RHatch89: Thanks!
Advance shipper: Hey, good to hear from you. You know, that actually sounds like a nice idea. I don't know enough about Paldea to make it work though so it'll have to be for later. Personally, I like the Ash and Serena stories because Serena's my favourite out of the girls.
I'm not doing the whole Bulbasaur falling in love thing because I'm planning something pretty similar to what you proposed with Pikachu with another set of their Pokémon and I don't want to repeat it here. I'm not giving May a Pikachu; I have different ideas for her non canon Pokémon. And yeah, it's too early for the date thing because Ash hasn't even realized he could see May like that and May's unsure of her feelings. I'm not going to jump into them dating if the time doesn't feel right. Romance is more of a side plot here anyway.
Guest: I did answer it but that's okay. I'm only doing Lucario and Manaphy's movies, although I'm adding my own spin on them. I don't really feel like handling the others but it might change if I get ideas for them. I have plans for those two. I'm considering involving Jirachi in the story though; going by what I remember from Alpha Sapphire, it kinda seems like Archie met it in-game so I'm wondering if I can work that here...
Very much relieved to come across find sunny skies and a pretty lake after their previous day, the group opted to take some rest and have lunch.
Misdreavus was playing with a number of the more energetic Pokémon, which naturally Skitty. Both managed to convince Bulbasaur to join in, this allowed the somewhat nervous starter to loosen up around her new companions. The other newcomer, Scyther, seemed more interested in the training Corphish and Torkoal were doing, though she quickly grew unimpressed with their goofy antics.
A few of the Pokemon were simply content to just relax and enjoy each other's company, occasionally chatting. Tropius was relaxing next to Wally, who was busy brushing her. May yelped as Corphish's jump in the water soaked her, having the bad luck to be the nearest to the body of water ''Jeez, come on, Corphish!''
The Ruffian Pokémon let out a sheepish noise, rubbing the back of his head. Ignoring him, the girl grumbled, fishing out a shirt from her tent. She blinked as Scyther gestured to her, pointing to a shaded area far away from view, realizing it was a good spot for her to change. ''Thanks!''
''Come on, you can loosen up and just have fun with the other guys, you know?'' Ash put in.
The mantis gave him a rather annoyed look at that one while Pikachu sighed, shaking his head. Ash had a feeling he was missing something ''...What?''
An amused Tropius nodded at Scyther before glancing at the direction May had taken before finally settling towards Bulbasaur and Feebas. ''Okay, I know you're trying to help but I don't get it...''
Wally on the other hand, noted the one thing all those she indicated had in common, which left him with one conclusion ''Is Scyther female?''
The mantis Pokémon confirmed, annoyance returning with Ash gawking at this information. Pikachu rolling his eyes had Ash huffing ''Hey, don't give me that-just because you guys can tell...''
''Ash, there's this thing called foot in mouth disease. I'm sure you've heard of it.'' Brock chimed in, chuckling as the former grumbled. ''For the record, Scyther, he's perfectly fine with that. It's just that he has a tendency to forget to think before he acts.''
''You'll get used to it.'' Max agreed.
''Thanks for helping me out with the videos, Max.'' Wally put in as the boy joined him and Tropius.
''No worries, that was fun.'' The two of them had opted to take Ash's idea while teaching Grovyle Bullet Seed a step further, using the pokenav to look up some battle videos and teach the Pokémon new moves. ''And it really paid off, which is all the more better.''
''Actually, that reminds me, Swablu?'' The cotton bird looked at Brock ''This is Bulbasaur's first day out of the forest and there's a lot of changes for her from here on out, would you consider teaching her? I think, given your situations, you'd be a great mentor.''
Swablu's beak fell. He wouldn't deny that he really did understand where Brock was coming from as Bulbasaur had clearly been overwhelmed when she first met them. Having never strayed from his flock until that storm, he understood what that was like but...him? Could he really pull it off?
''Oooh, great idea, Brock!'' The newly returned May chimed in ''If anyone knows what it's like for her, it'd be you. What do you say? I bet you'd really be good at it!''
Well, if she said so...Swablu cast a look at the others, who were also smiling, Pikachu nodding at him in return. If they had that much faith in him...then why not, he would give it a try.
Glad to see her newest Pokémon already fitting in, May couldn't help but note that Bulbasaur seemed to particularly like sticking around Tropius. Not that it was anything new, the fruit Pokémon had certainly made friends quickly. Even their most withdrawn Pokémon (Grovyle being the most prominent example) had warmed up to her so quickly and it spoke volumes. She looked on happily as Grovyle took one of Tropius' offered fruits, cutting it in half before giving one to Bulbasaur, whose face lit up as she dug in. The three grass types shared a smile, May had to resist cooing. This was too sweet!
''You know, we're going to be passing the weather institute if we stay on this route.'' Max commented ''I'm curious to see what it's like, apparently that area used to have a really big problem with rain before they fixed it.''
Brock looked over ''Oh, yeah? What happened?''
''I don't remember the full story now but Dad said there was a legendary Pokémon involved, something about the people there upsetting it somehow.'' The boy thought back. ''The champion used their research to help find out what happened and that Pokémon the institute made was a big help too. That's how Steven found and took care of that Pokémon. The weather really improved ever since.''
''Heeh, actually you mentioned this Pokémon before, what's it like?'' Wally inquired.
Max made to respond only for a sudden cry to nearly make them look over to Ash in time to see a huge blue fish Pokémon knock him down before jumping to the badge case as it was launched into the air. Ash blanched as it swallowed the case in a second, landing once before it jumped again towards the lake. The boy wasted no time in going after it, ignoring his friends' calls and diving right after it.
Nothing happened for almost a minute, leading Feebas to follow Ash and find out what happened. It didn't take her long to spot the boy trapped in a field of tall kelp, struggling to move. She gave the boy a nudge to get his attention, Ash holding on to her before swimming as fast as she could to get him to land.
The boy inhaled the air greedily ''T-thanks...'' Shaking himself, he quickly began looking for the strange Pokémon again, both spotting ripples in the same direction it had taken. ''...there-!''
He was cut off by Feebas slapping his shoulder with a fin, pointing at an even larger field of kelp in their path. Max huffed ''That wasn't necessary.''
''I can't just let it get away with my badges!''
May shared her brother's sentiment ''Do you think we would? That's what we were trying to tell you. We had a perfectly good way to fix this, it would've worked if you'd just waited for a minute!''
Her pointed look in Kirlia's direction, told Ash he'd likely messed up the Pokémon's attempt to help. And indeed, Kirlia had been about to stop the thief in its tracks only to be startled when Ash jumped in his path, making him lose focus.
Likewise Brock had been all set to have Misdreavus help upon realizing what happened, only Ash's reaction throwing him off. ''Come out of there and change before you catch a cold.''
Kirlia and Misdreavus worked together to track the Pokémon down, narrowing its location to the deepest part of the lake. The group debated their next action, even sending their water types may not help as they didn't know what waited them there and it wasn't worth risking the badges.
''What was that Pokémon anyway? That went really fast...'' May trailed off.
''It's called Whiscash, they're water and ground types.'' Max was, as always, ready to offer information. ''I read that they like large bodies of water and they prefer darkness, guess it was true.'' She nodded; it didn't look like the sun really reached that part of the lake. ''I've only seen them on TV so I didn't think they could even be that size...''
''It happens. We've seen some unusually large Pokémon for their species too.'' Brock found himself remembering that Tentacruel from Porta Vista. Then there was that one time with that Krabby ''I think it's all the more reason to be careful. There's no telling how strong it is.''
''Can't we startle it into coming out?'' Wally proposed ''It wouldn't have the same advantage on land, that might be what we need.''
''Just what I was thinking.'' The breeder agreed ''It took us by surprise but now it's our turn. Now that we've got its location down, Misdreavus, care to give it a try?''
The little ghost type nodded, going intangible before diving in the body of water. Brock looked back at their Pokémon ''Be ready for anything, we've got to take advantage of this.''
They nodded back, turning their attention to the lake. The wait wasn't for naught, a deep, sudden cry resounded. Whiscash jumped out of the water thanks to Misdreavus' Astonish and Screech, panic evident in its gaze. Tropius' Gust blew it up higher in the air before Grovyle struck with Leaf Blade, making it crash into the bank. Ash was all set to grab his badge case when he saw it fall out of its mouth when...
''Aha!'' The sudden cry nearly made him trip, not expecting it at all. An old man holding a fishing rod had arrived at the scene, his gaze focused on Whiscash ''Today is the day, victory will be mine!''
Before they could make sense of this, Whiscash recovered, snatching the case again and diving back in the lake.
Ash groaned while Max sighed, shaking his head ''...We really have the worst luck.''
The man, Sullivan, was very guilty once he found out what he wound up causing. Very apologetic, he immediately offered his help to reclaiming the case to making up for it, revealing himself to be a fisherman.
''I've been after that Whiscash for a long time so I've come to learn a lot about it.'' He led them to a boat that had been on the far side of the bank. ''It's the king of the lake; many of the other Pokémon here steer clear of it. Its home is right around the darkest part of the lake like you guessed and it likes shiny things. I've been around here long enough to be able to pinpoint its location too.''
Max blinked ''Wait, so how long have you been at this again?''
''Why, I'm a master fisherman with fifty years of experience. I've been after Whiscash for 10 years!''
''10 years?!''
Initially alarmed, Ash's first was how strong was Whiscash if it managed to evade such an experienced fisher for so long?
However, Max saw it differently ''Come on, are you really a master? You can't really be all that good if it's taking you years.''
Even as May began telling him off for being rude, Ash thought the younger boy had a point. How else would this have dragged on for so long?
Brock was of a similar mind ''Are you sure we can even fish it in the first place, Sullivan? None of this sounds promising.''
''Not to worry, you just leave this to me!''
The man provided them all with fishing rods and soon they were off on the boat. May let out a breath ''This is going to take a while, huh?''
''Of course! Fishing is a game of patience, after all.'' Sullivan returned.
Max had an idea ''Hey Sis, you could catch a new Pokémon. You still don't have a water type.''
''True...'' Well, she'd just caught Bulbasaur so she wasn't really in any rush. ''...I guess it depends on what we find. Oh hey, actually, what if we get you a Pokémon?'' Max blinked ''I mean you're still too young so I'd technically be the trainer, but you can still have a new friend. I'd be helping you take care of it, obviously but we already do that with each other anyway.''
The boy hadn't looked at it that way before but he liked the idea ''Really? You'd do that?''
''Sure! I know you had your heart set on becoming a trainer but there's no need to wait until you're old enough. I thought about it back when we met that Poochyena you befriended but she was happy staying with her family. How about we think it over when we meet another Pokémon you really get along with?''
''Deal! Thanks, May!''
Brock smiled at the exchange, which actually gave him an idea ''Hey, Ash-this place looks like it's teeming with water types, what do you think about getting one for Misty?''
The Kanto trainer perked up ''Yeah, let's do it!''
''Maybe we can help too, what kind of Pokémon would she like?'' Wally clarified.
''Any of them, she adores water Pokémon. I've never heard her complain about one...'' Ash realized that wasn't quite accurate ''...except maybe Psyduck but he's always been a special case.''
Brock laughed ''Nah, she loves Psyduck, we'd never get her to admit it though.''
Noticing a Surskit darting across the waters had Wally thinking ''...She's scared of bug types, right? How would she handle that one?''
The two old friends shared a glance, admittedly quite puzzled themselves. It was the first water and bug type they'd ever seen and...Well, considering this was Misty...
''...Yeah, I got nothing.'' Ash threw in the towel.
Brock decided not to jump in the rabbit hole ''...Anything besides a Surskit then.'' Ash and Pikachu nodded firmly.
Sullivan looked rather amused ''For your friend's sake, I hope she never meets any Pokémon of the Araquanid or Golisopod lines.''
As a confused Ash questioned him about the statement, May found herself deliberating Max's comment. As much as she would love to add a new member to her growing team, she had to wonder what it'd be like to do a performance with water Pokémon. She'd never had the chance to try...the brunette supposed it depended on the Pokémon itself. A number of the water types which immediately came to mind seemed quite graceful.
A tug from her fishing rod snapped her out of her thoughts and she shot up, quickly pulling with all her strength only to discover that she got a Magikarp. Sighing, she threw it back in the water.
May wondered if this would even help find Whiscash, he was rather deep in the lake. Sullivan seemed so sure but...could they really count on his word? Okay, she might have scolded Max but she did agree with him to a point, even if she wouldn't say it out loud. Sullivan had been at this for ten years, which was frankly ridiculous...
She glanced back at Ash, knowing this had to be frustrating for him. He'd once told her that the badges weren't just the means for him to enter a league. They were a symbol of his Pokémon's hard work, of all the trials they'd overcome and the strength they'd gained. It was only after obtaining her first ribbon that May understood exactly what he meant and Wally told her he was the same after getting the first badge. She would've been really upset if her ribbons had been taken too.
Trouble was, she didn't know what else to do. According to Sullivan, Whiscash was so powerful that most of the other Pokémon in the lake just avoided it all together. Only four of their Pokémon could fight underwater and their odds didn't seem good...
She looked over in time to see Max having tossed his own catch back in the water. A cry escaped her at the sight of Brock's catch, making her recoil behind them.
This reaction made him release the Tentacool ''Something wrong, May?''
''It's a Tentacool! They're just...ugh...''
Max blinked ''I'm a little surprised you actually know what-oh...'' A devious grin settled on his face. ''...I can't believe I forgot about that day...now that totally explains it!''
''S-shut up!''
''Uh, do we want to know?'' Ash couldn't help wondering.
Max's expression made it clear that he was all too happy to share, but May was faster, clamping a hand on his mouth with a glare. ''You don't, definitely not!''
The boy gave him a suspicious frown, only to be distracted when a Feebas swam to the boat. Its haughty look was all they needed to discern it from Wally's, who as it turned out was the reason for its approach. The humans weren't sure what was going on but whatever the newcomer told Feebas had her gaping for a few seconds before she gave what they could guess was a negative response from her tone before swimming back to her trainer.
But the other Feebas wouldn't quit now, quickly trying to go after her and continuing to talk. May arched an eye, noting Pikachu's deadpan expression ''...Is it flirting with Feebas?''
The mouse Pokémon nodded and she found herself sharing his sentiment. Feebas was clearly not interested, couldn't it get the hint?
Wally and Kirlia stepped in, trying to explain as much. But then the other Feebas scowled, tackling the boat hard. It almost made the pair fall, Kirlia putting a stop to that with his powers before glaring at the water type.
Feebas' eyes narrowed, like Kirlia, she didn't care much if the Pokémon was rude and pushy to her. But the male Feebas had just tried to hurt her friends, to hurt Wally and she would never let that slide.
A moment later, a spinning orb of Water Pulse sent the Feebas hurtling far from them.
Ash looked satisfied ''Nice one. You guys okay there?''
Wally nodded, thanking them as Feebas swam over, similarly concerned. May frowned ''Talk about a nasty piece of work...''
''He's caused me plenty of trouble too. Hopefully, that's the last we'll see of him.'' Sullivan nodded. And indeed, they saw no sign of the troublesome Pokémon but...
''How about we change spots now?'' May asked after a while.
But the resident fisherman was quick to intervene ''No need, I've had plenty of catches here. This is a great spot!''
''It can't be that good or you would've long gotten Whiscash by now.''
Sullivan slumped in despair. May wasn't even be able to get worked up enough to scold Max for that one, knowing it was true.
It wasn't long after they moved that Brock snagged a Carvanha. The Pokémon was surprisingly calm about it though. Her attention was on Feebas, who blinked at her fellow fish Pokémon. Carvanha let out a few grunts, leaving her momentarily surprised before a smile settled on her face and she nodded back.
''What's going on?'' Max blinked.
Brock rubbed his chin, looking at Pikachu and Kirlia ''...Hey, guys? Did I just luck out by catching Carvanha when it was coming for a talk anyway?''
Both nodded. Kirlia used Psychic on the water, conjuring a watery sphere before forming it into the likeness of a Feebas before letting it be blown away and fading.
''Oh...'' Wally understood ''...you mean Carvanha wanted to thank Feebas for dealing with that troublemaker?'' Kirlia trilled in affirmation.
''I'm not surprised he hasn't exactly been making friends.'' May put in disdainfully
Ash decided to capitalize on this ''Hey, Carvanha?'' The Pokémon looked over ''How would you like to have a trainer?''
Blinking, the water and dark type looked at each of the humans in turn. But Ash waved a hand ''No, not one of us. See, we were looking to get our friend a water type. She's a strong water Pokémon specialist; I think she'd be happy to meet you.''
''But it's up to you; Misty wouldn't even consider forcing you if you don't want to stay. Heck, she'd be up to finding you a new home in a heartbeat and so will we. We'll even bring you back if you want.'' Brock had faith in Misty but it was up to Carvanha in the end.
''It can't be that...'' Sullivan began.
But Carvanha was already considering this, talking to Feebas, Kirlia and Pikachu. The three also reassured her of their intentions, Carvanha nodding after a moment. Pikachu beamed, giving them a thumbs up.
''All right...'' Brock took out a poke ball which Carvanha tapped. It shook for a few moments before finally stopping.
Sullivan seemed dumbfounded while the relieved breeder let his new catch out. Max looked on in awe ''Wow, you guys just convinced it without a fight...''
''Hey why not? There was no harm in trying.'' Brock smiled ''Not all Pokémon want to fight, there are some who would just like to simply go out and see the world. They just don't get the chance often. You can stay out if you want, Carvanha. We have to deal with Whiscash.'' The Pokémon blinked, pointing at the far side of the lake for clarification ''Mmhm, that one.''
''He stole something really important and we can't leave without getting it back.'' Wally added. ''Kirlia, is Whiscash still around the same area?''
The Pokémon took a moment to check, finding that he could indeed still sense their quarry in the part of the lake as Sullivan indicated.
But that wasn't the only thing he picked up on...
Wally didn't miss the change in his starter's expression ''What's wrong?''
Kirlia held up an arm, sending out a psychic pulse of power across the water. It caused a wide wave to hit the bank, revealing that a strangely large Magikarp was hidden beneath the waters.
''Okay, Whiscash was one thing but since when do Magikarp get that big?'' Max gaped.
His sister frowned ''They don't, because that's not a Magikarp. Look closer.''
It took him a moment to realize she was right and that it was in fact a submarine shaped like a Magikarp. Ash, Pikachu and Brock immediately recalled the last time they'd seen such a vehicle, so they knew exactly what or rather who Kirlia had detected.
While this was more of a new experience for their Hoennian friends, their experiences throughout the journey as well as the Pokémons' expressions gave them a good guess.
''...It's them, isn't it?'' Wally clarified, Ash nodding before they both turned back to the source of the commotion.
Sullivan wasn't the only one who heard the cries from the submarine. ''What's going on? You all know the people controlling that thing?''
''Unfortunately...'' Max groused.
Meowth managed to push through the hatch after some sort of struggle ''W-we made it...'' He turned to Kirlia ''...what was that for?! We were already having a hard time out there!''
Kirlia's response was as deadpan as his expression, the cat huffing ''What do you mean, tough break, cry me a river?!'' Pikachu, May and Max couldn't help snickering at this ''What's the big idea, attacking us like that when we didn't do anything yet?'' They didn't have to wait long to understand Kirlia's retort ''I'll show you predictable, you...''
''You realize you just proved him right, don't you? We all know you were just raring at a chance to attack us. Kirlia just beat you to it.'' Brock drawled.
Meowth never got to respond as something seemed to send the submarine lurching forward. The feline fell in the water as a result; they could barely see something resembling a torn net floating nearby. Then Whiscash emerged from the water, his glare firmly fixed on the submarine. James was heard calling out in alarm to his teammates, Jessie telling him to handle it while she took care of a pest.
''...They bit off more than they can chew again, didn't they?'' Ash droned.
''Sounds about right.'' May shook her head, neither so much as blinked as Cacnea was sent flying with one attack from his intended target. James emerging as he returned the grass type, Jessie was bent behind him struggling with something. It took them a few moments to be able to see the Feebas hanging off her hair, which Sullivan recognized as the troublemaker they had to deal with.
''...How did it wind up there?''
''Let go already!'' The male Feebas didn't blink despite her rapid movements. Whatever she did, she truly couldn't seem to make it budge. Even when Wobbuffet emerged to help, the fish's response was to slap him with his tail a few times. Jessie released an angered cry as James took his turn, only to be slapped for his trouble. Feebas suddenly let go, only to tackle him into the lake and then latched right back to the magenta tip of her hair.
In short, Feebas was practically handling them alone, to the group's great enjoyment.
''Gaaaaaaaaah!''
James had somehow managed to get Seviper's poke ball in the chaos, asking the snake Pokémon to get rid of the Feebas. But Seviper took one look at his trainer before firmly shaking his head.
''You can't? But you haven't even tried!''
Meowth, who had managed to rejoin them, translated ''He says he'd have to hit Jessie and then that'd really damage her hair. He learned his lesson after last time.''
James groaned but honestly, he couldn't blame Seviper. Considering their first meeting...yeah, he didn't think it'd be an exaggeration that Jessie might have traumatized the snake.
As funny as this was, Wally had to wonder ''...Couldn't they just use a poke ball and be done with it?''
May snorted, because really-the answer was that obvious. ''They're idiots, what do you expect?''
Max was sniggering along with their present Pokémon, this was priceless ''I like that Feebas more just for this.''
Ash smirked openly while Brock had to hold back his laughter. Team Rocket caused them so much trouble over the years that it was impossible not to enjoy this scene.
Jessie finally seemed to notice that they were clearly being mocked, infuriating her further ''Don't you dare-your Pokémon are about to be ours so prepare for trouble!''
James struck a pose ''And make it double...''
''Are you really going to do this now? Your lame motto looks even worse now than ever.'' Max cut in, to the pair's indignation. Nearly everyone missed Wally quietly addressing Feebas and Kirlia, the former swimming off before the latter obscured her from view.
''Besides, you're forgetting something.''
They followed Ash's line of sight, finding that said 'something' was in fact Whiscash, who had just finished charging a Hyper Beam. Panicking, the trio scrambled to move but it was too late.
The backlash of the blast sent them careening towards the bank, their submarine taking the brunt of it. Jessie pulled herself to her feet ''Fine, this is actually good for us!'' Digging in her pocket, Jessie took out a cylinder that launched a wide, thick net that caught the surprised Whiscash before throwing a spherical item. It expanded into a metal cage which Seviper threw Whiscash in via Poison Tail ''That's more like it! Now we'll go and nab ourselves the twerps' Pokémon and badges!''
''Sure, keep dreaming!'' May retorted, the woman sneering back
''I'd love to know where you dopes get all that confidence. Since when have any of your plans worked?'' Max added.
The declaration struck Wally as odd though ''You want the badges too?''
''You got wax in your ears, twerp? That's what she said.'' James added.
''What's the point? You're a criminal organization. Even if we ignore that for a minute, bearing in mind that A-you've never beaten us and B-they're likely stronger than the gym leaders we've already faced, how do you expect that to work? Or even get away with stealing badges, you'll have to deal with the police and the gym leaders.'' The evil trio exchanged dumbfounded looks, unable to argue. ''And even if you do go to the Evergrande conference, how do you expect to steal Pokémon from trainers who have been working to become champions for a long time?''
Brock quirked a brow, not even the least bit surprised at their silence ''You didn't even think of that?''
Pikachu started sniggering, making Meowth blink as he tried to figure out what was so funny '''He just hit their biggest weakness: common sense'...hey!''
Ash, May and Wally started to laugh at the valid point, Max grinning openly as Ash high-fived his starter ''Nice one, Pikachu.''
Sullivan, who had heard of Team Rocket before, was admittedly quite baffled ''They're really not the brightest, are they?''
''Why, you-!'' Jessie growled ''We'll hold the badges as ransom in return for Pikachu and the rest of your Pokémon, what do you say to that?!''
''Wow, smart...'' Sarcasm was evident in May's tone ''...and just how long did it take you to figure that one out?''
''I've had it! You twerps can't make fools out of us!'' James cried.
''Yeah, because we don't have to try-you guys do such a great job of it already!'' Ash shot back.
''Their plan failed anyway.'' Wally's comment seemed out of the blue. Until the realized what had actually caught his attention, Feebas jumping back in time for them to see that she had completely frozen the cage solid, calling out to Whiscash. The Pokémon needed no further prompting, ramming it hard enough to break free.
May had noticed him addressing Feebas earlier but had no idea what to make of it ''Oh, that's what you guys were doing before! You had it all planned?''
''Way to go, Wally!'' Ash smiled.
''No, no, no! Seviper, get that Feebas on the double with Poison Tail!'' The snake lunged with his tail glowing purple.
''Double Team!'' In a flash, Seviper was left baffled with a multitude of Feebas surrounding it. ''Now, Blue Star!''
Feebas and her clones leapt out, unleashing Water Pulse followed by Swift. The shimmering stars soon spun around the sphere of water, Seviper scrambling to dodge the volley left him completely unprepared for the real one striking his head moments later.
''Nicely done!'' Sullivan exclaimed as Seviper collapsed.
Whiscash, who had clearly reached his limit with the trio, swiftly sent them blasting off with another Hyper Beam.
Idly noting their utter lack of surprise, Sullivan had to ask ''I'm assuming you deal with them a lot.''
''Way, way too much...'' Max stressed. ''...but now that that's done...''
Ash turned to Whiscash ''Give my badges back, now!''
The Pokémon smirked, teasingly shaking his head. He leaped up and they realize he wanted to get back to the water. Ash hurried to call out to his Pokémon, only to discover that Wally, Brock and their Pokémon were faster. For Whiscash landed on a sheet of ice courtesy of Feebas, to his surprise and relief. The water and ground type tried to jump to a different part, only to find Lombre and Mudkip blocking his path. This left him completely unprepared for Misdreavus, who had used the opportunity provided by her teammates to sneak up and unleash a loud Screech attack which sent him jumping again, this time in shock.
Kirlia followed suit, using Psychic to trap Whiscash in midair and flipping him upside down before leaving him to fall. The badge case fell a moment later, Pikachu jumping to catch it before it hit the ground.
Ash took it with a grin ''Thanks a bunch, you guys!''
Whiscash got back up; anger clear in his eyes as he unleashed a wide spread Surf attack. Pikachu stopped this cold with a sharp Iron Tail that split the wave in half, keeping it away from them. He them jumped up and down a few times, the ground shaking under their feet with what they figured out was a Magnitude attack.
Struggling to keep his balance, Wally helped Kirlia who was closer to the center of attack and precariously close to being hit by Whiscash as he charged up what looked like Water Pulse, pushing him down just in time ''K-Kirlia, you've got to...''
Nodding in understanding, his starter immediately psychically lifted them all to avoid the continuing tremors. This gave Ash enough of an opening to send Grovyle out.
''Leaf Blade!''
Whiscash tried to retreat, only to discover that his new adversary was faster. With a pair of swift strikes, Whiscash crashed into the ground.
''Come on, Sullivan, this is your chance!'' May called.
''Right!'' He proceeded to send out a Flaafy, mistaking her surprise for concern ''Not to worry, Hannah here has been an excellent partner for me.''
''Oh, ah-it's not that...but you do remember Whiscash's a ground type, right?''
Evidently, as his expression proved, he had not.
Max barely held back the urge to groan ''...Grovyle, any chance you can help end this already?''
The equally exasperated Pokémon nodded, dodging Whiscash's oncoming Hidden Power and pelting it with Bullet Seed. Sullivan took advantage of the opening to have Hannah use Dynamic Punch before aiming a certain poke ball at the dazed Pokémon.
''Wait, but that's a Master Ball! You had that all along?''
Sullivan appeared surprised at Brock's bafflement ''Well yes, it was a recent gift from my friend. I just know it's an especially good ball.''
''Especially good-nothing! It's the best type for catching Pokémon, couldn't you have used it sooner?'' Max demanded.
''I just thought it wasn't worth the risk if there was a chance he'd get away again...''
The boy's argument was put on halt with Sullivan tossing the item. But Max found, to his bewilderment, that the fisherman was right. For Whiscash somehow pulled himself together, which led to him swallowing the Master ball. And then...
Nothing happened.
''Wait, so...nothing? It just doesn't work?'' May managed as her brother's jaw dropped.
Brock was quick to offer another poke ball, this one leaving its intended target completely unprepared. Sullivan watched it shake with Whiscash's struggles...before it finally came to a stop.
Sullivan had been so elated and grateful to the group that he invited them over to a large tent he had set up for dinner and a place to stay. While his fishing skills were...a tad questionable, they learned that the same certainly couldn't be said for his cooking.
Ash let out a happy hum ''You ought to consider becoming a chef, Sullivan. This is awesome!''
He laughed ''Glad you like it, eat as much as you want. There's plenty to go around!''
''So what're you going to do now? You nailed your goal.'' Max remarked.
''Yeah, but I'll figure something out, always do! I'm too much of a rolling stone to stick around for long so I'll probably be on my way soon.''
''I know how that feels. There's just something about travelling that you just can't beat.'' Ash mused.
The man's face lit up ''Exactly, I could've looked up the sights and places I've come across but it's not nearly as satisfying as experiencing them first hand. It's why I stuck to being a fisher even I failed so many times, there's nothing sweeter than the success after a long, hard effort. So I know without a doubt, that even a goal seems impossible, it won't be that way forever. If I keep at it and never give up, good things will happen. And today, it's you kids!''
His infectious joy left them smiling back. The words resonated with them, their own experiences driving it all home.
May happened to notice Ash squirting some sauce on a sandwich ''Wait-!''
But it was too late; the boy seemed to choke after one bite. His face reddened before he cried out, waving frantically at his mouth as he tried and failed to speak. Pikachu looked bewildered while May sighed, handing him a glass of milk ''Drink that, slowly. Water's not going to help you now.''
An equally bewildered Torchic glanced at the sandwich, wondering what on earth caused that, chirping curiously at May. The girl immediately got the gist ''It's sauce mixed with Tamato berry juice so it's super strong, that's why I tried to warn him. You only ever add more than a bit if you like spicy food.'' She held the sandwich to her starter ''You're probably the only one who can eat this and not regret it now.''
Blinking, Torchic decided to try it. Even he was surprised by the sheer strength of the sauce; no wonder people treated this stuff with care...
''I mostly use that for cooking. Here, Ash, this might help with the burning.'' Sullivan gave him a piece of cheese.
Sighing, the boy leaned in his seat ''Thanks, you too, May...''
''Ah, don't worry about it. I was actually going to show you a little trick Mom had me try once...but I think you've had enough spice for one day...'' She grinned as he mumbled darkly in agreement. ''...so might as well, here Torchic, you try too...''
He could only stare in bewilderment as she took some jam made from a mix of berries and dabbed it for Torchic before taking some on a piece of a bread along with the sauce ''...Mmhm, just like I remember!''
Her smile widened as Torchic's eyes shone and he let out a happy chirp ''Good, right?'' He nodded, beaming at her.
''Okay, you're just pulling my leg.''
''Now come on, Ash, if I wanted to pull your leg, don't you think I can do better?''
Pikachu and Torchic shared amused looks as their trainers continued to chat, even going through a couple of topics. They were content to simply sit down and talk, clearly having a blast.
Brock smiled, leaving them to it ''All right, Sullivan, now I'm curious-what kind of places have you seen?''
Well, let's stop here.
I wasn't sure about using this one but I had fun tweaking things here and there. The route where that weather institute was always raining and seeing how Tornadus and Thundurus messed with the weather in the games gave me the idea to try something like that. I mean they research weather enough to make a Pokémon like Castform, why not do something a bit more from there? And yes, that was me poking at Team Rocket's usual plan when a league happens. How was that supposed to work?
Feebas messing with Team Rocket like that occurred to me when I was writing the chapter and I couldn't resist. The bit about Misty is something I've actually been wondering about, has she ever met a Surskit in the anime? Or the other water and bug types? If it happened, I didn't see it but I bet the reaction would be interesting. But yeah, she's getting Carvanha soon, I didn't feel like having a battle here and this idea seemed like it would be just fine.
Out of curiosity, any opinions on Pokemon Horizons? Personally, I'm enjoying the lore and it's got a nice premise. It's pretty interesting over all. Although I do wish some of the old characters were fleshed out a bit more before they ended the older series.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!