Pokemon is owned by Gamefreak and all Pokédex entries are from Bulbapedia.
"Butts"- Humans speaking
"Butts"- Pokemon speaking
'Butts'- thoughts
"Butts"-Pokedex entries/TV commentary
Hoodlums In A Half-Shell
It was exactly two weeks to the day the gang had left Cerulean City, and it was now the day Brock had been waiting for. The day he would finally know if he had won the Cooking For Pokémon contest or not with his custom Poke Chow recipe. He awoke at 5:30, unable to sleep any longer. Taking his laptop out of his backpack, he logged into his e-mail account. There, among the junk mail, was a letter from the Pokémon Breeders Association. Holding his breath, he opened it, and….
Brock: WOOHOO!
Everyone jolted awake at Brock's shout, the jumpiest one being Cobalt as he leapt 10 feet in the air. Everyone else just gave Brock a funny look.
Ash: What the- OOF!
Ash started before Brock scooped him up, sleeping bag and all, and began twirling him around.
Brock: I did it! I mean, we did it! Thank you, Ash!
Yami: *jokingly* Ah, run for your lives! Brock's finally snapped!
However, Aidan, who was still half asleep, thought he was serious. He was about to fire an Ember at Brock in order to defend his trainer, but thankfully Cobalt stopped him before he could.
Cobalt: He's just kidding, Aidan. *to Yami* Yami, don;t do that to Aidan. He's only been here two days. He's not used to our craziness yet.
Yami: …Sorry.
Misty smacked Brock with a mallet she had pulled out of nowhere.
Misty: What the hell is the meaning of waking me up and acting like a nut at n5:30 in the morning?!
Unfortunately, this made Brock drop Ash, who probably would have landed on his head had Psi not caught him with their telekinesis.
Misty: Sorry, Ash.
Psi: Where did Misty get the…Never mind, I do not think I wish to know…
Brock: *sheepish* Sorry about that, guys. I just got some really great news though. I won first place in my contest!
Managing to detangle himself from his sleeping bag, Ash looked at Brock, confused, until he remembered the contest Brock had entered while they were in Cerulean City. Misty smiled as well, her anger cooling down.
Ash: That's great, Brock. Congratulations!
Misty: Congratulations, Brock. Just next time, please check contest results at a more reasonable hour of the morning.
Brock: And the best part is…. You each get a third of the prize money!
Ash and Misty blinked at him.
Misty: But… You're the one who did all the work.
Ash: Yeah, neither one of us can cook. We didn't even help you with your Pokémon food.
Brock: Ash, you were the one who gave me the recommendations with the aid of your gift and helped me with my recipes. The recipe I submitted was Cobalt's Pecha Berry mix, it became perfect all thanks to you. And this all happened because you guys invited me to join you. You two made this all possible. So you each get part of the prize.
Misty: Thanks, but you really don't have to do that.
Brock: I know, and that's exactly why I'm doing it.
Everyone decided it was pointless to go back to sleep after that, so Brock got started on breakfast, Ash and Misty helping him. They figured it was a good idea to learn how to cook at least a little so Brock wouldn't have to do it all the time.
—-
Later that morning, they continued along Route 24, Ash humming an annoying song, much to the redhead's chagrin.
Misty: Ash, will you knock it off?! You've been humming that song for almost an hour!
Ash: Sorry! It's not my fault! That stupid song was playing on Brock's radio this morning and now I can't get it out of my head!
Suddenly the ground underneath them gave way, and the group then fell into a giant pit trap.
Ash: Ow….I think that knocked it out…
Psi and Yami floated down to them, hoping they were alright.
Yami: Is everyone okay?
Brock: Ow! I landed on my head!
Brock complained, unknowingly answering the Haunter's question. With a lot of jostling, everyone managed to get up. Ash rubbed his head where a lump was already beginning to form, and handed Cobalt and Aidan up to Psi, who lifted them out of the hole. He made a running jump and grabbed onto the side of the hole. He nearly slid back down again, but Green had leapt out by himself and grabbed Ash's hand, hauling him out. Brock gave Misty a boost, and Ash gave her a hand up as Green carefully reached into the hole and pulled Brock out.
Misty: Why the heck is there a hole here in the middle of the road?
Brock: It's either a sinkhole or a sick prank.
Misty: But who would pull a prank this mean?
They heard laughter from nearby, and turned. There was a group of five Squirtle, pointing at them and laughing. Each wore a pair of sunglasses; four of them wearing round ones while the one in the middle had lenses that were more triangular-shaped, which was assumed to be the leader.
Lead Squirtle: Looks like they fell for our prank, boys. Literally.
The leader chortled, making the others laugh in response. As Ash's Pokémon glared at them, the boy himself scanned them, getting any information needed for what woud've been his starter if he hadn't slept late.
Pokedex: Squirtle, the Tiny Turtle Pokémon. A Water type. Squirtle's shell not only gives it a method of protection from enemy attacks, but it also allows water to easily slip by it, making Squirtle be able to swim as fast as a jetski.
Yami: Dude, even as a fellow prankster, I have to tell you that was not funny at all. You could have seriously hurt my trainer and his friends. Not cool, my dude.
The way Yami had seen the others lying in the hole with him, he had been seriously frightened that they may have broken their necks in the fall.
Green: Yami's right.
He said this while checking over Ash and his teammates to make sure they were okay. Besides a lump on Ash's forehead (he'd keep an eye on him, just to make sure he didn't have a concussion), they all seemed fine.
Green: I like a good joke now and then, but shit this ain;t funny; it's stupid and rude.
Lead Squirtle: Chill out. Here, I can help you with that.
He shot a Water Gun at Green, who nly frowned in annoyance as it made his leaf droop.
Green: I'll chill out you! Come here, you little half pint!
The Grovyle tthen zoomed at him, preparing a Leaf Blade.
Squirtle 1: Loki, look out!
One of the Squirtle with the round glasses pushed the leader out of the way and took the attack. It was a one hit K.O due to the type advantage. Loki screamed in anger at seeing his friend knocked out. He and his gang were about to challenge Green when a motorcycle engine was heard.
Loki: It's the Grumpigs! Cheese it!
The group of Squirtle grabbed their knocked-out friend and hurried off. Ash and his friends turned to see the paranoid police officer in Cerulean City coming up on a motorbike.
Ash: 'Uh-oh. I hope she doesn't think that WE dug this big hole.'
Officer Jenny: Is everyone okay? Has anyone been hurt?
Ash: Oh no, we're fine. Thanks, Officer Jenny.
Officer Jenny: ….*confused* Have we met? Your face doesn't look familiar to me…
Brock: We met you in Cerulean City. You were investigating a burglary there, remember?
Officer Jenny: Oh, you must be thinking of my cousin, Jenny. It's easy to get us mixed up. My cousins and I are all police officers, plus we look identical and share the same name.
As proof, she showed the group a photo of at least a dozen women that looked exactly alike.
Psi: I….. I, but…. HOW?! This disobeys the laws of human reproduction!
Ash: Talk about family resemblance.
Misty: On the bright side, at least they never forget their names.
—-
A few minutes later, they arrived at the police station. Ash recalled Yami and Psi as they entered a building. As they sat down, Officer Jenny explained what had happened.
Officer Jenny: That group of you encountered is a Pokémon gang that calls themselves the Squirtle Squad.
Ash: "Squirtle Squad"?
Misty: I never heard of a Pokémon gang.
Officer Jenny: They're all Squirtle that were deserted by their Pokémon trainers.
Ash: Deserted?
Hearing this, Ash started stroking Aidan's head as the little Charmander sat in his lap next to Cobalt while Green sat in a chair next to him. Misty and Brock were saddened by this as well, especially since Aidan still acted like he was walking on eggshells around them; as if he feared they'd abandon him if he made even the tiniest mistake.
Officer Jenny: *nods* They don't have a trainer, so they run wild and play tricks on the whole town.
Taking some photos out of her desk drawer, she showed them what the Squirtle had done; everything from graffiti to stealing food from fruit stands. Ash knew they would have to be cautious around this area. Though he seriously doubted the Squirtle Squad were anything like Pikachu, he could tell they didn't like humans and might target the group again.
Officer Jenny: It really is kind of sad. Because if they had somebody to care for them, they never would have turned out as bad as they are. It's a real shame.
Ash, Misty, and Brock nodded, feeling bad for the Squirtle. After leaving the police station, the group went to the post office, where Brock picked up his check and certificate for six month's worth of ingredients from the Poké Mart. Brock cashed the check, giving Misty and Ash each a third of the money. Both tried to tell him to keep it, but Brock made them take it, telling them again that he wouldn't even have it without them.
As Brock got his ingredients at the Poké Mart, Ash picked up some Paralyz Heals, Burn Heals, and Antidotes, as well as replenishing his supply of Potions and Revives. After leaving the Poké Mart, they made a quick stop at the used bookstore at Ash's request, and he picked up a few books on Pokémon training; How To Teach Your Pokémon Moves Without A TM, along with two books which were sort of alike; The Complete Encyclopedia of Hoenn Pokémon and The Complete Encyclopedia of Sinnoh Pokémon (he found out where CObalt and Green came from thanks to Arthur), along with some small books about the Pokémon he had in his team.
Brock bought everyone lunch at a small café and they ate, laughing and talking. Brock couldn't wait to enter another contest and Misty and Ash were incredibly happy that their friend's career as a Pokémon Breeder was off to a great start. After lunch, Misty decided to rent a fishing pole, hoping to catch a new Pokémon for her team. They went to the lake, and all three let out their Pokémon to enjoy the weather. Misty settled down to fish as Alex, ever the protective and loyal Butterfree, next to her. Staryu, Starmie, and Bella, her newly named Goldeen, played in the water, careful to avoid Misty's pole. Borrowing one of Ash's books, Brock curled against Onix's side to read while Bulbasaur sat next to him, watching the other Pokémon play.
Ash snuggled up to Psi's side with Cobalt leaning onto him and was about to read one of his new books, but Green had other ideas. He grabbed the book from his hand (ironically, he had gotten to the part of the Treecko line) and took off with it.
Ash: Green! Give that back!
Ash was smiling waverly, trying (and failing) to hide a laugh.
Green: You have your nose in these things too much! You want it? Well, come and get it!
Ash: Oh, I will! Just remember, you asked for it!
He gently pushed Cobalt aside and began to chase Green, who chuckled as he parkoured away from Ash, making Cobalt laugh.
Cobalt: Hey, quit having so much fun without me!
He then began chasing after his trainer, easily catching up while Psi sighed (HA, word play) in annoyance.
Psi: And I was just getting comfortable too…
The Kadabra let out another breath, then had to duck as Yami tried to grab him. They then tried floating away, eliciting the Haunter to laugh as he then chased Psi.
Psi: Don't you DARE pick me up again, Yami! *screams in fright*
Yami: What's the matter? You scared of ghosts?
Psi: No, but I would rather not be gripped by my type advantage!
Yami: Come on! I probably won't drop you!
Psi: *sarcastic* Oh, that is VERY reassuring!
Ash: I'll save you, Psi!
Laughing, he playfully grabbed Yami around the middle, his hands still going after the Psychic type.
Ash: Run! I'll hold him off!
Psi: Thank you, Ash! You are truly a shiny among the rough!
They floated around Ash and his "captive," only to be pinned by Green. Twisting out of Ash's grasp, Yami began chasing his trainer, who let out a noise somewhere between a shriek and a laugh before running away as fast as he could.
Yami: You may have saved Psi, but who will save you?
Green: I will!
Green then let Psi go and tackled Yami to the ground. Ash turned to look at them while he was running away, only to crash into Cobalt, who had landed in front of Ash while his attention was diverted as he wrapped his paws around him.
Cobalt: Got ya!
Laughing, he tried to wriggle free, managing to slip out from under her wings and take off running again as Cobalt chased after him.
Cobalt: You're not getting away from me that easy, Ash!
As he chased Ash, Cobalt noticed that Aidan was standing a short distance away, looking unsure. Cobalt stopped and Ash hit the brakes, looking at the Charmander as Cobalt gave him a friendly smile.
Cobalt: Hey, come on, Aiden! Come play with us!
Yami: *while wrestling Green* Yeah, don;t you wanna get in on this?
Aiden: I…I'm allowed to play?
Both Cobalt and Ash looked concerned at that, and Green and Yami stopped their wrestling match and walked over to their friend. Psi also gained a look of concern. Even though they preferred solitude, they…. MIGHT enjoy the games of chase and tag his party drag them into from time to time.
Ash: Of course you're allowed to play with us, Aidan. We'd love to have you play with us, if you want to.
Aiden: I do. But I'm not sure how to play. I've never played before.
Damien had certainly never played with him before, and neither had Damien's other Pokémon.
Ash felt another burst of anger at Damien, as well as sorrow for Aidan as he also heard Green mumble something about "slicing that asshole's throat out" before turning friendly to the Fire type.
Green: Don't worry, little buddy. It's not hard. Basically, all you do is chase someone and try to catch them, while avoiding being caught yourself.
Aidan nodded, then suddenly dived at Cobalt, who dodged, then ran off while Aidan was getting up from the ground. With a little laugh, Aidan quickly chased after him. The Charmander was a little nervous at first, but began to relax as he got into the game. However, a few minutes later, Misty spoke up about the volume.
Misty: Can you guys tone it down just a tad? The sight's very adorable, but I'm trying to fish here, and all your noise is scaring away the…
Suddenly, she felt a sharp tug on her line, and her bobber went under the surface.
Misty: Hey, I've got something!
Green: I guess we didn't scare away ALL the fish…
Ash: What'd you…
He was cut off by a Squirtle popping its head out of the water. It smirked, then shot a Water Gun at Ash and Misty, who cried out in shock as the cold water hit them.
Misty: UGH! I'm soaked!
Cobalt: Hey! That was just uncalled for! *approaches Squirlte* Why can't you just leave us the hell alone?
Squirlte: Chill out. It was just a joke.
The Squirtle acted cocky, trying to hide the fact that he was rather nervous. He wasn't expecting that many Pokémon to be out when he planned his prank…
Misty: Well, it looks like the Squirtle Squad can only do surprise attacks.
Ash looked at her strangely and she winked.
Misty: But they're too scared to face us in a REAL battle.
Squirtle: "Too scared to"- I fear nothing! *takes battle stance* Bring it on!
Misty: Staryu? Are you up for a battle?
Staryu popped out of the water and gave Misty a coo in agreement.
Misty: Use Rapid Spin!
Staryu flew at the Squirtle so quickly that he couldn't dodge in time and was thrown onto shore. The Squirtle got up shakily and shot off a Water Gun, which Staryu dodged.
Misty: Good job, Staryu! Now use another Rapid Spin!
Staryu zoomed at the frightened Squirtle, but before it could reach him, something rushed between them, shoving Staryu into the water. It was Loki, leader of the Squirtle Squad.
Loki: Let's teach that starfish a lesson, boys.
Suddenly, the other members of the Squad surfaced, each shooting a Water Gun at the Staryu.
Misty: Oh, no! Staryu!
Seeing his friends under attack, Aiden grew nervous, but then growled as his instincts kicked in, opening his mouth to fire an Ember at the Squad.
Cobalt: Nice one, Aiden, but Fire attacks don;t do good against Water types!
Green: Maybe try again?
Aiden nodded, opening his mouth to use Ember, only to let out a stream of fire much to his surpise, making the Squirtles cry out in pain.
Aiden: I…I don;t think that was Ember,
Psi: No, that was Flamethrower. A far superior move compared to Ember.
The rest of Ash's Pokémon and Alex began to go over to aid their friends, but Misty held up a hand to stop them.
Misty: *to Ash* Shh…I have a plan…. Alex, get Aiden and Staryu out of the way with Confusion, then use Sleep Powder on the Squirtle Squad.
Alex nodded, carefully lifting Aiden and Staryu with his psychic powers and moving them to the side, afterwards, he started flapping his wings as he sent a green powder over them. The gang collapsed to the ground fast asleep as the powder took effect. Misty took out five Poké Balls and threw them at the Squirtle Squad, making sure to hit the leader first. Asleep and weakened by Aiden's Flamethrower, they were easily caught.
Misty: Yes! We caught the Squirtle Squad!
She opened her arms for her Pokémon and both Staryu and Butterfree went into them as Ash picked up Aiden, stating how proud he was of him learning Flamethrower. This made Aiden feel…. Good. He had never been praised before. It felt nice. Suddenly, they heard sirens and saw Officer Jenny speeding towards them on her motorcycle.
Officer Jenny: Is everyone okay? I thought I saw a battle going on down here. Did the Squirtle Squad bother you guys again?
Misty: Yes, but they won't be bothering anyone else ever again. I caught them.
Officer Jenny blinked at her in surprise, almost thinking the girl was joking.
Officer Jenny: You-You actually caught the Squirtle Squad? No one's ever been able to catch them, and a lot of people have tried.
Misty: Well, my Staryu, Butterfree, and I did. Along with help from my friend's Charmander.
Officer Jenny: That's amazing, and thank you. The townsfolk will be very happy…. What are you going to do with all those Squirtle?
Misty: Well, the leader and one of them is in my party now, and I guess I'll send the other ones to the Cerulean Gym. My sisters are the leaders there. Why do you ask?
Officer Jenny: I'd like to ask you a favor. There's a young man in town who is starting up a volunteer fire department in the town, but he doesn't have enough Water Pokémon to help the volunteer firefighters do their jobs. They need Pokémon that have enough water power to fight raging fires, yet have the ability to walk on land. If you could spare any of your Squirtle, he would really appreciate it if you sold one or two to the fire department.
Misty: Of course, I'd be more than willing to give him a few Squirtle. I don't need all five. Can I meet this guy first, though?
Officer Jenny: Of course.
She led them to a small house and knocked on the door. A brown haired young man in a blue T-shirt and black pants opened it.
Man: Yes?
Officer Jenny: Brad, I have some great news for you.
Jenny then explained that Misty had captured the Squirtle Squad and was willing to give him some to help with the volunteer fire department. Brad's eyes lit up.
Brad: Thank you. Thank you so much. I can see if I can trade you something for them, or pay you…
Misty: *waves hand* No need. I want to keep the leader, but I'll give you the other four for free. You guys work so hard to keep people safe; you deserve them. *eyes widen* Oh, wait. Ash, Brock, I never asked you guys if you wanted one first. Do you?
Brock: No, I don't really need a Squirtle.
Ash hesitated for a second, but only a second. He had always wanted a Squirtle. But the firefighters needed them more. They risked their lives to save people from raging fires. If they could make that sacrifice, Ash could certainly make a much smaller sacrifice for them.
Ash: No thanks, Misty. I appreciate it, but the firefighters need the Squirtle more than I do.
Misty gave Ash an 'are you sure?' look, to which Ash nodded.
Misty: Now that that's settled, how do I transfer the rest of the Squirtle to you? The other three were all teleported to the Cerulean Gym.
Officer Jenny: Come with me to the Pokémon Center and I'll show you.
She then led the group and Brad to the Pokémon Center. There, Officer Jenny showed Misty and Brad how to go on the Pokemon Link Trade system and transfer her Squirtle to Brad, where she also gave the remaining Squirtle's Pokeball to him by hand as they left.
Brad: I can't thank you enough. Are you sure I can't pay you?
Misty: Yes, I'm sure.
Brad: At least let me give you this. It's just a little something to say 'thank you' to all of you.
Ash: But, we didn;t catch them.
Brad: Well, you helped battle them, didn't you? It's only fair.
Reaching into his backpack, he pulled out a teal-colored ball that had a red pattern with three yellow lines across the top and held it out to Misty, who takes it.
Brad: This a Lure Ball. My grandfather in Johto has a knack for making custom PokeBalls and he sends me some of his latest work for testing. This special type of Poké Ball that works especially well on Water-type Pokémon.
He then goes to Brock, handing him a PokeBall with a yellow and black top with a red "V" on it.
Brad: This one is a Level Ball. It's best used for Pokemon with levels higher than your's. *to Ash* And as for you….
And finally, it was Ash's turn as Brad then gave him a Pokeball with a green top, decorated with four red splotches along with a yellow spot.
Brad: I give you the Friend Ball. Any Pokemon caught with this will automatically gain a liking to you. I know it's not much, but…
Misty: They're perfect. Thank you.
—-
After saying goodbye to Brad and Officer Jenny, the group left the town, heading towards Vermillion. After an hour or two of walking, they found a clearing to set up camp for the night. Brock released his Onix, Geodude, Zubat, and Bulbasaur, and Misty began letting her team out of their Poké Balls as well. Ash's team, of course, was already out.
Misty: Well, here goes nothing.
As Misty threw the newly filled PokeBall into the air, Staryu and Alex stood at her side protectively, just in case the Squirtle tried to attack Misty upon finding out he and his gang had been captured.
Ash: *whispers* His name is Loki, by the way.
Upon being released, Loki looked around in confusion.
Loki: What the- Where am I?! Where's my gang?!
He noticed Misty, Ash, Brock and all their Pokémon staring at him.
Loki: Oh, crap. I got caught, didn;t I?
Green: Yep.
He'd have to think quickly or run for his life to get out of this one. No way could he fight off all those Pokémon by himself…
Misty: We're not going to hurt you, Loki. I'm your new trainer-
Loki: How the hell do you know my name? Where's my gang?! *threatening* You better not have hurt them!
Ash translated Loki's words to Misty, and she was quick to reassure him.
Misty: My friend Ash can understand Pokémon and he told me your name. Your gang is safe. I'd never hurt them. They're with a man who is running a volunteer fire department and needs some Water Pokémon to help the firefighters out. I talked to him and he is very nice. He'll take good care of the Squirtle Squad, and keep them out of trouble. I promise.
Loki searched Misty's face, trying to determine whether she was telling the truth or not. Realizing she was sincere, he relaxed a little. As he was about to ask how he was captured, he suddenly remembered. She had had her Butterfree give them a good blast of Sleep Powder while they were distracted by a Charmander and her Staryu.
Loki: *eyes narrow* You pulled a sneak Sleep Powder Attack with that Butterfree of yours while we were distracted. That was a dirty trick!
Misty's Butterfree and Staryu moved between Loki and Misty protectively, fearing an attack. But they were caught completely off guard by what Loki did next as yhe Squirtle Squad leader….. burst out laughing, then grinned up at Misty.
Loki: I like that. You think like one of us. You're alright with me, Red.
His eyes wide, Ash told this to Misty, who stared at Loki, her eyes as big as dinner plates. This was the weirdest way she had ever heard of gaining a Pokémon's trust, but Misty wasn't going to question it though.
—-
Two more days passed, and Loki fit in as easily with the group as if he had been with them his entire life. Despite their rocky start, he, Green, and Yami became fast friends due to their laidback mindset and shared love of pranks, often teaming up to play harmless pranks on the other Pokémon. But despite his goofy side, the Squirtle put as much effort into his training as he did his pranks, and quickly learned Skull Bash and Bubblebeam.
Ash and his Pokémon were also working hard in preparation for the Vermillion Gym. Green had finally mastered Leaf Blade and Yami began their work on Dark Pulse, but it was proving to be difficult without a TM.
Yami was still perfecting Venoshock and Shadow Punch, but while practicing strengthening the former, Yami learned Poison Jab, an extremely powerful (and as his opponents would attest, painful) move that usually sent Ash running to get the antidotes when he used it in a mock battle.
But Aidan was having some problems. Though his training was progressing quickly and he had learned Skull Bash and Bite, but was also working on Flamethrower, Ash feared that Aidan was pushing himself way too hard. Aidan would practice past the point of exhaustion and was incredibly harsh on himself when he didn't get a move exactly right the first time. Ash had to practically order him to take breaks so that he wouldn't collapse. And it looked like he'd have to do it again today. Ash had started working with Aidan on his Dragon Rage this morning and Aidan was struggling to master it. He tried to shoot out the blue flames, but it kept coming out as Flamethrower. Brock had just made lunch, and the rest of the Pokémon stopped training to eat, but Aidan was still practicing his Dragon Rage.
Ash: Aidan, it's lunchtime. Time to take a break.
Aiden: *frustrated* But I haven't got Dragon Rage down yet.
He tried once again, but unfortunately like the other times, he failed.
Aiden: *growls* Why can't I get this right?
Ash: You'll get it, Aidan. But right now, it's time to take a break for lunch. I don't want you over-tiring yourself. Dragon Rage is a tough move. I don't expect you to master it in only a day.
Reluctantly, Aidan nodded and went to go eat with the others. But it was obvious that something was still bothering Aidan as he picked at his food. Ash, Brock, and Misty looked at him in worry as Green and Cobalt talked to him.
Cobalt: Aidan, what's wrong?
Aiden: Nothing.
The pair looked at each other in concern. Aidan was about as convincing a liar as Ash, which meant not at all.
Cobalt: Hey, buddy, come on. Don't be so hard on yourself. You're doing completely fine with your training. You'll be able to master Dragon Rage soon, just give yourself time.
Aiden: I hope so.
Green: You'll get it. I had trouble when I first tried Iron Tail, but I managed to master it.
Yami: *chuckles* And you saw me the first time I used Poison Jab.
The first time she had tried to use Poison Jab while sparring with Cobalt, he missed him completely, got off balance, tripped, and landed flat on his face.
Green: Just relax, Aidan. You'll get it in time. I did.
That got a little smile out of Aidan and he relaxed a little, eliciting Ash rubbing his fire type's head.
Ash: Like my Mom always says, the most important thing is that you try your best, and you're doing a very good job. Just try not to be so hard on yourself, okay? I want you to have fun and be happy while you're training.
He nodded, smiling up to his trainer. After lunch, Aidan practiced Dragon Rage again, much more relaxed then he had been before. After a few tries, he shot off a stream of blue flames, which took the form of a small dragon head.
Ash: Great job, Aidan! You did it!
He cheered in joy, hugging the Charmander as Aidan grinned and hugged him back. The next afternoon, they were traveling down a shady forest trail. Aiden had taken over Green's old spot on Ash's shoulder, careful og his tail flame and Psi and Yami flew above the group as Cobalt and Green walked at Ash's side. Loki, who hated being inside a Poké Ball as much as Cobalt did, walked by Misty's side.
They walked quietly for several more minutes, admiring the scenery and watching wild Pokémon run around.
Misty: Ash, can I ask you something?
Ash: Sure, what?
Misty: We've seen a lot of Pokémon the past few daya that you don't have and you haven't tried to capture even one. I was wondering why.
Ash: Mist, I only have room for one more in my party.
Brock: Ash, trainers can capture more than six Pokémon. The rest will just get transported to wherever you got your Pokédex. Professor Oak's Pokémon Laboratory, from what you told me. And you can exchange them out using the buttons on your Pokédex.
Ash saw Cobalt tense for some reason. He reached down and stroked the Riolu gently before turning to Brock.
Ash: I know, Brock. But I'm not planning to capture more than six Pokémon. It's not fair to just capture a Pokémon and leave it at the Lab for the rest of its life. And I can't just trade away one of my team for something else. I'll miss them way too much. *smiles* They mean too much to me. I can't send them away.
Green: Aww, he loves us!
Despite the sarcasm, Green relaxed. He'd been a little bit worried about what would happen when Ash got more than six Pokémon, but it looked like his fears were needless. And plus, even if Ash did get more than six, there was no way Ash would forget them. Ash laughed and nodded, rubbing Aiden's head as soon enough, they finally reached their destination; Vermillion City.