Response to Reviews:
Reader: Thought I'd switch things up, as I have never read a fanfic where Ash has a Hitmonlee, as well as the Pokemon not being very common!
Icwintersoldier: Thank you for the suggestion. Since I have a document where I keep track of everything going on, I forget that others aren't privy to the same stuff haha.
RegulusCetus: Haha, we can possibly see that as the story progresses!
TrueMaster: Glad you liked it! She will definitely be making another appearance later in the Kanto region. Possibly even stir up some drama!
SpeedReader: Don't worry, Leaf is here to stay. There is tension building for sure, as well as a breaking point coming soon!
Ash's Team: Charmander, Nidorino, Pikachu, Hitmonlee
Leaf's Team: Bulbasaur, Metapod, Sandshrew
Brock's Team: Geodude, Onix
Character ages:
Ash Ketchum - 13
Leaf Green - 13
Gary Oak - 13
Brock Harrison - 17
Professor Oak - 65
REVIEW as it motivates me to update quicker!
Chapter 18: Trouble at Silph Co.
"I can't believe you've got a Hitmonlee, now!" Leaf complained, growing more agitated as Ash bumped into her playfully while walking across Saffron City. It was incredible sightseeing the busy city, but slightly difficult due to there being so many pedestrians and attractions to witness.
"I don't know why you're jealous. I didn't think Hitmonlee was your type for Pokemon."
"They don't have to be cute or feminine, Ash! Sure, I like those kinds of Pokemon. But I have no bias for strong ones too!"
"Sucks for you, since Hitmonlee's moveset is pretty good too."
Leaf shoved Ash jokingly, eliciting a laugh from the teen. "You also have a Moon Stone too!"
"I think you're also forgetting about this one!" Ash exclaimed, pulling out the Old Amber Fossil from his backpack. "Got an Aerodactyl, too."
"A dead one…" Leaf muttered grumpily.
"Okay, that's freaking dark, dude." Ash replied, sideying her with suspicion as they continued on the sidewalk. They had left the Koichi's Dojo a few hours ago, opting to explore the city before departing. Brock had decided to visit the Pokemart to buy some more essentials for their travel. Although they offered to come with him, Brock argued that he would be alright by himself.
"Ash, look! That's Silph Co.'s headquarters. Want to check it out? Leaf asked hopefully. Ash agreed, having no issue checking out the building. As Ash squinted his eyes overhead, he analyzed the structure as best as he could with the beaming sun. Although it didn't cover much land, Silph Co. had to be at least five floors. The interior was mostly visible, as the walls were mostly made up of glass panels.
The duo entered Silph Co. and instantly took notice of the lavish interior. The first floor was relatively empty, with the exception of a few suited businessmen and the receptionist at front.
"Hi, welcome to Silph Co. Headquarters. Do you two have an appointment?" The female receptionist greeted kindly. The young lady had short brown hair tied up in a bun. She wore a formal attire, consisting of a white long sleeve, dress pants, and black blazer.
"Hi, we actually don't. We just thought we would check out the facility. Is that alright?" Leaf asked hopefully.
"I'm so sorry. Unless you have an appointment, you aren't permitted to be here." The receptionist apologized, seeming genuinely apologetic for the inconvenience.
"That's alright, thanks anyways." Ash reassured the woman.
Ash sighed sadly, turning around to leave the building. As he reached the front door, however, he looked around in confusion as he noticed the absence of a certain brunette.
"Pssss. Ash! Over here." Ash looked over to the whisper, finally spotting Leaf. She stood next to the elevators, out of sight from the receptionist's desk. It didn't seem to matter, though, since the receptionist now seemed busy chatting with the two security guards.
"What the hell are you doing?" Ash asked, attempting to keep his voice down but loud enough to where the brunette could hear him. Leaf simply grinned, waving her arm in a motion to come over to where she crouched. Throwing his hands exasperatedly, Ash followed her carefully to not be seen by the receptionist.
"Are we seriously doing this?" Ash sideyed the girl, as the idea of sneaking around Silph Co. aimlessly wasn't too appealing for the teen. Leaf nodded enthusiastically, pressing the button to call the elevator. Once the two entered the elevator safely without being seen, Leaf pressed the third floor button.
"Nice, let's just go around without a clue of where we're going."
"Relax, Ash. It's not like you don't already do that without Brock." Leaf poked Ash's side, making him swat her hand away.
"Whatever…" Ash mumbled in response.
The elevator doors opened after a few seconds, revealing several long, white corridors. Ash forced a clearly fake smile, which Leaf easily noticed, as he flicked his head for Leaf to lead the way.
It was completely empty as the two wandered without a clue of their surroundings. As they opened several doors cautiously, they were only met with more hallways of emptiness.
"Alright, we're completely lost now." Leaf stated honestly.
"Oh, really? You don't say?" Ash replied sarcastically. Just as Leaf was about to respond, a voice carried over along the hallway. Ash and Leaf immediately closed their mouths, looking at the door at the end of the hallway nervously.
Before Ash and Leaf could escape where they came from, the door opened, revealing an unusual character. Expecting to see a businessman or security guard, they opened their mouths in confusion upon spotting a member of Team Rocket.
"The hell? Silver, I thought you said this floor was clear!" The older male shouted angrily, already grabbing a Pokeball from his pocket. The Team Rocket member was intimidating to say the least, with a bald head and nasty scar running across his cheek. Fortunately, he wore the usual black attire of a grunt, making it unlikely he was anything but that in rank.
"Ape!" Primeape shouted as he landed in front of the grunt, jumping up and down excitedly.
"What are you talking about? The receptionist downstairs was told not to let anybody with clearance come up. She's in our pocket, Luke." A younger voice sounded from behind the Team Rocket Grunt. Just a second later, the other person became visible.
The teen allegedly named Silver became noticeable as he entered the door, eliciting looks of surprise from Leaf and Ash. Silver reacted almost the same, as his look of discontent quickly morphed into one of shock.
"Hey! You're the douchebag who almost hit my friend!" Ash pointed towards the familiar redhead. Silver's expression rapidly changed into one of anger. Ash and Leaf scanned his appearance, noticing his outfit was exactly the same as when they encountered him in Viridian City. It was confusing, seeing as he was obviously working alongside Team Rocket.
Leaf quickly grabbed a Pokeball of her own, sending out Bulbasaur to defend themselves.
"Aw, glad I made an impression. Get lost, or else we're going to have some issues, kids." Silver threatened the two.
"Kids? He barely looks older than us." Leaf whispered to Ash.
"Seriously! I had the same thought." Ash agreed, with the two of them being completely oblivious to the events occurring in a naive fashion.
"Primeape, hit them with Close Combat!" Luke ordered his Pokemon. Primeape jumped into action, bouncing off the walls as he rapidly closed the distance between the group.
Ash and Leaf returned their attention to Team Rocket, screaming like children briefly at the sight of Primeape attacking.
"Bulbasaur, hold Primeape off with Vine Whip!" Bulbasaur's vines extended significantly, before lashing out horizontally. Although it missed Primeape, it did enough to deter him from approaching further. Vine Whip continued to lash out, making Primeape circle around the hallway, angered at being stopped momentarily.
"They're beginner trainers for Arceus's sake. At least hold them off, while I get what we came here for." Silver told the older grunt, who surprisingly nodded as he accepted the order. Silver momentarily sneered at Leaf and Ash, before jogging off to the side into another corridor. Ash grit his teeth at the sight, not liking Silver's words in the slightest.
'This is bad. They're clearly here to get something, but what? It can't be good if Team Rocket is involved. I have to chase after him, but I also can't leave Leaf here completely alone to fight this grunt. His Primeape doesn't look like a pushover.'
The use of Close Combat certainly reinforced his belief. It wasn't a move most Fighting Type Pokemon used, due to the strength and experience required to learn it. As Ash contemplated the issue briefly, Leaf was the one who broke it up.
"What are you waiting for? Go after him!"
Bulbasaur struck Primeape on his side, making Primeape screech in annoyance. A moment later, Bulbasaur's was forced to retreat one of his two vines, as Primeape smashed it into the wall.
"Huh? I can't leave you here by yourself." Ash replied instantly. "Besides, aren't you the one always on my ass about putting myself in dangerous situations?"
"This is different! Bulbasaur, Razor Leaf." Leaf shouted. Bulbasaur sent out the barrage of sharp leaves, which mostly flew past Primeape. Although, it did cut up Luke quite a bit, as the Team Rocket grunt cried out in pain while holding his now cut cheek. "They're the ones that attack first! Besides, we're already in this shit anyways!"
Ash shrugged at her words, glad that she wasn't against him in the matter. It was true, since they didn't even put themselves in the situation. Well, sneaking onto the floor didn't help, but those were TINY details. Not wanting to leave her completely alone, Ash released Pikachu.
"Pikachu, help Leaf and keep her safe with Bulbasaur. Listen to anything she tells you." Ash told the Electric Type seriously.
Pikachu nodded determinedly, standing side to side with Bulbasaur. Ash grit his teeth, looking at the brunette beside him. "Are you sure you're going to be okay?"
"Yes! Now go, trust me." Leaf stated forcefully, though Ash knew it was only due to the stressful circumstances. Looking at her one more time, Ash finally broke off into a sprint towards the corridor Silver took off to. Unluckily, this meant that Ash had to make it past a powerful Primeape and a bald headed freak a lot bigger than him.
"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!" Leaf ordered, attempting to cover for Ash as he sprinted through the chaos. The hallway was fairly thin and there were no items in sight to use as cover. It was a complete straight shot.
The bolt of electricity flew towards Primeape, who narrowly dodged the attack. Primeape landed against the wall, holding himself there by digging his strong fists into the white marble material.
"Now! Use Vine Whip to pin him against the wall."
Bulbasaur obeyed his trainer's commands flawlessly, throwing the vines into the Ape Pokemon. Primeape cried out, panicking as his limbs scrambled uselessly while his body was pressed against the marble wall.
'She really is a smart trainer. Always thinking two steps ahead.' Ash thought carelessly, approaching the threat of a Team Rocket member just a few feet away. The bald grunt punched his open palm, readying himself to fight against the much smaller teen. Seriously, what kind of psycho doesn't hesitate in fighting a kid?
It made Ash's decision a lot easier, as he threw a Pokeball on his belt into the air in front of him.
"Hitmonlee, knock him out with Double Kick!"
As soon as Hitmonlee touched the floor, he burst off like a jet towards the grunt. Hitmonlee leapt off the floor once he reached an adequate amount of distance, kicking both his legs. Both strikes connected with the grunt's midsection, sending him sprawling backwards at an incredible velocity. He slid into the door behind him, smacking his head viciously before falling like a doll onto the floor.
As Ash made the turn to his right along with Hitmonlee, he was slightly relieved at hearing snores come from the unconscious Team Rocket member. The prick deserved a beating, but being responsible for a death was not on Ash's "to do list". No matter how evil anyone was.
It felt like hours as the two sprinted across the floor, feeling completely lost as if they were traveling through a maze. There was still no sign of Silver, much less anybody.
'It's a good thing I left Pikachu with Leaf. Charmander is strong, but there's no telling how he would react with a strong Pokemon like Primeape.' Ash contemplated, recalling the ongoing issue with Charmander. They had made significant strides, but there also hasn't been a recent contact with any intimidating Pokemon, such as Brock's Onix or Misty's Gyarados.
Turning left, Hitmonlee barged through the wooden doors, entering a large office room this time. Ash followed not long after, sliding as he stopped on a whim due to Hitmonlee remaining stationary.
"Argh! I told you to beat it, brat." Silver breathed out, clenching his jaw harshly in anger. The office room was unlike one Ash had ever seen, due to the massive width and square feet by itself. The wooden furniture was noticeably polished, as well as there being several expensive items on display, such as vases, artwork, and glassware.
Looking back momentarily, Ash took notice of the golden nameplate by the door of the office.
'Mr. Coleman'
"Not a big fan of being told what to do, Silver. Especially from Team Rocket scum."
Silver's face transformed into one of confusion upon hearing his name. "How the hell do you know my name?"
"Seriously, dude? Your daddy basically screamed it out back there once he saw us."
"Daddy? That imbecile is not my father!"
"Really? I just assumed since you were both pretty stupid, that-"
Silver burst into a scream of frustration, interrupting Ash as he witnessed the red head's mental breakdown. It was slightly unnerving, as it wouldn't be surprising if he found out the teen had a few screws loose. By the way Silver was reacting, throwing items into the wall and continued to scream violently, the likelihood was increasing by the second.
"Machamp! Get out here and finish these two!" Silver shouted, finally releasing a Pokemon of his own. Machamp landed in the middle of the office, crushing a sofa easily as he landed on the piece of furniture. Ash backed away multiple feet subconsciously, eyes wide in awe of Silver's Pokemon.
'This is bad. A freaking Machamp?! These aren't pushovers like the Team Rocket members in Pewter City.'
Machamp's four arms immediately stood out, as well as his golden belt across his waist. His physical appearance by itself would be a difficult challenge. He could only hope that the Pokemon didn't have a great moveset or much experience, though it was unlikely due to Machamp being in its final stage.
"Last chance. Mind your business while I do what is required of me." Silver said.
"Hitmonlee, Blaze Kick!"
Silver opened his mouth to counter, though Hitmonlee was far too quick. Due to Machamp standing in the middle of the room, it didn't take long for Hitmonlee to levitate a foot away from him. Remaining airborne for a moment, Hitmonlee's leg became surrounded by fire, striking Machamp's head from the side.
Machamp stumbled backwards, completely caught off guard from the attack. Hitmonlee landed on the ground safely, standing with a leg raised anticipatedly.
"Damn you! Use Strength!" Silver ordered, breathing heavily as he looked nothing but hateful towards Ash.
"Sucker Punch!" Ash countered.
Due to Sucker Punch being a move advantageous for seed, it was Hitmonlee who landed his respective move first. Machamp grunted, before lifting Hitmonlee from the ground.
"Get out of there!" Ash yelled uselessly. It was futile, as Machamp launched Hitmonlee across the room, with the Fighting Type crashing against the wall. Hitmonlee remained on the floor, still conscious but having taken quite a bit of damage from the larger Pokemon.
Machamp was out of Ash's league. For Arceus sake, he had only completed two Gym Badges. He wasn't supposed to be fighting Team Rocket members and insane teens who somehow had Pokemon like Machamp. Grabbing another Pokeball, Ash threw it into the open air.
"Nidorino, help me out here!"
Nidorino landed next to Hitmonlee, who was finally reaching his feet once more. Silver grit his teeth, no doubt having issue with having to battle even more Pokemon.
"Nidorino, Poison Sting!"
"Block it with Dual Chop." Silver countered.
Nidorino's horn morphed into a purple shade, releasing a number of purple needles towards the towering Machamp. Machamp's arms turned into a darker shade as well, chopping across the air and completely neutralizing Nidorino's attack. However, it did exactly as intended and gave Ash an opening.
"Now! Hitmonlee, hit him with Sucker Punch!"
Similar to before, Hitmonlee dashed across the room and connected with his body. Although he was much smaller, Hitmonlee managed to push Machamp back a few feet and damage him slightly. Machamp leaned over slightly, panting as he attempted to regain his breath. He was much stronger than any Pokemon Ash had, but it was a different scenario if he was forced to battle more than one opponent.
'I hope Leaf is holding her own.' Ash thought, concerned over leaving her by herself. He couldn't dwell on it, facing against a dangerous threat in the present.
"Pikachu, use Quick Attack!" Leaf instructed.
Primeape remained in the air, trapped by Bulbasaur's vines. The Fighting Type was struggling heavily, making progress in escaping but it wouldn't be enough as he cried out in pain from the physical attack.
Primeape finally broke free, holding his injured side with one hand as he bounced up and down. Bulbasaur and Pikachu weren't hurt badly from their ongoing battle, but they were certainly fatigued. Leaf was incredibly grateful that Primeape looked very similar. She had a huge advantage, not only because they outnumbered Primeape, but due to Primeape's trainer being unconscious and unable to command his Pokemon.
"Razor Leaf!"
Although not very wide, the hallway was large enough for Primeape to jump across the walls impressively, avoiding the attack. Closing distance rapidly, Primeape managed to grab Bulbasaur from the bulb on his back, launching him into the wall. Bulbasaur cried out in anguish, with Leaf shouting his name in worry.
"Bulbasaur! Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"
Primeape raised his hands in defense, though it did little to defend himself from the Electric type move. Primeape convulsed, immersed in a field of electricity before the attack finally cut off. Although it was a powerful attack, Primeape burst off towards Pikachu immediately.
"Dodge it, Pikachu!" Leaf commanded worryingly.
Unfortunately, Pikachu wasn't quick enough to avoid the attack, with Primeape using a series of blows. Pikachu cried out, defenseless as he was caught in the flurry of strikes. Pikachu slid across the floor, fainted and down for the time being. Primeape turned his attention towards Leaf, approaching slowly with a snarl. Looking behind Primeape, Bulbasaur was still on the floor, struggling to reach his feet.
Leaf tripped over herself as she backpedaled, falling onto the floor. Primeape was furious, banging his chest and beginning to now sprint towards the teen. Leaf closed her eyes in worry, already covering her face with her arms to protect herself. Tensing her body, Leaf froze as she waited to be struck. However, the blow never came.
As she opened her eyes, she was met with Primeape being held back by familiar vines. A familiar green starter Pokemon held Primeape in its grasp, although its appearance was noticeably different.
"Ivysaur?" Leaf questioned, before laughing in amazement as she grinned widely. Ivysaur grunted its name, drawing Primeape in closer as his vines carried it closer while still airborne. Ivysaur was slightly bigger than his pre evolution, having a pink plant on its back rather than the green bulb Leaf had grown accustomed to seeing.
Ivysaur's pink plant opened up, stretching across his back while a power emerged from inside. Primeape's face was susceptible to the power, as the Fighting Type sniffled for a moment. Seconds later, Primeape's eyes closed slowly. Primeape fell asleep completely not long after, with Ivysaur finally letting the Pokemon drop to the floor.
"Great job, Ivysaur. Way to learn Sleep Powder as well! Leaf praised, hugging Ivysaur from behind.
"Ivy- Ivysaur!"
Making sure that Primeape was finally unconscious, Leaf then checked up on Pikachu. Pikachu was awake, though extremely fatigued from the battle. Not having his Pokeball, Leaf opted to carry the Pokemon in her arms. She also opted to keep Ivysaur out, in case he was needed for another altercation.
Spotting the bald Team Rocket grunt asleep against the door, Leaf also approached him wearily. She had to meet up with Ash again, but it was too risky leaving him unattended.
"Metapod, use String Shot to tie him up." Leaf ordered, sending out the Bug type Pokemon. Metapod completely encased the grunt's arms and legs together, rendering him completely powerless. The brunette thanked Metapod, before recalling him. Sighing heavily, she took a moment to compose herself.
"Pika?" Pikachu stared up at Leaf, still being held in her arms as she set off for Ash.
"Don't worry, Pikachu. We'll find him now in one piece." Leaf reassured both Pikachu and herself.
Hope you all enjoyed! Silver makes another appearance, this time in action and appearing to work for Team Rocket! REVIEW as it motivates me to update quicker!