Greetings, everyone. Mgunnels3 here, and welcome back to Ash's Kanto Journey, My Version. I hope you're as excited as I am to delve into the next chapter of our adventure. If you notice any unusual edits in the sentences/paragraphs, it's mostly the work of my diligent Beta Reader. I try to catch them all, but sometimes they slip through. I'm always eager for more reviews despite the occasional email issues. Let's jump into this chapter, shall we?
Chapter 12: Hard lessons
"Human Speech"
"Pokemon Speech and Flashbacks"
'Telepathy'
We join our heroes a few days after their departure from the Pokemon Center as they travel toward Vermillion City, a place brimming with new adventures and mysteries.
The group was having a picnic, their Pokemon frolicking around, while Ash, Misty, and Brock were polishing the eggs that Ash's Eevee gave them as thanks for helping her out. Though a few things were on our hero's minds, it wasn't about their next battle.
"By the way, Brock, I noticed you've been very eager to go Vermillion City since we left the Pokemon Center lately," Ash asked Brock, who turned to the group. "I mean, lately, you've been very calm about where we are going, but you've been a bit excited. Any reason why?" Ash asked as Brock spoke up.
"You see, there's a Pokemon fan club going on over there, and it's also where the Pokemon Breeders Club is, and the Chairman of the Fan Club is one of the best breeders out there, so I'll be stopping by there probably after your guys' gym battle against Surge. Are you two okay with that?" Brock said to Misty and Ash, who nodded as Misty added.
"That's fine, Brock. I mean, you aspire to be both a Pokemon Breeder and a Pokemon Doctor one day, and this visit would provide you with a valuable insight into the world of other Breeders, especially considering our recent encounters with them," Misty said, acknowledging Brock's evolving ambitions.
"Exactly, Misty. I've heard about the Fan Club and was hoping to go there one day and take part in it, but because of my duties as a Gym Leader, as well as those to my family, that didn't happen until you two showed up and gave me a chance in life to follow my dreams." Brock said as Misty and Ash smiled at this. Brock was curious about something when it came to Misty's team and spoke up.
"By the way, Misty, I noticed that you have both bug types in Metapod and Combee, as well as a Gyarados on your team; given your fears, I'm surprised that you managed to have one on your team, let alone a few," Brock said to Misty who sighed and turned to her Pokemon who were eating. They knew that Misty was afraid of bugs but respected that Misty was willing to take them in. Everyone knew that Misty was afraid of bug types, and she made it very apparent a long time ago when Ash spoke up.
"You did say that it's Pokemon more along the lines of like Beedrill and those types of intense Pokemon, though you know that Combee is a female Bee Pokemon and should become a Vespiqueen. They can be a bit intimidating from the pictures I've seen.
But then again, they are more of the types of Pokemon that not many who are afraid of bugs would consider in their stay-away category," Ash said to Misty and Brock, who understood what Ash meant as Misty spoke up.
"I mentioned this to Ash back on our way to Pewter, that if a bug Pokemon is wanting to be caught by me I'm willing to give them a chance to join, part of what a Pokemon Master should do, and well I am still afraid of them a small bit, as of right now I haven't run into any that has gotten me shivering and running for my life, and Combee and Metapod over there, were actually a few of the Big types that I was willing to give a shot given that one they are cute and their evolutionary lines are very respected amongst bugs. I can give myself the fortitude from being scared the more time I spend with them." Misty said to the group, who understood as Brock spoke up.
"What about Gyarados? If I remember correctly, what your family told mine a few times, you had a nasty incident with one growing up. Is this the same one that your family had since you were little?" Brock asked Misty, who shook her head as she looked at her Gyarados, who was eating and trying not to cause issues with the team. Some of the younger Pokemon were hesitant to go up to Gyarados for now. Gyarados longed for that change in due time.
"Gyarados was the first Pokemon that I've ever caught. I've known her since she was a Magikarp, and she is one of the nicest Pokemon that I've met. Funny enough, she was worried about evolving, and that she might hurt me, but when we had our battles together, she showed she was still the same Magikarp on the inside. I am still scared of them, but she's one of the few that I'm happy to have on my team, and at times, she's been my main ace on my team. Sadly, I had to leave her and most of my Pokemon back home until recently after my battle against Ash," Misty said to the group.
Brock was about to say something, only to hear a familiar whip cracking and knew who was nearby. Only to see Ash heard it as well and smiled.
"Wow, he got here quickly l. It's been a bit since we last saw AJ." Ash told the group, who packed up their things and went to see him.
It took a few minutes to reach their destination and see that Sandslash was training and battling against a trainer, and he won his battle.
However, Ash also noticed someone else was watching the entire battle nearby. It was Trip. He didn't have a happy look on his face upon looking at AJ, especially given how he was battling as AJ wrapped up his battle.
"Not bad. Your team is pretty strong and almost gave my Sandslash a good battle, but you still have a bit of training to do in order to win. But you tried hard. I am sure you're proud of your Pokemon for giving their all and their return that feeling of getting stronger for you in the future." AJ said to the trainer, who nodded and walked off towards the direction opposite of the group. As AJ then noticed Ash and the others, he spoke up.
"Still surprised that you all are still on this route. I thought by now that you would be at least in Vermillion City by now," AJ said to the group as he walked over to the group.
"Yeah, we had a little run-in back at the Pokemon Center, and we decided to take a break for a day, but I'm surprised that you got here that quickly since it's only been a week since we last saw you, AJ," Ash said to AJ who pulled out his bag and showed that he already has both the Boulder Badge and the Cascade Badge. He soon noticed Trip, and he chuckled. "Back for more, I see?"
"Look I want a rematch, while I don't condone your battle tactics I'm here for a rematch," Trip said to AJ who shook his head as Trip wasn't happy about that.
"Humph, don't kid yourself. You're like that, Gary fellow. He was the one who gave me my team's first draw. Yet he remained prideful and arrogant in doing so.
"If you don't push yourself, you'll never beat me, let alone give me a good battle, no matter what Pokemon you get here in Kanto," AJ said, just brushing Trip off like that. He did have a point, though. Ever since his draw against Gary before Ash and his friends came by, AJ has made it a point not to accept challenges from trainers who are only out for themselves.
Trip was showing he has changed at least from the time when Ash and Misty saw him last. However, it was understandable how he could come across as a prideful person. They have never seen someone push him to this point since Trip lost to Ash back at Mt. Moon.
"Look, I came back because I wanted to get at least a good chance at winning for my team, not just me. With a new Pokemon on my team, which I got recently, I feel I have what it takes to win. So, please...give me a rematch." Trip asked AJ, who humped.
"Look, no matter what new Pokemon you have, it will never change who you are unless you are willing to put yourself out there as a trainer and change. I'd rather challenge Ash or Misty here than face you for the time being," AJ said to Trip, who calmed down where before he would've lost it.
"How am I supposed to show you I've changed if you're too scared to face me?" Trip replied, knowing that might trigger AJ to battle and did it ever do so.
"Scared?" AJ asked, dumbfounded at the statement.
"You heard me. Unless you fear losing to me, you should be willing to give me the chance to show you how much my team has improved and how I've changed, but hey, I guess a challenge from me might be too much for you to handle; I get it," Trip said before turning around as if to walk away.
"Oh, no, you don't," AJ yelled out. "I'll put you in your place. Get ready for battle." AJ's nostrils flaring at this point.
"Got him," Trip smirked.
"Misty, mind being the referee?" AJ asked as he readied himself for this battle.
"Sure. I don't mind at all." Misty replied as she took her place in the middle of both trainers in an open clearing not too far from them.
AJ was the first to call out his Pokemon. His trusted ace.
"Sandslash, let's take this guy down."
As the bipedal ground dweller took his battle stance, he let out a fierce cry. "SLASH!"
To this, Trip knew he was in a tough battle as he reached for his newest Pokemon.
"After that first loss to you, I knew I had to make some changes, so I went to Vermilion, and rather than face the Gym outright, I saw a trade posting on the Pokemon Center's bulletin board, and lucky me, I had the Pokemon they wanted, and in exchange I got this fella. Go!"
As the Pokemon was let out of his Pokeball, a leek slammed the ground as the cry of a Farfetch'd took stage.
"Fetch'd"
Now, with both Pokemon revealed. Misty spoke.
"This will be a one-on-one battle. Once a Pokemon faints or is unable to battle, the opposing side wins. Understood?"
Both trainers nodded, and so she continued. "Begin!"
"Let's begin this with an Aerial Ace." Trip issued his command, and despite knowing that the hit would be resisted, he needed to start out strong, the nature of Aerial Ace was it never missed, and so it connected, giving the young trainer a slight head start.
"Sandslash can take a beating and still keep on fighting. You're gonna need to hit harder than that if you wanna win. Now, let's do this right, Defense Curl, then use Rollout," AJ said to Trip.
The spiked Pokemon curled up before a sheen of defensive energy covered it and then rolled out onto Farfetch'd. If it landed in its current state the damge from Rollout would be doubled. It was a tactic only a few were prepared for.
"Oh no, you don't. Sand Attack," Trip commanded his Pokemon.
Farfetch'd kicked up sand, which was enough to impede Sandslash's sense of direction and allow Rollout to miss.
"You got that over on me the last time, but now I'm ready to take you down. Follow it up with Fury Cutter."
Farfetch'd followed through with attacks by slashing its target with it's leek. This attack, while not very powerful at first, becomes more powerful if it hits in succession.
So AJ knew he had to act quickly. "Disengage Rollout. Maintain form and switch to Rapid Spin."
The change in tactic proved effective, as the change in spin direction deflected each hit, resulting in minimal damage.
This made Trip grind his teeth. "Darn, it. Alright, change of plans,"
Farfetch'd looked towards his trainer. It was then Trip had an idea. "I know it may seem like an odd request, but trust me. Use your leek to hit that Sandslash in the head as hard as possible."
Now while normally Farfetch'd don't learn to use their leeks in this fashion, the avian saw no logical reason not to try. It had an excellent chance to succeed, as would the move its Galarian counterpart would with a move called Brutal Swing. And so, with every inch of its might, it clobbered Sandslash enough to interrupt its Rapid Spin defense and be visibly stunned by the leek strike before Trip added.
"Finish this with Cut!"
And so it was done that Cut delivered the ending blow. It was a move that many would consider a basic attack as it can be used to cut down thin trees and grass, but with the right Pokemon using the move, with sharp talons, scythes, or any other sharp instrument at their disposal, the move could end a battle as it did here as Farfetch'd drew back it's sharp beak and struck swiftly at Sandslash, who by all accounts was on its last legs from having bought many battles for AJ that day.
Sandslash was down and out for now as Farfetch'd was panting heavily. Trip and AJ were both surprised that Sandslash was knocked out.
"Sandslash is unable to battle, Farfetch'd wins, and the winner is Trip," Misty announced as AJ ran over towards Sandslash, and Trip walked over to his newest Pokemon.
"You battled well, Farfetch'd; you've earned yourself a rest for now," Trip said to Farfetch'd, who nodded as Trip returned it to its ball and walked over to AJ.
"Look, you guys battle well, and while I don't condone your battle style, you have an amazing skill." Trip said to AJ, who sighed. This wasn't the first time his battle tactics had been questioned. Still, he knew it came from a place of good.
"Alright, alright, you earn my respect for now, Trip, but know this: my style is legal under the League's rules; I'm not abusive to them nor starving them," AJ said to Trip, who smiled before adding.
"I can tell. It's more of how you are using that whip to command them in battle, but I can look past that. Misty being a League Official and not reporting you if you were in any way, shape, or form abusive was enough of a sign that though you can be harsh, you're a good guy," Trip said to AJ. This put AJ at peace. There were so many instances of him being accused and investigated for Pokemon abuse it was getting out of hand at times.
As Brock requested to see both Pokemon, Trip released Farfetch'd and Sandslash, which was carried over by AJ himself, showing off great strength and power in doing So.
"I don't put my Pokemon through any training regiments I wouldn't do myself," AJ said.
Already knowing that would be their question as to why he was so strong. This would be something Ash and other might implement to their own training sessions in due time. Brock then used berries and a few potions wnd healed the two Pokemon, Trip as AJ talked with Misty and Ash.
"I must admit you battled with your head there. Trip wasn't expect you would use that Farfetch'd against Sandslash," Ash said to Trip, who smiled and added.
"I could tell that the outcome would be the same as last time if I didn't change things up. I decided I was not going to let that previous loss get to me or my team." Trip said to Ash as he turned to AJ. "Look, I will admit that the way I called you out like that was uncalled for, and I do apologize for that, but it was the only way I saw I could get the rematch I wanted." Trip said as AJ turned to him.
"Look, I will admit one thing: You aren't Gary. You do care about your Pokemon and at least took to heart the lessons of taking a loss somewhat well, but know this: You can't let losing get to you.
Back when he tied with me, I was willing to take that as a draw. Which it technically was, but Gary couldn't and wouldn't accept that he didn't, so therefore, he never lost either. Even a loss wouldn't be the end of the world for my team, so why was it so bad that he couldn't accept the result of our battle as a draw?" AJ said to Trip, who was listening to what AJ said as he continued.
"What made me not want to challenge you earlier is the fact that you just took the loss as a means to get revenge and not as a way to get stronger. I learned that from my tie before and took what's that loss of sorts meant to me as a sign to learn from my mistakes, and it's what I wish more and more trainers did. Learn that a loss doesn't mean you're weak. It's just an indicator that you need to get stronger. It doesn't mean you're not strong now. Just that can be as strong if not stronger than you not only in force but also in intelligence and the heart.
Koga, for ex., is one of the most brutal Leaders out for his tactics on poison. He has a strong team. Elite 4 level Pokemon, he could stomp people who challenge him with. Technically, all Leaders should have Pokemon at those levels."
At this, he looked at Misty, who nodded, knowing what he was saying was true. Leaders were meant to Pokemon at varying levels pending the badge level that challenging trainers stated and validated at the start of their challenges. There had been instances in the past where high-level trainers took a 2-3 badge challenge meant for new trainers as a means to get an easy badge. That changed very quickly when I found out about it. They would the wrath of the Leader's full might in accordance with their badge level and though very few ever chose to challenge them as their 7th or even 8th badge, Giovanni once held that honorable distinction before being outed as Team Rocket's Leader, the Leaders have to have the strongest Pokemon to push their challengers to the absolute limit.
Brock soon joined soon and confirmed that info to be true before AJ continued.
"Koga would be accused of not playing fair, outright cheating sometimes, but he just strengths in battles that others have would not exploit. Status effects, using substitute and smokescreen to help avoid moves connecting to damage his Pokemon and then hitting like a truck when he attacked. Took so many trainers, often 3 tries to get his badge. But the lessons they learned made them that much better for when the Indigo Conference took as they either implemented these tactics themselves or at least had a better means of understanding how to overcome them in battle when used by their opponents. Losses don't mean you're weak. Just that you need change."
AJ said to Trip, who acknowledged what AJ said. However, it was Ash who listened to this conversation with the most intensity. This advice would prove to be game changing if applied correctly. This made him crave a battle sooner rather than later.
"Say, why don't we have a battle, AJ?" Ash asked AJ, who turned to Ash. "I mean, it doesn't have to be against Sandslash, of course, maybe one of your other Pokemon on your team, given that it's been a while since we had our battle back at your "gym"," Ash suggested to AJ, who nodded as Misty spoke up.
"Same with you and me, Trip. I felt like your team has gotten stronger since we last fought as well, and I'm sure that you wouldn't mind that as well." Misty said as Trip nodded.
Given how their last match ended, Trip was willing to give another match against Misty, though he saw both Ash and Misty as his rivals.
"Sure, we can battle after Ash and AJ's battle. I'm looking forward to seeing how far you really have grown since our last battle." Trip said to Misty, who agreed with his suggestion of battling.
After Ash was done picking the Pokemon he'd us, he and AJ got into a position for battle, while Brock would act as the referee this time.
"This will be a 1v1 battle, and the battle is over when either Pokemon is unable to battle, so let out your Pokemon, and we'll begin the match," Brock said as Ash turned to Riolu, who wanted to battle this time.
"Alright, girl, let's go. Riolu. I choose you," Ash said as she ran out to the battlefield. AJ smirked and pulled out his Pokeball.
"Haven't used you in a bit. Butterfree, take flight," AJ sent out Pokemon, who was indeed one of the Butterfree that the group saw back at the gym. Brock would indicate that AJ would go first.
"Let's start things off with String Shot. Try to bind it's legs." As soon as the command AJ gave was given, Butterfree tried to shoot the sticky string and wrap it around Riolu's legs only for...
"Dodge with Quick Attack" Riolu followed Ash's instincts and speedily dodged out of the way.
"Great job. Follow it up with Work Up."
This would be problematic for AJ as Work Up raises the user's Attack and Special Attack stats by one stage each by Riolu harmonizing its inner energy. He had to act quickly.
"Oh, no, you don't. Use Stun Powder, Butterfree."
As particles gathered around it's wings, they beat forward and hit their mark. Riolu was now visibly struggling to move her limbs and, because of that, would suffer a loss in her speed. But still, Work Up did it's job, so it was now up to Ash to capitalize.
'Frick,' Ash thought, but he was not one to waste the buffs of Work Up, so he decided to go for it.
"I know it might be difficult, but I need to push through and use Metal Claw."
Determined to win and make her trainer proud, Riolu cried out.
"Olu!" Thanks to the Beta Poke translator feature of Pokedex, this was heard loud and clear as "I will not be denied!"
As she fought the paralysis, her movements were a bit slow. Still, all the while made her way to Butterfree and, with all her might, jumped and connected her Metal Claw as her claws were hardened like steel, delivering a devastating blow that, thanks to Work Up's buff, was enough to put Butterfree out of commission as it's eyes swirled.
"Butterfree is unable to battle; Riolu wins, and the winner is Ash," Brock said as he saw the trainer, who ran over to Riolu, who nearly fell on her knees from being restricted and her body not being able to move properly because of the paralysis. As Ash picked her up before she could fall, she was so appreciative of her trainer, who gave her a pet on her head as she gave a purr to that as a show of loyalty while AJ returned Butterfree to its ball as AJ said.
"If only the paralysis has taken full effect..." Knowing full well that his Butterfree would unleash a powerful Confusion or even even Psybeam to win but that's something he'd work when next they trained.
"Good battle, AJ. I can tell you trained that Butterfree well. I can tell that you had something up your sleeve for us, but I guess we got the jump on you before that could happen," Ash said to AJ, who shrugged.
"You can say that, but you two have grown a lot more since your battle against me and Sandslash, so I'll give you two," AJ said to Ash and Riolu.
"Hey, we gave it our all anyway to win against you AJ," Ash said to AJ who chuckled as Ash offered a handshake which he accepts.
As Trip turns to Misty.
"You ready to battle now? I have a new Pokemon for this battle if you are ready, that is?" Trip said to Misty, who nodded in acknowledgement.
"Ready whenever you are, Trip," Misty said to Trip as Ash and AJ went to the sidelines. Misty and Trip were in positions and ready to battle. Both Misty and Trip pulled out their Pokeballs, as this was a 1v1 battle like the previous battle.
"Gryrados, come on out," Misty said to her Pokemon, who let out a roar of battle as Trip smirked.
"Electrike, come on out!" Trip sent out his Pokemon, which was an electric-like dog Pokemon that was from Hoenn.
Misty knew that this wouldn't be easy, given that this was an electric-type Pokemon. Gyrados, on the other hand, thought this was going to be an easy win for her and wondered why she was going to be used in this battle, which both Misty and Trip noticed.
"Don't think that this will be an easy win cause of size, girl," Misty said to her Pokemon, who was wondering what Misty was going on about but let it go. "Alright, Gyrados, use Dragon Rage," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who fired its attack at Electrike.
"Dodge it and then use Charge," Trip commanded his Pokemon, which was charging up its power.
"Careful, this isn't going to end well; use Water Pulse," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who fired a ball of water towards Electrike, who was hit but wasn't in confusion and was still charging up. "Use Bite," Misty commanded her Pokemon who charged in at Electrike as Trip smirks.
"Now, Spark," Trip commanded his Pokemon, which charged in towards Gyarados square on hard, sending her back as she was four times weak to these types of attack given the unfortunate Water/Flying types she possessed and because of the voltage from Spark ended up paralyzing her from the damage.
Misty groaned at this. These tactics weren't pleasant when used by or used on. They still needed to happen. Like Ash's case, she just hoped it wouldn't be too late because a full paralysis would really put a damper on her plans to beat Trip.
"I see that your Pokemon didn't take your warning seriously, Misty, and that will cost this battle. Spark again, end this, "Trip commanded his Pokemon.
"Gyarados, Dragon Rage now!" Misty commanded her Pokemon who tried to fired the attack at the Pokemon only for the paralyze was a bit too much to overcome and was hit hard with Spark once more.
Gyarados was surprised that a pokemon this small was giving her this much trouble. Misty had tried to warn Gyarados before, but it was too late in this battle, for Gyarados groaned and fell, unable to hold strong against an attack of this nature.
"Gyarados is unable to battle Elecktrike wins, and the winner is Trip," Brock said as Trip was hoping for the battle to go on longer. Call it luck or just a bad call from not knowing he had an electric type on his team, but still, Gyarados really should've underestimated his Pokemon as he walked over to Electrike and petted his head. The Pokemon barked before Trip returned it to its ball and walked over to Misty.
"Sorry about that Trip, I will admit that it's been a while since she and I have battled, lately. But deep down inside, I wished she would've listened and not fought like it was going to be an easy win like that." Misty apologized to Trip, who acknowledged what Misty was saying.
"Look, at least you gave me a battle and handled the loss well. I may still be new as a trainer, but we all can still learn from this battle. Here's hoping that the next time we battle, your Pokemon won't underestimate your opponent size-wise, but I'll give you this: Electrike was my second capture on my team, and we are still working on battling as well as a team," Trip said to Misty as AJ heard this and smirked at this.
"Someone learned from our battle. Here's hoping that all of us will learn from our wins and losses," AJ said as the group agreed with what AJ said.
Brock managed to heal up both Misty and Trip's Pokemon, but despite it being one-sided, it was still a bit of a tough battle.
The group was about to head their separate ways.
"So I guess we're gonna be heading towards Vermillion City, but it seems you're gonna stay back for a bit, huh, you two?" Ash said to AJ and Trip, who nodded in agreement.
"I'm preparing for both the gym battle and the tournament that I mentioned on St. Anne, but I still need to get my team prepared just in case. As I learned very harshly today, I'm over-relying on Sandslash. I need to get the others in shape or maybe catch a new Pokemon or two," AJ said to the group as Trip interjected.
"I already have earned my Thunder Badge and was in Vermillion when I traded for that Farfetch'd, and the tournament won't happen until another couple of weeks. However, I heard rumors that there is a different version of my Farfetch'd here in Kanto from Galar who is looking for someone to battle." Trip said to the group, who was interested in what his plan when encountering this other variants of Farfetch'd would be.
"However, I'm hoping to see you all not only at the tournament but at the league as well to determine who is stronger of us is isn't the end of our rivalry between all of us. Trip said to the group as they nodded in agreement as Trip was right.
Everyone went their separate ways. Ash and the others were heading back down the route towards Vermillion City, and Trip and AJ went their own ways.
With a harsh lesson learned for our heroes, they head towards Vermillion with a lesson not to rely heavily on one Pokemon as well as overestimate their opponents. What else is in store for our heroes as the journey continues?
Stay Tuned.
Done and done. I'm sorry about the wait. This was a way to help grow some rivalries and set up more stuff. Aside from that, we don't know what we'll be doing next chapter, but until then, I hope to see you next chapter.