Chapter 26
The next morning Ash woke up and immediately regretted doing so. Every ache and pain he had from yesterday came back full force. Steeling himself he painfully got out of his sleeping bag and walked outside. After relieving himself in one of the port-a-loo's stationed around the campsite he headed back to his tent and began to pack up.
"Leaving so soon" a voice asked from behind. Turning around he saw Brock standing there with a brew in his and smirking at Ash.
"Yeah" Ash said "I want to make Pallet Town inside the week. Sitting around doing nothing isn't my kind of thing. I'll heal better by walking. Plus, I have a better recovery rate due to aura" he finished shrugging.
"No problem, Ash" Brock said "keep in touch yeah? I'll let you know how the book launch goes."
Nodding painfully Ash shouldered his backpack, shook Brocks's hand and made his way down the valley. As he walked down the steps to the valley floor, he skirted around the hole that had been created yesterday. Looking at it from the air didn't really give it the justice it deserved. Shaking his head Ash walked by it, ignoring all the people already milling around and carried on down the route towards Pallet Town. There were no towns or cities that Ash knew of along the route but there was a Pokémon centre three days away. Walking was tough going as Ash was still in a fair amount of pain, but he soldiered on, stopping only at a river to refresh his water canteen. That evening he set up camp in a small clearing they had found just off the beaten path. As he sat down by the fire, he called out Machoke, Ivysaur and Wartortle.
"First off guys I want to say thank you so much for your help down in the cavern. Every single one of you played a part in taking down that Tyrantrum. Machoke, even though you were knocked out by a lucky shot it was your blow that severely injured its leg. Wartortle thank you for being extremely brave in taking it head on. Your effort was invaluable. Ivysaur, I'm so sorry about your petal. Nurse Joy told me you'll all make a full recovery. However, your petal may never be whole again. I'm so sorry Ivysaur."
"It is what it is Ash" Ivysaur said sighing "we did what we had to do to survive. I can work around a broken petal. I'm just grateful we all survived."
"What Ivysaur said" Wartortle chirped in with "we couldn't outrun the Tyrantrum, battle was inevitable, so I thought I'd get the first shot in. it worked."
"It did" Machoke said in his slow voice "and I'm happy to have played my part. I cannot help but notice though that one of us is missing."
"Ah yeah" Ash said sighing "Charmeleon. Something happened down in the cavern. Something happened to him that has forever changed him. Charmeleon isn't going to be travelling around with us anymore".
"Is he ok?"
"What happened?"
"Where is he?"
"Ash stop being a moron" Pikachu said sternly "you're worrying them all unnecessarily."
"Sorry guys" Ash said sheepishly "just my little joke." Taking out a pokeball he tossed it in the direction that had a bit of space. While they were expecting Charmeleon they were all shocked as the light kept on growing.
Charizard came out of his pokeball and stretched his wings and cracked his neck. "Those things are cramped" he growled before realising he was not alone. Looking at the camp he noticed all his teammates staring at him in shock. "What?" he growled.
Instead of an answer every one of them stampeded over to him and piled on him, greeting him. Quickly he shifted his wings so that they didn't get bent behind him as they glomped him.
"All right, all right. That's enough now" Ash said coming over to Charizards aid and began pulling them off his fallen fire type.
"Thanks Ash" he growled looking at them "go on, get the questions over with."
"What happened?" Machoke asked sitting back down.
Hours later after they had all gone to bed Ivysaur woke up and walked out to the camp. Sitting looking up at the stars was Charizard. Sitting beside him he waited for Charizard to speak.
"I always wanted to evolve. As a youngling I knew that I wanted to fly. I have no idea why, but the yearning never left me. When I received a trainer for the first time, I tried my best to become the best. Damian was an idiot, but he was what Arceus picked for me. I remember him sending me out against a Wartortle. I lost badly. He expected me to know moves I had never been taught and thought type disadvantages didn't matter if you believed you were strong. I was barely trained again after that. A month after that I was sent out against a Bellsprout who had clearly been trained and yet again it wiped the floor with me. But still that yearning to become strong stayed with me. I thought sitting on that rock that the rain would make me stronger, after all if you can survive a storm then a water move shouldn't be too much trouble, should it?
I should have died that night Ivysaur. By rights I should no longer be here. But then I was saved by Ash and for months afterwards I would often reflect on that night and question why. Why was I saved when thousands of us aren't? Why was I picked over everyone else? Why didn't Arceus give me to Ash to start with if I had a greater destiny than dying on a rock alone? Was the suffering necessary? And then why did Ash send us both away in Porta Vista, did he not trust us to help him? I was so angry when I found out what happened. It was only through talking with his mum that I realised that he trusted us both to help out the people the city. And then Fuchsia happened and he sent me away again."
"That was a collective agreement Charizard" Ivysaur said interrupting for the first time "we got it wrong, or rather the punishment given to you was harsh. But at the time all we could think about was what we could have lost. You have dragons blood flowing through you, and you were remarkably arrogant about the situation. When we told you, you stubbornly ignored what could have happened and focused on the fact you were trying to win a battle. You didn't stop and think that it was the wrong course of action to take. And ever since then your mindset hasn't changed."
"I still think I was right" Charizard said looking back up to the sky "I know what I did was wrong, but I was trying to win a battle so that Ash could progress."
"No, you weren't" Ivysaur said snorting "you were angry that a bug type had you beat. Something that should have been a breeze to get past was beating you, easily. Your arrogance and ego got in the way. Don't look at me like that, you know it to be true. Koga's entire challenge is based on that kind of strategy."
"Hmph" Charizard said "you may have a point. But Ash still should have told us all what moves we can't learn. He's partly at fault too."
"He knows this" Ivysaur said "and he's been beating himself up about it ever since. The question is have you forgiven yourself yet?"
"What do you mean?" Charizard asked confused "forgiven myself for what?"
"For getting it wrong and acting rashly uncaring of the consequences" Ivysaur said "the week away from us was about that more than anything. You were sent away to be given time to think."
"I didn't have time to think" Charizard growled "when I wasn't with Sam at the ranch, I was with his Charizard who took great delight in calling me an arrogant whelp and throwing me around." Letting out a snort of smoke he carried on "I know why, I just don't like the methods used. There are better ways of explaining why I was in the wrong."
"I'm sorry about that" Ivysaur said shaking his head "how are you dealing with killing?"
"Oh, that doesn't enter my thoughts" Charizard said nonchalantly "it was him or me. And if he'd have won, he'd have killed Ash. That can't happen."
"Oh, so you respect him again?" Ivysaur asked smirking.
"I never lost respect for him as a trainer, just as a person." Charizard said giving Ivysaur the stink-eye "mistakes were made from both parties. I can see that more clearly now."
"Are you staying?" Ivysaur asked.
"I'm undecided yet" Charizard replied "we'll see what the week brings. Changing the subject completely when are you evolving?"
Laughing Ivysaur replied "I'm wearing this everstone for a reason. I have no plans to just yet. I still want to master a few more moves. I dunno, I just don't think I'm ready yet."
"It's worth it" Charizard said seriously "I feel right now. Like a hurdle has been jumped and I'm onto the next step."
"Who knows" Ivysaur said standing up "it will happen when it's meant to. Good night Charizard."
Walking back into the tent Ivysaur never noticed a still awake Ash staring at the roof of his tent having heard every word.
The next few days were spent walking along the path. Thankfully for Ash the stream had turned into a river so they were able to wash his clothes. Taking off his top, he rolled his pants up and waded into the river. Ash enjoyed the relaxed nature of what he was doing as he swam about for a bit. He was still covered in bruises, but the water was so gentle around his legs and torso that he just smiled. It was times like this that he really enjoyed travelling. That evening he made it to the Pokémon Centre and quickly headed to bed. Waking up in the middle of the night he noticed something was wrong. The door was open. Looking around he noticed Ivysaur had disappeared. Waking everyone up he told them what had happened. Recalling them all he dressed and went to step outside when he was stopped by Nurse Joy who held her finger to her lips and motioned for him to follow her. Walking over to a window she pointed outside. Ash joined her and gasped in awe. Outside on the path headed east were dozens of Bulbasaur and Ivysaur walking along the path.
"What's going on?" Ash asked quietly.
"Something I never thought I'd see. It's the Bulbasaur's migration to the Mysterious Garden." Joy said crying happily.
"Oh yeah," Ash said "Ivysaur told me about that place a while back. It's supposed to be tended to by a Royal Venusaur. A Shaymin sacrificed its life centuries ago to protect the place and it changes place every year. Ivysaur hoped one day to be able to see it. Look the Bulbasaur have gone now. I'm going to try and find my Ivysaur. Hopefully he's ok."
After being told to be careful Ash ran along the path using his aura to pick up the trail. When he came to a fork in the road the trail headed off the path down a small gulley. As stealthily as he could Ash made his way through a hidden path at the bottom. Ahead a huge concentration of aura was gathered in one place. As the forest started to thin out Ash began to see more and more. Coming to an end Ash saw a huge clearing that was covered with Bulbasaur and Ivysaur. The sky was closed off by a huge dome of trees that covered the entire field, but the trees there easily reached forty feet into the air. How the hell was this place concealed? Looking around for a bush he found one that was tall enough to conceal him. Hiding behind it he scanned the crowd for his Ivysaur. There must have been at least a hundred Bulbasaur and Ivysaur gathered in this place. He eventually spotted him near the back.
"He's over there Pi" Ash said quietly pointing him out.
As one though everyone quietened and looked towards the opposite side of where Ash was. Huge thick vines were acting as a doorway in between the hedges and when they parted Ash had to hold in a gasp as a huge Venusaur walked out and observed the masses. Taking out his pokegear he quietly started recording.
"Greetings my young bulbs. It is truly a pleasure to see all of you here on this magical night. On this night we give thanks to Lady Arceus and to Lady Shaymin who sacrificed her life to ensure this place is forever hidden from time. On this night we honour her by evolving and spreading her pollen across the world. It is a great gift you are receiving. Are all of you ready to begin?" through the chorus of "Yes's" came a lone voice of "No."
"Which young bulb said no?" the Venusaur asked.
"I did" came a voice from the back. The crowd parted and Ash was surprised to see it was his Ivysaur. "I'm not ready yet."
The crowd parted as Venusaur walked forwards until he was five feet away. It was only seeing them together that ash realised just how colossal the Venusaur was. It was easily fifteen feet wide and ten feet tall. "Why aren't you ready young bulb?"
"I haven't learned enough yet. My trainer and I have an agreement that when I feel ready and I have learned and mastered every move I can then, and only then will I evolve. I have yet to do so. So, I will not be evolving this night."
"You would defy Lady Arceus' will?" Venusaur asked curiously.
"Lady Arceus' will does not govern me, Lord Venusaur. My will is my own." Ivysaur said.
Mutters went round the collective bulb Pokémon. Here was one of their own openly defying Lady Arceus' will.
"Usually, such blasphemy would be stamped out, but you have made me curious. Why do you believe that?" Venusaur asked.
"I believe that because my trainer is a Chosen One" Ivysaur said shocking them all.
"You lie" Venusaur said growing angry at the words.
"I have no reason to lie" Ivysaur said confidently "My trainer, Ash Ketchum is a Chosen One. Picked by Lady Arceus herself at the age of six and trained in the use of Aura. He then rescued me from abandonment along with others who Arceus set in his path to combat a threat later this year. With him I have become stronger than anyone other than maybe you are here today. Our companions have learned to be feared by gym leaders, Ash is feared by Psychics, and we will defeat the menace together. I have absolute faith in him."
"Your conviction backs up your words young bulb" Venusaur said "however your words contradict you. If you do not believe Arceus' will governs you then why do you praise her for the life you have led so far with your human?"
"I'm afraid I don't have an answer that will satisfy you Lord Venusaur" Ivysaur said "I have seen a lot and been through a lot in the last six months. I know Lady Arceus put me in Ash's path. However, I have no idea why Arceus placed the burden of survival of us all on a six-year-olds shoulders and then left him to stumble in the dark for the next five years. Her edicts contradict everything I believe in. She should have long since stepped in to sort out the Pokémon world but hasn't. Instead, she's let scum like Team Rocket poach us, given us abusive trainers and expected us to just be happy with our lot in life and refused to directly help Ash knowing that should he fail, the world will burn. Over the last six months Ash has saved Lord Zapdos from certain death at the hands of Team Rocket, killed an Ancient who nearly destroyed a city almost at the cost of his own life, and permanently eliminated cells of Team Rocket at the cost of his mental health. And Lady Arceus has never once stepped in to help. Why? So, until I get answers to all those Lord Venusaur, I will not trust her word to be absolute."
Silence rang out around the clearing. The gathered Bulbasaur and Ivysaur looked at each other. Every single one of them had wondered about this at some point but couldn't explain it as eloquently as the Ivysaur did.
"You are wise beyond your years" Venusaur said as he turned around and walked back to the front "I will give you a piece of advice. Keep that mindset young bulb and you will go far" turning to the rest he said "This is the first time in three hundred years that I have heard any other bulb utter those words. Every single year I hope beyond hope that one of you will have the strength to ask the necessary questions. Every year after this event I have prayed to Lady Arceus for answers as to why Lady Shaymin sacrificed herself when she could easily have stepped in and saved her life. I have yet to receive an answer. I just have to trust her judgement. You may leave in peace young Ivysaur. And your trainer who is hiding behind that bush may do so as well."
Ash had been quiet throughout the entire speech. He was so proud of Ivysaur for standing up for himself. Hearing his words filled Ash with an enormous sense of pride. Hearing everything put into perspective like that had Ash questioning Arceus again. He had forgotten his main quest due to everything that had happened to him lately. Listening to Ivysaur speak Ash went over the questions he posed to the Venusaur. Hearing Venusaur mention him Ash quickly put his pokegear away and walked out. He made his way over to Ivysaur and knelt down in front of him.
"I took your advice and talked to Charizard the other day when we were alone about my feelings on the matters we are going through. I even made a speech that will stay between us two. I will also make one now so bear with me. I am incredibly proud to call you a member of my family Ivysaur. I have no doubts that it's been your caring nature that has created the harmonious atmosphere in our group. And from the moment I received you I've been very envious at how wise you are. Your words about Arceus are right. She hasn't given me direct help, which is frustrating. But she has given me something far more important, to me at least. She's given me you. I'm not great at expressing my emotions as you know but I just wanted you to know how much I value you and your friendship. Like Venusaur said, in three hundred years you are the only one to refuse evolution here and call into question why you have to go through with it when you don't want to. Stand tall Ivysaur. I'm very proud of you."
"You are a strange human" Venusaur said "I can see why Arceus chose you young human, just as I can see why the wise bulb was chosen to be your partner. But you must leave now, it is time for our celebration."
Nodding Ash stood up as Venusaur roared and a path opened up where Ash had entered. Straight backed Ash and Ivysaur walked out of the garden and up towards the valley. Behind them huge thick vines prevented access as they emerged on the path. They walked in silence to the Pokémon Centre. Walking in he said goodnight to a very sleepy looking Nurse Joy and went to bed. Before he went to sleep Ivysaur looked over at his sleeping trainer and said a quiet "thank you" before drifting off. The next morning after explaining what happened to Joy and his Pokémon Ash headed back out onto the road.
The following few days were spent just chatting and walking. He saw his first signpost that said Pallet Town 87km and began for the first time in a long time to get excited about going home. "If we try and walk 20km a day we will be there in four and a half days. But it should take five at most" Ash told his friends.
Knowing the end was in sight they pressed on. The next day however they came across something very curious. Ash had easily spotted it, due to his aura pinging that someone was close by and walked over to the bush.
"Why are you hiding in there?" Ash asked. Hearing a muttered expletive, a young boy came out of the bushes with a camera.
"I saw a Charizard flying overhead from a distance before you came into view and was hoping to get a picture of you." the boy said.
"That's very creepy" Ash said frowning "why are you being a peeping Tom?"
"Oh no," the boy said "you misunderstand me. I wasn't after a picture of you. It was your Pokémon I was after taking a picture of. My names Todd and I work for Pokémon Pal. I travel around the region taking pictures of Pokémon in their natural habitats."
"Oh ok" Ash said less confused "My names Ash. Next time ask for a picture, ok?"
"But how would I get the perfect picture of you guys being relaxed? Forced pictures don't encapsulate what I'm after capturing." Todd said hanging his head. "Say do you know of anywhere where I can take pictures of wild Pokémon?"
Taking out his pokegear he quickly showed Todd the many pictures he had taken. "Well, there's the Safari Zone, there's a place next to it called the Laramie Ranch just outside of Fuchsia. No Pokémon are allowed to be caught there, they are all wild but as long as you don't annoy them, they'll leave you alone. I've just come from a place called Granpa Canyon where there's an excavation happening for fossil Pokémon. It's about a five day walk back in that direction. There's a Pokémon Centre along the way where you can stay. If you decide to go there, then make sure to check in with the leader of the dig. He's called Brandon. If he says no pictures, then it means no pictures. On the road to Celadon from Fuchsia there's also a place called Diglett Valley which is beautiful. I'd highly recommend going there anyway. I'm planning on revisiting it when I have the chance just to see the natural ecosystem. Celadon Park is home to a few bug Pokémon, Viridian Forest too. Rock Tunnel is good for ground and rock Pokémon. The coral reefs at Porta Vista should be open to visitors now too. As you can see there are many places available to you."
Todd just cycled through the pictures Ash had taken and looked up with awe at the various places. "There's so many places to visit" he said quietly "why haven't you published these?"
"Mainly because places like Diglett Valley and the Laramie Ranch are private places that need to be preserved" Ash relied "If I published photos, then tourists may ruin the areas. Professor Oak and I are having a meeting with the regional board for Outstanding Natural Beauty in about six months about putting things in place to protect these areas at all cost. Here, here's my email address. If you find anything you feel is worth protecting or need more information about these areas, then feel free to ask. I'm not an expert by any means but I have been to these places, so I know what they're like. I hope you find what you're after Todd."
"Thank you" Todd said, "where are you headed?"
"I'm headed home. Pallet Town is a few days away. So, I'm headed there. We're on the gym challenge" Ash said, "I'm then headed for Seafoam and Cinnabar."
"Well good luck" Todd said as he walked away looking at Ash's card with his email address on it.
Ash simply shook his head and walked away. "That was very strange Pikachu, wasn't it?"
"Very" Pi nodded "he's lucky we didn't attack first."
"Personal growth" Ash said laughing. A few hours later Ash came across another strange sight. Out in the middle of nowhere a building slowly came into view. In front of the doors several people were standing in a queue. Walking up towards them Ash tapped one of them on the shoulder.
"Excuse me, but what's going on? What is this place?" he asked.
"How can you not know of this place? This place is world famous. This is the Pokémon League Admissions building."
"Oh, for Arceus sake" Ash said shaking his head "another useless bloody place like the Poketech where getting a pass to the Pokémon League is based on sitting an exam. Come on Pi. This place will give us nothing."
"Is that so?" a man asked walking out and standing in front of Ash. He was fairly tall, wearing a blue sports outfit and seemed to be athletically built "and who are you to say that young man?"
"I am Junior Professor Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town. I have seen most of these exams you do, in fact I redesigned a few for Professor Oak a few years ago but they refused to implement them. You use the same exam every year. You give people nonsense questions like guess the silhouette of a ball, which could be any bloody Pokémon that's curled up and then mark people down if it's not the one you have personally chosen. The only worthy challenge this place has is using Pokémon in a battle that aren't your own to test your skill."
The crowd that was assembled began to mutter at Ash's comments. Was he really that smart? Were the really going to be shafted by having to guess what Pokémon was curled up into a ball?
"Well, you'll have no problem passing then wont you?" the man asked furious at the lack of respect.
"I already have six badges" Ash said shaking his head "I have no need for a fake one that gives me a free pass to the league. But I suppose it will be good to place it in my trophy cabinet at home. Lead the way."
Turning around the man led everyone in the hall where they all received their numbers. Ash was given Number 1
"I'm going to need your pokeballs for the challenge. You're not permitted to use your own Pokémon" the instructor said.
"If you think I'm going to hand over my Pokémon you must have a screw loose" Ash said snorting incredulously "This whole thing is a farce that I'd rather get over and done with. No, you're not having my Pokémon. I can promise I won't use my own. That's the most you're getting from me."
Growling the man moved on to the next person as Ash sat down on a bench and observed the people around him. Many of them looked unhappy at his blasé attitude, some were eying him up curiously. One girl blatantly batted her eyelids at him. Ash just shook his head and waited. Ash was very surprised when a Nurse Joy came over and started chatting with him. He learned from her that she was planning on challenging the league to become the first Joy Champion. She was doing this alongside her healing training. Ash spoke to her about his interactions with her various relatives and what he'd been up to lately. Soon enough though they were all gathered into the big hall that was full of computers. Ash of course was sat directly in front of everyone. Shaking his head again he waited for the instructor to explain the rules.
"The first challenge is to see how well you know Pokémon characteristics. You will be asked twenty questions increasing in difficulty. The pass mark for this round is seventy-five percent. Anyone under that will not be admitted into the following rounds. You may begin whenever you're ready."
Ash breezed through the first fifteen questions. And only struggled on one which was about which way the spirals on a Poliwhirl go. As it was fifty-fifty Ash just guessed and moved on. Soon enough he had finished and waited for the next part.
"Ok, times up" the instructor said, "let's see how well you've all done." Looking up at the screen Ash noticed that he had come joint first with Nurse Joy on 19/20 with the answers displayed. The one he got wrong was the Poliwhirl question.
"Not as smart as you think, eh Ash?" the instructor said nastily.
"You asked us which way a Poliwhirls spiral goes" Ash said shrugging his shoulders. "It's a fifty-fifty. I'm not bothered about getting that one wrong."
Ignoring him the instructor looked at the board and had to eliminate ten people who didn't get the fifteen correct answers needed.
"The next part is how well you recognise parts of Pokémon. Again, you need seventy-five percent. The first question is to identify this silhouette." It was a blanked out ball. Ash just started laughing.
"You see what I mean? It could be bloody anything. Off the top of my head, I can name six Pokémon it could be" Ash said shaking his head and putting down Sandshrew.
Furious the instructor carried on "the answer is Jiggypuff seen from above."
Again, Ash stated laughing "what absolute bollocks. Can I ask how many people here put that?" looking around he noticed only one person put their hand up.
"Do you mind Mr Ketchum. This is still an exam" the instructor shouted.
"Not my fault you're making shit up as you go along." Ash said, "carry on then."
"What Pokémon has this swirl on its belly?"
"Haven't we just done this?" Ash muttered and put in Poliwag. He knew it changed direction when they evolved and as he knew he had got the previous round wrong he knew he was right with this one.
"Next question. What Pokémon has this tail."
"What Pokémon has these hands."
And so, it went on with Ash putting in who he thought it was. When the scores were revealed Ash found he was joint first again with Nurse Joy with 8/10.
"It seems that you do have some talent then" the instructor said passing by "But the last challenge will show everyone how incompetent you are."
"Bring it on" Ash said standing up "I've already shown everyone here how much of a farce your questions are. Don't be mad at me for pointing it out."
Growling the instructor took to the podium. "Congratulations to the ones who have passed. You have all done very well. Now it is time for the last exam. Battles. In this test you will be given three random Pokémon and face off against me in a battle. You simply have to win. However, there's a catch. You will not be able to know what Pokémon you have selected until it is released in battle. Is that understood?" receiving nods he led them all out to the field out back. "You will battle in the order that you came for the exams. That means Nurse Joy and Ash Ketchum will receive their Pokémon first. Would you two please come forward."
Walking forward with Joy he knew what was going to happen. He was going to be given the least trained Pokémon on offer. "Joy these are for you" he said handing her three pokeballs "and these are for you Ketchum" he said handing him three. "Good luck both of you."
Joy won two out of the three battles she had and passed. Ash stepped onto the battlefield and handled the three balls he was given. The instructor was an idiot Ash decided. Using his aura on them he discovered just who he had. Smirking, he could work with these depending on what moves they knew and who his opponents would be.
Taking the place opposite Ash the instructor sent out a Rhyhorn. He had battled one before, so he knew their weaknesses.
"Let's go Sandslash" Ash said surprising the instructor.
"How did you know what Pokémon it was?" the instructor said. "Rhyhorn use Take Down"
"Trade secret" Ash said "Sandslash Dig."
Sandslash quickly dove underground and out of reach of the Rhyhorn who stopped and looked around confused. "Earthquake Rhyhorn" the man said.
"Come on up quick Sandslash and use Sand Attack" Sandslash did as asked and threw the Rhyhorn away from it before blinding it by throwing sand in its eyes. Furiously it started charging anywhere it could.
"This one is over. Circle around, wait for it to charge past you and Use Slash on its hind legs." Ash commanded.
The instructor grimaced as he could do nothing to a charging Rhyhorn. Sandslash executed its moves perfectly and slashed at the Rhyhorn's legs making it buckle and pant exhausted. "Finish it with Slash" Sandslash lit up both sets of claws and swiped several times across its face before delivering the final blow and knocking it out. Recalling it he looked over at the instructor who was red with anger.
"Next?" Ash asked smirking.
"Let's go Poliwrath" the instructor shouted releasing a big blue Pokémon.
"Let's go Bellsprout" Ash said looking over at the furious man.
"I demand to know how you know what Pokémon it is before you release it" he shouted.
"Bellsprout, use Razor Leaf" Ash said. Immediately Bellsprout hit Poliwrath with razor sharp leaves. They were nowhere near as sharp as his Ivysaurs ones Ash observed but they still seem to do some damage as it cried out in pain.
"Charge through and use Submission" the man shouted. Poliwrath obeyed and began charging forwards.
"Vine Whip its legs to trip it up. Then use Stun Spore." Ash shouted. The poor Poliwrath went flying on its face as the Bellsprout stepped out of its way and sent yellow powder all over the field and the big blue Pokémon. "Vine Whip until it faints" he Poliwrath struggled to get to its feet. Every time it managed it, it received a vine to its face, its back, its legs. After a few minutes of being battered it simply gave up and didn't try to move.
"Well done, Bellsprout" Ash said recalling it. "Last battle" he shouted.
Growling the instructor released a Fearow.
"Let's go Meowth" Ash said making the man start to froth at the mouth.
"Fearow, use Drill Peck" he shouted. "And don't stop."
Shaking his head at the man Ash just waited until the bird was about twenty feet away, its rotating beak heading straight to the Meowth who waited for a command. "Be patient Meowth and trust me. Wait for now, we need to get it close but be ready. Screech now" Ash shouted. Immediately the Meowth began caterwauling in the Fearows direction. Fearow was too close to be able to dodge as the sound hit its ears and caused it considerable pain and it went ploughing into the ground as it was unable to focus on its target. "Fury Swipes" Ash said as Meowth leapt upon the Fearow and started slashing away. Frantically the Fearow threw Meowth away and flapped its wings to try and escape. "Quickly Meowth, use Slash on the joint above its wings." Meowth did just that, as it started to rise it leapt onto Fearows back. The agony Fearow was in was unbearable for it. It screeched in pain as it dropped back down the ground, one wing hanging limply as it eyed its opponent. Panting in exhaustion Fearow simply fell backwards.
"Well done, Meowth" Ash said calling it back and walking onto the field as the crowd had been stunned into silence. Before anyone could say anything, Ash knelt down and gently grabbed its wing and began to heal its joint. The Fearow opened its eyes to see what was happening and was getting ready to attack when it felt the calmness overtake him and it passed out. When he was done Ash stood up and called Joy over. "It needs at least three days rest to help the wing recover. After that he should be fine."
Looking up he saw the man was about to explode and asked while smirking "can I have my badge now?" That set the man off.
"No, you are disqualified from the examination for excessive force and cheating." The crowd immediately began to boo and hiss at the man. It was plain to see that he was humiliated by the obviously more skilled trainer and had been all day from the moment they met.
Ash simply laughed and held up his hands to the crowd to quieten them. "I knew this would happen. It's ok. I didn't want the badge to start with. Hopefully next year you'll have grown into your big boy knickers and won't be as fragile." Ash walked over to the counter and placed the pokeball belt down with the three Pokémon he received. Pikachu jumped from the table he had been sat on to Ash's shoulder and they made their way from the field, out of the building and back onto the path.
"Well, that was illuminating" Ash said "I got to use three new Pokémon that I would never have used before. So at least this day wasn't a total bust."
The rest of the day passed by fairly quickly. He was now only two days out from Pallet Town and Ash was getting more worried as the time went on. Charizard would likely be leaving him very soon. He didn't want anyone to leave but a deal was a deal. As he was walking down the road, he noticed a strange shadow appear above him. Looking up he was amazed to see a Meowth Balloon descending in front of him on the path. As it touched the ground two people jumped out and tethered the balloon to the side of the path.
"Hey, It's Jessie and James" Pikachu said as they wandered over to them.
"Hey guys" Ash said, "you guys, ok?"
"No" James said looking sad "we tried to quit Team Rocket but when we told the boss he threatened to kill us. So, after talking it over Jessie and I came up with a plan."
"You mean I came up with a plan while you cried" Jessie said shaking her head "we decided to quit in secret, but still make it seem like we're part of Team Rocket. That way we don't get killed, the boss thinks we still work for him, and we keep getting paid. But we need your help."
"What can I do?" Ash asked warily "and where's the third member of your group? Didn't you have a talking Meowth?"
"We did" Jessie said sadly "but he was taken off us when we were arrested and imprisoned, and we haven't found him yet."
"We've been searching everywhere for him for six months now" James said "but we have no idea where he's gone. We miss him."
"We do" Jessie said agreeing. "Anyway, we came up with a plan. All we need from you is to go along with it."
"Go on" Ash said folding his arms.
"Well, the boss has asked for fortnightly updates on you" Jessie said "all we need from you is to let us follow you and see what you're doing. Obviously, we'll select what we say to him in the reports, but they'll still be as accurate as possible. We'll stage attacks on you, so it makes it look real, but we won't really be trying."
Ash looked at the nervous duo for a few minutes while he went over in his head what the had planned. "Wait there" Ash said as he walked out of earshot and chatted with Pikachu. After a few minutes of discussion Ash walked back over.
"No deal" he said causing them to look crestfallen "however I have an alternative. Your boss knows that I'm onto him given how his agents attacked me at the Safari Zone. He also likely knows that your talk about defection and sudden change of heart is likely a lie too. So, what I propose is this. You guys follow me. But you openly talk to me as if you're gaining my trust. After all I'm only twelve in a few weeks, you guys are nearly adults, so he'll think that I'm naïve and that it was a one off. I will give you enough information about me to keep him off your backs, but you guys provide me with information too. Obviously that bit will be between us. He doesn't know I know you're from Team Rocket, does he?"
"I don't think so" James said slowly looking at Jessie "I don't think he knows we've interacted at all up to now."
"Then whenever you interact with me ditch those Rocket outfits so it looks like we're just trainers meeting up and chatting" Ash said, "we know eventually you'll be reported to him about it, but at least this way he can see that you're trying an alternative to what the other two did and are succeeding in gaining my trust."
"Your idea has a lot of merit" Jessie said thoughtfully "how do we know you wont just turn us in though?"
"You don't" Ash said simply "but I have no obligation to do any of this for you either. And my offer is the least painful for you."
"So, we become your informants?" James said frowning "if that gets found out then we're as good as dead."
"I will keep your names out of anything I'm told." Ash said "I'm already hunting for information about what happened ten years ago to my dad. I can simply say I found information on my own like I have done with the rest of what I've found out. I'll tell you what, I'll give you guys a week to think about it. I'll be at my mums home in Pallet Town. My birthday is coming up so I'm spending at least a week with my her. After that I'll be headed to Cinnabar Island so you can find me there if you're not comfortable finding me in Pallet Town."
"That seems reasonable" Jessie said nodding "we'll talk it over. Thanks Ash."
"Yeah" James said, "thank you for at least hearing us out and not dismissing us."
"I'll see you soon then" Ash said as Jessie and James began preparing their balloon. Walking down the road Ash pulled out his pokegear and rang Professor Oak. Telling him what happened concerned Sam.
"Ash" he said, "they could be playing you here."
"I know" Ash said "I have no reason to trust them. But I am willing to give them the benefit of the doubt this time. They have one chance Sam. After that I turn them in."
"Very well" Sam said, "let's hope your hunch is correct."
"Me too" Ash replied "it's also why I've told you. I know full well what the repercussions of working alongside Team Rocket will have for my future. Or even the perception I'm working alongside them. At least by informing you, you know the truth."
"And I'm glad you did so Ash" Oak said "or I'd be severely disappointed in you for doing so. And it would be difficult to stand by you Ash. I cannot afford to do so. And neither can you."
"I'm aware" Ash said "I just have to hope I'm right about them. Can you do me a favour. Can you try and find out what happened to their Meowth? It talks, so it shouldn't be that difficult to know where he was sent. I have a hunch where it went, but I'm hoping I'm wrong."
"What's your hunch?" Sam asked curiously.
"I told one person about the attack in Viridian apart from you and mum. And he has the authority to do what he wants in Viridian as its gym leader. I still think Giovanni has some kind of connection to Team Rocket. Every bit of evidence I've come across points to him knowing what actually happened at his gym that day. I just have no proof. He's too clean, you know?"
"Yes" Sam said sighing "I know what you mean. The aftermath of your father's disappearance was a frantic time. But he was extraordinarily helpful in aiding the investigation. Almost too helpful now I think on it."
"I've only told my mother of my suspicions Sam" Ash said "please keep it between us. I'll let my mum know I've told you when I see her. I'm a day or two out from Pallet Town so we'll catch up properly when I'm home."
"No worries, Ash" Sam said cheerfully "I shall see you soon."
Hanging up Ash carried on down the road walking slightly quicker than usual. By the end of the day, they had made fantastic time and were less than a day out from Pallet Town. Making the campfire Ash told everyone of what had happened with Team Rocket. Every one of them were wary of Ash's plan but decided to trust his judgement.
"If I'm wrong then you have free reign on them" Ash said smiling. Fortunately, this made them all slightly happier. They had all had interactions with Team Rocket and apart from Machoke they had all been deadly interactions. The next day Ash quickly packed up and after their training session was over with headed back on down the road. Around midday Ash came to a crossroads with a sign at it leading three ways. Pallet Town was ahead, 5km away. Fuchsia was 130km behind them and Route 1 was the final available route to take. Smiling Ash headed down the road to Pallet Town. It was hard to believe he had been gone just eight months. The Pokémon League tournament was four and a half months away. So much had happened to him in such a short space of time. It was hard to believe that it had been less than a year. Cresting the hill on the path Ash stopped dead at the sight. There in the valley below them lay Pallet Town.
"Look Pi" Ash breathed out "we're home."
