Greeting everybody. I'm back with a new chapter. First off, I'd like to say, today marks my 9th anniversary of being on Fanfiction! Almost a freaking decade since I've logged onto this site. I'd like to thank each and every one of you for the support throughout the years.
With your reviews and suggestions, it's good to believe that I have a great affinity for writing, but of course I had some help from my buddy Cloud4012. Without his help, I wouldn't be writing these. So, thanks man, I appreciate you.
With that said and done, enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 6: Battle Club and Museum Mayhem
Beta and Proofread by: PokemonAndPJOFanboy
Ash and Misty both awoke bright and early the next day. Ater breakfast, they proceeded to the front desk, where Nurse Joy awaited them, along with Pikachu and Butterfree, who were both eating some Pokémon food in a bowl.
Pikachu looked up to notice them, and smiled, "Pikapi!" He cried, alerting Butterfree, who also cried out to see Ash as they both got off of the table to greet him.
"Hey you two, are you guys feeling any better?" Ash smiled, embracing Pikachu and petting Butterfree as he sat on his shoulder as they both gave out happy cries, showing they were feeling much better after their successful treatment.
"They were a little banged up, but now they're as good as new." Nurse Joy assures.
"Thank you so much, Nurse Joy." Ash said grateful.
"So, you ready to head out?" Misty asked Ash as he was with his Pokémon.
"You bet." Ash nodded, Pikachu and Butterfree looked over with curiosity, and asked where they were going. Ash explained to them last night that he planned on heading back to Viridian Forest so they can start training to get ready for the rematch with Brock, and needless both Pokémon were eager to get started.
As they made their way up the hill, they noticed Flint carrying some rocks to his stand.
"Where are you off to in such a hurry?" Flint asks, pretending not to know what happened.
"Oh hey, I'm just heading back to the forest to do some serious training." Ash said.
"Unfortunately, Ash lost his match against Brock," Misty said.
"I see," Flint said, putting his merchandise down. "Well, I can understand wanting to get stronger, but why would you want to go back into the forest when you can train here?"
Ash and Misty looked at him confused, "Train here? Why?"
"Because it's a lot more efficient, safer, and easier than running around an entire forest hoping you'll run into something or someone to battle or train with." Flint points out.
"Well...what'd you have in mind?" Misty asks, curiously.
"Easy. Just go to the Pewter City Battle Club." Flint declares.
"The Battle Club? What's that?" Ash asks.
"You're not the first trainer to lose to Brock. The Battle Club is a special facility where trainers can go to battle other trainers or train themselves and their Pokémon to get stronger and even learn some new moves and strategies to help them in battles." Flint explains.
"A facility for Pokémon training?" Ash asks, interested.
"Huh, you know. I think I've heard of places like that but I've never looked into it." Misty recalled.
"If you want to get good enough to beat Brock, I'd strongly recommend it. The person in charge knows a lot about Pokémon. Bet they can even teach you moves that'll help you take down Brock's Rock Types." Flint said, getting Ash's attention.
"Alright. You've convinced me. Where is this Battle Club?" Ash asked, wanting to know where the facility is located.
"Go that way, make a right about 2 blocks down, and keep walking until you see a building with a green roof. You can't miss it," Flint instructs.
"Thanks, Flint. Let's get going!" Ash tells Misty as they make their way back into the city.
"Definitely better than going back into that bug infested forest!" Misty said eagerly, following close behind Ash.
Flint watched the two leave with a hopeful look hidden on his face. 'Maybe… just maybe, that kid could help Brock...'
Following Flint's instructions, they arrive at a large green building with a Pokéball on it.
The building was five stories high with a long narrow-like construction. It seemed to resemble a mansion of sorts.
"Wow this place is huge." Ash said, amazed.
"I'll say. It's probably larger than some of the other buildings in the city," Misty hypothesized. "Now I wanna see what it looks like on the inside."
Not wanting to spend another moment outside, Ash and Misty opened the doors and entered the facility. They went inside and met with the receptionist from behind the front desk. "Hello, welcome to the Battle Club. How can I help you?" She asked.
"I'm looking for some training so I can win my battle at the Pewter Gym." Ash states
"Do you know who's in charge here?" Misty asks.
"Well then, you came to the right place and as a matter of fact I do. One moment please," The receptionist then pressed a button. "Sir! A young man and his friend are here to see you." A few seconds later, the door opens revealing a large muscular man with brown hair and a mustache.
"So, you're the new challenger?" He asks, looking down at Ash.
Surprised by his appearance, Ash still stood strong and nodded. "Yes sir. My name is Ash Ketchum. And I'm wondering if I can use your training facility."
"Well, you came to the right place. The name is Don George and when you come to my Battle Clubs you always leave better than when you came." He declared.
"I'm aiming to get better so I can beat Brock," Ash tells him.
"Ah, a Gym Challenger. Been a while since I've had to help one of you." Don George said interested.
"Are the Battle Clubs really great as people make them out to be?" Misty asks.
"Young Lady, I pride myself on running one of the best training programs in all of Kanto. We have several ways to help all kinds of Pokémon." Don George nods in confirmation.
"Do you mind showing us around so we can see what it's like?" Ash asked.
"Not at all, right this way. I'll give you the grand tour," Don George said, leading them down the hallway interior.
Walking up to some sliding doors, they entered a room where they saw at least twenty or something trainers and their Pokémon all making use of the facilities.
There was a huge gymnasium with varied equipment, including treadmills, rowing machines, punching bags, and weights. But that wasn't all; there was a large swimming pool in one room, numerous rooms filled with battlefields for practice battles, a library and computer room where trainers could study Pokémon and battle strategies, a large cafeteria, and several large television screens where anyone could watch any battle in the building.
"As you can see, we make sure we have everything we need to prepare trainers for any type of situation be it land, sea, air or even the Pokémon League itself. In fact, a few times a year we even host small tournaments to really help trainers be prepared." Don George lists.
"This is so cool!" Ash said excitedly.
"Yeah…cool." Misty agreed, eyeing the large pool.
"You said you guys do tournaments?" Ash asks Don George.
"That we do! Additionally, the winner always gets a rare item for their Pokémon." Don George said, getting Ash's attention.
"When can I sign up?!" Ash said, getting hyped just thinking about it.
"Easy tiger." Don George chuckles. "Love the enthusiasm but let's focus more on the battle at hand. Because if you want to win our tournaments, you're going to need to be able to at least beat the gym battle."
Realizing he was right, Ash calmed down. "You're right. Gym battles come first." Ash agreed.
"So, we know what Ash needs help with." Don George said before turning to Misty. "What
about you? What kind of training do you need?" "M-me?" Misty points to herself.
"You came here too. Don't you want to do any training?" Don George asks.
Misty was taken back at that. She originally came here to spectate Ash's training, but to hear herself asked if she wanted to use the facility as well?
"Well...I wouldn't mind using that pool for some training I guess." Misty admits since he was insisting on it.
"Check in at the front desk, we can help get you and your Pokémon set up for some water exercises." Don George points. Misty thanked him with a nod with a smile.
"So, Ash, tell me what Pokémon did you use in your Gym Battle?" Don George asks, leading Ash to the back.
"My Butterfree and Pikachu." Ash answers making Don George narrow his eyes.
"I see… and which Pokémon did you lose to?" Don George asks.
"Geodude and Onix." Ash sighs.
"I've run into quite a few trainers who lost to them. For this training we'll not only boost the abilities of all your Pokémon, we'll also have to figure out your strategy and see if we can teach your Pokémon some moves to help against Brock. Show me your Pokémon." Don George orders crossing his arms.
Pikachu jumped off of Ash's shoulder as the latter reached for his belt and grabbed 4 of his Poké Balls. "Everybody, come on out!" He shouted, releasing Spearow, Butterfree, Pidgeotto, and Beedrill as each cried their name in order.
"Spear!"
"Freee!"
"Pidgeoo!"
"Bee!"
Seeing Ash's pokemon, Don George, winced and knew this was going to be a challenge.
"Going into a Gym Battle with a Disadvantage on all ends. This is not going to be easy, but it's certainly doable, assuming you and your Pokémon are ready and willing to push yourselves." Don George states.
"You bet we are! Right guys?" Ash asked his team confidently.
Each one of his Pokémon cried out approvingly in response to their trainer.
"Very well. Let's begin with speed and evasiveness drills." Don George declares.
Soon, Ash and all his Pokémon found themselves in a long room for running and flying.
"For our first task, let's begin working with the Pokémon that can fly. That Sound alright with you?" Don George asks.
"Sounds good. Alright guys, fly to that end and back." Ash points.
Pidgeotto, Butterfree, Beedrill and Spearow nodded, then took to the air. However, just as they got halfway to the other end, Don George pushed a button and suddenly multiple water balloons shot out at them.
"Pidgeo?!/Free?!/Bee?!/Spear?!" All four Pokémon exclaimed in shock before being pelted by them with water exploding in their faces.
"What the heck was that?!" Ash asks looking at Don George.
"That's the evasiness part of this training. Your Pokémon have to fly from one end and back avoiding all the water balloons." Don George instructs.
"You could have told me that before we started," Ash said.
"In a battle, you won't always know what's coming at you. You need to learn to deal with obstacles when they happen." Don George explains.
The Flying and Bug Types of Ash's all shook off the drips of water from their bodies and took off back into the air, willing to try again.
"Come on guys. If we can't avoid these, how can we avoid Brock's Rock attacks?!" Ash called out, hoping to motivate them.
Understanding what Ash was saying, and remembering what he was put through, Butterfree's speckled eyes narrowed and turned to his companions, "FreeFreeFree!"
Hearing this, Beedrill, Pidgeotto, and Spearow tilted their heads astonished.
"Free. Free." Butterfree nods stating that it would work. Seeing they had nothing to lose, the birds and bee nodded, willing to give it a try. Spreading their wings, all four of them took flight.
As water balloons were aimed at them Pidgeotto and Spearow flew over Butterfree while Beedrill flew under, all of them flying in formation.
"Free!" Butterfree screamed, "Now!" He and Pidgeotto began flapping their wings, creating powerful gusts of wind that blew some of the balloons back.
"Spear!" Using his beak, Spearow used Peck while Beedrill used Twineedle to pop the balloons.
"Interesting, they're working together to repel the balloons and counter them." Don George said impressed they figured that out all on their own.
"That's my Pokémon for you. Knock us down and we get back up better than ever," Ash grinned. "Very good, they work well as a team, but let's see how they do on their own." Don George said turning to Pikachu for his training next.
"Now it's your turn, buddy." Ash tells him.
"Pika." Pikachu nodded.
For Pikachu's training we had an electric generator device set up.
"This will help Pikachu generate more electricity. If he can withstand it not only will his electric attacks increase in power but can also increase his attack capacity." Don George informs.
He pulls out two wires from the device and connects them to the red circles on Pikachu's cheeks.
"Alright Pikachu, Thundershock!" Ash said as Pikachu sent electricity from his cheeks to the machine.
Turning his attention to a meter, Don George measured the power Pikachu was generating. On the generator, was a red line slowly rising. That was how much electric power Pikachu was pouring into the machine.
"It's not enough. C'mon give it more power!" Don George encouraged.
"Come on Pikachu. Give it a little more juice." Ash said, trying to motivate him.
"Pika." Growling Pikachu grit his teeth generating more electricity causing the dial to slowly move forward.
"Just like that! Electric Pokémon have immense electric power stored inside of their bodies, and when they feel assaulted or threatened, they discharge a lot of it towards their enemies. But in order for that to happen, they need to keep building their stores of electricity." Don George explained, before pulling a lever.
As electricity flowed from the generator towards Pikachu, the little mouse cringed in pain.
"Hang tough Pikachu. No pain no gain. The more electricity you can take, the stronger your attacks will be." Don George encouraged while slowly increasing the voltage.
The more electricity Pikachu is putting into the generator, the more he'll receive back in exchange for more power.
Zooming out, we see Flint was watching this training from the window. While making his way back into town, he happened to stop by the Battle Club just to see how Ash's training was progressing.
Despite initially thinking he never had a chance; Flint couldn't help but find Ash's determination impressive. Deep down he actually wanted to see if Ash could pull it off.
"Chu..." Pikachu growled in pain, pouring in more electricity into the generator while receiving twice the energy back. The dial showed that it was getting larger.
"You're doing great buddy, just a little more!" Ash called out, telling his starter to stay strong.
Seeing the amount of effort they were putting in; Don George took a deep breath before setting the dial all the way up.
"Pika...Pika." Pikachu growls being forced onto all fours.
Feeling the electricity flow through his body, Pikachu felt sparks being emitted from his cheeks.
All of the light bulbs on the generator started flashing rapidly.
"Pika...CHU!" Pikachu roars, emitting an electric attack so powerful it broke the light bulbs forcing Ash and Don George to cover their faces.
Seeing a stray bolt heading his way, Flint quickly ducked to the ground as it shattered the window. "Well...that definitely was powerful. Definitely wasn't a Thunder Shock." Ash said, picking himself up.
"No. That was more of a ThunderBOLT!" Don George corrects, picking himself up and dusting himself. "Seems storing up all of that power allowed your Pokémon to learn a brand-new move."
"Pi...Pi.." Pikachu pants, exhausted from pushing his abilities past their limits and laid onto the floor.
Walking over, Ash picks him up. "You hear that Pikachu? A Thunderbolt? You're amazing." Ash smiles.
"Pikachu.." Pikachu chirped with a soft smile.
"Good. Now that we know the kind of potential Pikachu has we can expand on that. Focus on nonelectrical attacks." Don George said. "But first let's get Pikachu some water and a Super Potion."
"Got it." Ash nodded.
As Ash walked away, we turn towards the pool to see Misty and her Pokémon doing some training of their own.
"Water Pokémon are always strong when they're in their element but sometimes you won't have that." A trainer said as several hoops and floating platforms were pushed out.
A grin appeared across Misty's face as she thought to herself, 'This is going to be easy. This guy doesn't realize just where I'm from.' She turned to her Pokémon and said, "OK, Staryu! You go first!"
"Go Zubat!" Throwing a Poké ball, a blue bat Pokémon appeared over Staryu.
"A flying Pokémon, huh?" Misty mutters to herself.
"Now this isn't just training, I want you two to battle as hard as you can." A battle club staff
member said, acting as the ref. "Are you both ready?" "Ready!" Both of the trainers said
in unison.
"Begin!" The staff member raised both of his hands, beginning the match.
"Zubat, use Leech Life!" Making the first move Zubat flew in shooting multiple needles from its mouth.
"Staryu, dive underwater and dodge it!" Misty ordered as Staryu dove into the pool.
"You can swim, but you can't hide! Use Supersonic!" Releasing sonic waves Zubat used the attack to track down Staryu from underwater like a sonar.
Zubat moves its head around and detects movement coming from the upper right side of the pool. "It's there! Draw Staryu out with your Razor Wind, Zubat!" Zubat's wings flash brilliant white and it continually waves them, creating bright white, crescent-shaped energy, sending it into the water. The waves splashed around, revealing Staryu's hiding spot.
"Staryu!" Misty gasps as Staryu is forced out of the water and onto the platforms.
"Now use Wing-Attack!" Both of Zubat's wings glow white and white and then slam into the starfish Pokémon.
"Staryu, whack them away! Rapid Spin!" Spinning in the opposite direction, Staryu flies back and whacks Zubat.
"Zubat, fall back and use Double Team!" Shaking off the attack Zubat made multiple copies of itself.
"Staryu, use Swift!" Misty said as Staryu released a barrage of shooting stars that flew towards all the Zubat.
"Fly through the hoops!" The trainer stated as all of the Zubat flew out in different directions with a shooting star directly after them, the Zubat began to fly through the hoops one by one.
"You won't get away that easily!" Misty said as the stars chased after Zubat. The stars and Zubat clones all zoomed all over the pool and were about to meet in the middle.
"Zubat dive!" The trainer said as Zubat dived towards the pool just as the stars collided sending sparkly dust raining over them.
"Now use Razor Wind!" All of Zubat's clones disappeared, revealing the real one. As blades of sharp wind flew across the field it sliced one of the platforms into thirds as it neared Staryu.
"Yikes!" Misty flinched.
"The next one is coming right for you! Razor Wind!" As Zubat flew in about to release one more blade of wind.
"Staryu stop them! Water Gun!" Before Zubat attacked, Staryu sprayed it in the face with a stream of water.
"Zubat, fly back up!" The trainer shouted to his Pokémon to move out of the way, but Misty isn't going to let that happen.
"Not a chance! Use Swift while it's dazed!" She said, stretching her arm out. More yellow glowing stars came out from Staryu's gem core once again, and this time, landing a direct hit on Zubat.
Screeching in pain, Zubat plummeted down towards the pool.
"Now Rapid Spin!" Spinning quickly, Staryu rammed into Zubat just before it hit the pool, sending it crashing into the water.
"Zubat!" The trainer cried out. Slowly resurfacing, Zubat groaned with swirly eyes.
"Zubat is unable to battle! Staryu wins!" The Battle Club member declares.
"Yes!" Misty cheered in victory as Staryu hopped out of the pool. "Nice job, Staryu."
"Hya." Staryu nods, happy to have won.
Zubat's trainer returned his Pokémon back into its ball and met with Misty on her side. "That was a great battle. We thought we had you there."
"You almost did. Guess hiding underwater isn't as solid a strategy anymore." Misty rubs the back of her head.
"One of the things we pride ourselves on; you always learn something new." The Battle Club member smiles.
Misty nodded at the new knowledge she was given and shook hands with her opponent.
Changing scenes, we see Ash and his Pokémon with Don George.
"Alright now that we've done some training, we need to improve your Pokémon's move pool. The reason you struggled so hard against Brock is that none of your Pokémon knew attacks that are strong against Rock types." Don George explains.
"Yeah. But Butterfree's Confusion attack did help us out a little," Ash said.
"Confusion is a good thing to have in your back pocket, but what if I said Butterfree could learn
a move strong enough to even give Onix a hard time?" Don George asks, getting his attention.
"I'm listening." Ash said, curious.
"Long range attacks are definitely a smart strategy against heavy hitters like Rock types. But sometimes you'll need to fight them up close and really do some damage. That's where these guys come in." Don George said looking at Pikachu and Spearow.
"Well, what did you have in mind?" Ash asked as Pikachu and Spearow leaned with interest. Leading them to heavy bags, Don George stacked them up.
"Rocks are strong but there are two types of attacks that can overpower them. Fighting and Steel attacks. Your Pokémon will attack the bags over and over until they break them." Don George explains.
"Hm, well that doesn't sound so bad. We can do it, right guys?" Ash asks his Pokémon.
"Pika!"
"Spear!"
"The attacks that I would suggest for these two are Double Kick and Steel Wing. They involve your Pokémon focusing their power into one part of their body and dealing powerful blows. Pikachu his legs and Spearow through his wings." Don George suggests.
"Alright. Pikachu, try getting on all fours and use your legs to kick like a horse." "Pika." Nodding Pikachu did several horse kicks to get him in the groove.
"Remember, hit with one then follow with a second." Don George said, showing his own kicking. Swinging his left foot, he kicks the bag before leaping up and kicking with the other bag. "Ash get over here."
"Yeah?" Ash walks over.
"I want you to go behind the bag and keep it steady for Pikachu." He instructs Ash to keep the bag in balance for Pikachu to kick so it wouldn't send him flying.
Nodding Ash stood behind.
"Now Spearow, I want you to work the speed bag with your wings. Strike it as many times as you can as fast as you can." Don George instructs.
"Spear." Nodding, Spearow flew up to the sand bag and started smacking both of his wings into it.
Finally turning his attention to Pidgeotto, Beedrill, and Butterfree, Don George approached them.
"Now then, I'm gonna show you three what you're capable of." Don George declares.
For the next few days, Ash and Misty were put through the wringer with all their Battle Club training.
But as they were focusing on getting stronger, they were unaware of something else happening in the shadows of the city.
Pewter Museum of Science...
In a lab located in the back of the museum, we see multiple scientists working on a large machine.
"Let's see, how are readings looking?" A scientist asks as one examines a meter.
"We're at 75% restoration." He read.
"Excellent. Increase the output." He instructs as the door slowly opens behind him and Team Rocket wearing lab coats and glasses peeked in.
"Ok is everyone clear on where everyone and everything is?" Jessie whispered.
"Yep, I got the instructions and blueprints." James nods.
"And they have quite a few fossils set aside for that machine." Meowth said.
"This has to be what the boss meant when he wanted us to steal from here." Jessie assumes eyeing the machine.
During their time in the city, the trio managed to get themselves jobs at the museum as lab assistants in order to get close with the people in charge and learn of their plans.
"Hey interns." One of the scientists called out, getting their attention. "If you have time to lean, you have time to clean. Get in here and help."
"Yes sir!" The trio said in unison, moving inside of the room.
"And when you're done go on a coffee run. It's gonna be another late night." A scientist said much to their annoyance.
"Will do!" Jessie calls out, grabbing a broom while having an annoyed look on her face.
"The sooner we get this heist over with, the better! I'm tired of being these geeks' servant
girl!" "I definitely won't feel bad robbing this place." James mutters.
"Me neither..." Meowth grumbles, getting sick of being an errand boy.
As the remaining scientists walked out for their break, Team Rocket had finally been left alone. It was time to put their plan into action.
Meanwhile, at the front of the museum, we see Brock being handed a check by a Scientist.
"Thank you, this will pay for a few trips to the grocery store," Brock said grateful.
"It's my pleasure Brock. Your mother definitely deserves a long break for taking the night shift." They nodded.
"She needs more than a break. She needs a vacation." Brock frowns, wishing he could do more.
"I know. A woman like Lola shouldn't be pushing herself just to get by for you and the others. At least being a Gym Leader solves a bit of it in a way," the Scientist said
"I guess, still sometimes I wish I wasn't the one who had to run it." Brock sighs. "Anyway, thanks
again. If it wasn't for your donations things would be a lot harder." "Just hang in there, Brock.
Things will improve." The lead scientist assures.
"I hope so." Brock nods, turning to leave.
"Do you ever feel like we should tell him where the donations really come from?" The woman asks.
The scientist sighs and says, "Trust me, it would be a whole lot easier, but you know why we can't."
"There's only one person who can fix this." She sighs knowing who they were talking about.
As Brock exits the museum he notices Ash and Misty walking across the street.
"Hey, Ash! Misty!" He called out to them, getting their attention.
"Oh, hey Brock!" Misty chimed as he ran over.
"Good to see you guys again." Brock smiles in his normal friendly tone.
"Yeah, you too." Ash said, noticing his shift of change. "So, what you've been up to?"
"Mostly just cleaning up after our battle and taking care of everyone. You'd be amazed how long it takes to get that arena ready for the next challengers." Brock chuckles.
"Anyone ever told you, you're a lot friendlier outside the gym?" Misty points out.
"Yeah, completely different from how cold and serious you were back then," Ash added.
"Oh yeah, that." Brock rubs the back of his head embarrassed. "It's just a thing I do for gym battles. I find cold and serious gives trainers a better challenge than how I normally act."
"Well, it sure caught us off guard." Ash admitted, wondering if he'd act like that to all other challengers in the future.
"So, what have you been up to?" Brock asks.
"Training for a rematch, but Misty and I decided to head back to the Pokémon Center for some lunch." Ash points.
Misty nodded and added, "We've been going back and forth to the Battle Club for the past few days."
"So does that mean I should be expecting a rematch anytime soon?" Brock asks.
"Possibly." Ash nods when they hear an alarm go off. "What was that?"
Brock's eyes widened, realizing what it was and where it was coming from. "That's the museum's alarm system! Something must have happened!"
As Brock runs to go help Ash and Misty exchange glances before following after.
As they neared the museum, they saw smoke rising from the entrance and a large number of people panicked and left the facility, including tourists and scientists. Brock approached one of them who was trying to get the air back in his lungs.
"What happened?!" He exclaimed.
"Smoke suddenly came from the back fossil room followed by a loud rumbling! We think there could be a fire or maybe an Earthquake." The lead scientist said.
"Smoke suddenly came from the back fossil room followed by a loud rumbling! We think we could be having a fire or maybe an Earthquake." The lead scientist said.
"Is everyone alright?!" Brock asks worriedly.
"Hopefully. We have all of the guards and staff evacuating everyone," they said.
As Ash and Misty arrive, a woman scientist exits.
"We're missing our interns!" She declares.
"What?!" Ash gasped.
"You don't think they could be trapped inside?" Misty said, worried.
"If they are then they're in trouble." Brock cringes seeing everyone else was busy evacuating.
Taking a deep breath, Brock charged into the building.
"Brock!" Ash gasps as we zoom out to reveal Flint saw this as well.
"What is he doing?!" He exclaimed in panic.
"Brock, wait!" Ash said, running after him.
"Ash, no! It's dangerous!" Misty calls out.
"Pikapi!" Pikachu cried out.
"If they're trapped, they need help!" Ash calls out.
Making their way to the back room where the smoke originated from, Ash and Brock looked at each other and nodded.
Flinging the door open the entire room was surrounded by smoke but for some reason felt no heat.
"That's weird. There's no heat, but tons of smoke pouring out of here." Brock said.
"But if there's no heat then what's making all this smoke?" Ash asks.
"I don't know, but something smells funny and it's not just the smoke in here. Let's get rid of all this smog, first." Brock instructs as Ash nodded.
"Right!" He grabs a Poké Ball from his belt and throws it.
"Butterfree! Blow all of this smoke away!"
"Free! Free!" Flapping his wings, Butterfree blew away the smoke and their suspicions were correct. There were no flames but there was something much worse.
Atop a giant robot with a shovel and pickaxe for an arm we see the fossil machine strapped to it.
"What is that?!" Ash exclaimed.
"Whatever it is, it's got the Resurrection Machine!" Brock gasped.
"The what?" Ash asks to hear this for the first time.
Suddenly a familiar laughter echoed from inside the robot.
Looking at the top of the machine, we see the three interns standing on top of the robot. "Hey, aren't those guys the interns?" Brock asks.
"Not anymore! It's quitting time!" The short intern declares as they ditch the disguises to reveal their Team Rocket uniforms.
"From now on you can get your own coffee!" James snaps.
"Them again?!" Ash growled, with Butterfree equally sharing his look of anger and annoyance.
"Who are they?" Brock asks again, wondering how Ash knows them.
"Hmph, well if you'd like to know that bad..." Jessie started.
"Then allow us to introduce ourselves." James continued.
"Prepare for trouble, this is set in stone."
"And make it double, we stripped this place down to the bone."
"To protect the world from devastation!"
"To unite all peoples within our nation!"
"To denounce the evils of truth and love!"
"To extend our reach to the stars above!"
Jessie!
James!
"Team Rocket excavating at the speed of light!"
"Surrender your fossils now, or prepare to fight!"
"Meeeee-owth, that's right! "
"You can't steal the Machine! That represents years of hard work and research to every person in this museum!" Brock snaps.
"You mean the ones who lounge around sitting in front of computers, looking up nothing but boulders all day long? Oh yeah, they deserve all of the credit," Meowth said, sarcastically.
"Well, what would lazy thieves like you know about hard work? You couldn't even handle working as interns." Ash mocks.
"As if a kid like you wouldn't understand the grueling and hard labor, we had to endure these last few days," James countered.
"And they wouldn't even pay us! This isn't stealing! It's compensation!" Jessie said.
"Uh, that's the point about being an intern," Brock points out. "You don't get paid; you learn what to do around your job."
"What idiot came up with that idea?" James asks.
"Just what is that machine you three got?" Ash said, getting back on topic.
"That's the Resurrection machine. Using our knowledge of fossils and with this new invention we could actually bring extinct Pokémon back to life." Brock declared.
"Say what?" Ash asks, looking shocked. "So, wait, that could bring back ancient Pokémon
like the ones we see at the tour?" "Exactly." Brock affirmed.
"And that's exactly what our boss is gonna want, revitalized Pokémon straight from the past!" Meowth sneered.
"Letting them steal normal Pokémon is bad enough. Brock we gotta stop them." Ash said, glancing at him.
"Agreed. No one steals from this museum and gets away with it." Brock narrows his eyes.
"Ha! Like two twerps can take down our Fossil Fighter!" Jessie mocked before the trio hopped into the machine, booting it up.
"Fossil Fighter, up and running!" Meowth declares as the robot turns to them.
"Punisher Pickaxe, engage!" James said, pressing a button. The Fossil Fighter raised its arm with the pickaxe in hand and swung it down towards the two and Pokémon. Ash, Brock, and Butterfree quickly separated from each other as the iron struck the ground.
"Shovel Crusher, go!" Jessie said as the other arm dug into the ground and flung loose debris at them.
"Lookout!" Brock said.
"Butterfree, use Confusion on the rocks!" Ash points.
"Free!" With glowing eyes, Butterfree stops the rubble from crushing them and gently places the rocks aside to prevent any further damage to the museum.
"Quick thinking, Ash. We can't let too much damage happen here," Brock commends him.
"Too bad Team Rocket doesn't think that way." Ash said gesturing to their machine.
"Right." Cringing Brock looks at them and then at Ash. "We need to get the machine away from the robot before we can get rid of them. If I can keep them still long enough, can you do it?" Brock asks.
Ash nodded and said, "Just leave it to me."
"You like rocks huh? Let's see how you crooks handle this! Go Onix!" Calling out his ace the giant rock snake Pokemon was as big as the Fossil Fighter.
"Wrap them up with Bind, Onix!" Brock said.
Roaring, Onix wraps his stone body around the Fossil Fighter keeping it in place.
"Hey! Let go!" Jessie yelled as they fiddled with the controls but Onix wouldn't budge no matter how much the Fossil Fighter squirmed.
"Once you're stuck in that wrap you're not going anywhere," Ash said speaking from experience.
"We'll see about it! Rocket Drill, engage!" Meowth punches a button, bringing out a drill as it spun around and struck Onix in its side, making it cry out in pain.
"Ash, quickly! The cables!" Brock points.
"On it! Spearow, Steel Wing!" Taking out a Pokeball, Ash calls out his bird Pokémon.
"Spearow!" Squawking, Spearow's wings glowed and turned into metal. Taking off like a bullet, Spearow went straight towards the cable cowards and...
SNAP!
SNAP!
SNAP!
SNAP!
Gasping in horror, Team Rocket watched as the Restoration machine fell from their robot. "Butterfree/Onix! Catch it!" Both trainers said as Butterfree used Confusion and Onix used his tail to catch the machine before it hit the ground.
The boys sighed with relief, now that their objective was safe and sound. They looked at each other, exchanging a nod before turning to their enemies.
Now there was nothing stopping them from sending Team Rocket flying.
"Our money maker is gone!" Jessie wailed in horror.
"W-what do we do?! We can't go back empty-handed!" James panics.
Looking around frantically, Meowth noticed some files on the floor of their machine making the cat Pokémon gasp.
"Onix, Tackle!" Brock yells as Onix charges in.
Ramming into the machine, Team Rocket was knocked out of the museum through the hole they made and landed right near Misty and Pikachu.
"Pika?!" Pikachu gasped.
"What the heck is that?!" Misty shouted in fear along with the citizens and scientists behind her.
"Don't let them get away! It's Team Rocket!" Ash yells as he and Brock run out.
"They set the whole thing up so they could rob the museum and steal the Resurrection machine!" Brock declares, making everyone gasp.
"The interns were thieves?!" One of the scientists said in disbelief.
"We're not interns." Jessie groans hating being called that.
"Can we get on with getting back to the plan, please?" James asks, equally annoyed.
"You're not going anywhere." Misty said.
"Pika." Pikachu agrees with sparks coming from his cheeks.
"Oh yeah? Just watch us! All Out-Mode!" Meowth said, pressing another button, making all of the Fossil Fighter's weapons (shovel, pickaxe, and drill) come out at the same time, ready to fight.
"Starmie! Use Power Gem!" Throwing a Pokeball into the air Misty calls out a purple star Pokémon with a glowing gem core. Spinning rapidly, Starmie fired a pale pink beam of energy at the robot, but they quickly deflected it with their Shovel Crusher.
"You kids should know the drill by now!" Meowth said as the drill shot forward forcing them to dodge as it pierced the ground creating a crater.
"Geodude, use Rock Throw and take out that drill!" Brock said.
"Geo!" Geodude roars, hurling rocks at them.
"Oh no you don't!" Swinging its pickaxe the Fossil Fighter smashes the incoming rocks into gravel.
"Pikachu, try using Thunderbolt!" Ash said. Pikachu jumped and fired a blast of electricity from his body.
"Time for a spin of events!" Once again, the Fossil Fighter used their drill to deflect the electric move while it was spinning, leaving them unharmed.
"Those tools are getting in the way. If we can't get rid of them, they'll destroy this whole museum." Misty said
"Maybe instead of a fossil exhibit you can do a Ruins exhibit with what's left of this dump." Jessie suggests, while grinning.
"That way, people would really be interested in the past!" Meowth laughed.
"Lost past, that is!" James added, as the trio laughed in unison.
Hearing this, something snapped in Brock. He tightened his fist and then shouted, "ENOUGH!" His voice resonated throughout the area, getting everybody's attention.
"B-Brock?" Ash stuttered.
"You will not mock the hard work and dedication the people of this museum put into this sacred place! The only thing that's going to be ruined is your machine!" Brock declares.
"My, my… Looks like we've made somebody angry." James smirked.
"Ooh I'm soooo scared." Jessie mocks
"Let's simmer down that breaking point with OUR breaking point!" Meowth said, pressing a button, activating their pickaxe again, swinging it down.
"Starmie Rapid Spin!" Spinning quickly Starmie breaks the handle part of the pickaxe stopping them from hurting Brock.
"Huh?!" The Rockets gasped in shock that their weapon was stopped and their pickaxe fell to the ground.
"Misty?" Brock turns to his savior, who stood by his left.
"We got your back Brock. No way are we letting these clowns destroy this museum." Misty assures.
"She's right," Ash said, standing by Brock's opposite side.
"Ash?" Brock turns to him.
"I may not have liked the museum at first, but if it means a lot to you and the people in this city, I won't let Team Rocket ruin everything for them." Ash states.
Smiling at their support, Brock nods his head, calming down. "Then we need to be smart. And above all else watch out for debris." Brock advises.
"Taking out those weapons should be our first priority," Ash said, looking at the remaining two tools in the Fossil Fighter's possession.
"Shovel Crusher, go!" Meowth said as the Fossil Fighter swung its shovel at them.
"Look out!" Brock said as they narrowly avoided getting hit by it.
"Onix! Grab that shovel!" Roaring to his trainer's command, Onix moved in and chomped down onto the shovel with its teeth, immobilizing Team Rocket.
"Hey, let go, ya walking pebble!" Meowth shouted.
The Fossil Fighter struggled to pull the shovel free, but Onix wasn't budging.
"Use the Drill!" Jessie orders.
They activated the drill and aimed it right at Onix, but Ash stepped in.
"Butterfree, use String Shot!" He yelled as Butterfree launched a stream of silk, wrapping it around the drill and stopping it just as it was about to hit Onix.
"Hey, what's happening? "It is not spinning! James yelled as he continued to press the button. With the drill and shovel unresponsive the Fossil Fighter began to shake violently.
And inside the main control room, it affected the Rocket's too. "W-w-what's g-g-going Meowth?!" Jessie stammered.
"The Fossil Fighter is putting in too much power, but it can't do anything. S-So if it can't move all the energy just builds up." Meowth stutters.
"T-then w-what happens?" James asks. Almost on cue, nuts and bolts began to shoot out of the machine, unable to handle all the pressure.
"All of that added pressure starts to break the machine down!" Meowth panics, horrifying them.
"Now's our chance! Geodude, Mega Punch!" Brock yells as Geodude's fist glows and he leaps up…
POW!
With a powerful punch, the Shovel Crusher attachment broke.
"Looks like you're all out of tools." Ash smirks.
"Give'em the tight squeeze, Onix" Brock said, snapping his fingers. The rock serpent nods and coiled its hulk and rocky body around the Fossil Fighter and squeezed, putting even more pressure on them.
"Now Pikachu, you're up!" Ash said as Pikachu flew in on Butterfree's back with sparks emitting from his cheeks.
This made the group of bumbling misfits cower and hold each other in fear.
"Thunderbolt!" Leaping off Pikachu releases a powerful bolt of electricity and while Onix didn't feel anything, Team Rocket sure did.
Unable to withstand the electric attack, the Fossil Fighter exploded, launching Team Rocket into the air.
"What a waste! This whole ordeal was for nothing!" Jessie whines.
"Not entirely." Meowth groans, revealing he was holding some files in his paws.
"The files? You grabbed them before we blasted off?" James asks in shock. Jun 23"Yeah during the fight they landed in front of me." Mewoth admits. "Yes! This wasn't for nothing!" Jessie pumps her fist forgetting they were flying through the sky... "Nothing can bring us down now!"
"Well except gravity." James reminds.
"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!" The trio screamed, flying off into the horizon.
An hour later, Ash, Misty and Brock were helping clean up all the damage.
"Well, the machine is still in working order, but unfortunately we can't seem to find the original plans for it." The Lead scientist informs.
"They either were stolen or they got lost in the fire." Misty summarizes.
"Please tell me, you still have the backups saved somewhere," Brock said hopeful.
"Don't worry. I'd be a fool to not think of making copies just in case something goes south," the Lead scientist reassured, saying he did in fact had backups saved.
"At least there's that good news." Misty said trying to look on the bright side.
"In any case, thank you kids for helping us save the equipment." The scientist said, bowing to them.
"Glad we could help." Ash said.
"I could tell you and your Pokémon have really improved since our last battle." Brock said, impressed.
"Oh yeah. We've been working our butts to get even with you, right guys?" Ash asked his Pokémon who cried out in agreement.
"So does that mean I should expect a rematch sometime soon?" Brock smiles.
"Count on it." Ash grins.
As both sides went their separate ways, none were aware of Flint standing there out in the open.
Despite knowing that everything was safe and sound, the fear and horror of seeing Brock run into that smoky building was still fresh in his mind. He couldn't stop thinking about it. 'Brock could have gotten seriously hurt. Even if there was no fire, what if there was?'
And the worst part was he just stood there and watched. If something had happened to Brock what would become of his younger siblings?
'I can't do this anymore.' Flint thought, realizing he had to stop running. He had to suck it up and be a man. It would be hard and painful but it had to be done once and for all. 'No more running. I'm going to make things right.' Tomorrow.
Tomorrow, after the rematch, he told himself.
The next day we find ourselves back at the Pewter City Gym.
Standing across from each other, Ash and Brock faced off while Misty and Brock's siblings were in the stands, with Forrest acting as the ref once again.
"Welcome back, Ash. Hope your training was definitely worth it, cause I'm eager to see for myself," Brock said, with a serious stare on his face again he held up a Poké Ball.
"You bet I am." Ash nods ready for this.
"This will be an official battle between Brock the Gym Leader and Ash the challenger. Each side will use two Pokémon and the battle will end when both Pokémon on either side are unable to continue. Furthermore, Gym Battle rules state that only the challenger can switch Pokémon during the match."
Both gym leader and trainer nodded before Forrest raised his flags, "Battle Begin!"
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