A/N: Chapter has been re-edited and uploaded as of 10/11/2024
Stone Crusher
Ash waved goodbye at Officer Jenny as she sped away, she had driven him all the to the entrance of Viridian forest after they had left Giovanni at his Gym, the Gym Leader hadn't said a word during the whole trip except a quick call on his Poke-Nav (curiosity got the better of Ash asked what it was. Apparently it was a high tech device from Hoenn that had a bunch of features including video phone) to the league for an Alakazam to teleport him to the meeting.
Ash had walked a couple of hours into the forest when he spotted a nice cluster of woods where he could release his Pokémon for a little break. He had been thinking how he was going to meet his new teammate and first he thought to have Growlithe out with him but thought better to make the first interaction be just between the two of them.
He laid his bag by the base of a tree and looked around for any berries that might appeal to a poison type Pokémon ,after a couple of minutes he found a small Petaya berry tree. The fruits were very good for poison types due to their spicy bitter flavor, nidorans loved petaya berries above all others because their hard exterior made it perfect to sharpen their fangs.
He picked up two berries and put them in his pocket before taking Nidoran's Poké Ball out and releasing the poison rodent. She looked around confused and a little angry, she was rubbing the back of her head where the Poké Ball hit her. It took her a few seconds to notice that she wasn't in the meadows of her home but rather in a strange forest, the smells and sounds were so different from what she was used to. Then she turned around and saw a human, she remembered he was with the other human who had the Nidoking that battled her sire and caused her sire to send a Poké Ball to capture her.
Ash saw that she recognized him and was not happy. "Hey, I'm sorry about what happened before. I'm sure you're pretty mad at being captured without any chance to defend yourself. After the battle I was going to release you because it would not have been fair to you but your herd had moved on and it would have been pretty dangerous for you on your own. I have a proposition for you if you're interested."
Nidoran looked at the human and what he said made some sense. A small nidoran like her would be bullied or killed without the protection of the herd. She was sure her sire was defeated and maybe even captured, the other Nidoking looked older and more experienced. She nodded at the human keeping her distance.
"I really would like it if you were to become a part of my team. My name is Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town. I just started my journey to become the strongest trainer in the world and for that I need strong Pokémon by my side. I already have a partner Growlithe and maybe just the two of us can't replace your original herd but we would be happy if you would become a part of our family. I promise nothing would hurt you and we can work together to make you the most powerful Nidoqueen in all the world. What do you say?"
Ash pleaded his case and when he was done he got down on his knees and offered her the berry. Nidoran looked at the human and what he said made a lot of sense to her, she would never survive on her own and being a part of a family appealed to her. She unlike her brothers and sisters didn't want to be strong but after what she experienced she wanted to be stronger to keep her new family safe. Nodding her head she walked slowly and took the berry from the human's hands and started eating it, the berry tasted delicious.
Ash smiled as he saw Nidoran taking the berry and enjoying it, he slowly reached out and scratched her behind the ears, careful not to scratch himself with her barbs or horn. At first, Ash noticed she was hesitant but soon closed her eyes enjoying the treatment. Once she finished the fruit she wrinkled her nose looking for more. Ash smiled and pulled the second one from his pocket.
"Nidoran, I'm going to call out Growlithe so that you two can meet while I prepare a proper lunch."
Saying that he pulled out Growlithe's Poké Ball and released his friend. Growlithe looked around noticing they were in some sort of forest before he spotted his trainer and he barked at him joyfully, the Poké Ball was good for resting but it could get a little stuffy in there. Then he noticed the Nidoran eating a berry with a look of pure joy in her face. "Growlithe this is Nidoran, she agreed to come along with us, say hi while I make some food."
Growlithe nodded and moved over to Nidoran and gave her a friendly low bark, he noticed with those big ears of hers if he barked loudly she would take it the wrong way. He tried to wag his tail in a friendly manner but forgot he was wearing the band and it came out slow and clumsy. Nidoran noticed the orange pup as he gave her a friendly bark, he seemed friendly enough and the human...Ash was his name said they were partners.
She gave him a shy smile and offered him the last piece of her fruit as a hello present. Growlithe looked at the fruit she offered and took a small bite, it tasted spicy just like the cheri berries he liked but then a second more powerful taste made his tongue feel like he licked the underside of a metapod.
Ash looked at Growlithe and couldn't help but laugh, Nidoran was laughing too watching the pup dance around wiping his tongue with his paws. Ash took out a piece of chocolate and gave it to the pup. "Here buddy have this, that fruit is too bitter for you."
Ash went back to prepare lunch, after half an hour he had a bowl of pasta ready and some poke-food for his Pokémon . He served them all and he started eating while he looked at his two Pokémon enjoying their food, like before he crushed some oran berries and sprinkled them on top of their food for extra flavor. Pulling out his Pokedex he checked the map and noticed he was four days from Pewter city if he didn't get lost, if he did get lost well it could take him well over a month.
He looked at his Pokémon and smiled as they finished eating their food. He looked around and didn't see any bug types or Bug Catchers. Maybe because he was in the entrance of the forest or maybe they were somewhere else. He put everything away and waited for his Pokémon to rest while he came up with a training regimen for them while they were in the forest.
"Guys, our first gym battle is in the next city and it's going to be a tough one. Brock uses rock type Pokémon which are tricky. Growlithe that is why I have you using that band to have you mastered Iron Tail and Nidoran we are going to see your moves and how much you have mastered them."
Both Pokémon nodded eager to show their prowess. Ash smiled and finished his food and cleaned up before standing up and looking at the clearing it had several trees and a couple of boulders. He went to Growlithe and removed the band, his friend smiled and wagged his tail like there was no tomorrow.
"Okay Growlithe, let's start with you. Iron Tail on those boulders."
Growlithe barked and looked at the boulders before rushing towards them as he concentrated the energy around his tail, giving it a metallic sheen. He jumped and swatted at the rock with his tail taking a chunk off the top.
"That's great buddy, let's see your other moves. Ember and then Charge Ember."
Growlithe barked, running at high speed at another boulder shooting small bullets of fire before a larger set of bullets burned the rock. As the smoke cleared more than half the boulder was gone. Ash was pleased with his friend's improvement. "Growlithe now lets see your Bite."
Any Pokémon could bite. It was in their nature but the attack Bite was different. Bite was a dark type attack that shrouded the Pokémon 's teeth in a dark purple energy giving the extra power to their jaws. There was another even more powerful version which was Crunch but that move actually made the Pokémon 's teeth longer for a far more savage attack.
Growlithe's teeth were covered in purple energy as he jumped and bit a thick tree branch clean off. Ash was surprised and really didn't want to be caught between his partner's teeth.
"Okay that was great my friend, and keep practicing your moves, focus on mastering Iron Tail while I work with Nidoran." Growlithe turned to his trainer and barked happily that his trainer was happy with his progress.
Ash turned to Nidoran who had been watching Growlithe attack with keen attention. "Okay Nidoran your turn now, the Pokedex said you had Scratch, Growl, Double Kick and Poison Sting. Let's see Scratch and follow it with Double Kick."
Nidoran chirped and rushed a tree and used her claws on it leaving deep ridges on the trunk. Before using the momentum to run back to the boulder Growlithe had practiced his Iron Tail and jumped into the air, her feet were glowing white with energy as Double Kick focused the power in Nidoran's powerful legs for an dangerous attack. Nidoran landed with both feet on the boulder crushing it beneath her feet.
"Wow Nidoran that was impressive for such tiny feet they pack one hell of a punch."
Nidoran gave him a proud look, which shouldn't surprise Ash; she had been raised in the wild even though he didn't know how old she was. From what he could tell she had experience battling. He looked at the Pokedex for the next attack which was Poison Sting, it was an attack that could be executed one of two ways.
The first one was for Nidoran to cover her horn with poison and tackle her opponents with it, poisoning the opponent on contact depending on how much venom and force she used. The other one was a long range attack, poison Pokémon like Nidoran had an organ inside their bodies that was used to create and store their poison. When she used the long range version she solidified the poison into small sharp needles and fired them from her mouth.
"Nidoran, let's see your Poison Sting first close range then long range."
Nidoran gave an affirmative chirp before running back to the tree it had used Scratch before and hit it with her poison covered horns leaving a hole dripping with poison on the tree. She then turned around and opened her mouth, launching a barrage of needles at the pile of rubble that was left of the boulder she crushed.
Ash was impressed with her performance and power, for a tiny Pokémon she packed a vicious punch. Nidoran finished doing all the tasks her trainer ordered and then began grooming herself, is not that she hated getting dirty but a girl had to keep up her appearances.
Ash smiled at his Pokémon , his journey had a slow start but he was more than ready for anything the world might throw his way. "Okay guys let's take a quick rest before heading out again. You guys did great and as we move through the forest, I want you to keep practicing your moves."
Both Growlithe and Nidoran smiled and went to sit by him. Nidoran continued to groom herself and clean her scales. While Growlithe lay down on his belly and wagged his tail slowly from side to side, it still had that metallic sheen to it so his partner was slowly getting used to the move which was great for both of them. Now after a quick rest they would be on their way.
Indigo Plateau
06:31 PM Kanto Eastern Time
The Indigo Plateau was the home of the Kanto Pokémon League. Not only did it serve as the place that hosted the annual Conference but it also had the Headquarters for the Ace Rangers the League personal enforcers whose job was to assist the Gym Leaders and Elite Four in keeping peace throughout the whole Kanto and Johto regions. The Ace Rangers were trainers carefully selected from the Conference with the most potential; some of them went on to become Elite Four members or Gym Leaders.
The Indigo Plateau also served as the home to the Elite Four and Champion Lance. Inside the city size complex was the blue and red building that was the HQ for the Ace Rangers and the top floor was used for when the E4 and Gym Leaders needed to discuss issues with the Champion.
At this moment that room was almost full to capacity with the Gym leaders and E4 from Kanto sitting at a large circular table. Each chair was made in the motif of the Gym leaders' badges.
The youngest member in the party was a man in his mid-twenties with spiky brown hair dressed in an orange shirt and beige pants, the man was Brock Stone and he was the gym leader of the Pewter City Gym and a rock Pokémon specialist renown world wide for his battling skills as well as his breeding abilities.
Next to him sat a young lady in her late twenties with dirty blonde hair dressed in a simple pink blouse and white skirt. She was Daisy Waterflower and the gym leader of Cerulean City, a world class Marine Biologist who specialized in water Pokémon and was one of the toughest water trainers in the world.
To her right was a mountain of a man in his mid-thirties with spiky blonde hair dressed in military camouflage native from the Unova region but raised in Kanto Lt. Christopher Surge was the gym leader of Vermilion City and decorated soldier of the Kanto Army during the Kalos incursion, he specialized in electric type Pokémon and was considered one of the most ruthless trainers in the world.
Across from him was a woman in her early thirties with short dark hair dressed in a beige kimono with flowers, Erika Rose was the Gym Leader of Celadon City and one the world's most prestigious botanists. She specialized in grass type Pokémon and has a world wide perfume line.
Next to her was a man in his early mid-forties with black hair and dress in a ninja armor with a red scarf around his neck, consider one of the toughest trainers in the Kanto Koga Tajiri is the leader of the Fuchsia Gym a master of deception he specialized in poison type Pokémon and was consider on par with the E4.
Across from him, a woman in her late-twenties with long black hair dressed in a blue business suit, Sabrina Araki was the leader of the Saffron Gym and one of the world's most powerful psychics which also happens to be her specialty as a trainer.
Next to her was a man in his late-fifties with a bald head and mustache dress in white suit with red shirt holding on to a walking stick in the shape of a question mark, Blaine Katsura, a former E4 and current leader of the Cinnabar Gym. A world renowned geneticist and master of fire Pokémon , Blaine can be considered one of the toughest trainers in Kanto History.
Rounding up the Gym Leaders was Kanto's most ruthless and powerful ground type master Giovanni. He was seated next to Blaine drinking a scotch on the rocks waiting for the champion to arrive.
The leaders weren't alone in the room. Also seated on the table were the E4 members. The youngest member of the E4 was a woman in early thirties with fiery red hair wearing a blue blouse with cream skirt. Lorelei Grand was the newest member of the E4 having the position only for ten years, a master of ice type Pokémon . She was a renowned meteorologist that studied how the weather affected Pokémon migration patterns.
Next to her was a man almost seven feet tall in his late forties with long dark hair wearing nothing a loose white shirt and pant he also had heavy weight bracelets on his arms, Bruno Blaustein was a master in training fighting type Pokémon and had a desire to battle the best trainers in the world which pushed to constantly challenge Lance to improve himself.
Next to him was a woman in her mid-sixties with shoulder length gray hair wearing a dark blue dress holding a cane with a Poké Ball mounted on the top, Agatha Stern was the oldest member of the elite four and the one with the shortest temper. She was a master of ghost Pokémon and fear tactics.
At this moment she was tapping her foot impatiently and looking at the clock. "It's rude to keep people waiting. If I'd known this little get together would take so long I would've brought a magazine."
Blaine turned from his conversation with Giovanni and glared at Agatha. "Oh shut up you old bat, the kid will get here when he feels like it and since when do you know how to read?"
Agatha glared at Blaine. "Who are you calling old, you geriatric pile of kindle. Have you gone senile from breathing all that volcanic soot."
Blaine was about to retort when Erika stepped in. "Please Senior Agatha, Senior Blaine, let's not start another fight. This room had just been remodeled after the last argument you two had."
Agatha glared at the perfume princess. "Who are you calling Senior you bugger face brat."
Surge started laughing at Erika's reaction when the doors opened and a seven foot tall man in his mid-thirties entered with spiky red hair dressed in a red shirt and black pants and his signature black cape. Lance Wataru has been the champion for Kanto and Johto for the last twenty years during his tenure both regions have endured an era of peace and prosperity with his team of dragons, he was the most powerful trainer in both regions.
"Thank you all for coming out of your busy schedules. But we have very troubling news to discuss." Lance said promptly as he sat down.
Agatha glared at him. "Well it's about time you got here now, what you care to tell us why in Mew's tail you went on the air making that ridiculous announcement without even speaking to us."
Daisy looked at the E4 members and the champion. "Are you saying that this wasn't a decision made by all of you? But Lance said that it was a decision made by the E4 and him."
Bruno shook his head. "No, I don't think anybody knew besides Lance."
Sabrina nodded. "That's not true, I was the one that told Lance to issue the order after some disturbing visions woke me up a couple of nights ago."
The different leaders started talking all at once but were then silenced by a loud whistle used by Surge.
"Would you all shut up already? What does it matter if the age is now fifteen or not? Better for us, I hate these snot nose brats thinking that just because they have a Pokémon and won a few battles that they think they can be arrogant when they challenge us. You know how many leave my Gym crying. Good riddance I'd say now we may have some mature brats and maybe decent competition."
Erika glared at Surge and pointed a regal finger at him. "Oh stuff it you overgrown brute, no one cares what you think. This is serious. Changing the age has too many implications on our relationships with the trainers from other regions."
Lance held up his hand to stop further talking. "There are several reasons why I made the announcement without consulting everyone here and yes some of them have to do with the visions Sabrina had. Now if I can have your attention, yes a kid was killed by a Scyther but the main reason is because Alder returned to the Unova League."
Everyone widened their eyes at the mention of the traveling champion from the Unova region. Alder had been champion for almost as long as Lance however the minute Alder became champion he left the league and started wondering around Unova region only coming back when one lucky challenger manage to defeat the Unova E4 but he would settle those fights quick before going to wander again leaving the day to day administrations of the region to the E4.
"Before any of you ask, he wasn't challenged, the Unova League doesn't start for another four months. He just came back one day and had a meeting with his E4 and Gym Leaders before he activated the Unova Army and started moving towards the Kalos borders."
Every single person knew what that meant...war. Surge looked thoughtful being originally from Unova and the others were worried. Brock looked at Sabrina thoughtfully.
"Is that what you saw? A war between Kalos and Unova?"
Sabrina shook her head. "As you all know my psychic abilities are telepathy, telekinesis and teleportation. My ability to see the future is rather vague. Only when a major event is in play would I get a vision with this much clarity. Olympia from Kalos is more attune to the future than me. The future's not set in stone, it's always changing but this vision disturbed me."
Koga looked at her and spoke for the first time. "What did you see, Sabrina?"
She took a deep breath. "I saw a war that would enveloped all the regions. Millions of Pokémon and humans dying for the greed of one man. I can't see who he is but it all starts with Alder moving against Kalos."
Lance nodded. "As soon as Sabrina called she advised me that we raise the age limitation to prepare our trainers for what is coming. According to her the war won't start for several years but we won't be caught unaware just because some bastard is on a power trip." Lance slammed his fist on the table, a crushing sound was heard and a high tech device fell from his wrist and he paled as he saw the broken watch-like device. Blaine smirked.
"Isn't that the new Poke-Nav the Devon Corporation released just last week that your wife traveled all the way from Sinnoh to give it to you as a present after you broke the last one."
Lance gulped and was visibly shaken. "It's actually the spared one she gifted me in case I broke the first one which I did while training my new Dragonite. And none of you will call her and tell her anything. I will go to Sinnoh and get a new one."
Agatha tapped her cane on the ground forcefully. "Going back to the subject at hand. According to Sabrina we have a couple of years to prepare and the first incident of this world war would be when Unova and Kalos declared a full war right?"
Lance nodded and scooped up the pieces of his broken Poke-Nav into his pocket. "That's true and also the reason why I called you here. For the last five years the quality of the trainers attending the conference has been lacking. They haven't even made past Lorelei so as of this moment you can cut loose. I'm issuing an official order for the gym leaders to use their better judgment and increase the difficulty of their battles, which means using your own personal team if necessary."
Surge lit up like a kid who has been told Christmas came early this year. "Are you saying we can actually and really cut loose and use our personal Pokémons with no repercussions from the league?"
Lance nodded. "Use your better judgment but yes, you can use any Pokémon you like. Also it's been some years since Blaine retired and no one has taken his place on the E4."
Blaine snorted. "Did you think I was so easy to replace?"
Agatha was about to retort when Lance interrupted her. "Yes Blaine you are a good battler not getting off topic the winner of this year's Indigo Conference will be groomed by the E4 together to take Blaine's place and as for Johto. Aya will be retiring next week and has chosen her successor and is one that I think everyone will be comfortable with. I already spoke with Will and Karen so Koga congratulations you are hereby granted the title of Johto Elite Four, you can choose a successor for your Gym and begin preparations to move."
Everyone was stunned. It was as if Lance was bombarding them with one big news after the other but they all felt that Koga was the right man for the job. Everyone started applauding and Koga gave a low bow.
"Thank You for your confidence. I will make sure to not fail your expectations. As for my successor it will be my daughter Janine. She has been training alongside Daisy's sister on how a gym is run and has my full confidence."
Giovanni stood up and shook Koga's hand. "You will be missed old friend, but nevertheless congratulations. I'm sure your daughter will prove herself worthy of her new responsibilities."
"Thank you Giovanni, you're a good friend." The two men shook hands and sat down again.
Lance nodded pleasantly that everything was going so smoothly. "Okay well as off now that is everything let's work hard to keep Kanto out of this future war and if we can't let's make ourselves as strong as possible. You may leave except for Lorelei."
And with that the most powerful trainers in Kanto left to go on their ways and back to their respective cities. While the Champion of Kanto leaned back in his chair with a worried look on his face.
"Let's hope we can avert this coming crisis." He whispered before turning to the ice mistress. "We need to get ahead of this situation. We have one agent in Unova and two in Kalos whom you are familiar with. Contact Leaf Oak in Unova and tell her to keep her eyes and ears open to anything at all and to report back to us the second she knows something. Then contact Red Ketchum and Blue Oak. They are in Kalos doing research on some weird stones that are affecting Pokémon, tell them the same but also to provide any assistance they can without compromising our regions."
Lorelei nodded and then bit her lower lip. "You think it will come to a world war?"
Lance got up and put his hand on her shoulder. "That's not what I'm worried about. What worries me is we don't know who or why wants to start one." And with that he left to prepare himself for the coming future.
It had been three days since Ash entered Viridian Forest and he was sick of all the bug types that had been chasing him left and right. Officer Jenny had been right about the bug migration, the forest was crawling with Vivillons, Mothins, Scythers among others. Her other warning proved to be right as well the bug catchers were tougher than he was led to believe.
The weakest one he had faced so far had a Butterfree and Venomoth team. He was grateful for the challenge the many battles helped Growlithe perfect his Iron Tail as well as Bite, also his friend had also mastered both Ember and their combo and was using it proficiently. Nidoran had also mastered her Double Kick and Poison Sting, he had Growlithe help her with her accuracy for the long range version. Now he wanted them to focus on those attacks before teaching them new ones.
He had been walking for quite awhile when he spotted a woman in her early twenties with short blonde hair wearing a white tank top and green camo pants. She had a camera in her hand and was taking a picture of a tree full of Metapods and Kakunas. She finished taking pictures when she turned to Ash and waved at him.
He walked over to her and smiled, since she seemed friendly enough. "Hi, I'm sorry to bother you but you looked like a trainer and I need a little help. I was taking a picture of a Heracross mating dance when my Poke-Nav fell out of my bag and broke. I've been trying to get out of the forest for two days now. Do you happen to have a map with you?"
She whispered been very careful not to disturb the Pokémon . Metapods weren't aggressive by nature but those Kakunas if disturbed, would evolve into Beedrills and turn violent. Many trainers have been left in critical condition because they disturbed a nest of Beedrills.
"Sure, I'm actually going that way and you weren't far off just another half hour north of here and you would be out of the forest. You can come with me if you like."
He said in a soft voice, the Pokedex had warned him he would be entering Beedrill and Kakuna territory and had kept both his Pokémon in their balls just to be safe. The girl smiled and nodded and they started walking.
"Thank you so much, I knew you were a trainer, you had the look of one."
Ash didn't know how to answer that but he smiled. "So you're a photographer?"
She nodded. "It's my passion, I'm also a trainer but the news back home were going crazy about this huge bug migration that was happening in Kanto and that gave me an idea for a new project for my gallery. Pokémon at Twilight, pictures of different kinds of Pokémon during the sunset or sunrise."
Ash smiled at the passion she showed when she talked about photography. It was the same passion he showed when he spoke of battling. He told her about his dream to become a Master Pokémon trainer and travel the world. They chatted as they exited the forest.
Once they were out she turned around and smiled. "Thank you Ash, you were a big help. Now that we are away from the Kakunas and Beedrills how about a battle. Two on Two?"
Ash grinned there wasn't anything he liked more than a battle. "I only have two Pokémon so that works great for me."
They took opposite sides of a clearing and Ash took out Nidoran's Poké Ball and released the female poison type. She looked around and saw that they were facing a trainer and growled to let her trainer know she was ready.
"That's an impressive nidoran you have there Ash. But can she handle my friend."
She threw a Poké Ball in the air and bipedal brown Pokémon with three finger claws, on its head two massively sharp pincers open and closed menacingly. Ash recognized the Pokémon and knew pinsirs were highly aggressive and had very tough hides.
"Nidoran, be careful of those pincers you don't want to be caught by those. Keep your distance using Poison Sting."
Nidoran nodded and opened her mouth shooting a barrage of purple needles at the Pinsir while keeping her distance.
"Interesting strategy Ash but you need to do better than that. Pinsir Harden and then close the distance with Brick Break"
Pinsir chirped as his skin took on a shiny brilliance just before he was hit with the needles making them fall harmlessly to the floor except for maybe one or two which Pinsir took them out with his claws before his arm was shrouded in a white light and he ran towards Nidoran.
Ash didn't need to tell Nidoran to dodge as she jumped to the side avoiding the hit but the Pinsir was persistent and tried to keep hitting Nidoran with his attack. It was a good thing he had Nidoran practice her speed that Pinsir was one fast Pokémon . He needed to think of something fast.
"Nidoran counter his Brick Break with Poison Sting close range then Double Kick aim for that spot below his mouth."
Nidoran covered her horn with poison and charged Pinsir, hitting his Brick Break with her horn. Pinsir wasn't ready for the counter and was taken off balance which gave Nidoran the perfect chance to jump, encasing her legs in white light before landing on top of Pinsir right at the spot where Ash told her to. The result was imminent, Pinsir fell on his back and was waving back and forth and couldn't get up.
"Ash, that was a sound strategy bug type like Pinsir have real trouble getting back up once they fall on their backs. Pinsir lift yourself with Brick Break then use Revenge."
Pinsir's arm glowed again with white light and hit the ground with his elbow using the force to propel himself forward hitting Nidoran on the side while sending her through the air and crashing against a tree. His little Nidoran was knocked out on impact. He knew Revenge was a move that did more damage when the Pokémon was hurt. He returned Nidoran and saw the girl do the same.
"You had a sound strategy making Pinsir fall on his back, if you would have seized the opportunity and had Nidoran fired her Poison Sting at Pinsir the battle would have gone differently. Remember in a battle even tiniest detail can be exploited to secure victory."
Ash nodded he thought he was pretty smart coming up with that combo but he still had a lot to learn. He released Growlithe who saw that they were facing someone and the fire of battle shone bright in his eyes.
The next Pokémon the girl released was also a bug type but this one was a bipedal beetle like Pokémon with blue exoskeleton with a long prolong horn on its forehead. Ash had never seen that Pokémon before so he pulled out his Pokedex.
[Heracross, the Single Horn Pokémon. Heracross has sharp claws on its feet. These are planted firmly into the ground or the bark of a tree, giving the Pokémon a secure and solid footing to forcefully fling away foes with its proud horn.]
Ash saw the horn and knew if Growlithe was hit with it he would be knocked out, he would have to rely on his friend's speed. "Growlithe careful with that horn. Use Ember then follow it with Iron Tail."
Growlithe barked and started running towards Heracross as he opened fire on the bug Pokémon . The girl didn't give Heracross any command but the beetle Pokémon opened its mouth and countered the Ember with a barrage of green needles causing an explosion when the two attacks met in mid air.
"Heracross Arm Thrust block that Iron Tail then give him a taste of your Horn Attack."
Heracross back open revealing a pair of wings and flew straight at Growlithe. Ash knew the moment those attacks hit Growlithe would be in serious trouble. He remembered the last fight with Pinsir and gained an idea.
"Growlithe swipe at the ground with Iron Tail then jump back and use Ember."
Growlithe move fast, the girl tried to call out to Heracorss to stop but it was too late. Growlithe swiped at the ground with Iron Tail causing a wave of dirt to be thrown at Heracross blinding him then jumped back and fired a wave of Ember at the cloud of dust. A grunt of pain was heard from Heracross crashing into the ground; several burned marks covered his hide and one of his wings was burnt as well.
"Growlithe don't let up and finish it with another Iron Tail full power."
"Heracross get up and use Arm Thrust, give it everything you got."
Both trainers shouted at the same time and their Pokémon charged up their attacks and ran at each other. Heracross hit Growlithe on the side while Growlithe delivered a full power Iron Tail to Heracross head sending flying back.
Heracross and Growlithe were both panting with exhaustion having given everything they had in the battle. After a few seconds Heracross fell on the floor exhausted while Growlithe barked in triumph before falling on his back side with his tongue sticking out.
Ash ran to Growlithe and gave him a scratch behind the ears which the fire puppy enjoyed. "You did a great job buddy, now let's get you back in the Poké Ball for a nice rest."
Growlithe gave Ash a lick in the face before being pulled back into the Poké Ball. Ash looked to the photographer who had just recalled her Heracross and smiled.
"That's some aggressive battling style you have, Ash. Aggressive but with strategy keep that up and you will get far in the Indigo Conference. And thanks for helping test those two, the truth is I just caught them the other day and haven't had a chance to test their abilities in battle."
Ash was shocked at the disclosure she had handled those Pokémon like she had trained them for years. "That's okay. It was an exciting battle and that gave me some ideas for my battle with Brock. Thank you..." He scratched his cheek sheepishly remembering he didn't know her name.
She stretched her hand. "My name is Viola. Pleased to meet you Ash."
He shook her hand before her name registered in his mind. "Wait you said your name was Viola as in Viola the Gym leader for Santalune City in Kalos?"
She grinned and nodded. "The very same, you did quite well in our battle. You gotta keep training and working hard and promise me you will challenge my gym when you get a chance. Anyway I have to go, and to get to Sable City to meet my sister by sunset."
Ash got over his shock real quick and waved goodbye as she went to a small city that was east of Pewter City while he continued walking north. After another half hour Pewter City came into view. The city was just as big as Viridian but it had a more rustic appeal: tall gray buildings that were surrounded by vast plains and the huge mountain range at the back that was home to Mount Moon was an imposing sight.
Ash made his way to the Pokémon Center which was easy to find with its red roof in a city of dark grays. He walked over to the counter and smiled at the attending Nurse Joy.
"Hi Nurse Joy, could you take a look at my Pokémon and is there a room available?"
The Nurse Joy smiled. "Sure, just put your Poké Balls into the tray. We have several rooms available. Just take out your trainer identification and method of payment."
Ash deposited the Poké Ball into the tray and placed his Pokedex into the scanner where it read his trainer id and took out the money for the room and treatment out of his account.
"Thank you so much Mr. Ketchum, your Growlithe and Nidoran would be given the best care possible. Here is the key to room 151 which is on the second floor to the right. Once your Pokémon are healed we will page you through the speakers, there's also a lounge which is open 24/7."
Ash thanked her then grabbed his key and made his way to the lounge where he bought some burgers and went up to his room. The room was nice and simple with a bed, a night table and a bathroom. He went to take a shower to wash off the dirk and grime from traveling through the forest then sat down to eat before crashing on the bed.
"Ash Ketcum to the reception desk please, Ash ketchum to the reception desk, your Pokémon are ready."
Ash woke up to the sound of Nurse Joy's voice and quickly got dressed in some clean clothes before putting his dirty ones in a bag and sending them down the laundry shoot in his room to be washed. He raced down the stairs and noticed that it was only three in the afternoon. If he hurried he would be able to challenge the gym today.
Nurse Joy already had his Poké Balls ready when he made it to the reception desk. "Here you go Mr. Ketchum your Pokémon are all better and have been fed. Hope you have good luck in your battle with Brock."
He thanked and was about to ask how she knew he was here to battle Brock then just shook his head. She probably saw his trainer's profile and saw that he didn't have any badges yet. He went outside and released both his Pokémon and smiled at them before kneeling down and gave them some oran berries as a treat.
"Here you go. You two battled well against Viola. Did you know she was a Gym leader? We can count on that battle as a practice round for Brock. So let's give it our all in this battle. Growlithe you will be up first today boy are you ready?"
Both his Pokémon were happy, he returned them to their Poké Balls and made his way to the Pewter City Gym. He had checked where the gym was on his Pokedex which was to the west of the city on the complete opposite side of the Pokémon center.
After an hour of walking he found himself in front of a large building resembling a stone boulder. Ash walked up inside to the reception desk where a teenager probably a couple of years older than him was waiting.
"Hello and welcome to the Pewter City Gym my name is Forrest, how can I help you?"
"Hi, I'm Ash from Pallet Town and wish to challenge Brock to a Gym battle."
Forrest nodded and looked behind Ash. "What about you? Are you here to challenge the gym as well?"
Ash looked behind him where a boy about his age with short brown hair wearing a button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up and jeans had just entered the gym.
"Yeah, my name is Joe from Vermilion City."
Forrest pointed to a waiting area. "Do any of you have any badges?"
Ash shook his head and looked at Joe who did the same. Forrest pressed a button on the desk that was connected to a microphone. "Brock please report to the battlefield, you have two challengers with 0 badges each."
A rough voice replied back. "Give me five minutes and raise battle field number 3"
Forrest nodded and motioned for Ash and Joe to walk over. "Ash, since you walked in first you will be the first challenger. Joe I will direct you to the stands where you can watch. Come with me gentlemen."
They followed Forrest as they entered a huge dome room, on the floor was a drawn battlefield like you would find at any Pokémon center. However Forrest clicked a remote he pulled from his pocket and the floor opened up as the whole room vibrated and where the battlefield was rose a new one.
The new battlefield was an exact replica of Mount Moon's mountain range. Ash was already analyzing the battlefield that would give a huge advantage to Brock's rock type Pokémon but the field also helped Growlithe, his partner could use the rocks as cover to protect himself from either Geodude or Onix attacks.
Ash walked up to the challenger's spot and noticed that on the other side of the battlefield a man in his mid-twenties with spiky brown hair wearing a gray shirt and black pants.
"Challenger, name yourself and where you are from." Brock said with a serious face.
Ash answered by pulling out Growlithe's Poké Balls and threw it in the air. "My name is Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town and I challenge you to a battle."
The Poké Balls opened in a flash of white light and released his friend who growled menacingly at the gym leader. He knew that this battle was important for Ash and he would give it his all.
Brock smiled at him. "I like your attitude, kid. Let's see what you got. Rhyhorn crushed them."
Brock threw a Poké Balls in the air that released a massive creature. The Rhyhorn was huge; it was maybe four feet tall when the average for the species was three. Its body was covered in rocky gray plates with sharp fangs and even sharper, menacing horn. The Rhyhorn bellowed a challenge.
Forrest climbed up to the referee's seat. "My name is Forrest and I will be serving as referee for the battle between Brock Gym leader of Pewter City and the challenger Ash of Pallet Town. This will be a two on two battle with no substitution, the winner will be decided either trainer's Pokémon can no longer battle. Begin."
"Rhyhorn Horn Down now"
Ash didn't have time to be stunned that he was facing such a monster of a Pokémon instead of a geodude like Giovanni mentioned. Good thing he didn't prepare specially for those Pokémon .
"Growlithe Charge Tail deflect and attack use the mountains as cover."
Charge Tail was a combo he developed while in Viridian Forest. It wasn't the most catchy name but it did the job. The combo was meant for defense; it relied on Growlithe's speed. Iron Tail was used as a means to defend, deflecting any incoming attack while his fire type charged an Ember to attack at the right moment.
Which was a good thing he noticed that Brock started with a combo of his own he could deduce that the combo was some sort of mix of Horn Attack and Smack Down. Rhyhorn lowered his horn and launched several boulders towards Growlithe before rushing into a Horn Attack.
Growlithe's tail was shrouded in a familiar metallic sheen, he didn't wait for his trainer to tell him anything else. He circulated his fire in his move and ran towards the incoming rocks and used his tail to send the rocks back to the Rhyhorn who ignored them as he crushed them with his horn. The ones Growlithe didn't deflect he crushed them as the two Pokémon near each other Ash saw Rhyhorn speed up, if he didn't do something fast his friend would be in trouble.
"Growlithe jumped now and fire between Rhyhorn's eyes."
Growlithe didn't know what his trainer had in mind but he trusted him with his life. He jumped which landed him on top of a rock right about above the Rhyhorn and he fired his Ember. The charge fire bullets hit Rhyhorn between the eyes causing the monster Pokémon to bellow in pain and crash into one of the nearby mountains.
"Good, strategy using the rocks to slow Rhyhorn down and hitting him between the eyes. He hasn't taken a fire attack like that in quite awhile. Your Growlithe has a strong bond with you to cause him to trust you so well. But don't count my Pokémon out just yet Ash. Rhyhorn use Skull Bash."
Ash was distracted and didn't realize the danger of taking his eyes off Rhyhorn. The massive Pokémon broke through Mount Moon and hit Growlithe on the side with enough force to send his friend crashing against a boulder. He could use Morning Sun but that move only worked at its best outside here it would only give Rhyhorn another opening.
"Growlithe get up buddy Charge Tail one more time don't hold anything back."
Brock smiled at the challenge. "The same trick won't work twice, Ash. Rhyhorn finish it with another Skull Bash."
Growlithe slowly got up and powered up his Iron Tail one more time. His trainer trusted him and he wouldn't let him down. The fire inside burned brighter and hotter than ever as he saw the incoming Rhyhorn rushing at full speed.
Ash knew he needed to do something fast or Growlithe would be hit. He saw Rhyhorn demolish small rocks as he closed the distance with Growlithe. Then Ash had a brilliant idea that if it worked he would have to thank a certain photographer.
"Growlithe use Iron Tail to jump high and fire. Don't hold anything back."
Brock's brow creased in concern and shouted at his Pokémon to be careful but it was too late. Growlithe jumped using Iron Tail, launching himself in the air and opening his maw and launching an attack Ash had never seen before. It was a ball of red hot flames four times bigger than their Charge Ember. It hit Rhyhorn in the same spot as before and when it made contact a huge explosion took place sending the monster of a Pokémon back. It tried to stand up but his legs gave out under him and he fell unconscious.
Ash looked at Growlithe who had a look of surprise on his face. Ash had never seen the attack in person but he had read about it. Flame Burst was a devastating attack that dealt a lot of damage but if one wasn't careful it could hurt other Pokémon fighting besides the user. From the looks of it his friend had fired on instinct and didn't have any control.
"Growlithe you learned Flame Burst. That was amazing."
The fire puppy barked excitedly. He was shocked that he had launched such a powerful attack but he was proud of himself and what he could accomplish. Now if the room would stop spinning he would be ready for the next battle.
Ash noticed how tired Growlithe was and it would be cruel to keep him battling. "Growlithe returned. You did awesome and deserved a nice rest."
He returned his friend back into his ball and noticed that Brock had finished checking Rhyhorn before sending it back into his own ball to rest. "That was impressive, Ash that Flame Burst Iron tail combo at the end was very creative."
Ash scratched his cheek sheepishly. "Actually that was the first time Growlithe used Flame Burst but you are right the combo is very effective. Maybe I'll call it Iron Burst"
Brock's frown told him what he thought of the name. "Well if the name works for you. For a beginner you are very adaptable in battle and make use of the terrain in your favor not many can do that. Let's see how you deal with my next Pokémon ."
He launched another ball in the air and it revealed a Pokémon Ash was familiar with but really thrilled to see. The Graveler was big and looked mean as it cracked his four knuckles with a smirk on his face. Ash noticed that Graveler's body was very smooth instead of the rough exterior most of his breed had which indicated it was close to evolving. Ash needed to end the battle fast before that happened, Nidoran could deal with a Graveler with difficulty but a Golem was out of the question.
Ash threw out Nidoran's Poké Ball releasing the poison Pokémon who bared her teeth and growled at the rock type. Brock smiled at the scene, apparently he was enjoying the fight too much.
"Nice Pokémon but it won't be enough. Graveler Rock Polish and followed it with Rollout, send that rodent packing."
Graveler's whole body shone brightly before curling himself into a ball and shot out like a cannonball after Nidoran at high speed. Ash saw that in terms of speed Nidoran was seriously outclassed.
"Nidoran jump on as many rocks as you can make Graveler hit himself all over the place and pave the road with Poison Sting don't stop running and don't stop shooting"
Nidoran growled and started jumping and zigzagging through the mountains all the time littering the floor with poison needles. Graveler for his part was rolling through them and crashing into every stone with no sign of stopping. Normally Rollout took time to develop its speed but when it was combined with Rock Polish was a dangerous combination.
"Ash, you will have to do something better than just run around. Graveler, Rock Polish."
Graveler's body shone again and picked up even more speed and was closing the distance with Nidoran while still plowing through the field of poison needles. Ash saw that Nidoran was getting tired and there was no way that she would be able to keep this up.
"Nidoran deflect Graveler using Double Kick."
Nidoran barely heard her trainer through the noise the giant hunk of rock that was following her made. She stopped shooting her needles and settled to wait for the Graveler to arrive. Once it was close enough she circulated her energy to her legs and back kicked him with all her strength. Ash saw Nidoran kick Graveler as if she were a horse and be propelled forward while Graveler was sent crashing against a mountain.
Nidoran struggled to get up and growled at where Graveler was. Ash looked towards the rock Pokémon and was stunned by what he saw. The rock behemoth was covered in poison needles from head to toe and had a sickly appearance, one his cheeks was cracked and he was struggling to maintain his footing. Both Ash and Brock were surprised when the Pokémon bellowed and fell to the floor.
"Graveler can no longer battle the winner of the match is Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town."
Ash ran towards Nidoran and hugged her, being careful not to scratch himself with the poisonous barbs. "Nidoran you did it, that was awesome."
Nidoran was blushing; this was her first real battle and she wanted to do great for her new family. She wiggled and her trainer put her down and she started grooming herself to get off all the dirt the big lug pushed her way.
Brock recalled Graveler and gave Forrest the Poké Balls of his two injured Pokémon . Then walked over to Ash holding a silver case and a smaller white one.
"That was some strategy. Never would've I thought that Graveler could be poisoned in such a way. Normally it takes one of the big poison moves like Venom Drench to hit him like that."
Ash smiled sheepishly. "I thought about it as soon as you said rollout. Rock types have such tough hides that poison takes a while to get them. That's why it usually takes one of the big poison attacks because of the sheer volume they possess. But with rollout Graveler wasn't careful where he was going so littering the field with poison needles would do the same effect only gradually. It was a total shot in the dark since Graveler could have also just smashed Nidoran."
Brock grinned like a mad man. "You have a very tricky mind Ash, here is your official Boulder Badge commemorating your win here in the Pewter Gym."
Ash took the badge case from his backpack that he got from Nurse Joy and opened it. Brock then handed him a badge shaped like a simple gray octagon. He grinned like a fool happy to have won his first badge. He closed the case and put it away. He then noticed Brock holding a white square device.
"What is that?" He asked curiously.
Brock smiled and handed him the white device that was actually a CD holder. "That is a TM or Technical Machine. Basically it contains the knowledge of one move in this case the move is Smack Down. Gym leaders can give an extra reward to trainers who they feel are worthy. Unlike the TM's you can get at a Poké Mart that you need to pay to recharge it once it's used, the ones we hand out never need to be recharge and can be used again and again."
Ash was shocked and took the TM in his hands. He saw how powerful the move was and even if he didn't have anyone who could learn he would save it for the right time.
"Thanks Brock this is awesome."
Brock smiled. "No thank you, this was the first challenge I've enjoyed since Lance ordered the Gym Leaders to cut loose."
Ash was about to ask what that meant when an alarm blared throughout the whole Gym. A wall opened revealing a TV screen. The image of a very alarmed Officer Jenny.
"Brock we got a serious issue. A stampede of Rhyhorn are heading right for the city, we don't know why but the herd is moving at incredible speed and we can't slow them down. They will be in the city within minutes."
Brock frowned in concern. "What about the fire department? Those water Pokémon would be very useful right about now."
Officer Jenny shook her head. "We can't count on them. They are dealing with a huge fire in Viridian Forest and are assisting the Viridian Fire Department. They are coming from the direction of Mount Moon. We have officers ready but...Brock is a big one and is coming also from the east. We can cover one entrance but not two. We don't have the manpower."
Brock frowned. "The Pokémon Center is near the east entrance. Officer Jenny take the north entrance with your officers, I would take the east lets try to veered them away."
Officer Jenny nodded and the screen went black. Brock ran towards the door with Ash behind him as well as Joe. Ash returned Nidoran so that she could rest. Brock turned to them as they ran. "What are you guys doing?"
"We are going to help, there's no way we are going to let you do this alone." Ash said as he closed the distance with Brock and Joe.
Joe nodded. "Besides I still haven't had my battle and seeing you two got my blood pumping."
Brock shook his head. "Crazy kids but any help is welcome. Let's go and don't slow down."
They arrived at the entrance and they could see a dust cloud coming closer. Brock gave Ash a yellow diamond filled with powder. "That's to revive a very strong medicine that will heal a Pokémon 's wounds and give them an adrenaline boost to get their energy back. Give that to your Growlithe since he is pretty worn out."
Ash released his friend who gave him a tired look. "Buddy we have a problem, a herd of Rhyhorn is headed our way and we have to help. Brock gave me this for you. It will give you a boost in energy and heal your wounds. Are you ready."
Growlithe barked if his trainer needed him then he would be there. Ash gave him the revive and the fire puppy bit down a warmed liquid filled his mouth with a bitter taste but he felt his wounds healing and his energy back. Growlithe barked joyously ready for action. The entrance to the city was wide and the whole city was under lock down as a huge alarm in the center of the city blared with life.
"Good that Flame Burst will be very helpful. Now we have to create a line of defense." Said Brock and pulled out two Poké Balls releasing two huge Pokémon .
The first was a huge steel snake almost forty feet tall with red eyes. It had a massive head mainly made up of its large, wide jaw with sets of large square teeth inside. All in all the Pokémon was intimidating.
The second one was a bipedal brown Pokémon with half moon blades for arms, its body had a light gray chest plate with a brown shell resembling a visible backbone, containing three ribs protruding on each side and a thick pointed tail. The Pokémon looked vicious as he sharpened his bladed arms.
"Steelix is my starter and has been with me since day one. Kabutops is a fossil Pokémon those crazy scientists at Cinnabar manage to clone out of a fossil. It took me a while for him to trust me but now it's one of my most cherished friends. Just don't get between him and his food."
Brock said as he noticed the wide open mouth of the newbie trainers. He then turned to his Pokémon and smiled. "Steelix use Dig and Iron Tail and create a trench at least three feet deep. Kabutops fill it with Scald then get on either side of the trench and get ready for anything. When you see the Rhyhorns approaching Kabutops use Scald to repel them and Steelix use Dark Pulse."
Brock then turned towards Joe. "What Pokémon do you have?"
Joe held up three Poké Balls. "I have my starter Bellsprout then a Machop and Pidgey."
Brock thought about it. "Does your Bellsprout and Machop have Vine Whip, Grass Knot, Low Kick, Karate Chop or Focus Punch?"
Joe gave it some thought. "Bellsprout has Vine Whip but not Grass Knot and my Machop has Low Kick and Karate Chop."
Brock nodded and looked at the incoming Rhyhorn. "Joe take out your Machop and Bellsprout have Bellsprout use its Vine Whip and aim at their feet if he can make any of them trip, then have Machop cover Steelix if any of them get past him and the moat. Ash have your Growlithe go with Kabutops and use his Flame Burst for long range damage. It doesn't have to be controlled, just fire away if any of them get close. Iron Tail them, you guys beat my Rhyhorn, these wild ones shouldn't be any problem."
Brock quickly took inventory of their strengths and weaknesses and came up with the best plan of action. Ash was awed seeing a Gym Leader at work. Soon the moat was made and filled with boiling water. Ash was behind the moat with Joe and Brock.
Joe's Pokémon were with Steelix. A bipedal gray muscle Pokémon with reptilian features was flexing his muscles getting ready for the Rhyhorn, the Machop had a look of determination in its eyes. The Bellsprout took her place behind Steelix and Machop and planted her root-like feet in between them to give herself space to move and attack with her Vine Whips.
Growlithe was next to Kabutops looking calm but Ash could see his friend's face. Those eyes held a love of battle that burned as hot as his fire. It didn't take long for the Rhyhorn to appear. As soon as they started coming closer the Pokémon opened fire with their attacks.
The ones who were repelling the most were Steelix, shooting a beam of dark purple energy from its mouth. Ash wished he knew how the dark type attack worked but he was clueless, he hadn't met any dark type trainers or Pokémon the only reference he had was Growlithe's Bite attack and even that he was a little skeptical on the details.
Bellsprout was vicious with her Vine Whips hitting the rhyhorn's faces or wrapping them around their horns and making them crash with each other. Kabutops was firing rapid shots of hot water from its mouth. Ash remembered reading about move Scald, the Pokémon pulled heat from the environment and used it to heat the water and fired it at a high speed.
Growlithe was firing one Flame Burst after the other sometimes it came out as a Charge Ember but most of the time it was a Flame Burst and when it connected an explosion happened hitting more than one Rhyhorn. Ash thought that he would have trouble finding a place for his friend to practice the move but the situation was perfect for target practice. Which new attack his friend was getting better and mastering the new move bit by bit.
Slowly but surely they were stopping and turning back the Rhyhorns. It looked like it was going to end rather quickly when one Rhyhorn split from the herd and was rushing towards Kabutops but the fossil Pokémon was busy firing at another Rhyhorn it wouldn't react in time. What was weird about the one that split from the group was that his body was slowly being covered with purple green energy that Ash didn't know what it was but it looked dangerous and powerful, the Rhyhorn had already been hit once by Growlithe's Flame Burst. A wicked idea came to Ash's mind.
"Growlithe Iron Burst on that Rhyhorn."
Ash explained the attack to his partner and Growlithe barked in acknowledgement. Ash saw Growlithe use Iron Tail to propel himself in the air and shoot a Flame Burst at the coming Rhyhorn which hit him on the side sending him crashing against a tree. Ash didn't wait and threw a Poké Ball at it, snaring the Pokémon inside.
Ash was nervous as he saw the ball fall on the ground and began to shake once...twice...three times and the middle button signaled a clean capture. Ash jumped in joy. Brock just shook his head. "You really are crazy for capturing a Pokémon in this mess."
Ash just grinned and focused back on the battle soon after an hour the stampede was repelled back and Ash had a new Pokémon . All of the Rhyhorn had been sent back to Mount Moon and Brock said he would investigate the matter since it was weird for Rhyhorn to attack like that. Ash picked up the Poké Ball and scanned it.
[Rhyhorn, the Spikes Pokémon . Rhyhorn recklessly charges straight ahead, trampling over anything that gets in its way. It does not care if obstacles get in the way, merely smashing through them or sending them flying. Sometimes it may feel pain the day after a collision.
This Rhyhorn is male and has the moves Horn Attack, Take Down, Dragon Rush, Thunder Fang and Stomp. This Rhyhorn has the ability Rock Head which prevents damage from recoil attack.]
Ash, Brock and Joe whistled low when they heard the Pokedex entry. The first one to recover was Brock.
"In all my years of breeding I have never seen a wild Rhyhorn with that move set Ash you caught a one in a million Pokémon and he looks young so either he was bred and escaped his breeder or he was a captured Pokémon that again ran away or was released."
Ash was so excited he could hardly contain himself. Growlithe was sitting next to his trainer resting but keeping his back straight in a perfect pose someone had to reserve some dignity for his trainer since he was shaking like a newborn pup.
Broke turned to Joe and handed him a Silver Case just like the one he gave Ash before. "Normally you would beat me in a Gym battle to win this but you have gone above and beyond putting your life and Pokémon at risk to help me save my city. Not many trainers would do that and I saw how you handled your Pokémon . Here you are the owner of this Boulder Badge."
"But I didn't battle you." Joe said, trying to give back the case.
Brock put it in his hands and recalled his Pokémon. "Kid you've earned, besides I'm tired and need some sleep and after that there's this whole mess to investigate so it will be at least two weeks before I'm ready for another challenge. Take it."
Ash smiled as he saw Joe accept the case and slightly blush. Brock then addressed them both. "Now you two get to the Pokémon Center and get some rest you need. Anything you might need while you are in Pewter will be covered by me."
Then he turned around and left. Ash looked at Joe and extended his hand. "I'm Ash, congratulations, want to head back together?"
Joe shook Ash's hand and smiled. "I'm Joe, your battle with Brock was very good. I wish I could have battled him but he has a point. Sure, let's go."
Ash and Joe walked back to the Pokémon Center together where they would let their Pokémon rest and grabbed a bite to eat. Ash wanted to rest. He was so tired after the day's excitement but he was thrilled he had a new team member and the best part he had his first Gym badge. He was officially on the road to becoming a Pokémon Master. Tomorrow he would head to Cerulean City and get his second badge but for now his stomach growled signaling his hunger both him and Joe laughed and ran to the Pokémon Center.
Hello guys Harlequin K here with another chapter as promised. First of all I would like to say Happy Holidays to everyone and hope you are having a good time with your love ones. This year was good to me and I hope to keep writing for you guys.
Now back to subject. I had a blast writing this chapter, especially the battles and the E4 meeting. As you can see we finally found out why Lance raised the age for trainer certification and the dangers to come.
Ash finally battle and beat Brock and that was the easy one I wonder how he will fair against the other gym leaders now that Lance has cut them loose its a good day to be Surge lol.
We finally meet a character I've been dying to show you guys he didn't do much but keep an eye on Joe he is more than he seems and yes he is the same Joe from the school of hard knocks but I didn't like how that whole arc was played and will hope to do something better here.
Some questions were answered here like if Red was Ash's dad and what would Ash next Pokémon be. To speak a little more of Red and Blue they will make their debut on the next chapter so that's something to look forward to.
To answer some questions yes Team Rocket is a part of this world. Is Giovanni their leader? You will have to read to find out lol.
Is Serena and Ash going to be together? I would say no, not because I'm against that shipping. But if Ash has a romantic relationship I want it to evolve naturally and I have an idea for what character might be compatible to him
But will see who knows. Serena herself won't make an appearance for quite some time. She is in Kalos though that much I can say.
Ohh yeah Lance is married I wonder to who that he is so afraid to make angry.
Now I would like the story to develop a little like the games and anime with Ash meeting different trainers so I'm opening the floor to you guys to send OC characters with their teams and I will incorporate them in Ash journey some will appear faster than others it all depends on what point of the story Ash is on so your team might evolved or the reverse but every time o use your OC you will he credited in an AN. To submit your OC is through PM only please too keep it a surprise.
Well that's it for me tonight . read and Review guys tell me what you think of the story and if you have any questions or thoughts please feel free to share them in a Review or PM I will answer both as well if you wanna talk Pokémon I'm always open to talk shop lol.
Well guys hope you enjoy the chapter Good Night
Harlequin K