Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon. If I did Ash would age

A/N: A short chapter here, however i wanted to get all the gym badges out-of-the-way. Next Chapter Ash prepares for the Pokemon League, and runs into a Mr Mime. beware Lime in this chapter.

Viridian City

Ash, Sabrina and Brock had arrived at the Pokemon centre in Viridian City. On the way from Pallet Ash had read the book his dad had left him. He couldn't believe that he was related to someone famous, and that this person was an aura user as well. The book was an account of Sir Aaron life right up to the last few days before he left for the tree of beginning. Ash had discovered that the Town Sir Aaron came from was actually in Kanto. Ash decided that he would try visit it soon, but now he had other things to deal with. Namely winning his eighth badge and qualifying for the Indigo League Championships. Ash had decided that he would get a full day of training in before challenging the gym. He was expecting the gym leader to be a tough especially seeing how this was his last badge. Ash had also been contacted by Cynthia. It seems Knuckles had enjoyed his time and now wished to come back home. Ash had been really pleased with this news. He had really missed his adopted son. Ash walked up to the counter and waited. He then pressed button on his Pokegear. It started to ring until Cynthia appeared on screen.

"Hi Ash, You all ready to trade?" Ash smiled at Cynthia. Her hair today was down, only half of her face was visible as the other half was covered by her blonde hair. She looked so cute and Ash began to blush.

"Nearly. Just going to ask the Nurse Joy here for her trade machine. Then we should be ready to go." Just then Ash noticed the Nurse Joy had come to the counter.

"Can I help you young man?" Ash gave Sabrina his Pokegear. He had decided to tell Sabrina that he was in contact with Cynthia. However it seems she already knew and didn't mind, seeing how Cynthia was going to be part of their bond. He overheard the two giggling. It seems they were getting on quite well.

"Sorry, Nurse Joy. Could I book two rooms and could I also borrow your trade machine." Ash handed over his Pokedex and watched as Nurse Joy scanned it. Once she had finished she gave it back to Ash and then left to get the trading machine. Few minutes later Nurse Joy came back with the trade machine, she plugged it in.

Ash turned to Sabrina. " Tell Cynthia, that the Pokemon centre code is VC 63123 KN." Ash then turned to the machine and watched as it turned on and then a sound was heard. Ash pushed the button and watched a Code appear. VC 34127 SN. Ash then placed Roselia into the slot and watched as it vanished. A few minutes later another ball appeared. Ash took it from the slot and then opened it. There was Knuckles. Ash took the Pokegear from Sabrina. "Thank you Cynthia. I will ring you later. Good luck with your gym badge." Ash noticed Cynthia blew him a kiss and then screen went black. Ash turned to Knuckles.

"How was your visit Knuckles?" Ash watched Knuckle inclined his head. "Very good thank you father. Mother was really pleased to see me. She is also happy that I have found a good trainer.

Ash smiled. "Well that's good. Glad your back Knuckles. Hope you got plenty of energy as it a full day of training tomorrow. I want to make sure we are all ready for our gym challenge. After all this is my last badge and then it off to the Indigo league to register for the championships."

Knuckles inclined his head once more, "I am ready father, while in Sinnoh my mother gave me some special training. Hopefully I can put it to good use in our battle."

Next Day On way to training field.

Ash was on his way to the city training field when he noticed Gary was walking towards him, followed by all his cheerleaders. Ash sighed and watched as his rival called his name. Well his nickname anyway.

"Hey Ashy boy? Good to see you again. Where you going by the way." Ash groaned. He wanted some peace and quite. He wanted to concentrate on his training today. After all he was going to challenge the gym tomorrow.

"Well if you must know. I am about to hit the city training area for some intensive Training. After all I heard the gym leader is really tough and want to be ready for every possibility. After all once I have beaten him/her then I can qualify for the Indigo League. I take you are on your way to challenge for your badge now."

Gary just nodded. "You got that right. I don't need to train my Pokemon anymore. They are all in top condition. I suppose you still have those baby Pokemon to deal with. You know you should seriously consider evolving that Pikachu, Raichu is much more powerful."

Ash smirked. "Well he seemed to handle Surge rather well, remind me what happened to you when you challenged him. Oh yeah that's right. You sent a water/flying duel type out against an electric type. Talk about lame move. But hey if you think you are ready for the gym then go ahead. I got some training to do." Ash left a rather steaming Gary behind, who was being comforted by all his cheerleaders. Ash walked away shaking his head, what a Joke.

Training field

Ash stood on the outside and watched each of his Pokemon train. He decided he wasn't going to take any risk with this battle and had decided on using his fully evolved Pokemon. This included Pikachu, Mew, Knuckles, Scizor, Milotic and finally Gengar. Ash watched as each of his Pokemon trained hard. Scizor and Knuckles were doing their usual sparing, Milotic was taking electric attacks from Pikachu to build up her resistance. Gengar was facing another Gengar. Of course it was Mew in disguise, but only Ash and his Pokemon knew that. Ash had decided to leave Darkrai at the lab as Professor Oak wanted to study it. Ash noticed everyone was working hard and Ash was pleased with their efforts. However unknown to Ash something was taking place within the Viridian City Gym.

Viridian City Gym

Giovanni stared down at the trainer below him. The boy was good, already his Golem and Kinglar had fallen. Giovanni was about to give the boy the badge when he heard something that made him narrow his eyes.

"Maybe you should just quit. There is no way you can beat me. You're the worse gym leader ever. If you are the eighth gym leader then the league need to change things around a little. Blaine gave me more trouble then you did."

Giovanni eyes blazed. This kid wanted a beating did he, well he was about to get one. Forget giving him the badge. Giovanni was about to make the boy regret he was ever born. "Is that what you think? Little boy. Very well I still have one Pokemon left and he will be your downfall." Giovanni then clicked his fingers and the huge stone door below him opened up. Out of the Darkness a humanoid figure walked out wearing armour and a visor head-piece.

Gary gulped, he quickly withdrew Dana from his pocket and pointed it had the figure now hovering over the battlefield.

Pokemon unknown, No available data...

Gary placed Dana back in his pocket. How was he suppose to fight a Pokemon if he didn't know what it was. "Arcanine prepare yourself."

Giovanni just grinned. The stupid kid had no idea what he was up against. Giovanni had not planned to use Mewtwo just yet, but the boy had insulted his Gym, not to mention the leader of Team Rocket. "End this Psychic"

Mewtwo eyes glowed blue, it used its psychic energy to surround the Pokemon now in front of him. His helmet had already analysed its attacks and abilities. He raised his arm in the air and watched as the Pokemon yelped in pain. He then sent it flying against all three wall in the gym and finally smashed it against the ceiling. He then slammed it into the ground causing a dust cloud to appear. Once the dust had blown away, Mewtwo noticed the Pokemon was laid out with swirl for eyes.

Giovanni laughed. "Well little boy, seem you have bitten off more than you can chew. I will tell you what though. Seeing how my Pokemon is stronger than all of yours, I will allow you to use Two Pokemon at once. That should make it a fair contest."

Gary gulped, his confidence suddenly leaving him. Just what was that Pokemon. Gary decided to take the gym leader up on his offer. After all he wasn't breaking any rules as the gym leader had given him permission to use two Pokemon. "Nidoking and Blaistoise I choose you!"

Both Pokemon appeared on the field, they looked towards the strange Pokemon now facing them, a hint of worry in each of their eyes.

Giovanni grinned, this was going to be good. "Finish them both off with Psychic!" Giovanni watched with a satisfied smirk as both Pokemon were levitated and then slammed into every wall in the gym and finally each other. He then watched as they were slammed into the ground both with swirls for eyes. "Well it seems you have failed this challenge. Therefore you will not be receiving your badge. I am ever so sorry."

Gary recalled his Pokemon. He had a seriously bad feeling about this strange Pokemon. Gary removed Dana before snapping a picture of the Pokemon. He then legged it out of the gym. He needed to show this to his grandfather right away.

Giovanni clicked his fingers once more, and Mewtwo glided back towards the stone door that slowly opened allowing him to pass through. It then slammed down behind him. Giovanni then took a seat in his chair and stroked his Persian. "Had the boy kept his mouth shut, then maybe he would have been walking out with a badge. Now that this charade is over. It is time to deal with those three idiots!"

Giovanni then left the gym area and made his way to his office. He pushed open the door and looked to see three figure stood in front of his desk. He then walked around and took a seat. His Persian happily purring laid down by the side of his chair.

"You three, better have a good explanation for your failure. I gave you orders to watch the boy and instead you decided to try steal his Pokemon. Full well knowing he had Mew. Honestly how you three passed basic training is beyond me." Giovanni was interrupted from saying anymore as his intercom began blinking. He pressed a button. "Yes what is it!"

Apologise for disturbing you sir, but we have a emergency at the lab. Something has gone terribly wrong.

Giovanni growled. "Very well I will be there right away." Giovanni then turned back to Jessie, James and Meowth. "You three are lucky, it seems I still have use for you after all. I am needed back at HQ. Take these three Pokemon and defend the gym until I get back. Do you think you can follow this simple order?" Giovanni then pressed a button on his chair. It slid back against the far wall, before it revolved."

Jessie and James were stunned. Instead of being punished they had been promoted. "Jessie do you know what this means? We are now gym leaders. The boss left us in charge of the gym."

Jessie grinned. "Yes James, and the twerp is in town. Soon he will be coming here for his gym battle, let's make sure we give him a proper greeting."

Outside Viridian City Gym

Gary was running as fast as he could toward the Pokemon centre. Just then he smashed into something. He groaned as he grabbed his head. He noticed another trainer was on his butt glaring at him. It was Ash.

"Gary what the hell as gotten into you?" Gary had no time to explain. He got up and then carried on running towards the Pokemon centre. "Sorry Ash, can't talk. Need to get this to grand pap quickly. By the way whatever you do don't challenge the gym leader, he is using an unknown Pokemon."

This made Ash curious. He had just come from the Pokemon centre after getting his Pokemon all healed. He had decided to go for a walk as Sabrina wanted to do some shopping. Ash had allowed Brock to suffer the torture of following her around all the shops holding her bags. Now though he was thinking about challenging the gym leader. Heck he could also try again if he failed. Ash decided to go for it and headed towards the gym. He noticed two guards dressed as Roman soldier were guarding the door. As he got close to the door the guards crossed their spears.

"Halt, only trainers who have collected all other seven badges may challenge the gym leader. Trainer present your badge case as prove that you meet the requirements for this gym."

Ash pulled his badge case from his pocket. He then flipped it open. He watched the guards look at it then removed their spears from blocking the entrance.

"Pass Challenger, and face the power of the Viridian City Gym." Ash walked through the doors that suddenly opened. He noticed the whole gym looked like a roman coliseum, He walked out of an entrance into a circular pit. He could see a balcony above him. Three figures stood waiting. Ash suddenly growled.

"Is this a joke? You three are Gym leaders. Give me a break. How on earth did you beat Gary."

Jessie looked down from the Balcony. "How dare you twerp. This is our Gym and we will not have anyone disrespecting it. Now this Gym is nothing like anything you have faced before. If you still want to challenge step into the box over there."

Ash narrowed his eyes, before walking over to the box. Just then chains erupted from the ground shackling him to the field. Ash then noticed Jessie, James and Meowth laughing at him. Ash growled. "What the hell is this? Pikachu Iron tail!" Pikachu was about to complete the move when a metal arm with a huge rubber glove shot out of nowhere and grabbed him.

"I don't think so twerp. Here are the rules of this gym. We are both shackled to the gym floor, when ever one of our Pokemon takes damage then we will also take damage. Also you are not allowed to use Pikachu or Scizor. Those are the rules." Jessie then walked into her box. Unknown to the brat her chains were not connected to the same device his were, of course that is what she had thought.

Ash growled. However he knew he had to obey the rules of the gym leader, although these stipulations sounded like a load of bollocks. "Fine I can't use Pikachu or Scizor, it seems you have forgotten i have another little surprise. I choose you Princess!"

Jessie eyes widened. She had forgotten about the twerp having Mew, she was so focused on making the kid suffer that she had totally forgotten his secret weapon. "Blast I knew there was something I forgot, Oh well. Machamp Your up!" Jessie threw a ball onto the field and a four armed fighting Pokemon appeared flexing its muscles.

Ash shook his head. Were they being serious. "Are you joking me, you send out a fighting type vs a psychic type. Oh well your funeral. Princess use Psychic!" Mew narrowed her eyes, these three were getting on her nerves. Her eyes glowed blue before she used her power to lift the Machamp off the ground, who was shaking its arms frantically. She then slammed it against the ceiling and then back to the floor.

Ash watched with a satisfied smirk as Jessie was lit up like a Christmas tree. He laughed as she screamed in agony. Finally the shock stopped and she stood still. Her clothes charred and her hair sticking up.

"Meowth I thought you said only he would get hit!" Jessie looked to the field where Machamp was laid out. She recalled him, and then growled. "Screw this as gym leader, I am changing the rules. I can use as many as many Pokemon as i want. You however can only use one."

Ash just frowned. It was now clear to him that Gary must have faced the real gym leaders and these three were stand ins. Which meant one thing. This Gym was a front for Team Rocket. Ash shook his head. "I grow tired of this charade. Princess Hyper beam now!"

Mew formed a huge orange sphere in her paws and then launched it at the four Pokemon Jessie had now thrown onto the field. Kinglar, Golem, Arbok and Weezing went flying and smacked into Jessie causing her once again to light up. However this time the blast was so powerful that it caused a huge explosion. The whole gym began to shake and one of the pillar began to crumble. Ash looked around, he could see the others were going to give way soon. Just then there was another huge explosion and Jessie, James and Meowth were blasted through the roof of the building. Ash looked down his feet were still shackled, however Pikachu was now free. "Pikachu Iron Tail!" Pikachu raced towards Ash, he then jumped in the air, before using his tail to smash the chains around Ash feet.

Ash quickly leapt out-of-the-way as a huge slab of stone almost hit him. The whole place was coming down. He then noticed Mew float towards him, and in her paws was the Earth badge. Ash took the badge and then recalled Mew and grabbed Pikachu. He then ran towards the exit. He had just got out of the main doors before the whole structure collapsed in on itself. Ash turned to survey the damage, he then looked at the badge in his hand. He may not have won it, but still it was a fair price for what those three had put him through these last few months. It was then Ash noticed a huge crowd, siren were blaring as fire trucks, police car and ambulances arrived on the scene. He noticed Sabrina and Brock were in the crowd, he walked over towards them. He let Sabrina run into his arms.

"Ash what happened? The Gym its gone." Ash pulled Sabrina back then looked at Brock. "The gym was a trap by Team rocket. A while ago I met Gary who was running away from the gym after being beaten by an unknown Pokemon. Curious on what this Pokemon was I decided to challenge the gym. It turned out the gym was being looked after by those three morons. Jessie tried to make up the rules as she went along, but I just took her out with Mew. Then there was some big explosion, no doubt they had planned a back up plan and it had backfired. Still I have the badge and that is all that matters. So now it is time to register for the Pokemon league."

Ash, Brock and Sabrina then left the area and made their way back to the Pokemon centre. Ash had finally done it, he had eight badges and now it was time to register for the championships.

A/N: There you okay. I know it is not a long chapter, but i have been updating more then i normally do.