"I feel so bad, first Charizard, and now Squirtle." Molly sighed, seeing Ash out in the distance looking down at a creek.
"I'm sure you're looking way too much into it." Casey said. "All Ash needs is something to change his focus away from it all."
"Yeah, but the only thing I can think of that can get him out of this focus is a battle and neither of us are nearly enough to give him that excitement."
Down at the creek
"Now if I combine Pikachu's Thunderbolt with his Thunder attack, it could become even more supercharged." Ash said, already working on a plan for his next gym battle. "Then I can switch into Totodile for some speed!"
"Devising a battle strategy Ashy boy?" A familiar voice asked.
"Gary?! What are you doing here?" Ash questioned.
"Isn't it obvious, I'm taking on the Johto League, and this time I plan on winning it!" Gary taunted.
"Didn't you lose before me last time?" Ash reminded.
"That's all in the past, I'm already leagues ahead of you, I just earned my second badge." Gary said smugly.
"And?" Ash asked, opening his jacket to show both of his.
"I'm impressed, you're actually keeping up for once in your life." Gary scoffed. "No matter, you still aren't ahead of me."
"Hey Ash who is this, a friend of yours?" Casey asked walking over.
"Right, I should introduce you all. Casey and Molly this is Gary." Ash said, glaring angrily at his rival.
"What's with all the hostility Ashy boy, or are you wanting to see if you're finally better than me?" Gary taunted.
"That's it! Gary I challenge you to a battle!" Ash said, grabbing a Pokeball.
"Gladly, but let's keep it simple, one on one will do just fine." Gary said, grabbing one of his own Pokeballs. "Umbreon come on out."
"Umbreon, what's that Pokemon?" Molly asked, pulling out her Pokedex.
'Umbreon, the Moonlight Pokemon, and a Dark type. When darkness falls, the rings on the body begin to glow, striking fear in the hearts of anyone nearby.'
"Totodile, I choose you!" Ash called out.
'Tototototo!" Totodile cheered, dancing around in place.
"Totodile use Water Gun!"
"Umbreon use Shadow Ball!"
Umbreon sent out a shadowy black orb, easily overpowering Totodile's Water Gun, sending the tiny croc tumbling backwards.
"Totodile use Rain Dance!"
"Umbreon use Hidden Power!"
Totodile danced about, dodging each part of Umbreon's attack as a light rain began to fall in the area.
"Is that really Ash's best strategy, what is rain dance even going to accomplish?" Casey questioned.
"Well it does boost the power of water type moves in battle." Molly commented. "It also has the potential to lower the strength of a fire Pokémon's attacks, and give a great increase to Thunder's accuracy."
"Thanks, also not what I meant and you know it." Casey remarked.
"Totodile use Water Gun!" Ash called out.
"Umbreon use Shadow Ball!"
This time Totodile's water gun was able to hold back against the Shadow Ball before it finally fizzled out, but left Totodile exhausted and open for an attack.
"Umbreon use Feint Attack!"
"Dodge it Totodile!"
Totodile was catching it's breath as Umbreon swiped at him, knocking him back once more.
"Totodile use Bite!" Ash called out.
Totodile flipped back onto his feet, rushing forward and biting down on Umbreon.
"Umbreon use Psychic!"
Totodile's jaw was opened further, releasing his bite on Umbreon and lifted into the air.
"Totodile use Scratch!"
"Umbreon use Feint Attack!"
Totodile freed himself from Umbreon's psychic hold, falling down towards the dark type as the two exchanged blows.
"I'll be honest, I did not think Totodile would last this long." Casey admitted, watching the water type get back up once again.
"Totodile use Water Gun!"
"Umbreon use Shadow Ball!"
Umbreon fired off another shadow ball, knocking Totodile away before it could even counter.
"Totodile!" Ash exclaimed, rushing over to his water type.
"Is he alright?" Gary asked, walking over.
"What do you care, you taunt Ash, make fun of him and then suddenly you're concerned for his Pokémon's well being?" Casey remarked. "Wait, why am I angry that you're concerned?"
"He'll be fine Gary." Ash said, returning Totodile to his Pokeball. "How about Umbreon?"
"Umbreon is doing just fine, though you impressed me with that Totodile's power." Gary admitted.
"Yeah, he's got some fight in him." Ash admitted.
"So Gary, how do you know Ash?" Molly asked. "Also what do you mean you're impressed with Totodile's power?"
"Oh, we both grew up in Pallet Town. We actually started our adventure at the same time!" Ash admitted.
"Actually I believe you showed up to Gramps lab in your pajamas after I already got what was supposed to be the last starter Pokemon." Gary revealed. "As for Totodile, I don't need to look at it's data to know moves like Scratch, Water Gun, and Bite, are low level moves, it clearly is a new Pokemon."
"And what if he is?" Casey asked.
"Nothing, a new Pokemon is a new Pokemon, at least Ashy boy here is finally not just using the same old Pokemon for once." Gary said, noticing the two girls flinch after he said that. "Right, gramps told me about your Pokemon. It might not feel like it now, but you made the right choices."
"You think so?" Ash asked.
"Look I know we have our differences when it comes to raising Pokemon, but giving Charizard and Squirtle a chance to work with their own kind and in their element will make them stronger down the line, even if it means a harder time for you right now." Gary said confidently. "Just don't beat yourself up about it too much."
"Thanks Gary, its nice to hear someone like you tell me it was the right choice." Ash said.
"Well, take care of yourself Ashy, I have badges to earn and a league to beat, smell ya later!" Gary taunted in his usual manner before heading off.
Ash's Current Team and their Moves
Pikachu: Thunderbolt - Quick Attack - Thunder - Agility
Bulbasaur: Vine Whip - Razor Leaf - Solar Beam - Leech Seed
Gligar: Poison Sting - Sand Attack - Double Team - Wing Attack
Houndour: Ember - Bite - Smog
Totodile: Water Gun - Bite - Rain Dance - Scratch