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!

15. An Chance Encounter

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon.

"Pokémon" – Normal Speech

'Pokémon' – Thoughts

Pokémon – Flashback

Pokémon – Move Names and Pokémon Abilities

{Pokémon} – Pokédex

Ash, the Iron Trainer

An Chance Encounter with the Steel Type Master, Wikstrom!

Previously on Ash, the Iron Trainer;

Once Ash saw that the Garchomp was down and out, he noticed that the three mid-evolutions of the Kanto Starters were staring at him. It was like they know Ash and are challenging him. That meant, the raven haired trainer will have to choose his next words carefully. Should he fail, it will get messy.

So Ash narrowed his eyes on the three Pokémon, to see if he does know them. And then came something from the back of his head, he did know them! There was just this thing about these very strong Pokémon that Ash seen somewhere before. Then it became clear once Ash saw it in their eyes.

"You were there." Ash finally spoke and nothing happened. "You were there when I first arrived in Lumiose City, at the backyard of Professor Sycamore's lab. I played with you before leaving on your journey. With the promise I will visit you when I returned for my fifth Gym badge."

Ash had hoped that this was the right answer but the doubt was short lived, however, when all three Pokémon charged and tackled Ash to the ground. Not to attack him but to embrace Ash in a way a child would greet their beloved family members after a while. "You guys." Ash then whispered, petting them like they were his little cousins. "You have gotten so big and cool. I sure missed out a lot, have I?"

His answer was all of them playfully smacking at Ash's chest with their tails, safely. In fact, it only tickled the raven haired trainer. "Ha-ha-ha! I get it, I get it!" What a way to end the day and Professor Sycamore has a lot to explain.

"Ha-ha-ha!" Sycamore was throwing a laughing fit at the sight of both Ash and Serena, as well as Pikachu and the three mid-evolution Kanto Starters staring at him. It was very adorable in its own way; a lot like when a group of children ganging up on their parent. "I was hoping to surprise you Ash but it looks like it was spoiled! Ha-ha-ha!"

"I was assuming that this was your way of getting back on me." Ash spoke. "After all, I kept you waiting since I wanted to go to the gym as soon as the both of us returned to Lumiose City." As much as they want to look at Ash with a guilt-giving stare, everyone still focused on Sycamore.

"Why not you come with me to the lab and I will tell you the whole story?" Silence was Sycamore's immediate answer but then they all nodded and followed the professor back to the Pokémon Kalos Lab. There, "They trained while we were gone? So they can go with us?" Ash asked after hearing just the first part of the story.

"Yes. I never seen such determination for a Pokémon so young for a trainer who is also so young himself. And in this case, three of them as well." Sycamore verified, smiling to see that both Ash and Serena were playing with the three mid-evolution Kanto starters. And Pikachu was also in on the fun as well. "And they trained so hard that by the time you set foot on Route 13, they had all evolved at the same time."

"Cool. Very cool." Ash could only say and this made the three Pokémon look up with awe. They were actually praised by the nice boy they met a long while ago and for their performance and their achievement. But then they looked sullen, at the sad fact that Ash can possibly tell them to stay again and wait for him to return once again.

Thankfully for them, Ash had noticed this. "Do you want to come with me? Are you afraid that I will leave you behind again?" All of them nodded and had pleading looks on their faces, for Ash to not to do so. "Well I can afford to send three of my Pokémon on hand to see I can take you through the rest of the Kalos. If that is what you want?"

Ash's answer was all of them to playfully tackle him to the ground and with much visual affection. "Okay! Okay! I get the idea!" Ash then made their Pokéballs part of the ones he already owned. But he still needed to know these evolved Pokémon better. And what better way than to use his Pokédex.

This was for Ivysaur,

{This Pokémon is Female. Ability is Overgrow. Move List includes Vine Whip, Wrap, Poison Powder, Growth, Razor Leaf, Take Down and Grass Pledge. Has the Egg Move Amnesia but hasn't unlocked it yet.}

Then Charmeleon,

{This Pokémon is Male. Ability is Blaze. Move List includes Fire Fang, Fire Spin, Scary Face, Dragon Rage, and Fire Pledge. Knows the Egg Move Metal Claw}

And finally Wartortle,

{This Pokémon is Male. Ability is Torrent. Move List includes Water Pulse, Aqua Tail, Rapid Spin, Withdraw and Water Pledge. Has the Egg Move Aura Sphere but hasn't unlocked it yet.}

"Just what the deal with these moves ending with the word 'Pledge'?" Ash asked curiously after taking in every other piece of info into consideration. Sycamore nodded,

"They are moves devised from Unova, a large region down to the east. If used with another, they cause more damage and create effects to aid the user's side and hinder the opposing side of the battle." Sycamore explained and Ash nodded. This will explain why this three Pokémon used their 'Pledge' moves against the rampant Garchomp.

"And another thing…" Sycamore groaned as soon as he turned to the trainers and official owned Pokémon to see the lab empty and the door recently opened. "Oh well. They will find out."

XXXXX

"So is this the last of the sights Serena? We need to check all this in so we won't have to carry it all once we start again on Route 14." Ash asked since he and his Pokémon were dragged by Serena on a shopping trip through all the north side of the city. It was a golden opportunity for a girl like her since the blackout from days ago had prohibited access to most of the city beforehand. And the poor trainer and Pokémon had to carry the heavy bags all the way while Serena only has the box for a decoration ring.

"Of course Ash. And from what I heard, Route 14 is the worse of the trails in all Kalos. Absolutely hideous and disgusting but we do need to see it all to feel in the Pokédex." Serena said with a grumbly tone. She knows about Route 14 and she hated it from seeing on paper. "But then again, every strong Pokémon starts from humble beginnings. Even the Pokémon trained to the level of Elite Four."

"Right." Ash grumbled himself and then comes to a halt when a man came out of nowhere and caused something of a crash into each other. Thankfully, nothing was spilled over on the dirty pavement. "Sorry about that."

"No harm done. May I help with those bags?" That man in armor asked and Ash just politely refused. No reason to force a stranger to help them with their problems. "If not then maybe I can assist you to where you can rest after a long day of shopping?" Once again, Ash turned it down in the gentlest way possible and the man in armor kept at it until,

"Ash! We can't just keep saying things like this to a stranger. And especially not to him!" Serena bellowed at her boyfriend who along with everyone else, sweat-dropped at such volume; it was even attaching the attention of everyone else on that same street.

"Perhaps the young lady is right, Ash Ketchum. You might need to accept even the offers from someone persistent but well-known." The man in armor said. "I have seen it happen myself, that accepting offers from the right people and showing them proper respect might give you the help you still need with your skills in Pokémon in general."

"Excuse me. We don't even know your name." Ash retorted and Serena acted like her boyfriend was insulting someone of high status that demanded respect from commoners.

"Where are my manners?" The man chuckled. "My name is Wikstrom. I have heard of you, Ash Ketchum. Everyone is calling you 'The Iron Trainer'. Like you are going to be my succeeding expert in Steel type Pokémon."

Ash didn't know what to think of this man. Not with a haircut with his black hair pointing out like curved blades; there was some kind of golden star at the forehead. He looked middle-aged and his voice was something out of a knight from the eleventh century. And the same can be said for his outfit. It was like he dropped out of the medieval ages and into the modern times.

In detail, he wore no helmet. The shoulder plates were overlapping plates that each had a bump in the center at the end. The armor at the wrist end of the arm made like an open socket; the metal gloves had no fingers expect for the fingers. On his torso was a breastplate and metal skirt, held together with a single simple belt, open to show the black uniform underneath; there were golden Pokéballs on his left side. His legs had slick armor as well, with a similar bump at the kneecap. His feet were encased in strange shoes that were connected to the leg armor. There also some gold to be noted along with the metal armor; at the collar, as an arch at the under half of the chest, at the middle section of the gloves, at the end of the arm sockets, around the edges of the steel skirt, making some kind of lower cape on the backside, at the above end of the leg armor and finally at the tip of the foot armor.

"Well, yes I am Ash Ketchum. I don't know anything about an 'Iron Trainer'. I just happen to train five Steel type Pokémon." Ash said in a humble tone that made Wikstrom smile at. And all while, they both were ignoring Serena looking like she is seeing a ghost or something.

"Oh I assure you that there is such a thing. And I had been hoping to meet the Iron Trainer for myself." Wikstrom replied. "And to add to my good fortune, I was not only able to find you here but to witness your Gym battle." Ash wasn't surprised about a trainer finding him here in Lumiose City, the very center of all Kalos.

"But I thought Clemont said that nobody saw us fight other than the both of us and his younger sister Bonnie." Ash pondered and Wikstrom chuckled once again.

"I am sure that young Clemont has said a lot of things. His youth and his eagerness to prove himself as both a Gym Leader and an aspiring inventor. If only he will take it a lot slower to balance all that out." Wikstrom remarked and Ash nodded in agreement.

"ASH KETCHUM!" The raven haired trainer nearly jumped out of his skin at the volume of that voice. "Do you have any idea who you are talking to!?"

"…" No one spoke and just stared at Serena after her outburst. "…Uh…no?"

"This is Wikstrom! He is one of the Kalos Elite Four!" Serena finally came clear and Ash and Pikachu then widened their eyes. And they turned back to Wikstrom, creaking their necks with disbelief on their faces.

"Okay children. You got me. And I was hoping for a relaxing change of pace from the constant challenges. You won't believe how many trainers want to fight a member of the Elite Four as soon as the word gets out. Siebold is the lucky one, he is the one that is only as busy as a restaurant cook. Everyone else has their own ways of getting pressured."

Ash was tempted to glare at Serena for selling out a person like Wikstrom. But he instead bowed and made Serena do the same. "Sorry about that sir. Please forgive us."

Wikstrom laughed. "If you want to make up for this, then you will treat me to my favorite place. And if you know anything about me, at least one of you will know where it is."

Later,

"Now that was a good meal, I missed this place. Haven't found the chance for this in six months." Wikstrom just finished a cup of tea and a full plate of food. "And don't worry anymore. I know the owner and he has treated me without any trouble from the press or the Kalos trainers. We know can talk in peace."

"Thank you sir." Ash finally spoke after not saying a word and Wikstrom was the only one that ate at the Café Fonderie (1). "Can we ask some questions about Pokémon? We both just started out journeys." Ash was wondering where all that eagerness and hyper energy he was expecting to feel in front of an Elite Four-level Trainer; perhaps it is the circumstances literally surrounding Kalos and that meeting with the three Legendary Birds from Kanto.

"Is that so? Then you two are lucky ones. Not many beginning trainers have such a thing when it comes to the Elite Four. After all, only one can win at the Kalos League and challenge us." Wikstrom replied and Ash nodded. He was briefed on the basics for most of the regions under the jurisdiction of the International Pokémon Corporation (IPC).

"But if I am going to share anything, I will need to see just how far your Steel type Pokémon have come. We Elite Four are expected to be experts on only a single Pokémon type, not the other seventeen. You might need to figure out that on your own." Wikstrom continued and then extended his arm and hand as to say 'let me see'; in this case, Ash's Pokémon.

"I don't have any Steel type Pokémon sir. Ash does." Serena quickly made clear and Wikstrom then turned to the raven haired trainer. Ash himself then reached for five of his Pokéballs, revealing his Doublade, Pawniard, Mawile, Durant, Lucario and Ferrothorn in the more open section of the Café. Wikstrom smirked, and then approached every single one of them; he started to observe each Steel type from various angles, muttering several things to himself and then backed away for the verdict.

"Nice condition. Every one of them. You truly are a rising Iron Trainer. Now here are my Pokémon." Wikstrom reached for four of the golden Pokéballs.

And Ash scanned every single one of them.

{Klefki, the Key Ring Pokémon. Klefki loves to collect keys and will confront opponents with a fierce jingle of their collection.}

Klefki is a small, grayish-white Pokémon resembling a key ring with four keys on it. It has a spherical head with a white face and a small, pink oval on its forehead. Two black circles and a keyhole form its eyes and mouth. Below its head is its pink, teardrop-shaped body with a white marking in the middle. Extending from the top of its head is an appendage, which resembles an old-fashioned key with two wide, blunt teeth. A thin loop surrounds Klefki, and connects at either side of the "key". Hanging from the loop are various keys that this Pokémon has collected. If Klefki finds a key it likes, it will never release it. To threaten attackers, this Pokémon jingles its key collection. Klefki is the only Pokémon capable of learning Fairy Lock, which can prevent Pokémon from fleeing, and Crafty Shield, which can protect it and its team from harmful status moves.

{Probopass, the Compass Pokémon, and the evolved form of Nosepass. Its body acts as a powerful magnet. It controls three smaller units called Mini-Noses.}

Probopass is a mostly blue, rock Pokémon. It has small round eyes, a red nose that is large in proportion to its body, and a bushy black mustache that appears to consist of iron filings. These iron filings appear to be attracted by its magnetic nose. It has three small objects on its sides and back which it is able to control. With these 'Mini-Noses', it is able to attack opponents from all three directions. It has a big red hat-like magnet on top of its head, and has strong magnetism from all over its body.

{Aegislash, the Royal Sword Pokémon. Generations of kings were attended by these Pokémon, which used their spectral power to manipulate and control people and Pokémon.}

Aegislash's body is comprised of a golden sword with the blade pointing downwards. The edge of the blade is white and somewhat serrated near the tip. Its single eye, which is purple with a white, linear pupil, sits where the blade meets the hilt, where it is surrounded by black coloration. The handle is thick at its base, tapers as it progresses to the end, and is striated. Two cloth-like arms emerge from the sides of the hilt. Each arm is primarily black and ends in lavender, transitioned by a slight whorl between the two colors. It carries an ornate shield in at least one of its arms.

Aegislash is capable of changing its stance in the middle of battle, depending on what moves it uses. It carries out offensive moves in its Blade Forme, in which it carries its shield in its left arm and exposes its blade, which it uses to slash its opponents. Defensive moves are performed in its Shield Forme, in which it holds its shield up in front of its blade, with both of its arms crossed behind the shield.

It is said to be able to detect the innate qualities of leadership; legend has it that whoever Aegislash recognizes as a worthy leader is destined to become king. Indeed, this Pokémon has attended and served generations of kings. It is also known to use its spectral power to manipulate people and Pokémon alike. Aegislash is the only known Pokémon that can learn King's Shield; which is an increased priority move that can harshly lower the attack of Pokémon using contact moves that King's Shield halts.

And finally,

{Scizor, the Pincer Pokémon. It threatens enemies with its eye-patterned claws, which can swing with tremendous force when used in battle.}

Scizor is a bipedal, insectoid Pokémon with a red, metallic exoskeleton. It has gray, retractable forewings and hind wings with simple, curved venation. Its head is kite-shaped with three blunt horns extending above its forehead, and dark yellow eyes. Scizor's neck and part of its thorax give the appearance of being exposed: they show black skin, and are surrounded by its raised exoskeleton. Scizor has a large abdomen with three black, pointed stripes below the waist; the female has a larger abdomen than the male. Scizor has broad shoulders and thin, segmented arms ending in large, round pincers. Scizor's legs are defined by large hip joints, thin thighs, and wide calves, its feet ending in one clawed toe in front and another in the back.

Scizor's claws are as hard as steel, and are strong enough to crush any hard object. They can be opened and closed like jaws, and are patterned with black, eyespots with yellow "pupils." It will raise its claws and wave them around to scare off predators or foes, giving it the appearance of having three heads. Scizor is incapable of flight, instead quickly flapping its wings to regulate its body temperature. It lives in grasslands.

"These four are my pride and joy. The team that I have trained to the best of my skill, my knowledge and my abilities. The only ones better you will encounter are not here in Kalos, but to a far off region that is more water than land." Wikstrom explained. "I will know because I once challenge him, a young man with a bright future. I even taught him Mega Evolution when he defeated me in a fair fight."

"Defeated a member of the Elite Four? He must be the Champion then." Ash remarked and then tried to cover his mouth, almost like he offended Wikstrom. But, like the textbook definition of a knight, he didn't feel that way. Wikstrom only smiled.

"Such perceptive skill, just like what you use in all your Gym Battles." Wikstrom complimented the young trainer who felt like blushing a little. "I can see that you act much more mature than any other trainer I came across at your age. But since you are still young, there is still a lot you can still learn."

Ash nodded and then turned to Serena who smiled and also nodded. "Thank you Wikstrom. We both will like to learn." Wikstrom was silent for a moment then he showed an expression that resembled a teacher, proud of the determination of his students.

"Very well. Please pay attention." And Wikstrom described the basics before getting to a lot more complicated material once the sun finally set.

XXXXX

After everything else that happened in Lumiose City, Ash had been having a ball. Those last few days of training from Wikstrom had practically gave him so many ideas of combos and tactics to train his Pokémon in.

And on Route 14, which connects Lumiose City with Laverre City, there was a lot to explore. And while this route wasn't the most romantic in Kalos, there were a lot of new Pokémon to encounter;

These were to be found in the grass sections.

{Weepinbell, the Flycatcher Pokémon. Weepinbell looks like a plant and covers opponents with a poisonous powder in order to catch them.}

{Haunter, the Gas Pokémon. Haunter can watch opponents by hiding in walls and slips through anything in its way.}

{Quagsire, the Water Fish Pokémon. Quagsire has an easy going nature and doesn't care if it bumps its head on boats and boulders while swimming.}

{Skorupi, the Scorpion Pokémon. It grips prey with its tail claws and injects poison. It tenaciously hangs on until the poison takes.}

{Carnivine, the Bug Catcher Pokémon. Carnivine latches onto tress in marshes and lures its prey with its sweet-smelling saliva.}

{Karrablast, the Clamping Pokémon. Karrablast live in forests and fields, and often hide in trees or grass when threatened. They can also defend themselves by spitting acid.}

{Shelmet, the Snail Pokémon. Shelmet closes its shell to protect itself from attacks. It also produces and spits out a poisonous, sticky liquid.}

And with these in horde encounters only;

{Ekans, the Snake Pokémon. Ekans curls itself up in a spiral while it rests. Assuming this position allows it to quickly respond to a threat from any direction with a glare from its upraised head.}

{Bellsprout, the Flower Pokémon. Bellsprout's thin and flexible body lets it bend and sway to avoid any attack, however strong it may be. From its mouth, this Pokémon spits a corrosive fluid that melts even iron.}

These were found in the swamp;

{Stunfisk, the Trap Pokémon. Stunfisk hides itself in the mud and then delivers an electric jolt when its prey touches it, smiling all the while.}

{Goomy, the Soft Tissue Pokémon, and the weakest of all Dragon-types. In order to keep its body moist, Goomy lives in places where it's dark and damp.}

Finally, they decided to fish for some Pokémon and they encountered these; {Poliwhirl, the Tadpole Pokémon and the evolved form of Poliwag. Its highly developed muscles allow Poliwhirl to move efficiently on land, plus it is even more agile in water.}

{Barboach, the Whiskers Pokémon. Barboach's sensitive whiskers serve as a superb radar system. This Pokémon hides in mud, leaving only its two whiskers exposed while it waits for prey to come along.}

And,

{Whiscash, the Whiskers Pokémon and the evolved form of Barboach. Whiscash has strong territorial instincts and goes berserk when any enemy approaches, creating earthquakes.}

But the only Pokémon that Ash and Serena each had ever caught was a Poliwag.

{Poliwag, the Tadpole Pokémon. It has no arms, but its tail makes it a strong swimmer.}

Poliwag resembles a blue, spherical tadpole. It has large eyes and pink lips. There is a black and white swirl on its abdomen, which are actually its internal organs showing through its semitransparent skin. The swirl looks clearer after it eats, and the skin is very elastic so that it will not break if the Pokémon is bitten. The direction of the belly spiral differs by area, with the equator being thought to have an effect on this. It has newly developed legs that are poor at walking, and no arms. Its long, mostly transparent tail makes it a powerful swimmer. Because of its ineptitude on land, Poliwag is more likely to be found swimming in small freshwater ponds and lakes.

But there is more to it than a simple catch for both trainers. To them, it felt like destiny to meet the pair of Poliwag, one male and one female, whom happen to be brother and sister.

Flashback Begins!

"Can we just get this over with!? I am just about tired of this route!" Serena, of course, was the one complaining about this trek through a swamp, dirtying even the clothes she wears for long distance walking. She couldn't understand how Ash can take the swamp water and Pikachu, the smell of it all.

"Ssh!" Ash then suddenly shushed his companion. Serena looked a little offended about it but didn't say a word. "Do you hear that?" Serena titled her head in confusion. Then she did hear it, the cry of lost ones. Serena will know, that was how Ash had found her years ago back in Kanto. "Now look."

Serena took a peep and saw what was making that sound. Under a leaf that was barley big enough, were a couple of Poliwag! And they were huddling, like leaves in a cold fall breeze. The sight nearly broke Serena's heart. "Come and help me." She then heard Ash speak up and saw that he was climbing one of the nearby trees. Not that good of a climber, Serena tried anyways.

And it was difficult, every branch looked further and further apart the higher she went up. "Here." Serena looked up and saw Ash descend with leaves that were slighter bigger than the one those Poliwag were using. Taking one, both trainers got back to where the Poliwag were huddling. "Hey."

The two Poliwag were startled to hear Ash's voice. When they saw him, they tried to huddle closer and deeper into the leaf. But Ash playfully lifted the leave so the Poliwag won't hide anymore. "We are not here to harm you. We want each of you to have one of these."

One of the Poliwag was growling while the other hid behind it so Ash just wrapped the leave around it. That Poliwag then noticed that Ash had no intent to harm it and that the leave was surprising warm. "Come Serena, it's your turn."

Serena found it very hard since the remaining Poliwag was shy and preferred to hide behind the first one. That Poliwag tried to assure it but Ash politely asked that Serena will do this herself, to prove herself as a capable trainer with even wild Pokémon. But this didn't help Serena anyways; that Poliwag still won't comply.

"You two are lost." Serena suddenly said, seeing that she wasn't getting anywhere while offering the leave to the second Poliwag. "You don't know where to go. You feel like you can't get back home or find your way again." This got the interest of both Poliwag. "Years ago, I got lost. It was supposed to be a game but I got lost in the woods in a faraway land and I was a lot younger. All I could do was to try and call for my mom to come find me."

Serena halted to wipe some tears that were just forming in her eyes. She shouldn't be crying in front of these Poliwag, or they might think she is just saying this for a guilt trip and some sympathy. That won't solve the problem. "But then a Poliwag came, just you. I now think it was a sign." The two Poliwag said nothing and yet did nothing. "Because following that Poliwag, was him."

The two Poliwag then turned to Ash, who remained silent throughout the story. "He found me, told me his name and even helped when I got a sore foot. He even showed me the way out of the woods. He didn't care if I was a stranger, I needed help and he gave me help." Serena then took a chance and lowered herself to the same height as the Poliwag, not one backing off. "Don't tell anyone yet. He is my hero."

The two Poliwag then looked up to Ash like a pair of children watching a superhero in action. Ash had a good idea of what Serena just told them and chuckled. "So please." Serena then broke the moment to get their attention, "I know we are strangers but I am not leaving until you get yourselves warm. Please take it." Serena asked of the other Poliwag and that Tadpole Pokémon didn't budge for its spot. This finally gave Serena the opportunity to wrap it with the leave, like she had been meaning to. And when the Poliwag was wrapped night and snug in the dry leave, it bounced around at how warm and comfy it was.

"Cute. Very cute." Ash spoke up at last. "Now stay warm and I am sure that you will find you way home. Good luck." Ash then gently took Serena's arm and led her back on the trail. She was a little disappointed because Serena actually enjoyed being around those two Poliwag. That was adorable since she started to get a little peeved around Pokémon after a Poliwag from years ago had caused her to sprain her ankle in the first place.

But then the trainers felt something brushing against their legs. To their surprise, it was the exact same Poliwag from before! And they were still wearing their leafy wraps. Ash asked why they were following them and not trying to find their parents. That was when Ask had realized something; something horrible.

The Poliwag were orphans! That was why they were lost and without a home. Forced to spend their days under a wet leaf until whatever fate finds them first. But if that fate did find them before the trainers, it determined that the Poliwag will meet Ash and Serena and go with them. Orphans who received something out of a good deed by a stranger often follow that same stranger like ducklings to a man if he was the first thing they see.

Whatever the case, these Poliwag were orphans and now Ash and Serena can't leave them anymore. "Ready to be a mother Serena?" Ash jokingly said and to add wood to the fire, the two Poliwag made their own successful version of what is coined as the 'Big Puppy Eyes'; eyes that anyone with a heart can't back down or deny. Serena had broken down after only ten seconds after hearing that joke and seeing those eyes when she was about to glare at Ash.

Flashback Ends!

And after that very special encounter, right before arriving in Laverre City after a tough trek through the swamp-invested Route 14, Ash and Serena took in the little Poliwag like lost children. Half the time they spent in Laverre City, aside for recovering and resting up, was to take care of the pair of Tadpole Pokémon.

After looking up everything basic about Poliwag, Ash and Serena had spent several hours getting it all down from the book and from the pair themselves. Slowly but surely, the two trainers started to feel like parents. At least they didn't have to worry about diapers and crying in the middle of the night like they were dreading from human babies.

Of course, this was also a chance for Ash and his Pokémon to be familiar with taking care of the young. Ash temporary recalled his Talonflame and Gogoat in exchange for a couple of his Steel types on hand: the Scorching Pokémon actually showed some parenting skills in using his Flame Body ability to literally 'warm up' to them. Meanwhile, Gogoat had some skills as well with his new move, Milk Drink; which helps either the user or other Pokémon recover their heath, in the latter case at the cost of some of the user's own heath. Also, Ash couldn't leave out his Pikachu and his four main Steel type Pokémon.

And Serena took the opportunity to gain some experience with the young Poliwag along with helping her own Pokémon gain some experience. Her Braixen and Kangaskhan showed some definite parenting skills. Meanwhile, Cubone bonded with them as their older brother; it helped that Cubone understood what's like to be an orphan, a story that the Poliwag appreciated. Serena's recalled Audino was also able to help both trainers keep track of Poliwags' health, even after admitting them at the Laverre City Pokémon Center.

Then came the day, "Well, this is going to be an interesting Gym Battle. Going against a Fairy type expert and Fairy types are rare as it is." Ash said, looking at the Laverre City Gym, a house built into a tree. Serena squeezed Ash's hand harm, with her other hand holding the Poliwag orphans.

"Poli~!"

"Wag~!"

Ash smiled to hear the sound of children cheering their dad on in those tiny voices. "Thanks everyone. I will do my best."

End of Chapter 15

*What do you think? I had Ash finally met Wikstrom since Ash is going to have more Steel types than any other one in his team. What better teacher than an expert on Steel types that is the best in all Kalos? Thank you.

And please be easy on my description. It was hard to think of my own words for the appearance of Wikstrom from Pokémon X and Y. If you are confused, then look him up on Bulbapedia. Enjoy the rest of summer!*

1. I didn't know any French so I looked up any French word for 'Iron' as to the theme of Wikstrom in Pokémon X and Y. But I found something better and this French word literally translates into 'Ironworks'; yet another reference to the battle with Wikstrom in the core games.

Pokémon on Hand;

Ash – Pikachu (Male), Doublade (Male), Pawniard (Male), Mawile (Female), Durant (Female), Lucario (Male), Ferrothorn (Female), Ivysaur (Female), Charmeleon (Male) and Wartortle (Male)

Serena – Braixen (Female), Plusle & Minun (Female), Mr. Mime (Female), Cubone (Male) and Kangaskhan (Female).

Off Hand;

Ash – Ledian (Female), Kadabra (Female), Snorlax (Male), and Smeargle (Male), Sableye (Male), Quilladin (Male), Greninja (Female), Luvdisc (Male), Talonflame (Male), Gogoat (Male), Lapras (Female) and Poliwag (Male)

Serena – Furfrou (Male), Spritize (Male), Swirlix (Female), Audino (Female), Luvdisc (Female) and Poliwag (Female).