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
Mankey Business
The morning after their latest adventure at Lavender Town, Ash called Professor Oak, wanting to check on Sparky and Scraps. Professor Oak picked up the phone quickly.
Prof. Oak: Ah, Ash, it's good to hear from you. I got your two new Pokémon last night. Your Dreepy has given me a spot of trouble with wanting to battle everything that moves, but your Rotom has kept him in line. That Rotom has been such a help, he's been doing errands for me, helping with the baby Pokemon and keeping the less well behaved Pokémon in line.
Ash: That's great!
Through the screen, Ash smiled as he saw Sparky in the background.
Ash: Hey, Sparky!
The Rotom turned to see him, waved, and came over.
Sparky: Hi, Ash!
Ash: How are you doing? Are you having a good time with Professor Oak?
Sparky: I abzolutely love it here! All the Pokémon are really friendly and there'z zo much to do!
The plasma ball continued to talk happily, telling Ash about the other Pokémon and all the things he had done.
Ash: I'm glad you're happy.
He managed to say this before a Dreepy face suddenly appeared in front of the camera, making him jump.
Scraps: Hey, Ash, when am I going to meet that Ethan kid? It's boring here!
Ash: Oh yeah. Professor Oak, could you transfer Scraps, the Dreepy, to Professor Elm please? I caught him to be my cousin Ethan's starter and I want to surprise him on his birthday.
Professor Oak looked at the happily bouncing Ghost type, amused.
Prof. Oak: Sure, I'll do it right away. What about your Rotom? Is he going to your cousin or is he yours?
Ash: No, he's actually mine.
Prof. Oak: Well, in that case, can he stay at the lab for a bit? He's been such a help and during baby Pokémon season, I really need it. I'd also like a chance to study him if you don't mind. I've never gotten a chance to study a non native ghost type up close and in person.
Sparky: It'z fine with me.
Ash looked at Professor Oak and nodded with a smile.
Ash: That's fine. He seems really happy there and he likes helping out a lot more than he likes battles.
Professor Oak's eyebrows furrowed in confusion and Ash was worried he may have said too much.
Prof. Oak: How'd you find that out?
Ash: I got to know him a bit before I captured him.
What Ash told him was definitely true, though a careful omission of the fact that he had learned that because Sparky had told him. Professor Oak noticed the slight nervous quaver in Ash's voice and wondered about it, but decided not to question it and nodded.
Prof. Oak: You're very observant when it comes to your Pokémon. You might have the makings of a good researcher.
Ash: *smiles* I'm studying up on Pokémon care and Brock is helping me as well. He's a really good breeder.
Prof. Oak: I've heard. He was a good gym leader, but being a Pokémon breeder is where he really shines. I've followed the Breeder's competitions and despite his youth, he's on par with breeders who are older and have more experience. You'll do well learning from him. So Ash, how many badges have you gotten? I haven't heard from you in a while.
Ash: I got four badges. Just got Sabrina's Marsh Badge a few days ago.
Prof. Oak: Gary and your other rivals just got to Celadon City and got their fifth badge. You're doing well, but you are behind.
Ash: I had to do some extra training for the Saffron Gym. I'll make sure to make the League with time to spare, but my team and I need to take time to train on our journey so we're strong enough for the gyms and the league. Plus, I don't think my feet can win in a race against Gary's sports car.
Prof. Oak: *laughs* You have a point-
He started to say, but was cut off when a baby Growlithe puppy barged past him, nearly bowling the professor over as it played with what looked to be a small Eevee, though all Ash could see on screen was the big fluffy brown tail. Sparky steadied Professor Oak before he could fall.
Ash: Are you okay, Professor?
Prof. Oak: Yeah, I'm fine. The little ones have certainly been keeping things interest- Look out! My research papers!
Professor Oak cried out as the two baby Pokémon, jumping onto the professor's desk as they chased each other, knocked over a towering stack of papers, sending them flying all over the room, despite Sparky trying to catch them.
Prof. Oak: What a mess- Oh no, not my plant specimens! Sorry, Ash, I gotta go!
Ash caught a glimpse of Sparky rushing over and gently pulling the baby Pokémon off Oak's desk before the screen went black.
Ash: Looks like Sparky came to the lab just in time.
Ash hung up and headed back to his friends. He nearly collided with Psi, who was coming to get him.
Psi: Ash, where have you been, man?! Brock has just made his famous jelly donuts and my dear trainer, they are to DIE FOR!
Ash: *smiles* Race you back!
Psi: *smirks* We shall see, Ashton. We shall see.
—-
At the campsite, our heroes are seen simply relaxing after the long past few days of training and battling. So, since they weren't too far from Celadon City and Ash's 5th badge, they decided to take a well-deserved break.
Misty: Mmm, these doughnuts are great, Brock. Jelly-filled are my favorite.
Green: Got that right.
However, he and Misty then jumped about a foot as Aiden lunged forward, impaling a doughnut that was on the plate near them with his claws.
Aiden: They sure are great.
The Charmeleon happily munched the doughnut impaled on his left claws. On the sidelines, Cobalt's fur was still sticking up a little from Aiden's violent attack on the pastry.
Cobalt: Aiden, dude, I gotta be honest. You know I love you like a brother, but the way you're eating those is horrifying.
Green: Seconded.
He flinched as he watched jelly bleed from the doughnut and dribble down Aiden's arm and Azula nodded, looking disturbed.
Aiden: Sorry, guys, but it's kinda hard to be precise when all you have are sharp claws with no opposable thumbs! Plus, this is the fun way to eat them.
Cobalt playfully rolled his eyes and was about to reply when they heard rustling in the trees above them. They all turned to look and saw a male Mankey climbing down from a tree. The Mankey came over to them, looking a bit shy, but with a friendly expression. He eyed the group with curiosity and then saw the doughnuts, his little nose twitched and he looked at them hungrily.
Misty: He's so cute!
Brock: You hungry, little guy? I'd bet you'd like a doughnut.
He grabbed a doughnut and handed it to the Mankey, who bounced eagerly as he took it. He uttered a thanks before climbing on a boulder and eating his doughnut slowly.
Misty: I wonder where Ash is. He's missing all this.
Azula: And speaking of people missing, where's Psi?
She then heard laughter close by, where they turned to see Ash and Psi actually racing each other as Psi ran on their own two feet as Ash tried to pass the Alakazam.
Ash: I'm gonna beat you, Psi!
Psi: Not a chance!
Psi playfully smirked as they sped up, as did Ash as they approached their camp.
Misty: Guys, watch out for the-
But it was too late. She winced as both Ash and Psi tripped over the pile of extra firewood Brock had gathered with Bulbasaur's help and tumbled to the ground. The Mankey jumped and looked to them as Green leapt over to Ash and Psi, picking Ash up by his jacket and gently setting him on his feet.
Green: Are you guys okay?
Ash: *helps Psi up* I'm fine.
He then saw the Mankey, who was staring at Green with his eyes wide in awe.
Mankey: *to Green* Hi there.
Green: Uh… Hey.
The Mankey opened his mouth to speak, but no words could come out as he looked at Green, a blush appearing on his face. He looked very nervous and fled so fast his doughnut was left spinning in the air while Ash got out his Pokedex.
Cobalt: What was that all about?
Ash: Maybe we spooked him when we came running into camp and crashed or maybe he was afraid we were going to capture him. *looks at Pokedex*
Pokedex: Mankey, the Pig Monkey Pokemon. A Fighting type. Known for its superior footwork, it packs a powerful punch. Although Mankey is usually calm, it does have a bad temper. Once Mankey begins to Thrash, stopping it is impossible.
Cobalt: I still get confused at that title. How can something be both a pig and a monkey?
Green shrugged, taking a doughnut and looking to the tree where he saw the Mnakey climb to.
Green: You can come down! We're not going to capture or hurt you!
But the Mankey had already dashed away, leaping from tree to tree. Cobalt grinned to himself at this. He had a feeling he knew why the Mankey had gotten bashful and hid. And he had the feeling he'd be back.
—-
Meanwhile, the Mankey was in a tree a few yards away, watching Green as the Grovyle had decided to train himself to learn X-Scissor, while he tried to figure out how to approach him without making a fool of himself.
Mankey: He's…. He's the most handsome Pokemon in the world. I've never felt like this before. I don't even know his species and yet he's stolen my heart.
?: Then go talk to him! Don't hide in the trees like a scared Purrloin!
The Mankey turned to see three Mankey, his best friends.
Mankey: Teddy, I don't know what to say to him! I don't know how to talk to him, I don;t even know how to talk to girls!
Teddy: *eyes roll* John, if you stay up here, you'll be kicking yourself later, because he's going to go off with his trainer. This is your one opportunity to talk to him, so go meet him. And calm down. It's not that hard to talk to girls or guys you find attractive.
John: What should I even say to him?
Mankey 2: Tell him he looks nice. No matter the gender, people love compliments.
Mankey 3: No, you should be witty. Use a clever line like...hmm, I've got a good one! 'You're like an Earthquake, you rock my world!
Teddy: No, don't use a cheesy pick-up line like that unless you want him to punch you. Just go with something simple like "Hello, my name is…
Poor John's head was spinning from the sudden influx of conflicting ideas as his friends argued over whose idea was best.
Mankey 2: Oh, and maybe give him a little present. People love gifts!
The Mankey jumped to another bush, grabbing a handful of Lum Berries, then climbed back up and shoving the flowers in his overwhelmed friend's arms.
Mankey 2: Now go get him!
John took a deep breath and managed to jump down from the tree without losing any of his cargo, though the pile teetered dangerously and managed to make his way towards Green. But with the huge pile of fruit blocking his eyes, he didn't see a rock that was right under his feet and fell flat on his face, his gifts for the handsome Grovyle flying everywhere as he crossed his arms to practice.
Green was about to do one last exci5rsize before helping pack up camp when he heard the thump and turned to see the shy Mankey fall. Alerted, Green rushed over to help him, the others close behind him as he held out a paw to help him up.
Green: Are you all right?
John nodded shyly as he took the proffered paw and Green pulled him to his feet. His stomach did several flip flops as his beautiful golden eyes looked into his own. He could barely remember his own name, let alone what he wanted to say to him. What had his friends suggested again?
John: You look nice for an earthquake. I'm a Blank.
Green: …..What?
He then smacked himself on the forehead, feeling like a moron. His friends, watching from the trees, face palmed. Green looked at him in complete confusion for a few seconds, then he burst out laughing.
Green: Oh… *chuckles* Oh lord, you're hilarious. Well nonetheless, it's nice to meet you, Blank. I'm Green.
John smiled shyly and picked up one of the berries that hadn't been too squished when he fell, handing it to him as he blushed.
John: A-Actually, my name's John.
Green smiled and took it, rubbing the berry and his chest before biting into it.
Green: Thanks.
John smiled and struggled to think of something else to say, shuffling his feet.
Misty: Green, Cobalt and I need your muscle over here.
Misty called out as she and the Lucario struggled to pull a tent stake out of the ground.
Green: One sec. Be right back. *walks off*
Brock glanced over at John and he didn't need to speak the Pokémon language to recognize the lovesick look on John's face and he could definitely sympathize.
Brock: *whispers* Hey, Ash, let me handle this one.
He zipped up his bag before sitting next to the Mankey, who was watching Green but trying not to make it obvious that he was.
Brock: Hey, buddy.
Brock placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. John glanced up at him and Brock gave him an understanding smile.
Brock: You really like Green, don't you?
John looked over at the Grovyle again and nodded.
Brock: It's difficult to talk to girls, hell it's hard to talk to anyone you find attractive; I know that better than anyone. You get so dazzled by them that you just babble whatever pops into your head or you try to throw out a line that's supposed to be smooth but just comes out sounding really weird…
Brock started thinking about his experiences, then realized he was just making the poor Mankey more nervous.
Brock: Well, what I'm trying to say is that I know it's hard, but I think I can help you.
Yami: Uh-oh, this isn't going to end well.
Ash elbowed him gently to get him to be quiet before John could hear him.
Yami: What? You know how Brock is.
Aiden: Hey, it's not like you're any better. Remember that time in Vermillion you saw that Misdreavus and went to talk to her-
Yami: Okay, I get it.
Aiden: But then you practically fainted when you found out you were hitting on a guy.
Yami: *panicked* I SAID I GET IT!
Ash rolled his eyes playfully at the antics of his Pokémon and turned back to watch Brock and John, wondering what Brock was going to tell the Mankey.
Brock: Now, Green's pretty easygoing and he loves to battle. Especially when it comes to helping train the rest of Ash's Pokemon. So why not help him train? It'll be fun for both of you if you like to battle, and you'll also get to show him your strength. Plus, it'll help you relax around him.
John: That's a great idea!
Yami: Wow. It actually is. *Ash elbows him*
Brock: Okay, he's walking back over. Ask him if she'd like you to help him. Just keep it cool.
Brock whispered to John and gave him a reassuring smile. John nodded and took a deep breath as Green approached, Cobalt following him.
Green: Hey, guys. What's going on?
Cobalt: Hey, I remember you. You're the Mankey from earlier.
John: Oh yeah, I recognize you. *to Green* Uh, Green? Um, I...I'd like to know if-if you want to… Let me help you train. I-I mean… I saw you are trying to learn X-Scissor, so….
John then mentally face palmed, wishing that he hadn't stammered so much. At least it was a lot better than "You look nice for an earthquake. I'm a Blank." though… Green didn't seem at all bothered by the stammering and he smiled.
Green: That sounds like fun! But… I was gonna help Cobalt and Azula train.
Cobalt: Hey, why not do a double battle? This guy and I team up while you and Azula face us.
Green: Hey, that'd be great. Thanks, Cobalt. I'll go get her.
As Green left, the Lucario turned to face the Mankey, giving a smil and wink to show he knew what the Mankey was doing. This made John grin and he relaxed more. After finding an open spot to battle, the two pairs took opposite sides of it, Cobalt and John on one side and Green and Azula on the other. Ash and Brock went over to watch and a curious Misty soon joined them, along with the rest of their Pokemon.
Psi: I shall act as referee, if you all would not mind. *raises hands* This battle shall be a 2-on-2 tag battle, the winner shall be chosen when both Pokemon on one side are defeated. Battle….. NOW!
Cobalt: Since my good partner… What's your name?
John: John.
Cobalt: …John challenged you, we'll take first shot!
Cobalt rushed forward, Force Palm at the ready as John ran next to him, readying a Krate Chop. As they blizted forward, Green sneakily sidestepped and grabbed John's wrist, flipping him easily. But John proved to have a few surprises in him and kept hold of Green, pulling him down with him, both ending up in a tumbling roll.
Meanwhile, Cobalt and Azula were going one on one, with the Lucario trying to hit her with a Bone Rush. Back flipping to dodge, Azula shot him in the face with a Mud Shot, covering his eyes. As he tried to wipe the mud off, Azula hit Cobalt in the stomach with an Aqua Jet, sending him back. Smirking, Cobalt rushed forward as did Azula, Force Palm clashing with U-Turn.
Finally, Green managed to get ahold of John and use Leaf Blade, sending him flying, though John managed to twist in the air and land on his feet, while Green quickly got up while he was getting his balance.
Green: You're good.
John: So are you.
The two sized each other up for a few minutes, then Green rushed forward, his arm leaves glowing as he crossed his arms, ready to slash him while feinting left. John instinctively dodged right, but Green was ready for this and used Iron Tail to trip him up, making him tumble to the ground. John narrowly rolled away from his next Leaf Blade and hit Green with Fury Swipes, but he only got two strikes in before he dodged him and then hit him with a strong Energy Ball, sending him back. He was stubborn though and quickly got back to his feet again. He took a deep breath and subtly began to charge a Focus Punch. Green rushed at him with another X-Scissor, but he dodged and slammed Green with his power charged fist, sending him flying back and landing hard.
Green: 'Wow, he's good. I'd better end this quick.'
As he got up, a sudden idea formed and before John could even move towards him, Green leapt straight into the air, moving her arms into X-Scissor position as he launched himself at him with blinding speed, before flipping back and hitting him with his improvised Iron Tai. John couldn't dodge in time as he slammed his metallic head leaf into him and hit him with the X-Scissor right after, sending him flying back and crashing ten feet away. He tried to struggle to his feet, but collapsed, swirls in his eyes. As for Cobalt, he managed to buff Azula good with a Metal Claw, only to see it was part of her lan as she hit him with a point blank Water Pusle, knocking him down and fainting him, just like his partner
Psi: Both Cobalt and John are unable to continue, which means the match goes to Green and Azula!
Brock quickly went over to John and Cobalt and treated them with a Revive and Super Potion as Ash went to go treat Green and Azula, spraying a Super Potion on their wounds. Zula got up, worriedly going to Cobalt before she suddenly stopped.
Ash: Are you okay, Azula?
Azula: I feel a little funny...
Green: Az?
She was about to turn to reassure him that she was fine when her body started to glow. All 4 Pokemon and Ash watched in awe as she rapidly grew in size, the glow soon fading away to reveal a larger blue lizard with green, mitten-like hands, and thre hairlike-fringes on her head, two blue and one purple. She now wore a non-chalant expression.
Ash: Wow, Azula, you evolved. How do you feel?
Azula: …*calmer* A lot better, actually. It's like… I don;t want to do anything, but I want to because you're the ones telling me.
Going over to Ash, she noticed she now got up to his waist. John was watching Green with stars in his eyes. With a gentle nudge from Brock, he walked up to them.
John: Thanks. That was a great battle.
Green: You were awesome. That Focus Punch was really powerful. Maybe you can tach me to power up one of my moves like you do with that one.
John: I will if you teach me that jump move you used near the end of the battle. It was incredible. What was it?
Green: That was a Green classic. Maybe we could see if Azula has any classics now that she's a….. A….. Ash, what is she?
Ash: Not sure. *takes out Pokedex* Let's see here…
Pokedex: Drizzile, the Water Lizard Pokémon and the evolved form of Sobble. A Water type. Drizzile places traps around it so enemies can't sneak up. It's very smart, but doesn't like being forced to do anything. This Drizzile is level 25, Female, and has the ability, Sniper. It knows the moves Water Pulse, Mud Shot, Whirlpool, and U-Turn.
Ash nodded in approval as John's eyes went wide at the boy.
Green: He can understand Pokémon. It's a long story.
John knew not to press him and just nodded as Green turned back to Ash. However, as they started walking back to their belongings, Ash tripped. Though as he hit the ground, he was hit in the face by what seemed to be a water balloon. He looked up, seeing a smirking Azula as she held a literal water balloon in her paw and snatched his hat right off his head.
Ash: Hey!
He yelled playfully and leapt for her, but she dodged him easily as she threw the hat to Green..
Green: Go long, John! *throws hat*
John: Wha-
John started to say as the hat landed right on his head. Ash quickly changed direction and ran towards John.
Yami: Me! Throw it to me!
John chucked the hat to the Gengar just in time.
Ash: Guys, careful! That's my official Pokémon League expo hat! Do you know how tough that was to win?
Misty: I can't believe that's a Pokémon League hat. I entered that contest too and didn't get anything.
Ash: *breathless* I had to send in like a million postcards to get that hat.
Misty rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly.
Misty: No wonder I didn't win. I only sent in one.
John watched in amusement as Ash managed to sneak up on Yami, only to have Cobalt grab the hat before he could.
?: Enjoying the craziness?
John turned to see Bulbasaur.
John: *nods* Is it always like that?
Bulbasaur: No, only ninety percent of the time.
John: Which one of the trainers is yours?
Bulbasaur: *points with vine* Brock. The tall guy with the brown hair.
John: He's really nice.
Bulbasaur: He is. Makes the best food in the world too. I'm glad I got the chance to meet him. He's a good guy, always puts others first. Don't tell anyone I said anything that sappy though.
He added a light glare for good measure, but it didn't have any real venom in it. John nodded, thoughtful and quiet as he turned his attention back to the game of tag/keep away. What he was thinking of could change his whole life, but could he be that impulsive? Could he leave everything he knew behind? He thought this as Ash chased his Gengar, who flew a little faster to keep out of reach.
Ash: C'mon, Yami, just give it back!
Yami: Not a chance!
Green: *laughing* I'm open!
Yami flew to him and dropped the hat into his paws. Ash nearly stumbled as he turned to run after Green.
Ash: I'm gonna get you, Green!
As Ash yelled playfully and dived at him, Green quickly leapt out of his way and started climbing a tree.
Ash: Hey, no fair!
Ash then started climbing after Green as he simply sat on a high branch, put his hat on his own head, and playfully stuck his tongue out at him.
Ash: Now it's on!
He managed to get to the branch just below Green, but his heart leapt into his throat when he heard an ominous crack and the branch he was clinging to snapped. Before he could fall, a scaly paw caught his wrist, and Green effortlessly pulled him up onto his much more sturdy branch.
Green: I've got you. *sighs* You okay?
Ash: I'm fine. Thanks for saving my butt again.
Green: Hey, you know I'll always be here for you.
Ash smiled and took his hat back before gently ruffling the long leaf on his head.
Ash: You always are.
There was a moment of peaceful quiet as the two sat together, watching the view and simply enjoying one another's company. But that's when Green pointed to a large city on the horizon of the setting sun.
Green: Hey, look, I think that's Celadon City!
Ash: We're almost there. Only a little more to go.
Green: Can't wait to kick butt in the gym!
Ash: *chuckles* I know we will.
The two relaxed for a few more minutes before hearing the others calling out for them, which caused them to start climbing down the tree.
Misty: Oh, there you guys are! We'd better get going so we can make it to Celadon City by tomorrow.
John's ears fell.
John: So soon?
Green: Sorry, dude. We do have to go...But you could come with us!
John's ears went up in shock.
John: I-I'd like to, but my friends...And my home...
There was a soft thump behind him as his friend Teddy leapt to the ground.
Teddy: Dude, what are you waiting for? Go with him!
John: Teddy, I-
John started before Teddy pulled him out of earshot.
Teddy: Look, you have the chance to go on a huge adventure, something the rest of us would love. And a hot guy is asking you to join him; even better! I know he's your dream babe. So don't be an idiot! You only have one life to live, so make it awesome!
John: I...I will. Thank you.
Teddy: Aww, there's no need to be sappy. Now go!
Teddy patted his friend's shoulder and pushed him back towards the group. John took a deep breath and walked up to Brock.
John: Hey, I...I wanted to thank you for earlier...and ask if I can join you.
Ash translated for him and Brock's eyes widened for a second but then he smiled. He liked the romantically awkward little Mankey and was glad for a sixth Pokemon to join his team, taking out the Level Ball from Brad, wanting to use it for a special party member.
Brock: Of course.
And the group set off for Celadon City, and for the first step on John's new journey with him, a chance John would never regret taking as they made their way for Ash's 5th gym battle.
TO BE CONTINUED…..
—-
Ash's Team
Lucario: Cobalt
Grovyle: Green
Alakazam: Psi
Gengar: Yami
Charmeleon: Aidan
Drizzile: Azula
Rotom: Sparky (at Oak's lab)
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
Mankey: John