeyed as Gardevoir took its trainer's hand and teleported them to the second floor. Ash rushed over to the generators and opened a breaker.
"Oh no…I don't know what to do." He thought as he held the wires in his hands.
"Here, I'm no mechanic but I think I know what to do. Manectric, can you revitalize these wires while I'll try flipping the switch." Erika said. Manectric nodded as it trotted over.
"Pikachu, go help Manectric." Ash said.
"Pika!" Pikachu complied enthusiastically as it trudged over towards Erika. Erika then attached the wires she had to Pikachu and Manectric's cheeks.
"Okay, use Thunder Shock!" She called as the two electric Pokémon let loose of their electricity.
"That should do it!" Erika said as she flip the switch back on the moment the two Pokémon discharged their electricity. As she removed the wires on Manectric and Pikachu's faces, a horrid smell entered her nose.
Her fears were confirmed as a horde of Grimer and Muk piled into the room.
"Guess we have no choice but to fight." Erika said grimly just as Gardevoir and Alec reappeared out of thin air.
"She got away. They had a chopper ready and were throwing grunts to stall me." The chestnut brown haired trainer explained.
"As long as you're okay…" Erika replied. Alec nodded as he turned to face the horde of Grimer.
"Manectric use Thunder! Meganium, use Razor Leaf! Sableye, Dark Pulse! Gardevoir, push them back with Psychic!" He commanded.
"Scizor, Pulse Cannon! Veronique, Vine Whip! Espeon, Psybeam!" Erika cried.
"We're not losing to them, Pikachu use Thunder Bolt! Growlithe, Fire Blast! Haunter, Shadow Ball!" Ash directed.
It was something to witness as the Grimer were repelled by the overwhelming power of the ten Pokémon. They scattered as a single Muk remained. It seemed to be staring at Ash who looked confused for a moment but quickly realized its intentions.
"You want a battle right?" Ash called out and Muk nodded.
"Then you've got it. Growlithe!" Growlithe growled as it stepped in front of Muk. The toxic Pokémon shot a powerful Sludge Bomb attack which Growlithe dodged agilely.
Muk was not put off one bit as it continued covering the ground with sludge as its target would not stand still.
"Use Flamethrower" Ash called out as Growlithe unleashed a red hot jet of fire from its mouth which struck Muk straight in the face.
"Flare Blitz! Now!" Growlithe, cloaking itself with fire, sped straight toward its disorientated foe and slammed hard against it. Muk fell back and Ash saw his chance, throwing a fresh Pokéball at hopefully, a new friend.
Muk was sucked into the red and white device and shook. After three shakes, a 'ding' sound emitted from the Pokéball, signaling a successful capture.
"Nice job Growlithe, we caught a Muk." Ash hurried forward to hug his small Puppy Pokémon and was given an enthusiastic bark.
Ash turned around to see his older brother with a look of approval and that meant more to him than any praise.
After tying up the unconscious Team Rocket members left in the area, they left the Power Plant back through the sewers. The Celadon police were currently at the Power Plant, arresting all of the bound up Team Rocket members. The workers and missing trainers had their Pokémon returned and were sent to the hospital for treatment.
"On behalf of Celadon City. Thank you for all your help, Champion." Officer Jenny thanked Alec, who waved it off with a shake of his head.
"It was not my deed alone," He started as Ash had a bad feeling rising to his gut, he was proven correct as Alec grabbed him and wrapped a hand around his shoulder. "My little brother Ash has played a large role with his selflessness and his desire to help others."
"I hate you so much…" Ash growled at his older brother who ignored it.
"Thank you, young man. We cannot thank you enough for restoring power to the city, gotten rid of Team Rocket at the Power Plant. Soon, the water in this area will be clean again with the help of some filtration." Jenny said.
"It was no problem." Ash blushed as he pulled his hood down.
"The police force and I wish all the best in your travels." Officer Jenny said as she discretely passed something towards Alec. Ash was curious at what it was and the discovery made him want to laugh as he saw Alec holding a photograph of himself and Lucario. He shot a threatening glare at his little brother before quickly signing it and handing it back to the police officer.
"Not a word. Boyo." Alec growled out as he had Ash in a head lock. Ash could only hold his hands up in surrender, to be quite frank, he missed these types of interactions with his brother with his older sibling being the official number one ranked trainer. As they walked towards the Pokémon Center where Ash was staying at, the two discussed the Pokémon Ash had acquired so far and Alec even chuckled when Ash had informed him of the joke that Gary Oak will defeat him before himself. "Not even in his dreams…" Alec shook his head, he had met his fair share of strong trainers in his conquest to the top but Gary Oak did not fit that type, he had potential but just having potential is not enough.
"Wow, I can't believe we're here already." Ash said in a somber tone.
"Time flies quick when you enjoy it…so treasure it." Alec said with a reminiscent smile as he walked to the edge of the curb just as a black limo pulled up.
"You should give mom and dad a visit. They miss you a lot." Ash called out.
"Perhaps I'll do that soon." Came the response as Alec reached out for the limo door.
"I'll become even stronger, strong like you and when I do, I'll come challenge you." Ash said as Alec opened the limo door.
"Pika, pikapi!" Pikachu echoed the sentiment.
"I haven't forgotten our promise…I'll be waiting." His older brother responded without turning around and climbed into the vehicle. Ash and Pikachu watched as the limo drove off as the sun began to set.
A man sitting in a dark room in a large comfortable chair waited patiently while rubbing his Persian's head. The large black screen in front of him blazed into life, revealing one of his most trusted lieutenants.
"Domino, I trust you have good news." Giovanni inquired, resting a hand under his chin.
"Yes sir, we have had some casualties but he did appear as you have predicted. Alec Ketchum was present at the operation." Domino reported professionally.
"Good work, Domino. I expect a full report of the entire operation." Giovanni stroked his Persian who purred with satisfaction. As the screen faded back to black, the leader of Team Rocket lit a cigar which he smoked with appreciation.
Please Read and Review so that I can improve on writing and bringing more chapters for you Pokémon lovers out there!
A.N.- Erika and Alec are not together per se as they have a complicated relationship...I'll flesh it out in upcoming chapters but I'm not envisaging them together as a couple.
Ash's Pokémon (Current)
Pikachu
Gible
Growlithe
Charmander
Haunter
Vaporeon
Pidgeot