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"Butts"- Humans speaking
"Butts"- Pokemon speaking
'Butts'- thoughts
"Butts"-Pokedex entries/TV commentary
Cerulean Splashdown
Ash asked his friends if it was okay to stop and train for a day or two before heading to the Gym, Brock checked their supplies, then said that it would be completely fine. Misty agreed as well, though something seemed to be bothering her. When Ash asked, she just smiled and said that she was fine.
With Brock and Misty's help, and a lot of hard work, Ash's Pokémon were soon up to Level twenty and ready for the Cerulean Gym. Green had forgotten Leech Seed in order to learn the much more powerful Energy Ball and like his brother, he was incredibly quick and evasive; swooping in to attack his opponents and getting out of the way before they even had a chance to react. While going against Onix, Psi had mastered Psycho Cut, slamming the energy wave into Onix and sending him flying face-first into a tree. As you can imagine, Geodude wasn't too happy about that. Cobalt didn't learn any new moves, but he improved his Speed and Attack. Though there was an incident involving Bone Rush when he accidentally threw it into the woods.
Green: Don't worry, I'll get it.
The Treecko had gone into the area, finding the bone jetting out of a tree. When he tried to pull it out, he accidentally broke it in half, much to his horror.
Green: Uh oh…. *towards group* Hey, Co! Someone took your bone thingy and replaced it with a broken one!
Cobalt: AGAIN?!
However, that's when Green and the others found out that the Bone Rush could be broken into 2 smaller bones, thus allowing Cobalt to dual wield. Much to Misty's joy, her Metapod evolved, becoming a beautiful Butterfree. The Bug was a quick learner, and soon knew Confusion, Poison Powder, Stun Spore, and Sleep Powder. On the morning of the third day, Ash decided his Pokémon were ready and they made their way towards Cerulean City. Misty was acting even more nervous then she had before, and for at least the fifth time in the past few days, Ash asked her what was wrong.
Misty: Nothing! But are you sure you want to go to Cerulean City? You don't want any Pokémon from there! They're all big, scary Ghost Pokémon that look like…this!
She made a face that was obviously meant to be scary, but turned out to be more funny than anything. Ash nearly fell down laughing. Though when he noticed she wasn't too amused, he stopped.
Ash: Nice face, Misty. I'm not going there to get Pokémon anyway. I'm going to try for my second Badge."
Misty: But you don't want to go to the Cerulean Gym!
Brock: Why not?
Misty: It's all….. dingy and disgusting! The Vermillion Gym is much, much nicer! Plus Vermillion is right on the water, has a lot of neat Pokémon and you can watch all the giant yachts pulling into the harbor! Plus, there's a little park up on a hill where you can watch the sunset and it's so romantic!
Ash: I've heard of the Vermillion Gym City Leader. His name's Lieutenant Surge, he's a retired army veteran. He's really tough and I want to get a little more experience before I go up against him. Plus, I'll need to get the Cerulean Badge eventually anyway. I wonder who the Gym Leader is and what Pokémon they use? I can't believe I forgot to check!
He pulled his Indigo League handbook out of his bag and started to flip through it, but Misty snatched it out of his hand.
Misty: You don't need this! Do you really want to wreck the surprise? *throws book into bush*
Ash: Hey, I paid for that!
He glared at Misty as Psi used their telekinesis to retrieve the book and give it back to Ash.
Ash: Okay, what's with you? Something's clearly bothering you and you're acting kind of crazy! I'm your friend; can't you trust me enough to tell me what's going on?
Misty opened her mouth to yell at him, then closed it again, knowing he was right.
Misty: *sighs* Okay…. It's my sisters. They're the Gym Leaders at Cerulean and they're always putting me down because I'm supposedly not as "glamorous" or as "talented" as them. I stormed off a few months ago, vowing to never return until I became the best Water Pokémon trainer in the world.
Ash: Wow…. Sounds like you have the same problem with them that I have with Gary. They sound like real jerks. I do still have to try for that badge, but you don't have to go near the Gym or even into the city if you don't want to. But why didn't you tell me or Brock earlier?
Misty: Same reason you never told us about Gary. I was embarrassed and I didn't want you to know. I'll take you to the Gym because knowing you, you'll get yourself lost, but I'm not going inside.
Ash: That's fine.
The group headed into Cerulean City. But what they didn't know was that three very unwelcome visitors had arrived in Cerulean the night before, and that they were about to be caught in the middle of a sinister plan that involved the Cerulean Gym…
—-
Cerulean City was beautiful, at least in Ash's and Brock's opinion. Misty kept glancing around nervously like she was expecting her sisters to pop up out of nowhere. Suddenly, they heard sirens and came upon a huge crowd of people surrounding a small store while several police officers were examining the scene. They walked up to the crowd, Ash facing a man in the crowd to ask what happened.
Ash: Excuse me, do you know what happened here?
Man: Some burglars broke into that store last night.
Ash: Burglars?
?: What do YOU know about burglars?
The group turned around, spotting a young police woman with teal colored hair approachign them.
Policewoman: You three look very suspicious to me!
Green: Wow, SOMEONE'S paranoid, am I right?
Brock: We just came into town and saw the crowd, so we came over to see what was going on.
Policewoman: The criminal always returns to the scene of the crime.
Cobalt moved between Ash and the paranoid police officer and so did Psi. Green glared at her from his spot on Ash's shoulder as the Kadabra rolled their eyes, obviously thinking the whole thing was ridiculous.
Psi: *sarcastic* Then that must mean every single person in this crowd is a thief.
Policewoman: And it appears your Pokémon were in on it with you!
Cobalt: What?! Are you stupid?! What kind of officer are you?!
Ash: We are NOT thieves! I'm ten! I'm just a Pokémon trainer who came to challenge the gym, saw the crowd, and came over to see what was going on! I have my Pokédex right here!
He pulled it out and showed it to the police officers, which displayed Ash's picture.
Pokedex: Identification mode activated. I am a Pokédex programmed by Professor Oak for Trainer Ashton Ketchum.
Brock: Yeah, and I was the Leader of the Pewter City Gym.
Brock said this as he showed the policewoman his Boulder Badge and Gym Leader certificate while Misty showed her photo ID.
Misty: And I'm Misty Waterflower. My sisters run the Gym here.
Policewoman: oh well, that's evidence enough for me….. *sheepish* Sorry I was so suspicious. Late night and way too much coffee, I suppose.
Brock: Um, miss? I was wondering, since I'm new in town, if we could get together tonight and maybe you could show me around?
Green: …..Are you kidding me? Do you just ask out the lady that accused you of being a thief? And I thought Psi was weird…
Psi: Hey!
Policewoman: *as she laughs* Well, I'm not off duty till past your bedtime…
Brock flinched and Ash tried to give him a reassuring smile.
Green: Ooof… That's rough.
Policewoman: And I may even have to work round the clock to catch those burglars.
Off-screen Cop: Jenny, we need your help over here ASAP.
Jenny: *leaves* Fine, I'm coming!
Ash: I wonder what they stole.
Psi closed their eyes as the star mark on their forehead glowed, seemingly sending the inventory of the store before opening them again.
Psi: Well, this is peculiar. The store was robbed, but there is no missing money. The only things missing are a massive vacuum and a giant hose.
Ash: Why would anyone steal a giant vacuum cleaner and a hose?
Green: I dunno, but for once, I think it's best to just leave this to the authorities and go our merry way. After all, we got a badge to win.
Ash, Brock, and Misty left the scene and made a stop at the Pokémon Center to heal their teams before heading towards the Gym, where Misty pointed to a building with a magenta and orange roof and a giant Dewgong on the front.
Misty: The gym's that building right there. I'll meet you at the Pokémon Center once you're done. Good luck.
Brock: I'll see you later too, Ash. I've got to go do something as well.
Ash: What is it?
Brock: Well, I wasn't going to tell you until afterwards, but I'm too excited to wait. There's a Pokémon Breeder's Association office here and I'm going to submit some of my Pokémon food recipes to them. They're having a Cooking For Pokémon contest this month, and if I win, my recipes will get published in Pokémon Breeders Digest and I'll get a big cash prize!
Ash: I bet you'll win!
Brock: Thanks. I'll try to make it back in time to watch your match.
Ash waved goodbye to him as he left, then he and his team walked into the Gym.
—-
Much to Ash's surprise, when he entered the Gym with his Pokémon, they saw not a battle arena, but a giant stadium with a pool, with the building being packed with people.
Announcer: Ladies and gentleman, please welcome the stars of our show, the Sensational Cerulean City Synchronized Swimming Sisters!
Green: Try saying that five times fast. Isn't this supposed to be a Gym?
Cobalt: That's what Misty said. What's going on here?
Three beautiful girls, one with orange hair, one with pink hair, and one with violet hair dived off the top of a diving board that had to be at least twenty feet up, and began to do an excellently choreographed synchronized swimming show. The crowd went wild, but Ash and his team were completely confused.
Ash: *whispers to team* Okay, as beautiful as this is, I thought this was supposed to be a Pokémon Gym. Could Misty have gotten the wrong building?
Psi: I highly doubt it. This is her hometown after all. Perhaps this odd swimming display is simply a side hobby.
Green: UGH! I'm so bored! I wanted to massacre some Water types, not watch humans swim.
Ash: Maybe the Gym's on the other side of the building or something.
They exited the stadium through a side door just as the show was ending. As they entered the next room, they came upon a giant aquarium full of non- Pokémon fish like trout and bass.
Ash: Okay, there's a giant aquarium, but no Gym. Maybe I AM in the wrong building…
Girl: That was so great. Daisy, the dive you did was super!
Girl 2: The practice really paid off.
Girl 3: Totally!
There was a high-pitched giggle as Ash turned to see the three girls from the show. H eapproached them, hoping to get directions to the gym.
Ash: Uh, excuse me?
Pink Haired Girl: I'm sorry, but if you want an interview, you have to, like, call our manager.
Ash: No, it's not that…
Pink Haired Girl: We don't do autographs either.
Ash: I don't want one, I just wanted to know if this was a Pokémon Gym!
Violet Haired Girl: Oh….. Well, it sure is.
Ash: *sighs* Thank Arceus. Are any of you the Leader of this gym?
Orange haired Girl: All three of us are. I'm Daisy. Her name's Violet, and this is Lily.
Violet: We're the three Sensational Sisters.
Lily: We're world famous!
Green: If this is what Misty has to put up with, I'm not surprised she left.
Ash: Then what's with all the swimming? Arren't Gym Leaders busy enough with all the trainers coming in for Badges?
Lily: It's, like, our hobby, and our fans love to watch us perform.
Violet: We pool our talents to make a big splash!
They all let out a high-pitched giggle that made Ash and Cobalt cringe.
Green: I don't know what's worse; the annoying laughter, the stupid speech, or the horrible puns.
Psi: I suggest we go with D; All of the above.
Ash: Am I supposed to face one of you or all of you?
The girls looked at each other and frowned.
Daisy: We don't feel much like battling anymore.
Ash: What?! But this is a Gym!
Violet: We just got beaten three times in a row by these kids from this nowhere place called Pallet Town. It was one defeat after another. My eyes were spinning from all of the losses."
Daisy: We, like, had to rush all our Pokémon to the Pokémon Center.
Lily: This is the only one left.
Lily tossed a Poké Ball and a Goldeen popped out, flopping on the floor and trying to make its way into the pool. Ash bent down and helped it in.
Goldeen: Thanks.
Violet: If it would evolve into Seaking, we could use it, but all it can do now is its Horn Attack.
Goldeen: You know, it would help if you actually tried training me, you stupif who-
The fish didn't get to finish as the pink-haired girl returned it to its Poké Ball.
Violet: So, there's no point in even battling.
Daisy: And now, instead of having matches, we have time to make ourselves more beautiful than ever!
Ash looked on in disappointment as Cobalt shook his head in frustration.
Cobalt: *disgusted* These girls have more ego than Viridian Forest has Beedrill!
Green: The Terrible Two have more dignity than these broads!
Daisy: I know what you want. *claps* Seel!
The Pokémon swum over and stuck out its tongue. On it was a blue Badge shaped like a water drop.
Ash: Ew.
Daisy: A Cascade is what you want, right? *holds it out* You can have it.
Ash: Thanks, but I'd rather EARN my Badges. Plus, it was in your Pokemon's mouth.
Daisy: Take it. A Badge is a Badge and also we brush Seel's teeth daily. It's clean. Here.
Ash looked at the Badge, then at his Pokémon, unsure of what to do. However, he remembered something Arthur had told him when he had participated in one of their training sessions.
Arthur: "Victories won't just be handed to you. You need to earn them."
He knew his mentor/chief would probably be disappointed in him if he took a Badge he didn't rightfully earn. And Ash would be disappointed in himself as well. He looked the girl right in the eyes.
Ash: No…. I refuse to take a Badge I didn't earn.
Disappointed and angry, he turned to walk out of the Gym. His Pokemon followed him out, Cobalt holding his hand in support.
Cobalt: For what it's worth, I'm proud of you for that, Ash.
Green: Same here. Shows you got honor for the sport. I'm sure Dad would be proud too.
Psi: We will figure out a way to get a Cascade Badge the right way. Mayhaps Brock can help-
Misty: HOLD IT!
Ash turned to see Misty standing at the bleachers, leaping over the guardrail as she faced her sisters angrily.
Misty: All right, Daisy, if you don't want to battle him, I will!
Ash: *smiles* You came?
Her scowl turned into a smile as she turned to him.
Ash: I had to. When I was in the Pokémon Center, I heard a trainer talking about those three nimrods just giving away Badges. That's an insult to our Gym and I knew you wouldn't take one, or that if you did, you'd be disappointed in yourself. So, now you're getting your battle with me, the fourth Sensational Sister!
Lily: There are only three Sensational Sisters and one runt!
Misty glared at her, and so did Ash and his team.
Ash: Hey! Don't talk to her like that!
Daisy: *ignores Ash* So, little sister, it's a surprise to see you back so soon.
Violet: That little girl with the big mouth that said she was going to be a great Pokémon trainer; wasn't that you?
Misty: *hurt* I-I-I guess I did say something like that when I left…
Lily: Misty, you left here pretending you wanted to become a Pokémon Trainer because you couldn't compare with us. Because we're obviously more beautiful and talented than you.
Misty had to grab Cobalt to keep him from introducing her sister's eyes to a Force Palm.
Ash: The only thing you're better at than Misty is being complete and utter jerks! Misty is a FAR better trainer than any of you! And you may think you're so beautiful, but inside, you're all UGLY!
Misty stared at him, her eyes wide as saucers. She had never seen her timid friend lose his temper like that before or insult anyone. Ever. Psi actually bursted out laughing as Green yelled at the top of his lungs.
Green: Oh! Oh, you got em good, Ketchum!
Cobalt: Y'all need some Rawst Berries for that burn?! *chuckles* But being serious here, I've never seen Ash like this before.
Green: You heard what Jimbo said. Ash has the heart of a Sceptile. And we never let anyone insult or hurt our tribe. Even the unofficially brought in members.
Lily: How DARE you speak to us like that!
She raised her hand to slap Ash. All of Ash's Pokémon went to defend him, and unfortunately for the pink-haired sister, Cobalt got there first. Jumping between them, Cobalt knocked Lily backwards with his shoulder. Ash had to grab him around the waist to keep him from making mincemeat of the girl who dared to try to hurt his trainer, where he eventually relaxed.
Daisy: *helps Lily up* Well, he's definitely not someone I would choose for a boyfriend, but you're no prize yourself.
Misty couldn't tell if Ash was red with rage or embarrassment as he yelled back.
Ash: I'm her FRIEND, and I'd be a pretty lousy one if I just stood there and let you three insult her!
Misty: Look, I'll prove I'm a better trainer than any of you!
They shrugged and handed her a Cascade Badge, saying she was the only one with a Pokémon that could actually battle. Misty took Ash's hand and dragged him to the battle area. As they made it to the battlefield, Misty swam out to a floating platform in the middle of the pool.
Misty: Alright, Ash, let's have our battle. If you want your Badge, you're going to have to beat me. And I'm NOT going easy on you.
Ash: I wouldn't have it any other way. How many Pokémon?"
Misty: Two on two works for me.
Ash: Psi? You up for a battle?
The Kadabra nodded and floated over to join Ash, with Cobalt and Green cheering Ash on from the side of the pool.
Misty: Well, in that case… Misty calls Staryu!
Misty threw Staryu's Poké Ball, and the starfish Pokémon landed gracefully on the platform in front of Misty as Ash scanned them.
Pokedex: Staryu, the Star Shape Pokémon. A Water type. The core of this Water Pokémon shines in a rainbow of seven colors. As long as the sparkling core in the middle of its body is not destroyed, Staryu can reform, even after it has been cut into a thousand pieces
Ash: Alright Psi, use Psycho Cut!
Psi's speed worked to his advantage as they swiped their spoon oin the air, unleashing a wave of energy that hit Staryu before the Starfish Pokémon could dodge.
Misty: Oh no! Staryu, use Recover!
The Starfish Pokémon then began to glow, looking much healthier.
Ash: Use Disable!
As Staryu is healing, Psi pointed their spoon at Staryu, causing it to suddenly stop healing.
Misty: Staryu, use Water Gun!
Ash: Dodge it with Teleport, then use Psychock!
Psi got out of the way just in time, then teleported behind Staryu, managing to strike it with a Psyshock before having to dodge again.
Ash: Use Psycho Cut!
Misty: Staryu, Counterattack!
Both attacks landed, causing both Pokémon to cry out in pain.
Ash: Can you continue? *Psi nods* Use Psyshock again!
The Kadabra managed to zap Staryu before it could react. But it wasn't out yet.
Misty: Staryu, hang in there! Use Water Gun!
It sent out streams of water four times, 3 of them Psi managed to dodge, but was hit by the fourth.
Ash: Use Psycho Cut one more time!
They did just that, knocking Staryu out as Misty returned her Pokemon.
Misty: Staryu, return. You did a great job. Now, go Starmie!
A bigger Starfish Pokemon was released, making Ash take out his Pokedex once more.
Pokedex: Starmie, the Mysterious Pokemon and the evolved form of Staryu. A Water and Psychic type. Its unusual body shape, reminiscent of abstract art, led local people to spread rumors that this Pokémon may be an invader from outer space.
Ash: Okay… Do you want to come back?
Psi: *tired* No…. No, I can continue.
Ash: *nods* All right. Use your Psyshock!
Psi zapped Starmie with a beam of energy, knocking it back a little.
Misty: Use Water Gun, Starmie! Knock them into the water!
The Starmie shot off several bursts of water, one right after the other. Exhausted, Psi teleported to dodge the first couple but was soon hit, falling into the water, where they struggled to stay afloat.
Daisy: Misty's…. Actually totally awesome..
Lily: Well, we three got all the good looks. She had to get at least SOME of the talent.
Ash: Psi, return!
He grabbed Psi's Poké Ball, sucking his Kadabral in before he could sink.
Ash: You did wonderful, buddy. Take a rest…. Green, I choose you!
The Treecko nodded, hopping onto one of the platforms and landing superhero-style as Ash gave the command.
Ash: Green, use Energy Ball!
Misty: Starmie, Water Gun!
The Starmie shot off several Water Guns, but Green managed to evade them and threw a glowing ball of green energy, striking Starmie with super effective damage.
Misty: Starmie, Rapid Spin!
Spinning so fast it was a blur, Starmie headed straight for Green.
Ash: Counter with Iron Tail!
Green's tail turned metallic as he and Starmie clashed. However, theTreecko had more energy, allowing him to knock Starmie was still in the battle, but barely.
Misty: Starmie, use Recover!
Ash: Use Quick Attack while it's using Recover!
Starmie managed to finish using Recover, but Green slammed into it before it could fire off another attack.
Misty: Use Water Gun, Starmie!
Green managed to dodge all but the last one, which glanced off of her.
Ash: Bullet Seed!
Dodging another Water Gun, Green pelted the Starmie with a barrage of seeds before being forced to dodge again. Starmie was extremely close to fainting now.
Ash: Finish it off with Iron Tail!
With a yell, Green jumed and twirled in the air, striking Starmine with an Iron Tail. It was too much for Starmie, and the Starfish Pokémon fainted.
Misty recalled her Starmie, whispering a thank you to it, where she then turned to Ash as he congratulated Green.
Misty: Congratulations, Ash. You…
Suddenly there was a huge rumbling and something crashed through the Gym wall. For some reason, it was Team Rocket; the same three idiots that Ash and his friends had run into at Mount Moon. They were riding a massive vacuum with wheels attached.
Green: These idiots again?!
Daisy: What's up with that hair?
Lily: Like, who invited the party crashers?
Cobalt: They just crashed through the wall and you're worried about HAIR?!
Jessie: Sorry for the interruption, ladies.
James: Allow us to introduce ourselves.
They went through the same motto they did on Mount Moon. I'd type it, but I suffer from a disease that prevents me from doing so…. It's called "laziness". It's very serious.
Green: Are these guys for real?
Looking at the giant vacuum, his eyes widened as he realized what they were planning to do.
Green: ASH! MISTY! Get off the platforms!
Ash: Misty! Get off the platform! *dives into water*
James: In the water, Water Pokémon have the advantage!
Jessie: But if we steal that water away..
James: The Pokémon are ours for the taking!
Meowth: And Meowth knows just how to do it!... Pretty sure anyone can, it's just a lever, but I say it to make me feel good about myself.
The cat flipped the lever, causing a gigantic hose to fall into the pool and begain sucking up the water. Seel and several Goldeen, who had been swimming in the pool, were quickly sucked into the vacuum. Misty, a strong and quick swimmer, had made it to the nearest side of the pool, but Ash wasn't so lucky. Just as he had grabbed the side of the pool to haul himself out, a floating platform knocked into him, and he lost his grip on the pool's edge and was sucked towards the vacuum. He swam frantically, trying to escape the vacuum's pull, but to no avail.
Cobalt: Ash, hold on!
Without hesitation, Cobalt dived in, grabbing hold of Ash with one arm, and desperately trying to swim away from the hose. Misty watched in horror, knowing she was no match for the vacuum's suction and that Ash and Cobalt were too far away to reach. Then she saw the switch at the end of the pool; Team Rocket standing in front of it. Her sisters were close by, cowering, but not doing anything to stop Team Rocket. She rushed towards the switch, hoping she'd make it in time, with Green following as he had the same idea.
Cobalt and Ash were doing their best to fight the current, but even the Riolu's superior strength couldn't break them free, and he was tiring. They were pulled closer and closer to the hose, all the while Green could only look in horror, knowing they weren't going to make it.
Green: NO!
With a growl, Green jumped into the pool and swam after his friend and brother. But all of a sudden, a white light covered Green, the light fading to show Green had evolved into a Grovyle. With newfound strength, he quickly swam towards his friends, grabbing them just as they were pulled under.
Team Rocket screamed as a red-haired demon was amongst them, punching, scratching, and tackling. James ended up being hit in a place no man wants to be hit, and fell to the floor groaning as Jessie winced at the sight. Speaking of her, she was quickly tackled to the floor, and Meowth was taken out by a kick. Misty quickly pulled the switch, stopping the vacuum as Green pulled her friends out of the water.
Gently, the newly evolved grass type put Ash and Cobalt down outside the pool. Ash coughed up some water he had inhaled and turned towards Cobalt, who was catching his breath.
Green: Are you guys okay?
Ash: Green? Is that you?
Cobalt: *amazed* Bro, you…. You evolved!
Green: I did? *looks at himself* Awesome! I'm finally a Grovyle! And now that I know you guys are okay…. *darkly* They won't be.
He growled as he turned towards Team Rocket. He leapt at them, reeling an arm back as the leaves on his arm merged together into a glowing green blade of energy.
Ash: Woah, what's that?
Cobalt: I saw Dad and plenty of the tribe members use that move before, that's Leaf Blade.
Trying to get out of the way before they were creamed, Team Rocket dived into the pool as Green hit the vacuum with his blafr, accidentally pushing the lever to the "on" position. Team Rocket were sucked in, and got blasted out the other side thanks to the second hose that they had neglected to attach to anything as they were then sent off to the sky.
Team Rocket: Team Rocket's blasting off again!
Misty and her sisters rushed out through the hole they had made, finding Seel and the Goldeen safe outside a short distance away, where they put them all back safely in their Poké Balls. With Team Rocket safely out of the way, Green went back to check on his friends for any injuries. Both were still shaking from the shock, clinging to each other as Ash looked up at his newly evolved Pokémon, who was now almost as tall as him.
Ash: Green, you saved us. Thank you.
Green: No need, pal. You guys are family, I have to- Oh, my Mew! Ash, you're bleeding!
There were several scratches on his arms as he then looked over Cobalt as well. Thankfully, the Riolu was unhurt, but Green lowered his head guiltily.
Green: My leaves must have scratched you when I pulled you guys out of the pool. I'm sorry…
Ash: Green, don't you start feeling guilty. It's just a few scratches, but you saved our lives. Without you, we might have drowned. Besides, they don't even hurt!
They did, but he certainly wasn't going to let her know about it. He knew it would make her feel worse.
Ash: If you have to blame someone, blame Team Rocket, but don't blame yourself.
The Grovyle nodded, hugging him and Cobalt close as they hugged him back.
Green: I'm just glad you both are okay.
Misty ran over, asking if they were okay. Misty ran for the first aid kit and began bandaging Ash's wounds, thankful for the first aid class she had taken before starting her journey. The Sensational Sisters came over and Green glared venomously at them.
Green: Hey, thanks for doing absolutely nothing while my trainer and brother nearly drowned. Glad you thought your precious hair or whatever was more important than their lives!
Cobalt hugged his brother, allowing Green to slowly calm down.
Ash: Misty, thanks so much for stopping Team Rocket. We owe you guys one.
Misty: I'm just glad you two are alright. I was so scared I was going to lose you.
Ash: Well, we're fine thanks to you and Green.
Misty: I never did get the chance to give you this.
The girl smiled, pressing a Cascade Badge into Ash's hand.
Misty: Congratulations, Ash. You beat me fair and square and earned this Badge the right way.
Ash just grinned. He hoped Arthur would be proud of him.
—-
Reluctantly, Ashhad to make Green walk, knowing that with his new size, he wouldn't be able to perch on his trainer anymore. Though he loved his starter's new form, Ash kind of missed Green being able to sit on his shoulder. He vowed to make sure he was still able to be out of his ball as possible when they were traveling outside or even inside.
As they left the Gym, Ash saw Brock running up to them.
Brock: Sorry. Things ran a bit late. There were a ton of other breeders there. Did you win your match?
Ash grinned, holding up his new Cascade Badge. Brock was about to congratulate him, but he stopped, noticing not only Green's new state, but also the bandages on Ash's shoulders.
Brock: Is that Green? Did he evolve during the battle? And what happened to your shoulder?
Ash told him of what happened in the Gym, making Brock feel guily, wishing he had been there to help them.
Brock: I'm sorry I wasn't there to help.
Ash: Not your fault. You couldn't have known. Did you win your prize?
Brock: It hasn't been decided yet. I'll know in two weeks.
Misty: What prize?
Brock: I entered my recipes in a contest for Pokémon Breeder's Digest. If I win, I'll not only get my recipes published in the magazine and 500 dollars, but also a six month supply of ingredients.
Cobalt: Well, as far as we're concerned, Brock, you've already won the grand prize for best food in the world. Your Pecha Berry mix is a godsend.
Ash relayed Cobalt's words to Brock, whose smile became so huge, it could have lit an entire city block. They then headed off to the Pokémon Center, where Ash and Misty handed over their teams to Nurse Joy. As they waited, Misty turned to Ash.
Misty: I never thanked you for sticking up for me in there. Besides my Pokémon, no one's ever done that before.
Ash: Misty, you're my friend, Misty. And like I said in there, I would have been a pretty lousy friend if I didn't stand up for you.
She smiled, slipping her hand into his.
Misty: And I promise that I'll always do the same for you.
After a few more minutes, the bell dinged, and both of them went to get their teams. As soon as they were outside, Ash let his Pokémon out of their Poké Balls, and the happy group began heading off on the next leg of their journey-
Psi: Wait, Green evolved?! Why the thell did one of you not tell me until now?!
TO BE CONTINUED…..