A/N: I recently revised the first two chapters. I updated Ash's status with World Monarch so his Journeys Team is now in the 2nd chapter.
"Butterfree, use Silver Wind!"
Butterfree flapped his wings to send silvery currents of wind. The attack caused the opposing Nidorino to get blown back and hit the ground.
"Now Psybeam!" The Butterfly Pokémon's eyes shined brightly before unleashing zig-zag multicolored beams and blasted the male Poison Pin Pokémon. The purple rabbit had swirlies in his eyes after the attack.
"Nidorino is unable to battle, Butterfree is the winner!"
"Nice work out there, Butterfree!" Ash cheered and the butterfly hovered over his trainer, nuzzling up to him.
"Return, Nidorino," the opposing trainer said. They walked over and shook hands with Ash, "Wow, Mr. Ketchum. You're really strong!"
Ash had spent another day in Viridian City, working with his current roster. Both Buttefrees and Weedle were working on improving their attacks, although the brown caterpillar had a small move pool at the moment.
The Pallet Town trainer chuckled, "Well, I'm pretty strong." He's exactly on par with Elite 4 trainers but that didn't he mean he couldn't improve.
"Absolutely!" the trainer exclaimed, "I bet you could take on the new Viridian City Gym Leader!"
"The new Viridian City Gym Leader…" Ash mused to himself. He did want to check out the new gym leader since he remembered Cadbury vaguely mentioning him. "Maybe I should meet this gym leader…"
"I bet you could beat him!" the trainer encouraged, "He's strong but you can match him!"
Ash smiled at the trainer's optimism before thinking about what Pokémon he should use. Everyone needs experience and this gym leader could be a potential competitor in the tournament so he wanted to choose carefully.
Ash eventually came to the gym, still looking new and refreshed after the previous endeavor. Opening the door, Ash saw the gym battlefield was still its regular dirt terrain.
"Ah, a challenger?" a voice called out.
A figure could be made out in the shadows on the bleachers. The figure leaned out of the shadows, revealing it to be a man.
The man has brown hair and a goatee. He was dressed in the form of a western cowboy. "Well then, welcome to the Viridian City Gym. Name's Levi."
"Hello, my name is Ash Ketchum!" the trainer introduced himself.
"Ash, ay?" Levi said before his eyes lit up in recognition, "You're the first Alola Champion and new World Monarch, am I wrong?"
Ash nodded his head, "Yep! And I was told you were a great gym leader! I came to test you myself."
"I see, partner," Levi said with a tip of his hat, "Well then, let's make it a six-on-six battle. How does that sound?"
"Sounds great to me!" Ash exclaimed. He had selected six Pokémon that he thought would be fundamental for some experience.
The gym leader and champion made their separate ways to the side of the battlefield before a board let up. It showcased Ash's and Levi's profiles and six Pokeball icons.
"Hey, Ash!" Levi shouted from across the field.
"Yeah?"
"When this battle is over, mind if I ask you for something?"
"Uh… sure!" Ash said, not wanting to turn down the offer to help someone. But he wonders what the new Viridian City gym leader could want from him.
"Alright! Arcanine, let's get rowdy!" Levi said, sending out his first Pokémon. The 'Legendary' Pokémon barked and stood ready for a battle.
"Palpitoad, I choose you!" The Vibration Pokémon appeared with a croak, eyeing his opponent carefully.
"Wait," Ash said, "I thought this was a Ground-type gym?"
"Oh that?" Levi said before dismissing the claim, "Well, yours truly got the chance to use mixed types. So it's not just Ground-types anymore."
Ash nodded along, surprised about the idea of mixed-types for a gym leader. He knows Diantha, Cynthia, and Alder typically specialize in mixed typing too.
"Arcanine, Extreme Speed!" The canine raced ahead and bashed right into the amphibian.
"Palpitoad!" Ash cried out. The amphibian managed to get up and croaked with irritation.
"Use Mud Shot!" The Vibration Pokémon spun around with his tongue out and spewed several globs of mud.
"Agility!" Arcanine maneuvered around the globs of mud with the speed they are known for.
"Hydro Pump!" The limbless amphibian took a deep breath and expelled a torrent of water. The canine avoided the water all the same.
"Trust me, Ash. You won't hit Arcanine with Palpitoad's moves," Levi informed, "But we can still hit you. Aerial Ace!"
Arcanine ran with streaks of energy surrounding him. He nailed Palpitoad in the stomach.
"Quick, Supersonic!" The amphibian bellowed soundwaves that caused Arcanine to back off.
"Yeah, but it seems you only have contact moves!" Ash retorted.
"Says who?" Levi remarked before commanding, "Dragon Pulse!"
Ash eyes' widened as the 'Legendary' Pokémon fired a multicolored draconic beam at the Vibration Pokémon. An explosion occurred and the amphibian tumbled away. He weakly stirred before getting up again.
"Sludge Wave!" Ash said as his Water/Ground-type stood up and created a poisonous liquid that swirled around him before splashing forward.
Arcanine yelped as the poisonous wave crashed onto him. The 'Legendary' Pokémon recovered before poison took its effect.
"Now, Hydro Pump!" The amphibian fired a gush of water that sent Arcanine sprawling away with swirly eyes.
"Nice job out there, Arcanine," Levi complimented, returning the dog before selecting his next Pokémon, "Barbaracle, let's get rowdy!"
The Collective Pokémon's claws gleamed before grunting, "Bar!"
Ash returned his chosen Pokémon, "Great job out there, Palpitoad. Rest up for now. Go, Snivy!"
The Grass Snake Pokémon appeared and sized up her opponent. She smirked at the challenge.
"Since I went first, you may have a go," Levi insisted.
"Thanks. Vine Whip!" Ash instructed. The serpent grew two vines before throwing them at the bipedal barnacle's body.
Unfazed, Levi took his turn, "X-Scissor!" The Rock/Water-type crossed his arms together in a 'X' fashion and rushed with them glowing red, ignoring the vines.
"Dodge it!" The Grass Snake Pokémon skillfully jumped away from the attack and landed with ease. "Leaf Storm!" The serpent spun around and delivered an onslaught of leaves towards the living barnacle. Barbaracle shielded himself until the Leaf Storm ended.
"Ancient Power!" The Collective Pokémon threw several fossils at the Unova starter who dodged with grace. "Scald!" Unfortunately, Snivy was hit with a boiling blast of water.
"Poison Jab!" Levi followed up. Barbaracle lunged his right arm, claws dipped in a venomous purple shade that slammed into the serpent's gut. She let out a gasp and landed.
"Snivy!" Ash called out to his Pokémon.
"Sorry 'bout that Ash," Levi admitted, "That's Barbaracle's ability for you: Tough Claws. Helps with physical moves."
Ash was surprised but Snivy managed to get up. She was always a stubborn Pokémon. And she wanted to be stronger. The Grass Snake Pokémon took deep breaths before a determined glint appeared in her eyes. Soon the process of evolution began again.
Snivy's body began to grow, a v-formation of leaves appeared on her chest. Her body became more lean and her size grew slightly larger. The light ended and now Servine was present on the field.
"Snivy evolved!" Ash cheered before scanning her.
[Servine, the Grass Snake Pokémon and the evolved form of Snivy. It moves along the ground as if sliding. Its swift movements befuddle its foes, and it then attacks with a vine whip.]
"Servine," the newly evolved serpent said contently. She had longed for evolution like some of the others at the ranch. Having declined her evolution for so long, she felt a weight had lifted off her shoulders. And she felt a new surge of power.
"Nice one, Ash," Levi remarked, "But Barbaracle still has this in the bag. Shell Smash to X-Scissor!" The living barnacle's skin began to crack before shattering his exterior. Using his newfound speed, Barbaracle charged head on with his arms in a 'X' fashion.
"Well, we have some new moves!" Ash declared before shouting, "When it gets in close, use Wrap!"
Servine waited before dodging and grabbing the Collective Pokémon with her vines, this time Wrapping them tightly. "Now Mega Drain!" The serpent's vines began to siphon energy from the barnacle's body, doing more damage due to the defense decrease. The barnacle felt weak in his knees and kneeled down while the serpent replenished her strength.
Servine gracefully got up before looking quite pleased in taking down such an opponent. Barbaracle placed his arm on his knee, panting.
"End this with Grass Pledge!" The Grass Snake Pokémon slammed her tail to the ground, sending several pillars of grass that circled the Collective Pokémon. The grass pillars consumed the opponent before rendering him unable to battle.
"Good work out there, Barbaracle," Levi praised and sent out his next one, "Toxtricity, let's get rowdy!"
The Punk Pokémon appeared and strummed his chest, "Tox~."
"A Toxtricity…" Ash muttered, never battling one before.
Levi chuckled a bit, "This here is my Toxtricity. I hatched him when he was an egg before he evolved. This is his Low Key form. But he still packs a punch!"
"Servine, still ready to go?" Ash asked. The Unovan serpent gave a calculating gaze before deciding to return for now. Ketchum obliged and returned his snake before reaching for a new Pokéball.
"Palpitoad, I choose you!" The Vibration Pokémon was back on the field. "Palp!"
"Clever!" Levi commented, "Toxtricity is an Electric/Poison combo. Which means that we can't hit you with our Electric-type moves. However, that doesn't take us out easily. Boomburst!"
The Low Key guitarist strummed his chest, emitting deafening sound waves that made the amphibian cringe.
"How did that happen?!" Ash exclaimed.
"Punk Rock," Levi revealed, "A special ability in the Toxtricity line. Powers up sound based moves."
Palpitoad groaned as he shook off the soundwaves. "Use Mud Shot!" The amphibian extended his tongue and spat out globs of mud. The purple guitarist lizard shielded himself from the attack.
"Snarl!" The Punk Pokémon strummed his chest again, sending purple soundwaves that were amplified and made the Vibration Pokémon cringe again. "End with Uproar!" Toxtricity sent another burst of sound waves that knocked Palpitoad out of the fight.
"Thanks for your help, Palpitoad," Ash thanked before deciding on a Pokémon to take down Toxtricity. 'It is a Poison and Electric combo with an ability that boosts sound based moves,' he thought. He grabbed his next Pokéball.
"Time for a reunion battle. Butterfree, I choose you!" The purple butterfly fluttered out with a chirp. "Free~"
The pink Butterfree appeared out of her Pokéball before watching the fight alongside Ash. "Free!"
"Guess you want to watch too," Ash deduced to which the pink insect nodded.
"Well, never thought I'd see a pink Butterfree," Levi admitted, "But I'm not battling so no biggie. Toxtricity, Thunderbolt!" The Punk Pokémon charged lightning before sending a bolt of yellow electricity.
"Butterfree, Quiver Dance then Protect!" Butterfree's flight pattern was erratic before glowing lime green, signaling a boost. Shortly after, the butterfly made a green forcefield, protecting him from the bolt.
"Now, Psybeam!" The Butterfly Pokémon's eyes shined brightly and fired multicolored zig-zag beams that hit the reptilian guitarist. Toxtricity grunted in pain before wiping himself.
"Overdrive!" The Pink Pokémon strummed his chest, unleashing an electric shockwave throughout the field. It reached Butterfree unfortunately, electrocuting the butterfly in the sky before falling down. "Free…"
"Butterfree!" Ash yelled in concern.
Levi tipped his hat, "Overdrive. A signature move in the Toxtricity line. Another sound based move with the Electric-type. Plus Punk Rock, a deadly combo."
Ash grit his teeth and Butterfree managed to catch himself in the air. His mate looked with a hint of concern.
"Butterfree, can you still go on?" Ash asked his first capture. The Butterfly Pokémon managed to stand and gave an affirmative cry. "Ok, use Psybeam again!"
The eyes of the butterfly fired multicolored zig-zag beams, hitting the reptilian guitarist. "Now, Bug Buzz!" The Butterfly Pokémon's antennas emitted red soundwaves that disturbed the reptilian guitarist, causing him to fail on his knees.
"Toxitricity, Boomburst again!" The Punk Pokémon strummed his chest while on his knees before the butterfree managed to evade the soundwaves.
"Hyper Beam, let's go!" Charging up a magenta orb, Butterfree converted it into a beam of energy that explodes upon contact against Toxtricity. Once the smoke cleared, the purple guitarist was revealed to have swirls in his eyes.
"Good work out there," Levi praised his Pokémon before choosing his next, "Beartic, let's get rowdy!" The Unovan ursine appeared and let out a roar.
"Butterfree, return for now." Ash said to his Pokémon. The pink Butterfree was shortly returned afterwards. Ash selected his next Pokémon, "Donphan, I choose you!" The pachyderm appeared on the field and trumpeted. "Don!"
"Clash of power. I like it! Beartic, Hail!" Levi said. The Freezing Pokémon roared to the roof, causing the Ice-boosting weather to fall onto the battlefield.
"Hidden Power!" Donphan ignored the hail pelting his hide and summoned green orbs. The elephant threw them but the polar bear evaded them with ease.
Ash looked surprised at Beartic's speed so Levi provided context, "That would be Slush Rush, Ash. A boost in the speed for Ice-types when it hails." On the field, Donphan winced with the hail.
"Slash!" Beartic appeared in front of the Armor Pokémon and Slashed him in the trunk.
"Earth Power!" Donphan reared up and slammed his feet into the ground, sending glowing yellow cracks towards Beartic. The polar bear managed to jump in the air.
"Aqua Jet!" The Freezing Pokémon covered himself in a watery coat before launching towards the Armor Pokémon.
"Hidden Power again!" Donphan summoned more orbs and threw them in succession. Beartic swerved and avoided them before colliding with Donphan.
"While it's close, Fire Fang!" Holding on, the pachyderm's mouth ignited his mouth and bit into the bear's legs, causing a faint explosion. Beartic skidded back as the hail pelted the Donphan.
"Nice one," Levi complimented. "But this match is still mine! Beartic, Icicle Crash!" The polar bear roared and shot an icy breeze that condensed into icicles that came raining down.
"Donphan, Rollout!" The elephant curled up and charged head-on, evading the icicles to the best of his ability. Donphan managed to land the attack and was in the air. "Now, Heavy Slam!" The pachyderm came down with a silver aura, crashing into the polar bear. Donphan stood up just as the hail cleared.
Levi didn't need to be told twice and returned Beartic. "Clever move, Ash! Not many trainers beat Beartic when I use him, even with the Slush Rush. Let alone with a Ground-type." The Viridian Gym Leader drew his second to last choice. "Slurpuff, let's get rowdy!"
The Meringue Pokémon barked before winking. "Puff!"
"Donphan, return for now." Ash said. He knew that Donphan was tough but now he was tired. So he chose a healthier Pokémon. And a new one at that.
"Fearow, I choose you!"
The Beak Pokémon appeared and cawed. "Fearow!"
Levi took action, "Dazzling Gleam!" The pure Fairy-type emitted a rainbow glow and fired it towards the bird of prey.
"Dodge it!" Fearow avoided the light before Ash gave his next order, "Tri Attack!" The Beak Pokémon fired a triangle of fire-electric-ice straight at the Meringue Pokémon. It hit dead on. "Drill Peck!" Fearow dove and spun in a corkscrew formation, preparing to drill Slurpuff.
"Slurpuff, Cotton Guard!" The dessert dog barked and summoned wads of cotton that surrounded her. This allowed Fearow to get stuck in the cotton. "Now Flamethrower!" The Meringue Pokémon spewed a concentrated stream of flames that roasted the bird of prey.
After the onslaught, the Beak Pokémon cawed at the cheap move.
"Let out a Thunderbolt!" Slurpuff generated a charge and fired out a yellow bolt of lightning and shocked Fearow while he was stuck. Cawing out in pain, the Beak Pokémon held on, pried himself out, and gave a harsh glare.
Pikachu's hit harder in the bird-of-prey's opinion.
"Heat Wave!" Flapping his wings, Fearow sent orange-red waves that burnt a majority of the cotton and the Meringue Pokémon in the process. "Now, Steel Wing!" The Beak Pokémon's wings took a metallic shine and rammed Slurpuff with a white flash.
"A critical?" Levi questioned.
"Fearow's ability is Sniper! Which increases the output of critical hits!" Ash revealed then proceeded to follow up. "Assurance!"
Fearow slammed into Slurpuff with a dark aura, dealing even more damage.
"Slurpuff, Thunderbolt again!" The Meringue Pokémon fired a yellow bolt of lightning, shocking the Beak Pokémon. "Now use Draining Kiss then Play Rough!"
Slurpuff took advantage and landed a kiss, restoring her health a bit, before pouncing and causing a cartoon cloud to emerge. Within the cloud, Fearow cawed out as he was beaten in a cartoonish manner. Once Slurpuff retreated, Fearow had been beaten.
Ash returned Fearow, "Thanks for your help out there. Not how I imagined our first battle to go but I'm still proud." He smiled and pulled out another Pokéball. "Donphan, I choose you!"
The Armor Pokémon reappeared and snorted. He pawed the ground as the Meringue Pokémon barked. "Rollout!" The pachyderm curled into a ball and rolled at a fast pace.
"Cotton Guard!" Slurpuff barked and summoned wads of cotton that Donphan collided into. Donphan uncurled but was stuck in the cotton.
"Now use Play Rough!"
"Fire Fang!"
Just as Slurpuff pounced, Donphan's molars ignited and bit down on the cotton, causing flames to consume them. The Meringue Pokémon hit the ground in pain while Donphan was mostly unscathed, just covered in soot.
"A risky move, partner." Levi remarked. "Dazzling Gleam!"
Slurpuff stood to her feet and emitted a rainbow glow, firing it at Donphan. The Armor Pokémon snorted as the light pelted his hide.
"Use Play Rough!" The Meringue Pokémon pounced again, kicking up a cartoon cloud and cartoonishly beat up the Armor Pokémon. Once the cloud cleared, Donphan stood strong to the best of his ability.
"Now to finish this! Surf!" Levi declared.
"Donphan, use Hyper Beam!" Ash countered.
Donphan charged a magenta beam between his tusks while Slurpuff glowed blue and a wave erupted behind her. The Meringue Pokémon rode the waves and the Armor Pokémon fired his magenta beam.
Hyper Beam collided with the Fairy-type just as Surf washed over the Ground-type. The outcome resulted in both Pokémon being KO'ed.
"Return." Both trainers said and praised them both.
"Mighty fine work, Slurpuff."
"Amazing job, Donphan."
"Well, Ash!" Levi shouted across the field. "You sure do know who to keep a Gym Battle interesting!"
"So do you!" Ash complimented with a smile. "Never knew that Slurpuff could learn Surf before."
Levi grinned. "'Pericate that partner. Now, let's make this last one a ride! Gourgeist, get rowdy!"
An Average Size Pumpkin Pokémon appeared with a ghastly wail. "Gour~."
"Servine, I choose you!" The Grass Snake Pokémon re-emerged and crossed her arms. "Ser!"
"Gourgeist, Shadow Ball!" The jack-o-lantern created a spectral sphere and flung it towards the serpent.
"Repel with Mirror Coat!" Servine glowed multicolored, causing the Shadow Ball to bounce off and strike Gourgeist, who howled in pain. "Follow up with Leaf Storm!" Servine spun around, generating a cyclone of leaves and hurled it towards Gourgeist.
"Phantom Force!" The Pumpkin Pokémon retreated through a purple portal, avoiding the Leaf Storm. She reappeared and rammed the Grass Snake Pokémon from behind.
Servine tumbled but stood up, her poise showing. "Use Pursuit!" With speed, the serpent nailed the jack-o-lantern in a dark aura.
"Gourgeist, hold with Psychic!" Gourgeist's eyes glowed blue, catching Servine in her telekinetic grasp. "Flamethrower!" Gourgeist let out a torrent of flames, roasting Servine. The jack-o-lantern released her hold and the serpent dropped to the ground. Servine had with swirls in her eyes.
"Thanks for the help, Servine." Ash praised her. After squaring her away, he pulled out his last Pokéball. A Lure Ball.
"Totodile, I choose you!"
The Big Jaw Pokémon did a little dance before putting on his game face. "To-to-to-totodile!" Ash had rotated him out for Dewott, so the otter could get used to his new body.
"Alright! Seed Bomb!" Gourgeist spat several explosive seed-like projectiles at the energetic crocodile.
"Dodge!" Totodile avoided each seed with his dancing, a feat that made Levi whistle.
"Cool trick but a Psychic will keep ya in place!" Levi said and the Pumpkin Pokémon grabbed the crocodile in a telekinetic grasp. "Give another round of Seed Bomb!" The jack-o-lantern spat more explosive seeds at the crocodile.
"Try Hydro Pump!" The Big Jaw Pokémon managed to fire a gushing torrent of water, countering the Seed Bomb and blew them back into the Pumpkin Pokémon's face. This caused the jack-o-lantern to drop the crocodilian.
"Now go for Bite!" Totodile jumped, Biting onto Gourgeist.
"Throw it off then Shadow Ball!" The Pumpkin Pokémon spun her body, throwing off the Big Jaw Pokémon before launching a spectral orb at him. The Ghost-type move explodes upon impact and the crocodilian hits the ground. Shakily, Totodile rose and a fierce looked appeared on his face.
Ash was stumped at his current options. Totodile had only a few moves that could deal damage and weren't Normal type. Hydro Pump wasn't doing enough damage and Bite was doing decent damage. He was about to swap back to Butterfree but Totodile noticed and growled in disagreement. "Dile!"
"You want to keep going, Totodile?" Ash asked.
A nod from the crocodile was the confirmation then Totodile glowed blue. His fins grew larger and sharper, his size and jaw increasing as well. After the evolutionary light died out, Croconaw appeared front and center, letting out a roar. "Naw!"
"Way to go!" Ash cheered. He pulled out his Pokédex and scanned the evolved Johto starter.
[Croconaw, the Big Jaw Pokémon and the evolved form of Totodile. Once it bites down, it won't let go until it loses its fangs. New fangs quickly grow into place.]
"Another evolution, congrats." Levi said, "But it won't do you any good! Seed Bomb!"
Gourgeist spat several explosive seed-like and Croconaw dodge it, still using his dancing techniques.
"We'll see about that! We got some new moves!" Ash exclaimed. "Dragon Dance!" The crocodile jumped up and purple energy spun around him. "Now, Blizzard!" Croconaw unleashed a flurry of snow, powdering a wailing Gourgeist.
"Gourgeist, reel 'em with Psychic!" Croconaw was grasped in a telekinetic hold, halting his flurry, and brought in close towards Gourgeist.
However, Croconaw had a new move that Ash capitalized off. "Shadow Claw!"
The Big Jaw Pokémon's claws gained a shadowy outline and slashed against the Pumpkin Pokémon causing her to release her hold once more.
"Gourgeist!" Levi shouted in concern.
"Sorry, Levi." Ash replied, "But this match is coming to a close! Croconaw, use Ice Fang!"
The crocodilian chomped down with cryokinetic energy, frosting the jack-o-lantern over. Croconaw let go and both Pokémon plummeted. Gourgeist shattered from her frosting while Croconaw landed on his feet.
When Gourgeist was revealed to have swirly eyes, Levi returned her. "Don't sweat yourself, Gourgeist. Ash is a tough trainer. And a challenge I haven't faced in a while." He looked towards Ash, giving a nod of satisfaction.
Meanwhile, Ash ran out to the field. "You were amazing, Croconaw!" He congratulated the Johto starter. The Big Jaw Pokémon was cheerful, doing a little tap dance himself.
The Viridian Gym Leader approached Ash and the two shared a handshake. "I can see why Misty and Brock like to rave about you."
"They do?" Ash said, a little embarrassed his first traveling companions compliment him in secret to other Gym Leaders.
"Relax, Ash." Levi reassured him, "They go on about your big heart when it comes to Pokémon, creative battle tactics, and how you tend to bring out the best in people. I haven't had an exhilarating match in a long time! And from the new World Monarch nonetheless."
Ash chuckled. "Glad to be of service!"
Levi then put a finger to his chin. "In fact, I think you could help me with something."
Ash and Pikachu couldn't help but tilt their heads. "What do you mean?"
A/N: A LONG, LONG, LONG, LONG and much needed update to this story. I have been more caught up in the other Pokémon stories. However, I planned out his Kanto revisit but decided to change it due to Scarlet and Violet being introduced. Anyways, hope this chapter was enjoyable for you. The next chapter will be shorter though.