In case you all were wondering, yes. During the part in the last chapter where Jigglypuff put everyone to sleep, Electabuzz was the big spoon.
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
Volcanic Panic
When we last left off, Ash and his friends had discovered that Cinnibar Island's gym was abandoned by its gym leader, the Fire user Blaine. However, after many tribulations, riddles, and a felony committed by Green later, Ash was now ready to face Blaine in his newly crafted gym within the Cinnibar Volcano as Brock acted as referee.
Brock: The battle between gym leader Blaine and the challenger Ash will now begin! Each trainer shall only use three Pokemon for the battle and furthermore, only the challenger may substitute their Pokemon! Will both sides let out their Pokemon!
Blaine: Alright, let's go, Magmar!
Blaine threw a Pokeball, releasing a lizard-like creature with a duck bill and a fire print on its stomach, along with small flames on its tail and head. Trying to get the advantage, Ash canned Magmar with its Pokedex.
Pokedex: Magmar, the Spitfire Pokemon and the evolved form of Magby. A Fire type. In battle, Magmar blows out intensely hot flames from all over its body to intimidate its opponent. This Pokémon's fiery bursts create heat waves that ignite grass and trees in its surroundings.
Ash: 'Azula would be perfect for this battle, but if Magmar ois stronger than it looks, I won;t be able to use her. I need to be cautious about this'... *throws Pokeball* Yami, I choose you!
The Pokeball opened, releasing the chanclng Gengar as he landed on the arena.
Brock: Let the match begin!
Blaine: Alright Magmar, Flamethrower!
Ash: Yami, counter with Shadow Ball!
Both Pokemon released their attacks, causing them both to counteract as Yami wiped his brow.
Yami: Whew… Talk about a hot take.
Green: Boooo! Bad joke, bad fire joke!
Blaine: Magmar, Flare Blitz!
Suddenly, Magmar rocketed forth covered in a flaming aura before crashing into Yami, sending him back. Magmar seemed to smirk before flinching, seemingly getting hurt in the attack.
Ash: 'Recoil damage… That might be an opening!' Yami, use Sludge Bomb!
Yami launched the Sludge Bomb onto Magmar, knocking it back and subsequently poisoning it.
Blaine: Magmar, don;t let him get the better of you! Use Fire Punch!
Ash: Dodge with Phantom Force!
Magmar's fist coated with flames as it prepared to punch Yami, only for him to miss as Yami sunk into the floor as a shadow. Magmar became damaged from the poison as Yami then emerged behind it.
Blaine: Magmar, behind you!
Ash: Use Venoshock!
Blaine: Hurry, Flare Blitz head on!
As Yami sprayed Magmar with the Venoshock, Magmar once again coated itself in flames, hitting the ghost type straight on, kicking up a cloud of dust. As the snoke settled, both Pokemon were seen to be knocked out, with Yami having taken too many hits and Magmar succumbing to Flare Blitz's recoil and the bonus damage from Venoshock.
Brock: Both Yami and Magmar are unable to battle! This match is a draw!
Both trainers returned their Pokemon, Blaine taking out what seemed to be an Ultra Ball.
Blaine: I can tell you've trained your Gengar well. But I doubt he has the same experience as this Pokemon. He's been with me my whole journey.
Ash: Well, it'd be great to meet him.
Blaine: Oh, you will. *throws Pokeball* Typhlosion, raise the heat!
And onto the field came a large blue badger like Pokemon with red eyes and a cream stomach and face, along with it having a few wrinkles and some grey patches along its face to show its age. As it roared, the back of Typhlosion's neck burst into flame.
Ash: Woah….
Pokedex: Typhlosion, the Volcano Pokémon. A Fire type. Typhlosion obscures itself behind a shimmering heat haze that it creates using its intensely hot flames. This Pokémon creates blazing explosive blasts that burn everything to cinders.
Ash: I can really tell you and Typhlosion have a close bond, Sir. It;s really inspiring.
Blaine: Of course. Typhlosion and I have been partners since childhood. *to Typhlosion* Right?
Typhlosion: Right.
Ash: 'Okay, now things are getting serious…' Azula, I choose you!
Ash's Drizzile perked up as she handed Kestrel to Misty, where Azula then kissed the Togepi on his head before rushing over, stepping into the ring.
Blaine: Let's show them our power, Typhlosion! Use Fire Blast!
Ash: Azula, Surf to get closer!
As Typhlosion unleashed the kanji-shaped blast, Azula began riding the giant wave she created. The two attacks collided, which caused Surg to evaporate and eliciting Azula to jump off.
Ash: Now Azula, use Water Pulse!
Blaine: …Grab her.
Much to Ash;s shock and later confusion, Typhlosion took the Water Pulse to the face as he then grabbed Azula by the arm and held her away.
Blaine: They always use Water types. Well, I have a riddle for your Drizzile. What's blunt, shocking, and coming right at you!?
Azula: Uh….. *nervously smiles* The gift of friendship?
Typhlosion: Oooh… So close, but no.
Blaine: Alright Typholosion, Thunder Punch!
Ash: THUNDER PUNCH?!
Typhlosion reeled a fist back as it coated in electricity beforr using it to punch Azula and send her flying, this causing Kestrel to tear up and Cobalt to growl at the badger all the while Ash fretted over Azula as she got up.
Ash: I'm sorry, Azula. Are you okay?
Azula: I'm okay, Ash. It was only one hit.
Cobalt: Yeah, a really supereffective one!
Azula: It was only ONE move, hon. *smiles* I'll be fine. Trust me.
Cobalt looked unsure, but nodded as he wenr over to Misty, trying to help her comfort his son.
Ash: Alright Blaine, we're still in the game! Azula, Mud Shot!
Blaine: Protect yourself with Flame Wheel!
Typhlosion then flipped forward and spun, causing his body to be coated in flames as it deflected the mud, making it so he didn;t take much damage.
Blaine: Now, I think it's about time we finish this, old friend! Typhlosion, use Solar Beam!
Azula: Solar what?!
Suddenly, Typhlosion glowed slightly as it absorbed the dwindling sunlight from the cracks within the volcano before configuring it into one massive yellow beam, which he was prepared to fire.
Ash: Azula, Counter Shield with Whirlpool!
Just like with the Koga battle, Azula got on her back and spun, creating a Whirlpool around her just as Typhlosion fired the Solar Beam. Although the beam took out the Counter Shield, Azula remained unharmed as she stopped spinning. Ash celebrated a little bit before he looked to realize that the glow hadn;t faded, But what he just realized was that the glow wasn't coming from the Solar Beam.
Ash: Alright!
Misty: I can;t believe it! Azula's evolving!
Cobalt gasped softly as he looked on, seeing his girlfriend grow taller and leaner as her face elongated into a snout. The glow faded to show a tall feminine lizard with light blue skin and a tall yellow fin on her head, along with yellow eyes. She had black legs, feet, and five-fingered hands with skinny dark blue arms. The dark blue also covered the back of her legs and most of her torso as a small white splotch diamond-shaped patch of skin on her stomach as two long yellow membranes hung from her neck and down her back. Just like before, Azula still wore her goggles on her forehead.
Azula: Oh yeah…. It's all coming together.
Misty: She's so beautiful….
Brock: I'll say….
Cobalts eye twitched as blood seeped down from his nostril and he fell backwards, eliciting Green to quickly catch him as Ash scanned the newly evolved Azula.
Pokedex: Inteleon, the Secret Agent Pokemon and the final evolved form of Sobble. A Water type. Inteleon's amazing eyesight and sense of focus allows it to pinpoint its target's weakpoints and shoot them with pressurized water from its fingertips. The membrane on its back allows it to glide through the air and nictitating membranes clasp over its eyes as it shoots for maximum focus. This Inteleon is level 42, Female, and has the ability, Sniper. It knows the moves Snipe Shot, Mud Shot, Surf, and Liquidation.
However, looking back between the Pokedex picture and Azula, he had noticed soe differences, as Azula had a bit more of an accented chest, her waist as a bit more narrow, and her hips were slightly thicker than the one on the picture, but Ash just shrugged off to think it as a gender difference.
Blaine: Now that's a real riddle, how did your Pokemon evolve mid-battle? Well, i can questio that later, right now we have a battle to win! Typhlosion, Fire Blast!
Ash: Counter with Mud Shot!
Azula shot spurts of mud from her fingers, which dissipates the kanji blast, much to Typhlosion;s shock.
Blaine: Now that's a shocker. And speaking of shocker, use Thunder Punch!
Typhlosion ran right at Azula, ready to hit her with an electric fist before….
Ash: Show them your new power, Azula! Use Liquidation!
The Inteleon's hands become covered in water energy as she charges right at Thpholsion. Just as the Thunder Punch was about to connect, Azula expertly got onto her knees and slid right between Typhlosion's legs, where she hits him in the back with her water'covered hands. Seeing Cobalt watching her goofily, Azula smiled at Cobalt before winking, then blowing a kiss at him, which just caused him to turn bright red as he smiles more.
Cobalt: *breathfully* I love that woman~.
Green: Oh, you just worship the water she swims in, don't ya?
Blaine: Typhlosion, hurry!
Ash: Let's finsih this with Snipe Shot!
Azula nodded as she pulled her goggles over her eyes as the nictitiating membranes went over her eyes and turned them black as she then fired shot after shot of water at the badger before he finally collapsed, fainted.
Brock: Typhlosion is unable to battle! The winner is Azula!
Ash: Way to go, Azula!
She gives her trainer a thumbs up before Cobalt suddenly runs over to Azula, then starts to hug and spin her around.
Cobalt: Ooh, so pretty!
Azula let out a giggle as she blushed while Blaine returned Typhlosion, thanking him immensely.
Blaine: Well, Ash, you're certainly giving me a run for my money… But can you beat the jackpot?
But just before Blaine could throw his last ball, Azula tackled Ash down as a Flamethrower almost hit him. Seeing this, Cobalt and Green growled at Blaine, thinking he was behind it, as did Misty.
Misty: What the hell is wrong with you?! Is this your sick idea of a joke?!
Blaine: I didn;t do anything!
Suddenly, they were cut off by a menacing howl as a form leapt down from a high up ledge. As the form hit the battlefield, it was revealed to be a black dog with a red snout and stomach, curved horns on its head, and a forked tail. Confused and actually slightly frightened by the canine, Ash scanned it.
Pokedex: Houndoom, the Dark Pokemon. A Dark and Fire type. They spew flames mixed with poison to finish off their opponents. If you are burned by its fire, the pain is said to never stop.
Green: Dude, what the hell?! You almost hit our trainer!
Houndoom: That would be the point. In order for my Master to succeed… The Capped One must DIE!
Ash became horrified by Houndoom's tone. Not only that, Houndoom;s words shook Ash to his very core. Someone had told this Houndoom to hunt him down and kill him. But why?
Misty: Loki, use Water Gun!
The Houndoom was suddenly bombarded by the Squirtle's attack, causing it to yowl in pain as it fired off a Dark Pulse, which Loki dodged. Seeing no point in battling the Squirtle, Houndoom sighed as he dug into the satchel he was given, taking out a Pokeball.
Houndoom: I have no time for this…
He then taps the ball, opening it to release what seemed to be a giant floating head covered in snow with black horns and blue eyes.
Brock: What in the world? Why does that Pokemon have another Pokemon in a ball?
Pokedex: Glalie, the Face Pokémon. An Ice type. Glalie's body is made of ice so hard, even fire won't melt it. It protects itself by creating ice armor from airborne moisture.
Houndoom: I was hoping to make this quick, but seeing as how you all delayed my mission, you will all be punished… With a SLOW. DEATH. *to Glaliee* Glalie! Ice Beam on the walls!
The Face Pokemon nodded before opening its mouth, firing an ice cold beam at the walls of the volcano and covering them in ice as it then began to spread.
Blaine: What's going to happen to this gym if it's filled with ice?
Green: Uh… It'll be a snow cone?
Cobalt: I don;t think he was making a riddle, Green.
Blaine: This is bad! Freezing all this rock could set off a chain reaction deep inside the volcano!
Suddenly, the walls and floor of the chamber begin to shave and cave in as the rock cracks.
Blaine: I knew this would happen. The ice is causing the stone to cool and crack apart.
Ash: *gets up* Won't the ice just melt?
Blaine: Normally, yes, but the Ice Beam from that Pokemon is causing it to crack too fast! Lava will flow through the cracks in the rock and as such, it'll cause the volcano to erupt!
As the stone cracked more, steam began to hiss out. Seeing this with a smirk, Houndoom returned Glalie to its ball and picked it up in his muth before hopping up the slones before running on the ledge he came from, where he jumped out of a hole and was caught by a flying Pokemon midair as it then flew off.
Blaine: My gym! My beautiful gum is destroyed!
Green: There are more serious matters than that, riddle dick! WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE!
Suddenly, the floor shifts as a huge crack appears in the wall, where a huge flow of lava pours out.
Blaine: NO! It's already started! We only have a few minutes before this entire volcano blows sky high!
Ash: What do we do?!
Blaine: If we could find something to block the flow, we could stop the eruption!
Cobalt looked around, spotting only rock in the area. Gaining an idea, Cobalt used Force Palm on a nearby wall, breaking off several rocks before picking one up and carrying it to the flow, where he then drops it into the lava. Green gets the idea as he takes another rock and does the same as his brother as they then get more sees this and gets the idea, using a Max Revive on his Typhlosion before letting it out.
Blaine: Typhlosion, I need you to help those two in blocking that lava flow!
Typhlosion: Got it!
Blaine: *to others* If you kids have any strong Fire types, now is a good time to let them out and help.
Brock: I don;t have any Fire-types, but I got Rock-types.
Blaine: That'll work.
Brock: Alright, *throws Pokeballs* Onix! Geodude! Let's go!
Ash: *throws Pokeballs* Aiden, Psi, come out!
Misty: *throws Pokeball* Staryu, help Loki and Azula keep everyone cool until they're finished!
All of the thrown Pokeballs opened, letting out the aforementioned Pokemon as Cobalt gave them the rundown of what was going on. Cobalt, Green, and Typhlosion kept on piling the rocks, but now the process went by much faster as Onix and Geodude helped out as well. Psi used Psychic to levitate more rocks to the flow as the three Water-types sprayed water on the coming and going Pokemon in order to keep them from overheating. Eventually, mist of the flow was covered, but it still wasn't enough to stop the flow.
Ash: We have to seal those cracks. Aiden, Flamethrower on the rocks!
Aiden: On it!
The Charizard then flew over to the flow, where he then began to breathe fire on the rocks to melt the rock and seal up the cracks, however the flame wasn;t enough. Kestrel, who was originally "helping" by picking up a tuny rock and was about to drop it in saw what Aiden was doing, giggling as he wagged his stubby hands.
Green: Aw, look. Kestrel's cheering for him.
Ash/All Pokemon: Awww~.
Geodude: *cutesy tone* That's not gonna help, though~.
Suddenly, Kestrel's hands began to glow as they wagged before he then turned to the rocks and much to everyone's shock, unleashed a Flamethrower of his own!
Misty: What the-?!
Brock: Guys, I think Kestrel used Metronome!
Cobalt: "Metronome"?
Psi: Think of it as a randomizer. If Kestrel were to wag his hands like he did just now, he could use nearly EVERY Pokemon move.
Loki: EVERY MOVE?!
Green: Woah, that kid is a badass….. *smiles* My nephew is a badass!
Ash: Regardless of Metronome, Brock, it's still not enough! *to Blaine* Blaine, shouldn;t Typhlosion help?
Blaine: No… I have an old friend here who could help with the predicament.
Suddenly, a large swirl of almost liquid fire hit the rocks, making everyone look to the source to find it coming from a large, red quadraped Pokemon with yellow splotches, cross-shaped feet, and a mask-like face with a large ornament on its head. Seeing this, Aiden increased the powr of his Flamethrower, and that combined with Kestrel's Metronome-Flamethrower, and the new Pokemon's attack, the cracks finally sealed, trapping the lava inside the large crevasse.
Everyone took the time to let out a sigh of relief as Aiden landed and grabbed Kestrel, bringing him over to the group. Ash hugged his Charizard as Cobalt took his son from Aiden's claws while the new Pokemon crawled on the walls towards them.
Ash: You were awesome, Aiden!
Cobalt: *nuzzles Kestrel* Baby's first time helping in a crisis… *sniffles tearfully* I'm so proud….
Blaine: *pets Pokemon* You did well, my friend.
Brock: That's an odd Pokemon, what is it?
Ash: *takes out Pokedex* Let's see here…
Pokedex: Heatran, the Lava Dome Pokémon. A Fire and Steel type. Heatran lives in volcanic caves and uses its cross-shaped claws to maneuver across stone walls.
Ash: "Heatran"?
Blaine: Yes, Heatran. I figured out his name from an old book, apparently, hes considered a legendary Pokemon from the Sinnoh region.
Brock: Legendary?! You have a legendary Pokemon?!
Blaine: Oh no, Heatran isn;t mine. I found him many years ago living in this volcano when I first came to Cinnibar Island and over the years, we became friends. He's actually the reason I built my gym here… Speaking of which, let's say we continue our battle.
Misty: But your gym is destroyed…
Blaine: Don;t worry about it, all us experienced gym leaders always have spares.
Ash smiled at this, but as he looked at his released Pokemon, je noticed both Aiden and Heatran eyeing one another, a fire in their eye that resembled that of their evergrowing pride and strength. Auden looked back to his trainer, walking over to him as he stood by and watching as Heatran neared Blaine's side.
Ash: Blaine, I have a hunch my Charizard would like to battle Heatran.
Psi: What?!
Misty: Ash, you heard it from Blaine himself. Heatran's a legendary Pokemon, it must be REALLY powerful.
Brock: Are you sure about this, Ash?
Ash: Only if Blaine's okay with it.
Blaine: So, what do you say, Heatran? Do you trust me enough to battle alongside me?
Heatran looked into Aiden;s eyes, their fiery passion once again meeting before Heatran turned to Blaine… And nodded.
Blaine: Alright, Ash. We accept your challenge.
—-
Later on, Blaine and Ash met at the summit of the volcano, where multiple platforms rose above the large lava lake, with Aiden standing in front of Ash and Heatran for Blaine. Misty, along with Ash's other Pokemon stood by him as Brock took a referee stand by Ash.
Misty: Whu would Aiden want to battle Heatran? Wouldn;t he lose?
Brock: Maybe he saw how strong Heatran was and wants to show he can be stronger. And to find out if he can…. *raises hands* Let the match resume!
Ash: Alright, Aiden! Take the shot with Flamethrower!
Blaine: Heatran, use Magma Storm!
Both fire attacks collided, liquid fire meeting… Well, actual fire as a large explosion formed, much to everyone's shock.
Green: They're tied!
Blaine: I really admire the fire in your Charizard's belly, Ash! But it wonlt be enough! Heatran, charge and use Iron Head!
Heatran then jumped to the next platform, then rocketed towards the Charizard, its head ornament turning metallic.
Ash: Dodge, then use Dragon Claw!
Aiden managed to step out of the way, slashing Heatran with his now glowing green claws and sending him forward, but not enough to fall into the lava as it then gripped a platform pillar.
Blaine: Show them your stuff, Heatran! Use Stone Edge!
Heatran's body begins to glow white, where the white energy then comes off its body and forms into multiple gray rocks, which the Lava Dome Pokemon beguns to fire at Aiden. He manages to dodge most of them, only for one to knock him in the back of the head, causing him to stumble mid-air and almost fall into the lava.
Ash: AIDEN!
Blaine: Now Magma Storm!
At the sound of Heatran charging its attack, Aiden suddenly woke up and took flight, dodging the attack as he stopped and landed on a platform, panting in exhaustion.
Ash: Are you okay, Aiden?
Aiden: I'm fine… He's really strong. Ash… You know what you gotta do….
Ash realized what he meant, looking at his Mega Glove in reluctance.
Ash: But… What if what happened to Yami when he Mega Evolved happens to you too?
Cobalt: I can;t say for certain what happened, but Aiden might be different. All I can tell you now is this; if you want to win this fight, you gotta take the chance.
Taking his Lucario's words to heart, Ash checked over his options. Aiden was a powerhouse, but Heatran was a legendary and had more power, plus if Heatran had Stone Edge, they'd need all the power they could get.
Ash: *nods* Okay…. I trust you, Aiden…. *to Blaine* Hey Blaine! I have a riddle for you!
Blaine: A riddle? For me? Well, this is surprising?
Ash: What's bright, powerful, and will help me win this fight?
Blaine: A very powerful Focus Blast, obviously!... If yoru Charizard knows Focus Blast.
Ash: Nope. It's this….. *taps key stone* Aiden! Mega Evolve!
Blaine: *shocked* M….. Mega Evolve?
Aiden growled as he then let out a loud roar as his Mega Stone glowed and enveloped his body. SPikes began forming on his scales and his wings grew longer as Aiden let out a mighty roar making the light dissipate. Aiden became sleeker as he gained three pointed horns on the back of his head and his snout had larger fangs and a ridge on the nose, a shorter neck with small wings developing on his wrists, while the ones on his back become larger, lose the wing finger passing through their membrane and end up with ragged edges. His tail now has a large spike at the base and three smaller ones near the tip, which now burns with a longer flame.
Aiden: Finally! I've been waiting for the moment to use this!
Misty: Woah, look at how skinny he is now.
Brock: I'm wondering if it's from Mega Energy or Jazzercize….
Pokedex: Mega Charizard Y, a result of Charizard being exposed to a sample of Charizardite Y. A Fire and Flying type. Only Charizard with a true, strong bond with their trainers can achieve this highly powerful form. It boasts speed and maneuverability greater than that of a jet fighter.
Blaine: 'Incredible. I haven't seen any trace of Mega Evolution ever since Fuji died all of those years ago… This boy… There's something about him that's different'. Not bad, kiddo! But let;s see how you deal with another Stone Edge!
Ash: Counter with Air Slash!
Jagged stones met giant air buzzsaws that came from Aiden's wings, once again causing a large explosion.
Blaine: Use Iron Head to charge and get on him!
Ash: Dragon Claw!
Though Aiden managed to scratch it, Heatran hit Aiden in the stomach before swinging and gripping onto the Charizard's back.
Aiden: Hey! Get off!
Ash: Aiden, Flamethrower!
Aiden hit Heatran in the face with a Flamethower, but it wasn't enough to deter it.
Blaine: Let's finish this! Use Hyper Beam!
Ash gasped as he saw a large orange orb begin to charge in the Heatran's mouth and ready to fire… Where he then remembered the additional training they did before taking the ferry. And it was there that Ash had an idea.
Ash: Aiden, fly high!
Nodding, Aiden flew up to the sky as the volcano below became smaller and smaller. Just as the Hyper Beam was about to fire and Heatran was about to win…
Ash: Now! Seismic Toss!
Aiden quickly grabbed Heatran and pointed its face away, making it fire the Hyper Beam to the horizon as Aiden then began to spin in a circle in the sky, making Heatran dizzy before Aiden then dove down before spinning one more time and threw Heatran down. HARD. So hard in fact that Heatran crashed through the platform and fell into the lava lake below.
Blaine: Heatran!
Everyone waited in anticipation… Before Heatran floated back to the surface and climbed up the platform as Aiden landed on another. Just as they thought Heatran would attack again, the quadraped gave him an expression similar to a smile as he kneeled, right before he plopped to the ground and fainted.
Brock: Heatran is unable to battle! The winner is Aiden! And as such, the match goes to Ash Ketchum!
Ash: *gasps*... We…. We ddi it! We beat 'em, Aiden! We got our 7th badge!
Aiden let out a prideful roar as he turned back to normal, flying back to his party to celebrate as Blaine checked over Heatran as the quadraped came over to him.
Blaine: Are you alright, my friend?
Heatran gave Blaine a nod before crawling back to the lava lake, allowing him to finally rest after the valorous battle between himself and Ash's powerhouse. Later on, Ash and his friends met with Blaine at the Big Riddle Inn, where Blaine now wore his old wig and sunglasses.
Blaine: And now, I have one last riddle for you, Ash.
Green: Arceus dammit, WHY?!
Blaine: What's always "read" but has no words?
Ash: Is it the Volcano Badge?
Blaine smirked at this, tossing something small to Ash as he caught it, revealing it to indeed be a Volcano Badge.
Blaine: Correct! You've earned it, Ash. That was a good battle.
Ash: Thank you, Blaine.
After bidding Blaine farewell and getting their bags from their rooms, Ash and his group went back on the ferry, though there was no sign of Alain or Gary. The grup lounged on the deck, with Ash and his team watching the waves while Misty read a magazine she got on the ferry and Brock was observing the other boat patrons… Especially the swim suit girls.
Cobalt: We finally got our 7th badge. Just one more and we can enter the Pokemon League.
Ash: We're almot there. Just one more battle, and we're golden. The only question now is; where do we go for the last one?
Misty: Actually, I think I might now… My magazine says that the gym leader of Viridian City finally came back.
Ash: "Back"? He's been away?
Brock: *hears conversation* Yeah, apparently he;s been away on business for all this time. Haven;t met the guy myself, but I heard he's the strongest of the Kanto gym leaders. He specializes in Ground-types.
Misty: Well, I guess that's where we need to go. Luckily the ferry stops in Vermillion.
Ash: *nods* Hmm. Then that's where we go.
Green: The final frontier, Viridian City!
Cobalt: It's gonna be a tough fight. Possibly emotionally scarring.
Azula: Understatement.
Ash: I know… But as long as I have you guys, I know we can do it.
Cobalt, Green, and Azula smiled at Ash as the waves kept waking behind as they finally set a course to Vitidian City; home of Ash's 8th gym badges. Though unknown to them, a small, whitish-pink Pokemon was watching them invisibly. It seemed to giggle as it floated right in front of Ash's face before flying off, nobody being none the wiser….
TO BE CONTINUED…
—-
Ash's Team
Lucario: Cobalt
Sceptile: Green
Alakazam: Psi
Gengar: Yami
Charizard: Aidan
Inteleon: Azula
Togepi: Kestrel
Rotom: Sparky (at Oak's lab)
Umbreon *shiny*: Blacky (at home)
Misty's Team
Staryu
Psyduck: Perry
Gyarados: Mel (Malestrom)
Squirtle: Loki
Wimpod: Harold
Goldeen: Bella (at gym)
Horsea: Jeff
Starmie (at gym)
Butterfree: Alex (at gym)
Tentacool: Charles (at gym)
Brock's Team
Onix
Geodude
Golbat: Nightwing
Bulbasaur
Croagunk
Mankey: John
Krabby (at gym)
Jessie's Team
Arbok
Wobbuffet
Yanmega
Seviper
James's Team
Weezing
Inkay
Growlithe: Growlie
Carnivine