Pumelo Island
The eight competitors were divided and sent to their respective quadrants. If they needed it, things like coats and googles were readily handed out. It was made clear to all that attempting to change the weather would not work as they had many pokemon around keeping up conditions.
Quadrant IV: No Change
Marley stood in her trainer box as Cheren came to stand across from her. She had to admit that this was a troublesome first battle. Not that all seven of her competitors weren't skilled, but from prior observations, the three strongest were Cheren, Harrison, and Ash.
None of them were in a particular order even with how the Mandarin Tournament played out. Out of those three, she felt Ash would be the worst match up for her considering his battle style.
Unpredictability was something she just couldn't handle.
"If I want a chance to beat Cheren, I'll either need to go with the advantage of Infernape or my strongest in Arcanine." As her opponent came to stand across from her, she made up her mind. "Cheren, you are a strong trainer, so I'll honor that with my best."
Even though Marley displayed no emotion, her eyes told Cheren all he needed about how she was feeling. "Those who reach for the top are the ones who give their best no matter the situation." Cheren thought back to the times he battled Hilbert.
"While I think you have that desire now, holding back at any point before a competition this important means you've limited yourself. So, I will give you my best as well just as I have done all throughout the Orange Archipelago."
"Show me what you mean." Marley stated plainly before throwing out her shiny. "Go, Infernape."
"Very well." Cheren threw a pokeball out. "We'll do this together, Snorlax!"
Cheren vs Marley
"Infernape, use mach punch." Marley commanded.
"Snorlax, use earthquake." Cheren ordered.
Infernape rushed forward landing a super effective, fast paced punch; however, Snorlax was able to tough it out before the ground shook violently, greatly damaging the fire/fighting type.
"Infernape, strike with close combat." Marley ordered.
"Hold strong Snorlax." Cheren commanded. "Then, strike back with zen headbutt."
Infernape moved quickly landing punches and kicks on the opposing pokemon. While Snorlax took a lot of damage, he held in there and struck with zen headbutt the moment there was an opening. This caused the Sinnoh starter to reel back from the super effective damage which was only compounded by close combat having lowered his defenses by a stage.
"Let's wrap this up with a body slam." Cheren ordered.
"Infernape, dodge and end this with blast burn." Marley commanded.
Infernape deftly dodged the coming pokemon before slamming his fist into the ground causing geysers of fire to crop up around the field.
"Snorlax, rest." Cheren instructed.
The fire washed over Snorlax, and when it dissipated, the normal type was on his back simply resting. While he was clearly damaged, the healing move had given him more than enough to survive the powerful fire move.
"With that, it's time to end this." Cheren stated. "Snorlax, use sleep talk."
Snorlax, still asleep, hopped to his feet before striking the Sinnoh starter with a powerful hammer arm. Both collapsed to the ground; however, only Infernape was unconscious.
Quadrant IV: No Change
"Infernape, take a good rest." Marely declared as she returned her pokemon. "I see what you meant now." She turned away from him. "Go on to the finish line. I won't chase you."
"That was a good battle Snorlax." Cheren returned his pokemon. "What are you…"
"I realize now that the seven of you have given your all to make it here while I have not." Marley walked off. "I lack the ability to truly give this my best, so I have decided to resign my place. I will begin a new journey with what I have learned in mind."
"Even though you didn't give it your all, you still earned your place here." Cheren reasoned.
"You will be unable to change my mind." Marley stopped and glanced back at him. "One day, I will come find you for a rematch."
She then proceeded on her way leaving Cheren to sigh and rub the back of his head. In the end, he knew she was right. He couldn't change her mind, so he decided to continue with this event.
"Let's go, Bouffalant." Cheren threw out his pokemon and hopped aboard his back. "Let's rush straight to the finish!"
Quadrant II, Snowstorm
Ash walked out onto the instructed battlefield at the same time as Zinnia. Both trainers stopped across from each other at a respectable distance to have their battle. Both trainers were equally determined with joy evident on their features for getting the chance to battle here.
"You don't know how long I've waited to have a battle with you, Ash." Zinnia declared as she choose one of her pokeball.
Ash was still confused because the way she talked implied they had history, yet he never met this girl until the Orange Archipelago. This was not a feeling unique to Ash; however, he couldn't let this slow him down.
"I'm not quite sure why you feel that way, but I do know I've wanted to battle or rebattle all of my fellow competitors." Ash declared as he choose his pokemon. "So, let's go."
"I choose you, Noivern/I choose you, Lapras!" Zinnia/Ash declared.
Ash vs Zinnia
"Noivern, use dragon pulse." Zinnia commanded.
"Lapras, use ancient power to buy time and dodge." Ash instructed.
Noivern opened his mouth and fired dragon energy while Lapras glowed a faint purple lifting multiple rocks. She sent them into the dragon pulse. While the dragon energy did overcome the rocks, Lapras was already on the move, and Noivern took damage from the hail.
While Ash and Lapras haven't mastered her moving on land, the transport pokemon was sufficient to move along atop the snow. As a bonus, ancient power activated its rare secondary effect to boost all her stats by one stage.
"Noivern, don't let them overtake your speed." Zinnia declared. "Use agility while ascending to avoid whatever they send our way."
"Lapras, stay on the move and use avalanche to ground your opponent." Ash commanded.
Lapras continued to move around the area as Noivern started to ascend and raise his speed by a full stage. He had little time to dodge as large spheres of ice rained down. This greatly impacted the dragon/flying type as he was sent crashing into the ground with further damage from hail.
"Noivern, use moonlight to restore yourself." Zinnia commanded. "Then, strike back with boomburst."
"Lapras, don't let her heal." Ash commanded. "Use ice beam."
Due to the prior speed boosting, Noivern was able to get off moonlight before being struck by ice beam. Even though the bad weather only restored a fraction of what it could, the sound wave pokemon was still able to weather the attack.
As a bonus, he managed to track the transport pokemon and launch the powerful sound-based move which knocked Lapras away. Noivern was still pelted by the hail which really began to show its effects on this battle in starting to slow the dragon/flying type.
"Now, follow it up with a hurricane." Zinnia ordered.
"Lapras, brace for the attack but don't fight it." Ash commanded. "
Lapras trusted her trainer and was sucked up by the attack which began to damage her.
"End this Lapras by aiming at the air all around you and using freeze-dry!" Ash ordered.
"Noivern, get out of there!" Zinnia panicked.
It was too late as Lapras glowed a powerful ice blue sending out ice energy into hurricane. Noivern was bombarded by the cold until he couldn't take it anymore and ended up crashing into the ground with swirls in his eyes. Lapras hit the ground too, but she was merely panting heavily.
Quadrant II: Snowstorm
"You were great Lapras." Ash held out her pokeball. "Return and take a good rest." He then got out his next pokeball immediately. "I choose you, Onix!" Ash's Hisuian Onix appeared, and he hopped on his back. "Full speed to the finish line!"
"Noivern, take a nice rest." Zinnia returned her pokemon and chose her next. "I choose you, Dracozolt!" She then hopped atop it. "After Ash and his Onix! We can't let them cross the finish line."
Onix sped on through the snow faster than he normally would go thanks to the falling hail, so Zinnia was quickly being left behind. Even if this were the case, she wasn't the type to just give up and would see this to the end.
Quadrant I: Sandstorm
Tad walked out onto the battlefield where he found Veronica waiting for him. No matter what, he refused to lose until he could face Harrison in a pokemon battle. When he was first chosen to compete in the Orange League, he was overjoyed to be representing his home region.
Then, that fateful morning on Mandarin happened. Just seeing how the Hoenn native carried himself told Tad that he was the trainer to beat. Sure, Cheren and Ash were impressive, but Harrison was the strongest of the eight of them.
As Tad competed with him more, even if Harrison wasn't competing with him, it only strengthened his resolve to overcome that trainer. Now, he couldn't imagine potentially facing off against Drake without getting his shot at Harrison first.
"I heard you had something to do with recovering the last three pokemon of the former Orange League Champion." Veronica commented.
"Yeah, that's right." Tad replied. "Why are you bringing it up?"
"I'm bringing it up because I'm interested in seeing that strength." Veronica chose her pokemon. "Time to pursue, Lycanroc."
"If you want to see it, then I'll oblige." Tad did have a different pokemon in mind, but it would be wise to end this battle now all things considered. "Flygon, I choose you!"
The Hoenn dragon/ground type appeared across from a midday Lycanroc with both ready to battle. Both obvious choices to deal with the sandstorm making it a none factor due to their typing.
Tad vs Veronica
"Flygon, use laser focus before striking with steel wing." Tad ordered.
"Leer, Lycanroc and follow it up with an accelerock." Veronica commanded.
Flygon homed in on Lycanroc ensuring his next move would strike critically while the rock type leered at the Hoenn pokemon lowering its defense by a full stage. The wolf pokemon then immediately fired off a large rock into the mystic pokemon. Flygon weathered this attack and charged at Lycanroc with his wings glowing with steel energy.
"Lycanroc, use play rough." Veronica quickly commanded.
Flygon smashed his steel covered wings into the wolf pokemon dealing massive damage; however, Lycanroc managed to fight back, with fairy energy, before the dragon/ground type could retreat.
"Now, combo into a brick break." Veronica ordered.
Before Tad could react, Flygon was hit by the fighting move knocking him down. It made him realize that this Lycanroc must have the ability Sand Rush which would explain why it was such a fast opponent.
"Alright, let's wrap this up with a final play rough." Veronica ordered.
"Flygon, endure." The order came through just in time as Flygon glowed with normal energy which would allow him to weather the storm. "Quickly grab onto Lycanroc and end this with draco meteor!"
Just as Lycanroc was finishing up its assault, Flygon snapped its maw down on the rock type and began building up dragon energy around it.
"Your pokemon learned draco meteor!?" Veronica shouted in shock.
"It took a while, but we worked to perfect this ever since helping to rescue the former champ's pokemon." Tad declared; Lycanroc was fired into the air with the dragon energy. "After seeing what Harrison and Ash were capable of, we realized we'd need to step our game up. Especially if we wanted a shot at defeating Drake."
The sphere of dragon energy broke apart and rained down across the field with one of those parts carrying the wolf pokemon. He was slammed into the ground hard kicking up a lot of sand. Once it dissipated, Lycanroc was revealed to be unconscious.
Quadrant I: Sandstorm
"You were great Flygon." Tad returned his pokemon and selected the next one. "Ninetales, I choose you!"
"Return Lycanroc." Veronica returned her pokemon and chose her next one. "Time to pursuit, Stoutland!"
Tad mounted his Ninetales. "Full sprint straight to the finish line."
"We can't let him beat us." Veronica declared.
Both trainers were off.
Quadrant III: Intense Sun
As Lock approached where he was supposed to battle Harrison, who was already there waiting for him, the Alolan native couldn't help but reflect on his time as a trainer. He had started later than most would. Even after getting started, he hadn't achieved as much as anyone else here.
That much he could tell upon reflecting on his time in the Orange Islands. Even Ash, who the people of these islands view as on his level, is farther along as a trainer than he is. Despite admitting to himself that everyone else was on another level, he was determined to fight on.
"No matter how the Orange League ends for me, I'll give It my all." Lock thought as he stopped across from Harrison. "One day, I'll live up to the strength my parents had and the strength my guardians have."
"Considering our last battle, part of me was hoping I'd get the chance to see what this journey does for you." Harrison selected the only pokemon he had to take full advantage of the sun. "Blaziken, go!"
"Considering my loss to you, I'll be interested to see if I've improved at all." Lock selected one of the pokemon he had on him which could also utilize the sun. "
Harrison vs Lock:
"Blaziken, let's take advantage of the intense sun with blaze kick." Harrison commanded.
The Hoenn starter kicked his flaming foot into Lampent who didn't budge and was instead cloaked in a fire red aura raising any of his fire moves strength by 50 percent.
"My pokemon has the ability flash fire meaning you fire move just gave my pokemon a fifty percent increase to all his fire moves provided he remains on the field." Lock declared. "I'll put that to use with inferno!"
"Blaziken, use detect to dodge before striking quick with shadow claw." Harrison commanded.
Lampent sent out a surge of fire in all directions, but Blaziken's eyes sheened with fighting energy before he deftly lept high above it. The Hoenn starter then came down and slashed ghostly claws into Lampent landing a powerful blow.
"I'll admit, you picked the perfect pokemon to counter Blaziken." Harrison complimented. "Even though flash fire only boost your pokemon one time, it will always make it immune to all fire attacks negating the sun advantage for us.
With your ghost typing, Blaziken can't use his fighting moves. That said, any trainer worth their salt should teach their pokemon moves outside their typing. Detect might be fighting, but it doesn't target your pokemon meaning it's fair game as well."
"Well, he did manage to do really well in a League conference." Lock smirked. "I couldn't agree more with you on teaching pokemon moves outside their typing. Lampent, use psychic and slam Blaziken into the ground."
"Blaziken, utilize the momentum for bounce." Harrison quickly instructed.
Lampent picked Blaziken up with psychic energy and slammed him into the ground. At the last moment, Blaziken was cloaked in flying energy and used the force of the slam to send himself into the air. He came down hard atop Lampent once more.
"Now, use thunder punch." Harrison ordered.
"There's more than one way to utilize the sun." Lock declared. "Quickly, knock your opponent off with a solar beam."
Blaziken attempted to punch down with a fist cloaked in electric energy only to be blasted into the air by the powerful grass move.
"Come on down with aerial ace." Harrison commanded.
The fire starter cloaked himself in flying energy as he fell into Lampent slamming it into the ground one more time. This was the last time as Lampent had swirls in his eyes.
Quadrant III: Intense Sun
"You were great Blaziken." Harrison returned him before swapping out pokeballs. "Steelix, let's head straight for the finish line."
He threw out the steel type before hopping atop the pokemon's back, and they were off for the finish line.
"Lampent, you were great, so return and take a good rest." Lock returned his pokemon before swapping it out for another. "Luxray, chase after them." He hopped atop the electric type's back, and they were off after their opponent. "We aren't giving up until the very end!"
Pumelo Stadium
"It's been one heck of a round ladies and gentlemen!" An announcer declared as four screens around the stadium displayed what was happening in each quadrant. "All four matches have concluded with Cheren, Ash, Tad, and Harrison making their way to their finish lines.
Cheren and Ash seem to have the easiest time of it considering Marley's sudden withdrawal as a competitor and Zinnia being unable to catch up to her competitor. While Cheren finished his match first, Ash is quickly catching up by utilizing his Onix's ability.
Conversely, Tad and Harrison are locked in pitch combat with their respective competitors. Despite their impressive showings, their opponents refuse to give up. All I know for certain is that we shall shortly have our victor for this first round of the Orange League."
"In such a short time, seven of them have improved a lot." Nate commented genuinely shocked. "It's hard to think any of them still in this are the same people from nearly three months ago now."
"I hear what you are saying." James commented. "Their growth is honestly frightening."
James knew if he were still a member of Team Rocket, he wouldn't have any hope of beating any of them.
"It's kind of sad that Marely decided to back out though." Serena commented. "She seemed really strong even if she wasn't giving this her all."
"I think it shows Cheren invoked her pride as a trainer." Nate commented. "If I knew I wasn't giving something my best, I'd drop out to." He nodded to the screen. "Speaking of giving it their best, looks like it's paid off for someone."
James and Serena looked back at the screens before both grinned and looked to the south entrance. Immediately upon shifting their gaze, Ash, atop his Hisuian Onix, came barreling into the stadium to the cheering of the crowd.
Horns blared across the island. "Ash Ketchum secures the first spot in the semifinals!"
The Pallet Native would be celebrating if it weren't for the fact that he felt unbelievably cold. The coat and googles he wore could only protect him so much against the wind chill coming from his pokemon booking it back here.
"Cold…" Ash managed before he fell off his pokemon.
Fortunately, he was twitching clueing people in that he'd be fine after warming up. He'd especially be fine since fire types were brought into help him.
Fula Island
Margo noticed Zeraora was smiling at his trainer's success. When the pokemon caught her eye, he forced himself to lose his smile, huff, cross his arms, and look away from the screen.
"Aw, you can't fool me Zeraora." Margo lightly elbowed his side. "You're genuinely happy for your trainer."
"Zer." Zeraora huffed.
Torin chuckled at the two of them before looking at the screen. "Well done, Ash."
Trovita Island
Misty was interested to see how her rival would do in the Orange League, and she thought seeing the league would do her eventual student some good. So, she, Rudy, and Mahri were watching the League from Rudy and Mahri's living room.
"That Ash really is something else as a trainer." Rudy commented.
"Did you see what he did Mahri?" Misty questioned.
"He won?" Mahri guessed.
"He did, but that's not what I want to hear." Misty put a hand on her head. "Ash and his pokemon worked together, and it was through their bond that they won." She smiled. "Remember, it's the bond between you and your pokemon that will be important as a trainer."
"Oh, I get it." Mahri nodded in understanding before smiling. "I'll work hard to forge strong bonds with Seel and all the pokemon we'll catch!"
"That's the right spirit Mahri." Rudy encouraged.
Kanto Elite Four: Brock's Room
Brock was watching the Orange League on his TV and smiled at Ash's performance. "Way to make a statement, Ash."
Quadrant IV
Cheren halted his Stoutland just outside his entrance to the stadium and only urged him to leisurely walk from here. "Ash must have really improved from the tournament. I have a feeling that this time he won't fail due to a lack of a bond."
Quadrant II
"Looks like we lost." Zinnia patted her pokemon as they came to a stop. "Good to know you're strong now like you will be in the future, master."
Quadrant I
Tad and Veronica both came to a stop.
"Whoa, Ash must have really stepped his training up to manage this." Tad commented shocked.
"I think that's part of it." Veronica laughed a little. "I think another part of it was him being risky."
Quadrant III
Harrison had Steelix hold off on using dragon tail while Lock stopped Luxray from generating its Night Slash. They both stopped next to each other.
"After how well he did in the Mandarin Torunamnet, I'm not all that surprised." Harrison commented. "Though, it is impressive."
"It is, but this means there's only three spots left unclaimed." Lock looked in the direction of the stadium. "Three spots left to shoot for."
Pumelo Island
Drake had arrived on the island, but he was currently watching everything from a screen within the Pokemon Center. "Ash Ketchum…maybe he'll provide a challenge."
That thought wasn't to degrade his previous battles. Drake was merely hoping that this year a trainer would be able to offer him a challenge.
Pumelo Stadium
Ash eventually warmed back up and joined his group, with Nate, in the stands.
"Ash, you were great." Serena complimented.
"Yeah, you really made a statement by being the first to claim a place in the semifinals." James added.
"It was quite impressive." Nate stated.
"Thanks guys." Ash smiled as he took a seat. "I can't rest easy though because now I got to see what my potential competition can do."
While Ash knew planning only got a trainer so far, it didn't mean he could ignore information on his competition completely. That said, he'd still go with gut when the time. Now that the remaining six competitors were back in the stadium, the next competition could begin.
"Alright everybody, our remaining six competitors looking to duke it out for a spot in the semifinals have returned to the stadium." The announcer informed. "On that note, since 1 competitor resigned, it had been decided that the remaining contest will be switched slightly."
1. Team Points
2. Sunken Search
3. Timed Obstacles
"As you can see, our next competition is Team Points." The announcer continued. "This event randomly sorts the remaining six competitors into teams of two. Each team will have the goal of capturing pokemon, who have been released across Pumelo, with special capture balls.
Points will be awarded according to a pokemon's strength, and the team with the most points by the end of the time limit will be our winners. They will then face off in a 1 on 1 pokemon battle to determine who claims the next spot in the semifinals. Now, let's randomize those teams!"
"You know, I enjoyed the Capture Race on Fula, but I think it would have been more fun if we could have partnered up." Ash commented.
"Qould have made helping Tyranitar easier." Serena stated.
"Wait, what?" Nate questioned lost.
"One thing you should learn about our group is that it invites situations most trainers likely never find themselves in." James put a hand on his shoulder. "We've seen more than likely a lot of seasoned trainers have." He smiled. "I wouldn't have it any other way.
Nate sweat dropped at that. "Uh…I think the teams are done randomizing."
Yeah, Nate might be a prodigious member of the international police, but he got the feeling this group would give even him a head ache. As for the teams, they were displayed, with pictures, as follows:
Veronica & Harrison
Zinnia & Tad
Lock & Cheren
"Before we get this competition underway, allow me to address the rules." The announcer declared. "Each set of partners will have to capture as many pokemon as possible within the hour. Additionally, each trainer will only be allowed 1 pokemon. If that pokemon faints, you can no longer compete.
If both pokemon of a team faint, then that team shall automatically come in last. Additionally, partners must stay within 5 feet of each other, and are forbidden from engaging in battle with other teams. This last bit is not a rule but information on the pokemon you will face. Paldea, unable to have a competitor this year, has provided Paldean pokemon.
"Ah, no fair!" Ash hopped to his feet. "I want to battle and catch new pokemon!"
"Pika! Pikachu!" Pikachu agreed.
Serena and James shared a look before smiling. Veronica & Harrison chose North, Zinnia & Tad choose South, and Lock & Cheren choose West. The horn then blared, and the three teams were on their way. Each trainer choose the following pokemon:
Veronica: Boltund
Harrison: Shiftry
Zinnia: Flapple
Tad: Weavile
Lock: Kirlia
Cheren: Zangoose
With Tad and Zinnia
The pair were running throughout the island with Tad bolting ahead.
He ended up spotting a group of Lechonk. "Weevile, use night slash."
"Tad, wait!" Zinnia tried.
It was too late because Weevile attacked one of the hog pokemon, and Tad even managed to catch it; however, the rest were scattering.
"Flapple, use grav apple on the closest Lechonk!" Zinnia quickly commanded.
Flapple conjured an apple made of grass energy above the nearest, retreating Lechonk and let it fall. It smashed into the hog pokemon's head stunning it and allowing Zinnia to throw her capture ball. She did catch it, but five other Lechonk were officially gone.
"Alright, that's two pokemon." Tad declared.
"It could have been seven if you…" Zinnia began a little frustrated.
"We need to keep this up." Tad ran on with his Weavile. "Let's go."
"Gah, I'm all for working hard, but this is ridiculous even for me!" Zinnia shouted as she chased after him. "My master undersold how laser focused you could be on your goals."
With Lock & Cheren
The pair had some seemingly great luck as they ran into Frigibax and Arctibax. The dragon/ice types were rather easy pickings between Zangoose's myriad of moves that were super effective and Kirlia's fairy moves boosted by her typing.
"I believe by keeping to this section of the city, we'll have a good shot at securing our victory." Cheren reasoned.
"What exactly are these pokemon?" Lock questioned curiously as the pair just caught two more. "They look kind of cool, but all you told me was that they are dragon/ice types."
"Out of the few books to come out of Paldea, this line we are battling are the pseudo legendaries of that region." Cheren stated.
"Wait, these guys belong to the line of pseudo legendaries?" Lock questioned shocked. "Are they a two-stage line? If they aren't, where's the final evolution?"
"That's actually a good point." Cheren admitted. "With the sheer number we've faced…"
He couldn't even finish that sentence as suddenly five Baxcalibur were running at them with each firing ice beams on their two pokemon at once.
"Zangoose, I need you to take those attacks for Kirlia otherwise we're in deep trouble!" Cheren shouted.
Zangoose lept in front of the ice beams aimed at Kirlia. As a result, he fainted resulting in Cheren returning him. The normal specialist then scrambled with Lock to get near the psychic/fairy type.
"Kirila, teleport us all somewhere that's safe on the island!" Lock yelled quickly.
The Baxcalibur charged, but Kirlia managed to teleport the group out of there.
Harrison & Veronica
Between Shiftry and Boltund, Harrison and Veronica were racking in the captures. Any time they ran into hordes, the pair had their pokemon flank and attacked from two sides. Pawmi, Pawmo, Tadbulb, Tinkaton, Tinkatuff, and so on. It was just a catching frenzy between them.
They were currently sneaking up on a large flock of Squakabilly prompting Veronica to whisper, "Boltund, use agility and get right in the center of that flock. Then, use your largest, possible discharge."
The electric type nodded before bounding into the clearing immediately drawing the attention of the flying types. Just as they began to fly away, Boltund let discharge rip nailing most of this flock, but some were outside the range of the attack.
"Shiftry, bring down all the Squakabilly that escaped that electric attack with rapidly fired bullet seeds!" Harrison ordered.
Shiftry began firing on the flock while Veronica and Harrison went to town with capture ball after capture ball.
Pumelo Stadium
Horns blared across the island once more. "That is time! Let's get a running tally of those points and see which team will face off for the next spot in the semifinals!"
The three teams were displayed like before, but this time there were point totals.
Veronica & Harrison: 207pts
Zinnia & Tad: 123pts
Lock & Cheren: 103pts
"With a lead that is over eighty points strong, Veronica and Harrison shall face off in a one-on-one battle, right here in the stadium, to determine who gets that next slot in the semifinals." The announcer informed.
I am sorry to say that I had to go back and do a little retconning. Gen 9 might not play the best, but the story has quickly shot up to my top 3. That said, I am offically cutting myself off at nine regions. If I ever break this in the future, I give all of you full permission to call me out. While I was at it, I also had James' Electabuzz evolve into Electivire during part III of the Power of Us. It is just a simple trade evolution while holding an item, and I feel Toren, as they are at a place that research pokemon, would want to take the precaution in evolving him to ensure he could give all the power they'd need.
nightwing27(ch.1): Yep, he sure has.
Vital Info: Of course, there's more to Giselle's attitude, but it's a common thing in most anime that you never hear the full story all at once. Oh yeah, I really love Tauros myself, but I just couldn't give it to Ash. As for how she'll do in the Indigo League, and your ideas about it, you'll just have to wait. When it comes to the Orange League, I can only hope it comes out successfully.
Dreamer569: Thank you.
lrbrenneke: Blaziken is just a real beast on the battlefield, so getting a win was going to be tough. I just don't think Lock is at that point yet.
Elemental-Aura:
Preparation-
I got a lot planned for the now ex-team rocket members come Johto. Even so, I can still do some of the work now to make that latter stuff more palatable. As for how Genesis feels, just because he's trying to be his own person doesn't mean there aren't those issues with how he was created, what he was created to be, and the memories that aren't really his.
What's worse is that any memory that is his, before turning traitor, was of what he did as a member of Team Rocket. Kubfu might be legendary, but he's not exactly at that status until evolving. Besides, Ash can't use legendaries in battle until he finds his Riolu. Genesis skirts that rule considering he is a clone of Red who already had a Riolu and went through the training.
Safari Encounter-
Giselle's whole identity basically became Pokemon Technical. Without it, she lost that identity, yet is trying to maintain it in the real world. The problem is that the real world doesn't really care what kind of education you have. Ash and Genesis will eventually battle, weather that be in this story or the next. Hopefully, you've liked the Orange League thus far.
redmen6blight(Ch. 6): Don't worry, Ash gets taken care of.
redmen6blight(Ch. 15): Not as screwed as you might think.
redmen6blight(Ch. 20): He had Genar in Joruneys, and it wasn't the same one as he left with Sabrina.
redmen6blight(Ch. 47): We'll see.
redmen6blight(Ch. 58): Yeah, Ash even had more than six pokemon in Kanto, and used more than six through Johto, yet he was really against rotation unless it was something special.
redmen6blight(Ch. 67): Thank you. When Onix does evolve, I'd probably still call it a Steelix. It's be a Hisuian Steelix in this story, but Steelix all the same.
Guest: Now
Guest: Thank you, and it comes out now.
billingtond(Ch. 5.) Fixed it. Thank you.
The following reviews all come from Nightshadegirl, so only read on if you are interested. As for you, Nightshadegirl, thank you for all the reviews. I know most of these have probably already been answered as you read the story, but I at least attempt to acknowledge every review.
Ch. 11: Yep, Dratini went to Ash.
Ch. 12: It's just so common to give Ash all the Kanto Starters, and I figured Serena could use one.
Ch. 13: Pike Queen Lucy was like one of the first girls who actually seemed to reciprocate Brock's feelings, so I was not going to wait to get these two together.
Ch. 14: He was just floating around, saw a trainer, and was like, 'Yeah, I want a trainer.' Boop, he touches the pokeball and Serena has a new friend.
Ch. 15: I take inspiration from the whole of pokemon media to create this story, so yeah it does come from the manga. As for Hilbert, I personally love a mentor rival, and this is really the only season that truly works with it considering Ash is a noice trainer here.
Ch. 16: Yep, Vizquez come from the Journey series, and they are now the permeant gym leader as Surge sets out to become a true master of the electric typing and owner of legendaries that fit with it.
Ch. 17: Nah, the maiden was still a ghost. As for Serena's Gloom, it went Bellossom.
Ch. 18: That can potentially come later, but I really liked the Machop idea another reviewer gave me.
Ch. 19: Nah, disobiedant pokemon comes later for Ash. Yeah, Ash lost; however, he gained and was told some invaluable knowledge.
Ch. 20: Think back to her reasons in the movie and apply it to the fact that here her mother is confirmed to be Cynthia. That's a lot of pressure.
Ch. 21: Yep, James cleared the air and Cubone went to Serena. Haunter was just too ofended at being brushed off that they took off.
Ch. 22: Yep, it was all wrapped up. As for Jessie and Meowth, this was the start of putting them on a better path.
Ch. 23: It just took time, and Scyther went Scizor. Brock can eventually have Kleavor.
Ch. 24: Not a pair persay. Mewtwo didn't get much of a chance considering how fast things moved, but they are still together now.
Ch. 25: Just for a short while.
Ch. 26: Thank you.
Ch. 27: Maybe. I am not as definitive on a pairing for James as I was for Brock and Misty.
Ch. 28: Nah, he's got enough rivals at the moment. From this chapter, it'll be a while.
Ch. 29: Celedon Gym in the anime, let me tell you. Look, I hated that Misty's sisters just wanted to give Ash a badge, but that was nothing compared to the loathing I felt at what Celedon did. I get Ash was bratty, but he's ten while Erika and her people are older.
Ch. 30: Giovani isn't the gym leader. He was at one point, but he left well before anyone in this story who is journeying began their journey.
Ch. 31: I wanted another rocket event, and this seemed like the perfect one. As for Red and Tobias, it's multiversal travel. Basically, Alola plot stuff.
Ch. 32: Yeah, Damian got away. As for Samurai, he'll be fine.
Ch. 33: Thank you. We never really saw Fordamar all that much, and Luana has red hair like Ritchie. Figured I might as well.
Ch. 34: Wes will help the city. I may be the author, but I agree.
Ch. 35: Didn't exactly go down that way.
Ch. 36: Togepi. Umbreon. Blake(Silver from Pokemon Chronicles) is his grandpa.
Ch. 37: Going traitor.
Ch. 38: Nah, figured I'd mix it up. As for the battle of father and daughter, close.
Ch. 39: That's him in a nutshell considering who created him and who he was created from. Don't worry, he figures it out eventually.
Ch. 40: Thank you. For now, basically Bruno's, but there'll come some differences.
Ch. 41: G-Men, Police, various trainers, and a whole lot of people we've met on this journey.
Ch. 42: He'll get a Kubfu, catch a Rampardos, catch a Tauros, and get a Deino.
Ch. 43: Wes will take on J, and Brock is still back on Cinnabar.
Ch. 44: The good side wins.
Ch. 45: Got rid of that. Planning on now sending Lance to Johto.
Ch. 46: Yep.
Ch. 47: Live their lives. Yeah, she is.
Ch. 48: Neo Team Rocket will rise.
Ch. 49: Yep, Ash got to see his father. As for Brock, I just couldn't find a way to bring him in here.
Ch. 50: Now you're catching on.
Ch. 51: Yeah, certain things I write make me tear up right there with you.
Ch. 52: Yeah.
Ch. 53: Adventure enough.
Ch. 53: To quote DBA, you'll see him in the movie.
Ch. 54: I think Mr. Mime will be very happy.
Ch. 56: Sure, why not.
Ch. 57: Yeah.
Ch. 58: Tell me about it. Yeah, there is potentially there for the dad. As for Carnivine, I'm not saying never.
Ch. 59: I'm thinking more along the lines of Pokeathlons. Leave contest to May and Dawn.
Ch. 60: Nah, Scizor.
Ch. 61: Thanks. He gave that to Brock.
Ch. 62: Thank you. Nah, I decided to do both movies.
Ch. 62: Might be from when I compressed chapters, but you did. As for Chateus, they are currently in Kanto, Sinnoh, and Kalos.
Ch. 63: I agree. Let Ash meet his Butterfree dang it. Missed opportunity that I took full advantage of here. Don't worry, Serena's new Caterpie and Rhyhorn will stay pink.
Ch. 65: Yeah, those two have time. Maybe.
Ch. 66: Didn't exactly go to plan, but Ash still did it. Yep, Gary will handle Thyphlosion right.
Ch. 67: You'll have to wait on that.
Ch. 68: Yamask yes. Gastly no.
Ch. 69: The non-difficult to evolve one.
Ch. 70: She would be if not for still losing.
Ch. 71: To be revealed.
Ch. 72: Yep.
Ch. 73: Yeah, he'd be in a class well above. Won't stop them from going later.
Ch. 74: All is fair game from these movies.
Ch. 75: Thank you.
Ch. 76: Thank you.
Ch. 77: Ash
Ch. 78: Yep.
Ch. 79: Thank you.
Ch. 80: I try.
Ch. 81: Poor Risa. Spheal didn't even wait until the end of the movie.
Ch. 82: Poor Risa.
Ch. 83: It's more like a title you choose to inherit. You want to say go fight a Marshadow threatening to plunge a city into darkness or something, boom you are a chosen.
Ch. 84: We'll see.
Ch. 85: Yeah, he got a mythical. As for Rui, it's going to be one tough battle.
Ch. 86: I always thought that Totodile could still be a goofy dance loving pokemon even as it evolved. As for those captures, yes.
Ch. 87: Might not have him with a full team until the next region.