Pokémon: The Prism League Chapter 8: New Power Achieved and a Voice Recived
Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon.
7 months until the Prism League
"Ok Ash today we've got something really important to teach you." Brock told his friend.
"I thought we were learning some new attacks today." Ash replied.
"We are but these attacks could be your ace in the hole." Brock continued.
"How's that?" Ash asked still not understanding.
"I think it'll be easier if we show you, May your up." Brock called to the Hoenn coordinator.
"Right, come on out Blaziken, Venusaur."
"Go Swampert." Brock released his water and ground type joining May's Pokémon.
"What are you guys doing?" Ash asked.
"Just watch." Brock advised.
"Venusaur use Frenzy Plant!" Venusaur's body became outlined in a green light she then stopped on the ground causing giant roots with spikes on them to burst up from the ground. "Now Blaziken Blast Burn!" Blaziken glowed bright red as it held out its arms and the fire around its wrists ignited then a ball of red and orange energy formed between Blaziken's hands then unleashed it single beam of fiery energy incinerating the Frenzy Plant.
"Swampert use Hydro Cannon!" A glowing light blue ball appeared in front of Swampert's mouth that was fired at the remaining flames of Blaziken's attack dousing them completely.
"Wow! Ash's eyes widened as he watched the display of tremendous power.
"Today your Pokémon are going to learn the strongest grass, water and fire attacks there are." Brock informed the still gawking trainer.
"Sounds good to me, who should we teach them to?" Ash asked coming to his senses.
"That's the thing very few Pokémon can learn these moves, only a fully evolved starter Pokémon can learn each respective attack." The breeder continued.
Ash took a moment to think of which Pokémon met the standard. "Then that means It's Torterra , Sceptile, Charizard, Typhlosion and Infernape but I don't have anyone that can learn Hydro Cannon."
"Not necessarily, your Pokémon have learned new attacks just after evolving with practice which is why I think if we have Wartortle practice Hydro Cannon now it might be able use the attack right away if it evolves."
"Brock's right it could work." May agreed.
"Well if you guys think it's worth a try then so do I." Ash replied confidently. "Now come on out guys." Charizard, Infernape, Typhlosion, Septile, Torterra and Wartortle were released from their Pokeballs.
"Ok Swampert and I will work with Wartortle, May you help Ash with Frenzy Plant and Blast Burn."
"Got it." The Hoenn coordinator nodded.
Splitting into their training groups May began to explain how to use the attacks. "Alright Ash fist we're going to start with Frenzy Plant."
"Got it." Ash nodded.
"Venusaur, Frenzy Plant one more time but slowly." May told her large grass Pokémon.
"Saur." (Sure.) The plant like dinosaur agreed and prepared herself for another demonstration.
"Alright the first thing your Pokémon needs to do is gather the grass type energy in their bodies." May explained as Venusaur once again glowed green. "Next they need to channel that energy into ground." Venusaur raised her foot then stomped on the ground and energy moved from her body and pooled into the ground. "Last your Pokémon will use that energy to create the roots and maintain control of them." Giant roots rose from the ground and moved to Venusaur's will before reseeding back into the ground leaving the grass Pokémon visibly exhausted.
"Right, you two get all that?" Ash asked Septile and Torterra. The Forest and Continent Pokemon let out cries of agreement ready to try the new move. "That's what I like to hear."
"Hold up Ash, now I need to show you Blast Burn." May stopped the eager trainer.
"Oh, how's that work?"
"Blast Burn works a lot like Overheat, it's just taking it a step further."
"I'm not sure I get that."
"Well Overheat takes the fire from a Pokémon's body like Flamethrower does then takes the energy from their body and combines them but there is more energy then fire in the attack that's why Overheat drains a Pokémon's special attack, Blast Burn use even more energy and fire than Overheat does but they have to be perfectly balanced." As May finished her break down of the attack Blaziken took its place and glowed bright red as it held out its arms and the fire around its wrists ignited then a ball of red and orange energy formed between Blaziken's hands then unleashed it single beam of fiery energy. "It takes perfect focus for both of the attacks to work."
"Got it, now what say we get to work guys?" Ash asked his Pokémon getting roars and cries of eagerness.
The training for Frenzy Plant and Blast Burn was turning out to be the hardest training for a new move yet. Torterra was able to harness its grass type energy but was struggling to channel it into the ground. Sceptile could perfectly harness and control its grass type energy but keeping control of the roots was proving to be a great challenge even for the veteran grass type.
Training for Blast Burn was going just as roughly, Charizard was having the problem of not balancing his fire and energy levels putting to much fire into the attack turning it into Flamethrower rather then Blast Burn. Infernape was having the opposite problem, the flame monkey could not balance the attack and put to much energy and not enough fire in the attack. Luckily Ash had some success with Typhlosion who had taken to the attack's requirement of balancing its power perfectly and was now in the middle of refining the move.
"This is even tougher then I thought." Ash said looking over his Pokémon's progress.
"Like I said Ash it's all about focus, once they have that down they'll be able to use the moves no problem." May encouraged her friend.
"Your right May we just need to focus more." Ash said with renewed confidence. "Come on over guys we need to talk." Ash called to his Pokémon who all stopped to join him. "Listen up everybody the reason we're having so much trouble is that we aren't concentrating enough we need put all of our focus on these attack, so lets take some time to clear out our heads then get back to work." Ash told his Pokémon before sitting down cross-legged in a meditative style with Pikachu sitting next to him doing the same. All five Pokemon agreed. Torterra laid down on its stomach, Charizard and Typhlosion sat down while Sceptile and Infernape sat cross-legged just like Ash. "Alright guys focus only on the attacks how you do it, how much power you need, just focus." Ash said shutting his eyes and taking deep breath. Fallowing their trainer's example the Pokémon began to meditate on how to do their new attacks.
In each of their minds the details of the attacks played out, every aspect the moves was carefully thought of by each Pokémon while Ash did the same. "Frenzy Plant is all about how well the Pokémon can channel their energy and maintain it, while Blast Burn relies on being able to balance their power." Ash thought to himself. "The way to do both is keeping our concentration, that's how we'll master these attacks." Ash's thought were interrupted by a sudden and unusual feeling. "Wait what is this, it feels like someone is calling me or they're pulling me somewhere almost like."
"Ahhhhhhhh!" Ash cried as he was pulled from his thoughts by a Thunderbolt.
"Pika pika pi!" (Ash are you alright!)
"I'm fine Pikachu but what did you have to go and thunderbolt me for?" Ash asked picking himself back up.
"Ash you were sitting there like you were in a trance or something nothing we did would get you up." May told the still sparking Ash.
"Pi pikach Pikachu Pika." (You wouldn't move for five minutes.)
"What, sorry buddy I guess I zoned out." Ash placed a comforting hand on his partner's head. "Now are you guys ready to get back to training?" Another round of roaring agrrement was let loose.
Ash's suggestion had proven to be a good one, all the Pokémon were showing a great leap of improvement. Torterra was now able to channel its energy properly and was beginning to learn how to control the roots, Charizard and Infernape had both managed to get past their power balance blocks and were moving forward with their training. Sceptile had now all but mastered Frenzy Plant and commanded the attack with ease.
After Brock had finished his training with Wartorle he decided to join Ash and May. "I have to say Ash, I didn't think you and your Pokémon would pick up on these attacks like you did."
"Come on Brock you know it takes a lot more to hold me up."
"That's true." the breeder chuckled.
"Before long we'll have Blast Burn and Frenzy Plant down no problem!"
"That's good to hear but what do you say we call it quits for now." May suggested.
"Good idea, after using Frenzy Plant and Blast Burn so much our Pokémon are probably going to need to rest till the day after tomorrow." Brock agreed.
"Yeah I could probably sleep for two days myself. Ash said his own exhaustion finally hitting him. The three teen returned their Pokémon to their pokeballs and headed home for some well needed rest.
Later that night as Ash lay asleep in his bed he was unaware of what was about happen.
"Finally I've found you Ash."
"You again, and now you know my name, what's going on why have you been talking to me all these months?"
"All will be explained in do time, I wish to meet you."
"You want to meet me, why?"
"I will explain everything once you arrive, what I will say is your're someone I was destined to find."
"I still don't understand."
"Come to me and all will be answered."
The mysterious voice faded from Ash's thoughts and an image of Mt Moon appeared before Ash shot up from under his covers scaring Pikachu who had been asleep on Ash's bed.
"Pika Pika pi Pika?" (Ash what was that for?)
"Sorry Pikachu." Ash apologized then looked to the window to see the sun had begun to rise.
"Pika?" (Is something wrong?)
"No Pikachu but we've got to get to Mt Moon." Ash jumped out of bed got dressed and was out the door in minutes leaving only a note for his friends saying where he was going.
Ash headed straight for the laboratory to get his ride to Mt Moon. When Ash arrived he was surprised to see Molly was already awake and out playing with the Pokémon.
"Morning Ash." Molly said cheerfully seeing the older training coming over.
"Morning Molly, have you seen Pidgeot around?"
"Yeah over with the others." Molly said pointing to the large tree that Ash's flying types had maid their home in. "Why are you looking for Pidgeot?"
"I'm heading to Mt Moon and flying is a lot quicker then walking."
"You're going to Mt moon, are you doing some special training up there." Molly asked her curiosity still peeked.
"No I'm going to... actually I don't really know why I'm going." Ash said confusing himself.
"Well is it ok if I come with you?" Molly asked hopefully.
"I don't know Molly, I could be up there for a while and I don't know if." Ash began to say.
"Please Ash I would love go and see all the Pokémon there, I promise I won't be in the way I really want to go." Molly pleaded using what Ash had come to know as Poochyena eyes.
"Alright you can come." Ash laughed at how easily she could sway him.
"Yay!" Molly cheered.
Thanks to Pidgeot's speed it had taken less than hafe an hour for Ash, Molly and Pikachu to arrive at their destination the base of Mt Moon.
"So where do we go from here Ash?" Molly asked looking over their surroundings.
"I'm not really sure." Ash admitted.
"But then which way do we go?"
"It doesn't matter I'm sure as long as we keep looking around here we'll find the way we need.
"Is this why you use to always get everyone lost?" Molly asked innocently.
"I did not always get everyone lost, who said that?"
"Misty did." Molly replied.
"Figures." Ash mumbled bitterly.
"Anyway lets get a move on." Ash advised.
"Ok. Molly agreed before another question popped into her head. "Hey Ash what is it you're looking for here?"
Ash figured there was no harm in tell Molly of the voice calling him and decided to tell her. "You'll think it's weird but about nine months ago I stated hearing this strange voice."
"A voice?"
"Yeah, but it was one I'd never heard before and I would only hear when I was really relaxed or if I was lost in thought and only for a few seconds."
"But what's that voice have to do with Mt Moon?"
"Last night I heard the voice again and it said that it wanted to meet me and to come here."
"So do you know what that voice is?"
"Not yet but I'm going to find out."
As Ash and Molly continued on they saw many forest dwelling Pokémon. The trees were filled with Aipom, Caterpie, Ledyba, Skiploom and Seedot while from out of the bushes popped out Sunflora, Furret, Nuzleaf, Venonat and Nidoran, then out in the middle of the path marched a gathering of Clefairy and Clefable.
"I've never seen Clefairy up close before." Molly smiled watching the Fairy Pokemon walk along happily.
"Yeah they're really rare but here on Mt Moon they're all over the place." Ash said as he saw them walk past a cave. Ash now stood at the mouth of the cave looking for any sign of something out of the ordinary.
"Do you think this is where your suppose to go." Molly asked look the cave over herself.
"It's as good as anywhere to start." Ash said beginning into the cave with Molly and Pikachu close behind. Very quickly the light from outside began to dwindle. "Molly it's getting dark in here you better hold my hand. Ash said offing his hand to Molly who gladly took it as the visibility became zero.
"Ash you need to trim you nails they're getting really long." Molly said in total blackness.
"Mine are nothing compared to yours." Ash replied feeling long nails in his own hand.
"Pikachu did your fur get thicker?" Molly asked now very confused."
"Pi Pi?" (No why?)
Pikachu received no answer when a large growling noise filled the cave. "Ash is that you stomach?" Molly asked frightened.
"No, Pikachu can you give us some light with an Electro Ball?"
"Pika." (Sure thing.) Pikachu created a small ball of electricity at the end of its tall giving Ash and Molly enough light to see they were no longer holding each others hands but a pair of very large claws.
"Ahhhhhh!" Ash, Molly and Pikachu ran from the cave avoiding a barrage of Hyper Beams being fired by a very angry Ursaring.
After outrunning their cranky attacker Ash and Molly stopped to catch their breath. "That's why I don't ever want Teddiursa to evolve." Molly groaned.
"That's a good reason." Ash agreed. "Ok lets keep going."
"Alright but no more caves please." Molly pleaded.
The pair continued further up the mountain hoping that the high ground could help them find their destination until they came to a fork in the road.
"Now which way do we go?" Molly asked looking down both paths. Ash took a moment examining both ways and found them be the same the sighed in defeat.
"Right."
Ash's sprits rose hearing the voice again while still weary of but ultimately decided it his best option to fallow what the voice had said.
"We're going right." Ash said taking to the right path as he had been told leading them to a cliff side road.
"Ash how do you know this is the way to?"
"That voice it told me which way, I think it knows we're here on the mountain."
"You think so?"
"Yeah, anyway if we follow this road I think we'll find out who it is calling me as long as we're carfuaaaaaaa!" Ash cried out as part of the path broke off the cliff with him and Molly on it.
Pikachu looked down over the edge fearful for his friends safety and found Ash holding on to a narrow ledge with his other arm wrapped around Molly. Molly are you alright?" Ash asked worried.
"Yeah I'm ok." Molly replied her fear very evident in her tone and her tight hold on Ash.
"Pika Pikachu!" (Ash, Molly!) Pikachu callout from up on the road.
"Pikachu get back!" Ash ordered when he noticed his grip was slipping. "Got to move fast." Ash said thinking quickly of how to escape their situation when he noticed Molly had taken a Pokeball from he belt and thrown it up on to the cliff releasing Bulbasaur. "Bulbasaur use you Vine Whip to pull us up." The Seed Pokémon quickly unleashed both it's vines wrapping around Ash's hand then pulling with all it might with Pikachu holding one of its vines to help. Now held by his Pokémon Ash began to slowly scale the rock wall with Molly still in his arms until finally reaching the top then dropping to his back and taking deep breaths. "Man that was close."
"Yeah it was." Molly said laying next to Ash breathing here own sigh of relief.
"That was quick thinking Molly, you really saved us there." Ash praised the little girl.
"It was nothing, I just did what you taught me remember, a trainer has to be able to think fast on the battlefield."
"Yeah the battlefield, not hanging over a cliff." Ash said ruffing Molly's hair playfully earning him a giggle. "Thanks Bulbasaur you did a great job." Ash patted the grass types head before returning it to its Pokeball. "Now lets get going before more of the road decides to break." Ash rose to he feet then helped Molly.
"Your close."
Hearing the voice yet again Ash became more determined then ever. Ash took off down the path as fast as he as his legs could carry him. Molly and Pikachu fallowed as best they could wondering what had spark this rush of energy.
After leaving the cliff the path lead them into the thick of forest not stopping Ash's momentum in the least. Rushing through trees, braches and bushes Ash continued running expecting something to tell him to stop until finally the path ended in a small clearing. Ash scanned the area quickly looking in every direction his impatience showing on his face.
"Ash I don't see anything." Molly said somberly.
"Nether do I." Ash casted his view to the ground clearly disappointed.
"You've arrived."
A gust of wind whipped through the forest as Ash lifted his head up and saw a rock that had be shadowed by the trees had now become visible sitting atop the rock was a small blue dog-like Pokémon with black legs and ears, on it face appeared to be a mask and white bumps on the back of its blue paws that were held together in a prayer-like fashion. The Pokémon opened its eyes revealing them to be red. "Finally."
"Ash who is that Pokémon?" Molly asked her eyes never leaving the Pokémon.
"It's a Riolu!"
"I have wanted to meet you for sometime now," Riolu jumped down from the rock and stood before Ash.
"You're the one who's been calling to me!" Ash said amazed to finally have an answer to his question.
"Ash is Riolu talking to you?" Molly asked confused.
"Yeah can't you hear it?"
"Only you are able to hear my thoughts, because you're the one I have been searching for."
"I am so confused, what are you talking about!" Ash shouted.
"My apologies I should explain, my greatest desire is to grow stronger and archive all that I am able."
"And you need me for that?"
"I do, simple put for me to be as strong as I can be I need to evolve and for that I need a human partner."
"Wait you can't evolve on your own."
"No the only way is to find a human partner who shares the same aura as myself, then by connecting to them and sharing their aura I'll achieve the power that I need to evolve."
Ash found Riolu's explanation to be right as he remembered that every Lucario he had ever met belonged to a trainer and had never met a wild one.
"I began looking for someone who shared my aura by sending out my thoughts knowing only someone with my aura could hear them."
"So me hearing you was your way of testing me?"
"So to speak, but it was when you replied to me that I knew you were the one."
"That day at the river." Ash said to himself this time. "Ok so why is it that you waited till now to tell me to come meet you?"
"Before last night every other instance I contacted you was only by chance I was unable to find your aura precisely to inform you of my location, until the previous day when your aura became much stronger I was able to find you."
"Then yesterday that weird feeling I got was you connecting to me?"
"Precisely."
"So does all of that mean that you want to join me?" Ash asked excitement beginning to build in the young trainer.
"Yes Ash, I believe with you their will be nothing I can't accomplish."
"Riolu your my kind of Pokémon and I'd be happy to have you join my team!"
Ash what's going on?" Molly asked having missed hafe of the conversation.
"Riolu is going to join up with me!"
"Really, that's great!" Molly cheered.
"One moment Ash I have not joined your team yet." Riolu informed.
"What do you mean?" Ash asked the Emotion Pokémon.
While you have proven that you have abilities in aura, I wish to test you abilities in battle first hand." Riolu said taking up a fighting stance.
Ash's grin grew even wider at the thought of battle. "So I have to beat you first uh?"
"Precisely." RioluReplied with a smirk.
"Then that's what were gonna do, Pikchu you up!" Ash told his partner Pokémon.
Pikachu hopped down from Ash's shoulder and stood ready on all fours to face Riolu. "Pikachu use Quick Attack!" Pikachu charge forward leaving an energy trail. Riolu met Pikachu head-on with its own Quick Attack. The two brock apart then Riolu jumped over Pikachu and brought down its paw like a karate chop narrowly missing the electric mouse.
"That was Brick Break." Ash said recognizing the attack.
Riolu moved in close then began attacking with shadow incased paws. "Pikachu watch out for that Shadow Claw!" Riolu continued its assault with Pikachu skillfully dodging each swing then countered with an Iron tail lending a direct hit. "Now Pikachu use Electro Ball!" Pikachu gather energy at the end of its tail allowing it to grow the releasing it with a flip at Riolu. The Emotion Pokémon jumped over the incoming sphere then rushed in pressing its palm to Pikachu and firing a yellow blast of energy sending Pikachu into a tree.
"Pikachu!" Both Ash and Molly cried out as the electric type hit the ground. "That Force Palm was pretty powerful, we'll have to watch out." Riolu shot forward with another Quick Attack headed straight for Pikachu. "Thunderbolt!" Pikach let loose a powerful burst of electricity from its body shocking Riolu stopping it in its tracks. "Now use Iron Tail!" Pikachu's tail became coated in metal then with one swing knocked Riolu off its feet.
Riolu quickly recovered ready for more then charged in with another Quick Attack this time landing the hit. "Pikachu Iron tail again!" Pikachu once again powered its tail turning it to metal but this time once it made contact with Riolu an orange aura surrounded the small fighting type then a shock was sent Pikachu flying.
"Riolu can use Counter to!" Molly stated worriedly.
"This is going to be tougher then I thought." Ash said to himself. "Then we'll have to get tougher to, Pikachu Volt Tackle!" Pikachu began running quickly building up speed before become surrounded in an electrical aura. Rioul saw this and tried to challenge Pikachu with a Quick Attack but when the two met Riolu was knock away with little effort taking heavy damage.
Pikachu had stopped and was feeling the after effects of the Volt Tackle and looked to see Riolu getting to its feet. "Pikachu use Thunderbolt!" Pikachu shot another stream of electricity missing its target as Riolu cartwheeled out of the way before going in Force Palm at the ready. "Now Iron Tail!" Pikachu ducked as Riolu shot its palm forward the brought its Iron Tail up striking back. "One more time!" Pikachu jump in with another Iron tail but Riolu allowed Pikachu to attack then blocked it with a Force Palm knocking Pikachu back.
"Riolu's good we need to act fast, Ok Pikachu Volt Tackle one more time!" Pikachu rose to its feet and charged up for another Volt Tackle. Riolu stood its ground crossing its arms over its chest prepared to take the attack dead on. When Pikachu hit Riolu become surround by an aura once again using counter this time however Riolu was struggling to block the attack ultimately both attacks took affect Pikachu hitting Riolu with Volt Tackle and Counter sending damage back at Pikachu.
Pikachu was the first to stand back up while Riolu struggled. "Now's my chance, go Pokeball!" Ash threw his Pokeball hitting Riolu then watched as the ball pulled the dog-like Pokémon inside then drop to the ground and begin to shake. Ash, Molly and Pikachu all kept the gaze focused on the ball watching it move hoping it would stop. The Pokeball then burst open releasing Riolu from its confinement causing all three onlookers to gasp as Riolu stood still ready to battle.
"Riolu is one tough Pokémon." Ash said to himself. Riolu jumped above Pikachu this time coming down with a Force Palm narrowly miss Pikach who jumped out of the way but left a large crater where it hit. "Pikachu use Quick Attack!" The electric mouse rushed in scoring a hit but Riolu then hit Pikachu with a Break Break attack.
"Try Iron Tail!" Pikachu jumped up then brought down its Iron Tail over Riolu only to be met by a Force Palm canceling the attack and knocking Pikachu to the ground. "Pikachu!" Ash watched with great concern as Pikachu stood to its feet once again. "There has to be something we can do, but everything we try Riolu just battles back against it." Ash thought aloud. "Wait battle back that's it, Pikachu Electro Iron Tail!" Ash commanded with new confidence. Pikachu nodded catching on to what Ash had in mind. Pikachu then formed and Electro Ball on his tail the charged Riolu who rushed in preparing another Force Palm. Pikachu jump above Riolu then came down with Iron Tail and Electro Ball. Riolu tried blocking the attack with Force Palm but the added power of Electro Ball proved to much to handle and struck Riolu leaving it with the added effect of being paralyzed. "Go Pokeball!" Ash threw another Pokeball that made contact with Riolu and once again drew it inside and drop to the ground and begin Shaking. Ash held his breath thinking a single change in the air would release Riolu until the shaking finally stopped causing Ash to let out his sigh of relief.
"Way to go Pikachu, that was great buddy." Ash congratulated the electric type as he retuned to his shoulder.
"Pikachu your the best!" Molly praised.
"Pi pi pikapika." (It was nothing you guys.) Pikachu said humbly.
"Ok, now come out Riolu." Ash said releasing his newest Pokémon who stretched his stiff muscles after the affects of being paralyzed pasted.
"I must say Ash that was an impressive battle."
"You were the impressive one Riolu." Ash replied.
"Thank you, but after that battle I know that you are without a doubt you are the one who can help me grow stronger, you are now my master and I am your Pokémon."
"But Riolu I don't want to be your master, I want to be your friend." Ash said sincerely.
"My friend?"
"That's right, friends help each other get stronger, I'll help you get stronger and you'll help me, that way we get stronger together." Ash smiled and held his hand out to Riolu.
For the first time Ash heard Riolu laugh. "Very well, thank you, my friend." Riolu took Ash's hand in his paw sealing their newfound partnership and friendship.
When I first started reading fanfics I wondered why everyone gave Ash a Riolu or Lucario then I realized that they are just awesome Pokémon and tie in well with Ash's aura abilities. I know it is a bit of a cliché at this point in fanfiction for Ash to have a Riolu but I promise there are reasons Ash has one in this story it will make sense. As for Riolu's evolution, in the game it evolves with friendship so I decided to make it kind of more connected to its aura abilities.
Please read and review.