Ash's Kanto Journey My Version

by mgunnels3

What happens when Ash starts off his journey with a new starter other than Pikachu and has a family who has been well known in the Pokemon world, it wasn't just Ash who is on this journey to become a Pokemon Master. Join Ash, Misty, and Brock as they make their way through Kanto as new friends, rivals, and new Pokemon from regions that aren't just from Kanto. Smart Ash Calm Ash

8. Chapter 8: Path of a Trainer

Greetings, everyone. Mgunnels3 here, and welcome back to Ash's Kanto Journey My Version. Let's get this chapter started, shall we?

Chapter 8: Path of a Pokemon Trainer

"Human Speech"

"Pokemon Speech"

'Telepathy'

We joined our heroes as they were on the road heading towards Vermillion City with two badges in hand, the Boulder Badge and Cascade badge, and were having lunch.

"Now, we are heading into unknown territory; given that we are past the first two gyms, do you know any others past here?" Ash asked Misty and Brock, who nodded.

"I know the Saffron City gym leader, Sabrina, as she has been a good friend of mine and has been getting more with her family. Don't let her appearance fool you. She's getting to make friends well now," Brock said to Ash.

"I know two gym leaders. One is a brand new one that was added to the group of Kanto gym leaders; the one we are going to fight is one of them, Lt. Surge," Misty said to Ash, who was surprised by this. "He's a family friend, like Sabrina, whom I've met before. He has refined his battle style since facing your brother." Misty said.

"I am familiar with Surge as well. I have seen him in battle, and that's when he started showing respect to his challengers. I have also met his Raichu in the past, and he's pretty nice when he's not battling," Ash said to Misty, who nodded. "And the other Misty?"

"That would be Janine; she took over for the newest member of the Elite Four of our region," Misty said to the group, who was taken aback.

"You mean Koga? I heard that he gave it to her once he accepted that role as his gym was in the middle of nowhere in the forest, nowhere near Fushia city," Brock said to Misty, who nodded.

"I met Janine before her father retired to be a gym leader. She's still new and is worried she won't be able to fill what her father would now. I met her a year ago, and she's still using the same typing that her father uses," Misty said.

Ash nodded as he noticed that his Pokemon had finished eating. Riolu and Charmander immediately began training with each other, which made Ash chuckle.

"You know, since we're on this route, there should be some trainers for you to work with your team," Brock said to Misty and Ash, who turned to him. "Misty, you're not a gym leader anymore, and you and Ash are both beginner trainers now," Brock said to the two, who nodded.

"I think it's only fair, Ash, that as trainers, we are responsible for keeping our Pokemon in good shape," Misty said to Ash, who nodded.

"As long as we don't get overconfident by the wins," Ash said to Misty, who nodded as Riolu and Flare heard this and were ready to fight by Ash's side.

Ash and Misty had faced several trainers one by one. Some of them had started using new Pokemon and were performing well. During one of Ash's battles, he faced a trainer with Zigzagoon with Ash's Riolu. Even though Riolu had a type advantage, Zigzagoon still put up a good fight.

"Now, Iron Tail and Blaze Kick," Ash commanded her, who landed both attacks on the Normal type, knocking it out as the trainer ran over to his Pokemon. This marks five wins for both Ash and Misty. "I must say, you trained that Pokemon well in the short time it was on your team," Ash said to the boy, who nodded.

"No argument, Ash. He battled well despite being new to battling under you," Riolu said to the two.

"I must say you both are on another league of trainers, that's for sure," the boy said to Ash and Misty, who nodded as he noticed that Misty had two badges on her bag. "I assume that both of you have two badges, and I'm confident that you can defeat AJ." the boy said to the two, curious about who he was. "AJ is a trainer who has his gym nearby and has never been defeated; he's strong while showing that he cares about his Pokemon. Maybe you can either beat him or give him a good battle."

"Well, we might as well give him a chance to fight us; after all, we are on a role so far, though I wonder how strong you are talking about?" Misty asked everyone, who nodded.

"You'll see when you get there. It's over there," the boy pointed in the direction to the west of them as the group went that way.

Ash and the others made it to the building with a wooded gate and a sign stating that it wasn't with the Pokemon league; however, the sign showed the wins being 98, losses 0, and ties being 1, to beat 100 trainers to take on the league challenge which surprised the group as that was strong.

"Wow, he wasn't kidding about how strong he is just by the sign there, and that's a pretty good goal for a trainer, minus it might tire out the Pokemon," Ash said to Misty and Brock, who nodded.

"I ensure that they are taken to the Pokémon Center. I appreciate your concern, kid," a voice called out as a boy with greenish-black hair stood up, wearing a shirt with orange and black coloring. "I have taken that you two are here to battle me?" the boy said to the group.

"My name is Ash, and these are my friends Misty and Brock. Misty and I want to challenge you to a friendly fight," Ash said to AJ, who nodded.

"Hmm, I'll give you credit for being different from my last opponent, who tied with me while being arrogant," AJ said to Ash and Misty, who nodded. Ash had a feeling about whom AJ was talking about as they got inside. Butterflies were coming to take AJ's backpack inside the tent.

"Wow, they seem well-trained!" Misty said to AJ, who smiled at this.

"Thanks, miss, and I will say this: if you want to see the rest, you can after our battle, I'm hoping to make my 100 wins with both of you, but with you two facing against me, of course at the same time," AJ said to Ash and Misty who was taken aback by this. "There are no rules in this gym, and besides, I'm not afraid to face off against more than one trainer," AJ said to Ash and Misty, who sighed and nodded.

Ash and Misty were in one trainer's box, while AJ was in another box opposite theirs.

"Two-on-one if that is going to be alright with you two," AJ said to Ash and Misty, who nodded as Latias and Latios were beside Brock, as did Flare, as Riolu was beside Ash, wanting to battle in this as she was on a role as she ran out to the battlefield. "Humph, a fighting type I'm familiar with, this Pokemon is not a bad catch; Sandslash, come on out," AJ sent out his Pokemon.

"Buizel, come on out," Misty also sent out her Pokemon beside Riolu, as the two were fine battling as allies.

"Now, let's get this battle started. Shall we you two start," AJ said to Ash and Misty, who nodded.

"Buizel uses Water Gun now," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who fired that attack at the ground type.

"Gyro Ball, Sandslash, get in there," AJ commanded his Pokemon, who was in at the water type attack as it didn't look like it was doing much damage to it, which was heading towards Buizel.

"Brick Break, Riolu, help Buizel," Ash commanded her, who slammed right into Sandslash with her paw. It was sent to the ground. Sandslash's resilience took Buizel aback. It's clear that Sandslash is a force to be reckoned with.

"Not bad, you two. You are showing a much better battle than my last few challenges, but I won't let this get to us. Sandslash uses Sandstorm," AJ commanded his Pokemon, who whirled up a stream of sand as Buizel and Riolu were wondering where Sandslash went.

"Calm down, you two, and try to sense where it was," Ash said as they calmed down and tried to sense where it was. Even though Riolu didn't have aura sight working well, it could still help sense something.

"Crush Claw now, Sandslash," AJ commanded his Pokemon, who charged at them from the other side of the Sandstorm.

"Aqua Jet, Buizel," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who used the move to escape.

"Blaze, Kick Riolu, counter it," Ash commanded her, who slammed her legs at Sandslash and caught in mid-air. "Iron Tail now," Ash commanded her, who slammed her tail into the Pokemon as the Pokemon went back into the sand.

"I understand why he's won many battles, but we must eliminate the Sandstorm." Ash thought and remembered what Misty did in their gym battle. "Hey Misty, do you think using Aqua Jet and Sonic Boom together could get rid of the Sandstorm?" Ash asked Misty, who was taken aback.

"I never used that like that in a weather condition, Ash, but we can try it," Misty said to Ash, who nodded as she turned to Buizel. "Sonic Boom and Aqua Jet aim it on the ground, Buizel," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who knew what she meant.

"Riolu, don't get mad at me if your fur gets wet. That's something I can't handle," Buizel said to Riolu, who nodded and was okay with it. Buizel used the two moves, and her tail was spinning the water all over the battlefield, clearing the Sandstorm. AJ was impressed.

"Now's our chance; use Shadow Claw and Brick Break," Ash commanded Riolu, who charged in at Sandslash.

"Aqua Jet, now Buizel," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who charged in at the ground type as something was off with this. It seemed like AJ was holding something back, which Flare noticed.

"It's a trap. You two get them out of there," Flare said to Ash and Misty, who were surprised as it was too late as the two landed their moves on Sandslash.

"Checkmate Counter now, Sandslash," AJ commanded his Pokémon, whose claws glowed and slammed into the two opposing Pokémon, knocking them out. Ash and Misty were taken aback by the swift victory. Sandslash was panting heavily as the wins were at 100. AJ cheered upon achieving his goal as Ash and Misty rushed to their Pokémon to check on them.

"You two did well out there; I wasn't expecting Counter to be a move that Sandslash could use in this battle," Ash said to Riolu and Buizel, who nodded and didn't blame the loss at all as AJ walked over with Sandslash.

"Well, you two, I must say you have battled much better than any of the other trainers I've faced in the past few weeks, and to think that you managed to get out Counter like that, as you two are showing why you two have gym badges," AJ said to Ash and Misty who sighed and nodded.

"Come on, I'm being nice to you two. This win wasn't easy. You two would have probably won that match if it had been another move." AJ said to Ash and Misty.

"Sadly, Riolu only knows moves that Counter can be used against," Ash admitted to AJ, who shrugged and nodded in understanding.

"As promised, I will show you my Pokémon since I'll be taking them with me on my journey through Kanto," AJ said as they entered the tent and noticed how everyone was training. While it looked harsh, they were getting more vital as Latios and Latias were angry.

'How can you treat your Pokemon like this? Do you think this is training? They are being mistreated,' Latias said as AJ let her talk as she revealed herself out of invisibility.

"I have undergone legal standard training from the league due to some of my actions. However, my actions have helped the league get rid of bad trainers who were even worse than me. I believe your brother is next to you, Ms. Latias. I have heard stories about the presence of Latios and Latias in this region. I had no intention of capturing you both because you are already with trainers," AJ said as Latias calmed down.

"Stand down, Latias. I hate to say it, girl, but he's right," Brock said to Latias, who calmed down. "These Pokemon appear healthy and well-cared for, as evidenced by Sandslash's performance in battle," Brock told Latias, who sighed and nodded while Latios and Flare listened. Flare admitted Brock's statement was true, and AJ had a point.

"You're correct, Brock. I don't starve my Pokemon or force them to work for their food. I don't engage in poaching, either. I use them to fight alongside me during battles and only when Sandslash is injured or needs assistance. The Butterfree you saw earlier was rescued from poachers not too long ago. Sandslash is my very first Pokemon," AJ said to the group.

"I have a question: Why is the 100-win mark not extreme even though you earned it now? That must've been rough with the tie against Gary Oak." Ash said to AJ, who nodded.

"So you know the boy who tied me, yeah, he was so smug and arrogant that he tied and called it a loss anyway, even when he battled well; while he does show respect to his Pokemon, he wasn't interested in losing or tieing in battle," AJ said to Ash and the others.

"I've known Gary for a while, and while he is similar to his older brother, he's more respectful to his rivals nowadays, given that he's seen how losing to a rival can be," Ash said to AJ, who nodded.

"I wanted to prepare my Pokémon for the upcoming gyms and leagues. My goal was to prove that my Pokémon are the strongest of all. As you may have noticed earlier, my Sandslash could withstand your Water Gun attack without taking much damage. I have trained him to do so without causing too much harm. The pool we battled in is shallow enough to prevent serious injuries but deep enough to provide a good training environment. My parents taught me how to raise and train Pokémon properly," AJ said as he showed a fridge of Pokemon food.

"Your parents are Breeders, aren't they, AJ," Brock said to AJ, who nodded.

"Yep, the Daycare down the road belongs to them. I got Sandslash from them. However, I'm still worried about my Pokemon. I haven't used most of them, and I'm unsure if they will continue the journey," AJ said to Ash. Everyone as his Pokemon was looking at him in understanding.

Many of them told him they were grateful that he took them in. Although they dislike the training methods, they appreciate that AJ cares for them. Latios translated this to AJ, who sighed with relief, thinking his Pokemon were angry with him.

"It would be helpful if you could go easy on the training and not force moves or use counter early in the battle. If you do this, I believe we could win quicker," Sandslash said to AJ, who nodded.

"We may have different approaches to raising Pokemon, but we share the same goal as trainers. Our Pokemon still trust and follow us towards that goal," Misty told AJ that Latias and Latios agreed to this, as did Ash and Brock.

The group was outside the wooded building as AJ packed his Pokemon in their balls, ready to head in the opposite direction.

" I'll head to Pewter first and then head towards Vermillion. If you keep following this road, you'll also pass by a Pokemon School on the way, " AJ said to Ash and the others. Ash looked down, which everyone noticed, but let it be for now. "I won't be staying in Vermillion for long because I was invited to a tournament on the SS Ann. They are still accepting trainers for the tournament and party, so you should go to the Pokemon Center and ask Nurse Joy for one when you arrive," AJ said.

"We'll try to ask them, and then we'll hopefully meet you there," Ash said to AJ, who nodded as he left, as did Ash and his friends.

"I am surprised that you handled that situation well, Ash, as well as Latios and Flare," Misty said to Ash, Flare, and her Latios, who turned to her.

"I have seen him do a good job as a trainer. I believe what Latias told him is true, but he didn't make any excuses. You saw how his Pokemon reacted to what he told us," Ash said to Misty.

"I believe Latias already made it clear, but I must say that you also handled the situation well. Some Pokemon are very selective when choosing their trainers, and they do so for a specific reason. You can tell that they are more than willing to battle for their chosen trainer and are not just wild creatures," Flare said to Ash and the others.

'I wanted to observe how his Pokemon responded to his training style without jumping to conclusions like my sister did earlier. I must admit that I can now understand what you all meant when you said that his approach to training differs from that of poachers or bad trainers,' Latios said telepathically.

The group understood as Misty looked to Ash, as did Latias. "Hey Ash, I noticed that you looked down when AJ mentioned the nearby school. Is everything okay?" Misty asked Ash, who turned to her.

"I attended that school to become a Pokemon trainer, but their methods are outdated for non-Kanto Pokemon," Ash said to Misty, who was taken aback. "It's called the Pokemon Technical Institution," Ash said.

"I have also heard of that school, Ash. I had a guidebook to it when I was younger, but how outdated could it be?" Misty asked Ash.

"Well, they use levels and don't care about Pokemon typings regarding battles. Some of the Pokemon stuff so far back that moves that Spearow, Flare, even Beedril would fly past them," Ash said to Misty, as it sounds like Ash has even more experience with them. "This school is designed to help trainers progress beyond gyms and reach the league, provided they have high enough grades. However, my mother withdrew me from the school after a member of the student council bullied me."

Flare and Riolu were growling upon hearing that, as they knew that Ash had a rough past regarding his older brother's achievements, but someone who bullied him got them angry. Even Flare's tail flame flared from it. Ash sighed as the group noticed that a fog had come in suddenly.

"Huh? The weather didn't call for fog. What is going on?" Misty told Ash, and the others noticed a group of children near a treadmill. Ash ran over to them as he realized what was happening."Ash," Misty was worried about what was happening as the group ran after him.

"I hope this isn't what I think it is because I've dealt with something similar at school." Ash thought to himself as he arrived where the kids were. They were grilling the kid about Pokemon, mainly about Pidgey, and showing how far behind the school was compared to what the boy said.

"Come on, you are forcing more questions about the Pokemon that you are making it harder for me to answer the questions," the young boy said to the three other boys who were ready to speed up the treadmill.

"Okay, that's enough. Leave the young boy alone; this is the worst type of study and testing someone should do," Ash said to the group, who turned to him as the young boy got off the treadmill.

"What's it to you, kid? Mind your own business. This is Pokemon School business, not yours?" One of the bullies said to Ash, who let them talk, not taking any of their taunts or excuses from them.

"Hey, doesn't he look familiar?" One of the others said to the others who were questioning who Ash was.

"You sure don't remember me, do you, given that you did the same to me a few years back when I started school, or should you let Gisselle know that her bully bag is here? She'll know who I'm talking about," Ash said to the group as Flare, Riolu, and the others ran over to Ash and the others as the group noticed Riolu.

"Say, what is that Pokemon? And I think that is a makeup Pokemon," one kid said to the group, especially towards Riolu.

"This just shows how behind your school is. This is a Fighting type called Riolu, while her species is from Sinnoh. Still, she Originates from her Kanto in a little-known Kingdom called Cameron. Maybe you've heard about it and the so-called legendary person called Sir Aaron and his Lucario, this is its pre-evolve form," Ash said as the group, who was taken aback as they heard of it, thought it was a rumor as they looked at each other and knew what Ash said is true and left him and the kid alone either to do things on their own or go find their Studen Council member.

"Thanks for that. I'm fully aware of the new stuff going when it comes to Pokemon, but as you said, they're so behind the times that they won't listen; by the way, my name is Joe," Joe said to the group, who was curious as Ash knew what he meant. "Never thought I would encounter a non-Kanto Pokemon here, huh?"

"Pleasure to meet you, and I can tell what you are saying just by their response towards Ash and me," Riolu said, puffing her chest out as Ash chuckled.

"I'm still new to this place, and while I do know answers, I either get test anxiety or harder questions," Joe said as the group headed towards the school as the fog lifted.

"I can relate to students' struggle when the questions are too difficult or beyond what has been taught in class. It's one of the reasons why I decided to leave school. Although I have some knowledge on the subject, I would often freeze up during quizzes or make mistakes while studying battles from the past," Ash said to Joe and the others, who were now grasping the whole situation. "They would be surprised to learn that Pidgey can learn moves beyond the set and about the Steel and Dark types," Ash said.

"And who is the Gisselle girl? She sounds like she's the type to get what she wants?" Misty asked Ash and Joe.

"I can tell them for you, Ash, as I see her more than as a classmate," Joe said to the group. Ash knew what he meant by that. "Giselle is not just the student body president but also the top-ranked student of the school. She has achieved the rank of a trainer with three gym badges, has a vast knowledge of advanced Pokemon levels battle strategies, and considers Pokemon to be mere numbers. Her know-it-all attitude is evident to most students in the school," Joe said. Everyone was surprised and could tell what Ash meant by the way behind the school.

"Wow, we don't use levels or treat Pokemon like that as they are our friends, not just someone used to battle. You weren't kidding about the whole this place is behind the times," Misty said to Ash and Joe as Flare and Riolu were not happy to hear how the school sees Pokemon.

"Professor Oak had expressed his desire to educate the school about the significance of Pokemon or assist in bringing them up to speed. However, if I recall correctly, it wasn't feasible due to budget constraints. It's worth noting that newer Pokemon weren't introduced until four years ago," Ash said to the group, who looked down as they were interrupted by a female voice called out.

"Well, look who came crying back after he failed the school and couldn't take how we run things in this school spreading lies as well. Are we Ash Ketchem?" the group turned to the voice as it was a girl who looked to be important in the school.

"Gisselle, so the rest of your lackeys went to find you, huh?" Ash said to her as Riolu and Flare growled at her as she laughed. "Now's not the time, you two. We don't want to get kicked out of here or threatened by the league, as this place has connections to it," Ash said to the two who stopped.

"I agree that there are more Pokemon out there, but it's too complicated to learn about. You won't be able to convince me either way, and it seems like you're being hypocritical," Gisselle said to Ash.

"I don't need to prove anything to you, Gisselle," Ash said to Gisselle, who was taken aback by this. "My Pokemon are not just tools to win battles. They are my friends. If you think otherwise, let's battle and see who comes out on top. I won't tolerate any bullying, and I won't stand by while you spread misinformation. I've been a trainer for over two months, earned two badges, and already have five Pokemon," Ash said to Gisselle, who was taken aback by how much Ash had had enough of her.

"Humph, this is why you will never be better than your brother, Ash," Gisselle said to Ash, who closed his eyes. "What did you do to get those two gym badges, bibe, or get lucky to get them? You should have more Pokemon than that, and from the looks of your Charmander here, it looks like it's still in its beginning stage moves," Gisselle said as Flare was getting mad by this. "From what I remember hearing, Red already had a Charmeleon and almost 20 Pokemon. You are not as skilled as your brother and have been hiding in his shadow," Gisselle laughed.

"Say's Green's little sister," Ash retorted as Gisselle shut up upon hearing that.

"What did you say? How did you know that?" Gisselle said to Ash.

"I'm not going to get involved in family matters. You are becoming less like her. Sure, she was attractive, but at least she cared about the people she met and her competition. We're finished here if you're finished talking and can't support your statements. Unless you want to argue and show how wrong you are and how outdated and behind the school is," Ash said to Gisselle, who glared at him as Flare and Riolu were behind Ash.

"Fine, given how your two Pokemon here are willing to fight me, let's make it a 2v2 battle," Gisselle said to Ash, who nodded as both were in the trainer's box on the battlefield in the school room. "I'll start Graveller. Come on out," Gisselle sent out her first Pokemon as Riolu stood before Ash, who nodded.

"I'm aware from what the others told me that your Pokemon is a Fighting type, not like that it matters; Graveller uses Earthquake to show them how strong you are," Gisselle commanded her Pokemon, who sent shockwaves on the ground.

"Jump out of there, girl, and then use Brick Break and Shadow Claw," Ash commanded, whose two arms glowed and slammed right into the rock/ground type who grabbed her to stop her from doing more damage.

"Given how fighting types are more reliant on their arms, you might as well give up as I'm about to make it harder for her to fight back," Gisselle said to Ash, not knowing Riolu's moves. Then again, she never faced any of the moves that Riolu knows. "Now, Seismic Toss, and then Rock Throw," Gisselle commanded her Pokemon, who was about to use its moves.

"Not so fast. Use Iron Tail before it can use those," Ash commanded her, who slammed her tail right into Graveller. Gisselle was taken aback as it did a lot of damage to it. Riolu got out of its grip and landed in front of Ash. "Given how that move is super effective against Rock-types, you are behind the times, Gisselle. I hope the students are watching cause they are going to see how behind the school is," Ash said to Gisselle, as many of the students were indeed watching this.

"Shut up, you are going to regret saying that. Explosion now, Graveller," Gisselle commanded her Pokemon as Ash ran over to Riolu and covered her from the damage. He knew that she wouldn't be able to take it all, showing that Ash cared about his Pokemon as Gisselle, and everyone was surprised by this. Thankfully, Ash wasn't too damaged by this, as Graveller was out cold.

"What, why did you do that? It's just a Pokemon. Why are you so protective of it?" Gisselle asked Ash, who brushed himself off.

"Cause they are more than just that to me. They're my friends, and you'll never understand that my Pokemon went through more than that, as some were either taken here by Poachers like Team Rocket or wanted to join my team. You want them to battle cause you wanted them to. I'm letting them battle 'cause they wanted to," Ash said to Gisselle, who was listening to this and shutting up.

"Now, are we going to continue, or are you going to run away given that you are being shown as the School Bully as you did back when we both went here," Ash said to Gisselle, who humphs.

"You have a mouth to think that I see you beneath me because you don't see how things are here. You are so ignorant, and I'll show you how pathetic you are," Gisselle pulled out her Pokeball. "Marowak, come on out," Gisselle sent out her next Pokemon as Ash recognized.

"So your Cubone evolved the last time I saw it," Ash said to Gisselle, who nodded as Flare took in place of Riolu as Riolu was beside Ash.

"Flare told me she'll handle the next Pokemon. I got my part. Now it's her part," Riolu said to Ash as she was putting her rivalry with Flare behind to help Ash, who nodded.

"Alright, Flare, use Flamethrower," Ash commanded her, who fired the attack at Marowak, who spun its club to block it, though it did some damage.

"I thought that you would only use Ember by this point. Oh well, Marowak, use Bone Rush," Gisselle commanded her Pokemon, who charged it at Flare.

"Dragons Dance and then Dig," Ash commanded her, who sped herself up and jumped underground quickly.

"How? What was that move that she used? Not that it matters. Use Bubblebeam on the hole." Gisselle fired the attack in the hole where Flare was as she got out of the ground before it could hit her.

"Dragon Claw now, Flare," Ash commanded her and slammed her claw right into Marowak, who blocked it with its club.

"Counter and Bonemerang," Gisselle commanded her Pokemon, who used its club to slam Flare off to the side and tossed its bone at her, hitting her and sending her to Ash's side. "This battle is over," Gisselle said, thinking she'd won, only to see Flare getting up, refusing to back down. "How is it possible that she wasn't knocked out by such super effective damages, given her low level at this stage?" Gisselle said as Flare roared at her, who was startled.

"Flare, you okay? Are you sure that you want to continue? I could use Riolu," Ash was interrupted by Flare.

"And let her get away with all this. No, thank you, Ash," Flare said, not in an angry tone but in a way that showed that she cared for Ash as he was her friend. "This smug princess here needs to learn not to mess with the daughter of Red's Charizard, let alone the younger Brother of Red, Ash, please," Flare said to Ash, glaring at Gisselle as she got up like those attacks were nothing.

"How can she still battle like this, such a stubborn Pokemon acting like she's hot? I don't know what she said, but I can tell she's calling me out, like trainer like Pokemon?" Gisselle said as Flare's tail flame burst wildly, catching everyone's attention. She let out a roar and started to glow as everyone was surprised by this.

Flare, the Charmander, had evolved into a Charmeleon. Gisselle was surprised as this was different from how evolution usually worked.

"Flare?" Ash said, confused and worried about what would happen now that she evolved.

"I'm still in here, Ash. I will not be disobedient towards you as per our agreement; I'm fighting for you, not just our team. Now, let's end this. Look up my moves, Ash," Flare said to Ash, who nodded and noticed that she had learned a new Fire attack on top of Flamethrower. Flare was glowing red as her Blaze ability activated as well.

"What's that?" Everyone in the School said out loud.

"Shows you how far behind this place is. Her ability, Blaze, increases its fire attacks, as for her new moves. We can combine that; use Flamethrower," Ash commanded her, who fired the attack as Marowak used its bone to deflect it. "Just as I predicted, use, Overheat along with Flamethrower," Ash commanded her, whose flame ignited and sent a much stronger fire attack as it blasted Marowak and sent it towards Gisselle as it held its arm.

"Ugh, another move I've never heard of; let's end this Bone Rush," Gisselle commanded her Pokemon, who charged in at Flare.

"End this with Dragons Dance and Dragon Claw," Ash commanded her, who charged in at each other and slashed each other as the two were on the other side of their trainers, arms held out as Flare was about to fall which Gisselle was about to celebrate only for Marowak knocked out from the amount of damage that it took as Gisselle ran over to her Pokemon as Flare was panting. Ash ran over to her and petted her head.

"You did great out there, girl," Ash said to Flare, who purred from the pet on her horn.

"Thanks, Ash, no one messing with our trainer and gets away with it," Flare said to Ash, who nodded as they turned to Gisselle, who now understood that Marowak was more than a Pokemon who had just won battles for her as Ash was about to say something only for a familiar voice called out to them.

"What a wonderful battle you two had?" a male voice called out. It was Professor Oak, along with the school's headmaster, who was watching the entire battle.

"Professor, what are you doing here?" Ash said as Flare was curious about that as well.

"I was asked to come here to help provide the school enough to learn about Pokemon outside this region and improve the school's system, and the headmaster here agreed to it," Oak said to Ash and everyone.

"However, we don't appreciate how the students treat others who are trying to learn without all this, and Gisselle, you proved that you are far from our top student. If you are willing to treat people like how you treat your Pokemon, what do you have to say about it?" the headmaster said to Gisselle, who didn't know what to say.

"Headmaster, sir, if I may say something," Ash said to the headmaster, who turned to Ash, as did Flare and everyone. "Look, I think she's learned her lesson here that not everyone is going to learn exactly like she did, and I think she needs to go out on her own to see how things are different from what the school is teaching," Ash said to the headmaster who nodded as Ash continues and then turned to Gisselle who was surprised that Ash said that let alone standing up for her.

"Don't get me wrong, I don't like how you treated your Pokemon or people like that, but people can change. I left this school cause I wanted to learn things independently, not through virtual tests and stuff as old as Fossil Pokemon. Gisselle, your sister is way better than you are as a trainer, and while I see some progress, I'm not sticking to your level and comparing you to her further," Ash said to Gisselle, who looked down.

"Well said, Ash, Gisselle, as of right now, you need to get away from the school and be with your Pokemon. Who knows, you might change, but as of now, this school is well without you as a council member, and we don't want more potential trainers to drop out the cause of bullying. Right now, we are loosening our policies of how to teach our students and all that," the headmaster said to everyone, more importantly towards Gisselle, who nodded and returned Marowak and ran off.

Everyone was gathered outside the school as Joe decided to become a trainer independently rather than learning from the school. Meanwhile, Professor Oak was learning more about Riolu, Latias, and Latios, who were a part of Ash and Misty's team. Even the students were amazed by their presence, and Latias seemed to enjoy all the attention.

"So you are planning on going on your journey as well, huh, Joe?" Ash asked him, who nodded.

"Yeah, as of right now, I'm in a position to earn two gym badges and will be heading on my way off toward Vermillion City, but first, I'm going to stand by my Pokemon and learn from them on my ways," Joe said to Ash who nodded.

"What about Gisselle?" Misty asked everyone, who shrugged.

"Hopefully, she'll learn her lesson and follow what the headmaster said to her cause; I have a feeling we'll see her again," Ash said to Misty, who nodded.

"I agree with Ash here, and here's hoping we will run into each other again," Joe told Ash. As he took his leave, Ash turned to Professor Oak, who was finishing up his study on Ash's Pokemon.

"You noticed that they are out of their balls and are with them, not with me. If that's okay with you, Professor?" Ash asked Oak, who nodded.

"Although registered as your Pokemon, they do not count towards the capture limit. You don't have to worry, as it is allowed by the league." Oak said to Ash and Misty, who nodded as they felt that was the case. "You still have two more captures before the six Pokemon limit, so no worries, and you can always contact me when you need them," Oak said. As he was wrapping up, he turned to Brock and had a translator device for him.

"This is for you, so you won't be out of touch with what is happening."

"Thank you, and I appreciate it, though. I am fine with what is being told to me through everyone, but thank you, Professor," Brock said to Oak, who nodded. "So, what are you planning on doing next?"

"I'll be staying here for another few days before heading back to the lab to teach the students more about the newer Pokemon and all that and make sure that the school is up to date with all this," Oak said to the group, who nodded.

Ash and his friends were leaving the school and waving goodbye to Professor Oak as they headed toward Vermillion City. Riolu was now perched on Ash's shoulders, while Flare was too exhausted to speak, something Riolu picked up on.

"Given that you are too tall to be on Ash's shoulders, I think I'll be taking my position on his shoulders now, Flare, or do you want to try maybe breaking his arm with your size," Riolu was interrupted by Ash.

"You got your point across about the size, but let's not dwell on what you will say next. I thought you were getting along," Ash said to Riolu, who shrugged.

"Per our agreement, the shoulder is yours, but you'll have to pay for mentioning my weight, Riolu. Though I agree with you about the size thing," Flare said as she was ready to launch a Flamethrower at her, not caring that Ash was there. Ash sighed as Riolu backed off.

"I wished that one of you weren't female so we don't have this issue, but that can't be helped," Ash thought, knowing that if he said that, they would be on him faster than Flare's Flamethrower would reach him. "But I'm glad to have these two by my side, willing to fight for me and help me achieve my goal of becoming a Pokemon master." Ash smiled as Flare noticed and left it be.

With the Pokemon School behind the group, our heroes are now setting on their journey towards Vermillion City. What is in store for our heroes as the journey continues?

Stay Tuned.

Done writing another lengthy chapter. I have combined two episodes into one this time, as I am starting to get the hang of writing these. When I watched the first two episodes, I noticed that the gym badges were labeled differently, like the Boulder Badge of Courage and the Cascade Badge of Health. I plan to bring those into later chapters, so stay tuned. For the next chapter, I would like your opinion on which episode to review: Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village, Charmander the Stray with a different Pokemon, or both? Even though the reviews need to show up via email, I promise to respond to them. The same goes for capture requests. Let me know in the reviews, and I will see you next time.