Ash the Iron Trainer

by Mar 'Darry' Darren

It was a freak storm. One that separated Ash from Misty and Brock but not with Pikachu. And yet Ash was able to find an entire new region and be reunited with a friend that he never thought he will see again. With four young Pokémon found in a crate as eggs, Ash will take this new region and in the future, Kanto with skill and Mega Evolution!

4. Professor Sycamore and Mega Evolution

Ash, the Iron Trainer

Professor Sycamore and Mega Evolution

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon.

"Pokémon" – Normal Speech

'Pokémon' – Thoughts

Pokémon – Flashback

Pokémon – Move Names

{Pokémon} – Pokédex

Previously on Ash the Iron Trainer,

"Thank you Viola and now we will have to leave and heal out Pokémon at the local Pokémon Center." Ash said but as soon as he returned his victorious but hurt Pokémon to his Pokéballs, he felt someone's hand holding tightly on his shoulder.

"You can't leave yet Ash. I have to always give this to those who win at my gym." Viola said and took out a CD in its case. This confused Ash because he had fought in gyms before but this is the first tie the Gym Leader offered him such a thing.

"And what is this CD?" Ash said as he accepted the gift and read it. "'Infestation'? Wasn't that the move you used with your Vivillon?"

Viola nodded, "It is called a Technical Machine or just TM. You can find a lot made for common Pokémon Moves. But there is also the Hidden Machines or HM that are all about moves that can interact with the surroundings outside of battle. They are really rare, so unfortunately I don't have one handy myself." Ash nodded and urged Viola to continue, "I happen to know about a certain Pokémon on the way to Lumiose City, that is where the Lumiose City Gym is located. This bug type move is used, the target is infested and attacked for four to five turns. The target can't flee during this time."

Ash couldn't believe that Viola was actually going to give this to him and now that he thought about that, using a move that prevents a targeted Pokémon from fleeing will definitely be a big help when capturing and scanning. "Thanks a lot Viola but will the other Gym Leaders do the same? It never happened in Kanto."

Viola smiled, "Of course we do Ash. That is why Kalos is ahead of Kanto because we have the most Pokémon than any other region. You will have a lot of fun discovering new Pokémon by the time to come across the Pokémon League."

"That will be great Viola and is that where I can try for my next badge?" Ash asked and this time, he said 'try' for his next badge; defeats and scolding had finally hit their mark seeing his Pokémon fall despite having the advantage in numbers. Now he was not going to be naïve and over-confident; he is going to not be arrogant and more modest this time. Too bad only Pikachu knows that.

"You can, after earning three more badges." Viola said. "I have met the gym leader and he prefers to only allow trainers with four badges to get in. But I suggest Route Five or Versant Road. It passes through three cities with three Pokémon Gyms. You can travel to them all and try for your next three badges. Then you will be able to get into the Lumiose City Gym."

"Got it. Come one Pikachu, we need to get you and the others to the Pokémon Center. We have a long journey ahead of us." Ash said and he pocketed the TM into his jacket as he ran out of the gym. Some things will never change no matter how can change us in the past and shape our next present.

After Ash's victory over Viola of Santalune City, it was time to get moving because Ash still needs seven gym badges in order to qualify for the Kalos League. And he better hurry because even several months will be over before anyone will know it unless they put a wiggle on.

Even though the route was a very short walk in the park, all the wild encounters to fill out the Pokédex and all those duels with the trainers in order to strengthen his Pokémon had tired them all out and with no benches like in Santalune City, they were actually taking a break in the hedge mazes. The gardeners didn't mind as long as Ash or any of his Pokémon don't ruin their hard work.

This gave Ash the time it took to review what he had encountered among the grass and flowers.

{Ralts, the Feeling Pokémon. It can use the horns on its head to read human emotions. Ralts rarely shows itself to humans, but may occasionally approach when it senses positive or happy feelings.}

{Skitty, the Kitten Pokémon. Skitty will get completely caught up in pursuing any moving objects that catches its eye.}

{Budew, the Bud Pokémon. In winter, it keeps its bud closed to survive the cold, but then opens it again in the spring.}

{Combee, the Tiny Bee Pokémon. A trio of Combee stays together for life, basically carrying sweet nectar from flower to flower.}

{Flabébé, the Single Bloom Pokémon. Flabébé chooses a favorite flower at the beginning of its life and takes care of it from then on.}

{Corphish, the Ruffian Pokémon. Corphish lives anywhere, adapting to its surroundings, its pincers hold on tightly when it catches prey.}

{Pichu, the Tiny Mouse Pokémon. A pre-evolved form of Pikachu. Despite their size, Pichu release bursts of electricity that can shock even humans. However, Pichu are unskilled at controlling their electricity, and sometimes release it by accident when surprised, or when laughing and shock themselves.}

{Burmy, the Bag Worm Pokémon. To protect itself from the cold wind, Burmy uses leaves and branches to make a cloak around itself.}

Pokémon aside, he did receive useful items such as Honey to attach Pokémon hordes, a can of Repel to do the opposite, Super Potions to heal any of his tired and hurt Pokémon without having to go to the Pokémon Center every time, an Antidote for poisoned Pokémon, a Poison Bard to be held by a Pokémon to boost any Poison type moves and an Ether bottle to restore energy to use Pokémon moves; but the real ones was a Great Ball which has a better catch rate than the normal red and white Pokéball, it has a different color theme too. It was blue where a normal Pokéball is red with two handles on each side that are the color red. Then there was the Net Ball that Ash also found in one of the hedge mazes; it is the best Pokéball for Bug and Water types.

Ash will have to agree with that because there was just one Pokémon that always evaded his attempts at even scanning but that was enough for him to chase it down. Ash kept this up until he had to use his only Net Ball, to capture it. After that Ash finally was able to scan the Pokémon and add it to his Pokédex,

{Ledyba, the Five Star Pokémon. These naturally gentle Bug-types gather in groups during cold weather to keep warm.}

Ledyba is similar to a red ladybug with five black spots on its back. Ledyba's carapace and back (when the wing covers are lifted) are yellow, and its eyes are large and round. Ledyba also has six black legs with hands that resemble boxing gloves and two black antennae. A female Ledyba has a shorter antennae than a male Ledyba does. It has a pair of clear wings underneath its wing covers.

Ledyba is a gregarious Pokémon, to such an extent that it will be timid, stricken with doubt, afraid or even unable to move if it is alone. Ledyba secretes an aromatic fluid from where its legs join its body, which it uses to communicate with other Ledyba. Ledyba conveys its feelings to other Ledyba by altering the fluid's scent. When the weather turns cold, many Ledyba gather together to cluster and keep each other warm. Ledyba have been shown to serve a role in pollinating the fruit-producing plants of the Pokémon world, and are usually instructed to do so by means of a special whistle. However, like most Pokémon, it will also able to respond to regular vocal commands. Ledyba builds its nest on leaves in the forest.

This Ledyba was definitely one that broke all the rules, a black sheep, someone that stood out in both a good way and a bad one. But Ash didn't care about what others have to say about this Ledyba, it was his Pokémon and he was not going to get rid of Ledyba at all. What is even better is that Ledyba was finally the one Pokémon that can learn Infestation. Ash had a feeling that it will come in handy so he made sure to train Ledyba.

"I can't forget about those Pokémon from Santalune Forest." Ash said and he scrolled up his Pokédex to the early entrees.

{Scatterbug, the Scatterdust Pokémon. When attacked by another Pokémon, Scatterbug scatters the black powder that covers its body and regulates its body temperature.}

{Panpour, the Spray Pokémon. Panpour lived in forests long ago, but developed a body that makes it easy to live near water. It can store water in the tufts on its head.}

{Pansear, the High Temp Pokémon. Pansear lives in caves near volcanoes. The temperature on the tuft on its head can reach 600 degrees when it's angry.}

{Pansage, the Grass Monkey Pokémon. Pansage offers leaves on its head to Pokémon that have low energy. The leaves relieve stress.}

"Hello Ash Ketchum!" The said trainer didn't know what to think of these two people that appeared out of nowhere when approached the tunnel at the end of Parterre Way.

"My name is Dexio!" The male of the duo shouted with his blonde hair.

"My name is Sina!" the Female said with her purple hair instead of blonde like her partner.

"We are all Professor Sycamore's assistants!"

"…" Ash felt like he was looking at mirror of himself making poses in order to be so dramatic. No wonder everyone watching didn't much care for all those poses, they were just childish. "Hello. Can you just let me know if this is the way to Lumiose City?"

"We sure can and what is better is that we are here to share the one thing that Professor Sycamore studies!" Dexio said, "Mega Evolution!"

XXXXX

Ash then found himself in Lumiose City after meeting up with the strange assistants. In his hands was the second TM that he received and Kalos or more specially, his whole career as a Pokémon Trainer and his whole life. It was the Normal type move named Return whose attack power is determined by the friendship the using Pokémon has with the train who commanded it. Ash was thinking about teaching it to Pikachu and work hard to increase his friendship with the yellow rodent Pokémon; they may be partners in battle but they haven't been friends for even a half year yet so Return by Pikachu could be considered to be very weak.

First things first, Ash went to the Pokémon Center to heal up after some the last encounters and duels with other trainers. Then he went to where Dexio and Sina directed him to; Professor Sycamore's lab and Pokémon study. It was a very comfy place, with a warm welcome to it while the real serious stuff was in the other rooms. But Ash was here for the machines and studies, he was here because it was supposed to be where all the current answers about this 'Mega Evolution' can be found.

Seeing how there was no one around because Ash couldn't hear anyone answering his calls or any footsteps, the trainer let himself in and looked around. Maybe he will find a library with at least a book on Mega Evolution. No one knew this, not even Pikachu, but Ash loved to read but he had to train his Pokémon most of the time and his adventures included didn't give him all the time to even remember to read books or at least look for a library in the cities he has been to before.

Still, what he found on the other side of the first door Ash found was a table with Pokéballs and yet three of them were outside and setting on one of the tables, sleeping like new born infants. As soon as Ash saw those Pokémon, he didn't need to scan them because I knew what they are from heart. They all remind him of his own that he had to leave behind on a sinking ship.

The one on the left was a Bulbasaur. Bulbasaur is a small, quadruped Pokémon with green to bluish-green skin and darker green patches. It has red eyes with white pupils and sclera and pointed, ear-like structure on top of its head. Its snout is short and blunt, and it has a wide mouth. A pair of small, pointed teeth visible in the upper jaw when its mouth is open. Each of its thick legs ends with three sharp claws. On its back is a green plant bulb, which is grown from a seed planted there at birth. The bulb provides it with energy through photosynthesis as well as from the nutrient-rich seeds contained within.

Having been domesticated from birth, Bulbasaur is regarded as both a rare and well-behaved Pokémon. It is known to be extremely loyal. Bulbasaur has also shown itself to be an excellent caretaker, even having a special technique called the "Bulba-by." To perform this technique, Bulbasaur uses its vines to pick up a young Pokémon and soothingly rocks the young one in the air.

It is found in grasslands and forests throughout the Kanto region. However, due to Bulbasaur's status as starter Pokémon, it is hard to come by in the wild and generally found under the ownership of a Trainer. It has been observed that a Bulbasaur's bulb will flash blue when it is ready to evolve.

The one in the middle of the table was a Charmander. Charmander is a bipedal, reptilian Pokémon with an orange body, though its underside and soles are cream-colored. It has two small fangs visible in its upper and lower jaws and blue eyes. Its arms and legs are short with four fingers and three clawed toes. A fire burns at the tip of this Pokémon's slender tail, and has blazed there since Charmander's birth. The flame can be used as an indication of Charmander's health and mood, burning brightly when the Pokémon is strong, weakly when it is exhausted, wavering when it is happy, and blazing when it is enraged. It is said that Charmander dies if its flame goes out. Charmander can be found in hot, mountainous areas. However, it is found far more often in the ownership of Trainers.

Finally, the one on the right was a Squirtle. Squirtle is a small Pokémon that resembles a light blue turtle. While it typically walks on its two short legs, it has been shown to run on all fours in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. It has large brown eyes and a slightly hooked upper lip. Each of its hands and feet have three pointed digits. The end of its long tail curls inward. Its body is encased by a tough shell that forms and hardens after birth. This shell is brown on the top, pale yellow on the bottom, and has a thick white ridge between the two halves.

Squirtle's shell is a useful tool. It can withdraw into the shell for protection or for sleeping, and its grooved, rounded shape helps to reduce water resistance when this Pokémon swims. Squirtle can spray foamy water from its mouth with great accuracy. Squirtle is scarce in the wild, although it can be found around small ponds and lakes.

"Aren't they cute? I received them just yesterday and they are very well behaved." Ash and Pikachu was spooked greatly. They turned on a dime to see a tall and young adult wearing a lab coat standing behind them. "My name is Professor Augustine Sycamore, studying Pokémon here in Kalos."

"My name is Ash Ketchum and this is my partner and first Pokémon Pikachu." Ash introduced himself while shaking Professor Sycamore's hand. The latter then scratched Pikachu under the chin, causing the rodent Pokémon to purr and cry in pleasure.

"My, my you have such a well-groomed and powerful Pikachu. You must be a prodigy of such a young age." Sycamore said but Ash just looked down on his feet, "What's wrong?"

"I wasn't there when Pikachu was first born. We met because no other trainer will ever accept Pikachu at Professor Oak's lab in Kanto. I chose him simply because I overslept that very morning and missed the other Kanto Starters and Pikachu was also the only one left." Ash said in a very low and honest tone that made Sycamore raise eyebrows in sympathy.

"I am sorry to hear all that but I think that if fate was real, you two meeting together was what Fate wanted. I think that your Pikachu is the best Pokémon for your starter than any other." Professor Sycamore said and Ash just sighed before smiling. "That is more like it, no journey should happen all because of inconvenience or any nonsense like that. You should have fun on your Pokémon Journey. That is all we what from new trainers that travel our Pokémon Region of Kalos!"

"So why do you have the Kanto Starters in Kalos Professor?" Ash asked and Sycamore nodded.

"It seemed that when each of these starter Pokémon reach their final evolution, they can Mega Evolve!" Sycamore asked and noticed that Ash was between uninterested and frustratingly confused. "Mega Evolution is a process that we call because with it, a Pokémon can active and higher form if given the right circumstances exactly. They grow and mature, activate new Abilities and use their moves to a higher power. But it is simply a transformation."

"A transformation? You mean it is not permanent?" Ash asked and Sycamore nodded.

"Exactly Ash. So when a Pokémon under goes Mega Evolution, it can't keep that up forever and only for a given time. When they faint or run out of time, the Pokémon will revert back to their real form." Sycamore confirmed. "And that is why I want to give you all three of these Pokémon!"

End of Chapter 4

*Here is the next chapter! I am sure you all wanted Ash to have the three Kanto Starters again but I am afraid that it will not happen in this chapter or this early in the story. So I will give you a hint; Ash will be able to carry all of them once he does something important, so important that he will be allowed to carry more than ten Pokémon on hand. That is all and if you want to figure it out then go ahead. All I need to feedback and I will try to handle the harsh and negative type because those are still constructive criticism.

If you are wondering when Ash can meet up with Serena then you will get your wish because now that Ash is the traveler that stays in most places for a while. Serena is definitely going to meet Ash when she arrives for her very first Pokémon. That is all!*

Pokémon on Hand;

Ash – Pikachu (Male), Honedge (Male), Pawniard (Male), Mawile (Female), Durant (Female), Froakie (Female), Dunsparce (Female), Liteo (Female), Fletchling (Male) and Ledyba (Female).