Welcome back everyone! Last time we left off, Ash ended up being fooled into following Vincent towards rare Pokémon. Unfortunately it turned out his map was a complete lie. Instead, however, Ash stumbled upon a pack of Houndour and their leader a Houndoom where they were battling a fellow Houndour.
Ch 4: A New Addition
Ash's feet moved as fast as they could, passing through the forest as he made his way back to the campsite. In the distance he could see the sun beginning to rise, a light dew present on the grass as his feet trampled upon it. A few sticks crunched under his and Pikachu's feet as they made a slight turn. For a moment his eyes trailed down towards the exhausted Houndour, the Fire and Dark-Type not moving. The only sign that brought relief to Ash was the Dark Pokémon's chest slowly rising and lowering.
Ash thought back to what Houndoom had done to the Houndour, how it was left to die by its entire pack. The very thought of it caused Ash's blood to boil. Fortunately he saw the clearing up ahead, the Pallet Town native picking up his speed even more as he carefully cradled Houndour within his arms. A small whimper came Houndour, Ash coming to a stop as he watched the Fire and Dark-Type move slowly within his arms. It was clear that Houndour wanted to be released from his grip but Ash refused as the Pokémon continued to struggle against his hold. One of Houndour's paws struck Ash by accident, the boy gasping but not releasing the injured Pokémon.
Moving once more, Ash entered the clearing as he made his way towards his sleeping bag. Vincent was still asleep, the boy having rolled over onto his face as a snore could be heard from him. Pikachu covered his ears playfully though Ash had no time for games. Placing Houndour onto his sleeping bag he grabbed ahold of his backpack and started to search around for any available items.
"Be?" Celebi asked as it was startled by the sudden movement. The baby poked its head outside of the backpack, blinking as Ash continued to stir around inside of it.
"Sorry for the rude wake up call, Celebi," Ash stated as he moved his head closer. Celebi got out of the backpack completely, floating up towards a tree branch as it rested lazily atop it. "We've got a slight emergency and without Brock around it'll be a bit harder."
After about another minute of searching, Ash retracted his hand from the backpack with a smile on his face. It wasn't perfect but the potion that sat in his hand was exactly what they needed.
"Chu..." Pikachu cried out, Ash nodding as he understood. Compared to Brock's natural medicine the potions stung. However they had no other choice as he rolled Houndour onto his side.
"Sorry about this!" Ash softly stated as he pressed the trigger on the potion. The mist sprayed out quickly, covering Houndour's body as the Dark Pokémon cried out in pain. Its body thrashed about, Ash using his one hand to try and keep Houndour in place. He continued to spray, moving from Houndour's midsection up to his face.
"Dour!" Houndour cried out in pain. Ash rubbed the fur of Houndour as he tried his best to appease the distraught Fire and Dark-Type. A paw swung out, scratching Ash's arm as it started to bleed slightly. Pikachu cried out in concern but Ash merely smiled.
"Don't worry, Pikachu, I'm fine," Ash said as he wiped the few bits of blood off of his arm. A few beads of sweat began to roll down the side of his face, Ash finishing the last of the potion as Houndour came to a rest. "A little scratch is nothing compared to what Houndour went through."
Not wanting to waste the work done by the potion, Ash reached into his backpack and pulled an old t shirt and a bottle of water out. Rolling the shirt up he doused it with water, placing the now wet fabric atop Houndour's head. The Fire and Dark-Type shuddered at first before entering a relaxed breathing cycle. Ash smiled at that, his hand running through Houndour's fur once more as Celebi landed beside it.
The baby Pokémon copied Ash's actions as its own hand brushed Houndour's fur. It was quickly startled away, however, Houndour moving slightly as its eyes opened. Celebi quickly hid back inside Ash's backpack, peering from its hiding spot.
"Hound? Douwof?" Houndour asked, its eyes scanning the new location as it stood up. Its legs were wobbling, Ash watching for a moment as Houndour fell to the ground before standing once more. It looked at Ash, eyes narrowed before turning away from the young trainer. Raising its head, Houndour unleashed a weak howl before walking away.
"Hold on, Houndour!" Ash shouted as he got in its way. Houndour growled at him but Ash didn't move. Instead he got down on one knee to be eye level with the angered Pokémon. Houndour went to walk around Ash only for the Pallet Town native to stick his arm out. "You're in no condition to be heading out. Let's worry about resting before you go and pick anymore fights. Okay?"
Houndour merely growled, its fangs bared now as it tried to step forward. Ash didn't budge, instead being just as stubborn as he held his arms out. The action appeared to anger Houndour more, the Fire and Dark-Type clamping its teeth down onto Ash's arm.
The boy cried out from pain and surprise but didn't move. He allowed Houndour to express its frustration through the action even if it meant he was in pain. Pikachu however didn't appreciate it, his body already surging with electricity. Ash tried to stop his best friend from attacking but it was too late as the Thunderbolt raced across the grassy field. The ground was burned by the impact, a line of black grass now present as the Thunderbolt struck Ash and Houndour.
Electricity flowed through their two bodies, Houndour reluctantly letting go of Ash as the boy remembered just what it felt like to be electrocuted. His body was singed from the action, Houndour likewise injured from it as its body sparked with an electrical current. It weakly stepped back from Ash and Pikachu, the former moving slowly towards Houndour apologetically.
A new noise attracted all of their attention, however. A slight rustling near the sleeping bags alerted Ash to Vincent now being awake as the obnoxious boy sat up. He pointed at Ash with one hand, the other gripping tightly to his cape as it was rolled up in a ball.
"No fair!" Vincent shouted as he tried to stand up. In his rush he instead fell over, his face hitting the grass. He pushed himself back onto his knees, waddling over to Houndour and Ash as a frown rested on his face. "We came together in search of rare Pokémon, Ash. You can't just find one and not tell me about it."
"I don't have time for this right now, Houston," Ash stated as he now turned away from the boy. He could hear him fuming for a moment, Ash unsure as to why he would be. Once Vincent had finished his tirade Ash spoke once more. "Go dream about your cape some more. I'm busy."
Vincent blinked at the remark, Ash just shaking his head as he watched Houndour get low to the ground. It looked ready to strike, flames forming within its maw as Ash moved a hand slowly towards the angered Pokémon. Pikachu was ready to strike but Ash waved him off with his free hand. The last thing they needed was for Houndour to get injured any more.
Ash didn't move, his eyes locked onto Houndour as the creature continued to growl at him. It took a step back, whimpering for a second only to bear its fangs once more. Ash shook his head at that before moving closer to Houndour.
"I get it, I really do," Ash stated as he pulled on his hat. Houndour stood a little taller now, confused by the boy's words. Ash's eyes trailed towards the ground as he sighed softly. "You just want to prove yourself. Show that you're stronger and better than others give you credit for. Right? But here's the thing: if you rush into it before you're ready it'll only end badly.
"And I don't think that Houndoom will go easy on you either," Ash admitted. Houndour's hind legs shook from fatigue, the Dark and Fire-Type being forced to sit down on the grass. Vincent went to walk closer towards it only for Houndour to growl in his direction. The Dark Pokémon motioned with its head that Ash could approach.
Ash did as such, only pausing to tell Pikachu to grab some Pokémon Food from his backpack. Scurrying over with the can, Pikachu handed it to Ash as he sprinkled it in front of Houndour. The Fire and Dark-Type ate it slowly while eyeing Ash.
"First thing you'll have to do is get your strength up. If you go looking for a fight right now, you won't stand a chance," Ash admitted. For a moment he thought back to his Gym Battle with Whitney, the exact words being true about their situation there. He went looking for a fight when he wasn't ready and got beat bad. Though he knew he wouldn't make the same mistake in Ecruteak City.
"Once you're back to your old self we'll do some special training. Okay?"
Houndour nodded slowly, Ash wondering if it truly agreed with him or knew that it stood no chance at beating even Pikachu in his current state. Houndour whined softly, rolling onto its side as Ash left for his backpack. Reaching inside he felt Celebi for a moment, gently patting the baby before finding the item he was searching for. It was a small sack, tied shut with a string as Ash untied it as a few berries rested inside the cloth sack. There weren't many but he was fortunate Brock had given him the few that he had.
Ash remembered back to how he thought it wasn't a good idea to split the berries up when they originally left Goldenrod City, but after the few times they had been split up already Brock was certain each of them should hold onto some berries. Finding an Oran Berry, Ash took that out along with an Aspear Berry. His bag was light now, only a Pecha Berry remaining within but he wasn't worried. Instead he brought the two berries over to Houndour, breaking them apart and into smaller pieces as he mixed it in with the Fire and Dark-Type's food.
"Doooo..." Houndour softly muttered out between bites. Ash smiled at the creature as it ate up the different berries. He knew they weren't perfect but he hoped the Oran Berry would restore some strength while the Aspear Berry could potentially heal the burn wounds. As Houndour finished its meal, Ash made his way over to the stump where his backpack had previously been. Sitting atop it he kept a close eye on Houndour as Pikachu appeared to talk with it.
The two went back and forth, Houndour occasionally shaking its head in disagreement though Pikachu never stopped. Ash wondered what they were talking about but he didn't want to disturb the conversation. Instead Vincent disturbed his peace.
"So are you going to catch that Houndour or can I have a shot at it?" the boy asked, a pokeball already waiting within his hand. The capture device reflected the sunlight beaming down towards them, Ash blinded for a second as he shielded his eyes.
"Right now neither of us are going to catch that Houndour. What's important is that it recovers from its injuries," Ash stated as he lowered Vincent's pokeball. The young trainer frowned at that, crossing his arms as he narrowed his eyes on Houndour.
A devious grin sat on Vincent's face, Ash hearing the pokeball being rolled around the boy's hand. "But think about it! Houndour is exhausted right now that there's no way it can put up a fight against us! It'll be an easy capture for sure!"
"Houndour seems like a great Pokémon, sure, but that's not how I want to do things," Ash admitted as he felt the pokeballs on his belt. His current partners rocked slightly, Ash thinking back to how each of them were captured. They weren't captured while injured, they either chose to come along or he gained their trust. And there was no way he was taking advantage of this situation.
"I'd rather wait until Houndour is healthy. Let it choose what it wants, you know?"
"Not really," Vincent admitted before throwing his hands behind his head. The boy turned away from Ash, making his way back to his sleeping bag. "Seems like a waste of a golden opportunity. I always take advantage of these situations."
Ash shook his head at that but quickly lost interest in a conversation with Vincent. Instead he grew excited at the sight of Houndour standing tall, its body appearing rejuvenated following the berries it ate. Fire began to form in its maw, Ash getting up as Pikachu leapt over the incoming Flamethrower. Racing over towards the two Pokémon, Ash got between them as Houndour fired a second Flamethrower. This one caught the legs of his pants, burning them slightly.
Seeing this, Houndour stopped. Ash didn't mind but he would have preferred to have his pants in better condition. Instead of complaining he got down on one knee and looked at Houndour. The Fire and Dark-Type stared at the Pallet Town native, Ash recognizing that desire to get going in its eyes. Instead he rubbed the top of Houndour's head, the Dark Pokémon growling at the action as Ash pulled away.
"What did we previously talk about, Houndour? I get that you want to fight but we have to train first and right now you don't want to burn Pikachu. He won't hold a grudge but you still don't want to be on his bad side.
"If you feel up to it, lets go train for a bit," Ash stated as he stood up. Pikachu cried in agreement, leaping up onto his shoulder as Ash's other pokeballs popped open. Croconaw, Hoothoot and Heracross joined in with Pikachu's cry of excitement while Houndour remained silent. Taking the first few steps towards the woods Ash stopped. Despite the annoyance he had caused he figured Vincent would want to join in. Though as he looked around the area he noticed both Vincent and Meganium gone, Ash wondering what happened to them before shrugging. He wasn't going to waste his time looking for them, especially since it was likely they went off elsewhere.
Walking into the woods Ash was quick to station each of his Pokémon in different locations. Hoothoot and Heracross were hidden in the trees while Croconaw remained out of sight. His body was obscured by the brush in the area, Ash watching as Houndour sniffed for his scent. Pikachu remained in the open, cheeks already sparking with electricity as Houndour growled at him. Pikachu was shocked by the action, losing the built up electricity before starting over.
"Let's start with dodging multiple attacks, okay?" Ash asked. Houndour didn't respond, its eyes focused entirely on Pikachu. Fire began to form within its mouth again, the flames rocketing straight for Pikachu. The Electric-Type dodged easily before launching off a Thunderbolt. Houndour didn't dodge, instead launching off a Smog attack.
The purple gas erupted into flames from the contact with the Thunderbolt, the explosion causing the trees and brush to shake wildly. Houndour dug his paws into the ground and howled happily before rushing forward. Ash held tight to his hat, watching as Houndour's body glowed red before he climbed the nearest tree. Due to the breeze Ash could see Hoothoot as could Houndour based on his current trajectory.
"Quick, Hoothoot, get out of there!" Ash shouted before taking a few steps forward. Hoothoot was slow to respond, flapping his wings to try and get airborne. The Flying and Normal-Type managed to get a few inches off the branch but it was pointless as Houndour was about to strike. Pikachu was faster, however, using a Quick Attack to close the gap and strike Houndour on his side. The momentum carried the duo back towards the ground, Houndour striking Pikachu with his glowing red paw.
"Cha!" Pikachu cried out, bouncing across the field as Ash called for a Pin Missile and Water Pulse. The two attacks flew straight for Houndour but it didn't appear concerned. Ash was amazed with the calmness it displayed, firing off a Flamethrower as it burned away the incoming Pin Missile. Houndour then jumped over the Water Pulse, the sphere of water just grazing the bottom of its paws. Houndour landed gracefully, ears perked as it heard a rustling in the push.
Its head shot in the direction of Croconaw, body now glowing red once more as Ash checked his pokedex for the move only to see it was Rage. Croconaw was on the move as well, water surging from the brush as he shot forward in an Aqua Jet. His attack clashed against Houndour's body but was quickly overpowered much to Ash's surprise. Hoothoot took his chance to launch a sneak attack as an Echoed Voice rang down from the trees. Houndour was caught in it, whimpering out in distress from the high frequency.
"Alright, attack it from all directions! Water Pulse, Electro Ball and Echoed Voice at once!" Ash commanded, punching a fist forward. Croconaw, Pikachu and Hoothoot nodded in agreement, the former landing down on the ground before opening his beak. The three attacks shot straight for Houndour, the Dark Pokémon keeping calm despite being cornered. A noxious gas slowly flowed from its mouth as it blinded everyone in the area.
An explosion soon burst forward as the gas erupted into flames. Ash called out for Houndour but couldn't make out its figure in the flames. That's when he saw Houndour panting up in a tree, Ash's eyes moving back to his partners as each one was struck by their attacks. The Electro Ball rammed into Croconaw as Hoothoot was drenched by the Water Pulse and Pikachu was immobilized by the noise coming from the Echoed Voice.
Houndour laughed from its branch before licking its fur. Its legs were weak, shaking slightly as Houndour was forced to lay down atop the branch. Ash smirked at that before he adjusted his hat.
"I wouldn't let your guard down just yet!" Ash shouted, his hands cupped around his mouth. Houndour tried to get up at that warning but its legs gave out on it. "Heracross, let's end this with a Horn Attack!"
Houndour looked anxious for a second, its usual calm demeanor gone as it tried to get up. A moment passed where nothing happened, Ash scratching his head in confusion as he looked for Heracross. He couldn't see his Bug and Fighting-Type and called out once more only to hear a slurping sound. Following it he sighed out in disappointment as Heracross was eating sap from a nearby tree. He could hear Croconaw yell out in annoyance but there was nothing Ash could do. Instead he merely raised Heracross's pokeball and recalled the Single Horn Pokémon.
"Guess that's it for now then," Ash chuckled out. He looked at Houndour with a smile, the Fire and Dark-Type smirking back as it leapt out of the tree. Thanking Croconaw and Hoothoot he quickly recalled them into their respective capture devices. Pikachu followed behind Houndour however, the group of three making their way back to the campsite.
Upon returned they were greeted by Celebi as the baby popped out of Ash's backpack. It flew towards Houndour only to be scared away once more. Ash laughed at that before petting Celebi on the head gently. Pulling out his Pokégear he wondered how the others were doing but with no reception he placed the device away. Sitting down on the grass, Ash leaned back slightly as he felt the soft blades brush against his fingers.
"A few more sessions like that and you'll be ready," Ash admitted. Houndour didn't answer, instead curling up on the ground next to Ash. Within a few minutes he could hear the Dark Pokémon sleeping peacefully, its ears perked up as if listening to everything around it.
The training sessions continued for a few more days, each of them growing in intensity as Ash viewed it not just as a way to help Houndour but for his own team to grow. As the days went by each of them showcased their improved strength as Hoothoot appeared the most surprised of all. The little Flying and Normal-Type had managed to learn Air Slash from his constant flapping. Razor blades of wind were launched from his tiny wings, cutting through the smaller tree branches as it provided Houndour with a bit of difficulty.
But after that final training session Ash knew they couldn't prolong it any more. Looking over at Houndour he wiped sweat from his forehead before smiling. "I think you're ready."
The other Pokémon cried out in agreement, Houndour not responding as he sniffed at the air. A growl came from the Dark Pokémon's mouth as Ash figured they were nearby. He quickly recalled his Pokémon back into their pokeballs before swinging his backpack over his shoulders. Pikachu remained on the ground, waiting for Houndour to take the first step.
The Fire and Dark-Type took off running, Pikachu right behind it as Ash chased after the duo. Racing through the forest Ash recognized where they were headed, the boy coming to a stop as he saw the familiar ridge. It was the sight down below that surprised him, however.
"Azumarill, use Water Gun!" Vincent cried out. The boy's cape fluttered in the wind, Ash surprised to see that he was still in the area. Pulling out his pokedex, Ash scanned the creature that stood in front of him as it fired a Water Gun at none other than the Houndoom they were looking for.
"Azumarill, the Aqua Rabbit Pokémon. The evolved form of Marill, Azumarill are Water and Fairy-Type Pokémon. By using their long ears as sensors, Azumarill are able to recognize where Pokémon are located in the wild and can distinguish between the different species."
Houndour growled at the sight below them, its former leader being struck by the Water Gun. The attack pushed Houndoom backwards, its pack all howling out for their leader. Houndoom appeared mostly unaffected, shaking the water from its fur. A Smog attack was on its way, Ash noticing the purple gas that was escaping from its maw. Azumarill was surrounded, the Water and Fairy-Type choking on the gas as the sound of Houndoom's paws running could be heard. It leapt forward, landing in the stream as water splashed about.
Within the cloud of noxious gas a dark purple mixture could be seen, Vincent chuckling at that as an explosion echoed through the woods. The clouds of Smog were blown away as Azumarill remained standing. A few scratch marks were present but the bigger sight was the torrent of water forming between its arms.
"Checkmate you angry mutt! Hydro Pump, Azumarill!" Vincent shouted joyfully. The torrent of water erupted from Azumarill's hands as it engulfed Houndoom. The Dark and Fire-Type soared backwards before crashing against the cliff. A few rocks fell around it, Houndoom barely able to avoid them as it weakly stood back up.
Vincent took a few steps forward, ignoring his now collapsed Azumarill as he held a pokeball in his hand. The capture device was enlarged, reflecting the sunlight off of its top as Vincent chucked it forward. The device spun through the air, striking Houndoom as the Dark and Fire-Type was sucked into it. Ash couldn't believe was he was seeing, Houndour likewise shocked by that. Ash could see the Dark Pokémon angered by the sight before them.
The pokeball shook once, the red light still active. Vincent was rubbing his hands happily as he stepped forward, the ball rocking back and forth a second time. He had now crossed the stream and awaited the 'ding' that would signal the capture. Instead the device burst open, the pokeball flying back and hitting him in the face as Houndoom stood there enraged. Its mouth spewed flames, Vincent feeling the heat of them as Ash found himself almost worried for the boy now.
"So you still want to fight, huh?" Vincent asked as he pointed forward. "Azumarill, end it with another Hydro Pump!"
No attack came however, Ash finding himself facepalming as he realized Vincent never noticed his defeated Pokémon. Vincent turned around and finally saw Azumarill passed out, the boy reaching for another pokeball only for a torrent of flames to whiz by his face. Fortunately it didn't hit him, but the attack did what it was intended to do.
Vincent's hand fell to his side, the boy's knees shaking as he took a step backwards. In his worry he stumbled and fell into the stream, his clothes now soaked as Houndoom walked forward. It licked its lips, a grin present now as fire formed within its maw once more. Ash couldn't watch any more as he prepared to have Pikachu attack. Houndour was faster however.
The Fire and Dark-Type leapt from the ledge, its action catching the attention of Houndoom. The leader of the pack stepped right over Vincent, paws splashing water all around as it eyed Houndour. Ash and Pikachu were right behind it, sliding down the ledge as Vincent saw their arrival.
He quickly scurried behind Ash, the New Bark Town native almost hiding as he recalled Azumarill. "I've been tracking that guy for a few days. Thought I finally had it cornered but no Pokémon is worth almost dying over."
"So that's where you vanished to?" Ash asked, rolling his eyes at the boy. He watched as Houndour started the fight, launching a Flamethrower as it was matched with one from Houndoom. The two sets of searing flames collided and merged into a single entity, growing in size until it exploded outwards. The heat could be felt by Ash, the boy forced to take a step back as Houndoom rushed forward.
Its paws slammed into Houndour, knocking it backwards. Houndour didn't back down, instead glowing red as it slammed its head into Houndoom's underside. The attack received a grin from Houndoom before the familiar Smog cloud filled the area. Ash found himself choking on the attack, covering his mouth with his hand as he struggled to see anything.
Blurs of red and black merged together for Ash, Houndour whimpering for a second as the temperature around them increased once more. It was met with an explosion as the Smog cloud was blown away. Houndour stood there with injuries present along its body but the Dark Pokémon didn't stand down. Instead its body glowed a deeper red, Ash recognizing it as Rage only growing stronger with each use.
Houndour raced forward and rammed itself against Houndoom. The attack managed to knock Houndoom over as it fell into the stream before getting up immediately. Houndoom countered with a Flamethrower as it enveloped Houndour. Ash could see Houndour's legs ready to give out but instead the Fire and Dark-Type leapt upwards.
Now in the air it unleased its own Flamethrower, the attack encircling and cutting off any chance of escape for Houndoom. Houndoom looked unfazed, however, the flames appearing to do little for it. Houndour wasn't finished however. It them released its own Smog attack, the noxious clouds rolling from its mouth and down towards the flames.
For a second Ash felt Houndoom was scared, a look of worry present on its face as the Smog struck the fire residue. An explosion followed as Houndoom was launched backwards and into the cliff once more. The explosion managed to reach the now descending Houndour as well, the Dark Pokémon being tossed back into the air. It was thrown around like a ragdoll, landing with a loud thud against the rocky ground.
Houndour struggled to get up though Houndoom quickly recomposed itself. Seeing that Houndour forced itself up. Ash ran by its side, ready to join in only to stop as he saw a smile on Houndoom. To Ash's surprise it turned away from Houndour, leaping up one part of the ledge. Houndour called out for it but Houndoom didn't stop until it reached the rest of the pack. It looked down at Houndour, a genuine smile still on its face as Houndour continued to growl at it. However its body couldn't continue the fight, collapsing as Ash caught it.
"It's over now, Houndoom recognized your strength," Ash stated softly. The words didn't stop Houndour from growling at Houndoom, its eyes trained on its former leader. Ash couldn't understand why they were ready to leave Houndour behind, but Vincent seemed to clear the situation up.
"I guess because you helped it they want nothing to do with Houndour," Vincent stated as he walked towards the exhausted Houndour. "They probably view it as a strong battler and recognize its strength but they have no desire for it in the pack. You know, like how some species abandon their own if they've interacted with us humans. Probably the same with Houndour."
"Still..." Ash muttered as he watched the Houndour and their leader begin to walk away. Houndour stood weakly, howling out to Houndoom as the leader turned back to its former packmate. Ash stared at its eyes, seeing the message that Houndour would not be welcomed back. Realizing that he watched as Houndour turned away from the ledge where Houndoom stood.
Its tail hung low, head lowered as it started to walk away slowly. Seeing that, Ash couldn't help but walk towards it before getting in its way.
"Hey, I know you're disappointed to be left behind by your pack but you don't need them," Ash started to say as Pikachu scurried over towards them. The Electric-Type joined in, cheering happily as he tapped the top of Houndour's head.
"You already proved you're strong enough as it is. But you don't have to do it all alone, you've got me, Pikachu and all the others if you want."
Houndour blinked at that, Ash pulling out his Friendship Ball as the green capture device rested in his hand. Houndour tilted its head at that, sniffing it for a second as Ash felt a smile come across his face. Houndour grinned at it.
"If you come along with us I'm certain you'll get even stronger. Heck, the next time you run into that Houndoom I bet you could beat it easily! So what do you say, want to come along with us?"
Houndour barked happily, tapping its nose against the capture device. Quickly it was sucked into the Friendship Ball, the device rocking slowly within Ash's hands. The boy watched on until it came to a stop, the light 'ding' present as a sense of joy swelled within his entire body. Standing up, he lifted the pokeball high into the air as he exclaimed his latest capture.
"Alright! I just caught a Houndour!"
It had been a long day for Surge, the man finally getting to sit down as he turned on the television. It felt like a wave of challengers appeared today as he had faced three different trainers for the Junior Division along with a challenger for the Senior Division. With a deep sigh he opened a beer as he saw the news covering the reconstruction of the Goldenrod City Radio Tower.
Upon hearing that Ash had been involved in it he had wanted to rush to Johto to check up on the kid, but he didn't have a good excuse. Especially with the need to run the Gym during the day. Kiyu walked into the room slowly, hand on her stomach as she sat down next to Surge.
"Electabuzz and the others doing alright?" she asked as she reached for the remote. Surge watched as she changed the station to a different show. He didn't really enjoy watching television but he didn't know how else to relax that night.
He nodded at her question, taking a sip of his beer before speaking. "He'll be fine. Though they're all spendin' the night at the Pokémon Center. Nurse Joy wants to run a proper checkup on them after all the battling today."
"Mmmhmm," Kiyu responded as she looked at Surge. "Sure seems like an uptick in challengers lately. You had five in the last two days and then another four today. Maybe you're moving up on the popularity list."
"Doubt it. Besides, we all know those lists are rigged and stupid. If I have to pretend to be someone else just to get a high ranking then I don't want to be on that stupid list," Surge admitted before laughing. His voice boomed through the room as Kiyu increased the volume. Surge took a minute to watch the segment on television. It appeared to be advertising some sort of Water-Type tournament being held in the Whirl Islands.
"Plus we all know that the influx of trainers have been for the Junior Division. No doubt Mayaka's runnin' her mouth out there. Sending as many challengers this way as she can," Surge admitted. He placed his beer down before throwing his hands behind his head. "That girl will make it that I have no time off if this continues."
"It's better that way. Less time for you to think about things," Kiyu teased with a smirk. Her face contorted for a moment, a deep breath coming from her as her hand rubbed at her stomach. "But it's been a while since we heard from her, how's she doing?"
"The little firecracker already has five badges according to her profile," Surge stated as he pulled out his Pokégear. Pulling up her League profile it showed that she had the Cascade, Soul, Rainbow, Marsh and Boulder Badges. "I have no clue what she's up to now though. Last she said she was on her way to Cinnabar Island with Rue."
"You think she's saving you for last?" Kiyu asked as she stood up. She made her way out of the room, Surge feeling his Pokégear now vibrate. Looking at it he saw a familiar number show up but he ignored it as the call went to voicemail. Kiyu returned with a bottle of water, taking a sip as she sat back down. "She only needs three more and she hasn't returned home yet."
"I thought it was obvious by now," Surge joked as he laughed once more. "She's got me, Blaine and Blue left. Considering she was last heading for Cinnabar Island there's a good chance she's looking for Blaine. So it's a fifty-fifty chance she comes searching for me next."
His Pokégear began to ring once more, Surge annoyed by it as he looked at the device. It was the same number again. Realizing that they weren't going to leave him alone, Surge sighed before standing up. He apologized to Kiyu before walking out of the room. Picking up the call he answered the man on the other end.
"What do you want, Looker? You know I don't do this stuff anymore."
"I know, but I felt it was important to reach out to you," Looker stated as Surge could hear the man pacing. His feet were stomping against the floor, Surge about to tell him to sit down only for the pacing to stop. "But with everything that's happened in Kanto and Johto I felt that you were someone I could turn to for help. Obviously you know that Team Rocket has returned."
"Pretty sure the world knows that by now. How anyone wouldn't know is beyond me."
"Well, here's the thing. I believe there might be two Team Rockets running around," Looker stated. Surge felt the desire to roll his eyes at that statement but held back. He figured that maybe Looker was on to something. "And I need your help with something.
"You see, a few G-Men were inspecting the Lake of Rage due to a strange outburst from Gyarados there."
"Well yeah, the Lake of Rage is infested with Gyarados. Hence the name," Surge stated. He ran a hand through his hair, leaning against the doorframe now as he could see Kiyu watching. "But what's that got to do with me?"
"Well they passed the information on to the International Police. It seems as if they Pokémon there are evolving faster than expected. As if something is forcing them to evolve. To check things out we're building a team for the case and I'd like you to come along. We could really use someone with your strength and wits on this case."
"It sounds odd, I'll give ya that much, Looker," Surge admitted at he turned away from Kiyu. "But how are you certain that something is off. Maybe they're just getting' stronger faster."
"Unlikely. But there's little I'm willing to talk over the phone about. You never know who might be listening in. So please, in a few weeks come to Mahogany Town and we'll talk things out."
"Fine," Surge stated with a deep sigh. He didn't want to get too involved again with the International Police but he figured if something was happening in Johto he didn't want Ash to be caught up in it without someone there to help him. "But I'm gonna need to bring in my own group. Got it?"
"Of course. We figured you knew some experts that could help out. I'll send more information in the coming days."
Surge didn't respond, instead just shutting his Pokégear off and returning to the living room. He plopped himself down next to Kiyu, taking a sip of his now lukewarm beer. His wife looked at him with a mix of interest and worry, her hand still atop her stomach.
"A new mission?"
Surge just nodded, his hands rubbing at his face. He had promised that he was done with this life, that he was nothing more than a Gym Leader now and yet they pulled him back in. He had a few years of no calls, and yet part of him was curious as to what was going down.
"Mahogany Town. Something's happening at the Lake of Rage."
"When?"
"Few weeks from now. That's all they told me."
"Maybe this will be good for you," Kiyu stated before drinking from her water bottle. "You were getting tired of hanging around the Gym. Especially with both Mayaka and Ash not around. Though make sure you don't lose track of time."
"Heh, I won't," Surge laughed as he placed a hand atop Kiyu's. He rubbed her stomach, swearing for a moment that he felt a kick. A soft smile sat on his face. "I wonder how those two knuckleheads will handle being big siblings."
"Something tells me they'll be excited," Kiyu replied. A smirk crossed her face as she poked Surge in the chest. "Though I'm worried about you taking our baby off to training sessions. I can already picture you taking them to Diglett's Cave and making them crawl back home."
"I'm not that bad," Surge replied before returning the smirk. "I would leave Electabuzz or Raichu with them. Gotta get them ready at a young age."
The couple laughed at Surge's remark, though deep down he was growing worried. Looker was right, there were things happening all around. He needed to keep an eye on things even if it was on his own agenda, because the last thing he wanted was for Ash, Mayaka or his unborn child to be caught up in another dangerous situation. He couldn't help but chuckle to himself; despite all the changes they made to protect the next generation they seemed to have made the world a more dangerous place.
Standing up he turned to Kiyu. "I've gotta go make some calls."
And that brings us to another conclusion. Not much to say since it was mostly straightforward. But, Ash has another member of his team in Houndour while Surge is learning that things in Johto might be getting worse. Something is causing Pokémon to evolve against their will and before they're ready. Obviously for those who have played Gold and Silver and their remakes or watched the anime cover the events of Johto you would know what the cause is.
Also Surge and Kiyu are expecting. Obviously that won't play a large role in the story but it's nice to see how things are going for them after everything else they've been through. Granted Surge is only going to have to go through more situations.
Thank you to everyone who read the chapter and supports this story. Please leave a review letting me know what you enjoyed and how I can improve the story.