Hello, hello! I heard some call my name so here's my game. Another chapter of Road of the Master.
That sounded horrible, didn't it?
Anyway! No reviews yet since I haven't even waited a day for this upload. I'll put in another list ( this time with the correct info, sorry Vital! ) of potential interests for Brock. Right now we have:
Daisy Oak - 1 vote
Clair Blackthorn - 1 vote
Feel free to add more or vote on one! To be honest, I'm pretty open with this. Just don't make him fall in love with Delia, you'll have a talk with an angry Ash.
Now, I wanted to upload this chapter and spotted a reviewer mentioning that I forgot about the giant Jigglypuff.
Short answer: Titan hates her. Fairy type 'n all that shenanigans. You'll see it when we get there. I'll do something special for that event... Jigglypuff isn't well liked because when that Jiggylpuff sings you might as well lose your hearing.
Now… Love for Ash, he's 12. Yes, he can have little crushes every now and then during his journey but actual, proper relationships can start in possibly Hoenn or Sinnoh. So no, Caitlin will not be a lover option (yet, maybe? Some who remember know that she becomes an elite four of Unova in the future).
Anyway! Enjoy today's chapter everyone! This chapter will call some heads to turn to me in outrage for doing something that corrupts originality of pokémon but… Bring it on! I got my bunker for your missiles.
As always, I look forward to reviews if you see a mistake or anything that can be improved! Vital Info in particular has helped me think about things I didn't consider before. Thanks man!
After the battle of Caitlin and Ash, the group first went to the healing area of the Gym. Every official Pokémon Gym that is supported by the league has one of the revitalization machines that are coveted by many. Actually, some of them are portable as well in case a gym leader has to protect a city.
Gym leaders are also known as city protectors. This is also why there's rarely any criminal activity by normal people. They instantly get caught either by trainer or by gym leader.
They wish it was the trainer.
"Well Ash, you were actually close to injuring my Gardevoir. I have to say that that is very impressive as she has been my pokémon for four years now," Caitlin attempted to cheer up the boy that still looked at Falcon's pokéball with worry.
Ash shook his head. "I understand that. It's just that I let him get hurt unneccessarily. I knew that I stood no chance against you. You have that feeling around you, someone who is stronger than me. I know my limits but I need to challenge them. You were just too far ahead," He sighed in disappointment that was aimed at himself.
Brock walked up to Ash and slapped his back, "C'mon Ash! You only lost this once! It's not common that a trainer wins as many battles as you do. There's always someone or something better than you," Brock tried to cheer him up somewhat again.
Ash gave a little smile, "I know Brock. I wish I could train them better in their special attacks though. Even if Oak gave us special equipment and taught us things such as absorbing energy of an evolution stone, I feel like there's something I've missed. Meditation? I am not sure if that makes a fire type pokémon stronger. I can understand the need to heat up an inner body and Falcon often tells us how he keeps trying to make it hotter and hotter by sheer practice and control but still…If I knew how, I wouldn't have lost that bad," Ash shook his head out of the negativity.
Caitlin perked up slightly and smiled slyly, "Oh my, win against me? You are speaking to one of the former battle frontier members you know?"
Ash, Brock and the Gym Leader which is now known as Matt blinked. A former battle frontier member?
Caitlin gave a softer smile now, "To be honest, I am impressed with your progress and it is understandable that you do not know how to improve things such as an inner flame. I do know about special food that increases it, which I'm sure you use," seeing Ash nod she continued, "it's also the part to disassemble the parts of the food within their body and make it enter their energy core. Every pokémon contains their inner energy whether that be aura or something else. It is their bodies that allow them to turn that raw aura into attack. In this case I'm not sure if it is the aura you use or plain aura."
Ash thought about it for a while. If it's aura, then it can indeed be strengthened by meditation as well as physical growth. Aging also helps in this case.
But can a Pokémon have the Aura he uses in their pokémon?
Trickster slowly creeped out of Ash's shadow and placed a shadowy hand on his shoulder. Turning around, he saw a dark purple Haunter with a blue tongue sticking out. Licking his cheek once and making Ash shiver, he noticed that some aura disappeared. Huh?
"Every pokémon contains Aura," Trickster's voice reached all minds before he turned apologetic green eyes to Ash, "Sorry about that Ash. Stories about Haunter absorbing life force aren't lies, what they absorb is aura in general. It's just that humans in the past had so little and Haunters had little control that they actually harmed people. What I did is absorb your aura in order to speak," seeing Ash shrug and smile at him melted the Ghost pokémon's non-existent but still mentally available heart.
"To be honest, I'm surprised this still is not common knowledge. I thought you trained your pokémon with your aura, Ash?" Hearing the questioning tone of his Haunter, Ash shook his head.
"I have always trained in special ways. I used lightning storms to power up Pikachu, fed Talonflame various spicy food that awakened fire energy as well as fire stones to absorb energy of, Greninja does the same with a water stone and he's often practicing with Protean to change his type at will these days. There's also the fact that Amaura uses her gems to increase the coldness of it each day and increases her ice abilities. I believe Meowth often practices his moves and trains them to their peak before trying to understand the energy and improve on it. You? You're probably one of the strongest pokémon on my team when you become a Gengar," Ash finished explaining some parts of his training.
"It's not all I do, but that's the basic things I do. I make them understand their type as well as improve on it. For example… Falcon, my Talonflame, can fire fireballs with Ember instead of little orbs," Ash finished and the group stared at him.
That kid is a task master if he made his pokémon improve that way.
No meditation? Simply understand their element? A pokémon often does not understand the element in the slightest. Let's not even talk about a Pikachu absorbing natural lightning to strengthen itself. Understanding an element makes them that strong?
Ash scratched his cheek with an embarrassed blush, "I learnt this from Pikachu. His former pack of Pikachu often talked about the element and not the attack. It's the reason Pikachu is abnormally strong for his kind. Actually, I think he's quite special compared to others…"
Pikachu appeared out of the pokéball as if called and pointed at his blue eyes.
Ash stared.
"I completely forgot you had blue eyes and the egg move Surf," He muttered in an annoyed voice.
How did he forget? That's pretty damn special if he's allowed to say so.
The rest just stared at Ash in bemusement. His Pikachu could use moves it shouldn't be able to do. Really? Surf? As an egg move? He's really not some transformed Mew?
Pikachu looked at his trainer with a deadpan. "Sometimes, you are an idiot Ash."
Ash chuckled nervously as he watched Pikachu jump up onto his shoulder and then motion to Haunter, whispering some things he needs to explain to them.
Agreeing, the Haunter turned to the humans with an eerie grin that seemed to be filled with amusement.
"It appears that Pikachu is indeed special. His father is actually Raikou," Haunter began as everyone stared at the Pikachu that rubbed the back of his head.
"There's also the fact that this Pikachu was 'blessed by the ocean' and not just lightning. It is something not many see but sometimes a Pokémon is blessed by nature itself. Arceus created the world with the use of his elemental plates," Trickster explained before looking up at the sky as if trying to look for Arceus, "Thanks to his plates, filled with all known elements of each pokémon, the world was shapen in the design he wished it to. Every element in the world has its will. An example would be Kyogre, the personification of the Sea. It is the truth that Kyogre is so as he was born of the energy within the seas. The same happens for Manaphy," the Haunter explained calmly, no longer smiling eerily and being serious for this matter.
"This energy can bless a pokémon. I've heard of a flying Garchomp, a psychic using Dragonair. There's all kinds of pokémon around and sadly, they're so hidden you do not often find them. When a pokémon is blessed by an element, he or she can use this element if he or she wishes to. Naturally, it is far harder to control the element than its main one but once mastered it can learn moves such as Water Pulse. Pikachu is one of these," Trickster finished. He wouldn't tell the entire story of pokémon also being natural chosen ones in order to protect the world.
No sirree, that's opening another can of Wurmple. People would crawl over the world in order to find these pokémon and capture them.
Because they're far stronger than the normal ones of their kind.
Pikachu is also a child of Raikou, the beast of Lightning.
Imagine the amount of evil that would target the innocent Mouse pokémon that travels with the boy. He'd be used as a labrat when captured and trying to figure out what makes the Pikachu tick.
"I wish I could trust some of you with this information, but I do not see you being able to," the Haunter turned to a few disciples. They immediately screamed in fear as the Haunter began to glow a fierce red.
Shadows rose from the darkness and simply captured the disciples that ran. It spoke enough of their ability to keep secrets, they'd do anything to save their hide. Good thing those are the only disciples and only Matt can be trusted here.
Shadows absorbed them for a while as the screams died off but soon enough unconsious bodies of the disciples littered on the floor.
"I have erased their memory, Ash," the Haunter began as he turned around to spot Ash blinking curiously.
The boy didn't even act on seeing a pokémon target a human?
The Haunter tried to figure out why until the bond connected with Ash from his side. Ash felt the intent of him when he 'attacked' the disciples. The fact that he didn't act meant that he trusts him. That's the start of a good bond.
Perhaps he'll tell him of his birth as a Ghost pokémon when this bond grows. He feels like Ash can be like Aaron in the future. The one person that ever trusted him, the one person that never denied him. The one person that made him grow up into the beast he was until he met his end thanks to a certain event…
He still had no regrets. He will not have any regrets. He will move forward.
Feeling the connection between him and Ash grow, Trickster's eyes widened before turning into a grin.
Ash is like him. He will not have any regrets. He will not stop. He will go forward and reach his goal.
He could not be happier with any other trainer… Yes, he might be like Aaron someday.
Ash chuckled slightly as he felt the funny feeling of his connection with the Haunter. The Haunter was at first depressed before becoming determined and he reinforced that feeling with his own desire to go forward.
It seems that they were similar.
"Haunter meant no harm. A Ghost Pokémon is known to see the hearts of people like a Psychic, but more on the evil side. He felt that they can not keep a secret and took action. Memories aren't that hard to take away I guess?" He looked at his Haunter that shook its head.
"It's a special technique very few Ghost and Psychic type know. Because it's extremely dangerous, they will never teach others but the selected successor to learn the technique. I am the successor of the Pokémon Tower's Gengar as he knows what I am and why."
Ash simply nodded before nodding at his Pikachu. "No matter who you are, what you are and what you do… You will always be my partner, Pikachu. I do not care if you are 'blessed by the Ocean' or whatever it is called. You are my partner, my friend and my brother."
The Pikachu nuzzled his cheek happily. That's his trainer alright!
Caitlin, Brock and Matt simply shook their heads in slight amusement. It seems that he's still a child and didn't know the danger of a pokémon knowing such a thing.
But if it's Ash, and that Haunter, then they'll understand.
"Do not worry, Haunter," Matt spoke as he pounded his fist on his chiseled chest, "I will keep your secret. I swear this upon my heart and soul."
Caitlin smiled slightly, "I promise to never tell anyone either. They'll never hear anything from my side."
Brock chuckled. "I am traveling with Ash and learnt a lot of things. This is just one I'll stick into the 'forbidden knowledge' part. Isn't that right, Chosen One?" Brock 'winked' at Ash.
Ash just shook his head. "I still do not understand why I am the Chosen One. I can be corrupted by anyone or lead on by anyone. I am but a human, everchanging and always moving on. I am a child." He spoke in maturity beyond his years as Caitlin began to giggle.
"Knowing that you are is part of the job. Chosen One eh? I'll tag along with you for real! I'm interested in what I may find," she giggled again.
Her Gallade and Gardevoir simply remained still behind her. Their red eyes however stared at Ash and he didn't flinch in the slightest either.
He stared down a Dragonite, a giant Dragonite, a giant Tentacruel and above all a damned Kyogre and Ho-oh. He can take a stare of a couple of pokémon.
"Then I take it you are now ready for your battle?" Matt asked as the machine finally 'pinged' to show all pokémon have recovered from their exhausted state.
Ash nodded with a smile as he attached the cherish ball to the magnets of his belt. He smoothly grasped the two extra luxury balls and called out his Houndoom.
"You two can watch this battle. Fighting type pokémon are often similar to a human. Seeing as you'll guard my mother's place and Professor Oak's lab, you'll need some knowledge."
Both Houndoom nodded as they walked next to Ash. Trickster and Pikachu simply remained near him as well and Matt began to chuckle.
"Boy, do you even know how rare your pokémon are? Houndoom cannot be tamed easily unless they're born from an egg with you as a parental figure. They actually listen," Matt shook his head.
Ash blinked a few times. Seems like some leaders know of their pokémon.
Maybe it was because Sabrina was controlled by her own powers that she didn't remember or ignored the fact?
Ah well, he got the badge already. It was a disappointment, but he won't re-do a gym until he can do so with a real team in the future.
Shrugging as a response as he didn't really care, he just pet the two Houndoom that closed their eyes to enjoy their trainer's touch. Ash smiled a bit as he guided some minor aura to his hands and pet them some more to heat up the touch. Fire types did like heat.
Both Houndoom's tails began to swish around in joy at feeling the heat of their trainer's aura. Well, they'll be his official pokémon no matter where they'll stay.
Ash chuckled slightly. His red eyes being affectionate as they can with their maroon color. "They're just pokémon. I am a trainer. A trainer does not take the easy path and I told them my reasoning for capturing them. I do not simply capture, I capture with reasons or respect. If a Pokémon wishes to join me, I will capture that Pokémon without a single complaint. If a Pokémon does not wish to I challenge it. These two were part of a pack that attacked us but we beat them all and captured a few. Brock has what… 8 pokémon of their pack? He needs them to protect his former gym. I do it for my mother's protection as well as helping Professor Oak. Right, Houndoom?" He asked both of them.
Both Houndoom nodded as their red eyes stared at Matt, who now looked dumbfounded.
Such a way of taking care of Pokémon… He didn't just capture them, he told them the reason and the pokémon agreed. Pokémon themselves have wills and it seems he focuses on that.
A trainer that listens to their pokémon.
Such a simple concept that is rarely followed. Yes, trainers listen to their pokémon but they do not follow their wishes as they all travel for the top. They tell their pokémon their selfish goals, their entire reason for capturing them. Ash, instead, tells them and if they accept - which was definitely the case here - he will keep them.
"Yes, as you probably think… if they completely rejected the idea, I would not have kept them and released them. I do not do forced captures. They are part of a pack after all… Well, that pack was big enough. We fought like what.. 80 of them, Brock?" He turned to his friend who nodded.
"Tyranitar and Golett were pretty angry at the end of the challenge. The first fifty were okay but the last 30 Houndour were a pain," He explained.
Both Houndoom just shook their heads as they followed their trainer that now walked towards the battlefield.
"C'mon! I want that battle!" Ash said with a grin. The previous conversation completely forgotten as he entered his 'battle mode'.
Matt chuckled heartily. Yes, this boy was special. He was completely serious about letting his pokémon go if they wished to. Now that is a boy to follow. He'll look forward to this year's league… This boy will make it.
"Alright then young man. Let me show you the raw power of a fighting type!" He laughed heartily as the old man began to walk to his stand. It's time to show the younger generation the power of the old ones!
"Come forth, Conkeldurr!" He called out a pokémon completely new to the Kanto region. This old man knew his stuff…
"Conkeldurr huh? If I am not wrong that's a Unova pokémon… yes, this'll do. Let's go, Trickster. It seems we need to remind them that power is not everything," Ash smiled slightly. He battled Trickster before and with the little practice rounds he had, he had a general idea of what the Haunter can do.
"With pleasure!" Like a haunted laugh, the shadows reached the middle of the field and Trickster appeared out of it with its blue tongue.
"Bring it on, young one!" The old Conkeldurr roared and slammed the massive massive hands on the ground before concrete was created by its energy. Now there were two pillars of massive concrete in front of the Conkeldurr.
"Holy… What the, I thought-..." Ash blinked a few times in amazement. A fighting type can do that?
The Conkeldurr began to throw the concrete pillars, using them as a Rock Throw attack. It was obvious that with the way the Conkeldurr can throw them around that they were rock-based attacks and capable of hitting a Haunter.
However, Ash was not worried.
"Play, Trickster. Go wild," Ash grinned slightly. If there's one thing he learned, it's letting the Haunter go wild with its tricks.
The Haunter began to laugh as a second ability unlocked itself. Thanks to the aura it absorbed from Ash all the time recently, it unlocked the Illusion ability of the past. The Haunter began to grow and grow as it looked at the smaller figure of the Conkeldurr.
"Detect! Foresight!" Both orders came right after each other as the Conkeldurr began to use them in a smooth manner. Definitely the old man's first pokémon… it's a good thing that old pokémon also lose some strength compared to those in their prime. Fighting types in particular.
The massive Haunter, in Conkeldurr's view, was still the same despite being capable of seen properly. The red glow didn't shrink the Haunter in the slightest and Ash showed a faint grin.
"Show them your game, Trickster. Let the illusionist do his thing," with that order, the haunted laughter reached all corners of the gym and some began to look uncomfortable. That's some creepy ability.
Illusions of countless Haunter rising happened. Using Illusion alone can change Haunter's figure and physique into a different pokémon so right now it began to rise behind the illusion of the massive Haunter as its former species.
While yes, he was not the exact typing anymore, Haunter can temporarily take the form of a Zoroark with his abilities. Just like his children, he is capable of physical illusions.
This was something that Ash had admired in the future, seeing a Zoroark fight off the three legendary Pokémon known as Suicune, Raikou and Entei by transforming into them respectively.
While it's not perfect and the illusions can't use the actual moves, they do deal dark type damage if the intent is there. Others will think of it as real, but to a Zoroark this is all an ability.
A very overpowered ability.
Seeing the chance, a figure jumped from behind the massive Haunter and roared. Now back in its original body, Trickster was ready to battle. Well, original body until he was hit. Illusion had that troublesome part where he needed to re-do it every time he got hit…
Being capable of being hit by fighting type moves did limit his actions but that didn't bother the temporary Zoroark. It listened to Ash's orders as its figure began to glow.
Glowing, green eyes stared at the Conkeldurr that looked on in amazement. Heck, even Brock was like that. He didn't know Ash actually trained his Haunter for this.
He technically didn't. It's only thanks to his aura that the Haunter was unlocking its former ability… and it still wasn't at its peak considering the fact that all the haunter were disappearing and there's only a single Zoroark in sight.
However, Conkeldurr wouldn't stand still. Creating a massive orb of concrete, it threw it straight at the newly transformed Zoroark.
Sadly, this Zoroark was very capable back when it was living. Trickster began to run and with that, it meant run as a blur of black and red was seen to dodge the massive orb that was thrown at it.
The transformed Haunter roared as an orb of ghostly energy surrounded its new claws and fired it straight at the Conkeldurr that tanked through it without any issues. Seeing that, the Zoroark gained a glint in its eyes.
Now firing multiple Shadow Balls, it ran around the Conkeldurr, dodging the concrete that kept being thrown.
No trainer spoke. It was a battle between Pokémon now. Heck, they all looked impressed, even Ash. He knew of the ability unlocking as his Haunter told him so a while ago, but to see it be this impressive…
If that Zoroark was alive, it would be a monster that is not limited to using its ability to transform into its main form temporarily…
It seems that Conkeldurr was slowly catching up some small wounds as the Zoroark finally ran closer and one of the claws began to glow.
"Hm? Improvising I see.." Ash chuckled as he felt the Haunter's emotion. Pure lust for battle that it missed as a Zoroark. This was completely done out of instinct, but his Haunter used Night Slash as a Zoroark. Possibly even stronger because it's originally a Ghost-type pokémon.
Conkeldurr let out a cry of pain before using bulk up and increasing its strength and defense. Then, it slammed a massive pillar straight at the Zoroark that was too close.
Being hit backwards, the Zoroark turned into a Haunter that now held an Energy Ball.
"Be prepared, young one! Here comes the big guy!" The Conkeldurr roared and threw an orb of concrete made with energy of a Rock-type, throwing it straight at the Haunter.
Seeing no chance to dodge that, it did what a Ghost pokémon does best.
Melding through the floor, it disappeared into the darkness and as the orb blocked the sight of the Haunter, two hands grabbed the legs of the Conkeldurr before throwing it straight into the air.
Charging two glowing orbs of ghostly energy, the Haunter threw two confuse ray orbs to mess with the mind of the Conkeldurr as it was in the air. The first orb was blocked thanks to smashing it with one of his standard pillars but that made his body twirl in midair and get hit by the second.
Seeing the chance, the Haunter used Curse. Quite literally, a pin hit the Haunter that made it let out a faint cry of pain as it hurt him but the massive pin also hit the Conkeldurr that will definitely lose this match when confused.
Matt saw this and sighed in disappointment. This battle was obviously the win of the opponent Haunter. Even if Conkeldurr managed to get out of the confusion, curse dealt damage when used by a Ghost-type.
Even if it was capable of fighting again, Haunter was fast enough to dodge and it didn't forget the fact that it can go through walls and hide underneath the ground in the darkness. Something many tamed Ghost-types seem to forget or trainers dislike because it's unfair.
"Return, Conkeldurr! Your Haunter has won this round but… what was that ability?" He asked curiously. He knew of Zoroark of course and the fact Haunter transformed into one says a lot.
Ash chuckled nervously as the Haunter crept back up to his trainer's side. "Well done Trickster… can I tell him?" He asked confirmation from his Haunter.
Nodding, "I don't mind if you tell anyone. It's not really something that needs to be a secret," the Haunter agreed with Ash.
Seeing that it was allowed he turned to the Gym Leader of the Dojo in Saffron City.
"This Haunter was formerly a Zoroark. Thanks to Aura, the energy of all living beings and being influenced by it, it remembered its past life when 'reborn' or something. I don't know the exact story, but Trickster used to be a Zoroark and has shown that thanks to aura it can learn some of its past abilities. It's really interesting so I write down what happens."
The Haunter nodded in agreement as it looked at the opponent. Its green eyes, that never changed when turning into a Zoroark showed the truth of his trainer's words.
Matt began to chuckle. "Interesting! Do you perhaps have another Pokémon to battle? I have another fighting type that would love to get going. Two on Two right?" He joked with a grin.
Ash grinned slightly. "I wouldn't mind six on six for this! It's really amazing to see your pokémon. They're all very strong!"
The old man laughed, "Yes, that is true young man! They have been with me for many years. Come on out, Hitmonlee! You'll be the finale for the kid, show 'em your kicking power!"
"C'mon, Hermit!" Ash called out his Greninja which instantly crouched down for combat. It seems like it knew the opponent as Hermit also went for speed.
"Hey Ash, do you know the ability of Hitmonlee?" Matt asked just to be sure.
Ash blinked a few times… Abilities of a Hitmonlee. "Reckless and Limber, right?" He thought about it. It was those two that Oak mentioned but did this pokémon have a third ability? Most people ignore the fact that pokémon have that hidden ability.
"Indeed. However, Hitmonlee's third ability, Unburden, is what makes him a beast."
Ash blinked a few times before his eyes widened at the sight of a Fighting Gem in Hitmonlee's hands.
"Oh sh- HERMIT! SMOKESCREEN!" The Greninja's eyes widened at the sound of his trainer panicking and moved as fast as possible.
KRK….Ching.
BOOM!
Hitmonlee's Fighting Gem broke apart as the ability activated alongside with its fighting abilities. Doubling its own speed and increasing its own attack, the Greninja was slammed straight into a wall into unconsciousness before it knew what happened. Ash's eyes widened as he spotted the floor made to hold back beasts of massive weight being cracked through its strength to push off.
Instantly, Ash rushed to his Greninja and began to use his aura version of Heal Pulse to heal the Greninja's wounds. This was serious stuff, he never saw that speed before.
The old man, Matt, laughed loudly in amusement. It never gets old to see a trainer panic at the sight of his Hitmonlee's speed. Those fighting gems were hard, but he needed to humble the challengers eventually! To be honest, Ash deserved the badge the moment that his Conkeldurr was defeated but just to humble him, Hitmonlee was sent in.
Since that day, Hermit was interested in fighting type moves. Since that day, Hermit began his own desire to get stronger. Become the strongest Greninja there is.
Since that day Ash never underestimated an opponent again and decided to go back to his studies. A trainer never stops learning on his path to become a master. This lesson came straight from Matt's Hitmonlee. If he knew about those abilities he wouldn't get cocky enough to challenge the gym and use a pokémon with a type disadvantage from the start against such a pokémon.
After Ash finished healing his Greninja he apologized swiftly, "Sorry Hermit… I should have known about that ability as a trainer…"
The Greninja shook its head before looking at his trainer affectionately. Ash was always like this, caring about his pokémon. Back when he was a Frogadier, he was sought after for rarity and collection. He wouldn't be cared for.
Ash was the opposite.
Shaking its head again, the water starter of Kalos quietly got up and despite being near exhausted because of the damage it received, it put its webbed hands together and bowed in respect to the Hitmonlee. Ash noticed it and did the same to Matt. This was a lesson, there was no other way… It seems Hermit got one up on him.
They needed to get stronger. Far stronger.
Matt began to laugh loudly. This boy was interesting! Both he and his Pokémon show respect to his opponent instead of crying at being beaten. While the Greninja took the lead, Ash followed up after taking a second to recognize the reason.
Yes, this boy and his Pokémon will go far!
"Come here, boy. Let me hand you the badge of this Dojo, the Breaker Badge," he held out his palm.
The badge looked similar to that of the concrete structure of a Conkeldurr's usual pillars. On that structure were three imprints: A Punch, a Kick and a Headbutt. All three moves looked like they belonged to the Hitmon family. The pillar itself was a dark gray but the kicks were an auburn colour, the lines around the kicks and such being gold to make the attacks more noticeable.
Ash nodded in respect. He wouldn't judge against the man's judgement. If this was his reward for battling today, he will accept it.
Looking at his Greninja, he could hear the Pokémon grunt slightly before turning to Ash with a fiery passion in his eyes. Hermit will never be same again.
Ash finally grinned slightly, "Sir, do you possibly have a few methods to teach fighting types? I believe Hermit here would definitely be interested in learning fighting type moves. While most Greninja do not learn them because they prefer sneak attacks, I believe using fighting type attacks will make Hermit that much stronger in the future."
Matt stared at the boy for a while before laughing out again. He hadn't had this much fun since meeting his old pals Wattson and Wake! This boy kept raising up in his list of respected trainers.
"Of course! You have learnt my lesson I believe?" He looked seriously. The old man's sharp, grey eyes staring right into Ash's eyes as if judging his fate.
Ash closed his eyes before nodding, "I got too complacent. Yes, I lost a few matches but they were close. You taught me to be humble with this, to not underestimate again. I thought I had a chance but I was taught that I should never underestimate. Your Hitmonlee was far stronger than the Conkeldurr and even that was only won because Trickster used a unique way of battling despite going full battle later on. The surprise mostly helped, I suppose."
Matt thought about it before nodding. "That is correct, young man. You have learned what I wish to teach many that challenge me. Some simply leave after their second chance, feeling as if they don't need this badge to go on and challenge 'weaker', I use that term loosely as each of our gyms has stronger pokémon than what the challengers face, gyms. That is why you are the first since this Gym started to have earned this badge. I hope you will grow from this point on into a fine young lad," The old man laughed kindly.
Ash smiled slightly. That was like listening to Oak's ramble of 'There's always someone better'. He somewhat missed his grandfather figure now.
"Of course, sir. When you watch the League Championship this year, be amazed. I will show you that your lessons made us evolve into a stronger person. You all understand that, right?" He looked at his necklace that began to glow alongside the cherish balls. Haunter had been connecting them through telepathy so they could listen to it, no wonder he felt some drain.
Out of his pokéballs came Falcon, Meowth and Glacia. All three nodded as Pikachu also jumped down and Greninja and Haunter stood next to them.
Heck, even the two Houndoom stood at full attention of this lesson. All eight pokémon stood in front of their trainer, staring down at the boy - no, the man that will make them grow.
Ash's red eyes began to glow as if he reached an understanding, a humbling experience. His aura felt much calmer as well and lost its childish arrogance.
"We will train ourselves to the ground and not just a little, but deep. We will not give up and when we finish the badge challenge, we'll show Matt who is tough. Right guys?"
Though the Houndoom won't challenge it as they will have guard duties, they all roared and cheered.
To be honest, it amazed Matt, Caitlin and Brock. All of Ash's pokémon were special in a way. All of them were different from others.
But now Matt opened Pandora's Box and unleashed a boy upon the world that would become the fear of many evil organisations.
He taught the Chosen One a lesson he will never forget. A lesson that will be passed down in history, where Matt made an impression to Ash. A lesson, that Ash will write at the end of his life in a story. His life as the Chosen One.
After taking a break and some minor warm ups with Ash sparring against some trainees, they were ready to depart again.
Ash received a lot of scrolls with katas inside of it. Katas to practice moves to battle against human and pokémon alike.
He even got special training methods for his Pokémon to properly learn fighting type moves! He'll gladly show Matt what he can do!
Ever since they left, both Brock and Caitlin remained silent as they walked next to Ash. Heck, nobody even complained in the slightest that Caitlin tagged along. They traveled as if it's been done for years now.
Next to Ash walked Pikachu and Meowth, both wearing weights that were specially made to train a pokémon's muscles. All of Ash's pokémon received new weights to train each and every muscle to learn new moves or strengthen old ones.
These weights were definitely different from Oak's. Whereas Oak's was meant to follow Ash, Gary and Leaf's training menu of physical training - that was now updated by Ash and mailed to his friends and teacher - these were made by those who were masters of physical training. Heck, even Ash wore some on his legs and arms as he moved them around mechanically every now and then.
Their pace was slower than before, but much clearer.
Ash finally got out of his thoughts as he put away his pokédex. He had been updating his work with the new find as well as lessons and mailed it to his fellow students of Professor Oak and he received a mail from Oak pretty fast. It was pretty funny to see Oak mail so fast as that meant he had a lot of free time… He wondered why. Thinking back of the mail, he couldn't help but grin slightly. His teacher always looked out for him.
"Hello Ash!
It's been awhile since I've heard something from you! While I know you have the Xtransceiver and have the ability to call us anytime, we'd like to hear more from you! You should have seen Delia when we saw you on the news, on top of that Kyogre! Oh boy, I was sweating and fearing for my life for a while there!
It's good to know that you still focus on improving your knowledge of Pokémon and their growth. It seems that you have met one of my old friends, Matthew Pierceson. He used to be an elite four member back in my day and let me tell you that he was tough! He used fighting type pokémon like the best. To think you battled and actually received his Dojo's badge… Indeed, you are my dear student!
Thank you for updating your training menu. Seeing these, I've started to write down orders to improve our training equipment at the lab so that Pokémon will continue to get stronger.
Now what is this I heard about a Haunter with a special ability? Not just that, but you have a talking Meowth and a shiny Amaura? You do know that you scare the living out of us right? When you reach Pallet Town, I expect you to show us everyone young man! Especially Leaf. She recently has evolved her Nidorina into a Nidoqueen and let me tell you that when some boy tried to hit on her.. Oh boy.
I'll mail you about everyone's progress. While you now possess five badges, Gary has six of which two are from minor gyms that are in backwater cities. Leaf has captured at least 24 pokémon all of which are extremely rare. I think you know some of them, but let me tell you their current team. I'll mail the same information to them. Don't worry, no battle info will be shared!
Gary's current team is: Umbreon, Blastoise, Fearow, Scizor, a massive Arcanine and a Nidoking! All six of them are powerhouses in their own right, and he's growing very well!
Leaf's current team is: Nidoqueen, Venusaur, Clefable which are extremely rare, Lapras which I have no idea how she even found one, a Pidgeot which she uses to fly around the area and no sixth pokémon. The others she has captured are often shiny or rare in Kanto and let me tell you that I even expect her to capture a Mew one day if this keeps up! Her Quagsire now helps us out with rowdy pokémon as well. It seems that the pokémon didn't like battling as much as helping out people.
Now, don't forget to contact us Ash. We like to hear more from you!
With a grandfather's pride,
Professor Samuel Oak of Pallet Town"
Ash will deny that he shed tears after reading Oak's mail. Some homesickness was expected as a young trainer.
To hear that Gary already had a badge more than him and closer to the league only fired him up more. He silently vowed to train even harder after he heard of Gary's team. This league will be hard… But he isn't Ash 'Red' Ketchum for nothing!
They have been walking for a few days now, taking it slower than before. Ash often let out every single pokémon he has with him.
He still kept silent to Oak about the Houndoom. He liked to surprise the old man with the extra protection. He hoped that Professor Oak didn't mind that he took liberty of giving him some extra help and protection.
So far, his pokémon have been working themselves to the ground. Brock and Caitlin were their sparring partners and to be honest, his pokémon were all happy with their current pace.
The Ash now can't even be compared to the Ash of a week ago. His determination reached his Pokémon and now all of them trained like well oiled machines.
Brock even decided to train his body alongside Ash. Caitlin often called them muscleheads, but at least it was with a fond smile.
Talking about Caitlin… Yes, she became part of their little group. Being a former member of the Battle Frontier in Johto, she has a lot of experience in battling and coaches Ash every now and then when he tries something new. Caitlin also began teaching him manners and how to handle girls, because honestly… Ash was clueless to the extreme!
He walked into her tent to ask a question when she was changing!
Ash still went his head hurt whenever he thought of that event. Who would've thought an umbrella could hit so hard… He was hit so hard he couldn't even remember seeing her half-naked.
Brock often complimented Caitlin as well. Seeing her ways of training her pokémon, Brock was inspired to let his Pokémon do the same and thanks to the extra meditation training and 'learning the element' which Ash also added their bodies became tougher and more fit.
Heck, if Onix were to be a Steelix now it wouldn't even get hurt by a flamethrower of a Charizard.
Theoretically speaking that is. He hasn't evolved and hasn't learned about his steel element outside of Iron Head, Iron Tail and Iron Defense.
Ah yes, this was something Ash also shared with the others. His Pokémon Encyclopedia. To improve himself, he needs tougher opponents and now he shares methods to train their pokémon new moves as well as the nutrients needed for a perfect growth rate.
Brock's skill professional cooking as a breeder increased like a madman. Heck, even Caitlin was impressed with the work and commented on special training.
She was still impressed with the elemental training that they do and how they do it.
A Charizard needs to spit out a giant ember and turn it into a fireball? Increase the heat, volume and power of impact of a basic and usually considered weak fire-type move? It's a revolution that many would praise.
Ash did make them swear not to tell others. This training was special for him and select few for now. He'll publish the encyclopedia when he reached Johto so he at least experienced the world as a trainer for a year.
Yes, Ash also decided on something new. He no longer minded losing. He now sought after challenges. To do so, he needs to travel the world and what better than challenge all regions, their gyms and the leagues?
It gives him a challenge and a goal for each region as well as meeting new pokémon to join his team. Of course, his Kanto team will boost up all their trainings to borderline torture similar to how Dragonite trained Pikachu with electric attacks and to dodge.
Hmm.. thinking of his Kanto team, he has to have slots for each region. Perhaps asking Oak will help. He won't take more than 12 pokémon, that is his absolute limit so he needed to switch Pokémon every now and then.
Such a shame…
Shaking his head out of those thoughts, Ash marched on. Next to him stood Caitlin and Brock. The boys all wore their training equipment as it was a hot day and Caitlin used an umbrella to block the sun's rays from reaching her.
All around them were pokémon. From Brock's Onix to Caitlin's Espeon, they all wore special training equipment that Oak transferred to Ash to test out. It was a hot day but that meant that it was also an endurance training for those who tire out easily.
The ones in front were considered the monsters. Most of them were Caitlin's pokémon but with them stood Pikachu, Hermit, Brock's Tyranitar and Golett. Haunter could not train physically until his evolution as his form was still not 'physical' but 'ghostly'. It is only after the evolution into a Gengar that he gains a proper, ectoplasm body that works just like a living being. That didn't change the fact that he walked with the group as a Zoroark to train his illusion ability to its peak again.
Behind them were the the trainers, the rest of Ash's team and his Talonflame in the air. Brock's team was behind but that was understandable as the rock type pokémon gained massive to borderline insane weights. That was because Ash told Brock to strain their muscles as much as possible and increase their endurance before they finally evolve… which will happen in Celadon City.
During those days nothing of excitement happened. They simply walk, rest, eat, train and sleep. Celadon was a while away from them.
Today, however, was different. It was during today's training that the weights would come off and they'll practice with their newly gained strength. Pokémon evolve continuously, just like how humans do and need to adapt.
To be honest, Brock was scared like hell after seeing his Tyranitar break a massive boulder with a… Well damn. Mega Punch. Seems like he and Golett get along very well.
The rest did well too. All the pokémon looked ready to at least win their seventh badge and their training will continue every single day.
Well, Ash's pokémon look like that.
Caitlin just kept going further and further up the road as an elite trainer. Her team was already ahead but thanks to the new training equipment, her Gallade can be considered the second coming of Bruno's Machamp in the near future.
Brock's team was mostly made out of powerhouses with the exception of Vulpix and Roselia, both of which trained twice as hard as the others in order not to disappoint their trainer.
Brock often hugs them with affection, telling them how precious they are. It seems they've reached the breeder's heart.
Heck, all of their pokémon have gotten closer to them. After the gym's battle both Brock and Caitlin began to listen more to the pokémon and that respect was now returned as well. It seems like they learned something out of Ash's battle too.
Today, however, they'll see an angry Ash. An Ash that usually doesn't pop up unless you do something extremely dumb. Like stab a girl or steal his cap.
Ash and his Group was resting for a while now. He stood in the back, a while away from the group as the others were cheerfully talking with each other. Right now, Ash was meditating alone.
"Man.. Mankey!" A Monkey pokémon screeched as it jumped over Ash and grabbed his cap.
The cap that he received from his mother.
The cap that was completely handmade by his mother.
Now, Ash can be calm. Ash can be the kindest guy you'll see on earth. Ash (in the future) can be the greatest lover as well.
But you do not touch his mother's hard work that was made while dealing with stressful work at the restaurant.
The Mankey probably never saw it coming but Ash rushed to him at a speed far exceeding that of a human and slammed an aura enhanced fist. He could hear his own arm crack slightly but a heal pulse and it was clearly healed. Seeing that the Mankey let go of his cap, he quickly grabbed it and put it on.
"You do not touch another's stuff, especially when that they hold it dear. Remember that, Mankey," Ash warned the fighting type that now stood up and saw red.
It started screeching out loud, Ash could see it was calling for its entire group to battle them. Surrounding them soon after were around 40 Mankey and about 4 Primeape. Probably all leaders of about 10 Mankey.
Seeing that, Ash's eyes began to glow.
They take his mother's homemade cap and decide that after he takes it back to tell their own group to kill them because he took it back?
It seems these pokémon were dangerous. It's time for another league call… After he finishes up this battle.
Ash grunted as he called out for his Talonflame. The training equipment previously on its wings and claws for weight and grappling strength disappeared with the use of his itemdex, a special feature of the Pokédex that Oak uploaded after sending the training equipment.
Ash called it the Holy Grail of all trainers. It could store his heavy weight training equipment.
Falcon noticed the lack of weight and spontaneously left the group in high speed, blasting off to his trainer's location and crashed down on a few Mankey that got far too close to his liking.
"Falcon. They attempt to fatally harm humans for taking back their stolen items by those of their own group. Go wild and call the others. You were the only one that could see me from the sky after all," Ash joked slightly as he moved to the side to dodge a Mankey that tried to Karate Chop him and he promptly used the human variant of a Mega Kick to send it flying.
They didn't weight much for his strengthened body.
Seeing one of their kind flying out of the circle the Mankey began screeching for blood and cheering for the Primeape to take care of the boy. Well, until Falcon took action.
The mighty Talonflame let out a screech with the message "Over here! Dangerous!" to all of his pokémon. Where his pokémon would come, the rest would follow… and promptly grabbed Ash and began using flamethrower to take out all the weaker Mankey from the sky.
Ash's pokémon were like rockets taking off, going towards the cry of their fellow teammate and possibly trainer in danger.
About 20 Mankey were gone when the rest of the group got there and when the Primeape and Mankey thought of escaping at seeing the hopelessness of the situation, they were completely mistaken.
They attacked someone very important to a certain group of pokémon. Their fate was sealed.
Pikachu instantly fired a Discharge to all of the pokémon around it, nearly blasting the others but all fighting types were hit straight on and sent to the ground with paralysis. The rest was just easy picking.
Hermit fired massive amounts of Water Shuriken at all the fighting types and used a Karate Chop - which was the basic move he learnt recently - on a Mankey that managed to get up.
Meowth began to growl and used Thunderbolt to damage everyone from a distance. He could use Swift, but he was afraid the attacks might hit his teammates as it was an extremely widespread attack that sought after targets. Water Shuriken worked with Hermit's accuracy and wasn't a problem in this situation.
Haunter began to use Night Daze, blasting all the pokémon towards the middle and making sure they were all together. No stragglers.
Glacia soon followed up with Blizzard as the two Houndoom used Flamethrower to make a mixture of Hot 'n Cold to wound them even more until all of the pokémon were down for the count.
Yes, six pokémon can take out a horde of pokémon without a problem. The only problem would be the leader of all of them.
A massive Primeape that definitely took the cake in strength. Ash wasn't worried though.
"Pikachu! Take him out! I bet you've mastered Spark… now add speed and even more of your electricity! Show that Primeape what it means to attack our friends!"
Pikachu nodded with a cry of anger as electricity began to spark from its pouches. Soon enough, it became a cloak of lightning which grew… and grew… and grew… Until Pikachu moved in a blur.
"Pika.. Pika… Pikaaa!" Ash could pretty much understand that he was pretty angry and was speaking some words that most likely pokémon found offending as the Primeape got even angrier.
Well, until the Primeape felt his starter's power. Wait, he wore his weights…
Seeing the Primeape blast off straight into the group of Mankey and other Primeape, Ash gained a massive sweatdrop. Weights can be weapons huh? He wasn't even angry anymore now… That was just plain painful.
"Good job. They thought they could steal me cap… That's like stealing Pikachu's Ketchup," Ash muttered as darker thoughts entered his mind.
Greninja's usual dark blue body, much darker than others of its species, paled slightly at the thought. He only wanted some ketchup to try it out… He didn't know that it was something that Pikachu absolutely adored.
That was a scary day. Nobody messed with Pikachu's ketchup. They really understood why Ash did that now though.
Ash sighed and called Lance again to call out the league to take care of the Primeape.
After contacting Lance, like usual, all of the Mankey and Primeape were picked up by League Personnel. Watching it with a calm, collected face Ash simply stood still while behind him his pokémon were training again.
Really, why were these so offensive to humans? There was no reason at all. They must've come from the wild zones that contain highly dangerous pokémon.
Even if he captured one of them, they'll be a pain to train because next to being angry and grumpy 24/7, they were highly prideful.
To be honest, he did a favor to many, many trainers.
Sighing out loud, he turned on his Xtransceiver to contact Lance again to tell him the progress.
"Hello Ash! Is our League Personnel there?" Lance instantly started with the business. Ash just smiled slightly at seeing the champion being so cheerful.
"Yes. They're all here and captured the Mankey and their evolutions." Ash confirmed with a nod.
"Great news! Oh, by the way, my Dragonite recently have left behind an egg and it seems that they went to Leaf and gave it to her to raise. She'll definitely own a strong one there!" Lance cheerfully spoke. He was happy his Dragonite gave it to Leaf. She deserved it if she wanted to catch up to the other two.
Ash began laughing a little. "Good! I look forward to a battle with her in the future. To be honest Lance, if you watch the League in the future you better get some popcorn because you're in for a show."
Ash smirked slightly at seeing Lance blink a few times. "Oh? Since when were you so confident?"
"I've won the fifth badge so far, against Matt Pierceson."
It's not evey day that you get Lance to stare at you with an open jaw. It was like that for a few seconds, making Ash think his Xtransceiver stopped working but he spotted Ash shaking his head in amusement and disbelief.
"Only you, Ash. Only you. Well, Gary and Leaf can probably do it too…"
Ash chuckled a little. "Good to know that you admit that they are amazing as well. They are my fellow students so you shouldn't underestimate them."
Most would've killed Ash for sounding so cocky at the champion of both Kanto and Johto but Lance just laughed it off in amusement.
"Sure Ash! Now, did you capture your sixth pokémon yet?" Lance asked in curiosity. To be honest, all Pokémon captured by those three are special in their own way. They're beasts in their own right, or special.
"Yes. I have captured a Haunter who remembers his past life as a Zoroark… who trained under Sir Aaron," Lance had to blink a few times before slowly nodding. Okay… His little friend captured a pokémon that used to belong to a legendary figure, no worries. "Thanks to aura, he was capable of using Night Daze. Staying with me and forming a bond made him able to unlock his past ability, Illusion. It seems ghost types earn some of their past abilities when they absorb aura, which is considered life energy in its purest form. At least, that's what I've gotten so far with my little research. Agatha must be interested."
Lance nodded after a while. His eyes turned serious. "I'll notify her. If you get your eighth badge, contact us again and stay at Oak's lab. Agatha will probably want to see your Haunter or perhaps Gengar."
Nodding in agreement, he turned to Caitlin and Brock only to see that they started to cook.
"I'll contact you in the future if something happens, Lance. It's time for dinner," Ash told the champion who chuckled.
"Alright. Tell them I said hi. Oh, if you get to Oak's lab, we'll have a small battle too since I'll personally bring Agatha there. We can see the Gengar in combat then," Lance gave a wink before ending the call.
Ash smiled widely in thought. A battle against a champion, he might lose but that will definitely be a learning experience!
He just hoped that it wouldn't be against his main Dragonite… That is a beast that can be compared to Oak's Dragonite. Those can fight against a few legendaries head on. Well, lesser legendaries… They still have no chance against a Kyogre for one.
He'll look forward to it. But for now… Time to eat!
It took another week before they reached Celadon and now Brock was nagging Ash about evolving his Pokémon.
Yep, it's time to mocktrade his pokémon with Brock's so that they can finally evolve. Shaking his head in amusement at seeing a Brock that acts like a kid on caffeine he walked towards the Pokémon Center with the others in tow.
Their pokémon for today were exhausted, even Pikachu thanks to some massive sparring session. Even Caitlin's were tired since it was both Brock and Ash against her.
They still lost against her Gallade, but at least managed to win against her Gardevoir. Even if it took a Tyranitar, Royal Species Golett and a Royal Species Talonflame and Ash's Pikachu to do so.
"Yes Brock, we'll evolve them. Let them heal for a bit before we do so, alright? They're tired from training."
Brock rubbed the back of his head in an embarassed manner.
Caitlin shook her head fondly. Two weeks already passed since she joined them and it's still the same old story between the two. If Ash isn't excited, Brock is. If both aren't, she is.
Well, that did explain her fourth pokémon - a Metang.
They were traveling next to a cave when they heard fighting and spotted a Metang fighting against some poachers which most likely tried to bring him somewhere before it escaped. Seeing that state, the three children fought against the poachers with their pokémon and took them out.
Honestly, a poacher with a Tyranitar and a Weavile… Where was this world going to if they had access to such pokémon? Their pokémon were taken away to rehab centers and the poachers were sent to the league jail where they can only dream of seeing sunlight again.
Pokémon poaching is punishable by life sentences. It's that extreme in Kanto and Johto. It was the result of seeing some poachers try to grab a Dratini in the Safari Zone but they ended up killing it.
This was, however, not the one with the X under its horn but a different one. It was also what made that Dratini evolve into a Dragonair and made sure that the poachers will never be able to hold a pokéball or weapon again. Let alone walk.
Dealing with an angered Dragonair is not something any person would want. Dragonites even less.
When they finished beating up the poachers, the Metang approached Caitlin in respect at seeing her use such strong psychic type pokémon and asked to join her team. Ash gladly translated for her and Caitlin and Metang were instantly friends as they embraced each other.
Heck, Caitlin felt like she was blessed by Arceus at meeting a pseudo-legendary of her type and the chance to train one.
After Nurse Joy finished healing their pokémon both Ash and Brock walked towards the trading area. Looking at his Cherish Ball, Ash frowned in thought before nodding. It sounded like a good idea.
He closed his eyes as he began to fill the Cherish Ball and in turn also Trickster with aura until ti reached a pretty high amount before the trade. This'll make the base aura gain much higher… possibly strengthen him as a Gengar.
He heard a voice of approval in his mind from his Haunter. It seems that the Ghost pokémon completely agreed with the idea.
Placing the cherish ball inside of the trading machine, they started off with a trade for Golem and Gengar.
Both of them placed the balls inside of the trading machine and started the trade. Walking to the front of the machine they could see their pokémon passing by in a black version of their pokédex entry.
Nodding, they grabbed the pokémon. Ash called out Graveler that began to glow whereas Brock called out Haunter that began to glow.
Both pokémon began to get bigger. Graveler became rounder and looked similar to a boulder with arms and legs, as well as a head in front of it.
Haunter changed the most, however.
Instead of a normal shiny Gengar, there stood a borderline black Gengar with poison green irises and dark red slits instead of just a pair of slits as its eyes. The usual red colour around the slit was a dark red and the tips of the spiky parts of gengar seemed to have gained a dark red tint. His feet and hands, in an easier way of explaining it, had some red glowing marks as well. The colors are similar to that of a Zoroark's red hair.
"Hehehe.. I feel so much better now! I can feel that my dark energy got much, much stronger!" Trickster's elated voice reached everyone - even the trainers in the pokémon center other than the trio - and made them look at the special Gengar in shock. The group ignored it though.
Brock nodded in agreement. "Return so we can trade back the pokémon and get Steelix," Brock was eager to see his starter finally reach its evoluton.
The Gengar nodded seriously. While Trickster was very happy with his evolution, he could wait with shouting out in happiness to help out Brock.
He couldn't evolve without his help after all!
Ash smiled and pat the Golem on its head before returning it. He felt no fear despite being attacked by one in the past. Probably because he knew this Golem too well.
The Golem just smiled appreciatively and its red eyes showed appreciation at being admired by Ash. It returned to the Pokéball without a single complaint and was promptly traded back to Brock. They also quickly traded Onix and back after giving it a metal coat so Brock can call him out outside. It did save some time to do a quick trade back.
When the boys stepped outside with Caitlin just remaining inside to drink some tea - she didn't really care about seeing an evolution again - they called out the Onix and watched in amazement as Brock's starter was finally evolving.
The stone snake began to expand as well as grow from its previous size. Since Onix was now upright instead of being half on the ground they had to stare up at the growing Onix which was gradually becoming a Steelix. Bars of Steelix's metal came out of the usual figure as it gained some width and definitely weight but they were too impressed at the sight.
The usual rocky figure became a slicker metal, silverish colour. The Steelix showed red eyes before roaring out to the world to announce it's evolution. It even shook the Pokémon Center as the pokémon happily checked if his body worked properly.
"Congratulations, Steelix!" Ash shouted out and made the Iron Snake Pokémon look down before coming down to their size and Brock instantly rushed up to hug the Steelix's head.
"I'm so glad you finally evolved. You finally got your wish buddy… How does it feel?!" Brock spoke, nearly in tears at seeing his starter finally reach one of its dreams.
The Steelix began speaking and Ash instantly translated for Brock.
"I feel great, Brock. Thank you for finally evolving me… I liked being an Onix, but I love my new form. I can't wait to battle with Tyranitar now! Ha, he'll definitely be shocked!" The Steelix gave its version of a laugh and Ash began snickering.
"Seems like you are going to see a battle of beasts, Brock. Tell me when Tyranitar and Steelix will fight," Ash spoke meaning well.
Brock just let out a sigh at his O...Steelix's rivalry with Tyranitar. He knew that Tyranitar boasted to be the strongest but with Steelix and Golett possibly evolving in the future he wasn't too sure.
Steelix is massive and its weight can be used very well in combat. Tyranitar is a powerhouse, plain and simple. It's a pseudo-legendary after all… Golett, after evolving, might as well meet Steelix in height and have some massive power too.
It'll be a headache to prevent any mass damage on nature with those three.
"I see… We'll look for a location you two can battle to your heart's content later. For now, it's time to win Ash's sixth badge," Brock chuckled at seeing the Steelix blink before looking around. It nodded soon after and turned to Ash.
"Good luck Ash!" it cheered for Ash who just smiled and thanked him gratefully as he watched the massive Iron Snake Pokémon being returned.
"Well then… For now, it's time to rest. I'll challenge the gym at the end of the month… I need more training if I want to win against her. I have a couple of months left anyway," Ash shrugged in a helpless manner.
Brock snickered. Yes, Erika might as well run away from Ash if they'll battle… Ahh well, it'll be fun to see her getting beaten like that. Especially since it's just the 10th of the month… 20 good ol' days to train.
Wait… Did he just think of a girl without any perverted fantasy?
Brock fell to his knees as he cried out to the skies.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
Brock was losing some of his perverted nature… His goal of being a super pervert was getting further and further away from him!
Hello everyone! Welcome to the chapter where they reach Celadon. It's new for me not to rush… I kinda added another gym. I mean, why stop at 8 badges? Might as well get 9 and consider Matt's as special.
Why did I make Ash battle that gym? It's because Ash, in this story, was getting far too confident. He needed a life lesson to humble down and increase his training.
Now, together with Caitlin and Brock, he'll get even stronger. Who said that training without any friends would make him stronger than before? Having an elite-level trainer to spar against and a friend with powerhouse pokémon will be very amusing.
By the way: Brock can carry up to 20 pokémon as former Gym-leader priviledge. This is to capture rowdy groups of Pokémon. What fossil pokémon should I give him? You can select any! Just 'cause it's a rock type. Do note that after they left Saffron, Brock already sent the pokémon home. I forgot to write that I think...
Togepi, in this story, will go to Caitlin. This is to meet her in Hoenn again as an elite four member and see her progress.
Well… Erika's gon' have a tuff battle. Do any of you have complaints about today's chapter? I'd love to hear them in reviews. Just don't tell me things such as 'evolve Pikachu already'. I made him more special this chapter!
I mean.. surfing, water attack using Pikachu. Yes, that. I went there.
P.S. 100K word achievement – Get.
Hope you all like today's chapter! See you next week where I most likely have time to write again!