Greetings, everyone. Mgunnels3 here, and welcome back to Ash's Kanto Journey My Version. It's been a while. I will get more chapters out as soon as possible. Also, I know the PMs and all that were down if this happens. I'm on Deviantart, Furraffinity, Archive Your Own, and Inkitt under the same username and Discord under the same username, #1186, if you want to contact me if something happens again, whether it be story-related or RP or anything of that sort. That said, let's get this chapter started. I know the last chapter was long, but it will sometimes happen. I have a lot to cover in this chapter, so let's get it started.
Chapter 6: Rivals
"Human Speech"
"Pokemon Speech"
'Telepathy'
We joined our heroes as they made the road towards Mt. Moon and, soon, Cerulean City, the site of their next gym battle.
"Hey, Misty, you going to be okay once we arrive in Cerulean City, given that it's your hometown and your sister's gym?" Ash asked Misty, who sighed. "We will be at least a full day from here once we enter Mt. Moon?"
"I thought about it, and I will be taking part in battling my siblings in a battle," Misty said to Ash and Brock, not annoyed that Ash asked it, given that she knew this day would come.
"Your sisters are more interested in their shows than battles. What are you two going to do about that?" Brock asked Misty, who shook her head.
"Daisy agreed to have a battle, given she's taken her duties as gym leader more than Lilly and Violet, and I hope that we don't run into the gym with them still having Pokemon still being able to battle given that the gym is the next stop," Misty explains to the group who nodded.
"By the way, I noticed that your newest captures are out of their balls with Latios and Latias," Brock said to Ash and Misty, who turned to see them behind them, invisible.
'We agreed to join the team, but until we can get used to being around humans, we'll stay invisible until my sister and I can think of a form to become as we can become humans as we are known for. Brock and we do trust you,' Latios said in Telepathy to Brock, who nodded.
"By the way, Brock, did you have to leave some of your Pokemon back home, given that you were using most of your father's Pokemon," Misty asked Brock, who shook his head.
"Well, Cradilly, yes, but Rhyhorn, Graveler, and Steelix are with me, and Dad said I could bring Rhyhorn with me as an apology, though I get along with both his team and mine," Brock said as Misty and Ash nodded.
"Even Pokemon will always be loyal to their own trainer's family, so you shouldn't have to worry about it, Brock," Flare said to Brock, who knew that Ash and Misty had a translator and while he wished that he had one on him, both the lati twins, Misty and Ash agreed to translate for him which Ash said what Flare said to him.
"Yeah, given that you are his brother Charizard's daughter, I can see why, Flare," Brock said as they arrived at the cave entrance. "Well, once we enter the cave, we will be on a straightforward path until we reach the path to Cerulean City," Brock said to the group.
"We will be running into Pokemon a lot in the cave. Who knows what we will find, so we should be on the lookout for anything," Misty said to Ash and Brock, who nodded as Ash turned around, noticing that someone was watching him.
"You can come on out. We know that you have been following us since the beginning of our Journey," Flare said out loud to who was following the group as a blueish-grayish canine Pokemon on two legs walked out and walked towards the group. "A Riolu," one of the Pokemon from Sinnoh; I heard about them. They are the types who are loyal to their trainers and are devoted to training. What's one want with you?" Flare said as Ash looked Riolu up, and it was a fighting type.
"Isn't it obvious I wanted a trainer of my own, that's what," Riolu said as it was a female one like Flare who didn't like the tone she gave towards her as Riolu turned to Ash. "I saw what you did for the Spearow flock and have been following you to see what kind of trainer you were, and I can see that you are a worthy trainer for me. I don't know what kind of issue your Starter here has with me, but I'm willing to give you a chance," Riolu said to Ash, who nodded.
"Can you two please get along, please? On this team, we work together, please. I already know that you will have issues with each other," Ash said to Riolu and Flare, who sighed and nodded.
"Fine, just no pet talk towards me. I know that my line is known to be also one I'll take, girl, but that's as far as you are getting from me, good battles and out of my ball like your Starter here. I'll give her a chance as a friend. Just evolve me into a Lucario and don't lecture me, and we won't have issues," Riolu said to Ash, who nodded as Flare sighed.
"So much for me being the only man outside my ball, but deal," Flare said to Riolu, who wagged her tail.
"Don't worry. The shoulder is yours to climb on until you evolve, but what are you waiting for? I wanted to be caught since the forest," Riolu said to Ash, who had a sweatdrop as he already had a tomboy in the form of his Starter, now two.
"Then you should've just asked me when you saw me through the tent that night, but okay, welcome to the team," Ash said as he pulled out a Pokeball, caught her, and then let Riolu out of her ball. "Welcome to the team, and I hope we can get along. Anything else you need from me as I can understand you, that's all," Ash asked Riolu, who shrugged and nodded.
"I already made my demands earlier. Just try to be my friend and give me a chance as one. I'll forgive losses, given that it's part of what trainers are supposed to have at times," Riolu said to Ash, who nodded.
"Just don't call me master or anything like that when you evolve. I heard that most of your evolutionary line is like that even after a personality like yours was," Ash asked Riolu, who nodded as it was fair. She did ask for no pet stuff, so it's a fair return for it. "Do you have a name other than Riolu, or do you want me to give you one or just call you that?" Ash asked nicely, and Riolu understood why he asked.
"Just Riolu, there's not many here in Kanto as far as I know it. I've been here for almost a month," Riolu told Ash.
"That's about as long as I've been a trainer, so either around the time I became it or beforehand," Ash said.
"Not sure. I was just placed here recently. All I know is that I came here to get stronger and find my trainer, and now I have," Riolu said as Ash nodded. Flare also listened to this and understood that she wanted to be with a trainer, but being here just out of nowhere was suspicious. "It's the truth, as I just woke up in Kanto. I am aware of this region as most members of my line originated here before coming to Sinnoh," Riolu said as Ash was familiar with that tale and nodded.
The group went inside the cave to find more Pokemon or ones who wanted to join the team, as they had to go through here anyway. Riolu was walking beside Ash, and Flare was on Ash's shoulders. Ash can tell that Riolu is already strong for a young pup but wants to ensure that all his Pokemon's demands are met.
"So, Riolu, do you know your moves and how to use them?" Ash asked her, who nodded as if it was a fair question. "I'd rather ask first before looking them up, that's all," Ash asked Riolu.
"It's Blaze Kick, Brick Break, Iron Tail, and Shadow Claw," Riolu said to Ash, who noticed these were weird moves but did cover many coverages and nodded. "I do know how to use them, though Iron Tail and Blaze Kick is still something I haven't mastered yet," Riolu told Ash.
"I also know that your line is known for using Aura. Are you capable of using it, or are you still new?" Ash asked, and Riolu shook her head. "Still new to it, huh?" Ash asked Riolu.
"I'm only four, Ash, and we aren't out the egg knowing how to use it, and we can only master it through our trainers. Don't worry, and I don't care if my trainer is strong or weak Aura. As long as they're a good trainer and person, you can trust me," Riolu said to Ash, who nodded. Riolu could feel someone was following them and growled upon doing so.
"Keep your Riolu on a leash there, Ash. You know that I was heading this way, not just you as well," A voice called out. It was Trip, who was just a little behind the group.
"I thought you left not long before we left?" Ash asked Trip, who shrugs.
"Well, I mean, Mt. Moon is a long track and might as well stick with you guys until we leave; so far, you have my attention after your gym battle against Brock," Trip said to Ash, who was surprised as Flare smirked at this. "Also, I'm not the only one here. When my family arrived in Kanto, I started with a Sinnoh Pokemon in the area the last I checked, unless he's already made it past Cerulean," Trip said as he walked with the group.
"You mean Paul? I remember he was in the gym just the day before you challenged my gym. I'm familiar with his family, as his brother visited the gym not long ago," Brock said to Trip, who nodded.
The group kept walking as two shadows were watching the group. The two were interested in Ash and Misty more than the others and saw how Ash handled Riolu earlier as they carefully walked at a distance toward them.
"I was thinking once we arrive at a stopping point, we should have a battle, Ash," Trip said to Ash, who was surprised by the asking. "But I think a 1-on-1 fight is fair for a trainer I would be considering a rival, and most of my team is a bit stronger than yours," Trip said as Ash nodded.
"I mean, I just started, so it's only fair that you want that, Trip, so I accept," Ash said as Flare wanted in on the fight, which made Trip chuckle at this.
"I must say I'm interested in you two since I saw your battle at the gym and what you said back at the cafe," Trip said as Ash sighed and nodded, as did Misty as the group walked off further into the cave as someone else was watching them in another path of the cave that the group was heading in.
The group was outside and near the water area of the cave. They were still a bit halfway from the exit, but they decided to rest and eat, and it was a good time for Ash and Trip to have a match after they ate. While they ate something, Misty talked about Ash was still eating at Trip.
"Tell me, you two, why are you two on this Journey in the first place? I can tell that you two have some reasons for that?" Trip asked Misty and Ash. "I heard about what Brock said with his father yesterday, and I can respect that an admirable goal to travel," Trip said.
"I'll start Misty. I take you heard yesterday that I almost choked as a trainer. Well, it has to do with my family as I have a lot to live up to even though I'm following my path as a trainer," Ash said as he explained who his father and brother are. Surprisingly, Trip's understanding of what Ash was saying and can tell what Ash is saying means a lot to him.
"I wouldn't call it a choke, Ash; they hit you right where it hurts, and I can understand why you are alone. As someone as infamous as those two, you shouldn't let it get to you," Trip said to Ash, who looked at him. "I too wanted to get stronger and go on my journey to be one day not just the best trainer ever, but to challenge my home region champion in Unova one day as he was my inspiration for being a trainer, but I know that if want to do that I have to follow it on my standards and means of training," Trip said to Ash who nodded.
"He's not wrong about that, Ash, and after facing off against you, I can agree that you still care about your Pokemon while showing the fruits of your training," Brock said to Ash as Trip nodded as he turned to Misty. Who knew it was her turn?
"My family is known for their shows and are famous as the Sensational Sisters and gym leaders of the next gym we are heading. I came on this Journey to not just prove to my sisters that I can be a top trainer and not follow in their footsteps, but also to prove to myself that this Journey is worth it," Misty said to Trip, who nodded.
"I've heard of them, and I can understand what you are saying, and after seeing you in battle in the gym, I can see why you are part of the gym coming up, and I can see why, so Ash, you ready to battle," Trip said to Ash who nodded.
Ash and Trip were out in the open area as Misty, Brock, Riolu, and the Lati Twins watched. While Ash had three battles so far, this was the first rival battle in his view, and Flare stood in front of him, ready to fight.
"I'll be using my starter Charmander, Trip, for this fight, so what would you be using," Ash said to Trip, who pulled out his Pokeball.
"My Starter, I got when I came here to Kanto. Chimchar, come on out," Trip sent out his Starter, which was a fire-type. Ash looked it up, and it was from the Sinnoh region. Flare glared at him as if it were a fire-type against another one. "Humph, seems like your Starter knows what she is up against. Chimchar, use Flamethrower," Trip commanded his Pokemon, who fired the attack at Flare.
"Dragons Dance and then use Flamethrower," Ash commanded her, who used the same move as the two moves clashed as both were equal in strength fire-wise, but how are they when it comes to moves? "Now, Dragon Claw," Ash commanded as her claws glowed and charged at Trip.
"Shadow Claw now," Trip commanded him, whose paws glowed as the two clashed and landed blows with each other, sending both back. "Hidden Power now," Trip commanded his Pokemon, who glowed and fired the attack right at Flare. The colors looked blue as if it was a water-type attack.
"Dig now. Get out of there, and then Dragon Claw," Ash commanded her, who dug underground, dodging the attack. Chimchar watched as Trip had something up his sleeve for this move as Flare came out and slammed her claws on him.
"Got you now, Ash, use Counter," Trip commanded his Starter, who slammed his fist into Flare as both were sent back as Counter did some good damage. Even with Dig's help, Flare did some good damage to Chimchar. "Hidden Power now, Chimchar," Trip commanded his Starter, who fired the attack.
"Counter with Flamethrower," Ash commanded her, who fired the attack at the orbs. The attack caused an explosion, sending starters to their trainers and the ground. Knocked out, both were surprised.
Ash and Trip ran over to their Pokemon as Flare groaned at the fact that she was knocked out, not just Chimchar, as she glared at him, not anger-wise but more impressed and rival-wise which Chimchar returned as Trip smirked as impressed by this as Brock healed both of them given that the injuries weren't severe enough to be rushed to the Pokemon Center as the group heard some clapping in the distance and turned to see a Purple-haired boy with a vest like jacket and was watching the whole thing.
"Speaking of the guy, Paul, you saw the whole thing," Trip said to the guy, who nodded and walked over to the group.
"Sorry, I'm not great when being around people, but I must say you two battled well, especially you, Ash. I taken?" Paul said to Ash, who nodded. "I can see that you are starting well as a trainer, but I would like to see your other traveling companions' battle skills as well," Paul said, looking at Misty as he revealed he had the Cascade badge, which Misty was surprised. "Same situation with Ash and Trip here. 1-on-1 battle if you are okay with it. If not, that's okay."
"I'm fine with battling you as well, and I'm not backing down from a challenge either, so bring it, Paul," Misty said as Paul nodded. He was pretty calm and collected, that was for sure, as Ash and Trip, along with Flare, walked over to the group.
"Not bad out there, Flare. I can see why you are his Starter," Riolu said to Flare, who nodded as they watched the next battle.
"Squirtle, come on out," Misty sent out her Starter as Paul pulled out his Pokeball.
"Turtwig stand-by for battle," Trip sent out his Pokemon, a grass-type and a starter.
"Seems like the other starter taken when I got Chimchar has shown itself," Trip told the group.
"Don't think that I won't go easy just cause you have the advantage here, Paul," Misty said to Paul, who nodded. "Squirtle, use Ice Beam," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who fired the attack.
"Superpower now, and then use Energy Ball," Paul commanded as Turtwig charged in against the ice-type attack with the fight-type attack and used Energy Ball.
"Withdraw and then use Water Pulse," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who withdrew into its shell for the fighting-type move and then used the water-type attack on the Energy Ball as the two moves clashed. "Now use Bite," Misty commanded her Starter, who clamped on Turtwig's leafy head.
"Giga Drain now," Paul commanded his Starter, who absorbed Squirtle from the twig on its head as Misty was surprised.
"Ugh, use Ice Beam now," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who fired the attack at close range. Both of them were sent back and getting into the battle's grove.
"Energy Ball now," Paul commanded his Pokemon, who fired the attack at Squirtle.
"Mirror Coat now," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who blocked the attack and returned it to Turtwig. Paul was surprised Squirtle knew that move as Squirtle was panting, as well as Turtwig.
Everyone was surprised by how well this battle was being handled. And Paul was showing some battle experience that isn't normal for a beginner trainer, and he was one at this point.
"Use Superpower," Paul commanded his Pokemon, who charged at Squirtle.
"Use Ice Beam now," Misty commanded her Pokemon as the two moves clashed. Both Pokemon were hit by an explosion from the attack, sending both back. Squirtle landed in the water nearby, and both were knocked out. Misty ran over to Squirtle, and Paul smiled, seeing that he had some competition with a rival in Misty as he returned Turtwig and would heal him later.
"Not bad, Misty, and I can see why you want to move on from your family, as I, too, am trying my path as a trainer from my brother, who is in this region but not for the league," Paul said to Misty and the others as the group was curious about what he means. "My brother has been undefeated in his past journeys, and as of right now, he's challenging the strongest group of trainers here in Kanto that is stronger than the Elite Four."
"A group stronger than the Elite Four that's not the champion, huh? That's weird. I've never heard such a thing?" Ash said to Paul, who shrugs.
"I heard that he was in this region, and I was in the area as I am heading back towards Pewter City, where it and then I'll continue my journey so maybe we can battle again later on in the journey as I can see potential as rivals, not just Trip here," Paul said to Misty and Ash who nodded as Paul has taken his leave to get his Pokemon healed and towards the direction that he said as the group were still curious about what he meant earlier.
While the group was eating, as something was approaching Ash and Misty. One was an orangeish color, while the other was a blue color. As Ash and Misty saw it and scanned them, it was a Tranpinch and a Bagon.
"Wow, those two were watching our battles if I had to take a guess," Misty said as the Bagon walked over to her. Tranpinch did the same for Ash; both nuzzled the two.
"Wait a minute, weren't you two in the cage with the other Pokemon that Team Rocket tried to capture almost a month ago?" Ash recognized them as the two nodded.
"Yep, we remember you two helping us out, and we wanted to join your team, but you two left after you saved us, and we followed you two as well," Bagon said to Misty and Ash as the Bagon sounded Male.
"Please take us in. We don't care about what demands you want. You saved us. That's all we want," Tranpinch said as it was also Male but very kind-hearted and shy. Ash and Misty nodded, pulled out balls, and caught them. They were nearing the limit for captures soon enough as Latias and Latios had their Pokeballs in psychic energy, so they wouldn't count as being transferred.
The next day came as the group made their way out of the cave and to the route towards Cerulean City.
"Here is where we will be splitting up. I'm heading back in the cave to catch more Pokemon and get stronger, so the next time we run into each other, the battle won't be in a draw," Trip said to Ash and the others, who nodded.
"Fair enough, I'm looking forward to it, Trip, and here's hoping that it will be more than our first battle Pokemon-wise," Ash said to Trip, who nodded.
"Currently, I have a full team, and swapping around party-wise to get a good feel as to what works; I still care for them, so you don't have to worry about it. I want a team for different challenges," Trip explained to the others, who nodded as the group went separate ways from Trip and headed towards the road of Cerulean City.
With new rivals and Pokemon added to Ash and Misty. They make their way towards Cerulean City and the next stop for their gym battle. What other rivals and Pokemon are in store for our heroes? As the Journey continues.
Stay Tuned.
Done and done. This chapter was a lengthy one to write. But it's worth the wait, as I am on vacation this week. I'll be working on my stories for this week. As for Paul, he's before the whole thing with Brandon and his brother and is a bit nicer. While things will change about him, he will still be pleasant to Ash and the others as he can see they're worth his time. As for Trip, if you read my Unova Story, I still make him arrogant and stubborn but only in battle, but respectful as a rival. I also made a poll about Riolu's gender, and it's 5-1. The five were on Deviantart to these places: 1. As for the two newest captures, if you want the genders to change, let me know in the review, as it's still early in the story. With that said, it's the gym battle next chapter. I have something planned for this one. Please review, and I'll see you next time.