A bit of savagery near the end. You've been warned.
Chapter 25- Dark Places
"You!" Ash shouted at the counter "how the hell did you guys get out of jail?"
"Oh damn" the blue haired man said looking at Ash in fear "it's the twerp."
"Jail?" the nurse exclaimed taking a step back and looking at the two trainers who had brought in their injured Pokémon.
"Yes" Ash said walking up to the nervous people "these two are the ones responsible for trying to steal Pokémon from Viridian City seven months ago. It was me that caught them! They're part of a group of thieves and scum called Team Rocket. You two better start talking quickly and explain why you should be able to keep your kneecaps whole."
"We quit" the red headed woman said quickly "after what happened in the Safari Zone, we want nothing to do with them. It was horrible what happened to Cassidy and Biff."
"What do you mean? Ash asked confused.
"Like Jessie said, the boss is tracking you" the man said "he thinks you're behind some of the issues we've been having for the last few months. So, he sent Cassidy and Bitch to keep an eye on you. They did so quite successfully actually but got cocky. They thought they could take you out in the Zone and no one would know. They used Team Rocket resources behind the boss's back to try and kill you. Only you beat them, and they fled. They arrived back at base having blown their cover and were punished severely for it. Domino took one of their eyes out each as punishment. He then sent us to replace them in following you."
"James is telling the truth" Jessie said taking over "I have no intention of losing any of my body parts thank you very much. So, while we were flying here, we decided to leave Team Rocket. We landed just outside behind the Pokémon centre but was attacked immediately by a crazy man with an Electabuzz. We honestly thought we would never see you again."
"Let's say I believe you. where do we go from here? What are your plans?" Ash said sceptically. Something about this whole thing seemed very odd.
"We plan on healing our Pokémon and then leaving this place" James said, "It's not a very welcoming place."
"Well, I'll leave that to Nurse Joy. She's the adult. Her decision on whether we call the police will be final." Ash said turning to the nurse.
"I'm bound by my oaths and the law to make this place a neutral ground for everyone. I'm not happy about it but I cannot go around that. So, I will heal your Pokémon. You will then leave this place and never come back. When you're gone, I will send Jenny a report that you were here but left after I found out who you were."
"Thank you nurse Joy" Jessie said relief clear on her face.
"We'll do what Joy said. But if you guys try anything I will leave you here in a puddle of your own blood" Ash warned as he handed his Pokémon over too and went up to his room. There wasn't the normal set-up in this rom. There was a TV but apart from the bed that was it. Shrugging Ash lay down for an hour and then made his way back downstairs. Jessie and James were at the counter collecting their Pokémon back from Joy. Regaining his Ash went to walk outside when Joy stopped him.
"Wait" she said, "you can't go out there after six."
"What do you mean?" Ash asked confused "why?"
Sighing Joy came out from behind the counter and motioned for him to sit down at a table. Jessie and James walked over too eager to hear what the issue was. "I'll start at the beginning. The people who attacked Jessie and James are part of a local gang. This town currently has two gyms, Yas and Kaz. Both have their own underlings who routinely go around attacking each other. Their leaders have an Electabuzz and a Scyther. Both are trying to drive the other out of town in order to become the sole gym leader. So far, all its done is create a horrible environment for people to live in and the casualties and wrecked homes mount up each day. At around 6:15 they have their daily battle between them and then retreat to their respective gyms once they're done battering each other. I am then left to tend to everyone, who of course refuse to be treated in the same room as their opposing team. I'm about done with this town. I've handed in my transfer papers and another nurse is on her way to take over."
"Well," Ash said looking at Pikachu "I think we better take a look at the morons, eh? Will we be safe from the porch?"
"Yes" Joy said looking worriedly at the clock "this place is neutral ground for everyone."
Ash looked at the clock and noticed it was 6:05. Picking up a chair Ash walked outside to the front porch and set the chair down. He was quickly joined by Jessie, James and Joy with their own chairs. Releasing his Pokémon, he explained what was going to happen and they all waited for the action to begin. Sure enough a few minutes later the two gyms at the opposite ends of the town opened their doors and ten members from each gym walked out to meet at the middle. As luck would have it the Pokémon Centre was situated directly in the middle of both gyms.
As the two opposing sides met their leaders noticed that they had an audience. Cautiously they looked at each other and then warily made their way over to Ash.
"Who are you?" one of the men said from the Yaz gym.
"What he said" the leader of Kaz said.
"Oh, I'm Ash Ketchum" Ash said genially "I'm just here to enjoy the show. So why don't you two morons go about your daily business. A word of warning though. Should any single attack from either side come heading this way I will wade in, and I will destroy your entire team. So, off you go."
Incensed the two leaders released their Pokémon. An Electabuzz and a Scyther. Grinning at Ash the leader of Yas said, "still think you can take us on boy?"
Sighing Ash said "Pikachu. Quick attack and Iron Tail, Charmeleon Flamethrower and Slash." Before the leader could react, Pikachu flew from his perch on the railings and smashed into the Electabuzz sending it flying over to where their teammates were looking on shocked. Scyther was also sent flying to their respective team too knocked out from the huge Flamethrower Charmeleon had released at it followed by the vicious Slash it was given. Nonchalantly Pikachu hopped back onto the railing as if nothing had happened and Charmeleon lay back down.
"Yeah, I'd say so" Ash said leaning back "now that that part is out of the way why don't you take your Pokémon back to your gyms and then tomorrow when the sun comes up you leave this place forever? You've made the inhabitants of this town miserable with your infighting, not to mention the damage you have all caused to their homes."
"You have no authority to make that demand" The Kaz leader said recovering from shock recalling his fainted Pokémon.
"Actually, I do" Ash said pulling out his Pokedex and pressing a few buttons "you see before I left Pallet Town at the start of my journey, I was made a junior professor by Professor Samuel Oak. Now it comes with a lot of forms, and I had to sign many documents but one of those documents was having the ability and authority to call into question the competence of a gym leader. I have to be able to back up what I am saying, but otherwise my recommendation to Sam has been good enough so far to see two gym leaders removed from their posts and replaced in the last six months. Now, Nurse Joy has just informed me that she's handed in a transfer request and is in the process of packing up because of all the aggravation you two have caused, not just to her but to the people in this town as well. So, when I contact the head of the Nurse Joy division and supply that document as evidence to the League authorities along with her statement of what's been happening here, all of you will be forcibly removed from this town." Ash stood up, recalled his Pokémon, picked his chair back up and walked back inside the Pokémon Centre.
Waiting for the others to come in Joy placed her chair down and then surprised Ash by pulling him into a hug. Ash was far from used to being touched so just stood there until his brain kicked into gear and he wrapped his arms around her while she cried. When she had composed herself, she quickly made her excuses and left to go saying she had bags to pack. Turning to Jessie and James he said "you guys should be free to leave now. I doubt they'll try anything for a while. But remember what Joy said. Tomorrow she will be speaking to Jenny about you guys. I wish you all the best in whatever you do." Ash then left a bewildered Jessie and James as he retreated to his room. Calling out his Pokémon he spoke to them all about keeping a watch tonight in case the two leaders got it into their heads to try anything. He doubted they would as he was on neutral ground, but you never knew with morons.
The next day Ash walked down to be greeted by two Joys chatting to each other. Ash instantly recognised the other Joy. "Hello again Jennifer" Ash said walking up to her and shaking her hand "it's nice to see you again. And this time face to face."
"You know each other?" the original Joy asked.
"Yeah" Ash said nodding "she was originally in Gringy City not long back. I helped clear the place out of Grimer but Jennifer was moved to Fuchsia City while Gringy City gets cleaned up. When I saw her, she had been forced to constantly wear a Haz-mat suit because of all the pollution in the city. I take it she's your replacement?"
"I am" Jennifer said happily "it's nice to see you still have love for us Joys. Marlene here was just telling me about what you did for her."
"It's the least I could do" Ash said smiling "and they had it coming. No one should have to live in fear. Oh, I sent the email to Sam last night from my laptop. All he needs is your statement and proof of the reason why you're moving. Just send it straight to him. Anyway, I need to get going. If you need anything just message me or email me. Here's my number."
Before he left, he gave said goodbye to both Joys and then left the town. On the way out he could see various trainers being booed out of the town. One obviously thought he could still intimidate a woman who was shouting at him to leave and got right in her face. Ash was having none of that and grabbed the man by the arm, twisted it and threw him away. Standing up the trainer was about to give whoever attacked him some abuse until he saw who it was. Ash simply stood there with his arms folded next to the woman. Ash would only turn twelve in a few weeks, but he was already much taller than those his own age at around five foot six and because of all the training he did he had significantly bulked up over the last seven months. The trainer simply picked up his bag and fled.
Saying goodbye to the woman Ash carried on the path out of the city. Ash was still upset that he could be losing Charmeleon soon. It had been on his mind now for a few days. Hopefully they could come up with a solution before they reached Pallet Town. He really didn't want to lose anyone from his family. But he had stated many times that he would help them, and he was a man of his word.
"I still have no idea what to do about Charmeleon" Ash said thinking out loud.
"It's a tough one" Pikachu said from his shoulder. "I really hope your issues are resolved before we get home."
"I was just thinking the exact same thing Pi" Ash replied sighing "it will be very hard letting him leave. But he was right about him owing us nothing. He's more than repaid whatever debt he felt he had towards me. We don't work like that anyway. But if that's how he feels we can't hold him back."
"He won't find a better trainer than you Ash" Pi said "the regimen you've had us all on from the beginning has seen us outstrip everyone in terms of strength. We have still not lost an official battle. So, what you do with us clearly works."
"Thanks Pi" Ash said scratching his head "but Charmeleon wants out. I get it you know. It's like any relationship, without trust you have nothing."
"That's true" Pikachu said "but he's also wrong about you Ash. Your decision to send him to Oak wasn't yours alone. It was all of ours. If we acted rashly then it's only now that we can see it. But he almost cost us everything. He needed to realise that."
"Who's to say we couldn't have done that by just talking to him about it?" Ash said, "it's something we'll never know."
"Ash, you know he wouldn't have listened" Pikachu retorted "You heard him when we told him what he'd done. He wasn't remorseful at all about almost killing another Pokémon."
"That's likely the dragon in him" Ash said "they're vicious when provoked and in his head he was trying to win a battle. Again, we will never know how things almost turned out."
The rest of the day Ash was silent. That night he sat around the campfire and just listened to them all chatting. It was nice to just listen. Several times he was caught watching but he just smiled and shook his head when asked if everything was ok. The next day Ash left the camp to gather some berries from the nearby trees when he was joined by Ivysaur. Together they worked in silence until Ivysaur said "he'll be missed by us all."
There was no need for Ash to ask who. "Yeah, he will. He's been such an important part of my life now ever since I rescued him. And I hurt him. I know some form of punishment was necessary to get it into his thick head just what the repercussions could have been but still…" shrugging his shoulders Ash carried on picking up berries.
"You should tell him, while you still have the chance" Ivysaur said before he walked away.
Rejoining them he packed up contemplating just how he would say what he needed to say. Following the path, he came to a three-way crossroads with a signpost that said Granpa Canyon 2km. Making his way there Ash saw a few cars come past him from wherever the other path led to. Slowly the view changed from a sheer rock face on his right to become more of an open expanse. After an hour of walking Ash walked on the little dirt path and into Granpa Canyon. Looking around he marvelled at all the tents set up at various places, people with pickaxes milling about and, in the distance, a big truck selling food and drink. Making his way over he bought himself a Pidgey Burger and a bottle of water and milled about. Seeing a makeshift sign for the main tent Ash finished his burger and walked up to it. He was stopped at the entrance by a guard but after Ash flashed him his Pokedex and the guard saw his professor status he was let in. Walking in Ash stopped at the sight. In the middle was a huge table made up of four tables with a model of the campsite on top with various flags placed around the model. Walking up to it he observed it for a while. Archaeology had always fascinated Ash, from a young boy he had always wondered how the Pokémon lived. He was disturbed by a voice from his side.
"Now who might you be? And how did you get in here young man?"
Turning Ash saw a man looking at him, around six foot tall with dark grey hair wearing a dark green jacket with many pockets, the same-coloured combat trousers. He seemed to Ash to have a no-nonsense demeanour, so Ash didn't feel the need to test his patience. Pulling out his Pokedex he handed it over to the man who listened to Dexter declare him a junior professor. Handing it back Brandon just stared at him. It was starting to unnerve Ash a little.
"I know who you are" the man said "I am Brandon, the seventh and final master of the Battle Frontier. However just because you have junior professor status doesn't mean you can just walk in here without a permit."
"Oh" Ash said reaching into his bag and pulling it a folder that Sam had given him "I have one in here." Pulling out the document Brandon read it over and then handed it back to him. Walking over to his computer he typed in Ash's Pokedex code and Ash's list of achievements came up. Reading it Brandon immediately became impressed with him.
"Sam must think very highly of you to give someone your age a blanket permit like this." Brandon said standing up and walking back over to Ash "but I want to make it clear, while you are in this canyon you are under my command. Do you understand Ash?"
"I do sir" Ash said "I have limited knowledge of being around excavation sites. Only an idiot would dismiss the excavation leader's authority in a place as potentially dangerous as this."
"Good" Brandon said looking at him appraisingly "you seem to be more level-headed than his grandson at any rate."
"Gary is here?" Ash asked.
"Sadly yes" Brandon replied "I have met many trainers over the years who had an overinflated sense of ego. He is right up there. I've had to shout at him twice for ignoring my commands. He nearly blew himself up with dynamite through being cocky. I've had to leave him with my assistant to keep an eye on him."
"He has always been like that from the moment we could talk. His Grandfather being the most famous Pokémon Professor and his dad being the current champion has made his ego go through the roof. I've no idea why he feels that their accomplishments are his own." Ash said shaking his head.
"So, what brings you here?" Brandon asked nodding.
"To be honest I was just passing through on my way to Pallet Town. I'm doing the gym challenge and we have just come from Fuchsia. We have trekked through the canyons, and it led us here. I'm curious really what kind of dig this is. I was walking around outside, and it seemed random people were allowed to take part in the dig."
"Sadly, you're correct but only in certain parts. We let the general public dig over here" he said pointing to a red flag near where their tent was situated "that way we can keep an eye on them. However, the real dig is going on over here" he pointed to a flag on the opposite side of the tent "we have reason to believe that there was a temple buried by a landslide a century or so ago somewhere in this canyon. Sadly, we have yet to find evidence. We have a week to find something before we have to move on."
"Ah ok" Ash said, "well maybe I could help?"
"How?" Brandon said curiously.
Ash made his hand glow blue. "An aura wielder?" Brandon said wonderingly "yeah that could work. We'd have to get you close though."
"Why?" Ash asked curiously.
"Well, I've never met an aura wielder than could expend their aura out more than twenty feet for more than a few minutes" Brandon said. Ash just laughed which confused the man.
Stopping himself laughing Ash said "I'm the most powerful Aura wielder on the planet and it isn't a brag. It's the truth. I've been using Aura since I was six and I can extend my aura out sixty feet indefinitely. I haven't been using it in here because I had no need to do so. I can also send out aura pulses and lances that extend seventy feet with clear line of sight."
"That is most useful" Brandon said, "follow me." Brandon led the way out of the tent towards another tent forty feet away. Walking in he greeted a Nurse Joy who was going over a map in her hand "Joy, we have a potential breakthrough. This young man claims to be able to use aura up to seventy feet."
"Ash Ketchum. Well, I'll be" Joy said standing up and making her way round the table where she hugged him. "Look how much you have grown."
"You have me at a loss miss Joy" Ash said confused.
"I was at Porta Vista young man when you were brought in" Joy said "The aura you expended that day stopping and killing an Ancient, I swore I would never want to see another day like that again. The number of Pokémon who were severely injured because of one person was horrible."
"You killed an Ancient" Brandon asked staring at Ash "by yourself? Why is that not on your list of achievements?"
"No" Ash said shaking his head "I had Pikachu and Wartortle with me. Pikachu and I took it down together after we had weakened it in battle."
"And nearly killed yourself into the bargain" Joy said shaking her head.
"That too" Ash said sheepishly "and it's not on my list because I don't want it to be. I don't want people knowing what the Tentacruel was to start with. If the wrong people ask questions about it then they may get ideas. I've already created an issue with another Ancient, I didn't need that one added to my list."
"So, you're the one who created the situation with the Dragonite?" Brandon asked chuckling "that's where we're off to next. Pokelantis and Pokemopolis."
"Yeah" Ash said scratching his head in embarrassment "I never knew what it was when I met it. I just knew that a lonely Pokémon was after finding its family and promised to help. It was only after the occasion that I was told what it was and what drama I had caused with my promise."
"Anyway, whatever he says he can do with Aura I'd believe him. His readings were off the chart apparently in the hospital. My husband was your doctor and he marvelled for days about you" Joy said, "I know he shouldn't have told me, but he was like a giddy schoolboy."
"Good" Brandon said, "I'll lead the way." Brandon walked back out of the tent and led Ash through another tent to where more official looking people were getting ready to dig. "Listen Up. Ash here is going to guide us as best he can towards the site of the excavation. He's an aura wielder, Brock, I put him in your care for this dig."
Amazingly it was Brock Slate "Brock" Ash said hugging the other boy "why are you here?"
"Ash" he said hugging him back "I am a part time archaeologist and scientist in Pewter. Being a rock type trainer, I come on these digs hoping to find a fossil to resurrect. Sadly, I've only found two in the past and they're part of my elites. Why are you here?"
"I was passing through from Fuchsia when I came upon the dig. After speaking with Brandon, I told him I can help using my aura to see if the dig is worth it." Ash replied.
"And I took him up on it" Brandon said, "I'm glad to see you two know each other."
"We've known each other seven months now, ever since I beat his gym with just Pikachu" Ash said smirking.
"And then lost to my Golem" Brock countered back good naturedly.
"Yeah well, we don't count that do we Pi?" Ash said laughing with the others "We're still unbeaten after that battle. Anyway, should we get started?"
"What?" Brandon asked surprised "you've not been beaten yet? In seven months?"
"Sadly not" Ash said laughing "oh don't worry I get that question a lot. You learn from losing. We've never lost a full battle, individual ones in a battle yes, but collectively we're still unbeaten. I just hope we don't get lose at the League."
"Hmmm" Brandon said "that's very interesting. Anyway, yes let's go. You follow Brock, I have to take a conference call in twenty minutes. Be careful out there."
Ash nodded and shook Brandons hand before walking with Brock. Over the last five weeks, they had conversed via emails a lot concerning their book. There were a few things they needed to add before they sent the first draft to Ash's publisher, but it would be hopefully out very soon. Ash's aura book was scheduled to be released in two weeks' time. Thankfully for this one Ash wouldn't need to be at Silph for the release as it was all being sorted by Silph. For their collaboration book Bock had agreed to help with the release as he had more time than Ash. And with Charmeleon leaving soon he would be without a possible flying type so he was planning on scouring Seafoam or Cinnabar for one that would fit into their team.
Coming up on the dig Ash spent the next few hours walking around the site pointing out places where he could detect faint signs of life. It was as he was walking across a flat bit of ground that stretched around sixty feet that Ash suddenly stopped and shouted, "Nobody move."
Startled by Ash's command they looked at him concerned. "The part I'm on is above a huge underground cavern, and I've just stepped on a bit of ground that feels like it's giving way. The drop could easily kill or severely injure everyone. All of you carefully back off to the side, you too Brock. I'm going to try and slowly make my way over to where you are."
"I'm not leaving you Ash" Brock said shifting his weight to spread it as evenly as he could "besides I'm close enough to you that should you fall, I will too. Now we'll take it a step at a time, and we'll head back exactly the way we came. We're in the middle here, couldn't you have chosen somewhere closer to the edge?"
Laughing Ash said "sorry Brock, next time I will. Ok, we'll carefully make our way back." Inch by inch they retreated backwards. They were less than fifteen feet away from the edge when from behind them they heard an explosion and made them freeze. Cautiously Brock looked up and swore "shit, Ash we're going to have to run. Do not ask why, just run."
Listening to Brock Ash started to run. He hadn't made it too far though when bits of rock and debris started raining down on them. All of a sudden, the ground underneath Ash foot gave way, and he lurched as the entire floor gave way. Grasping the edge Ash held on for dear life with Pikachu jumping onto the ledge that had been created and was frantically trying in vain to pull Ash up. It was no good though as Ash was too heavy and the ledge was starting to cut into Ash's hands and make the skin between his thumb and finger bleed.
"Pi" Ash said quietly "look after mum." Pikachu looked on in horror as the ledge gave way and he saw Ash fall backwards into the darkness as he screamed Ash's name. Before he could leap after him, he felt two hands grab him as the ground started to give way even more. Brock had carefully made his way back to Ash and was several feet away when he heard Ash's words. Luckily, he was able to grab Pikachu before he fell, and he started to run back to safety. Reaching the edge, he climbed onto a rock and stared out at the huge cavern that had opened up on the flat of land. The hole was easily forty feet across in diameter.
"Brock" a voice said from his side. Turning to face her it took a minute to register that it was Nurse Joy who had been talking to him "I'm sorry Mrs Joy. I didn't catch any of that."
Taking pity on Brock she explained that they needed to go back and get Brandon to explain what had happened. Shaking his head, he cleared the cobwebs and began to follow her, not hearing the various commands she was giving out. As they reached the tent Joy barged in to find Brandon berating three people who were sitting on chairs opposite him. Joy interrupted him and informed Brandon what had happened. Immediately Brandon made phone calls to the local hospital stating they needed urgent assistance. Once that was done, he ordered the three to stay where they were and then led the way back out to the canyon.
"I'm so sorry Brock" Brandon said clasping him on his shoulder "it seems some idiots got a hold of some dynamite and decided to blast their way into the mountain because they were convinced we were holding out on them with fossils. We'll get him out of there Brock. I assure you."
The next few hours flew by as they set up makeshift stations on the safe bit of the canyon. The local air ambulance service had landed not far away and were planning on abseiling down into the hole to retrieve Ash. What spurred them on though was throughout that time period various noises were heard from deep in the cavern. Something was happening down there, no one knew what though. Just as they were about to go down into the cavern, they heard a horrible screech, and a huge pink blur came flying out of the hole screeching its name "Aeeroooo." It wasn't alone though.
Ash
Falling was not fun, landing was even worse. Ash was used to tumbling down hills from being a kid, he was often getting into scrapes as he was a bad judge of distance when dealing with a Pokémon that didn't want them near him. That was until he befriended Oaks Charizard and then no Pokémon would dare try anything. He had also been through a lot since becoming a trainer, near death experiences were commonplace for him. The sheer drop into the canyon was like nothing he'd been through before though. He had time to think of how much of a splat he was going to make when he hit the floor which seemed to trigger as response from his aura. He'd conjured shields before but never had he conjured a bubble to surround him. The impact he made on the ground however was still felt as he bounced off a rock not the ground and was sent flying twenty feet. It took a good ten minutes for Ash to be able to clear his head and be able to sit up. He was aching all over.
Pulling himself to a rock he propped himself up and took stock of where he was. Luckily, he had aura vision to be able to see in the dark, this was like no other dark he'd seen before though. Rock Tunnel was dark, this was pitch black. Seeing his backpack ten feet away he struggled to his feet and made his way over. Grabbing his pokegear out of his bag he saw he had no signal. Shaking his head, he put it safely back into his bag and pulled out a bottle of water. Having a drink, he looked around and saw that there were a few tunnels stretching off in various directions. Shouldering his backpack, he winced in pain. Releasing the others, he explained what had happened and that they'd need to follow one of these tunnels to see if they could find a way out. Looking around though none of them could figure out which way to go. Looking up, the ceiling to the cavern was a good eighty feet up, and the hole was just a tiny speck.
"Upwards would be ideal" Ivysaur said "it's a shame we can't use that."
"You're not wrong" Ash muttered "guys were not alone anymore."
Off to the side of them Ash heard something chittering, and it was steadily getting closer. Taking up a defensive position Ash and his Pokémon waited to see what was going to come out. Ash's aura told him it was only small whatever it was. Out of the gloom came a Pokémon Ash had never seen before. It reminded Ash of a Pokémon he'd seen in a film about dinosaurs.
"Guys, that's a Tyrunt" Ash said taking Dexter out of his bag and pointing it at it. "And it's carrying an egg."
"Tyrunt, Pokedex Number 696, the Royal Heir Pokémon. Long thought to be extinct. This is an ancient Pokémon, revived in modern times. It has a violent disposition, and it'll tear apart anything it gets between its hefty jaws."
"It looks fairly young, so hopefully mum isn't around" Wartortle said nervously.
Looking at them Tyrunt seemed to be coming to some form of a decision. When he spotted Ash though any other thoughts than 'prey' escaped his mind and he placed the egg down, roared and charged. The roar echoed throughout the cavern frightening them all.
"Ivysaur, Vine whip its feet and Sleep Powder" Ash commanded. Ivysaur immediately did so, and it went crashing down to the floor. What surprised everyone though was it actively fought being put to sleep. Roaring again it charged towards Ash only this time it was sent flying sideways onto a rock, which smashed apart as a blast of water hit it from Wartortle. Warily it got back to its feet, saw that it was very much outclassed and out manned and sent another roar at the group before charging again. This time though Ivysaur grabbed it with its vines and held it in place while he shook his bulb and let loose another load of sleeping powder. Gradually the Tyrunt fell asleep.
Sighing with relief Ash made his way over to the sleeping fossil Pokémon. As he did so his foot kicked something. It was the egg.
"Guys I think this is still alive" Ash said as he picked it up and scanned it with his aura "Tyrunt obviously was going to have this as a meal. I think we'll show it to Joy when we get out of here" opening up his bag Ash made room for the egg and secured it safely inside.
"What do we do with Tyrunt?" Charmeleon asked looking at it "I don't fancy it waking up and calling for help."
Coming to a decision Ash brought out an empty pokeball and threw it at the sleeping fossil Pokémon. "We'll let Brandon decide what can be done with it. I don't fancy having a carnivore like this on my team, but Charmeleon is right, we can't afford it to call for help. Those noises it made before have set me on edge as it is."
Putting his newly acquired Pokémon on his belt they decided to walk into the hole Tyrunt had come through. Or they would have done had Ash not leapt out of the way as a huge rock came flying at him through the gloom. Looking up from where he landed Wartortles worst fears were made real. Clearly Mum had heard what her baby was going through as out of the darkness came a massive Tyrantrum who looked at the group with malice.
"I think we may need to run" Wartortle said.
"Guys" Ash said "I don't think we can outrun this one. We have no idea where we're running towards, if there's more of these down the passageways or anything else about this place. We're going to have to team up and take this down."
"Oh, you had to say that didn't you" Wartortle said "well, better sooner than later." Surprising everyone Wartortle fired off a huge Hydro Pump at the Tyrantrum who roared in pain from the attack which staggered her. His attack set off a huge fight between them all as everyone started to attack the Tyrantrum. She was occasionally getting attacks off which did a lot of damage when they hit but as it was four on one, five if you count Ash launching Aura spheres at its head the battle was over with inside ten minutes. The battered and bruised body of Tyrantrum slowly limped away down the passage it had come from, looking back occasionally at its enemies. As soon as it was out of sight Ash slumped over in relief. Looking around he saw that Ivysaur had been hurt quite badly, one of his petals was badly ripped and he was holding his right foot up gingerly. Machoke had been knocked out by Tyrantrum swinging her tail and getting a lucky shot in with a Head Smash. Wartortle had a badly scorched shell and had tanked a Hyper Beam which clearly left its mark. Charmeleon was fine however as he stuck to ranged attacks and dodging.
Recalling his injured Pokémon Ash and Charmeleon took stock of where they were. "I think we should wait here Ash, if someone is going to rescue us then they'll do so via the hole we made."
"I think you're right" Ash said nodding. As he was about to sit down though the most bloodcurdling shriek was heard to echo through the cavern. Panicking Ash quickly sent out his aura and dove out of the way as a massive beam of light lanced their way and he hit his head on a rock knocking him out. Charmeleon who had only heard the attack at the last minute was grazed by the Hyper Beam and was sent flying ten feet off to the side. Groggily he came to, finding to his horror that a huge Pokémon had gripped an unconscious Ash by the backpack he had on and was about to bite down on his head. Standing up Charmeleon launched a huge Flamethrower at the Aerodactyl who angry that he couldn't have his meal flew upwards out of the way of the attack landing on a rock. Charmeleon was about to use another attack when the Aerodactyl screeched at it and a big rock formed in its mouth.
The Ancientpower attack would severely injure Charmeleon should it hit, luckily Ash's training kicked in and he swiped it aside with a Dragon Claw and began to charge. Aerodactyl simply flew up onto a rocky outcrop and landed with Ash face down, not caring if its prey was alive or dead when it ate it. Just as it was about to bite down an orange ball of light flew true and hit Aerodactyl on the mouth. Screeching in pain it reared its head back and looked upwards. Suddenly its eyes narrowed in recognition. That was sky. It had been over fifty million years since he had last reigned in the air above what was now Kanto. Looking down he smirked at the Charmeleon knowing it could freely have its meal outside while his opponent was stuck in here. Screeching again it took off and swooped down at Charmeleon who dove out of the way. Standing up he saw where his opponent was going, taking Ash with him. He could not let him get away. Unfortunately, rage had taken over. And in his rage, he evolved.
Roaring in anger his body grew and wings sprouted from his back. Evolution was already a painful process in general. Forcing evolution highlighted those pains. And having been in several battles in the last few hours his body was already sore. Stretching out his wings he looked at them for a moment before grinning savagely. He finally had wings! Looking up he saw that the Aerodactyl was nearly out of the cavern. Flapping his wings, he quickly became used to the weight and took off upwards in pursuit of his opponent. Flying out of the hole he knocked several people onto their back from the sonic-boom his speed had created. Aerodactyl were known as being one of the fastest flying types alive. But Charizard in his determination to catch up was doing just that. Aerodactyl had just set Ash down on a rock and was preparing to eat when an orange missile barrelled into it sending it flying off the rocks. Flapping its wings to regain its bearings he expanded his wings and soared and righted himself and looked around for what had hit him. Seeing the Charizard it became very angry, screeched and charged. The next twenty minutes wasn't a battle, it was a fight. Unfortunately for Aerodactyl, who had been used to eating whatever prey it liked had picked a fight with a Charizard that was trained. Charizard, while filled with rage heard a voice in the back of his mind giving him commands. Instinctively he obeyed and soon enough he had come out on top.
Aerodactyl gave as much as it could give but Charizard's rage blinded him to any pain he was feeling from the attacks and had soon thrown Aerodactyl down onto the pillar next to Ashs. Landing on the rock he put his clawed foot his opponents shoulder blades and pinned Aerodactyl down. Knowing he was victorious he roared to the skies and released a huge ball of flame. From underneath his foot Aerodactyl started trying to wiggle out. It had managed to wiggle its body so that it was facing upwards and started screeching in anger. Charizard was having none of that and bit down onto Aerodactyl's neck and tore its throat out.
Ash had seen this as he had woken not long after the battle started and started shouting commands up to Charizard, his last one of Outrage was all that was needed to finish off the fight. Seeing his Pokémon had evolved filled Ash with a huge sense of pride, seeing him school a fearsome predator made him so happy and when he saw Charizard throw Aerodactyl down in victory he inwardly cheered. He noticed however during Charizard's celebrations that the Aerodactyl was still moving. He knew that before it got away, he would need to make his way over to the pillar because Charizard was still under the influence of Outrage. Just as he had leapt from the pillar to the other he barrel rolled to his feet in time to see Charizard rip out the Aerodactyl's throat and hear Charizard release another deafening roar.
"Charizard" Ash shouted. Immediately Charizard turned his anger filled gaze upon Ash who walked forwards until he was three feet away "you need to calm down buddy". Charizard stepped off the downed Aerodactyl and roared in Ash's face. Specks of spit and blood washed over Ash along with an incredibly intense heat. Before anything else could happen, Ash grabbed Charizards head and pulled it down, so their heads were touching "I know you're in there buddy. You need to stop now. You've won. And I'm so proud of you Charizard. I should have told you this before our last serious talk but out of everyone I have gathered in my family you were the one I felt the most protective of. I never told anyone this except my mother, but I grew up on the stories of my father's Charizard and how strong it was. It's the very reason that I asked for a Charmander before I started my journey when I realised I probably wouldn't get Pikachu due to him being wild.
And when I met you for the first time, I immediately knew I would have regretted it because it wouldn't have been you. I'm so proud to have met you Charizard. I am very sorry that I sent you away without explaining why. My only defence is that I am still a young trainer who doesn't always get decisions right. But I know I made the right decision becoming your trainer. And I'm so proud to have become your trainer. In just seven months you have gone from a Charmander at the brink of death to a Charizard who has just beaten an Aerodactyl on your own. You have more than proved Damian wrong. I just wanted you to know that whatever decision you take when we reach Pallet Town, I will fully support you. You will always be family to me no matter what you decide. I just wanted you to know that."
Throughout Ash's speech Charizard's mind slowly cleared up. And with every word Ash spoke Charizard became more and more aware of where he was. He was surprised at what Ash said. He never gave any indication that he valued him that much. Ash was very stunted emotionally; all his Pokémon knew this. He was never harsh with any of them unless they went over the line with something. Charizard finally realised that he had crossed a line learning Blast Burn on his own, but the blame was from both parties, and he was being incredibly selfish to want to leave at the first bit of unhappiness. After all, how can you resolve an issue if you just leave? After a minute of taking all this in Charizard gently bumped his head with Ash and snorted. Turning to his downed opponent Charizard snorted and then looked back at Ash. Getting onto all fours Charizard offered Ash his wing and growled.
"You want me to get on?" Ash asked surprised.
Charizard snorted again and rolled his eyes as if to say "Obviously". Climbing on and securing himself behind Charizard's shoulder blades he marvelled at the muscles on his back as he flapped his wings and began to take off. To be able to carry Ash, who wasn't light and still fly as if unencumbered amazed Ash. Charizard soared around the hole letting Ash take a look at where he had fallen before gently heading downwards and landing next to Brock, Joy and Brandon. Climbing off Ash and Charizard butted heads again before Charizard pressed the button on his ball with a clawed hand and retreated into it. Sighing Ash looked up to see Brock looking amazed and Joy happy. Immediately though every ache and pain Ash felt came back and he collapsed blacking out.
Hours later Ash woke up in a comfy bed. To his side was his belt of Pokémon and his Pokedex. On his other side though was a sleeping Pikachu. As gently as he could he grimaced as he propped himself up and grabbed Pikachu and placed him on his chest. Pikachu immediately woke up.
"Hi Ash" he said.
"Hi Pi" Ash said gently smiling at his first friend "how are you doing?"
"Better than all of you" Pi said seriously "but you're here now and that's all that matters."
Before he could answer the flap opened and Brandon and Brock walked into the room.
"You gave us quite a scare there, Ash" Brandon said. "What happened down there?"
"Yeah sorry" Ash said grimacing as he moved his legs out of the bed. Waving Brock away who rushed to help "I'm ok Brock. Just battered and bruised. Nothing is broken as far as I'm aware. Can I tell you while I eat? I've not had anything since before I met you and I'm hungry." Picking up his pokeball belt and Pokedex he dressed himself and followed Brandon out of the room into the big room he first met him in. Joy saw him up and rushed over to give him a hug. Grimacing he thanked her and was released when she realised he was still in pain. Looking over to the side he noticed his bag was there. Opening it up he was surprised to find the egg still intact. Taking it out he carried it over to a surprised Joy. "I found this down there. Can you check it over please? Also, my Pokémon need healing. Especially my Ivysaur. He has a severely torn petal." Joy nodded and took Ash's pokeball belt. Before she could leave, he grabbed one of them off the belt but didn't say anything. Confused she left them to discuss what happened.
The next few hours Ash discussed in detail what had happened down in the canyon. It was somewhat cathartic to Ash. While he wasn't traumatised, he was very thankful to still be alive. After all, how many times in a few hours can one put their life at risk? Winding down his story he told them of the battle in the sky and that he calmed Charizard down by talking to him. What was discussed would stay between them though.
"Well Ash" Brandon said "by sheer accident you may not have found the temple we were after, but you've discovered Pokémon once thought to be extinct very much alive. When we send a team down, we will have to be very careful. Thankfully there's one less predator down there."
"Two" Ash said holding up his pokeball "I caught the Tyrunt. We didn't want it waking up and calling for mum. Unfortunately, mum arrived anyway. I don't want it. I've had enough of vicious fossil Pokémon for one lifetime."
"So, what do you plan on doing with it?" Brock asked curiously.
"Well, I planned on asking Brandon for his advice actually" Ash said looking at him "I don't know of any sanctuaries for revived fossils, let alone ones that never died."
"There are a few in other regions." Brandon said, "we could probably send it to one of them."
"I'll take it" Brock said shocking them "I already have two fossils I have trained from being revived, and I did come here to try and find another one."
"Can you handle a Tyrunt or Tyrantrum?" Brandon asked seriously.
"Yes" Brock said "I have a Kaputops and an Omastar. They're not easy to handle but I'm sure with all my Pokémon's help we will be ok. If it gets too much, I will let Lance know or yourself and we will relocate it to one of the sanctuaries."
"Very well" Brandon said standing up "thank you for all your help today, Ash. I'm glad you're ok. Hopefully I see you around soon."
"I think that's our cue to leave, you can sleep in my tent tonight Ash" Brock said laughing. Ash stood up wincing and followed Brock out. The crowd from before had thinned considerably and they headed towards Joys tent. Walking inside he saw that Joy had placed the egg in an incubator and was just finishing up healing his Pokémon.
"Your Pokémon are fine" Joy said "I had no trouble healing their minor injuries. They just need rest for a few days. Ivysaur however isn't ok. His petal may never heal fully, but that's the only issue you might have. Charizard forced himself to evolve so you will need to let him out over the next few days to get used to his body. No training for two days for him. Aside from that everything is good. the egg is perfectly fine too. It should hatch in the next month or so. Just keep it incubated. As for you, you are not allowed to exercise too strenuously for a week. Your body needs to heal."
Thanking Joy Ash followed Brock back to his campsite. Setting up his tent was arduous as he was still very sore, but he insisted that he'd sleep in that tonight. Brock after all deserved his privacy. That evening as they all sat around the campfire Ash reflected on what a day it had been. It seemed crazy that his journey would continue after nearly dying again. His bed was a very welcome sight that night. Closing his eyes, he sent a silent thank you to Arceus for keeping him alive and introducing him to his family.
