Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon and Harry Potter
BloodyKitsune1997: Wow this chapter, it took a bit longer than expected, but then again I've been doing things behind the scenes and tweaking a couple other things. I've also been streaming on Twitch which does take up a bit of time. So yeah, I hope you all enjoy this chapter and happy spooky season to you all!
Review: No questions thus nothing needs to be adressed, but I do so adore the ones sent to me. Thank you darlings!
Chapter 26
Once everyone had gotten settled in their places, the referee called out, "This is a double battle between the elder Cerulean city Gym Leaders Walter and Grace Waterflower and their challengers Ash Ketchum and Gary Oak of Pallet Town!" The man glanced between the two groups for a moment before continuing, "The rules for this battle are as such, two pokemon per person with only the challengers allowed to switch out their pokemon! So long as all pokemon on a single side of the field have been knocked out, they will win the battle. Trainers release your pokemon!"
Grabbing for Electrike's pokeball, Ash aimed for one of the closer floating platforms as Gary's own pokeball hit the one next to it. He smiled a bit at seeing Squirtle appear as the water-type was easier to work with than Spearow on a good day and would be better suited for this type of battle. On the flip side of things, Grace and Walter released a Seel that immediately ducked into the water and Walter tossed out a Staryu. Gary leaned over towards Ash with a slight frown, "No Pikachu?"
"Electrike can handle this," Ash knew his pup well enough that he'd be able to handle anything the two sent his way.
"Alright," Gary nodded with a slight grin, "Squirtle and I got your back,"
"Trainers, are you ready?!" The Referee shouted earning a group of cries, "Then begin!"
"Electrike, Howling Impulse!" Ash cried out to begin the battle.
Ignoring the shocked look Gary gave him, Ash grinned as Electrike released an eerie howl that echoed through the gym. Staryu and Seel both shuddered as their bodies were engulfed in waves of bright yellow while Squirtle perked up with a beaming grin. Gary shook his head, "Alright, you boosted us up? We'll keep us moving with Aura Sphere!"
With a low laugh, Squirtle's fist glowed bright blue for a brief moment before a sphere emerged over it. He sent it flying like a bullet towards Staryu who let out a loud shriek of pain as it hit. Grace let out a soft giggle and shook her head, "You two are definitely quick."
"But let's see how you continue to match up, Staryu use Swift to trip them up!" Walter called out as he jerked his hand forward with a flourish.
"Back them up, Seel with Aura Beam!" Grace was smiling brightly.
Watching with some awe as the two attacks seemed to merge into multi-colored stars as they came sailing towards Electrike and Squirtle, Ash had to shake himself a bit before shouting out, "Electrike, dodge it and head in for a Bite on Staryu."
Barking in agreement, Electrike managed to avoid the spray of multi-colored stars and began darting across the platforms towards their opponents. Squirtle began destroying the stars heading towards him with a fierce Water Gun. Curling around the edges of Squirtle's Water Gun, Ash could see fain blue rings appearing every now and again. Grinning slightly, he leaned over towards Gary and whispered, "Trying out a new combo?"
"Noticed it?" Gary grinned a bit as the water gun finally hit Seel and send the white mammalian pokemon sprawling backward from the sheer force being used, "Since Squirtle's capacity won't be enough for Hydro Pump until he's a Wartortle at the very least even with the work we've been putting in, we decided to find work arounds to make it stick,"
"Well, I think it's definitely working," Ash shook his head a bit as Seel unsteadily rose to its feet only to stumble into the water below looking cross eyed.
Taking advantage of Seel being in the water, Squirtle dove in after his fellow water-type looking gleeful at the prospect of having an underwater battle. Without the backup of his fellow gym leaders' pokemon, Staryu found himself engaging with Electrike who was happily aiming Bite after Bite at his limbs. Doing an admirable job at dodging despite not looking all that coordinated, the starfish managed to evade Electrike for a good few minutes and scored a decent hit just as the pup finally latched on. With the dark-type energy surrounding his maw, Electrike was able to tank Staryu's Psybeam though Ash could tell his pup definitely felt every bit of the beam.
Without question, Ash would be taking Electrike to the pokemon center after this for a thorough check over and ensure the pup was fed his fill of treats. As soon as Electrike had latched on, the pup began unleashing his version of Thunder Fang as ice began to crawl it's way across Staryu's body from where Electrike's fangs were digging in. Grace spoke up with slightly wide eyes, "Thunder Fang and Ice Fang? At this level?"
"Modified Thunder Fang while we're working on the Ice Fang," Ash grinned at her, "But like I said, I trust Electrike to win this,"
From out of the water, Seel burst onto a nearby platform looking worse for wear with Squirtle quickly following. The turtle looked only a bit scratched up with the most severe injury he bore being a bite mark on his right arm. With a loud cry, Squirtle dove towards Seel in a Rapid Spin that missed the first time around though to Ash's surprise the turtle somehow managed to change his course around and slammed into his chosen opponent. With a loud cry, Seel flew through the air and ended up slamming into Staryu just as the starfish managed to shake Electrike loose. The two pokemon went sprawling across the ground with one of Staryu's limbs visibly cracking from the force making Ash wince. Slowly raising themselves up, Seel let out a low bark as it's fur puff up and Staryu's gem pulsed rapidly as the two radiated irritation.
Gary spoke with a slight grin as Electrike and Squirtle joined together, "Looks like they're a bit worse for wear."
"Mhmm," Ash nodded feeling his heartbeat speed up, "Just a bit more," He looked at Gary, "Think Squirtle can pull off another of those moves?"
"Of course, he can do that all day," Gary's grin widened, "You got an idea?"
"Yup," Ash nodded while eyeing the group of pokemon, "Just need you to trust me,"
"You've got it," Gary took a deep breath before shouting towards Squirtle, "Pulse Gun!"
With a loud cry, Squirtle released that same pulsing water gun from before towards Seel and Staryu. Ash's eyes narrowed as he waited for the best moment before finally shouting out, "Electrike, use dual Fang on Squirtle pulse gun!"
Ignoring the startled gasp Gary let out, Ash watched as Electrike moved towards the pulsing spray of water though he darted down further until he'd closed in close to their opponents who were entering a slight stupor. As his muzzle began crackling with dual colored energy, he stuck it into the raging waters without fear. From his muzzle, a brilliant array of ice burst outward and spread in both directions as livid electricity began traversing the waters. Wincing as Electrike winced from the force of the water, he watched as the two pokemon steadily became enveloped in ice as they were shocked though neither seemed to register it until the ice had already crawled halfway up their bodies. Pulling his muzzle from the ice, Electrike winced as Seel let out an alarmed cry that ended abruptly.
Squirtle ended his Water Gun as the two pokemon were returned with Electrike darting across the platforms to Ash's side. Gary muttered softly, "Holy fuck, how did you know that he wouldn't shock Squirtle? How the hell did he not get blown away?"
Bending down to pet Electrike and check over the pup's muzzle, Ash explained in a light tone, "Because Electrike knows a modified version of Protect, it's how he can do certain things," He nodded to himself before raising a hand and calling out to the referee, "I'm switching out Electrike for the next portion of the battle."
The Referee nodded while calling out, "Of course, Gym Leaders please release your next pokemon and Challenger Ash please do the same after they've done so."
Inclining his head, Ash smiled at Electrike, "You did a very good job, Bud. I'm really proud of you," Electrike's tail wagged happily, "I'm returning you for the moment. Once this is done and you're checked out by Nurse Joy, I'm giving you so many treats."
Letting out a soft laugh as Electrike became even more excited, Ash returned the pup as Pikachu got ready for his battle. Grace and Walter both raised a pokeball as they called out, "You both did very well."
"It's wonderful to actually have to work for our battle even on a lower level," Grace beamed at them.
"Agreed, Dear," Walter inclined his head, "Let us begin the next round!"
As the pokeballs were tossed out, a pair of Seaking dropped into the pool making Ash grimace a bit though he'd expected that the two would bring out fully aquatic pokemon. He should be happy that they hadn't brought out anything that wasn't weak to an Electric-type, but knew that he'd have to be careful since these two could easily beat him. Scanning the two pokemon with a careful eye, he noted that they were both semi-slim with less vibrant colors than was the norm for their species meaning they'd likely only evolved a month ago. While battle ready, they weren't ready for higher tier battles thus perfect for lower level battles such as theirs. Nodding to himself, he extended the arm where Pikachu was resting on his shoulder, "Ready, Bud?"
Letting out a cry, Pikachu darted down his arm and jumped onto a nearby platform. Grace let out a soft giggle, "I'm almost getting flashbacks only your sister had Balto beside her from what I remember."
"Don't get too lost in those flashbacks," Ash grinned at her, "Gary and I are our own people after all,"
"Oh, I'm well aware," Grace smiled softly, "But it truly is nice to remember certain things from back then," She raised a hand, "But we can dawdle too long, Seaking, do me a favor and start things off with Super Ring,"
Opening his mouth to question what that move could be, Ash watched as one of the Seaking rose up from the water with their horn aimed towards Pikachu and Squirtle. With a blue glow forming, a chirping sound echoed through the air as arches of blue began to to lazily float through the air. Crying out as he gripped his ears, Pikachu shook his head rapidly and slammed his tail against the platform he stood on. Squirtle dove into the nearby water while shaking his head and Ash winced as moments later one of the platforms exploded with the turtle bursting out of it. With a gurgling sound, the second Seaking followed Squirtle and slammed him down back into the water with what he thought was Flail, but couldn't be sure.
"Holy fuck..." Gary muttered in shock.
"I...I know," Ash swallowed heavily.
Trying to think of what they could do in this situation, Ash looked towards Pikachu and saw his partner's cheeks sparking erratically. Bitting the inside of his cheek, he slowly came up with a plan as Grace called out, "Well, it looks like this battle is a change from our last one."
"Perhaps, but...perhaps not," Ash stepped a bit forwards before shouting, "Pikachu!" The mouse's ears flicked slightly showing that he could still hear despite the position he was in, "Thunderwave!"
"Ash-" Gary started with a concerned look on his face.
Letting out a fierce cry, Pikachu released a wave of intense electrical energy that swept across the field and water in a way that almost resembled Elrond's electrical terrain. Cutting off its assault with a choked gurgle, the Seaking that had been stalling Pikachu flinched as the wave of electricity darted across it's form. Now unhindered and with a clear target, Pikachu released a vivid Thunder Shock before beginning to dart across the platforms with Quick Attack. Using Iron Tail as he slammed into Seaking who was just starting to recover from the shock, Pikachu sent the overly large koi fish skittering across the pool into a nearby platform as he used the momentum to land onto another platform safely.
Charging up another Thunder shock, Pikachu released it as the Seaking was beginning to recover earning another pained gurgle. Gary let out a low whistle, "Shit, I never knew Pikachu had it in him."
"I did," Aura was a wonderful thing when it revealed this kind of stuff.
There was a loud bang as Squirtle broke through another platform, Ash winced as the turtle slammed into a nearby platform and began unsteadily rising to his feet. Looking ready to pass out, the turtle's chest visibly heaved with each strained breath and his body was quickly turning another color entirely. But despite the pain he was obviously in, Squirtle wasn't willing to back down apparently. Dropping to a knee, the turtle let out a low cry as he shook his head. Gary made a soft noise, "Squirtle...Buddy..."
Ash's ears and aura range as he heard the turtle true voice, he found himself speak in a soft tone, "I can't back down. Not now...not in my own element...I can't do that when I've got so much to prove. Bell...Spearow...Gary...Even the littlest one now...I have to keep moving..."
"Ash?" Gary looked at him in question.
"Squirtle's voice...I..." Ash pressed a hand to his heart, "He feels that,"
"Squirtle!" Gary looked at Squirtle as he bit his lips, "You can take a break, Bud. I...This battle it's an important one, but there will always be others," He clenched his fingers into a tight fist, "And I'm going to need your help for those two. Take a break and let one of the others finish this, I promise that it's going to be okay!"
Turning his head towards Gary, Squirtle's eyes were filled with a fire that Ash had seen in Smaug eyes on more than one occasion when the Charizard was battling against Professor Oak's own Charizard. There was a moment where the world seemed to stand still before he felt something surge forward, the feeling felt so familiar that it took him longer than he truly wished to admit to realize just what it was. Over the weeks since leaving Pewter City, Squirtle's aura had been surging and growing gradually until this moment when all that growth that had been pooling finally burst forth over his form.
Hand covering his eyes as a bright light engulfed Squirtle, Ash whispered in shock, "I-Squirtle's evolving, Gare."
"Y-yeah," Gary sounded breathless as the battle paused with everyone focusing on the sight before them.
As the light of evolution faded and Squirtles form was revealed to have been replaced by that of a powerful Wartortle, Ash's breath caught in his throat as he eyed the newly evolved pokemon. With darker blue skin than Squirtle, the turtle now stood taller and bulkier than he had before with two incredibly dark blue stripes along his cheeks. Along either side his head sprouted feather-like ears that were as white as freshly fallen snow, a fainter blue tint curled along the edges of those feather-like ears. His shell had grown bigger and far thicker with the edge rounding, a pale white rim curled around the edges of each part of the shell to separate the different parts. From the base of his shell, a fluffy white tail curled with the edges lined with a fine dusting of pale blue.
As the newly evolved Wartortle blinked his eyes opened, he breathed out a soft cry as his eyes focused on the Seaking who was staring at him in shock. Slowly a grin formed on his lips and a chuckle slipped from his chest, he held out a hand and released a large Aura Sphere that shot towards the Seaking and slammed into it sending the oversized fish flying backwards. Gary let out a low laugh and shook his head as Ash muttered, "He is so going to crash hard."
"Until then, I guess I should let him battle a bit longer," Gary rubbed the back of his neck, Sq-Wartortle!" The turlte turned towards him with a grin, "If you want to stay out, I'm fine with it, but I'm pulling you back soon. I'm not going to risk letting you get hurt so soon after evolving, alright?"
Wartortle nodded with another laugh before taking a deep breath and releasing a stream of water that definitely looked far closer to Hydro Pump then Ash had ever seen it. Grace shook her head as Pikachu and Wartortle continued to work on taking out the two Seaking, "Well this definitely took a turn."
"So it seems," Walter let out a low laugh as the Seaking Pikachu was battle finally sank into the water unconscious, "Oh dear,"
"Gym Leader Walter is out of pokemon!" The referee called out as Walter returned the pokemon.
"Seems history is truly repeating itself in one way or another," Walter chuckled softly as he shook his head, "Honey, you're up,"
Rolling her eyes at him, Grace muttered something under her breath, "Indeed," She gestured to Wartortle, "Let's try our best, Seaking! Take out that Pikachu with Horn Drill!"
Blinking a bit, Ash called out, "Wait, I thought that Seaking was yours, Grace."
Shaking her head as Pikachu leapt over the attacking Seaking and hit it with Iron Tail causing the fish to slam into the platform below with a loud crash, Grace explained, "When you battle together enough, the pokemon you and your partner use will begin to take orders from both of you though they'll always prioritize the orders given by their trainer."
Sharing a look with Gary, Ash made a mental note to ask Vali about that later before focusing as Wartortle and Pikachu both hit Seaking. Using Rapid Spin, Wartortle slammed into the prone fish's side as Pikachu hit it with another Iron tail. Just as they were gearing up for another round of attacks, Grace recalled her pokemon prompting the referee to call out, "As Gym Leader Grace has forfeited her Seaking, Challengers Ash Ketchum and Gary Oak have won!"
Wartortle was recalled by Gary as Pikachu darted across the platforms towards Ash radiating happiness. Bending down to make it easier for his partner, he grinned and caught Pikachu in a hug, "Good job, Pikachu. You and Electrike both did an awesome job today!"
"Agreed," Gary grinned lightly as they began leaving their trainers box.
Walking over with Walter at her side, Grace smiled warmly at them, "You two did wonderfully! It was a really good battle."
"Which is why we're glad to present you the Cascade badge," Walter presented them a red case holding two blue teardrop badge that Ash had seen in Vali's old badge case.
Taking one as Gary did the same with the other, Ash held the small badge in his hand feeling pride curl in his chest. He glanced at Gary as his best friend held the badge up, "This is awesome, but..." A frown curled across Gary's lips, "It kinda sucks that Vali isn't here to see this."
"Yeah...you'd think that," Came from beside them.
Letting out a deep sigh of relief as the last higher up trainer finally shuffled out, Vali rubbed the back of her neck and and grabbed the third can of Vaporeon Crush she'd had Balin grab her on the way in for the meeting. Cracking it open, she looked at Lance as he muttered, "Thank fuck that's over."
"And to think you've only got to speak with Charles and the other Board members about why certain functions need to move around," Vali let out a low snicker alongside Nazgul at the pout Lance directed at her and she gestured at him with her can of energy drink, "Can't help you with that part, I'm not technically here. This was a one time thing, Dragon-boy,"
"And one I am so very thankful for," Lance rubbed at his face tiredly, "Fuck, I am not looking forward to that meeting. I just know that Margaret Bowing is going to try skinning me alive for trying to move her Contests around,"
Snorting softly as she pushed off the window, Vali walked over to Lance and patted his shoulder while drinking some of the blue raspberry flavored energy drink, "Poor little thing, I pity you," She giggled as he swatted at her hand, "Though that old woman is lucky she's even getting those Contests as is, I don't think she's even realized that those little things aren't even recognized as valid by the World Contest association. Hell, the Johto ones are just barely starting to get recognition and even then, it's a stretch."
"True enough," Lance shook his head with a light smile as Vali dropped onto the seat across from him, "I think she's holding onto the hope that if we hold enough that the circuit will get recognized,"
Rolling her eyes, Vali took another sip of her energy drink, "Not how it works," She had heard quite a lot of bitching from a few friends in the Contest world to know that, "What time is it?"
"It shouldn't be too late," Lance eyed Vali as she pulled out her pokenav, "I'm sure you haven't missed their match-"
Groaning at the time, Vali ran a hand through her hair, "It's already started. Shit, I need to hurry and get back to Cerulean. Hopefully, I'll make it in time to see at least a bit of their match."
"Match? As in singular?" Lance stood alongside Vali as she downed her energy drink in one go and began darting for the door, "Vali-"
"Grace and Walter are battling them," Vali tossed over her shoulder, "The triplets haven't met their standards and the less said about Misty the better," She opened the door, "Talk to you later, Lance,"
Leaving Lance behind her, Vali made a beeline for the closest shortcut that she'd discovered not long into her time being an Elite Four and Lance's shadow. Elrond kept pace easily with her as Ortho curled tightly around her shoulders. Elrond commented, "Based on my calculations, we should be able to make it back in time to catch the tail end of the match."
'Good,' Vali leapt over a stone railing and used her magic to help her slid along the wall, 'Hav-'
"Galadrial has already grabbed those who decided to visit the ones staying behind," Elrond answered as Vali hit the floor and slid slightly for a moment before she kicked off it to dart down another set of stairs, "She will be meeting us in the teleportation bay,"
Inwardly sighing in relief, Vali sent Elrond her gratitude and ensure he knew to send some towards Galadrial. The normally twenty minute journey from Lance's office to the teleportation bay was cut down to five minutes and she was on her way back to Cerulean a few moments later. Without asking any questions, Varis dropped them off in front of the Cerulean city gym. Entering the building, she headed straight for the battle area and felt relief run through her as the referee called out for Grace and Walter to release their next pokemon. Rather than take a seat in the front, she settled in the back and used her magic to conceal her presence from Ash. While she knew that the boys wanted her there, she wanted to see how well they did without her present.
And she was not disappointed especially when it came to seeing Squirtle evolve, Vali grinned softly as she watched it happen and felt the faint strings of memory surge at the sight. Taking pictures of the battle using her camera, she ensured that moment was captured for Gary though if he wished, Professor Oak would get a copy as well. When the battle ended, she headed over to the two and spoke as Gary commented about her missing it, "Yeah...you'd think that," She offered the two a sheepish grin as they spun towards her with Ash's eyes going wider than Gary's and she dropped her little cloaking trick that the boy would likely be asking her about later, "I did miss half the battle, but-"
"You're here!" Ash darted forward and pulled her into a hug with Pikachu jumping for the ground with a slight cry of complaint though his eyes showed some relief.
Laughing softly, Vali hugged him back, "Sorry for being late."
"It's fine," Gary joined their hug and pressed his face into her side, "It was important, right?"
"Yeah, it was, but I promise that I'll try to not let it happen again-" Vali started only for Ash to cut her off.
"Don't make promises that you can't keep, Vali," Ash pulled away to smile at her sadly, "We all know that you being able to stay for our matches is awesome, but even on vacation, you've got work to do,"
"So don't sweat it, we're just glad you managed to make it," Gary grinned weakly at her.
"Guys..." Vali's eyes burned as regret and anger curled within her heart.
"So," Ash's smile widened, "What did you think of the match? What you saw?"
Shaking her head lightly at him, Vali let out a soft laugh and began to explain what she thought of the match though her eyes slowly found Gold's. Narrowing them at him, she did her best to convey that they'd be speaking later on. When he nodded to her, she knew that she'd succeeded.
Taking a seat on the railing as cool air blew in from the nearby bay, Vali's eyes were closed as breathed in a deep dreg of smoke. She cracked open an eye as the door behind her opened. Gold's voice sounded as soft footfalls echoed across the tile, "So I take it the drive was good?"
"Had everyone in a frenzy, Lance'll be on his feet within the next couple weeks if not sooner," Vali looked up at the moon rising over head while releasing the smoke she'd been keeping in her lungs, "Green and Blue have been busy,"
"Yeah," Gold settled onto the railing next to her, "Those two kids, they're suspicious about why we don't trust one another..." He sounded a bit bitter, "I think Ash is getting close to why,"
Taking the cigarette out of her mouth, Vali glanced down at it and stared at the smoke rising from the burning end. She could almost picture the exact moment her trust was lost in the man beside her. A grimace curled against her lips, "Let me guess, he thinks it's the legends?"
"Overheard the boys talking about it earlier though he hasn't outright said it to me," Gold's voice was soft, "One of these days, we'll have to tell them the real reason why I stopped coming around Pallet town...why your pokemon won't let me anywhere near them when it comes to their cubs..."
Bitterness and mourning curled in her chest, Vali's eyes rose up to look at the moon overhead as the backs stung. She spoke in a soft tone that revealed none of what she truly felt, "One day, yes, but until then, we'll let them continue to think it's due to the Legends. After all, it's part of the reason half of you distrusted me in the beginning."
There was a strained sound from the man beside her, Gold fist hit the railing making it shake slightly though Vali didn't react. She kept her eyes on the moon as he hissed, "I don't know how many times I can apologize, Vali. What happened, it was a mistake-I didn't intend-"
"Mistakes happen, Gold," Vali got down from the railing and dropped her cigarette to the ground before stamping it out, "Accidents happen..." She began walking away from him, "But not when it results in a dead pokemon...One who hasn't even gotten the chance to fully live..."
There was a strangled noise as she pulled the roof door open, Vali walked inside and close it. A warm tongue licked her cheek before Ortho's cold nose nuzzled into the spot he'd licked. He murmured softly, "No wasting tears, Sis."
Chest aching even as she let out a soft giggle, Vali reached up to rub Ortho's head as she headed towards her room, "No wasting tears."
Slipping into her room, Vali headed not towards her bed, but went to curl up with Balto. Laying down on her partner's side, she smiled as her pokemon crowded around and tried to fall asleep...
Soft sky blue scales...
Trusting pale indigo eyes...
Playful croons and warm nuzzles...
Small luxury ball handed to a man with golden eyes...
Frail body looking too small even through a small screen...
Coughing fits that turned bloody...
Scales becoming pale and brittle...
Eyes dulling and darkening...
A box of ashes with a luxury ball being handed back...
An agonized cry turning into a terrible howl.
"Man, I'm glad Vali made it at the end," Ash slid on his pajamas only to pause when Gary only grunted in reply, "Gare?"
Sighing low in his throat, Gary turned his head towards Ash while making sure that Ziggy wouldn't slip from where she was perched on his chest, "Ash, I'm glad...I just...I was really hoping Vali of all people wouldn't just miss out on shit, ya know? But-"
"Gary!" Ash snapped making Gary flinch a bit and Ziggy let out a whine, "You know she can't control the League-"
"I know! I know..." Gary sat up slowly and shifted Ziggy into his lap to cuddle her, "I just...Out of everyone, she's been the only one who's never really missed anything. If she was going to, she always gave us some kind of warning,"
Running a hand through his hair, Ash let out a sigh, "Gare, Vali's trying her best. 'Sides we always knew that with her job, she'd have to miss some of our battles even when she was on vacation. She warned us."
"I know, but I thought it'd only be later on...when we were more used to battling..." Gary's eyes met Ziggy's as his chest ached a bit, "Ash, I just..."
"You're tired of not having people there for your big moments," Ash walked over and sat beside him, "But, Gare," He smiled at him, "I'm here,"
"I-I know," Gary kept his eyes on Ziggy, "But it's different with ya know?"
There was a sigh, Ash nodded as he leaned back on his hands, "Yeah, I...Yeah," He gained a contemplative look, "Sometimes, I kinda wish that Vali would retire, ya know? Just leave the League and travel with us without having to go back."
"Me too," Gary grinned at Ash, "But that's never going to happen, she loves keeping Lance on his toes too much and ensuring everyone's safe,"
Shaking his head as he let out a laugh, Ash scratched his cheek, "So I guess we'll just have to deal with Vali not being there for our battles sometimes," He grinned a bit, "But ya know, I'm going to call every battle she's at my most important one. Cause she's there cheering us on."
Snorting a bit, Gary nudged Ash, "Suck up."
"You're thinking it too," Ash teased with a snicker.
"Am not!" Gary pushed Ash.
"Are too," Ash grinned while pushing Gary back.
Carefully setting Ziggy off to the side with the assurance that Bell would keep her safe, Gary and Ash started to wrestle around until they finally settled on the floor together panting in a tangle of limbs. Ash's nose dug into Gary's neck as the slightly younger boy muttered something unintelligible. Letting out a weak laugh, Gary pushed him off, "C'mon, we should get to bed. We're leaving pretty early tomorrow."
"Yeah," Ash got off of him and Gary headed for his bed while stealing Ziggy back from Bell, "Hey, Gare?" He hummed low in his throat, "You're not leaving anytime soon, are you?"
"Nah, it's just starting to get interesting," Gary smiled at Ash while he laid down and Bell turned of the room's light, "Besides, someone has to be there for your battles and...I want you to be there for mine,"
Seeing Ash flush and grin before the boy covered his face with a pillow was worth being sappy, Gary shifted around a bit to get more comfortable with Ziggy curling up against his side.
In a small cave off the coast of Cinnabar Island, a small portal of deep violet and vibrant indigo split open. From out of that portal, a host of ghost pokemon slip out and made a beeline for the cave's nearby opening. Towards the end, a small serpentine creature slithered out and blinked it's obsidian eyes. As it's tail slipped out of the portal, the thing closed with a slight crackling sound leaving the tiny creature alone as the other ghosts had already fled. Seemingly unbothered that it was left along, the creature floated unaided through the air for a short while before settling on a small rock where it curled up.
Ash's Team:
1. Pidgeotto
Female
2. Electrike
Male
3. Pikachu
Male
4. Blitzle
Female
5. Clefairy
Male
Gary's Team:
1. Weepinbell
Male
2. Squirtle
Male
3. Spearow
Female
4. 'Ziggy'/ Galarian Zigzagoon
Female
Vali's present team:
1. Balto/ Arcanine
Male
2. Smaug/ Charizard
Male
3. Elrond/ Alolan-Raichu
Male
4. Eowyn/ Houndoom
Female
5. Aragorn/ Vulpix-King-Gene
Male
6. Pele/ Camerupt
Female
7. Celina/ Pidgeot
Female
8. Thorin/ Flareon
Male
9. Arwen/ Rapidash
Female
10. Galadrial/ Chandelure
Female
11. Nazgul/ Gengar-Shiny
Male
12. Irmo/ Pyroar
Male
13. Ortho/ Furret
Male
14. Noldor/ Smeargle
Male
15. Terra/ Tyranitar
Female
16. Empress/ Salamence
Female
17. Idril/ Sandslash-Shiny
Female
18. Pippin/ Luxray
Male
19. Bombur/ Dewgong
Male
20. Balrog/ Magmar
Male
21. Khione/ Aurorus
Female
22. Rosie/ Meganium
Female
23. Balin/ Typhlosion
Male
24. Disa/ Jolteon
Female
25. Absol
Male
26. Noibat
Male