Chapter 7: Progression
"Human Speech"
"Pokemon Speech"
′Telepathy'
We joined our heroes as they followed the Path towards Cerulean City, as Ash and Misty were determined for several reasons. Misty for proving to her sisters how far she has grown so far. And Ash for his gym battle while supporting Misty as a trainer.
"So Misty, how far into town is the gym," Ash asked Misty, who looked at Ash.
"Once we arrived in town, it was in the middle of the city. It's more like an aquarium with a Dewgong on the front of the gym where the sign is. Rumor has it that my sisters are planning on remodeling the gym once things go well with the shows," Misty said to Ash and Brock.
"Hate to ask this question, Misty, but you mentioned that two of your sisters are more into their shows than battles. What happens if they can't fight when we get there? We might need a backup plan just in case?" Flare asked Misty, who sighed.
"I was hoping that wouldn't be the case, but if it is, I'll be happy to battle you, Ash, to show my progress since I left the gym. Hopefully, it's not." Misty said as Ash nodded.
"I was thinking the same thing, Misty," Ash said to Misty, who was surprised that Ash would agree. "Remember, you're a gym leader, not just a trainer. Misty and I can challenge Daisy later when her Pokemon are healed, and we'll show her how much you've improved," Ash said to Misty, who nodded.
"Thanks, Ash. I appreciate it. But let's not discuss who we'll use, just in case," Misty said to Ash, who nodded.
"I'll be sitting this gym battle out as I'm a fire-type and water, and my tail doesn't work," Flare said to Ash, who nodded.
"I'm not that type of trainer, Flare, and I do want to give the others a chance to battle in a gym battle as well," Ash said to his starter, who nodded.
Brock turned to the group as they arrived in town and approached a four-way path.
"Sadly, I won't be able to join you guys for the gym battle because I have some prior commitments," Brock said to Misty and Ash, who was surprised. "I have family here in Cerulean City, so I need to check on them and let them know I am no longer at the gym. I also have a few cousins to visit while I'm here," Brock told Misty and Ash. "And I will also get supplies afterward, so I'll meet you guys up."
"It's understandable that Brock would have liked you to be here with us, but I understand you couldn't. Depending on how the battle goes, we'll be here for a day or two, so there's time." Ash said to Brock, who nodded as Brock left for the west Path of the four-way Path. "If it's okay with you, Misty, can you take us to the gym since it's your home?" Ash asked Misty, who nodded as they took the north Path.
While this was going on, Latios and Latias were thinking about this situation and had a plan.
The four made it to the gym. After what looked to be 30 minutes of walking, they arrived at the gym, a building with a Dewgong on the front of it.
"Well, here we are, knowing my sisters. They are either working in the gym or doing one of their shows, and from the looks of it, it's a show," Misty said to Ash, who sighed as the two went inside. Luckily, they didn't have to pay cause they were challengers. Ash is the challenger, and Misty is also a gym leader.
They went inside as they saw the show or what was left of it. Flare was impressed, and Ash and Misty were watching. "So that's your sisters, huh, Misty?" Ash said to Misty, who nodded.
"The one in the orange hair is Daisy, the one more interested in gym battles and the oldest of the three. Lilly is the second oldest, and Violet is the youngest, with me behind her. Here's hoping that we can face them," Misty said as she walked off as the show ended. Ash and Flare followed her as Misty looked at the aquarium for a reason.
"You said that your Pokémon are here at the gym," Ash said to Misty, who nodded as she saw them. Staryu, Seaking, Gyrados, and a Seel were some of the few she had. She ran over to them as they were happy to see her.
"Sorry I couldn't bring you with me. I'll make it up to you later." Misty said to them, who nodded surprisingly. They understood what had happened as Daisy told them what was happening.
"Don't worry, none of you are getting replaced as I only have two water types on my team, and you are still my Pokemon," Misty said as they nodded as Ash walked over.
"Wow, they are your Pokemon. You were asked to leave here, huh?" Ash said to Misty, who nodded.
"My first Pokemon was Gyarados, while Seel belongs to my family. Seaking and Staryu are the newest additions, and I love and respect them all," Misty said as Ash was about to say something. Only to hear a conversation coming their way.
The three girls were chatting about the show when they noticed Ash and Misty standing nearby.
"Well, well, Misty, it's been a while, a month since you left," Lilly said to Misty, who nodded.
"Did you admit your loss and need us? After all, you are the youngest of us, and we do need you to run the gym while we are doing our shows," Violet said to Misty, who was about to go off on her, only for Daisy to stop them.
"That's enough, you two. I spoke with Misty a couple of days ago, and she has been accepted as a trainer and is now challenging the gyms," Daisy said to her sisters, who shut up.
"Sadly, we hit a snag," Daisy said to Misty, who turned to Ash and worried about what she was about to say.
The group reaches the gym, located by the poolside. Daisy informs Ash and Misty that she faced another problem, as all her Pokemon were at the Pokemon center when the last challenger arrived to battle her. Hence, she had no Pokemon to battle with when they arrived.
"So you're saying that you don't have any Pokemon to battle. What about the two of you?" Misty asked her other two sisters, who sadly shook their heads.
"They lent me their Pokemon to battle, but since the Pokemon center has been quite busy, our Pokemon are still waiting to be fully healed. I wouldn't use your Pokemon without your permission, Misty. I promised you that we would battle each other, and I have also been informed about you, Ash. It would be an honor to battle with you, but we'll have to wait until our Pokemon are completely healed," Daisy said to Misty and Ash, who sighed.
"Given that Gyarados isn't the type to listen to you even if you are my sisters, I'm sure that the others would've listened to you, but I do appreciate you prefer asking me first," Misty said as she closed her eyes.
"However, there will be a battle," Misty said to the group, who was surprised.
"She referred to battling me as a gym battle as we had planned it beforehand," Ash said to the triplets, who nodded at each other.
"As you ran off saying that you want to prove to us how you can handle things as a trainer, you both can battle if you want," Daisy said as Lilly and Violet were going to protest this, but Daisy shut them down. "Please note that I agreed with Misty's decision to embark on this adventure, and both of you seem to be more concerned with taking pictures and showcasing yourselves. It's important to remember that I'm the only one taking responsibility for the gym challenges, so you don't have a strong argument to make."
Ash, Misty, and Flare had a sweatdrop on their face from hearing all this.
"It's not surprising that Misty decided to leave all of this and venture out on her own," Ash thought as Misty could tell that was what Ash was thinking.
"Sadly though, you will be using the Pokemon that you caught in this journey, Misty, not the ones at the gym, as a compromise," Lilly said to Misty, who nodded.
"Fair enough, I do have enough Pokemon for this journey to fight, so Ash, let's get this battle started, but by the end of this, my Pokemon is here Daisy," Misty said to Daisy. As Ash and Misty made their way to the battlefield, Flare and Riolu cheered them on from the stands while Daisy acted as the referee.
"The Cerulean City gym battle between Ash Ketchem from Pallet Town and Co-gym leader Misty will now begin," Daisy said as Misty's Pokemon watched from behind her to see how far she's grown as a trainer. Latios was beside her, and Latias was beside Ash unknowingly.
"Both sides will be allowed to use 2 Pokemon each, and the match is over when all both Pokemon on either side cannot battle; during the battle, only Ash will be allowed to make substitutions," Daisy said to Ash and Misty. Who were ready to square off.
"Ash, don't think we are friends. I won't go easy on you just because we know our Pokemon," Misty said to Ash, who nodded.
"Wouldn't put it past you, Misty, and ready whenever you are," Ash said to Misty, who nodded.
"Now, bring out your Pokemon so we can begin this battle," Daisy said as the two siblings were curious and wondering if Misty would win.
"Buizel, come on out," Misty sent out her first Pokemon. Her water Pokemon were amazed that Misty had caught one, as well as her sisters. Buizel noticed that she was up against Ash.
"Okay, Venom, come on out," Ash sent out his first Pokemon, who was ready to fight as Buizel and Venom the Beedrill knew they would have to face each other one day.
"Beedrill vs. Buizel, let the battle begin," Daisy said as Misty and Ash were ready to get this battle going.
"Venom, use Twinneedle and then Agility," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who charged at Buizel quickly.
"Aqua Jet, now Buizel, and then Ice Beam," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who fired the attack at Beedrill as the two moves clashed, sending each other back as they were evenly matched.
"Air Cutter now, Venom," Ash commanded his Pokemon, whose wings were making wind towards Buizel as it stopped him in his tracks, trying to get out of the way.
"Dive underwater and then use Sonic Boom," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who jumped under the pool and then used Sonic Boom underwater towards Venom as it looked like water guisers.
"Get out of there," Ash commanded. As another attack headed straight towards him, his Pokémon dodged the attacks. "Air Cutter now," Ash commanded as he launched the attack. At the attack, it clashed and hit both Pokemon. Buizel got out of the water panting, as did Venom. Ash and Misty were now worried as the two were at their limit.
"I must admit, Misty has done well as a trainer, but it's only the beginning of the battle, and it hasn't yet impressed us," Lilly said to Violet, who shook her head.
"I don't know Lilly. She owns a Buizel, which isn't easy to master or own in battle. Tell me, would you be able to use one without making it mad," Violet said as that shut her up.
"Now, use Twinneedle," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who charged in at Buizel.
"End this with Aqua Jet, now Buizel," Misty commanded her Pokemon as the two Pokemon clashed and both landed down. Venom was in the water, and Buizel was on the battle platform. Both were knocked out. Both Misty and Ash were surprised by how that ended.
"Both the Trainer's Pokemon were unable to battle the battle is tied," Daisy said as Ash and Misty returned their Pokemon to their balls. I must say, Misty, I don't know how you managed to convince a Buizel to join your team or befriend one, but you have already earned my respect with that display," Daisy said to Misty, who was taken aback by this but nodded.
"Thanks, sis; I appreciate you saying that, given I heard these two weren't impressed," Misty said, turning to her older sisters, who jumped at this and apologized for that as Daisy shook her head. "I didn't expect them to understand, as Buizel was the first Pokémon I caught after starting my journey with my starter," Misty said to Daisy, who nodded.
Misty and Ash were deciding on their last Pokemon and initially considered Tempest and Spearow. However, before they could decide, Latios and Latias appeared before them, revealing themselves as available for battle. Ash, Misty, Daisy, and the others were surprised to see these legendary Pokemon and eager to battle with them.
′You mentioned wanting to prove yourself to your sisters, Misty. We agreed to use ourselves in a battle to help you show your growth since leaving,′ Latios telepathically to Misty, who was now grasping what was going on and nodded.
′We know our moves, but don't worry, we won't cause issues or damage during this battle, so you guys can count on us in battle,′ Latias said to Ash and Misty, who nodded.
"You don't need telepathy to communicate with us. We can understand you through translators," Ash said. The two of them chuckled and did that to get the point across to the group as Ash and Misty sighed and were ready to continue. Daisy smirked, knowing they had something up their sleeve. They wouldn't have fought against her anyway, so she let it be.
Meanwhile, Misty's Pokemon were surprised to see how far their trainer had come, even though it wasn't Misty or Ash's idea to use them in this battle, as per their agreement with the two Lati twins.
"Okay, just don't hold back even if you two are family anyway. Use Ice Beam Latias," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who fired the attack at her brother.
"Counter with yours, then use Shadow Ball," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who blasted the Ice Beam with its own and then fired the Shadow Ball at Latias.
"Tailwind and then use Water Pulse. Counter it," Ash commanded her, who used the power of wind and then fired a Water Pulse through the water and towards the Shadow Ball, causing an explosion as the two took flight in the air. Even with Tailwind, Latios was still a bit faster than his sister and was gaining on her.
"Dragon Pulse now, Latios," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who fired the attack at his sister, who was hit by it. Ash was worried about her being okay and regaining herself. She flew near Ash, as did Misty with Latios.
"Mist Ball," Ash commanded her, who fired the attack at Latios at a pretty fast rate and hit him. "Now use Ice Beam," Ash commanded her, who fired the attack at her brother. She was in the grove of the battle. Latios turned to Misty and nodded as she nodded back.
"Giga Impact now," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who quickly charged in at the Ice beam and slammed into his sister hard. Ash was worried about Latias, and Latios smirked at this as Latias got up from that attack.
"Cheap Shot, Brother," Latias said to Latios, who smiled.
"You know that move as well, sister, and yet you rarely use that move in battle or during our training," Latios said to his sister, who got up panting like her brother.
"Time we end this now," Misty said, as she knew that Latios had recovered from the side effects of the attack. Ash nodded. "Giga Impact and Shadow Ball," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who charged at his sister.
"Misty Ball and Giga Impact as well," Ash commanded her. Two Pokemon charged, causing an explosion and water splashing everywhere. Ash and Misty were hit and fell off the platform into the pool. Both Pokemon were knocked out, leaving Ash and Misty surprised.
"The match is tied, and both Pokemon are unable to battle. There are no other rules against that, so a tie it is," Daisy said as she noticed that her sisters were wet from that attack and unhappy. Still, it shut them up from the attack. Everyone laughed at this, as they thought it was funny. Misty's Pokemon brought the two poolside, and they dried off as the two Latis recovered and beside their trainers.
"After all that, we'll have to wait until your Pokemon get better to have an official battle," Ash said to Daisy and Misty, who shook their heads.
"Ash, if there is a tie, the gym leader may award the badge if the battle is deemed worthy. As I said, when I battled Brock, I would have done the same." Misty said to Ash, who was surprised.
"Correction, you both earned your gym badges," Daisy said to them, which confused them. "Even if my team had battled you, you two are strong, so you earned your Cascade Badges," Daisy explained as she handed them their badges, which were still confused but accepted.
"But, Daisy," Misty said as she held her out in a calm-down way to calm Misty, who stopped.
"Misty, take the compliment. I must say, you have proven yourself to be an excellent trainer. I'm not sure how you caught these two Pokemon, but they were willing to fight for you. You have already demonstrated your skills, so there's no need to prove yourself further. If you decide to become a gym leader again, it should be when you are ready," Daisy said to Misty. Lilly and Violet didn't protest as they knew Daisy had a point.
"So, what's going to happen now?" Misty asked Daisy, who turned to Misty's Pokemon.
"It has been decided that while you can bring your Pokemon, only one Gyarados will be permitted. This decision has nothing to do with any animosity towards your Pokemon. Rather, it is because we require the other Pokemon for our shows. We understand the importance of Gyarados to your team, so we will allow you to use them once you reach the league," Daisy said to Misty, who sighed and nodded as Daisy handed her its ball, and Misty turned to her Pokemon.
"I wish I could bring all of you, but don't worry, I will call on you for battle later. So, don't worry," Misty said as the Pokemon nodded as they understood. Gyarados nodded and turned to Misty.
"Welcome back to the team; we'll get along well, that's for sure," Misty said, returning her Pokemon, who nodded after Misty said.
The group stood outside the gym with Flare, Riolu, and the Lati Twins beside Ash and Misty.
"The next gym is located in Vermillion City. To get there, take Route 25, which is, unfortunately, the fastest route available," Daisy said to Ash and Misty, who nodded sadly. They were hoping for a faster route but knew that wasn't the case as Misty turned to Daisy.
"If you are in a situation similar to today's, feel free to use my Pokemon. They are like family and will obey you. You already know this, Daisy. You could have asked me when we last spoke, but I understand that you wanted to show how much I have grown," Misty said to her sister. Daisy smiles as Ash realizes what is going on.
"I don't know what you're referring to, Misty. However, I appreciate you allowing us to do it, and rest assured that we will continue to support you, no matter what happens after this day. You know that we love you unconditionally. Take care, and know that you've earned this from us," Daisy said to Ash and Misty. Ash was about to say something, but Brock ran towards the group.
"Hey, guys, I made it back in time to see that you guys had your gym battle," Brock said as Misty and Ash sighed and explained the situation as they said goodbye to Misty's sisters.
"So, your sister lied to us, huh, Misty?" Ash said to Misty, who sighed.
"I had a feeling that this was the case, and we didn't see a line when we walked past the Pokemon centers, and they wouldn't be that backed up given that they were doing a show lately, and I thought I saw some of their Pokemon when I was watching the Aquarium find my Pokemon," Misty said to Ash as he was getting where this was going.
"They were testing you to see if you were still worthy. So, during our battle, they forfeited by claiming that their Pokémon were out of commission. Strangely, Daisy agreed to battle us, only to forfeit later. Why do you think she did that?" Ash asked, as that last part still wasn't getting to him.
"During our battle, Lilly and Violet were arguing about me. Daisy wanted to show them why it was good that I left. If necessary, I can face Daisy again after this journey to prove that I can handle things independently without needing to be a gym leader. Or, if I do become a gym leader, I will do it at my own pace," Misty said to Ash, who nodded.
With a new gym badge in Ash and Misty's possession and Misty getting newfound respect from her sisters, they make their way to Vermillion City and the site of the next gym battle. What else is in store for our heroes as the Journey continues?
Stay Tuned.