A/N:
Hey Guys! Ladster here with my first author's note!
First Update: So far, my posting schedule has been every Monday. That was an on-the-spot decision I made to gain more traction as I published. I am going to switch my posting schedule to the 1st and the 15th of every month.
Chapter 5: Feb 15th
Chapter 6: March 1st
Second Update:I am going to reply to 3 reviews of each chapter here. This story has caught on a lot faster than I expected. Thank you all for the support you have shown and the interest in my story!
Reviews:
Vital Info: I appreciate your reviews a lot, and it gives me a lot to think about when writing future chapters. I love to introduce slow world-building and questions like yours get me more excited to drop small hints that slowly paint a picture,
1. I agree that ideally, an authoritarian figure should not encourage anyone to go after danger. I'm going to build on Lance's past as well as the reason why trainers are now 16 instead of the canon 10. In the future, I do plan on introducing so much more Team Rocket. Jesse, James, and Meowth are the lowest on the totem pole, right above grunts. Hopefully, I do a good job in the future to explain the scaling. In the chapter, Ash knows that he can't beat them, so his first instinct is to run. Only when he does have an idea where he can win- he tries to defeat them.
2. In my story I only have the 8 gyms as being the major gyms that give out badges. The other gyms don't have badges and will be more of a politically guided reason rather than strength.
3. In terms of the houndour/houndoom story the ranger was already on route. He goes on to say that he was watching and making sure nothing went wrong and that Ash wasn't in danger. I also took this opportunity to show how Custos is more in tune with his Aura and he could sense that they weren't in danger. I also need to say that this is a very basic Pokedex. There are barely any features in the Pokedex. In the current timeline, the Pokegear just came out.
PokemonAndPJOFanbody: First of all, I love your username. Second, I really appreciate the feedback. I've taken a lot of inspiration from both sources, and it's good to know that you like the combination of things.
Guest: I usually won't respond to guest reviews, but I liked this question. Pairings are a long way to go but I can say that a pairing won't happen till way later in the story. I absolutely love the idea of a harem, but it needs to make sense in the story. I don't like stories where the MC is just horny and has a harem just cause. I plan on introducing a lot of female characters (just like the anime), and hopefully, whichever pairing happens makes sense. Not sure how I feel about cynthia because I haven't figured out how I want to introduce her yet and what role she would play.
"Hello?" Delia's voice came through the desktop.
"Hey, Mom! It's me, Ash," he replied, a smile creeping onto his face.
"Ash! Oh, it's so good to hear your voice!" Delia's voice was full of excitement and joy.
"How are you doing, Mom?" Ash asked.
"I'm doing well, dear. Just busy with the restaurant, you know how it is," Delia replied.
"Yeah, I know. How's the business been?" Ash inquired.
"Really good, actually. We've had a lot of customers lately, and I'm starting to think about expanding the shop," Delia said with a hint of pride in her voice.
"That's great news, Mom. I'm really happy for you," Ash said sincerely.
"So, tell me, how's your journey going? Have you caught any new Pokémon lately? I've been thinking about you nonstop. Tell me everything, sweetheart." Delia asked, eager to hear about her son's adventures.
"It's only been three days, but so much has happened already!" Ash exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement
Taking a deep breath, Ash launched into his tale. "Well, first, I caught a Starly and named her Skye. She's bigger than usual for her size, and she's fast and agile, and I can tell she will be a great addition to the team. Then just a couple of hours ago, I caught a Houndour. He seems incredibly loyal, and there was this huge situation where his Houndoom mother was injured, and my Pokemon and I helped her out. Then a ranger came and helped us out. It was a very cool experience. I feel like he could grow to be a huge part of my team."
His mother smiled, nodding encouragingly for him to continue.
"But that's not all," Ash continued, his voice growing more serious. "The Pokémon Center was attacked yesterday, and it was terrifying. All the other trainers were asleep, but somehow I wasn't affected. They were trying to steal the Pokemon from the Pokemon Center storage. But thankfully, we managed to fend off the troublemakers, and everyone's okay."
"Oh my goodness!" his mother gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "I'm so glad you're safe, Ash. How did you manage to handle such a dangerous situation?"
Ash's eyes lit up as he recalled the encounter. "My Pokemon were outclassed, and I had to return them. It all seemed like it was over when Nurse Joy mentioned something about the Pokemon Center being powered by Pikachu. I ended up convincing the Pikachu to help me save the center."
His mom's eyes sparkled with pride, "I am so proud of you for standing up to those bullies. No one should be stealing Pokemon. Her face then shifted to concern, "That being said, you need to be careful. You aren't a full-fledged trainer who can make a lot of enemies. You dispatched these guys pretty easily, but you need to be careful who you pick a fight with."
Ash took the warning and her concern with practiced ease, "Yes, Mom, of course, I'll be careful. But you know, I couldn't just let them get away with that, so I had to step up. Champion Lance called me this morning and congratulated me for saving the center. He did warn me to be careful, too, as he doesn't want me to get involved, but he even gave me a prize of 10,000 Poké-dollars for my bravery!"
She quickly put on a stern expression. "That's fantastic, Ash, but don't forget to be wise with your spending. Money doesn't grow on trees, you know."
"I know, Mom. I promise to be careful with it," Ash assured her, then eagerly continued, "But there's more. The same night as the attack on the Pokemon center, Giovanni called and asked me to come to the gym today! We had a very tough battle, and I won the challenge he gave me! I'm going to be getting some training from him for the next five days, and he will be teaching me so much."
Ash recounted the thrilling challenge where he used Custos, his Riolu, and Skye, his Starly, against Giovanni's formidable Nidoqueen. "It was such a close battle, Mom. I really had to think on my feet, but in the end, Custos's final attack clinched the victory for us."
His mom beamed, her heart swelling with pride. "That's incredible, Ash! I'm so proud of how far you've come in such a short time."
As Ash mentioned Giovanni's name, though, he noticed his mother's eyes widen, and a flicker of fear pass across her face. "Mom, what's wrong? You looked scared when I mentioned Giovanni."
His mother hesitated momentarily, then brushed off his concern with a forced smile. "It's nothing, Ash. Don't worry about it. You should be grateful for his teachings and focus on becoming your best trainer."
Ash frowned, sensing that there was more to her reaction than she was letting on. But he knew better than to press the matter – at least for now. He nodded and agreed, vowing silently to uncover the truth behind his mother's reaction.
He ended the call and went upstairs to sleep after that exhausting day.
Giovanni led Ash into his office, the atmosphere heavy with anticipation. The room was dimly lit and impeccably organized, with various trophies and accolades adorning the walls. A large screen on one wall was playing the footage of Ash's challenge against Giovanni's Nidoqueen.
Giovanni's face was stern and emotionless as they sat down, his eyes scrutinizing every detail of the battle replaying on the screen. On the other hand, Ash tried to maintain a humble and learning-focused demeanor, eager to absorb any knowledge and advice that Giovanni had to offer.
Giovanni began dissecting Ash's performance. His tone was strict and unyielding. "First, I must commend you for immediately sending Skye into the air, capitalizing on her natural advantage. You quickly assessed the situation and made a strategic decision."
Ash's face brightened, encouraged by the praise. He tried to express his gratitude, but Giovanni raised a hand to silence him, his cold gaze never leaving the screen.
"However," Giovanni continued, "your Pokemon's teamwork heavily relied on your direct commands. They should be able to take initiative and work together without constant instruction. This is an area where you must improve." Ash nodded as he internalized the criticism.
Giovanni pressed a button, rewinding the video to a specific point in the battle. "Furthermore, both of your Pokemon have limited move pools. As their trainer, you are responsible for ensuring they learn and develop a diverse range of moves. This needs to be a priority."
As the video continued playing, Giovanni couldn't resist mentioning his accomplishments. "When I was a young trainer, I made it my mission to master every aspect of Pokemon training. I built my knowledge and skill set, which has made me the formidable figure I am today."
Giovanni fast-forwarded the video to the moment the stone pillars shot out from the ground. "Your reaction time here was impressive. You and your Pokemon trusted one another implicitly, allowing you to avoid a potentially devastating blow. This is a testament to the bond you share with your Pokemon."
A smile of pride appeared on Ash's face, but he quickly composed himself, not wanting to appear too self-satisfied.
Lastly, Giovanni highlighted Ash's clever strategy of using the sandstorm to his advantage. "Your quick thinking in having Riolu sense Nidoqueen's location and utilize the sandstorm shows your adaptability and resourcefulness. This is an essential quality in a trainer, and you demonstrated it well during the battle."
Ash felt a surge of confidence as he listened to Giovanni's praise. He knew there was still much to learn, but he was determined to grow stronger and become the best trainer he could be.
Giovanni turned off the screen and looked at Ash with a calculating gaze. "You have potential, Ketchum, but potential alone is not enough. To succeed, you must work tirelessly to develop your skills and knowledge.
Ash nodded, and Giovanni continued, "For the next five days, I will train you. Not your Pokémon, but you. As the League-sponsored trainer for the year and the only one to ever get 100% on the exam, I assume that your foundation is strong enough for me to teach you the skills of an elite trainer."
Ash was surprised that Giovanni knew his score on the PTQE (Pokemon Trainer Qualification Exam). Still, he figured that Giovanni had access to all kinds of information as a Gym Leader. He was also taken aback at the type of training planned for the next five days. He thought he would learn about Ground Type Pokemon, their weakness and their strengths. It certainly seemed like it with the practice battle they had. The use of battlefield manipulation was insane, and it certainly impressed Ash with its effectiveness. "What do you mean by teaching me the skills of an elite trainer? I thought that I'd be learning about Ground Type Pokemon."
Giovanni frowned, "You know everything you need to know about a Ground Type. What do you need to ask me that for? Are you going to ask me how to throw a Pokeball next? Ask intelligent questions. I cannot teach you more about Ground Types than you can learn in a textbook and from the experience of having one. What I want to do is mold you and shape you into an elite trainer while you have no bad habits."
Ash winced at the biting tone of the first insult but swallowed back his retort as he really did not want to come off as ungrateful. His conversation with Jack and Lily came to mind about how strict and demanding Giovanni could be and how great of a trainer he was. He would keep his mouth shut and appreciate everything Giovanni was doing. "Sorry, Sir. I will ask better questions."
Giovanni gave no reaction to his apology and continued onward. Ash was confused at this as he expected some acknowledgment, but he figured this was just how Giovanni was. "For the next five days, we will be focusing on a multitude of skills and trainer development. A basic trainer is focused on type advantage, attacking moves, speed and strength. There is so much more to battle than that. Any Pokemon found in the wild can improve on all these aspects by themselves. What would be the point of having trainers, then? You have to go a step beyond these basic skills. That is what I will be teaching you. I will start you on a journey that looks like no other. You've proved yourself to be more than the average trainer. You can think outside the box, which is a key component of every trainer. "I will push you to your limits and beyond, and I expect nothing less than your absolute best. Are you ready for this, Ketchum?"
Ash took a deep breath, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. He knew training with Giovanni would be intense, but he was eager to learn and improve. "Yes, sir," he replied with determination.
"Good," Giovanni said, with a hint of satisfaction. "Then let's get started. We have much work to do." He pressed a button which caused a set of doors to open, and he gestured for Ash to enter the elevator. "We are going to go to my personal grounds that I had developed to train my ground types. It's deep underground, and it will serve our purposes well."
They got in, and Giovanni took a card out of his pocket, which he swiped on a keypad mounted on the wall in the elevator. The buttons for each floor flashed green, and Giovanni pressed the button labeled 'T'. The elevator took off, and Ash held the railing to handle the sudden descent.
They finally got down to the underground training grounds. The elevator doors slid open, and a wide expanse of terrain lay before them. Ash's jaw dropped in amazement as he saw the sight before him.
The battlefield was unlike anything he had ever seen before. It was massive, spanning well over 200 yards in length and width. The ground was a mixture of sand and rock, with jagged boulders jutting out here and there. In the distance, Ash could see a small lake shimmering in the sunlight. The air was thick with the scent of earth.
Giovanni stepped out of the elevator and gestured for Ash to follow. "Welcome to my personal battlefield, Ketchum. As you can see, it is designed for Ground-type Pokemon battles and is a prime location for training any Pokemon to their limits. You will find that this terrain will test you and your Pokemon in ways that you never thought possible."
Ash nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. He could feel the power of the terrain, the immense potential it held for training and growth. But he also knew that it would not be easy. He was ready for the challenge, though. He would do whatever it took to become the best trainer he could be.
Giovanni led Ash to a small tent on the battlefield's edge. "This will be your training grounds for the next five days. You will shed blood, sweat, and tears here. You will have access to all the resources you need, but you will also be responsible for your own training regimen. Do you understand?" He extended out a hand that held a card with a red stylized 'G' on it. Ash figured it meant 'G' for Giovanni, but he swore he had seen this font stylization before. Ash took the card, feeling the weight of the responsibility settling on his shoulders.
Giovanni gave him a stern look. "Good. Then let's begin. I received data that you captured a Houndour yesterday. How has he interacted with your team? How are his moves?"
Ash blinked, taken aback by the sudden change in topic. "Uh, I actually haven't had a chance to introduce Houndour to the team yet. It was pretty late by the time we got to the Pokemon Center last night, and then I had to rush over here early this morning to catch the train."
Giovanni's expression turned cold. "No excuses, Ketchum. You should have made time to introduce Houndour to your team. Anything to do with your team should take priority over anything else. You need to learn to manage your time effectively to succeed as a trainer."
Ash felt a pang of guilt and shame at Giovanni's words. He knew he had been careless and needed to focus more on his team's needs. "I understand, sir. I'll make sure to prioritize my team from now on."
Giovanni nodded, his expression softening slightly. "Good. As a trainer, your team should always come first. You need to have a strong bond with your Pokemon to succeed. This leads right into what I'm going to train you in today. You need to be aware of several team-related topics, some of which can have a long-lasting, meaningful impact on your team. First, you must establish a line of command within your team."
"Wouldn't that obviously be me? Ash asked.
"I didn't ask to establish a commander or leader or whatever title you wish to give yourself. The trainer is at the top of the command line, but who is next? Many trainers have their starter as their second-in-command. However, some trainers also have their psychic type as their second-in-command for their increased mental facilities and the telepathic psychic link they hold with their trainer. Some trainers have the cornerstone of their team as their second-in-command. This is more cases where the Pokemon team consists of Pokemon who respect the battle strength of the Pokemon in the team more than the trainer. Here the strongest, the cornerstone, usually is the second-in-command." Giovanni ended his small monologue with a small chin tilt, gesturing for Ash to speak."
"I understand I need a second-in-command, but why is it so important? I believe that my starter will remain as my second-in-command for two reasons. First, Riolu evolves into Lucario. They have a high battle IQ and are very loyal. Second, Custos and I have some sort of bond. I felt it when I first met Custos, and I experienced all of his memories, and I imagine he experienced all of mine. I know he will make the right decisions going forward. He has already proven himself by convincing me to save my Houndour's mom, who was trapped in a Pokémon trap." Ash reasoned out his choice.
Giovanni nodded approvingly, impressed by Ketchum's reasoning. "Good point, Ketchum. You've put a good amount of thought into this. A strong bond with your Pokemon is essential but not enough. Having a second-in-command is useful and ensures that you have a backup plan in case one of your Pokemon falls in battle. This is especially important when facing strong opponents or in critical situations.
Moreover, having a clear chain of command within your team establishes a sense of order and ensures everyone knows their roles and responsibilities. This is especially important in high-pressure situations where quick decision-making is necessary. For example, imagine if you were put to sleep with the other trainers during the attack on the Pokemon Center. If your Pokemon were out and had to defend you, would they successfully keep you safe? Would they also defend the Pokemon Center? Would Skye listen and follow Custos's instructions?"
Ash's eyes widened as he considered the hypothetical scenario. He had never thought about possibly being incapacitated during a battle or attack. "I see your point, sir. A clear chain of command is important to ensure everyone's safety and effectiveness."
"Exactly," Giovanni replied, his expression serious. "Your second-in-command should be a Pokemon you trust implicitly and whose strengths complement yours. Riolu is certainly a strong choice, but as you grow into being a trainer and your team grows, it may be possible that another team member may be the better choice. Don't blind yourself to your starter. Consider the different types of Pokemon and their strengths and choose wisely."
Ash nodded, taking in Giovanni's words. He was beginning to see the importance of having a transparent chain of command and a well-rounded team.
"Let's go over the rest of the team roles and training I wish to go over with you then we can dive deeper into strategies on how you can implement what you have learned into your team. Tell me, Ash. Do you understand the mechanics behind how Pokémon are compared to one another?"
Ash furrowed his brow slightly, unsure of what Giovanni meant. "Can you be more specific?"
Giovanni leaned forward slightly, his expression serious. "I'm talking about the stats that each Pokémon possesses. Health, Special Attack, Attack, Defense, Special Defense, and Speed. These stats are what determine a Pokémon's overall strength and abilities."
Understanding dawned on Ash's face as he realized what Giovanni was getting at. "Oh, I see what you mean. Yes, I'm familiar with those stats and how they impact a Pokémon's performance in battle."
Giovanni nodded approvingly. "Good. Explain to me how those stats work."
Ash took a deep breath and began to explain, his passion for Pokémon evident in his voice. "Health represents a Pokémon's overall well-being and determines how many hits it can withstand before fainting. In other words, the higher the Health, the more damage a Pokémon can take before being knocked out.
Special Attack represents a Pokémon's ability to deal damage with special moves, which are moves that rely on how high the Pokémon's special attack rating is rather than physical strength. The higher the Special Attack rating, the more damage a Pokémon can deal with special moves.
Attack represents a Pokémon's ability to deal damage with physical moves. This includes moves like Scratch and Tackle, which rely on a Pokémon's physical strength to inflict damage. The higher the Attack rating, the more damage a Pokémon can deal with physical moves.
Defense represents a Pokémon's ability to withstand damage from physical moves. This means that Pokémon with high Defense rating can take more damage from physical moves before being knocked out.
Special Defense represents a Pokémon's ability to withstand damage from special moves. This means that Pokémon with high Special Defense rating can take more damage from special moves before being knocked out.
Finally, Speed represents a Pokémon's ability to move quickly and act first in battle. Pokémon with higher Speed ratings will typically act before slower Pokémon. This can be a huge advantage in battle, allowing a Pokémon to strike first or dodge an opponent's attack."
Giovanni nodded, happy with Ash's knowledge. "Great explanation. You have a deep understanding of the mechanics behind Pokémon comparisons. This will be key information as we dive deeper into roles Pokemon should take in your team. Each role requires different skills and attributes, so it's important to understand them thoroughly."
Ash nodded, eager to learn. "Okay, what are the different roles?"
Giovanni began to explain, his voice crisp and authoritative. "First, there's the Sweeper. These Pokémon are fast and powerful and are meant to overwhelm the opponent with a barrage of attacks. They can turn the tide of the battle with their raw power."
Giovanni looked at Ash and said, "Your Riolu would make a great Sweeper. It's fast and can learn a variety of powerful Fighting-type moves, like Close Combat and Aura Sphere."
Ash listened attentively, imagining Riolu darting around the battlefield, taking out opponents with lightning-quick attacks.
Giovanni continued, "Another role is the Tank. These Pokémon are tough and durable and can take a lot of hits without going down. They're great at stalling out the opponent and buying time for your other Pokémon to strike."
Giovanni referenced Ash's Houndour and said, "Houndour could be a great Tank. Dark and Fire typing gives it resistance to several common attacks, and it can learn moves like Nasty Plot to boost its Special Defense."
Ash nodded, picturing Houndour shrugging off attacks and staying in the battle for a long time.
Giovanni continued, "The third role is the Assassin. These Pokémon are fast and deadly, and can take out opponents quickly with their high-powered attacks. They rely on their speed and power to win battles but often lack the endurance to take many hits themselves."
Giovanni brought up Ash's Starly and said, "Starly would make a great Assassin. Its Normal and Flying typing gives it a resistance to Ghost-type moves, and it can learn moves like Double-Edge and Brave Bird to deal serious damage quickly."
Ash nodded, imagining Starly darting in and out of battle and dealing devastating blows to opponents.
Giovanni continued, "The fourth role is the Trapper. These Pokémon are skilled at setting up traps and wearing down opponents with status conditions, entry hazards, or health leeching moves."
Giovanni looked at Ash and said, "While you don't have a Trapper yet, a Pokémon like a Gastly or a female Nidoran could potentially fill this role. They can learn moves like Toxic Spikes and Thunder Wave to cripple the opponent, and their high Speed allows them to set up traps quickly."
Ash nodded, taking in all the information. "And what's the fifth role?"
Giovanni replied, "The fifth role is the Cleric. These Pokémon are support specialists and can heal themselves and their teammates, boost their stats, or even remove status conditions. They play a key role in any team, helping your Pokémon stay in the battle longer."
Giovanni advised Ash to train a Pokémon like Chansey or Clefairy as a cleric to increase his chances of winning battles. These Pokémon can learn moves to keep the team healthy and in battle longer, improving the chances of success.
Ash nodded, taking in all the information. "I would have never thought to organize my team into roles like this. This will make training them easier, and I can also focus my time specializing them in their roles."
Giovanni nodded, "Correct, and that is the difference between a novice and an elite trainer. Now that we have wrapped the explanations up, we can move onto strategies for you as a trainer to incorporate them into your team."
Giovanni nodded, "Correct, and that is the difference between a novice and an elite trainer. Now that we have wrapped the explanations up, we can move onto strategies for you as a trainer to incorporate them into your team."
Ash left the gym feeling completely drained, both mentally and physically. The training had been more knowledge-intensive than his PTQE. After the explanations, Giovanni brought out his Pokemon and went into great detail about the roles each one played. Ash was impressed by the level of detail Giovanni went into, explaining the moves each Pokemon had and how they played into their specific roles.
Giovanni proved to be a tough trainer, as demonstrated in one of the exercises he had Ash complete. He would randomly assign Ash a Pokemon and then give him 2 or 3 different roles that the Pokemon should play. Ash's task was to come up with a moveset for that Pokemon. This exercise was challenging, but Ash was grateful for it as it helped him to think critically about the unique strengths and weaknesses of each Pokemon. Giovanni was known for his tough training methods, but Ash couldn't argue with the results. Thanks to Giovanni's rigorous training, Ash was better prepared to organize his team into whatever roles they needed to fit into in order to face any challenge that came their way.
Ash walked into the Pokemon Center with his mind still on training, and he almost walked into the person waiting in line. He stopped himself midstep and took a look at the person who he almost knocked over.
The girl had bright, fiery orange hair tied up in a high ponytail, with a few loose strands falling down her back. She wore a blue tank top that hugged her figure and a pair of shorts that showed off her toned legs. A large backpack was slung over one shoulder, suggesting she was a fellow trainer on her own journey. She must have sensed how close he almost came to her because she turned around with a friendly smile that put Ash at ease in her presence.
"Lost in the clouds, huh?" she teased, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Your eyes, actually," he said with a wink.
She laughed a melodic sound that made Ash's heart skip a beat. "Mhmm, sure. I don't really have eyes in the back of my head. Nice try, Mr. Smooth."
Ash chuckled, "Hahaha! Sorry about that. You do have pretty eyes, though. I was just so tired from training that I wasn't watching where I was going."
"All the makings of a good trainer…" she replied, her eyes scanning him up and down playfully. "So, what kind of Pokemon do you train?"
"Right now, I've got a Riolu, Starly, and a Houndour. They're amazing teammates."
She raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Exotic! Nice choices. I'm more of a Water-type trainer myself."
Just as Ash was about to ask her more about her own Pokemon, it was her turn to go up to the desk. He flashed her a teasing grin, "Unlucky. You don't get to spend more time with me."
"Unlucky," she agreed. "What's your name?"
"Ash. What's yours? I like putting a name to pretty eyes."
"Misty," she replied with a smirk. "I'll see you later, Ash."
He waved to her as she walked by, his eyes following her as she moved gracefully across the room. He couldn't help but let his gaze linger slightly lower than it should have. He waited in line until he was called to the desk.
He moved up in the line, his thoughts preoccupied with their flirtatious encounter. The Pokemon Center was abuzz with trainers coming and going, but Ash's attention was solely focused on the alluring redhead.
As Ash approached the front desk, he glanced around the Pokemon Center, taking in the details of the bustling environment. Trainers were huddled around tables, discussing strategies and comparing their latest catches. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air from the cafe, mixing with the aroma of various Pokemon treats. The sound of Pokeballs opening and closing filled the room as trainers tended to their Pokemon.
Finally, it was Ash's turn at the desk. He went to hand over his Pokeballs to Nurse Joy but then stopped and hit his head in a facepalm. He looked up at Nurse Joy, who greeted him with a warm smile. "You look like you've had a long training day, Ash. I hope you and your Pokemon are doing well."
"I just finished training with Giovanni. I learned so much that my head hurt. You sure I can't check myself in?" Ash joked. "He has me working hard. But, you know, it's all worth it when you get to meet interesting people along the way." Ash chuckled, his mind still on his recent encounter with Misty.
Nurse Joy raised an eyebrow, her smile turning into a knowing grin. "I see. Well, take good care of yourself. We talk about overworking your Pokemon all the time, but it is as dangerous to overwork yourself."
"Thanks, Nurse Joy. I'll be sure to get some rest." Ash said, stepping aside to let the next trainer in line approach the desk.
Ash made his way to the training grounds located at the back of the Pokemon Center. The sun was shining brightly, casting a warm and inviting glow over the scene. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the trees that bordered the grounds, creating a peaceful and focused atmosphere.
Releasing Custos and Skye from their Pokeballs, Ash began to address his Pokemon. "Hey, guys, I need you to help me welcome Houndour into our team. Custos, as my second-in-command, you'll always have a special role on this team, and I need you to take charge in guiding our new teammate. And Skye, I want you to treat Houndour like a member of your flock."
Custos puffed out its chest, understanding the importance and responsibility of its position within the team. Skye chirped in agreement, ready to embrace Houndour as part of their growing family. Ash then released Houndour from its Pokeball. The dark canine Pokemon looked around curiously, taking in its new surroundings.
Crouching down to Houndour's level, Ash introduced himself. "Hey there, Houndour, I'm Ash. I have a dream of becoming the strongest trainer ever and eventually a Pokemon Master. I want you to be a part of this journey, and together, we'll help you evolve into a powerful Houndoom and be stronger than your mom, too." Houndour's eyes sparkled with excitement and determination.
Houndour barked excitedly, already feeling a strong connection to Ash and his ambitions.
Ash allowed Houndour to interact with Custos and Skye for a few minutes, observing the formation of their bonds. The three Pokemon sniffed, chirped, and playfully interacted, quickly becoming acquainted with one another.
After a brief period, Ash called them back, ready to set out training instructions for Custos and Skye. "Custos, Skye, I've noticed that Skye should have already learned Quick Attack. I want you both to work together so Skye can master the move."
Custos and Skye nodded, moving to a nearby open space to practice Quick Attack. Now alone with Houndour, Ash asked if it wanted a nickname. Houndour barked enthusiastically, and Ash began suggesting names.
"How about Shadow?" Ash proposed, but Houndour shook its head, not quite feeling the connection to the name.
"Okay, what about Smokey?" Ash offered, only to be met with another disapproving shake from Houndour.
After a moment of contemplation, Ash suggested, "Blaze?" This time, Houndour's eyes lit up, and it barked in agreement.
Houndour wagged its tail happily, now sporting the new name Blaze.
"Now, Blaze, I want you to show me your moves. Let's see your Ember, Smog, and Fire Spin," Ash instructed, eager to gauge Blaze's abilities.
Blaze nodded and prepared to showcase his skills. First, he unleashed a powerful Ember attack. His mouth glowed bright orange as he expelled a stream of small, fiery projectiles that raced through the air, leaving behind a trail of smoke and heat. The embers landed on a small patch of dirt, scorching the ground and leaving an impressive display of charred markings.
Next, Blaze demonstrated his Smog move. He took a deep breath and expelled a thick, dark cloud of poisonous gas. The Smog enveloped the area, casting a dense haze that obscured vision and caused nearby plants to wilt from the toxic fumes. Ash coughed and waved a hand in front of his face, trying to dissipate the noxious cloud.
Finally, Blaze showcased his Fire Spin. He let out a fierce growl and shot a spiraling pillar of fire that engulfed a nearby rock formation. The intense flames crackled and roared, creating a mesmerizing vortex of heat and light that scorched the rocks black. After a moment, Blaze ceased the attack, and the fire dissipated, leaving behind a cloud of smoke and the lingering scent of burnt stone.
Ash responded with enthusiasm, "Great job, Blaze! Now let's work on increasing the range of your Ember and making those flames even hotter!"
As Blaze practiced under Ash's guidance, Custos and Skye were making progress with Quick Attack. Skye executed the move with increasing speed, as Custos offered constructive feedback and encouragement.
They continued to make good progress for the entire evening, and Ash decided to call it for the day.
Ash looked at his Pokemon, their energy spent and breathing heavily after an intense training session. He could see their progress, and he felt a surge of pride for his team. He knew they were growing stronger and closer as a unit despite their exhaustion. "Great job, everyone," he said, his voice filled with encouragement. "You all worked really hard today, and I'm proud of you. Let's head back to the Pokemon Center and get you healed up."
Ash wiped the sweat from his brow as he walked back into the Pokemon Center. The lively atmosphere was still in full swing, with trainers huddled around tables and the scent of coffee and Pokemon treats lingering in the air. Excited chatter and laughter filled the room as trainers shared their experiences and showed off their prized Pokemon.
Making his way to the front desk, Ash patiently waited in line, feeling the fatigue from the day's training creeping up on him. As he inched closer, he spotted Nurse Joy, who was attentively tending to each trainer's needs with her warm smile and genuine concern for their Pokemon's well-being.
When it was finally his turn, Ash approached the desk and handed over his Pokeballs to Nurse Joy. "We had a pretty intense training session today," he said with a weary smile. "My Pokemon could use some rest and healing."
Nurse Joy nodded understandingly. "Of course, Ash. We'll make sure they're feeling their best in no time." As Nurse Joy took the Pokeballs and took them to the back to heal them, Ash leaned against the counter, stretching his tired muscles.
A few minutes later, Nurse Joy returned with a reassuring smile. "Your Pokemon will be ready in half an hour, Ash. Make sure to give them some time to rest before your next training session."
"Thanks, Nurse Joy," Ash replied. "I'll make sure they get the rest they deserve."
Nurse Joy chuckled lightly, remembering their earlier conversation. "You know, Ash, with how exhausted you look, maybe you should check yourself in for some healing, too," she joked, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Ash let out a soft laugh, appreciating the lightheartedness of the moment. "Maybe you're right, Nurse Joy. I might just need a quick recharge myself!"
As he waited for his Pokemon to be healed, Ash found a seat on one of the tables, his thoughts in his training. A few moments later, Ash spotted Misty emerging from the other side of the Pokemon Center. She caught his eye and sauntered over, her hips swaying ever so slightly. "So, Ash," she began, her voice teasing, "how does a tired trainer like you unwind after a long day of training?"
Ash grinned, playing along with her flirty tone. "Well, I usually grab a bite to eat and maybe chat with some interesting people I meet along the way. Care to join me?"
Misty's eyes sparkled with amusement, and she tossed her hair back playfully. "Why not? I could use some company, and you seem like you have some entertaining stories to share."
The pair made their way to the cafe, enjoying each other's company as they exchanged stories about their adventures and the Pokemon they had encountered. The flirtatious tension between them continued to grow, making the conversation even more engaging and exciting for both Ash and Misty.
For the next four days, Ash followed the same schedule each day. He would wake up, self-study, eat, and head to the gym for training. Each day was the same, just different topics. Giovanni would explain what they would learn, and then they would spend the rest of the time hammering the topic into Ash.
The second day's topic was teamwork. It was a simple topic, but that was the beauty of training with Giovanni. He would take the simplest aspects of training and hone them to a point of beauty. If you asked any trainer if they worked on teamwork, they would say yes. It was an assumed training, but no one spent time specifically training that aspect. Giovanni's main reasoning behind teamwork-based training was due to an elementary fact. You are as strong as your weakest member. Teamwork training raised everyone to the level of the strongest team member. They spent the rest of the training session creating strategies and practices to enhance Ash's team's teamwork.
The third day was about trainer flexibility. It was an interesting topic and it mirrored the argument of the team roles. The biggest mistake a trainer can make is to train each Pokemon the same way. This topic was a lot deeper than the talk about Pokemon roles because it differed from Pokemon to Pokemon. One of the best examples was the Charmeleon line. You had to train Charmander and Charmeleon the same, but Charizard was trained entirely differently. Ash already knew to train Skye in more of a flying type build and Custos in more of a melee fighter build, but Giovanni told him to research more into the special qualities of each. As a ground type master, he still trained each of his ground types differently, and it was due to their species.
The fourth day led to what Giovanni called an "Advance theoretical concept." The entire day blew Ash's mind, and it was about sub-typings. It was a debatable concept in the upper echelons of Pokemon science. The only reason Giovanni brought it up was because of Ash's houndour, which had a sub-typing of Poison and his Starly, which had a sub-typing of Fighting. Another example was Charizard with a sub-typing of Dragon. This had a huge impact on how some Pokemon could be trained, and Ash was glad Giovanni had shared it with him.
The fifth and last day was what Ash called "Move Day." Giovanni grilled him on all of his knowledge of Pokemon moves and dived into three different categories. Evasion, Protection, and Combinations. He complimented Ash on his natural ability to pick up Quick Attack as a powerful movement move and how he had tried to combo it with force palm. He went on to highlight different moves like Agility and Extreme Speed, which were the next step up on direct speed movements. He also highlighted moves like wild charge, flare blitz, brave bird, and take down. All these have recoil, but only if they hit. They can be used to move around the field and are great moves to combine other moves with. Giovanni also covered Protect and Light Screen. These were two moves that were a staple of high-level battling. They were hard to teach and even harder to implement, but they were invaluable in getting out of challenging situations. Giovanni then led into what were the critical components of combining moves and what were some well-defined moves used by elite trainers in the past.
Today Ash was called to the Gym for an official examination by Giovanni. Giovanni hadn't given Ash any details but had specified to Ash to bring his Pokemon so Ash knew it would have something to do with battle. He was ready.
Every day after training, he trained his Pokemon hard, and his efforts paid off. Skye had mastered Quick Attack and, to Ash's surprise, had wished to learn Gust instead of Wing Attack as he had planned. He had agreed, and Skye was so determined she had also mastered that move. Custos and Blaze weren't far behind, either. Ash had started Custos on Bullet Punch, and Custos was very proficient with it. He wouldn't call it mastered yet, but they were pretty close. Blaze had learned Bite. It came naturally to the Houndour line, and Blaze mastered it quickly.
Ash walked into the gym and the first thing he noticed was that Brett wasn't there. They hadn't interacted much after the first day and so far Brett had been respectful. He was snapped out of his thoughts as the doors opened with a hiss and Giovanni stepped through the doors.
"Walk with me, Ash"
The use of his name surprised him. So far, Giovanni had only referred to him by his last name so this was a unique surprise.
As Ash walked with Giovanni, he felt a sense of excitement and nervousness building in his chest. Giovanni led him to the battlegrounds where he had battled Nidoqueen. Brett stood in the center of the arena, looking confident and ready for battle. Giovanni turned to Ash and said, "Your final test, Ash. A battle against Brett. Show me what you've learned."
Ash and Brett shook hands, exchanging brief remarks before heading to opposite sides of the battlegrounds.
"Let's start this battle!" Ash declared, throwing Blaze's Pokeball into the air. With a bright flash, Blaze emerged from the ball, the Houndour landing on the ground with a growl, ready for battle.
Brett smirked and tossed his own Pokeball, releasing a powerful male Nidorino. The Poison Pin Pokemon snorted and stomped the ground, eager to prove its strength.
"Blaze, let's start with Ember!" Ash called out. Blaze quickly responded, launching a barrage of fiery projectiles at Nidorino.
Brett calmly instructed his Pokemon, "Nidorino, dodge and use Poison Sting!" Nidorino nimbly sidestepped the incoming Ember attack and fired a volley of poison-laced needles back at Blaze.
Ash reacted quickly, "Blaze, dodge it and use Howl!" Blaze leaped to the side, narrowly avoiding the Poison Sting. As he landed, he let out a powerful howl, boosting his attack power.
"Not bad, Ash," Brett commented, his confidence unwavering. "But you'll have to do better than that! Nidorino, use Focus Energy!"
Nidorino's body began to glow with a faint aura as it concentrated, preparing to deliver a powerful strike. "Now, use Double Kick!" Brett commanded. The Nidorino charged at Blaze, its legs glowing with energy.
"Blaze, counter with Bite!" Ash shouted. Blaze lunged forward, sinking his teeth into one of Nidorino's legs just as it was about to connect with its attack. Nidorino cried out in pain and stumbled back, momentarily thrown off balance.
"Great job, Blaze! Now, let's use Fire Spin!" Ash commanded. Blaze focused his energy, and with a whip of his tail, sent a spiraling column of flames rushing towards Nidorino.
Brett's eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation. "Nidorino, counter with Rock Smash!" he ordered. Nidorino charged forward, its horn glowing with energy as it broke through the fiery vortex, shattering the Fire Spin and creating a cloud of dust and debris.
"Blaze, be careful!" Ash warned, unable to see his Pokemon through the haze. "Use Smog and cover your approach!"
Blaze followed Ash's command, releasing a thick cloud of noxious gas that filled the battlefield. Ash could only see the faint outline of his Houndour as Blaze charged towards the hidden Nidorino.
"Your tricks won't work on us!" Brett exclaimed. "Nidorino, use Sludge Bomb!"
As Blaze closed in on Nidorino, the Poison Pin Pokemon launched a barrage of toxic sludge projectiles into the smog. The area erupted with small explosions, causing Blaze to yelp in pain as he was struck by the powerful attack.
"Blaze, come on, you can do this!" Ash shouted, his voice filled with concern. Blaze, however, was determined to continue. He charged out of the smog, despite his injuries, and lunged at Nidorino.
"End this, Nidorino! Use Poison Tail!" Brett ordered, his voice cold and decisive. Nidorino's tail began to glow with a toxic aura, quickly swinging it at the incoming Houndour.
Caught off guard, Blaze was struck by the powerful Poison Tail, the impact throwing him across the battlefield. He skidded to a stop, struggling to regain his footing, but it was clear that he was exhausted and hurt.
"Blaze, you did great! Hang in there, buddy!" Ash encouraged, his heart aching at the sight of his injured Pokemon.
Brett, on the other hand, remained composed. "Nidorino, finish this with Iron Tail!"
Nidorino's tail glowed with a metallic sheen as it charged towards the weakened Blaze. Ash clenched his fists, knowing he had to act quickly to protect his Pokemon.
"Blaze, try to dodge it!" Ash yelled desperately. Blaze, fueled by his trainer's encouragement, attempted to leap out of the way. However, due to his injuries, he wasn't fast enough.
Nidorino's Iron Tail slammed into Blaze, sending him flying back and crashing into the ground with a painful thud. Blaze lay there, unable to move, signaling his defeat.
Ash's heart sank as he saw his loyal Pokemon defeated. "Blaze, you did your best. Return," he whispered, holding up Blaze's Pokeball. With a flash of red light, Blaze returned to the safety of his Pokeball, ready to be tended to and healed.
Brett looked at Ash with a mixture of respect and confidence. "Your Houndour put up a good fight, Ash. But this is far from over."
Ash nodded, determination filling his eyes once more. "You're right. This battle isn't over yet. We still have two more Pokemon to show you what we're made of. Let's go, Custos!" Ash exclaimed, tossing his next Pokeball into the air and releasing his Riolu, ready to continue the battle.
Custos, the determined Riolu, sized up his injured opponent. Nidorino, despite being weakened, still posed a formidable threat. Ash knew the importance of strategizing and quickly adapting in the heat of battle.
"Alright, Custos, let's go with Quick Attack to close the distance!" Ash called out.
Custos dashed forward, a blur to the naked eye, and struck Nidorino with the Quick Attack. But, as he prepared to follow up with a Force Palm, Nidorino had already recovered and countered with Double Kick.
Brett saw the opportunity to press the attack. "Nidorino, follow up with Poison Tail!"
Nidorino's tail glowed purple, and it swung with lethal force towards Custos. The Riolu narrowly dodged the attack, rolling to the side before launching himself into the air.
Ash, seizing the moment, ordered, "Custos, use Metal Claw and then Bullet Punch!"
Custos' claws took on a metallic sheen, and he slashed at Nidorino, striking the Poison Pin Pokemon. He then followed up with a lightning-fast Bullet Punch, which connected squarely with Nidorino, sending it sprawling.
Nidorino, however, was far from defeated. As it got back up, it shook off the pain and refocused. Brett commanded, "Use Sludge Bomb, then follow with Rock Smash!"
Nidorino unleashed a torrent of toxic sludge towards Custos, who attempted to dodge the attack. Still, some of the sludge struck him, causing him to stagger slightly. Seizing the opportunity, Nidorino closed in and delivered a powerful Rock Smash, further weakening Custos.
Ash's face tensed with concern for his Pokemon. "Custos, we need to turn this around! Use Counter and then Force Palm!"
As Nidorino launched another Double Kick, Custos braced himself and absorbed the impact, glowing with energy as he prepared to unleash a powerful Counter. He struck Nidorino with double the force, sending the opponent reeling.
Wasting no time, Custos followed up with a Force Palm that connected with Nidorino's chest, causing it to stumble back once more. Ash knew that both Pokemon were nearing their limits and that this battle would soon reach its climax.
Brett, refusing to back down, commanded, "Nidorino, use Iron Tail and then Poison Tail!"
Nidorino's tail took on a metallic appearance as it swung with all its might at Custos. Despite trying to dodge, Custos took a glancing blow that sent him skidding across the battlefield. Nidorino then followed up with Poison Tail, which Custos narrowly avoided.
Ash could see that his Pokemon was on its last legs, but he still believed in Custos' determination. "Custos, let's give it everything we've got! Use Aura Sphere!"
Custos channeled his remaining energy into a powerful Aura Sphere and launched it at Nidorino. The Poison Pin Pokemon, however, managed to dodge the attack at the last moment.
Seeing an opening, Brett ordered, "Nidorino, finish this with Sludge Bomb!"
Nidorino hurled another barrage of toxic sludge at the exhausted Custos, who was unable to dodge this time. The attack struck him directly, and he collapsed to the ground, unable to continue fighting.
Ash clenched his fists, disappointment and concern for his Pokemon evident on his face. "Custos, you fought hard. Return." He recalled the exhausted Riolu back into his Pokeball, leaving him with just one more Pokemon to face Nidorino.
Ash looked at his last remaining Pokeball, determination burning in his eyes. "Skye, it's up to you now! Let's do this!"
With a burst of light, Skye, the plucky Starly, emerged onto the battlefield, her wings spread wide and ready for action.
"Alright, Skye, let's start off with an Air Cutter!" Ash called out.
Skye took to the sky and released a barrage of sharp blades of wind towards the injured Nidorino. The Poison Pin Pokemon struggled to dodge, taking a few hits and wincing in pain.
Brett, however, remained confident. "Nidorino, use Rock Smash on the ground to create a smokescreen!"
Nidorino slammed its fist into the ground, causing debris to fly into the air, obscuring Skye's vision. Brett seized the opportunity and ordered, "Now, use Poison Sting!"
Nidorino launched a volley of poisonous barbs toward Skye. Unable to see clearly through the dust cloud, Skye was struck by several of the barbs, causing her to cry out in pain.
"Skye, hang in there!" Ash shouted, worry etched on his face. "Use Gust to clear the smokescreen!"
Skye flapped her wings furiously, generating a powerful gust of wind that blew away the dust and debris. With the battlefield now visible, Ash commanded, "Quick, Skye, use Steel Wing and follow up with Screech!"
Skye's wings took on a metallic sheen as she swooped down toward Nidorino, striking it with a powerful Steel Wing. She then emitted a high-pitched Screech, causing Nidorino to cover its ears in pain.
However, the injured Nidorino wasn't done yet. Brett ordered, "Nidorino, use Iron Tail to counter Skye's next attack!"
As Skye attempted another Steel Wing, Nidorino's tail took on a metallic appearance, and it swung at Skye with all its might. The two attacks clashed, but the force of Nidorino's Iron Tail overpowered Skye, sending her tumbling through the air.
Skye, battered and bruised, struggled to stay airborne. Ash called out, desperation in his voice, "Skye, you can do this! I believe in you!"
At that moment, something within Skye ignited. A surge of energy coursed through her body, and she began to glow. Her form grew larger, her wings extended, and her beak elongated. The glow subsided, revealing Skye had evolved into a Staravia.
Her newfound strength and determination filled Ash with hope. "Amazing, Skye! Now, let's finish this with a powerful Air Cutter!"
Skye soared high into the sky, her wings glowing with energy. She released a massive, concentrated Air Cutter that struck Nidorino with incredible force. The Poison Pin Pokemon was unable to withstand the attack and collapsed onto the battlefield, finally defeated.
Brett recalled his Nidorino and walked away without saying a word.
Ash smiled with pride for his newly evolved Pokemon radiating from him. Skye flew over to him, and it hit Ash hard how big Skye was now. She was at his chest, close to 4 and a half feet. Ash kept fawning over her until he heard clapping from behind him. He looked back to see Giovanni walking up to him with his hands clapping slowly.
He walked up to Ash and put his hand on Ash's shoulder. "Great battle Ash. You have trained your Pokémon really well, and it showed today. I had a condition for Brett. If he beat you today, I would have released him from working with me while still giving him training. Unfortunately for him, he wasn't able to earn himself that honor. You, on the other hand, earned this." He finished his sentence as he reached into his coat and pulled out a badge.
Ash's eyes went wide as he processed what was happening. He was about to stammer but stopped himself knowing what Giovanni would say if he did. He managed to get out a "Why?"
Giovanni smirked, "Why not? I trained you for a week, and now you'll represent me as the only novice with the Viridian Gym badge. How many people do you think will want to battle you now? The Pokémon League Sponsored Trainer and now this. I want you to grow. I want you to battle as many trainers as you can. Now you don't get the same journey as everyone else. You won't battle Flint's baby Pokémon nor will you get the fake Waterflowers everybody else gets. You will grow. I'm ensuring it."
Ash took in Giovannni's words, "I am never sure if you're rewarding me or punishing me." Ash reached for the badge. "Thank you. This means so much to me."
Ash looked at the badge in awe, feeling a surge of pride and accomplishment. He had come a long way and had worked hard to earn his first Gym badge. He couldn't wait to see what other challenges lay ahead of him and what other powerful trainers he would face. With a smile on his face, Ash pocketed the badge and headed out of the gym.
List of Pokemon:
Custos: (Riolu)
Skye: (Staravia)
Blaze: (Houndour)