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
Psychic Squabble
Ash looked around as they entered Saffron City. Through the last two weeks, he and his Pokémon had worked their butts off for the Saffron Gym, which he knew would be their toughest Gym yet. Sabrina, the Psychic gym leader, was one of the strongest gym leaders in the League and even the toughest trainers struggled with her gym. There were rumors that she had even been asked to join the Elite Four.
Psi had managed to master Dark Pulse with the help of the Pokédex and his Thunderbolt had become more powerful with practice, though it would never be as strong as a true Electric type. In preparation for the gym, he also did a lot of extra speed training and boosted his Psyshock.
Azula worked on her U-Turn and Aqua Jet, eventually going so far as to replace Pound and Water Gun with Swift and Water Pulse. Azula had become much more stronger, especially since she had become sparring partners with the newly evolved Aiden. Both of them couldn't wait for their possible first big Gym Battle at his trainer's side, especially when Aiden had given up Dragon Rage to learn Dragon Claw.
After a quick stop at the Pokémon Center to heal Ash's team, Ash, Brock and Misty headed towards the Psychic gym, an imposing white building. As usual, Azula was on Ash's shoulder and Cobalt and Green walked beside him as Loki walked beside Misty.
Cobalt: This place is a little spooky.
As they entered, it only proved his point, as the inside was lit with rows of torches. It looked more like an old temple than a gym.
Ash: Hello? Is anyone here?
Misty: *nervously* There's something creepy about this place.
They noticed a green door and walked over to it, peeking through the window. Inside, there was a group of people in white coats. Some were guessing shapes on cards and others were attempting to bend spoons with their minds. Ash wondered if this was the psychic school Alain had told him about. However, that's when some weird guy with a long beard and a surgical mask came out to them.
Man: Hey! What are you kids doing here?
Ash: We were looking for the gym leader so I can try for the Marsh Badge.
Man: *scornfully* You wish to challenge the great Sabrina?
Ash: Yes, sir.
Misty: Excuse me, but what are all those people doing in that room?
Man: You know so little, yet you wish to challenge the great Sabrina.
He held up a spoon with a laugh, making everyone look at him weirdly. He then stared at it, concentrating so hard that his face turned bright red. Suddenly, the spoon bent very slightly and the guy put it down, panting.
Ash: Are you okay? You look like you have a headache.
Man: You fool. That was telekinesis. You can't control a Psychic Pokémon without telekinetic powers.
Ash: I've heard of lots of trainers who aren't psychics training psychic Pokémon. Hell, I have a Psychic Pokemon and they listen to me just fine, so I don't have to worry about not being tele-telekinetic.
Ash was doing his best to ignore the insult. Green smiled, glad his trainer was slowly becoming more confident.
Ash: Could you take us to the Gym Leader please, sir?
Not sure how to respond to the logical and politely said retort, the man finally nodded. He led them to a set of purple doors and opened them, where he then went to a darkened corner of the room.
Man: Oh, great Sabrina, these strangers have come to challenge you. Though I don't know why you would waste your time on this group of losers.
Ash had to grab Cobalt around the wrist to keep him from pummeling the guy at this. Suddenly, a glowing psychic force lifted the man off the ground. A light in the corner turned on, revealing a young blue-haired woman, her eyes glowing red. Everyone gasped and the Pokémon moved in front of their trainers protectively.
Woman: You know I do not tolerate this kind of behavior in my gym.
Ash: 'That must be Sabrina.'
Sabrina: I do not like bullies or people who belittle or insult my challengers or my psychics. Get out of here and don't come back until you are willing to apologize to these people and to me. And if you do this again, you are no longer welcome in my gym or my psychic school.
She dropped him in an undignified heap in front of the door and the man opened it and ran for his life. Sabrina then turned to Ash and his friends.
Sabrina: Hello. I've been expecting you. Especially you, Ash Ketchum. I can sense the power you hold within you.
She looked down at Cobalt, Loki and Green, who were whispering to each other.
Sabrina: Cobalt, Green, Loki, I'm not going to hurt any of you, so your escape plan isn't necessary, though I give you points for bravery and creativity.
Cobalt: Wait, you…. You can hear us?
Green: How did you… *facepalms* Oh, duh, psychic powers.
Ash: Can you–
Sabrina: Can I understand Pokémon like you can? Not in the same way, but I can read minds, so it all amounts to the same thing.
Ash mentally smacked himself in the forehead, remembering that Alain had told him she could read minds. Between the Tentacool attack and training, he had nearly forgotten about that.
Ash: Um, I'd like to challenge you for the Marsh Badge, please.
Green: Wait, hold on, Ash. For all we know, this broad might cheat. How do we work around an opponent that can hear every thought?
Sabrina: I accept your challenge. And don't worry, I won't look into your mind during the battle. It's against the League rules.
She led them to the battlefield, and both she and Ash took their positions on either end. Misty, Brock, Cobalt, Green, and Loki sat in the stands.
Referee: The battle between gym leader Sabrina and the challenger Ash shall now begin! Each trainer shall only use two Pokemon for the battle and furthermore, there will be no substitutions allowed! Will both sides let out their Pokemon!
Sabrina: Let's get this battle started. Go, Mr. Mime!
Sabrina released her clown-like Pokémon, making Cobalt cringe as Ash scanned it with his Pokedex.
Pokedex: Mr. Mime, the Barrier Pokemon. A Psychic and Fairy type. Mr. Mime's gestures and motions convince watchers that something unseeable actually exists. Once the watchers are convinced, the unseeable thing exists as if it were real.
Ash: Yami, I choose you!
Ash's Gengar was released from the ball, cackling as he floated a few inches off the ground.
Referee: Let the match begin!
Ash: Use Shadow Punch!
Sabrina: Reflect.
The Mr. Mime quickly put up a barrier, but still took a little damage from Yami's attack.
Sabrina: Now use Confusion while he's close.
A weak telekinetic force slammed into Yami, sending the Gengar backwards.
Ash: Shadow Ball!
Yami summoned a sphere of ghostly energy and shot it at the Mr. Mime, doing some damage despite the Reflect.
Sabrina: Magical Leaf.
Leaves surrounded by a glowing pink energy shot out of the Mr. Mime's hands.
Ash: Dodge them!
He tried to dodge, but the leaves simply followed him, hitting the Gnegar and sending him tumbling.
Ash: Yami!
Yami: I'm fine, Ash! Just a scratch!
Sabrina: Magical Leaf again, Mr. Mime!
Ash: Use Venoshock to destroy the leaves!
Yami spat out a stream of poisonous liquid, dissolving the leaves and hitting Mr. Mime.
Sabrina: Very clever. Let's see how you handle this! Mr. Mime, Psychic!
Mr. Mime's hands glowed and Yami was lifted off the ground.
Ash: Hit it with Shadow Ball to make it let you go!
Yami quickly shot off a Shadow Ball, which hit the Mr. Mime, but was still slammed hard into the ground.
Ash: Yami, are you okay?
The Gengar got up shakily. Ash was about to return him, but Yami shook his head, turning to face the Mr. Mime.
Yami: I want to go until I'm out, Ash. I can do this.
Ash: *nods* Shadow Ball, full power!
Sabrina: Match that with a full power Psybeam!
The Shadow Ball and Psybeam met, causing a small explosion and a lot of smoke. When it cleared, Yami was knocked out and Mr. Mime was barely standing.
Referee: Gengar is unable to battle! The winner is Mr. Mime!
Sadly, Ash returned Yami, striking his ball as he put it back on his belt.
Ash: You did a great job, buddy. Thank you. Go, Psi!
With another ball, Ash's Kadabra appeared, once again floating and looking towards their opponent.
Sabrina: A Kadabra? Iwasn't expecting that from a Trainer like you… *smiles* How interesting.
Ash: Use Dark Pulse!
Nodding, Psi's star mark glowed black as they then used their spoon to fire a swirling beam of dark energy at their opponent. Mr. Mime was too exhausted to dodge or set up a barrier, so he was quickly knocked out.
Referee: Mr. Mime is unable to battle! The winner is Kadabra!
Sabrina: Mr. Mime, return. You did a wonderful job.
She returned Mr. Mime to his Poké Ball, then threw out the Poké Ball containing her starter, which was a great surprise to both Ash and Psi.
Green: Is that a…
Cobalt: No way.
Sabrina: Your Kadabra is impressive. But, Iet us see how they handle against mine.
Ash: Psi, use Dark Pulse!
Sabrina: Teleport, then Psychic.
Sabrina ordered and Kadabra disappeared. Psi looked around frantically for their opponent, only for them to be held aloft by the other Kadabra's Psychic.
Ash: Use Thunderbolt to make it let you go!
Psi shot a bolt of lightning at Kadabra before being thrown hard to the ground.
Sabrina: Reflect.
Most of the Thunderbolt bounced off Kadabra's shield, but it was still hurt a little.
Sabrina: Now use Future Sight.
Kadabra's eyes glowed blue, and both Ash and Psi braced themselves, but nothing seemed to happen. Ash had a bad feeling about the move, but had no idea what it did. Maybe it was simply a defensive move, or something to help Kadabra evade attacks more easily. He continued on.
Psi: Oh, that is NOT good.
Ash: Psi, use Dark Pulse again!
Sabrina: Teleport, then Psycho Cut!
Once again, Kadabra disappeared.
Ash: On your left! Use Thunderbolt!
Psi hit Kadabra with a Thunderbolt, but got hit by some of the Psycho Cut.
Sabrina: Kadabra, use Recover!
Ash: Use Disable as it's using Recover! Then use Dark Pulse!
With the flick of Psi's spoon, Sabrina's Kadabra stopped glowing with the healing aura, being hit by another beam of dark energy. But though Kadabra was severely weakened, he wasn't out yet.
Ash: Use-
Ash was about to tell Psi to use Dark Pulse, but was cut off as a strong wind filled the stadium. A sphere of energy hit Psi, knocking jis Kadabra to the ground and making them yell out in pain as they took serious damage from the attack.
Ash: Psi!
Sabrina: Now finish it off with Psychic!
Kadabra began to lift Levi into the air. Ash knew Psi was extremely close to fainting and wouldn't be able to take the attack.
Ash: STOP!... I forfeit.
Referee: The challenger has forfeited! Ergo, the winner is Sabrina!
Sabrina's Kadabra gently lowered Psi to the ground. Ash ran up to his Kadabra, who groaned and turned his head to the side.
Ash: Psi, I'm so sorry. *returns Psi*
Why didn't he figure out what that Future Sight attack did and keep an eye out for it? Someone placed a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see that it was Sabrina.
Sabrina: Ash, you're not going to automatically know what every move is or what it does, so stop berating yourself. And Psi is not upset with you. Losses happen, even to the best of trainers.
Ash nodded, relaxing a little and Sabrina continued.
Sabrina: Ash, you're a very good trainer, but there were some mistakes you made today. The first was that you didn't use any defensive or status moves. You used Dsiable,which was good, but you'll need more coverage. They may not seem like much, but if used correctly, they can turn the tide in a battle. Also, don't rely so much on type advantage, or what you think is type advantage. It can be a good strategy, but there are ways to work around it.
Ash nodded gratefully. He was thankful for her advice, though he still wished he hadn't made those mistakes in the first place.
Sabrina: Everyone makes mistakes. Trust me, I've made a lot of them. And when you have telekinetic powers, the mistakes become even more….chaotic, let's say.
It's true. She couldn't even count how many objects she had broken or people she had sent flying when she was angry or startled and didn't have a firm grip on her powers. It almost happened today. She was glad she hadn't accidentally harmed her challenger and his friends in her anger at the idiot. Psychic powers could be unpredictable and extremely hard to control. It had taken her years to get to this level of control, and she still had the occasional slipup. Speaking of which…
Sabrina: Ash, I'd like for you to stop by the psychic school after you heal your Pokémon so you can get some training with your powers and meet the other psychics. It's the building connected to the gym…that room you saw on your way in was just a classroom for adult psychics, not the actual school. Brock, Misty, you are of course welcome to join him.
Ash: But I'm not sure-
Sabrina: Your powers are considered psychic powers, Ash. I know you don't think you're a psychic, but you are.
Ash: But I can't-
Sabrina: Read minds, use telekinesis or see the future? Not all psychics can do that. That idiot was wrong, and so was your Sceptile mentor. Psychic powers come in all different forms and levels of power. You'll see when you meet the others. Please go to the school, Ash. I think it would be good for you.
Brock: Yeah, Ash, you should go to the school like the beautiful gym leader says.
Brock agreed, staring dreamily at Sabrina. He started to walk towards her, wanting to ask her out. She glared at him, her eyes starting to glow red.
Sabrina: Not interested. And don't even think about touching me. As you've seen, I have telekinesis, and I will use it. Plus…. A certain Croagunk wouldn't want you to be so enraptured…
Brock gulped before backing away slowly.
Misty: I may not be able to use telekinesis, but there's another special trick I can do. Making Brock disappear!
She grabbed Brock by the ear, hauling him out of the gym. Sabrina let out a giggle and Ash shook his head before following his friends, though Croagnk sBiancaed behind, looking down in sadness.
Croagunk: Aw…. I wanted to do that.
—-
They went to the Pokémon Center and waited while Psi and Yami were healed.
Misty: A psychic school. I wonder what that will be like.
Ash: I hope the other students there are nice.
He hoped he'd fit in at psychic school. He certainly hadn't at normal school. The buzzer sounded for Ash to pick up his Pokémon. Ash put Yami's Poké Ball on his belt and let Psi out, who looked… Really ashamed of themself.
Ash: How are you feeling, Psi? Are you okay?
Psi: I am…. fine. Apologies that I got knocked out. How did Yami fare?
Cobalt: Not too good, He got hit hard by those Psychic attacks.
Psi: That would make sense. Yami is part Poison-type, which makes him weak to Psychic type moves, even with his Ghost type.
Ash: *sighs* We lost. It was really close, but we lost. Oh well. We'll train for a few more days and try the gym again."
Green: I don't get what happened out there. Psi's Dark Pulse and Yami's Ghost type moves should have done really well against Sabrina's team. Ghost and Dark type moves are super effective against Psychic, right?
Ash: Yeah, but after I lost, Sabrina told me that I shouldn't rely so much on type advantage…or what I think is type advantage. What do you think she meant by the last part?
Psi: I have no idea. All I know is that Dark and Ghost are supposed to be strong against Psychic. Maybe it was the Reflect or maybe…
Psi continued mumbling theories and thinking out loud all the way to the Psychic School, they weren't used to there being a problem he couldn't solve. Ash just shook his head at his Pokemon as he pushed open the door to the Psychic School and walked in, Brock, Misty, and his Pokémon beside him. At the entrance, A tall teenage boy with gray hair was waiting for them as they entered the school, an Espeon and Umbreon beside him.
Boy: Hey there, I'm the welcoming committee. Sabrina told me a new psychic was coming in today and I couldn't wait to meet them. Name's Wes.
His Espeon head-butted him.
Wes: Oh sorry. And these are my partners, Solana and Seleno.
Misty: I'm Misty and this is Loki.
Brock: Brock.
Ash: I'm Ash. *shyly* I'm-I guess I'm the new psychic. This is Cobalt, Green, and- Hey, Psi, someone wants to meet you!
He gave the Kadabra a nudge, snapping Psi out of his musing about whether he could combine Dark Pulse and Psyshock to make a stronger attack and greeted Wes.
Wes: It's nice to meet all of you. *to Ash* So what's your ability? I'm a Cleric; basically means I can alleviate an overabundance of darkness in someone's heart. It's okay, none of us bite, well, not most of the time.
Ash: I-I can understand Pokémon.
Ash actually smiled as he confessed. It was a relief not to have to hide his ability here.
Wes: Really? That's cool. I can understand Solana, but that's because she's telepathic. So what about you guys? *to Misty and Brock* Are you psychics too?
Misty: If I am, I don't know about it.
Brock: I don't think I am either. That won't be a problem, will it?
Wes: PFFT. Nah, this school welcomes everyone to visit. You won't be able to take psychic classes though unless you're a psychic, but as long as Sabrina says it's okay, you're free to sit in. We're all hanging out by the pool right now. Would you like to meet the others?
Ash looked to the boy with a smile. Wes seemed to be really nice and Ash was starting to feel that he just might fit in here.
Ash: I'd love to.
Wes led them through the school, taking the time to point out where all the classrooms and bathrooms were, then opened the back door to the pool area. They stepped outside into the sunshine. Everyone let out a soft gasp at what they saw. The pool area was huge and extremely beautiful. There was a massive pool with water Pokémon swimming around, a small garden that grass types were playing in, a snack stand, and even an outdoor battling arena. Trainers and Pokémon were everywhere, swimming in the pool, lounging in the pool chairs, playing with their Pokémon or just talking to one another. Wes introduced them to his Togetic, Croconaw, Ponyta, and Beedrill.
Cobalt: Woah…
Loki: Awesome…
Green: Man, this place is crack-a-lackin!
Wes tiptoed past a girl with fiery red hair sleeping in a lounge chair with a Vulpix sleeping on her stomach and an Abra next to her.
Wes: Shh, she's sleeping. Be careful not to wake her. Flara's pyrokinetic and she gets really cranky when she gets woken up from her naps. She's really nice when she's fully awake, but when someone jolts her out of a sound sleep, you might want to run for your life. She nearly shot a fireball at our resident prankster, Morty, because he dumped a bucket of cold water on her while she was napping.
Ash: Ah, man….. Do you mind if I let my Pokémon out? They've been hoping for some time to stretch.
Wes: Sure, I mean no, that's completely fine. You can let them out.
Ash released Yami and Aiden and went to the pool. He saw a young her with pale skin and short blue hair and a small fishnet like headband standing by the water. He was about to ask if it was okay to let Azula out when she raised her hands and a huge sphere of water came out of the pool, a beautiful blue sea lion Pokémon with long hair swimming around inside it. Ash stared in awe as the sphere moved circles around the pool.
Wes: She's hydrokinetic. *to girl* Hey, Lana, this is Ash, our newest member.
The girl, who Ash assumed was Lana, lowered the sphere of water back into the pool and came over.
Lana: Hi, Ash. Nice to meet you.
Ash: Nice to meet you too. Your Pokémon…what species is it? I've never seen anything like him or her before.
Lana smiled, petting the sea lion as it got out of the water.
Green: Woah… She's absolutely beautiful.
However, it looked feminine. The Pokemon spoke in a slightly deep grown man's voice.
?: Actually, I'm a guy.
Green: Oh….. Uh….. *awkward* Sorry.
?: It's cool, it happens all the time.
Lana: His name's Fabio, and he's a Primarina. We're from the Alola region."
Intrigued, Ash got out his Pokedex, scanning the sea lion.
Pokedex: Primarina, the Soloist Pokémon. A Water and Fairy type. Its singing voice is its chief weapon in battle. With its mouth, it makes sonic waves that sound like beautiful singing. It uses the sonic waves to control its water balloons.
Ash: He's beautiful.
Misty: Absolutely gorgeous.
Ash: Is it alright if I let my Sobble out into the pool? She's pretty shy.
Lana: Sure, it's all right with me.
Ash released Azula by the pond. The Sobble looked around nervously, but went up to Ash and climbed onto his shoulder to nuzzle him as Ash scratched the crest on her head.
Lana: Wow, you were right about her being shy. She looks really healthy and strong too.
Misty let out Mel and Lana commented on her beauty, strength, and friendliness.
Lana: I abosultely love water Pokémon. Once I finish my psychic training, I plan to go out on a boat with Fabio and sail all around the world to fish for Water types all over.
Misty: That's a great idea! So what Pokémon do you plan to…
She and Lana were soon caught up in a discussion on Water Pokémon and plans for Lana's aquarium. Wes just smiled and led Ash, Brock, and Ash's Pokémon away to meet the other psychics.
A Pokémon battle was going on over at the battlefield, and the group went over to watch. A thirteen year old boy with green streaked black hair and wearing a long dark cloak was battling with his Shiny Charizard against a splied brown-haired girl with a Vaporeon. It was a close match, almost resulting in a draw, but the black Charizard used Seismic Toss, knocking the Vaporeon out.
Girl: Cloudy!
She quickly ran to the Vaporeon and sprayed a Revive and a Hyper Potion on it. A Flareon ran up and nuzzled it as it groaned and got up. Scooping up her Vaporeon and gently hugging it, the girl shook hands with her opponent. The cloaked boy gave her a nod.
Wes: Ash, this is Marcus and Bianca. *to pair* Guys, this is Ash. He's the new guy.
Marcus looked Ash up and down, appraising him before giving him a polite but curt nod.
Marcus: Hello. Excuse me, I must see to my Pokémon.
He turned his attention back to his Charizard, gently stroking its neck as he gave it a berry and sprayed a Hyper Potion on it. A Houndoom, Noctowl, and a tall fox-like Pokemon with a large red mane ran up to him, and he took out some berries and started to give them out. Interesting in the fox, Ash scanned it with his Pokedex.
Pokedex: Zoroark, the Illusion Fox Pokemon. A Dark type. Zoroark has the ability to shapeshift and fool a large group of people simultaneously. If it thinks humans are going to discover its den, Zoroark shows them visions that make them wander around in the woods.
Bianca: It's nice to meet you, Ash.
She introduced the group to her team; a hyperactive Eevee named Liam, a Glaceon named Aisu who seemed to keep her distance, and her Flareon and Vaporeon, who were named Flame and Cloudy. Ash introduced his own Pokémon to her. Flame immediately challenged Aidan to a play battle and Aidan was quick to agree. Ash looked around for Yami, who was no longer behind him, and saw that he was talking to another Gengar, with Loki beside him. All three were whispering, mischievous looks on their faces.
Marcus: Shadow, if you three pull that prank, you're the ones who have to clean it up.
The Gengar looked sheepish. Ash looked at him in shock.
Ash: Can you understand Pokémon too?
Marcus: I can read people's desires.
Bianca: You can understand Pokémon? *Ash nods* That's cool. Sometimes if I try really, really hard, I can read my Pokémon's minds, but I can't do it for too long. It's exhausting.
Wes offered to treat the group to ice cream from the snack bar, and Ash, Bianca, and Brock accepted, but Marcus politely declined. They talked about the classes in psychic school, and Ash found out that there were different classes for different psychic powers. Bianca was in the class that the gang had seen through the window in the Saffron Gym as she also had very mild telekinetic powers, while Wes was in a class for people with empathic abilities. There were also classes for Seers (psychics that could see the future), ghost whisperers, and elementalists. Ash wondered where he would be placed, though Wes told him that he would probably be assessed when Sabrina came in that evening. As they walked back with their ice creams, Wes continued to introduce Ash to other psychics he knew.
Wes: That person we just passed is name Hiece. Xe's cyrokinetic, and that's…
Suddenly, cold, clammy hands grabbed Ash's shoulders from behind.
?: I see dead people…"
Ash slowly turned to see a grinning skull staring straight at him. Ash yelped and jumped several feet into the air, and his ice cream and the one he had bought for Misty went flying. He went to catch them, but tripped over a pool chair. Looking around, he noticed a teenage boy with spiky blond hair and a skull T-shirt pulling off his mask and laughing his head off.
?: Oh man, the look on your face…
A larger ghost Pokemon with a single eye standing next to him rolled its eye. Green glared at the teenager as she helped Ash up as his Pokedex immediately scanned the ghost.
Pokedex: Dusknoir, the Gripper Pokémon. A Ghost type. With the mouth on its belly, Dusknoir swallows its target whole. The soul is the only thing eaten as Dusknoir disgorges the husk before departing.
Suddenly, an angry voice yelled at Ash, making him gulp in fear as he saw Flara, the pyrokinetic who no one dared wake up. Noticing trouble, Misty and Lana ran over.
Flara: What was the meaning of screaming like a banshee and dropping ice cream on me while I was trying to sleep?!
Ash: I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to drop ice cream on you and wake you up. I-
Wes: Morty snuck up behind him and scared him with that stupid mask of his and Ash tripped.
Morty: Tattletale…
She was about to yell at him, only for Lana to step in.
Lana: Flara, calm down. You're scaring the new guy.
Flara's Vulpix was also trying to soothe her, causing her to quickly calm down.
Flara: Sorry for snapping at you, Ash.
Ash: I'm really sorry I dropped my ice cream on you.
He ran to the snack stand to get her some napkins, which she took.
Flara: No harm done.
Morty: Sorry, kid. I couldn't resist. Name's Morty. I actually do see and speak to ghosts.
Dusknoir: And he never hesitates to use the mask gag. Even after he got punched by this huge guy he decided to startle.
Morty: *elbows Dusknoir* And this here is my pal, Tiny Tim, who never defends me.
Dusknoir: *playful* Yeah, because you kind of deserved to be punched for being stupid. And don't call me Tiny Tim!
Morty: Aww, you wound me, TINY TIM. *points to heart* Wound me right here.
Ash: Can you understand Pokémon?
Morty: Yeah, but just Ghost types. It somehow comes with being able to speak to ghosts. Don't ask me why, because I have no clue. The scientists here tried to explain it to me, but I zoned out. Too boring and I don't really care.
Lana walked up to Ash, holding the same glass ball Aiden had found on the beach.
Lana: Here, Ash, you dropped your Mega Stone when you tripped.
Ash: Thanks. *takes stone* I was wondering what that wa-... Did you say "Mega Stone"? As in the ones that allow Pokemon to Mega Evolve? That's what this is?
Lana: Yep. That Charizardite Y, a pretty rare fid. Charizard's the only Pokemon recorded to have 2 separate Mega forms. I found a Sharpedonite so I can Mega Evolve my Sharpedo once I find a Mega Ring.
Cobalt: No way. *shouts outside* Hear that, Aidan?! You can Mega Evolve once you become a Charizard!
Aiden: Awesome! That's fine.
The door to the pool area opened and a child with tan skin and dark hair, complete with a gray hoodie came in carrying a bunch of shopping bags, a Pikachu rested on their shoulder and a small white and orange rabbit Pokemon sprinted in beside him.
?: We're back! It took forever to get those Poki sticks Heice likes.
Wes: Hey, Goh! Come meet the new guy!
Goh: New guy? Who-
The kid came over to the group, though as they looked upon Ash, their eyes lit up with recognition.
Goh: Oh, hey Ash. I haven't seen you in years.
Ash: Hey, Goh. I didn;t know you were psychic.
Goh: I could say the same to you.
Cobalt: You guys know each other?
Goh: Yep. We met when we were kids at summer camp with my friend, Chloe…. Also, yes, I can understand you.
Goh had originally lived in Pallet Town, but hadn't met Ash until they both went to camp at 7, where they met Ash, and unfortunately Gary. The two had been friendly enough to one another whenever they crossed paths, but between them both being shy and preparing for their journey, they hadn't really become friends, especially since Goh's family moved to Vermillion Coty.
The little rabbit rushed over to Aiden, where they both chatted at rapid pace.
Goh: Look at that. You've only been here for who knows how long and seems like Kixx is having the time of his life making new friends.
Interested in the rabbit, Ash scanned it with his Pokedex.
Pokedex: Scorbunny, the Rabbit Pokémon. A Fire type. Once Scorbunny is ready for battle, the pads above its nose and under its feet give off intense heat. The soles on its feet are also said to bring good luck.
Suddenly, Goh's Pikachu jumped off her shoulder and started heading towards Ash.
Pikachu: *friendly* Hello!
Ash backed up a step from the Pikachu that was similar in size and appearance to his former starter as it ran towards him, not registering the friendly female voice in his fear. The Pikachu stood up on her hind legs and looked at Ash with curiosity and concern.
Pikachu: What's wrong?
As she treaded closer, Ash once again backed up, bumping into Yami behind him to prevent Ash from backing into the pool.
Yami: Ash, it's okay. That Pikachu isn't him.
Ash's other Pokémon, Misty, and Brock ran over to him and Cobalt squeezed his hand lightly as Misty placed a hand on his shoulder. Azula, who didn't know about Pikachu, looked both confused and worried for Ash.
Pikachu: I'm not who?
Ash snapped out of it upon hearing Yami's voice and the female voice of the Pikachu, feeling both angry at himself and ashamed that he had acted like this in front of the other psychics.
Wes: Hey Ash, you okay?
Ash nodded, but the other psychics didn't look convinced. Marcus, who had been studying Ash intently, raised an eyebrow.
Wes: You don't feel fine.
Morty: Worst liar of the year award, you have a new nominee."
Flara glared at him and jabbed her elbow into his ribs.
Flara: You can tell us. None of us will laugh or anything.
Ash: I-I had a bad experience with a Pikachu. *muths to Azula* I'll tell you later.
Goh: *picks up Pikachu* S-Sorry. Do you need me to take Zina out of the room?
Ash: No…. No. It's not your Pikachu's fault. She didn't do anything wrong.
Though he was still a little nervous around the Pikachu, she wasn't his former starter and had been nothing but friendly to him. Though it'd be difficult, he needed to do his best to follow Lt. Surge's advice and try to overcome his fear. He took a deep breath and smiled at his old neighbor.
Ash: Sorry about-
Goh: Hey, no need to apologize. Just know that Zina would never hurt you. She's really friendly and likes everybody.
Zina nodded and Ash relaxed a little, mentally repeating Lt. Surge's words. The group talked a little more, and Ash found out that while Goh also could understand Pokemon like him, they were mostly an empath, where they could feel the emotions of Pokémon. They and Zina shared a pretty close bond, especially since she was born from a Pikachu that belonged to Goh's grandmother. Their Scorbunny, a hyperactive and goofy little gremlin named Kixx, became quick sparring mates with Aiden, and also fast friends with Yami and Loki, and by the way they and Marcus's Gengar were huddling in a corner and whispering with mischievous grins on their faces, Ash had the sneaking suspicion that they were planning the prank Marcus had mentioned.
Ash was really beginning to enjoy Psychic school.
—-
It was just before dinner when Sabrina arrived, an older man with dark brown hair with her. She smiled at the other psychics and then noticed Ash.
Sabrina: Hello Ash. I'm glad you took my advice. This is my father. He was the one who built this school.
Ash: Nice to meet you, sir.
Sabrina's Father: Good to meet a kid with good manners. So Sabrina tells me you can understand Pokémon.
Ash: Yes, sir.
Sabrina's Father: Well then, let's get you a reading and see what classes we should put you in.
The dinner bell rang, and Wes, Brock, and Misty hesitated, but Sabrina told them to go ahead and go to the cafeteria with the other psychics. Telling Ash they'd save him a seat, they left.
Ash: A reading?
Ash thought of the carnival psychic readings with the crystal balls. How was that going to tell them what class he was supposed to be in?
Sabrina's Father: *snorts* Not that type of reading. Come with us.
Sabrina: I know you're wondering why we want you to have a reading. I can sense strong abilities, but not dormant or low level abilities, which is one of the reasons I wanted you to come here, Ash. Some abilities can "tag along" with stronger abilities and if you happen to have a dormant telepathic, telekinetic, or empathic ability, we need to know so it can be trained. Untrained psychic abilities can be dangerous, especially telekinesis.
Sabrina's Father: I'll get Xero. We'd better do this out here then.
And as soon as he said that, Sabrina's father abruptly disappeared into thin air. A shocked Ash looked around and Sabrina burst out laughing.
Sabrina: My dad can teleport and he loves showing off.
Sabrina's father arrived a few minutes later, a white haired man who looked to be in his twenties in tow.
White-Haired Man: I hate teleporting.
Ash noticed that the man's eyes were bright red, which made him a little nervous.
Sabrina: The red eyes are just contacts.
Xero: You ruined the effect! *to Ash* I hate my real eye color and red eyes look cool.
Sabrina's Father: We need you to do a reading on Ash here.
Xeri: *nods* Right. *to Ash* Hi Ash, I'm Xero. Did they explain to you how this works? *Ash shakes his head* Basically, my psychic power is that I can read other people's psychic powers and tell what powers they have and about what level the powers are at. Can you give me your hand, please?
Ash placed his hand into Xero's and the white-haired man closed his eyes, concentrating for a few minutes. Then he spoke to Sabrina and her father.
Xero: He can understand Pokémon and I'm also sensing a low level empathy ability. The empathy ability could probably increase a little with training, but I don't think it will increase too much further, maybe up to mid-level at the most.
Sabrina's Father: Can he project?
Xero: Don't think so. Not sure what will happen when he's fully trained because I can't read the future, but honestly I don't think he'll be able to, at least not intentionally.
Yami: Okay, is anyone else really confused right now? Or is it just me?
Green: Not just you.
Sabrina: Here, let me explain. Basically, there are three levels of empathy abilities. A low level empath is slightly more sensitive to emotions than the average human and can pick up on them more easily, especially if the emotion is strong. A mid-level empath can sense all the emotions of people around them, and a high level empath can sense emotions strongly and sometimes even project emotions to people around them.
Sabrina's Father: We can fit you into the Empathy class. Hone the empathy ability up a bit, but not too much. Sensing other people's emotions can be overwhelming.
As the man wrote the information down, Ash looked a little nervous, unsure whether he could control an ability he had no idea he had.
Sabrina: Don't worry. We'll teach you anything you need to know, and much of it will come naturally.
Sabrina's Father: I'm going to need to ask you a few more questions before we give you your class schedule and let you go. First, how long have you had your abilities and have you had any prior psychic training?
Ash: No, sir. And I don't know about the empathy ability, but I've only been able to speak to Pokémon for a few months. I got it at the beginning of my journey because of…an electrical shock.
He didn't know any of these people well enough to tell them about Pikachu.
Sabrina's Father: So you weren't able to speak to Pokémon until after you got the shock?
Ash: *nods* I couldn't understand Pokémon before the shock. Not even a little. I don't know how a shock made me understand Pokémon, it just…
He was pretty sure Sabrina and her father thought he was nuts now.
Sabrina's Father: Relax kid, I believe you.
He had seen the full story in Ash's mind, as had Sabrina, but they both knew Ash didn't want them to know, so they wouldn't say anything.
Sabrina's Father: Sometimes the mind can do amazing things to protect you from danger. Maybe it happened that way so you could get help from your Pokémon or maybe the ability was just dormant and needed a little nudge. Psychic powers can be unpredictable and can develop in different ways. And similar things have happened to other psychics too, so you're not the only who's come in with a power that's developed like this.
Ash nodded and Sabrina's father continued on with his questions.
Sabrina's Father: Does it hurt you at all or make you tired to use your powers? Do you have headaches or nosebleeds?
Ash: No, sir.
Sabrina's Father: Good. Can you understand Pokémon as long as you can hear them, or do they have to be close or directly talking to you?
Ash: As long as they're close enough for me to hear them, I can understand what they're saying. And I even understood what one was saying in a recording once, though it wasn't very clear.
Sabrina's Father: Okay, you're about the same as the other Speakers who I talked to who were born with it. No change in the power despite how it came out, and the ability is stable and needs no training.
He finished Ash's class schedule and handed it to Ash.
Sabrina's Father: You're free to go."
Ash: *to Yami, Aiden, and Psi* Would you like to go in your Poké Balls or stay out here?
Aiden: I wanna like to stay out here. I can work more on Dragon Claw.
Yami: Me too. There's…something…. I want to do.
Ash: *sighs* Do I want to know?
Yami: *smirks* You'll find out…eventually.
Ash shrugged as he gave Aiden a hug, petted Yami's head, and looked to Psi, only to see them sulking in a corner before he, Green, Cobalt, and Azula head off to the dining hall. As they did, three things came to Ash's mind. How would he defeat Sabrina's gym? What would empathy class be like? And what in the world was Yami up to?
TO BE CONTINUED…..
—-
Ash's Team
Lucario: Cobalt
Grovyle: Green
Kadabra: Psi
Gengar: Yami
Charmeleon: Aidan
Sobble: Azula
Misty's Team
Staryu
Starmie (at gym)
Gyarados: Mel (Malestrom)
Butterfree: Alex (at gym)
Squirtle: Loki
Wimpod: Harold
Goldeen: Bella (at gym)
Horsea: Jeff
Tentacool: Charles
Brock's Team
Onix
Geodude
Zubat: Nightwing
Bulbasaur
Croagunk