This time the move didn't upset Ash; he had internalized the knowledge that it was coming and the first grade held few fond memories for him. But he would miss the city itself, with the pokémon who mingled freely in the skyways between the trees.
For their next destination Poison Lance had argued for Lavender Town back in Kanto.
We can link up with Mismagius, Poison Lance argued, who can provide us with intelligence about the surrounding land. And she might know more about the regional state of affairs thanks to ghost-type gossip.
Still, lingering in Kanto? For years on end? Pocket Watch grimaced. I don't like it.
Wait, don't all the ghost types in Lavender Town have somethin' goin' on with children? That other humans don't really know about? Flygirl asked, tilting her head. Right! They collect the ghosts of human children!
And they would be loath to let a living one be snatched right under their noses, Poison Lance replied with relish. He turned to the boy. If your hunters do make another attempt after you, Lavender Town is a spot where we could potentially destroy them.
That'd be good, Ash said.
Fine, Pocket Watch sighed. But at the first sign of real trouble we get out of there. Even with Mismagius's help I don't want to risk Ash. He held up a hand, cutting off Poison Lance who was drawing himself up to protest. Yes, I agree in the long run this trap, that I'm not sure you've realized is a trap, might actually be safer. But in the short term it has the potential to put him in even more danger.
Two years ago, I might have agreed with you, Poison Lance answered. However, after what happened in Sinnoh, and the possibility that there may be multiple groups looking for Ash or at least people with his unknown qualities, I believe that this option is for the best. While we reside in Lavender Town, we will have both secrecy and strength on our side.
I can't think of a better option, Pocket Watch admitted with a sigh. I've already stolen textbooks for the next few years of human schooling. I'll steal some more from the schools around Lavender Town for variety's sake. Flygirl, can you help me get in contact with Mismagius?
They departed the next morning, Flygirl carrying Pocket Watch and Ash in talons, while Poison Lance rode on her back. Ash was finding the trip more uncomfortable each year and Flygirl found it growing harder to carry them all at once.
It took them two months to make the journey, as Flygirl needed to rest more often, and they often made frequent detours. Ash found them exciting at first, but when the crossed the border into Kanto, the side trips became more boring. More than once he had to entertain himself while the three pokémon stood in solemn silence by a statue, or a grave, or a small cross in the ground, or even just some random place with no special marker.
When Ash asked about those seemingly random places, Flygirl explained that they were spots were something significant had happened to them, to Lucas and his team, but weren't remembered by the world at large, so there was no marker. Ash asked why they didn't add their own markers, but Flygirl explained that the pokémon who were left didn't need markers to remember those places and what had happened there.
I can still remember what it felt like to be there, Flygirl told the boy. The sun shinin' on my feathers as I fought. Smell of smoke. The thrill of victory. Wasn't a large battle, but if felt so good after losin' for so long.
What's it like? Battling I mean? Ash inquired.
For fun or for actual fightin? Flygirl asked in turn. One's excitin', the other's terrifyin'. All your trainin', all the competitions, hell, even all the huntin ya might do isn't really preparation for a proper trainer fight, where they're both tryin' to kill the other.
Keep in mind that you humans are usually more fragile than even some of the softer pokémon, Pocket Watch added. We always had to keep an eye around Lucas in case something looked like it was getting the drop on him, so we could take the blow instead.
But we also had to keep our attention split between Lucas and our enemies because he was the one directing us, Poison Lance also added. Believe me, they were most unorganized affairs.
Bunch of shoutin', screamin' and then some cryin', Flygirl said. But generally real fights are a bit quick; start with even odds and then you take one pokémon down and there's suddenly a hole in their armor. Either you mop them up quickly or they retreat.
There are exceptions of course, Pocket Watch added. Legendary battles that dragged on for hours or days. But the skill levels of the pokémon and people involved were extraordinary. We never encountered their like personally.
This is also disregarding running battles, or large-scale engagements, Poison Lance said. The latter of which may go on for days or weeks. In our experience it could be both wonderful and absolutely frustrating to work as part of a team of teams.
Fightin' for fun is much better, Flygirl said. Usually it's one on one so it's less confusin'. And there's little risk of dyin'. It's like wrestling with nestmates, but so much more invigoratin'.
Their conversation continued for over an hour and moved on to cover topics such as basic tactics, training, and things to watch out for. It was the first of many conversation Ash would have with the three about pokémon training and battling over the next couple of years.
Eventually they made it to Lavender Town, a small town at the base of the mountains with Pokémon Tower rising above it. They arrived on an early fall night, when the humans of the town purposefully made themselves scarce, and strange things flitted in the air above.
Pocket Watch snuck them into the tower, past the empty reception office, and into the tower proper. After they passed the first door a horrible sight greeted them.
An amorphous mass, constantly shifting, never settling on shape or substance. A purple terror without logic or reason, neither gas nor solid nor liquid, charging forward and droning out a noise horrible to most humans.
SCARY NOISES! SCARY NOISES! SCARY- oh, wait you're the pokémon who were supposed to be coming here to visit Mismagius, the horrid thing said, before becoming a ghastly.
Whoooaaa… Ash said, wide eyed. That was cool! The ghastly flinched suddenly at the boy's words, nearly falling out of the air, eyes wide with shock.
Did you just speak properly? The ghastly asked, picking itself up. That's a new one. And I can guess why you're here now. Mismagius, Mismagius, now where is she supposed to be right now…..
Wrong mismagius. It's Witch of the North Sky, Pocket Watch corrected, not Wisdom from the Grave.
Oh, right, she's on the top floor, with the new arrivals, the ghastly said. Let me get someone to cover for me and then I'll escort you there.
A haunter took his place and then the ghastly took them through the tower. Each floor was covered in headstones and caskets, all lit by a faint white-purple light that had no obvious source. Ghost types were all over, playing with each other, eating, sleeping, and even doing what looked like a comedy show on one of the floors.
And then they reached the second to top floor of the tower where ghost types were constantly coming and going through the ceiling. When they came the ghostly pokémon usually carried a bundle. They left empty handed.
On the top floor the nature of their burden's was revealed. They were the ghosts of human children, as Flygirl had mentioned back in Hoenn. Many small human shades resided on the top floor of the tower. Some were sleeping, some were crying, some were doing nothing, but some were talking and playing with the ghost type pokémon. Ash looked around, nerves evident on his face, and then there was a voice behind him.
You're a little solid to be here, the voice said, causing the boy to jump.
Ah, Mismagius, Poison Lance said, turning around to face the speaker. It has been far too long.
Poison Lance you stodgy, pretentious, stuck up bug! Give me a hug! The pokémon replied. She was a purple thing, a floating dress without arms, or maybe she was a lampshade. There were three pink ovals on her center, and head was crowned with what looked like a witch's hat. Two yellow and orange eyes looked out from under the brim and the mouth was curved in a wide smile.
Neither of you can hug and you know that perfectly well, Pocket Watch rolling his eyes and trying not to smile.
Then you'll have to hug us both! And you can get in on this too you old bird!
Who you calling old? Flygirl said, also smiling. The four pokémon hugged.
And you must be Ash, Mismagius said after the hug ended. I'm glad I got to meet you in flesh! You know, instead of the way I normally meet human children.
Yeah…. Ash said, looking around at all the ghosts. Can we do this on a different floor?
So, uh, why are there so many human ghosts up there? Ash asked after they had gone down a floor.
We gather them from around Kanto, Mismagius answered.
Why?
It's because they need help, Mismagius replied with a shrug. And because if they don't get any help, well, bad things start to happen.
Okay, but why are you doing it? Ash asked, titling his head. And how come all the pokémon in the tower are doing it too? I thought wild pokémon didn't do stuff like this?
It's true that most pokémon wouldn't have the urge or knowledge to organize something like this, Mismagius admitted. But we ghost-types have always been a little strange. Maybe it's because we're a little human? Not those rumors about some of us being former humans; human souls, or ghosts rather, can't become pokémon after death. But sometimes a ghost type pokémon forms in a place instead of being breed and born, and it can pick up all sorts of things, such as human memories.
I mean, there's the odd wild pokémon, or the occasional trained pokémon that organizes wild pokémon into communities or something, Mismagius continued, spinning around to survey the tower. We've got more knowledge about such matters, so we ghosts organize more. Other wild organizations almost always fall apart after the founder dies, but with us it lasts a bit longer.
Because it's harder for the founder to die when they started out dead.
Hush you, Mismagius said to Pocket Watch before turning back to Ash. As to the urge, well, we pokémon are neighbors to human civilization, and us ghost types are closer than most. Human civilization gives us so much, from places to feed off of, to solid food, graveyards to live in, the list goes on and on. We should give something back because it's both the right thing to do and so that we can continue enjoying all the fruits of our situation.
Okay. I'm not going to have to play with them, will I? Ash asked while his eyes darted around the floor and he fidgeted.
It's better that you don't, Mismagius replied. We don't want the children getting confused and trying to take you with them.
Good. No more questions. Ash said nodding. His fidgeting stopped.
So, what're you here for? Mismagius said, turning to her old teammates. Just stopping by to visit?
No, we'll be staying here longer than that, Pocket Watch told her, before going to explain Poison Lance's plan.
Well it will be nice to have you all here for a while, Mismagius said when he was done. But you can't keep Ash in the Tower. It's not safe for a living human child.
Oh, we had no intention of doing that, Poison Lance replied.
"Thank Cresselia", Ash said, wiping his brow.
We were planning on find a place in the mountains and staying there for the next couple of years, Poison Lance went on. We were hoping though, in the event that there is an attempt to abduct Ash, that you and the pokémon here could provide assistance.
Of course! Mismagius answered, shooting up a foot or so. We'd be glad to kick some ass to save a kid. But, as long as we're doing that, do you think you could help out around the tower? There are a few odd jobs that we need help with?
Certainly, Poison Lance said. What manner of jobs do you need assistance with?
We need blankets for the more confused children, someone to wipe the memories of some humans we think are getting suspicious of our operation, Mismagius listed, someone to steal a few human items, and someone who can occasionally help us scout during the day.
Deal, Flygirl replied. Do you know of any good caves? If ya do, we can move in today.
Mismagius did know of a good cave. The four of them moved into a cave at the bottom of a nearby mountain, dug a firepit, lit a fire, and slept in what would be their home for the next few years.
Awaking a little after Poison Lance, Ash set out to explore the land around his new home. Mist gently covered the forested base of the mountain and extended into the foothills beyond, dissipating under the morning sun. Yellow-gray exposed rock poked through the forest here and there, as a cliff covered in vines, leaves, and roots, providing a backdrop against the sprawling conifers, or as steep slopes leading to higher forests.
A chill ran throughout the air, and there was a gentle wetness to the ground and plants around the cave, a result of the mist. Ash rubbed his shoulders, ran back into the cave to grab a jacket that Pocket Watch had recently stolen, and then ran back outside.
Ash amused himself for what felt like a long time to his young mind, what he thought must have been most of the morning, but in reality, was only fifteen minutes. When he got back to the cave, Pocket Watch and Flygirl had woken up.
"Iiiiii'mmmmmm boooooooored," Ash whined. "Let's do something!"
Like what, Pocket Watch asked, yawning and rubbing his eyes.
"How 'bout keep away?" Ash suggested.
Huh? What would ever give you the idea that I would play that game? Pocket Watch asked, turning away from Ash, who then immediately glanced the other direction on instinct. Behind the boy, grass and plant stems had tied themselves together into a ball. Ash laughed and made a grab for it, but it flew away.
No fair, startin' without warning, Flygirl complained before launching herself after the ball. Poison Lance gave a fond sigh as the other three ran out of the cave.
Pocket Watch floated the ball through the forest for a little while before Ash grabbed it out of the air. Grinning he held it aloft in triumph for a moment, only for Flygirl to swoop by and snatch it out of his hand.
You snooze you loooose! She crowed at Ash's indignant cry, before weaving through the trees as Ash gave chase.
They continued on in that manner for several more minutes, until Pocket Watch used telekinesis to rip it from her talons, and Ash grabbed the ball as it slowly floated towards the hypno.
I got it now! He cried, grinning, and hiding the ball behind his back.
Oh? How long can you keep it? Pocket Watch grinned and stretched out a hand. Something jerked out of Ash's grip and flew around the boy, landing in Pocket Watch's hand.Ah, it looks like there is nothing that you can possess that I cannot- Wait, this isn't the ball.
In his hand was a roundish rock about the same size as the ball. The hypno looked back at Ash, who was already sprinting back into the forest, laughing as he ran. Pocket Watch grinned, and started jogging after the boy.
The game continued for another twenty minutes. It ended when the ball had been knocked out of Flygirl's talons again, and before Pocket Watch or Ash could grab it, a shot of sticky silk yanked the ball out of the air.
I do believe it is time for breakfast, Poison Lance said, a trifle smug as he stuck the ball to his tail. Oh, and does this mean that I am the victor?
Days came and went, fall turned to winter and beyond. The four of them settled into their new home as the leafy trees became a glorious spread of colors before baring their branches beneath the snow, and the unchanging conifers stoically bore the burdens of winter.
Ash, bundled up in stolen warm clothing, got to know some of the local wild pokémon while hiking the mountains before the snow came in. He didn't have the opportunity to grow close to any of them; too many were migrating or getting ready to hibernate through the winter.
When winter came Ash was restricted to the warmer cave and to the occasional visit to Pokémon Tower when one of his caretakers went to help with an odd job or just to visit Mismagius. The rest of the time he either amused himself just outside of the cave or had to study.
Ash, I told you, you had to finish those math problems today, Pocket Watch scolded. Ash sighed and turned away from the snow fort he had been building.
But they're boring. And I did a bunch of grammar stuff yesterday! The boy protested. It seemed like every moment that he wasn't asleep, eating, or at pokémon tower, he was being nagged to do school work.
History, grammar, and math were the primary topics that he was being subjected to. History was boring, but tolerable. Grammar was boring, but easier than he thought it would be. Math, however, was the worst. Ash found it boring and stupid. Memorize numbers. Memorize what happened when you added them together. Memorize what happened when you subtracted them. Oh, here comes multiplication! Memorize that as well!
At least at school there had been classmates, even if they weren't close, to commiserate with. And the teacher at least understood the material, so they could give the occasional bit of help. Ash had done well then.
But now he was just learning out of a bunch of dry books and doing problems assigned by a creature that had learned to read at the same time as him. It sucked! It was boring! Ash would rather at least try to do things with snow.
How did you even know that I hadn't done them yet, Ash said in a voice caught between being a whine and a sigh. You didn't even go in the cave yet!
I could see it in your mind, Pocket Watch answered.
That's no fair! At least other kids get the privacy of their head!
Well, other human children do their work-
That's not true, Ash protested, thinking of first grade. Not all of them. And they don't have to worry about telepaths digging around their head.
Maybe you should have just done your work and then this wouldn't have been a problem- Pocket Watch began, before being interrupted by Poison Lance.
He does have a point, Poison Lance said. Although, it is also true that he should have done his work. How about this as a compromise. The weedle turned to Ash. How would you like more work to do Ash?
Bleh, Ash said, sticking out his tongue. No, I don't want any more.
Oh, is your distaste for more work greater than your dislike of having Pocket Watch access your mind without permission? Poison Lance asked. We can teach you the fundamentals of protecting your mind from telepathy, but it will require constant practice.
Ash hesitated, caught between childhood slothfulness, and the budding rebellious desire to keep his caretakers out of his mind.
Fine, Ash said, sitting down and crossing his arms. At least it's not more math.
Oh, you will have to finish your math, Poison Lance said. There is no escaping math, not even to the ends of the earth or to the end of time. Numbers shall always find you.
Winter passed into spring, which passed into summer, and back into fall as the cycle began anew. Ash played when he could, studied when he had too, made some small friendships with the wild pokémon, and generally passed the year as well as any child in his situation could.
His friendships with the wild pokémon didn't always last. Far too often the wild pokémon would disappear without a trace. Ash hoped that they didn't share Tail in the Grass's fate, but he knew that it was all too likely that they had.
Ash also learned the basics of psychic defense; of detection, deflection, and attempted destruction. How to detect a foreign presence in his own mind, how to deflect its attention to memories or thought that were safe to give up, and how to throw his own will against the intrusion to force it out. He also learned the basics of controlling his thoughts, how to be aware of his thoughts, and how to drop a line of thought without lingering.
These are the basics, Flygirl had told him. Once you're older there's some other ticks you can learn. They're harder to pull off, but with it you can get rid of stronger psychic pests.
Ash was tested on these skills by Pocket Watch's random attempts to read his mind. It could be tiring, having to be constantly on alert of a mental intrusion. But he did get some privacy out of it. And privacy was very important for what he decided to attempt one day.
Ash waited hidden on a ledge on a hot summer's day, looking down below. Pocket Watch was ambling along below, lost in thought. The human boy had made sure that there was no mental intrusion and that his thoughts were sufficiently hidden.
And then he splashed a bucket's worth of water over the hypno below.
Ash laughed as Pocket Watch wiped at his eyes and sputtered. And then the hypno was no longer below; with a pop he appeared right next to Ash and glared down at the boy.
Think that's funny do you, Pocket Watch said, crossing his arms and tapping one finger on his elbow. Ash backed away, unable to answer, still laughing.
Well then you can find this funny! Ten thousand years of tickling! Ash glowed purple and was lifted off the ground, laughing and writhing as the telekinetic power tickled him all over. Pocket Watch held him there for a full thirty seconds of tickling before he heard a ripping sound.
What was that? The dripping hypno asked, gentling putting the boy down.
I don't know, Ash replied, looking himself over. It turned out that the source of the rip was the knee of his jeans. The pants had been feeling tight for a few weeks and now it looked like they were finally giving up.
Looks like they're too small for you, Pocket Watch said, examining the clothing carefully. I'll have to start stealing bigger things. He looked over the boy. Huh, and you used to be shorter too. I'll have to watch out, you'll soon be taller than me.
Huh, Ash said, tilting his head. That was a new thought. The hypno still seemed to tower over him, but now that the boy thought about it, the height difference didn't seem quite as severe as it once was.
Now that I thinking about it, it's about time I arranged a doctor's visit for you, Pocket Watch said, stroking his chin. You're growing up.
The doctor's visit was ultimately without incident (other than routine vaccination shots), thanks to liberal use of mental manipulation on behalf of Pocket Watch. And so, the year continued on and became years. New textbooks were stolen. New work was done. Seasons came and went.
Ash continued to grow, maybe a bit too slowly for Poison Lance who worried and fussed over the boy's health, but still within a healthy range. Pocket Watch started stealing early for when Ash, so that when the boy outgrew his current set the new ones would be ready and waiting Flygirl began to dread their next long-range flight together.
Poison Lance began to teach him how to forage his own food from the forest and how to move silently. He also taught Ash the basics of tracking and watching out for predators. The poison-type also began to tell Ash of how to find nourishment in other environments. The two began to wander the forest together, talking while gathering.
The boy still had the occasional nightmare about being hunted, but they didn't come as frequently. Ash and his caretakers doubted that they would ever stop, but they were all happy that the dreams would torment him less.
As he grew older Ash began to take an even greater interest in pokémon battles and training. He actually began to read of his own accord, books about pokémon training, about pokémon battles, about pokémon themselves! And more and more time was spent talking with his odd family about the past. What they had done and how they had done it. Common tactics and training tips.
Type advantage is something that you should always consider, Poison Lance said, but it is not always the most important thing. If there exists a member of your team that can successfully neutralize the enemy before they can attack, or successfully counter the attack rather than enduring it, or greatly reduce the effectiveness of the pokémon with the type advantage, then type advantage becomes quite meaningless. This is obvious, however, so many trainers work to create countermeasures to protect pokémon that rely on special attacks, where type advantage matters the most, from such measures.
Ya don't get to use these tactics as much in one-on-one battles, Flygirl added, unless both you and your opponent are allowed to keep switching pokémon out.
Defeating the enemy before they can use their type advantage isn't the only way to do it, Pocket Watch chimed in. A pokémon that can easily evade their attacks, or reduce their accuracy, will also suffice.
And then there is the environment, and the respective individual abilities of the pokémon in question, and how they can alter the dynamics of type advantage, Poison Lance continued to Ash, who was listening with rapt attention.
They did more than just talk about battles. Thanks to Ash's casual friendships with the local wild pokémon they were able to host mock battles.
Now Growlithe, if you would stand over there by Ash, Poison Lance said one fall, directing some wild pokémon. And Sandshrew, if you would stand over there by Pocket Watch.
Alright, Sandshrew yawned. But it's getting close to hibernation time, so I really should be going to sleep soon…
But we've got a bunch of food for you if you do this! Ash said. Come on! Just stay awake until this is over and you've eaten the food.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, Sandshrew said, shaking his head to wake himself up and walking over to in front of Pocket Watch.
I get the food too, right? Growlithe asked from in front of Ash, tail rapidly swishing back and forth.
Of course! Ash answered. What sort of battle are we practicing Poison Lance? Sport or fight?
This time let us do a fight were you and your opponent only have one pokémon each, Poison Lance said. Now, before we begin, what can you tell me about the matchup between these two pokémon?
Uh…. Ash said, scratching the back of his head while he thought. There had been something about growlithes and sandshrews in the book Local Pokémon of Northwestern Kanto.
Right! The boy said when he recalled the information. Growlithes are fire-types and sandshrews are ground types! That means growlithe will take extra damange from sandshrew's special attacks! But, sandshrews are lacking in the special attack power department. Growlithes are more average when it comes to defense against special attacks, so that reduces the effect of the type advantage.
The growlithe and the sandshrew looked at each other out of the corner of their eyes. The sandshrew shrugged.
He's got me there, the ground type said. I usually hunt and fight using my claws.
Well that's nice to know if I ever have to fight a sandshrew in the future, the fire-type replied.
Now, Ash, are you aware of the moves these two pokémon normally know? Poison Lance continued questioning.
Uh….. no, sorry, Ash said, scratching the back of his head again. Not off the top of my head.
There is no shame in that, Poison Lance reassured the boy. But when it comes to your future team you should always do your best to memorize all of their possible maneuvers and moves. It would be good to take some reference materials with you; while you may ask your team about their abilities you will need a way to explain such knowledge to other humans.
Okay, Ash nodded. What moves do you know Growlithe?
I can bite, I can breathe fire well enough that I can either do an Ember or a Flamethrower, and I can focus on my smelling well enough to qualify for, what did mom call it again? Oh, yeah Odor Sleuth, Growlithe answered.
Ash nodded, thinking to himself. He noticed Sandshrew look back at Pocket Watch and Ash figured that they were having a mental conversation, probably going over what Sandshrew knew.
Since this is a simulation of a battle for fighting rather than one for sport you will win if you can have Growlithe land a mock-attack on Pocket Watch or if you knock out Sandshrew. You will lose if Pocket Watch can do either to you. Growlithe, Sandshrew, both of you need to hold back. This is not a real fight and you should not use enough power to main or kill.
Alright, Growlithe said grinning and showing her sharp teeth. Playfighting like I used to do to my brothers and sisters. Never lost one of those!
Well, there's a first time for everything, Sandshrew said, opening his mouth to pant in the sandshrew equivalent of a grin.
Begin! Poison Lance shouted.
Growlithe, Flamethrower! Ash commanded. Flames rushed out of the fire-type's mouth, but the Sandshrew was already rapidly digging into the ground, escaping the flames.
Odor Sleuth! Ash shouted, jumping backwards on a hunch. He had guessed correctly, Sandshrew erupted out of the ground where the boy had been standing. Growlithe had started focusing on her sense of smell, using it to track the Sandshrew through the ground, and was already facing him when he re-appeared.
Bite! Ash shouted, before turning and running away from the Sandshrew. Sandshrew for his part started to chase after the boy at Pocket Watch's mental command. But Growlithe was a good bit faster than Sandshrew. Snarling her jaws latched onto his back, hard enough to hurt, but not to wound.
Sand exploded everywhere as Sandshrew unleashed a Sand-Attack. Growlithe flinched back, closing her eyes to protect them from the stinging grains. Sandshrew dove to the ground and fired off another Sand-Attack, this one aimed directly at Growlithe's nose. She yelped as stinging grains got in her nostrils and then started to sneeze. Finally, Sandshrew dove back into the ground, digging rapidly.
Growlithe's accuracy was now shot. Sand was in her eyes and nose. Sandshrew would be able to move about unimpeded. It looked like the battle was basically over, for outside of a lucky strike, there was no obvious way for Growlithe to hit Sandshrew. But Ash had an idea.
"Fire in the hole!" Ash shouted, grinning at his joke. Flamethrower, big but not powerful, in the hole after him!
Growlithe squinted at the hole and then stuck her head near the surface. An orange glow surrounded the entrance as she unleashed a torrent of flames into the underground tunnel.
Hot, hot, hot, hot, ouch, ouch, ouch! Ash heard Sandshrew shouting from beneath him. The boy jumped to the side just as the Sandshrew breached the surface, flames chasing him out of the hole and shooting skyward, a flame geyser.
Sandshrew took a moment to pat himself down. Ash took the opportunity to put the ground type between himself and Growlithe.
Flamethrower at the sound of my voice! Ash shouted. And don't worry about me.
Growlithe unleashed another river of flames in Ash's direction at his command, washing over Sandshrew before he could react, and nearly missing Ash who threw himself to the side. He could feel the heat play over his skin and everything around him looked warped due from the haze.
I give up! Sandshrew shouted over the roar of the flames. Growlithe's mouth snapped shut, small streamers of fire jetting out of the sides of her mouth for a second before stopping.
Good job Ash, Pocket Watch congratulated the boy. But, uh, next time maybe don't take so many risks? Please?
That was fun, Growlithe said smirking, and trotting over to the Sandshrew. Good fight.
Thanks, Sandshrew said, rubbing his shoulder and grabbing her to pull himself up. She just grinned wider and gave him a nip on the ear, eliciting a startled yelp.
Time to eat! Ash announced grinning. Come on, food's this way!
After they had eaten, and the wild pokémon had departed, Ash, Poison Lance, Pocket Watch, and Flygirl sat around a small fire.
What did you learn from the battle today? Poison Lance asked. Ash looked up at the cave roof, thinking.
I don't think I learned too much new, Ash said after a little while. But I learned how important it is to keep moving if I don't have a pokémon dedicated to guarding me. I already knew that I should, but I didn't realize how fast things like Dig were.
Anything else? Poison Lance asked. Ash shook his head. Then let us move on. Have you yet decided what is the most important thing in a battle yet?
No, Ash said, shaking his head again. I still haven't decided between you three yet. I know you- he pointed at Flygirl- think that speed and positioning are the most important things.
If you can outmaneuver them then there's nothin' they can do, Flygirl commented. You've either trapped them or are attackin' from where they can't reach.
And you- Ash pointed at Pocket Watch- think that power and a method to utilize it is the most important.
You saw that principle in action during today's battle, Pocket Watch said. Even when blinded and sneezing Growlithe was able to overpower her opponent.
And you- Ash pointed now at Poison Lance- think that having a plan is the most important thing in a battle.
If you can compel your opponent to dance to your tune and follow the path you have set out for them, then victory is assured, Poison Lance replied. But you still have not decided? You still have come to no realization?
What was he getting at? Ash knew he was missing something, but what was-
What did Lucas say was the most important thing in battle? Ash asked, wanting to smack himself in the forehead. Lucas was the thing that unified them; he had been the basis for their camaraderie; he had brought them together and in those war-torn days he had bound them into a team.
Poison Lance gave one of those invisible smiles of his, where one could only read it in the sides of his face and his eyes and his voice.
That is the question we have awaited, the weedle said. But I must disappoint you. He never disclosed what he thought was most important in battle to us.
Sometimes we were fast and beat the enemy from someplace where they couldn't touch us, Flygirl said.
Sometimes we just crushed them with powerful attacks, Pocket Watch said.
And rarely did Lucas lack a plan, Poison Lance said. I suspect he eventually learned after many years what was most important in battle but simply could not articulate the quality. You may learn on your journey, or you may not. It may require thought, or you may learn through instinct. The only thing that may bring this enlightenment is experience. You must go out and battle again and again until you have learned.
And so, the years passed. Studying and battling and simply living occupied Ash's days while they stayed near Lavender Town. His pokémon caretakes provided just about everything Ash needed, except one thing.
More and more Ash began to dwell on his memories of his human friends Jack and Shelly. They weren't clear memories, even though he was still a young child, too much time had passed since he had been that young. Nor were the memories particularly extraordinary. Ash sometimes wondered, in his rare introspective moods, if they were even true memories.
He didn't know why those memories had started to take up so much of his time. Something was missing, but he couldn't put his finger on it. Things were getting stranger. Ash had started to look forward to visits to the doctor even though there were the painful needles involved.
It wasn't until the beginning of summer in their third year in the cave that he realized what it was that was so strange; what it was that was bothering him.
Ash missed people. He even missed school, as dreary as his last year at that institution had been. During his rare interactions with his own species, such as visiting the doctor, he occasionally found it harder to talk, like he was forgetting the language.
He told this to his caretakers one night, while they were all visiting Mismagius in the Pokémon Tower.
Hmmm… Poison Lance's head was bowed in thought. You are nearing what I believe to be the current age to become a trainer. It used to be ten years in Lucas's day, but now I believe it is eleven?
Twelve actually, Mismagius corrected. And there's gossip that they'll be raising it to fourteen in a few years.
Why do they need to keep changin' it? Flygirl asked. Ten was good enough back in our day.
Back in our day they needed trainers desperately, Pocket Watch answered. Now they can afford to take their time.
What's the point of that? Flygirl inquired.
I think they're trying to avoid deaths, Pocket Watch told her.
More's the fool to them then. Death's the price of life. Flygirl replied.
True, but humans get all weird about the deaths of children, remember? Pocket Watch asked.
Well, everyone gets upset about their nest gettin' raided-
Humans get upset about the deaths of any human children, Pocket Watch reminded her, not just their own. And, keep in mind the current company; Poison Lance and I also picked up that trait from Lucas.
Regardless of the reasoning, the point is that Ash is- Poison Lance hesitated. They didn't know Ash's birth date and only had an approximate idea of his age. Ash is certainly nearing the age of twelve, if he has not already reached it, though I am nearly certain it is your eleventh birthday coming up on us this fall. If you still desire to become a trainer-
"Yes!" Ash replied instantly.
Then it is nearly time for you to rejoin human society, Poison Lance continued. A final year of schooling would not go amiss. The question is where would be a good location for said final year?
It should be some place with a strong League presence, Pocket Watch suggested, but still have some wilderness.
Somewhere in Kanto, Flygirl, who would be providing transportation, added.
Yes, yes, that would be appropriate, Poison Lance said, nodding.
I've got a great idea that you'll all hate, Mismagius said. Why not Pallet Town?
Entirely out of the question! Poison Lance growled.
Damned mystics and your stupid suggestions! Pocket Watch said angrily.
Are you tryin' to start a fight! Flygirl shouted.
"Why Pallet Town?" Ash asked, curious.
Word has it that there are a couple of new League facilities in the region, Mismagius explained. Evidently a former League Champion was upset about a violent incident that occurred there over half a decade ago.
"My- I mean, when the hunters came," Ash said, looking down.
There's a small, but permanent League garrison there, Mismagius went on. Their official purpose is to protect the sea route to Cinnabar Island, but you can bet they also provide muscle to the police, and do some inland patrols. They've also got several outposts and waystations scattered about, so League personnel are constantly coming and going.
Then the heightened security would make it inadvisable to try and slip Ash into a local school, Poison Lance said. Now, if you have a real suggestion-
Ah, but the security hasn't actually been heightened, Mismagius grinned. Civilian Life in Pallet Town and Viridian City is pretty much unchanged. The former champ doesn't have enough clout to put the place under martial law or anything.
Do you know the name of this Champion? Pocket Watch asked.
It's Samuel Oak, though he's a professor now, Mismagius answered. Word is that he was close to your folks Ash.
Does he have light brown hair? Often goes around in a lab coat? Poison Lance inquired.
Yep.
We saw him there, the day after, Poison Lance said. Pocket Watch was unable to read his mind so we were unable to determine if he was-
"My hunter," Ash finished.
Correct. We figured he was high in the League, but no idea that he was a former champion. Poison Lance continued. As you are aware, we did find one member of the organization who attempted to abduct you at the ruins of the house. While we were not able to extract much information from the man, we did find out that he referred to his superior in the organization as his 'master'.
It's not a common way for humans to think of each other in this day and age, Pocket Watch added. We figured that the man's boss would have to be someone important.
Like a high-ranking member of the League, Poison Lance finished. Which a former champion certainly is.
You thought it might be Oak? Mismagius snorted. I coulda told you it wasn't him. He used to have a thing with Agatha of the Elite Four, so there's usually one of us ghosts keeping an eye on him for her. He spends his days in his labs, or at boring conferences, or helping new trainers get started.
So, he's safe then? Flygirl asked. We coulda just hung around Viridian Forest the last couple of years?
Maybe, maybe not, Pocket Watch shrugged. We only found out that they were after Ash specifically because I pulled it from someone's mind. Oak and the police wouldn't know that and they'd have no reason to believe us either.
If only the fanatic had not committed suicide, Poison Lance growled. May Darkrai feed his twisted soul to Girantia.
Well, for what it's worth, I still think you made the right decision back then, Mismagius said. Ash's safe and whole now, which is the most important thing.
"So, Pallet Town's fine then?" Ash asked. "We can go to school there?"
You like the idea of Pallet Town? Poison Lance asked, blinking. May I inquire as to why?
"Because I want to tell my hunters to, uh, what's the word? Right." Ash nodded to himself. "I want to tell my hunters to fuck off. Even if they can't actually hear it. Uh, or even if I'm the only one who gets it."
Personal symbols are important, Mismagius told the human boy. Don't underestimate their power. She smirked. Besides, that line of reasoning was why I suggested it in the first place. Prepare to become a pokémon trainer in the place where it all began, the origin of both your biological life and the life you know now.
And then there's the reasoning of a mystic, Pocket Watch said, rolling his eyes. All symbols and personal meanings, nothing about practicalities.
"Well, I like it," Ash declared. "So, can we move to Pallet Town?"
If that is what you want, Poison Lance sighed, then we shall do so soon.
AN: This is currently unbeta'd
Don't forget to review
Minor edits as of 6/7/2020
:AN