Greetings, everyone. Mgunnels3 here, and welcome back to Ash's Kanto Journey My Version. It's been a while. I will get more chapters out as soon as possible. Also, I know the PMs and all that were down if this happens. I'm on Deviantart, Furraffinity, Archive Your Own, and Inkitt under the same username and Discord under the same username, #1186, if you want to contact me if something happens again, whether it be story-related or RP or anything of that sort. That said, let's get this chapter started. I know the last chapter was long, but it will sometimes happen. I have a lot to cover in this chapter, so let's get it started.
Chapter 6: Rivals
"Human Speech"
"Pokemon Speech"
'Telepathy'
We joined our heroes as they made the road towards Mt. Moon and, soon, Cerulean City, the site of their next gym battle.
"Hey Misty, will you be alright when we get to Cerulean City? Your sister runs the gym there, right?" Ash asked Misty, who sighed. "We will be at least a full day from here once we enter Mt. Moon?"
"I thought about it, and I will be taking part in battling my siblings in a battle," Misty said to Ash and Brock, not annoyed that Ash asked it, given that she knew this day would come.
"Your sisters are more interested in their shows than battles. What are you two going to do about that?" Brock asked Misty, who shook her head.
"Daisy agreed to have a battle, given she's taken her duties as gym leader more than Lilly and Violet, and I hope that we don't run into the gym with them still having Pokemon still being able to battle given that the gym is the next stop," Misty explains to the group who nodded.
"By the way, I noticed that your newest captures are out of their balls with Latios and Latias," Brock said to Ash and Misty, who turned to see them behind them, invisible.
'We agreed to join the team, but until we can get used to being around humans, we'll stay invisible until my sister and I can think of a form to become as we can become humans as we are known for. Brock, and we do trust you,' Latios said in Telepathy to Brock, who nodded.
"By the way, Brock, did you have to leave some of your Pokemon back home, given that you were using most of your father's Pokemon," Misty asked Brock, who shook his head.
"Well, Cradilly, yes, but Rhyhorn, Graveler, and Steelix are with me, and Dad said I could bring Rhyhorn with me as an apology, though I get along with both his team and mine," Brock said as Misty and Ash nodded.
"Even Pokemon are loyal to their trainers' families, so there's no need to worry, Brock," Flare said to Brock, who knew that Ash and Misty had a translator, and while he wished that he had one on him, both the lati twins, Misty and Ash agreed to translate for him which Ash said what Flare said to him.
"Yeah, given that you are his brother's Charizard's daughter, I can see why, Flare," Brock said as they arrived at the cave entrance. "Well, once we enter the cave, we will be on a straightforward path until we reach the path to Cerulean City," Brock said to the group.
"We should be on the lookout for Pokemon while in the cave. Who knows what we will find?" Misty said to Ash and Brock, who nodded as Ash turned around, noticing that someone was watching him.
"You can come out now. We're aware of you following us since the beginning of our journey," Flare said out loud to who was following the group as a blueish-grayish canine Pokemon on two legs walked out and walked towards the group. "A Riolu," one of the Pokemon from Sinnoh; I heard about them. They are the types who are loyal to their trainers and are devoted to training. What's one want with you?" Flare said as Ash looked Riolu up, and it was a fighting type.
"Isn't it obvious I wanted a trainer of my own, that's what," Riolu said as it was a female one like Flare who didn't like the tone she gave towards her as Riolu turned to Ash? "I witnessed your actions towards the Spearow flock and have observed your training methods. You are a capable trainer, and I'm interested in working with you. I'm not sure why your Starter seems to have a problem with me, but I am willing to give you a chance," Riolu said to Ash, who nodded.
"Can you two please get along, please? On this team, we work together, please. I already know that you will have issues with each other," Ash said to Riolu and Flare, who sighed and nodded.
"Okay, but please don't talk to me as if I'm a pet. I know my species is often referred to that way, but that's not how I want to be treated. Let's focus on having good battles and not keeping me trapped in my Pokeball like your Starter Pokemon. I'm willing to be friends with her, though. Please evolve me into a Lucario, and don't try to lecture me, and we'll get along fine," Riolu said to Ash, who nodded as Flare sighed.
"So much for me being the only man outside my ball, but deal," Flare said to Riolu, who wagged her tail.
"Don't worry. The shoulder is yours to climb on until you evolve, but what are you waiting for? I wanted to be caught since the forest," Riolu said to Ash, who had a sweatdrop as he already had a tomboy in the form of his Starter, now two.
"When you saw me through the tent that night, why didn't you ask me? Anyway, welcome to the team." Ash said as he pulled out a Pokeball, caught her, and let Riolu out of her ball. "Welcome to the team, and I hope we can get along. Anything else you need from me as I can understand you, that's all," Ash asked Riolu, who shrugged and nodded.
"I already made my demands earlier. Just try to be my friend and give me a chance as one. I'll forgive losses, given that it's part of what trainers are supposed to have at times," Riolu said to Ash, who nodded.
"When you evolve, please don't address me as "master" or anything similar. I've heard that most of your evolutionary line tends to do this, even after developing a personality like yours." Ash asked Riolu, who nodded as if it was fair. She did ask for no pet stuff, so it's a fair return. "Do you have another name besides Riolu, or would you like me to come up with one or continue calling you Riolu?" Ash asked nicely, and Riolu understood why he asked.
"Just Riolu, there's not many here in Kanto as far as I know it. I've been here for almost a month," Riolu told Ash.
"That's about as long as I've been a trainer, so either around the time I became it or beforehand," Ash said.
"Not sure. I was just placed here recently. All I know is that I came here to get stronger and find my trainer, and now I have," Riolu said as Ash nodded. Flare understood that she wanted to be with a trainer, but being here suddenly was suspicious. "It's the truth, as I just woke up in Kanto. I know this region is where my ancestors originated before coming to Sinnoh," Riolu said. Ash was familiar with that tale and nodded.
The group entered the cave to search for more Pokemon to join their team. They had to pass through it anyway. Ash was walking alongside Riolu, and Flare was sitting on his shoulders. Ash could tell that Riolu was already a strong young pup, but he wanted to ensure that his Pokemon's needs were met.
"So, Riolu, do you know your moves and how to use them?" Ash asked her, who nodded as if it was a fair question. "I'd rather ask first before looking them up, that's all," Ash asked Riolu.
"It's Blaze Kick, Brick Break, Iron Tail, and Shadow Claw," Riolu said to Ash, who noticed these were weird moves but did cover many coverages and nodded. "I do know how to use them, though Iron Tail and Blaze Kick are still things I haven't mastered yet," Riolu told Ash.
"I also know that your line is known for using Aura. Are you capable of using it, or are you still new?" Ash asked, and Riolu shook her head. "Still new to it, huh?" Ash asked Riolu.
"I am only four years old, Ash. We don't know how to use our powers and abilities when we hatch from our eggs. We need to be trained by our human trainers to master them. But don't worry, the strength of my trainer doesn't matter to me, Aura. As long as they are a good person and a good trainer, you can trust me," Riolu said to Ash, who nodded. Riolu could feel someone was following them and growled upon doing so.
"Hey Ash, please keep your Riolu on a leash. I was heading this way, too," A voice called out. It was Trip, who was just a little behind the group.
"I thought you left not long before we left?" Ash asked Trip, who shrugs.
"Well, I mean, Mt. Moon is a long track and might as well stick with you guys until we leave; so far, you have my attention after your gym battle against Brock," Trip said to Ash, who was surprised as Flare smirked at this.
"Also, I'm not the only one here. When my family arrived in Kanto, I started with a Sinnoh Pokemon in the area the last I checked, unless he's already made it past Cerulean," Trip said as he walked with the group.
"You mean Paul? I remember he was in the gym just the day before you challenged my gym. I'm familiar with his family, as his brother visited the gym not long ago," Brock said to Trip, who nodded.
The group continued walking while two shadows observed them. The pair showed particular interest in Ash and Misty, having taken note of Ash's handling of Riolu earlier and carefully trailed them from a distance.
"I was thinking once we arrive at a stopping point, we should have a battle, Ash," Trip said to Ash, who was surprised by the asking. "But I think a 1-on-1 fight is fair for a trainer I would be considering a rival, and most of my team is a bit stronger than yours," Trip said as Ash nodded.
"I mean, I just started, so it's only fair that you want that, Trip, so I accept," Ash said as Flare wanted in on the fight, which made Trip chuckle at this.
"You two have intrigued me since the gym battle and cafe talk." Trip said as Ash and Misty sighed in unison as the group proceeded deeper into the cave, unaware of another watcher on a different path.
The group was outside and near the water area of the cave. They were still a bit halfway from the exit, but they decided to rest and eat, and it was a good time for Ash and Trip to have a match after they ate. While they ate something, Misty talked about Ash was still eating at Trip.
"Tell me, you two, what is the reason for your journey?" Trip asked Misty and Ash. "I heard about what Brock said with his father yesterday, and I can respect that. It's an admirable goal to travel," Trip said.
"I'll start, Misty. You may have heard that yesterday, I almost choked as a trainer. Well, it has to do with my family. Even though I'm following my path as a trainer, I still have a lot to live up to," Ash said as he explained who his father and brother are. Surprisingly, Trip's understanding of what Ash was saying and ability to tell what Ash was saying meant a lot to him.
"I wouldn't call it a choke, Ash. They hit you where it hurts. I can understand why you're alone. As infamous as those two, don't let it get to you," Trip said to Ash, who looked at him.
"I, too, wanted to become stronger and go on a journey to become the best trainer ever. My ultimate goal is to challenge the champion of my home region, Unova, as he was my inspiration for becoming a trainer. However, I understand that to achieve this, I must follow my standards and methods of training," Trip said to Ash, who nodded.
"After our battle, I can agree with him, Ash, that you still care about your Pokemon while showing the results of your training," Brock said to Ash Trip, nodding as he turned to Misty. Who knew it was her turn?
"My family is well-known for our shows, and we are as famous as the Sensational Sisters. We are also the next gym leaders we'll be facing. I decided to embark on this journey to prove to my sisters that I can become a top trainer and not follow in their footsteps and prove to myself that this adventure is worth it," Misty said to Trip, who nodded.
"I've heard of them and understand what you're saying. After seeing you in battle at the gym, I can see why you're part of the upcoming gym battle. So, Ash, are you ready to battle?"" Trip said to Ash, who nodded.
Ash and Trip stood in an open area, with Misty, Brock, Riolu, and the Lati Twins watching them. Ash had already fought three battles, but this was his first rival battle, and Flare stood before him, ready to fight.
"I'll be using my starter Charmander, Trip, for this fight, so what would you be using," Ash said to Trip, who pulled out his Pokeball.
"My Starter, I got when I came here to Kanto. Chimchar, come on out," Trip sent out his Starter, which was a fire-type. Ash looked it up, and it was from the Sinnoh region. Flare glared at him as if it were a fire-type against another one. "Humph, seems like your Starter knows what she is up against. Chimchar, use Flamethrower," Trip commanded his Pokemon, who fired the attack at Flare.
"Dragons Dance and then use Flamethrower," Ash commanded her, who used the same move as the two moves clashed as both were equal in strength fire-wise, but how are they when it comes to moves? "Now, Dragon Claw," Ash commanded as her claws glowed and charged at Trip.
"Shadow Claw now," Trip commanded him, whose paws glowed as the two clashed and landed blows with each other, sending both back. "Hidden Power now," Trip commanded his Pokemon, who glowed and fired the attack right at Flare. The colors looked blue, as if it was a water-type attack.
"Dig now. Get out of there, and then Dragon Claw," Ash commanded her, who dug underground, dodging the attack. Chimchar watched as Trip had something up his sleeve for this move as Flare came out and slammed her claws on him.
"Got you now, Ash, use Counter," Trip commanded his Starter, who slammed his fist into Flare as both were sent back as Counter did some good damage. Even with Dig's help, Flare did some good damage to Chimchar. "Hidden Power now, Chimchar," Trip commanded his Starter, who fired the attack.
"Counter with Flamethrower," Ash commanded her, who fired the attack at the orbs. The attack caused an explosion, sending starters to their trainers and the ground. Knocked out, both were surprised.
Ash and Trip rushed over to their Pokémon as Flare groaned, realizing she was knocked out along with Chimchar. She looked at him with a glare, not out of anger but more of a sense of rivalry, which Chimchar returned. Trip smirked, impressed by the interaction. Brock quickly healed both Pokémon, as their injuries weren't severe enough to require a trip to the Pokémon Center. Suddenly, the group heard some clapping in the distance and turned to see a purple-haired boy wearing a vest-like jacket who had been watching the whole thing.
"Speaking of the guy, Paul, you saw the whole thing," Trip said to the guy, who nodded and walked over to the group.
"Sorry, I'm not great when being around people, but you two battled well. Especially you, Ash. Am I taken?" Paul said to Ash, who nodded. "I would like to see the battle skills of your other companions as well, not just yours," Paul said, looking at Misty as he revealed he had the Cascade badge, which Misty was surprised. "Same situation with Ash and Trip here. 1-on-1 battle if you are okay with it. If not, that's okay."
"I'm up for battling you and not backing down from a challenge, so bring it, Paul," Misty said as Paul nodded. He was pretty calm and collected, that was for sure, as Ash and Trip, along with Flare, walked over to the group.
"Not bad out there, Flare. I can see why you're his Starter," Riolu said to Flare, who nodded as they watched the next battle.
"Squirtle, come on out," Misty sent out her Starter as Paul pulled out his Pokeball.
"Turtwig stand-by for battle," Trip sent out his Pokemon, a grass-type and a starter.
"Seems like the other starter taken when I got Chimchar has shown itself," Trip told the group.
"Paul, don't assume I won't go easy just because you have the advantage," Misty said to Paul, who nodded. "Squirtle, use Ice Beam," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who fired the attack.
"Superpower now, and then use Energy Ball," Paul commanded as Turtwig charged in against the ice-type attack with the fight-type attack and used Energy Ball.
"Withdraw and then use Water Pulse," Misty commanded her Pokemon. It withdrew into its shell, preparing for a fighting-type move, then unleashed a water-type attack to counter the Energy Ball. "Now use Bite," Misty commanded her Starter, who clamped on Turtwig's leafy head.
"Giga Drain now," Paul commanded his Starter, who absorbed Squirtle from the twig on its head as Misty was surprised.
"Ugh, use Ice Beam now," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who fired the attack at close range. Both of them were sent back and getting into the battle's grove.
"Energy Ball now," Paul commanded his Pokemon, who fired the attack at Squirtle.
"Mirror Coat now," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who blocked the attack and returned it to Turtwig. Paul was surprised Squirtle knew that move as Squirtle was panting, as well as Turtwig.
Everyone was surprised by how well this battle was being handled. And Paul was showing some battle experience that isn't normal for a beginner trainer, and he was one at this point.
"Use Superpower," Paul commanded his Pokemon, who charged at Squirtle.
"Use Ice Beam now," Misty commanded her Pokemon as the two moves clashed. After an explosion from the attack hit both Pokemon, they were sent back. Squirtle landed in the nearby water, and both were knocked out. Misty ran towards Squirtle, while Paul smiled upon realizing that he had some competition with a rival in Misty. He returned Turtwig and decided to heal him later.
"It's understandable why Misty wants to move on from her family. Like her, I'm also trying to forge my path as a trainer, separate from my brother, who's also here in the region but not for the league," Paul said to Misty and the others as the group was curious about what he meant. "My brother has won all of his previous battles, and now he's challenging the toughest trainers in Kanto, who are even stronger than the Elite Four."
"A group stronger than the Elite Four but not the champion? That's strange. I've never heard of such a thing." Ash said to Paul, who shrugs.
"I heard that he was in this region. As I head back towards Pewter City, where I'll continue my journey, maybe we can battle again later. I see potential for us to become rivals, not just Trip here," Paul said to Misty and Ash, who nodded as Paul took his leave to get his Pokemon healed, and towards direction, he said as the group was still curious about what he meant earlier.
While the group was eating, something was approaching Ash and Misty. One was an orangeish color, while the other was a blue color. As Ash and Misty saw it and scanned them, it was a Tranpinch and a Bagon.
"If I had to guess, those two were watching our battles," Misty said as the Bagon approached her. Tranpinch did the same for Ash; both nuzzled the two.
"Weren't you two in the cage with the other Pokemon Team Rocket tried to capture almost a month ago?" Ash recognized them as the two nodded.
"Yep, we remember you two helping us out. And we wanted to join your team, but you two left after saving us. We followed you," Bagon said to Misty and Ash as the Bagon sounded Male.
"Please take us in. We don't care about your demands. You saved us, and that's all that matters," Tranpinch said as it was also Male but very kind-hearted and shy. Ash and Misty nodded, pulled out balls, and caught them. As Latias and Latios had their Pokeballs in psychic energy, they wouldn't count as being transferred, meaning Ash and Misty were getting closer to the limit of captures.
The next day, the group left the cave and headed towards Cerulean City.
"Here is where we will be parting ways. I'm returning to the cave to catch more Pokemon and become stronger. The next time we meet, I'll make sure to win the battle instead of drawing," Trip said to Ash and the others, who nodded.
"Fair enough, I'm looking forward to it, Trip, and here's hoping that it will be more than our first battle Pokemon-wise," Ash said to Trip, who nodded.
"At the moment, I am experimenting with different team combinations to tackle various challenges while still caring for my team." Trip explained to the others, who nodded as the group separated from Trip and headed towards the road of Cerulean City.
With new rivals and Pokemon added to Ash and Misty. They approach Cerulean City and the next stop for their gym battle. What other rivals and Pokemon are in store for our heroes? As the Journey continues.
Stay Tuned.
I'm finally done with this chapter, which took me a long time to write. But it was worth it because I'm on vacation this week and can focus on my stories. This chapter portrays Paul as nicer than before, especially towards Ash and the others. Although his character will change throughout the story, he'll still be enjoyable to read. As for Trip, he'll remain arrogant and stubborn, but only in battles. Outside of that, he'll be a respectful rival. I also held a poll on Deviantart to determine Riolu's gender, and the result was 5-1. If you have any suggestions regarding the gender of the two newest captures, please let me know in the reviews. It's still early in the story so that I can make changes. The next chapter will feature a gym battle, and I have something exciting planned for it. Please leave a review, and I'll see you next time!